Plan your next vacay at these bucket-list beaches!

White Beach, Boracay 

Its fine white sand and clear waters have made the White Beach of Boracay one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. It was first awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World by Travel + Leisure Magazine, followed by making it to the top of the “Best Islands in the World” list published by Condé Nast Traveler. In 2016, Boracay headed the Condé Nast Traveler list of “Top 10 destinations to watch” and was ranked 12th in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2021 for the top 25 beaches in the continent after undergoing rehabilitation in 2018. 

Boracay is a fun and hassle-free destination as it offers a range of traveler-friendly accommodations from resorts with luxe amenities to budget-friendly hotel rooms. There are also many activities to choose from, such as watching the gorgeous sunrise on a quiet morning, engaging in water sports, and enjoying the cuisine from the restaurants located along the beachfront.  

Siargao Island, Surigao

Epic waves and a laid-back lifestyle have drawn surfers to the paradise that is Siargao. Surf tourism started on this island in the 1980s and it has steadily grown with the help of social media. 

While it has become a booming tourist attraction, with Conde Nast readers voting it as The Best Island in the World in 2019 and its subsequent inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of “Greatest Places” in 2021, the tiny haven still remains quaint and charming. 

Part of the attraction is its remoteness that has allowed travelers to enjoy more of its natural beauty in the form of white sand islets, breathtaking tide pools, and lush mangrove forests. It is also the local vibe from fellow surf enthusiasts and friendly residents in the nearby community that allow for a memorable and relaxing vacay.  

Panglao Island, Bohol

Bohol has many attractions such as the unique Chocolate Hills, the Philippine Tarsier Conservatory,   and the Bilar Man-made Forest in which the road is lined with towering Molave Trees, along with historical sites such as its centuries-old churches.

It is also home to beautiful white sand beaches and dive sites on Panglao Island, which have been recognized by Japan’s Marine Diving Magazine in 2020 as one of the best dive spots in the Philippines together with Moalboal in Cebu and Busuanga in Palawan. 

The reefs where one can find vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life or one can simply laze on the sand and get a good tan. There are many accommodations that are available at Alona Beach that also has a thriving night life and many local culinary choices.   

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido offers a relaxing respite from busy days at the office, with its amazing vistas and gorgeous beaches. It has been named as one of the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice awardees for 25 Best Island Beaches in the World in 2020, and its Nacpan Beach ranked 18th on the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2021. 

There are myriads of adventures and activities that are available to travelers, such as island hopping via small boats to get a closer view of the limestone cliffs, kayaking at the Small Lagoon, or swimming through a cave entrance to get to the unspoiled beauty of the Hidden Beach.   

Saud Beach, Ilocos Norte

The Northern part of the Philippines is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, but there are also breathtaking beaches that sparkle like hidden gems. It takes a long drive to reach Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte but travelers will be rewarded with an award-winning destination, named as one of the 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World by Travel + Leisure Magazine this 2021. 

It has been called the Boracay of the North, comparing it to one of the country’s top beach destinations for its white sand and clear water, but owing to its less accessible location, it is quieter and perfect for those who seek beach haven bliss. 

Aside from beach bumming, travelers can go on sightseeing trips to the awe-inspiring Kapurpurawan Rock Formations that make you feel like you are on another planet, or take a road trip for a photo op at the Bangui Windmills, which supplies energy to the local communities.  

Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte

Calaguas Islands’ Mahabang Buhangin was listed as one of the country’s top 10 must-see sights in an online survey initiated by Isla Lipana & Co., a multinational consultancy and a member of the London-based PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and this has drawn tourist interest to the area.  

The ‘concealed white beach of Bicol’ is a tropical paradise that offers romantic strolls along the shores of Mahabang Buhangin, water sports like kayaking and snorkeling at Pinanakpan Island’s coral reef and trekking to its viewpoint that offers a breathtaking vista of Balagbag Island and Sitio Tinago. 

It is one of the destinations that the Department of Tourism is further developing through partnering with the local government to offer tour packages and accommodations that will cater to different types of travelers.  

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post Enjoy the Island Life in These Award-Winning Beaches appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

The Philippines Department of Tourism promotes sustainable travel as it works towards inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, and safeguards the integrity and diversity of the country’s national resources. 

Sustainable tourism ensures that destinations, especially nature-based, remain intact and will be preserved for future travelers. 

