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I was asked by Arelle to write some more about the Philippines. Especially the beaches of the Philippines. So here we go:
Are the Philippines worth visiting? You bet!
It’s an amazing country. With friendly people, cheap accomodation and 7.000 islands to chose from. Lonely Planet calls the Philippines the ‘forgotten islands of South-East Asia’, which is a shame; because the Philippines have a lot to offer.
Especially, if you like water sports, soft sand, ocean waves and beach life. Where to go? Where to start?
Most people have heard of Boracay, which is sometimes called the “Whitest Beach of Asia” - and it’s true! If you thought so far, the beaches of Bali are nice, or Thailands beaches are white - you haven’t seen the real deal. I kid you not! Boracay has truly a powdery white sand, which is of no comparison to any other beach in Asia. Maybe the Maldives come close - but then, they are much more expensive, exclusive and you are basically locked on a tiny island for the time of your stay.
But how rate other places and islands over there? Here is a short comparison, on what else is on offer.
As I only visited a few places, this list is far from complete. And it’s heavily subjective to what I like and felt of the places. Please feel free to comment, criticise or adding your favorite places!
Boracay
Pros
- “white-white” beach, warm and calm waters
- most famous beach of the Philippines
- crystal-clear Water
- well-developed (shops, ATM’s, internet, TV)
- cheap accomodation in all price ranges
- international cuisine
- island hopping possible
- great for diving and snorkeling
- lively ambience and partying
- can rent bike and drive through hinterland of island
Cons
- well-developed (over-developed? - think Phuket)
- noisy music starting everywhere in the afternoon at the main beach
- not many waves (calm waters)
- sometimes alges in the hot season
Malapascua (north-east off Cebu)
Pros
- great diving (sharks, caves - whatever you desire)
- crystal clear water
- no cars on the island
- not much civilization
- “family atmosphere” or “Robinson Crusoe Feeling”, laid-back
- cheap but limited choice of food and entertainment
- great place to watch stars at night
Cons
- only basic accomodation
- small island, you can walk around it in short time
- slim beach, few waves
- sea urchins in the shallow waters
Bantayan (north-west off Cebu)
Pros
- nice island-living
- “white-white”, sandy beach
- crystal clear water
- relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
- easy to explore by rental bike
- good and cheap choice of food
- Jean Reno Double :-)
- the cheapest karaoke ever!
Cons
- although it’s quite a big island with several towns and villages, no ATM on the whole island
Honday Bay and Nagtoban (Palawan close to Puerta Princesa)
Pros
- absolute Robinson Feeling (few tourists), especially in Nagtoban Bay
- variety of beaches (from stony in Honday Bay to sandy in Nagtoban)
- scenic countryside
- cheap accomodation
- a time-warp-back feeling, very urban and original
- less developed
- underwater river near Puerta Princesa
Cons
- limited electricity, running water and mobile coverage in Nagtoban (North Palawan)
- Sand Flies in Nagtoban Bay
Camiguin (southwest of Cebu and south of Bohol)
Pros
- laid-back atmosphere
- volcano island with volcano and hot springs, waterfalls
- nice island to explore, very quiet for chilling out and relaxing
Cons
- overrated
- difficult to get there
- only small strip of white beach bank, sometimes not even visible when high tide
- otherwise stony and grey/black beaches
- limited choice of accomodation and food
Bohol (south off Cebu)
Pros
- nice white beach at Panglao Island (Alona Beach) or Cabilao (more remote)
- cheap and good choice of accomodation and food
- great diving near Panglao, Balicasaq and Siquihor Island
- Chocolate Hills (an unbelievable must see!)
- Tarsier Monkeys (the world’s smallest monkeys)
- River-Rafting and Waterfalls
- a bustling capital city (Tagbilaran)
Cons
- a bustling (chaotic) capital city (Tagbilaran)
- difficult to get to beaches
- sea urchins in the shallow waters
For more pictures and impressions; please visit my Flickr-Pictures about the Philippines or just click on the Flickr-Panel in the right sidebar, which will bring you to the main site. Here you can search per ‘Tag’ according to your interest.
So what do you think about the Philippines? Please feel free to comment, criticise and adding your own favorite place!
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I am yet to go, but will hopefully visit this year.
Misibis beach is lovely too.
nice website btw
C:
hi
nice entry thanks for sharing this points about the Philippines.
i just wish visit and stay in Malaysia too.. especially in Sabah, North Borneo. Oh well… im sure u got yer priority.
