Lampinigan Island, Basilan

Despite its dangerous reputation, a remote island in Basilan earns

. Basilan has many potential tourist destinations that remain pristine. The presence of rebels in the province somehow helps in preserving the virginity of most areas, but sadly, not everyone can see the bright side of Basilan…  quick 1-hour stay at Lampinigan was all worth of time, money, and effort considering the fact that you could have been possibly observed by militants while we were on the island. Felt secure in the duration of our visit, thanks to the armed guys who were there.

White Island (Medan Island), Camiguin

White Island (locally known as Medano Islet or Medan Island) lies just 1.4 km, about 10 minutes, off the coast of Mambajao. It is Camiguin’s most popular tourist attraction. Some of the finest white sand you’ll ever see makes up this glittery bend. A naked island, it is uninhabited — no houses, no huts, no trees — but umbrellas are available for rent.

White Island is so beautiful and picturesque, every corner is worth taking a photo. Even planned to stay in the island until dusk hoping that we will capture the majestic sunset.

Patar Beach, Pangasinan

This jaw-dropping sunset is truly magical .The place was not yet developed during this visit, making his stay very laid-back.No loud music, only waves. No screaming, only whistles from the leaves of trees. I’ve been to this place three times and still hoping to go back. I find this beach as my perfect hideout whenever I’m tired and stressed from the hassles of city life. In Patar, you can also visit the lighthouse, the Rock View, and lagoons inside a cave.

Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor

For some people, Siquijor is almost synonymous to witchcraft and mysticism. But anyone who has been to the Island of Fire will tell you, if there’s something this place should be known for — its sheer, natural beauty. Beaches, for example, are spectacular in Siquijor. 

Cradled in the town of Maria, it is managed by the Provincial Tourism Office. Despite being a public beach, it is still clean and well-maintained. Kudos to the local government of Siquijor!

Sun rays torridly kissed our skin as we explored the public beach. Although in my opinion, the beach would look more quaint if it remained as it is. But still, the beauty of Salagdoong Beach is still there – well maintained and the locals are disciplined as well.

Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental

From surfing in Catanduanes to skimboarding in Davao Oriental! This seven-kilometer cove is the sparkling gem of Mati, Davao Oriental. Popular among the wave-riding crowd, it is being groomed as the skimboarding capital. “Time was like a blur as if moments are passing by gracefully, with an after-stroke from a master painter, From the blue skies to the crystal clear waters, even to the movements of the skimboarders who are otherwise known as the Amihan Boys, you could sense a feeling of calm.”

Dahican means “to come in from the sea.” The name was given to this beach for the pawikan, Hawksbills and Olive Ridleys, that emerge from the sea and climb up to the shore to lay eggs. If you’re Dahican-bound, make sure to not disturb these gentle creatures when you’re there.

Puraran Beach, Catanduanes

Facing the mighty and unforgiving Pacific, Puraran Beach is a topnotch surfing site. Located in the town of Baras, Catanduanes, the options to get here by air is quite limited. But those who go out of their mainstream way to get here are greeted with a delightful and highly exhilarating mini-slaps from the ocean.

“It is home to the so-called majestic waves,” Mervz notes.  “Stunning landscape of golden sand beach, clean and clear waters, marvelous rock formations, and views of mountains and the bay welcomed us. It’s quite hot during that time as the sun rose higher but the strong wind blowing from the ocean kept us cool.”  

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

If you love sandbars, you will fall head over heels for Kalanggaman Island. This barely touched paradise has enjoyed a lot of attention in recent years as more and more beach-chasers discover its postcard-perfect allure. Sinjin Pineda can’t help but agree. “With talcum white sand bars extending to both sides, Kalanggaman Island is a paradise. Its pristine waters and almost lake-like placidness make it perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.” The other side of the island has stronger waves and more sea-like attitude.

And the sandbars! Both ends of this long island are fringed with a sandbar reaching out to the blues. Warning, though: some parts slope so steeply.

Matukad Island

While Biri Island is my personal choice, PhilippineBeaches.org’s co-founder Vins Carlos sticks to the classic ivory-laced, sapphire-soaked shores!  His pick — Matukad Island in Caramoan. But like Biri, it is specked with breathtaking rock formations. “In between these giant rocks are patches of powdery white sand that is sure to delight beach lovers. The island also harbors a small hidden lake.”

Biri Island, Northern Samar

We all have a picture of the perfect beach paradise — azure water, gentle waves, white sand. Most of the country’s most popular beaches have all three. The northern coast of Biri Island is not one of them.

The waves here don’t roll; they ravage. “Every punching wave is a stroke of art and every gusty storm is a painful dash of necessary sacrifice — the torture in art, the beauty in chaos,” I described it on The Poor Traveler blog. The result: six staggering rock formations, masterfully sculpted by nature, that intimidate not just with their immensity but, more importantly, their splendor.

Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo

Like with Anguib, it looks like seclusion is what also made Ron fall in love with Bolobadiangan Island. This off-the-beaten-track destination in Concepcion, Iloilo makes an ideal setting for Survivor make-believe. The sand is not as fine as boracay, sunset is not as majestic as Manila Bay, but the rustic feel, the isolation and the solemnity of the setting made the trip so intimate.