Travel to these exciting destinations at the heart of nature and create a positive impact on its environment and local communities.  

• Trek through Masungi Georeserve, Rizal

The sprawling landscape of the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that is a sanctuary for hundreds of native wildlife species. Take a three-hour trek on the Discovery Trail through the pathways with lush vegetation and limestone formations, walk over suspended bridges to take snapshots of your adventure, and crawl onto a spider-web view deck to get a spectacular view of the nature park and the expanse of the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. For a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts of the local community, take the Legacy Trail and participate in the planting and nurturing of the trees that will be part of the reforestation of the area.   

•  Go Dolphin Watching in Bohol

Enjoy a day out at sea to watch the marine life in the clear blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol. Visitors can catch various species of dolphins and whales such as Risso’s dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, melon-headed whale, pygmy killer whale, and even blue whales splash around in their playground. 

Sustainable tourism in the area has helped keep the dolphins and whales safer from commercial fishing. In the past years, the waters off the island were prime fishing waters for whale hunters who saw the activity as a source of income. Through marine preservation laws, community education and involvement, and using tourism as an alternative source of livelihood, whaling boats are now used as a comfortable ride for tourists on whale and dolphin-watching trips, instead. With their expertise in spotting whales and dolphins for hunting, the boatmen are now excellent tour guides and champions of marine conservation and preservation. 

• Swim at Campawan Curtain Falls, Davao Oriental 

A trek through the forested area in the town of Baganga in Davao Oriental leads to the majestic Campawan Waterfalls. The au naturel beauty of nature that resembles a wide curtain that flows about 20 feet into a shallow basin of water is a quick retreat for a cool dip. 

With its potential as one of Davao Oriental’s attractions, efforts have been initiated to transform the place as an eco-park for locals and tourists to enjoy.

• Kayak in El Nido, Palawan 

Palawan is a paradise for kayakers, with placid waters along El Nido’s lagoons and coves that are teeming with marine life in crystal clear water. Kayaking through the limestone formations at the Small Lagoon and the Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island is an unforgettable, surreal experience. To help protect the ecological balance of its popular destinations, the local government has introduced measures such as enforcing a carrying capacity policy for the Small and Big Lagoons. Under the same policy, motorized boats are barred from anchoring at the entrance of the Small Lagoon and from entering the Big Lagoon, except those issued with special permits for carrying persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women. With the growth of tourism in their Province, the communities of Palawan are aware of the need to take care of their natural resources, and they are encouraging visitors to travel sustainably through what’s known as the country’s ‘last frontier’.  

•  Trek the La Union nature and eco trails

La Union Province is a charming paradise waiting to be discovered. A 20-minute trek through lush vegetation leads to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. This journey through the tropical weather of the province is rewarded by a refreshing dip in the falls’ cooling waters. Practice the art of forest bathing at the Arosip Ecotrail in Bacnotan, with its towering trees that offer shade along the 45-minute walk to the peak. 

The cascading Tuddingan Falls in Naguilian are accessible through a cemented pathway, making it hike-friendly for beginners. Romantic nature-lovers can take a trip to Mt. Puraw in Bauang and catch the sunrise among a sea of clouds. Balay Anito Falls in Santol translates to Home of the Spirits, and it is easy to be enchanted at its picture-perfect view of water cascading over rock formations. 

• Visit the Mangrove Forest of Siargao Islands

While Siargao draws tourists for its surfing waves, it is also home to the country’s largest contiguous mangrove stand. The Del Carmen Mangrove Forest offers a boat tour that takes travellers along the brackish waters that cover around 4,871 hectares of mangroves that hosts 27 out of the 70 mangrove species in the world. This is the habitat of rare and endangered flora and fauna, most especially the endangered Crocodylus Porosus or Saltwater crocodile. While the local communities have taken to cutting these mangroves for firewood out of economic necessity, they are now finding new livelihood from tourism, fishing, crab harvesting, and seaweed farming. Through education efforts from the local government and non-profit organizations, they are being taught the value of protecting their mangroves, so that its benefits will be enjoyed by the generations to come.

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post 6 Sustainable Destinations in the Philippines for Tropical Travel appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Once international travel resumes, travelers will once again be able to visit the Philippines’ popular beaches as well as under-the-radar island destinations that offer the ultimate escape from the feeling of confinement, with wide-open spaces and friendly smiles from the locals.