Hi
Nice page and well written, but a little bit off regarding Boracay. Your comment
>
is not strictly true. The centre of White Beach is pretty noisy, yes, but south of station 3 and also towards the northern part of White beach you won’t experience this noise pollution. There are still peaceful part of White Beach to enjoy.
cheers!
Thanx for the review about the Philippines. I think it’s just fair
I’m sold!
nice..Ü have you been to pagudpud? liked it more than boracay..Ü
this is a really cool post.. I’m leaving for boracay tomorrow..
You can find the best white sand beaches in Puerto Galera, Boracay and Panglao in Bohol..=)
btw, nice site…
I Love Boracay! woohoo!
Try Pescador Island. A great place for divers.
I’ve been hearing great things about the Philippines, I think I’m going to include it when I go to the rest of SEA as well.
[...] When you are laying the whole day on pristine beaches or just in your hang mat; things get slower and slower. Not only the pace of life, but your brain cells as well. The heat doesn’t help either. It feels like someone is pulling chewing gum out of your ear (big Hooba Booba chewing gum that is). Just to make a decision if to drink another beer or better not move at all, because it’s sooooo hot - can be a half-day long task. [...]
Hi, great review for my country. And the pictures are awesome!
Those photos make me wish that the ol Star Trek ‘teleporter technology’ had been perfected… {sigh} Lovely!
[...] I wouldn’t recommend to go from Cebu to Bohol just for the Chocolate Hills or on a day trip only, as it will be quite hectic and the island has so much more to offer, a bustling capital city (Tagbilaran), a curvy Jungle River, hundreds of Caves, old Spanish Churches, the Tarsier Monkeys (the World’s smallest monkeys), as well as nice beaches with hotels in every price range. There is great diving around Alona/Panglao Island, or at closeby Siquihor Island or Cabilao Island closer to Tagbilaran. [...]
is there a gay life in any of the islands
Definitely in Boracay. The others - I’m not so sure. Anyone?
Thank,s great site. I like to visit the PH soon. You know maybe where to find nice girls, but no golddiggers or bargirls? would like to find a real girl as future wife, hopefuly still a virgin.
Thanks again for all your friendly and critic comments. Gives definitely a better overall picture than the article only. Regarding the last comment of Hans, I don’t have a great answer for that one. But for sure I would avoid bars or other shady places and dive deep into the countryside and take my time to know the people (and girls) better. Although I don’t understand the obsession with virgins, but maybe I just didn’t get the satire. Gold diggers and other nasty people you have everywhere on our planet; but why not trust in your Karma and you will get what you sow.
I’ve been to most of the beaches you mentioned and I agree 99% with everything you wrote specially with your description of Boracay, Malapascua and Bantayan. Which month and year did you go to Boracay? Cheers!
If I remember correctly, my last visit to Boracay was in June/July 2006. Wow, come to think about it - that’s quite a while ago. Time really flies!
I am trying to plan a trip for about 3 weeks or so for me and my GF to dive and relax around some of the mentioned beaches and islands mentioned.I would love for someone to suggest what would be a feasible itinerary…possibly to 2-3 locations…..4-6 days at each spot…if you can please feel free to include the names of recommended dive operators,modes of transportation, moderately priced accommodations (aircon if possible),restaurants and any “don’t miss” items,etc.
your input and feedback as a fellow traveler will be greatly appreciated…if anyone needs this info re:NYC …I will do my best to oblige…thanks…howard
Tarsier is not a monkey. It used to be the smallest primate… but a smaller type of something else was found somewhere in south america.
I travelled to Borocay in Aug/Sept ‘07 and was amazed by the beach and the white-white sand. Beautiful area and nice to see a pic of Willy’s Rock on the website - nice article!
[...] track. If you are into beaches, this most-visited post of January might be interesting for you: Visit the gorgeous islands of the Philippines. It introduces some of the better known beaches and many pinoy and other readers added their own [...]
how about the weather at the end of MArch to sepnd some days onthe beaches like Boracay ??
I don’t think it is a good idea to go to Boracay at the end of March-May because there will be too many people! Prices are also double. Easter this year is at the end of March, the whole Manila would move to Boracay. Better go to Coron or Bantayan.
If you’re looking for gay life…there’s a lot in Puerto Galera Mindoro.
The best time to visit Boracay would be during the holiday season. from December-February. Me and my girlfriend went to Boracay recently feb 2-4 2008. It’s the best time because there are no algaes in the waters. Unlike in Summer there’s a lot of algaes(lumot), which are itchy on the skin.
