The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,641 islands (according to the latest data by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority). So the country is inevitably filled with hundreds of beaches that may be the best ever in the world.
You’ve probably heard of (and maybe even visited) the white sand beaches in Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. But besides these popular destinations, there are still plenty of other white sand beaches that are waiting to be discovered.
So, we’ve rounded up some of the Philippines’ other hidden gems that you need to see soon.
White Island, Camiguin
Camiguin is an island province about 100 km away from Cagayan de Oro city in Misamis Oriental. The entire island is just 92 square miles — but don’t be fooled by its size!
Camiguin boasts plenty of tourist spots such as beaches, waterfalls, and hot and cold springs. But White Island should definitely be at the top of your to-see list because it’s gonna make you want to ‘Camiguin’ (come again)!
White Island is technically a sandbar that literally has nothing else but heaps of white sand. There are no plants, trees, huts, or permanent structures. It disappears during high tides, and changes shape according to the movement of sea currents.
Besides the white sand, the majestic view of Mt. Hibok-hibok and Mt. Vulcan plus the turquoise waters make White Island amazing. Since the island is bare, it’s best to rent a beach umbrella and wear a hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget to bring sunblock too!
You can swim or snorkel in the waters. However, the waves on one side could get a bit strong. So better stick to the more calm side of the island.
The best time to take a trip to White Island is just as the sun rises, until before lunch time. That’s because there are less people and you get to avoid the harsh rays of the sun at noon. However, you can stay on the island until 5PM.
Getting there
From Manila or Cebu
- There are some airlines that have direct flights to Camiguin Island.
From Manila via Cagayan De Oro
- Book a flight from Manila to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
- Take a van or bus to Cagayan De Oro City or Agora Market Terminal.
- Ride a bus bound for Surigao, Butuan or Balingoan. Tell the driver to drop you off at Balingoan Ferry Terminal. Travel time is about 1.5-2 hours.
- Ride a ferry going to Benoni Port in Camiguin.
- Take a jeepney or van to Mambajao terminal.
- Ride a tricycle or habal-habal to White Island Ferry Terminal. It’s just beside Paras Beach Resort.
- Register at the tourist information and ride a boat to White Island. The boat ride to White Island costs 450 php, and each boat can accommodate 6 passengers maximum. You also have to pay Php50 php for the environmental fee.
Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte
Bucas Grande is part of Siargao, one of the rising tourist destinations in the Philippines. Siargao may be known for surfing, but Bucas Grande has made a name for itself as an otherworldly paradise.
The island is underdeveloped, which is exactly why you have to see this place. This is the perfect destination for nature-lovers who want to see untouched mountains, pristine beaches, and immaculate rivers.
The Philippines is known for its wonderful beaches, but Bucas Grande has a lot to offer besides that. There are so many interesting things to do in this place. So unique, that you might not experience it anywhere else.
You have to see the jellyfish (Mastigias Papua) in Tojoman Lagoon. They’re stingless, but swimming with these creatures and taking them off the waters aren’t allowed. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll see multitudes of jellyfish surrounding your boat!
And if you’re looking for something adventurous, grab the opportunity to explore the caves such as Hagukan, Bolitas and Crystal Cave. Magkukuob Cave even has an exciting surprise in the end – you have to dive off the cliff to get out!
Bucas Grande is an enchanting destination that can be a nature-lovers playground. You get to admire its beauty and enjoy the activities the island has to offer.
Getting there
From Manila
- Book a flight to Surigao Airport in Surigao City
- Ride a bus to Hayanggabon Port, Claver. Travel time is about an hour.
- Charter a boat to Sohoton Cove.
Borawan Island, Quezon
The name Borawan is actually a portmanteau of the words Boracay and Palawan. And after seeing this island, it’s no surprise why it was named as such!
Borawan has white sand much like in Boracay, and rock formations similar to Palawan’s limestone cliffs. So you get the best of both worlds! But is Borawan just as amazing as the two popular destinations?
Well, nothing can compare to the powdery sand in Boracay and the towering karsts in Palawan. But this tropical paradise in Quezon is also a great place to go to, especially since it’s just a 3-4-hour road trip and a short boat ride away from Manila.
There are also three stations in Borawan, just like in Boracay. Cottages and tents (which are popular among tourists who want an off-the-grid experience) are in Stations 1 and 2. Meanwhile, Station 3 has a beach house that guests can rent. It’s recommended that you bring a flashlight, powerbank, and food to cook if you plan to camp.
The beach is beautiful. But on one end, there are giant rocks that block the waves and keep the waters still. It can be murky sometimes, that you can’t see anything underwater. Jellyfishes may also be in the waters, but there’s a netted area to keep them out and make the waters safe to swim.
Getting there
From Manila
- Ride a bus to Lucena City, Quezon. Travel time is approximately 3 hours. You should get off at Lucena Grand Terminal.
- Take another bus to Padre Burgos. Travel time could take about 1 and a half. Get off at QCRB Bank (Padre Burgos) or Brgy. Marao. Better ask the driver to drop you off here.
- Take a tricycle to Aplaya. Tell the driver you’ll go to Borawan.
- There are boats for rent in Aplaya. These boats can take you straight to Borawan Island or go island hopping.
Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo
Islas de Gigantes (or Gigantes Island) is an isolated paradise in Carles town, Northern Iloilo.
Because of its blissful location, this island’s hidden beauty is reserved for those who are willing to “go the extra mile.”
The island is generously endowed with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons dotted with towering karsts, and stunning rock formations swaddled in denim blue waters. Islas de Gigantes is such a refreshing sight to see. And the food it has to offer is equally amazing!
Fishing is the main livelihood in the island due to the biologically diverse marine resources. So you can expect to eat only the best and freshest seafood here.
Islas de Gigantes is laid-back and relatively underdeveloped compared to popular beaches like Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol. So available accommodations on the island itself are more modest and reliant on generators for electricity.
Technology is pretty much foreign in Islas de Gigantes. ATM machines are also unavailable on the island. So if you’re visiting Islas de Gigantes, it’s an opportunity to focus on the present and savor every minute on the beautiful island.
Getting there
From Manila
- Take a direct flight to Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo City.
- Ride a taxi to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District.
- Take a bus or commuter van bound to Carles. Travel time by bus may take 3 to 4 hours, and 2.5 hours by van.
- Alight at Bancal Port in Carles to ride a boat to Islas de Gigantes. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.
Direct flights to Iloilo are also available from Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur
Caramoan is actually a group of remote islands in the Bicol region. Its seclusion has preserved the islands’ beauty, where you can experience nature at its finest.
The islands may be off the beaten track, but this place might already be familiar to some of you. That’s because the popular reality show “Survivor” was shot in Caramoan Islands!
It’s no surprise why they kept choosing to shoot in these islands. Caramoan exudes the stereotypical depiction of unspoiled and unexploited tropical paradise.
Since it’s a group of islands, the best thing to do when in Caramoan is to go island hopping and snorkeling. The crystal clear waters and white-sand beaches will blow you away! Some of the best beaches here are Matukad Island, Cagbalinad Island, Hunongan Cove, and Sabitang Laya.
If you have a bit of energy left, trek to Mt. Caglago for a 360-degree view of the Caramoan Islands or to the lighthouse near Tugawe Cove to witness the stunning sunset.
Getting there
From Manila
- Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay to Naga City. Travel time is 8-12 hours. If traveling by land is too long, you can book a flight to Legazpi or Naga Airport.
- Take a jeep, van or bus going to Sabang Port in Naga Central Terminal. The trip would be around 2 hours.
- Ride a boat to Guijalo Port of Caramoan