With more than 7,000 islands in a beautiful archipelago, definitely more fun awaits visitors for their next beach escape to these pristine and quiet little pieces of paradise.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island boasts stunning white sand beaches and eco-tourism sites. From the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the island is easily accessible by boarding a bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal to the Hagnaya Port. The journey will take you on a scenic ride to the northern tip of Cebu, including a short ferry to the Santa Fe Port on the island. From the latter, you can take a tricycle to your accommodation.

Bantayan Island boasts a range of accommodation options, from upscale hotels and oceanfront resorts to budget fan rooms, hostels, and homestays. If you’re on a budget or simply prefer lounging right under Bantayan’s blue skies, you can also opt to bring and set up your own tent in any of the campsites located across the island.

Activities in Bantayan include swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. One can soak in the local culture by approaching locals who engage in fishing and the production of savory dried fish as their primary source of livelihood.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

The waters surrounding this long stretch of beach are crystal clear, with a white powdery sandbar perfect for a long solitary stroll and for taking lots of photos.

Kalanggaman is derived from the word “langgam,” which means bird in the local dialect, as the two ends of the island seem to flap like bird’s wings when viewed from above.

There are no big resorts on Kalanggaman Island, and crowds are kept at bay, with the Municipality of Palompon putting a cap on the number of tourists that can visit per day. Those who want to spend the night can stay at native cottages or set up camp along the strip of beach and watch the stars put on a show against a gorgeous velvet sky. The nearest hotels are in Ormoc and Tacloban, both of which are several hours away from the island.

Traveling to the island is most convenient through Ormoc or Tacloban. Although there are currently no direct international flights to these cities, visitors can fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and take a connecting flight to either of the two municipalities. Flying to Ormoc is your best option as it will take just an hour and a half by bus or van to reach the Palompon Ecotours Office, where you will need to pay a conservation charge before boarding a 90-minute ferry trip to Kalanggaman Island on a rented boat.

Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Framed by towering cliffs and turquoise-hued waters, Secret Beach in El Nido is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered by travelers who want to experience the thrill of finding a treasure from Mother Nature. The beach is accessible only by swimming through a crevice among the limestone rocks that’s just above the water.

The quickest way to El Nido is a direct flight from Manila to Lio Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by land from the El Nido town proper. Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa and take a five-hour bus or van ride to the town center.

El Nido is known for its luxury hotels and exclusive resorts, but budget-conscious travelers can also find basic hostel and cottage accommodation options across this world-class island destination. Secret Beach itself is located on Matinloc Island, which is a boat ride away from El Nido town proper. To access this hidden gem, you can book the El Nido Tour C through any of the town’s travel operators, which will take you to the beach as well as Matinloc’s other sites.

Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental

This aptly-named beach in the sweet province of Negros Occidental is a destination known mostly to locals as Langub Beach. Locals love to spend their lazy summer afternoons swimming in its azure waters. Here, one can catch a beautiful sunset while listening to the waves and relaxing on the warm brown sand. Among the activities to try are snorkeling and paddleboarding or simply taking a refreshing dip in the cooling blue waters.

This secret oasis isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort. From Manila or Cebu, you can take a flight to Bacolod City, and from there take a five-hour bus ride to Hinoba-an at Ceres South Terminal. You should get off the bus at Gil Montilla junction near Sipalay City Hall, along the highway. Get on a tricycle from here and head to Barangay Nauhang river. You may rent a small boat to transport you to the southern end of Sugar Beach, where you’ll have to walk to your preferred resort. Flying into Dumaguete City is another option, which takes about the same travel time.

There’s a range of luxury and budget resorts and hotels in Sipalay City, where Sugar Beach is located. These include beachfront accommodations, each with its own sunbeds, cabanas, kayaks, and ample space for various beach activities.

Mantigue Island, Camiguin Province

A 20-minute scenic boat trip from the eastern side of the alluring Camiguin Island brings travelers to this gleaming white sand island framed by lush greenery. Mantigue Island is a four-hectare slice of tropical wonderland famous among divers because of the endangered hawksbill turtle frequently sighted in its clear waters. This island is indeed a diver’s dream because it is teeming with colorful and rare marine creatures such as colorful clownfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, sharks, and dense schools of fish with a backdrop of amazing gardens of corals and seascapes.