I also went to Boracay with my family 3rd week of May and we got caught in a storm. We’re stranded there for a few days. I dont like the beaches when theres a storm. seaweeds are everywhere, so itchy, and the sand flies everywhere, stings on the skin. Even though I had good and bad experiences there. I STILL LOVE BORACAY. I’ll keep coming back.
try el nido in palawan, and tubataha reef for those who loves to dive.
Where are the best snorkelling sites in the Philippines? What about in Bali?
How would you compare the beaches in Philippines with the ones in Bali?
Paul - regarding snorkeling in Bali I would recommend the eastern shores, especially the north-eastern part. There are almost no corals around the western beaches and most reefs along Sanur and Nusa Dua are in no good shape. It gets better the further you get away from the touristy areas. The shores around Amed and Tulamben are in much better shape and most people recommend Nusa Penida (between Bali and Lombok) for both snorkeling and diving.
Comparing beaches in Philippines and Bali: honestly there is nothing much to compare. The Philippines win hands down! (see above). The Philippines have other problems attracting tourists, which might be an advantage in this case for the knowledgeable traveler.
I would rate most well-known Philippine beaches even better than the beaches of Thailand. If you’ve ever been to Pattaya you know what I mean. Phuket’s beaches are fine, if you don’t mind the surrounding atmosphere and the less touristy the beach or island in Thailand the better usually the beach.
Bali’s beaches are okay in a way, if you like grey or black lava sand. But regarding water and sand quality things seem to have become worse over the last 4 years. The waters surrounding the island are more polluted with plastic and other garbage and there are plenty of open sewage systems finding their way into the ocean. There are countless of stray dogs leaving their “marks” everywhere on the beaches, which are also littered with plenty of other trash and environmental conscience is generally non-existent here. I never understood why some would rate Kuta beach as a great beach, as for me it’s just a huge garbage dump.
Fortunately things are better on the east coast and the waters get cleaner the further you leave touristy areas behind. Bali is overall still a nice package, but it somehow looks that environmentally things are getting out of hand rather sooner than later. I hope they will get their act together, as the garbage is already becoming a huge turnoff for returning visitors.
wow nice review chris. you got an excellent site there.
if you’re going to visit again soo, try pagudpud, i think it’s the next best destination if people find boracay too crowded.
calvin, thanks for your comment! Where is Pagudpud exactly, I never heard of it before. Will probably go on another (longer) trip to the Philippines by end of this year, so it’s good to consider some more options.
I’m happy if there is a great beach with soft sand and clear water and some variety in food options around. 3G internet access (Globe/Smart) would be a plus of course. Damn, I’m demanding!
Hi chris, very useful site. I’m deciding where to spend my holiday in August, I was thinking about Cebu or Bali, but now it seems there are more options after reading your article. Boracay sounds great, however is it difficult to commute to the island and is August a good month to visit despite the monsoon season ?
Many thanks,
Kath
Nice blog. 2 questions: do you know anything about surfing in the Philippines? And is Spanish widely spoken in addition to Tagalog and English?
Thanks!
Kaff, sorry only saw your comment now. August is a good month to visit Bali, although pretty much in the high season. It will be hot, dry and probably no rain at all. For Boracay, it’s the wet season, as it’s above the equator. But wet season in Asia can mean anything but.
Melissa - sorry, I’m no surfer at all, but I heard from some friends that they swear on Siargo. Maybe someone else can answer this question in more detail? As well, I don’t speak Spanish, but from what I could find out, it’s on the decline and will probably depend on the area you are in. You are better of with English and for sure Tagalog or Visayan!
hi chris, what a helpful chit-chat you have here. you must be a well-travelled guy. do you know of a quiet white beach that is not far from manila and can be easily reached without using boats? we went to boracay and it was a hell of a travel, plane first, then bus then boat, only to find a very crowded place that looked like a small noisy city with yucky algae by the beach. it was a disappointment.
we also went to mindoro, by bus then boat but the beach they call there was not really a beach, it was muddy. so we were stucked in the hotel with the swimming pool water that looked like it was never treated. we never did anything really. not fun at all. again another big disappointment. we can’t really trust phony, flowery talks of travel agents anymore. we don’t know where to go.
Leanne, I’m afraid I’m not that well-traveled to being able to help you here. Beaches around Manila are probably neither very quiet nor white, as everyone is looking for them. And then it all depends on the season as well. During Monsoon season, the best beach can look a bit messy. Above you have a good selection of the most popular beaches, but there are many more. It simply pays to take some time and explore on your own - what other people like (me included
) doesn’t have to necessarily fit your taste.
thanks for the reply. have you been to moalboal? what’s it like?
