11 Best White Sand Beaches in the Philippines

4 min read By eCompareMo on March 21, 2018

Tourists around the globe are putting Philippines beach resorts on their bucket lists. With 7,641 islands to be exact, the Philippines is a center of biodiversity with many habitats teeming with unique flora and fauna.

Among the many diverse habitats in the Philippines, some of the most stunning are our long white sand coastlines and clear sparkling beach waters. In this post, we’re going to share with you some of the best white sand beaches in the Philippines popular with both foreign tourists and local visitors.

1. Boracay, Aklan

The name “Boracay” is practically synonymous with the idea of white beaches. Boracay’s long stretches of pulverized sands are paradise for locals and foreign tourists alike.  In the daytime, enjoy the strolling the beach and frolicking in the blue waters. Watch the beautiful sunset and decide if you will spend the night dining and drinking in a candle-lit restaurant or attending one of the many parties in the island’s many bars.

(Read: Boracay Hotels: The Most Value-For-Money Accommodations)

2. El Nido, Palawan

Hailed as one of the Top 100 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World, El Nido is the most celebrated part of the island of Palawan. Tourists can frolic and relax on the beach or experience the rich biodiversity of the surrounding waters by going on diving adventures. The beauty of the sea is highlighted by the surrounding limestone formations and marble cliffs.

3. Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Situated in the northern part of Luzon, the municipality of Pagudpud features long stretches of white sand facing the waters of the West Philippine Sea.  Enjoy walking barefoot along the powder-fine sand, feeling the almost constant breeze in your face. You can also take the plunge and frolic in the blue-green waves or go surfing and kiteboarding.

5. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

The beauty of Palaui’s beaches is a reward that only the patient and preserving can enjoy. Although it takes an effort to brave the trek through the thorny forests and slippery stretches of mud, the views of the blue ocean and white sands are worth it.

The white sand coasts of Palaui are surrounded by mighty, towering formations of volcanic rock which make a great backdrop for jaw-dropping photos.  Make sure to bring your snorkeling gears and diving things to experience a close encounter with corals and school of fish. As the place is devoid of hotels, you have no option but to camp out and gaze at the stars at night time.

5. Panglao, Bohol

Bohol is the home of the picture-perfect curves of Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest primate – the tarsiers. That isn’t the only thing that Bohol holds, however. The province is also home to some gorgeous white sandy beaches looking out into waters teeming with life.  Whale and dolphin watching is popular among Bohol’s adventurous visitors. Divers may also dive with barracudas and explore the areas coral gardens.

6. Bantayan Island, Cebu

The pride of Cebu is not only a haven of pure white shores for strolling.  Bantayan Island caters to tourists who are interested in underwater exploration with its snorkeling and diving spots. The less adventurous tourists can still enjoy the beauty of Bantayan, spending their mornings waking up to the beach front view and afternoons strolling along the shores.

7. Caramoan, Camarines Sur

You’ve probably seen Caramoan on your TV’s as a featured location on ‘Survivor’. Caramoan offers stretches of white sands and rock formations that look great on TV and the ordinary tourists can enjoy as well.

Scuba divers and island hoppers love the island for its natural bold beauty. Behind and beneath the boulders the TV cameras love to pan over are caves, waterfalls, and underground lagoons awaiting to be discovered by tourists.

8. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte

Siargao has been gaining in popularity these days as the local government is boosting tourism in the island – direct flights are now even made available for cheap. A popular destination for surfers, waves are no-fail for anyone from novices to pros. As for the tourists who are just there for sun and sand, they can sit on the beach and watch both the surfers and the waves their riding.

9. Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The 118-kilometer white coastline, blue-green sea, and lush greeneries of Samal Island are a balm to the souls of the weary tourist.  Make sure to look out for The Vanishing Island and tiny Shanipaan Shoal. With the rise and fall of tides, ensures the elevated cottages provide you with a cozy, private getaway to enjoy the sea. Divers also flock to Samal to see the underwater rock formations.

(Read: Top 5 Most Expensive Beach Resorts In The Philippines)

10. Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga

The province of Zamboanga is where you will find the hidden paradise that is the Great Santa Cruz Island. Beneath the white sands are fire red coral, creating an illusion of a pinkish sea floor. The shore has a decent number of souvenir shops and accommodation huts for tourists.

11. Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte

The kilometer of fine white sand, clear waters and lush green hills of Calaguas makes the long and sometimes tedious effort of traveling to this island off Camarines Norte worth it. Pitch a tent, bathe in the heat of the sun, and watch the sunset in peace.

Sources: CNN, Rappler, Topten.ph, Wanderwisdom, Lonely Planet