Hmmm… Intimate! Now you’re paying attention. We rented the whole sandbar, prepared meals by ourselves, and slept on a hammock, Not what you’re thinking, apparently.

Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Freckling the waters off the coast of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, the Calaguas group of islands hide pretty little secrets. In recent years, however, they are discovered by more and more beach chasers, who easily fall in love with the place.  Mahabang Buhangin in Tinaga Island, the biggest in the group.

Mahabang Buhangin is a picture perfect paradise with its long stretch of fine white sand dotted with volcanic rocks on its both ends. The place is the most frequented camping and swimming site by tourists.

Anguib Beach, Cagayan

Forget Boracay, dear beach bummers, . If you are after pristine turquoise waters and powdery white sand with the total seclusion that the former doesn’t have, then you can find the same paradise in the northernmost tip of mainland Luzon.

It looks like rough roads lead to the best beaches. Anguib Beach may be in Luzon but it is on the far end of it, around 12 hours away if you’re taking the bus from Manila. But Anguib’s remoteness is what makes it extra special. The usual delights are there: fine sand and clear water but its real charm is its very quiet atmosphere and the feeling that you own every bit of it.

Bantayan island Cebu

The blade-shaped province of Cebu is rich in historical sites and grand churches but it is also teeming with natural resources. Its coasts and outlying islands cradle pockets of white sand. Bantayan Island, off its northern tip, is dumped with some of the finest! Brenna puts this tropical paradise on the top of her list.

Less crowded and less busy than the other famous island destinations in the country, Bantayan Island is perfect for those who chase beaches for a time of relaxation and reflection.

Coron Island fame

Part of the famed Palawan province in the Philippines is the Coron Island, an island famous for its wreck diving destinations, bizarre marine animals, steep cliffs, and emerald waters.

In Coron Island, people can snorkel or dive to see the 12 huge intact ships that sank in the area during the height of World War II.

These were Japanese ships that docked in the Philippines to channel supplies to the occupying Japanese troops.

They were, however, sunk in a blitzkrieg staged by the US forces.

Coron Island is also famous for its reefs, with hundreds kinds of fish finding sanctuaries in this place.

Island time on Apo

About 20 kilometers from the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines is the 72-hectareApo Island, a pristine, protected, and pastoral island that is famous for its snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep sea diving sites.

Apo Island is surrounded by calm waters and striking coral formations, making it a breeding ground for marine life and therefore a first-rate destination for marine activities.

Around the island, divers and snorkelers can encounter as many as 650 fish species and marvel at as many as 400 types of corals.

The scenery in the island itself is simply bucolic.

White sand beaches line the edges of Apo Island and people, mostly fishermen and their families, lead unhurried lives.

Batanes Islands

The smallest province in the Philippines – Batanes Islands – also has one of the most enchanting landscapes in the country.

Windswept and separated from the whole of the Philippines by wide, rough waters, Batanes Islands features gently sloping hills, sudden cliffs, seemingly bottomless canyons, and rugged shores dotted with boulders.

Its houses are bare yet robust, with thick walls and thatched roofs that are ready to withstand to the strong, destructive typhoons that frequently pass through the province.

In this timeless place, visitors can hop from one island to another, swim in the cool waters, admire the scenic villages, go fishing, and simply be one with nature.

Hundred Islands National Park

Found in Alaminos City in the province of Pangasinan is the Hundred Islands, a group of two million-year old islands scattered across the Lingayen Gulf.

There are about 124 islands in Hundred Islands during low tide.

At high tide, one island submerges and so the count becomes 123.

These islands were once corals in an ancient sea bed that has become exposed over time.

Each island offers an opportunity for exploration, with its exotic flora and fauna.

Mactan Island

Mactan Island is located in Cebu Province. It is considered the most densely populated island in the Philippines because it is home to 430 000 people. It boasts many tourists spots and attractions. As a coral island, Mactan offers rich marine biodiversity which is good for diving and snorkeling. Island hopping is also recommended since the island is composed of numerous islets, water sports activity is also popular for leisure and entertainment. These includes jet skiing, sailing and para-sailing. Cultural activities are also found in the island.

The only Aquarium attraction in the Visayas region can also be found only here.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is often referred to as The Boracay of the North because of its fine white sands,numerous water activities (for those who are checked in some private resorts) and of course crystal blue waters...It is a simple municipality. No ATMs, and no malls. Along the way to Pagudpud, there are also numerous attractions such as the Patapat viaduct. Although there is a bus going there directly from Manila, most tourists prefer car rentals in getting there because there is no other means of transport aside from the tricycles found in the area.

The Blue Lagoon is now becoming more famous because of its secluded beach and not many tourists go there.

Beautiful island of Panglao, Bohol

Located in Bohol island, it is a lot like Boracay with all the fine white sands that it has and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are also among the best in the Philippines. Marine species are also abundant in the island. It contains about 250 species of crustaceans and 2500 species of mollusks which are newly discovered. Such discovery was initiated by Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project who discovered that Panglao Island has more marine species and biodiversity than Japan and Mediterranean sea combined. Currently, Panglao island is being developed and soon the government will start the project on building an airport to boost the island's tourism further.