I haven’t been there, but some friends of mine (with whom I was before on Malapascua) have. They said the beach is smaller, more stony and the area is pretty seedy. They went for the diving and that was okay, though. Maybe someone else can confirm/add?
Hi Chris and Leanne,
To answer the question about a nice beach near Manila, you can check out Cagbalete island or Laiya, Batangas.
Cheers!
Cathy
hi cathy and chris,
thanks for the info. laiya seems nice, but pathetic accommodation rates. how about white sand beaches near baguio. anybody knows? baguio seems the best place to rest for a few months vacation due to its moderate climate. but i can’t find promising white sand beaches nearby. many thanks!
Pagudpud is on the North - an hour drive from Laoag City, Capital of Ilocos Norte.
Anilao, Batangas is another place for divers, snorkeling is good for those who don’t dive.
Palawan - Coron is a must, although there are other magnificent places further South (Tubattaha Reef). Coro got those beautiful cliffs and ridges resembling like church steeple. There’s a beauitiful Kayangan Lake, a hot spring and places to snorkel and dive (famous for submerged Japanese ships of WW2)
Hi thanks for the information on this website. I am trying to find the best travel guidebook on the Philippines for my trip back this winter. I am having trouble finding one with good reviews–both the lonely planet and rough guides have some very poor reviews. Any suggestions? Much appreciated!
Cathy and peterahon, thanks for the additions!
Melissa, unfortunately I can’t give a good recommendation here, as I usually found most travel guides outdated when wanting to travel. A good bet could be the Thorntree Travel forum (Lonely Planet), if you have specific questions. Plenty of people read that and it will assure at least a quick reply.
It is a shame only a minority of Filipinos opt to explore the destinations around the Philippines. Especially when we have tourists like you who rave about what the Philippines has to offer.
Russell
Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations
http://www.e-Philippines.com.ph
Boracay is the place of dreams is all I can say… I was there in July 2007 for work and didn’t get nearly enough time there… It is hot, but why else go to a tropical island? I love it there and am planning to go back as soon as possible. D*Mall is amazing, the beaches are dreamy, the food is amazing, and the people are incredible. After spending 3 months in Makati (which I love as well) Boracay was amazing. We got off the plane and all I could say to my friend was “Listen… Do you hear that?… Silence!” lol It is a very peaceful place. I think about it every night before I go to bed to help me sleep and dream wonderful dreams of white sand and crystal clear blue water.
hello! welldone on the cool post
i’ve heard about hiring a small island in the philippines, for a few days. they take you, leave you there with everything and pick you up when the time is up.
do you maybe have any info on this?
kindest regards
If you guys would really love “real” white beaches and coral reefs, check out Alona Palm, Alona Tropical, Alona Kew white beach resorts as well as Bohol Beach Club(the private one). They’re all amazing! All are located in Panglao, Bohol.
@Zine, i think your referring to hundred island, you do not have to rent an island their because it is own by government and maintain by local municipalities, you rent for the boat,rent a tent, bring foods with you, then enjoy the pitch black night in one of the island,only 3 islands is equipped with electricity so its your choice…, been there last july and it was my second time,my website is under construction so just check this out…, hundred island, only 10% of beautiful places in the philippines is stated here so far, correction!!!!!!
Thanks hackertaz
i will check it out! ;)
Hi, love the site!
We’re a well travelled couple thinking of flying Air Asia from KL to Manila for a few weeks in Nov/ Dec with our 2 1/2 year old son. Never made it to PI before but would love to go.
Can you recommend any kid-friendly islands/ beaches/ cheap-ish guest houses with as good access as possible (I understand the infrastructure isn’t the best?)?
Cheers
If you’re looking for a lovely place on Bantayan, itself a lovely place, try out the Hoyohoy Villas in Ste. Fe. http://www.hoyohoyvillas.com/ It is top end, but you cannot beat the accommodations and the staff is simply wonderful. The owner is a delight. I booked two weeks last Christmas and couldn’t have asked for a more relaxed, comfortable place to collect shells, walk the beach, eat great Filipino and American food, drink Filipino beer, take some really great photos, make friends with the fishermen — altogether a great time. The staff will make arrangements to have you picked up at the Cebu airport and driven to the north end of Cebu where you take a short ferry ride over to Bantayan. The driver recommended by the resort is first-rate.
Vic, thanks for the accommodation tip! Maybe something for Lotta as well?