To complete your experience, you can admire the local wildlife of its mini tropical jungle, frolic among the waves, laze on the powdery sand, or you can grab a bite of the sea urchin (uni) offered by the locals on the beach right out of the ocean! There are no big crowds on the island as it is only open for day tours, and the number of visitors is limited to help preserve its natural beauty. If you need to spend the night, there are inexpensive beach resorts, hostels, and homestays in Mahinog and nearby towns.

The fastest way to travel to the island is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City. From the CDO airport, you can take a shuttle to Agora Bus Terminal, then board a bus to Balingoan Port, where you can take a boat to Benoni Wharf. At the Wharf, you can hire a tricycle or motorbike to take you to the Mantigue Island departure area in Barangay San Roque, Mahinog.

Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao is fast becoming a favorite surfing destination for local and foreign enthusiasts, but for those who want to experience the more idyllic side of the province, they can book a boat tour that will take them island hopping for a whole day of enjoyment among small secluded sandbars. Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island are destinations for those who want to feel what it is like to live on a tiny remote island. Guyam is a small circular island with swaying coconut trees and beach huts, while Naked Island, as its name implies, is a bare beach with deep waters suited for scuba diving. Daku, which means ‘big’ in the local dialect, is large enough to be home to a small and friendly fishing community.

Traveling by air is the most efficient way to reach these islands. If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll need to fly into either Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or Davao International Airport. And then take another flight to Siargao (Sayak Airport), located in Barangay Del Carmen, about 45 minutes from General Luna, which is the favored home base of most tourists visiting the province. There, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options ranging from traditional resorts to chic boutique hotels and hostels. The town is also home to tourist booths where you can book island hopping packages that will take you to both Guyam, Daku and Naked Island.

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

The white sand and blue seawater of Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte has become a popular destination among local beach lovers who want to experience a quick getaway from urban life. If you like a peaceful beach environment, Calaguas is the ideal location to rest and unwind. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear water, explore the island, and connect with your friends, and you will enjoy the island’s uncomplicated pleasures. Scuba diving/snorkeling (bring your own equipment), island and beach hopping, sunrise/sunset viewing, swimming, and camping are some of the other activities available. You may also choose to trek the rolling hills of the nearby Tinaga Island.

To reach the island, Naga in Camarines Sur is the closest airport with regular commercial flights from Manila. From Naga, Daet is around two hours drive. Once in Daet, get on a public van bound for Paracale (entry point to Calaguas Island). The trip takes another two hours. After arriving, look for the fish port and rent a boat bound for Mahabang Buhangin.

Tents, huts, cabanas, and air-conditioned rooms are available at beachfront resorts in Calaguas. Alternatively, you can stay in resorts and hotels in Daet and other neighboring towns.

Travel safely!

The Tourism Department, which has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducts thorough inspection and assessment to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

To ensure safe travels to these beautiful beaches, the Tourism Department enhances its health and hygiene protocols, with tourism workers undergoing constant training and tourism establishments implementing standardized safeguards in their premises to protect their guests and employees.

Through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Philippine government is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines. To know the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines, visit https://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The post Escape to These 7 Scenic Secluded Beaches in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

DOT-Region XIII has developed two tourism circuits that they call Green Corridors—the Siargao Islands Tour and Water Sports Adventure, and the Surigao del Sur Eco-Tourism Loop.

Siargao, which is popular to surfing and game fishing enthusiasts, is already starting to be known for wakeboarding. It is also an ideal destination for island hopping, particularly the Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands in General Luna; Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool in Pilar; and the Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen.

The CARAGA Region’s primarily open air destinations are fitting for a new normal kind of travel, here are some areas and activities you must not miss when you head to this gem down South:

Daku Island is the biggest island from the island hopping tour. It has soft white sand and refreshing mirror-like waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool is a haven for tourists who like to explore the water because of its crystalline green waters and white sandy beaches.

The Surigao del Sur Eco-Tourism Loop is an unforgettable experience of pure water adventure—from majestic waterfalls to bewitching underwater cave systems; to a picturesque highland countryside farm, and white beaches and splashes of gentle waters.

The loop includes the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines; the Enchanted River in Hinatuan featuring its glistening turquoise blue lagoon with crystal clear water; the Cagwait White Beach in Cagwait; the Laswitan in Cortes; and Britania Islands and Alameda Farms in San Agustin.

Laswitan is a rock formation with three basins. When high waves slap the rock formation, water spills over to the basin, which is at the back of the rock, and creates a temporary waterfall.

Britania Islands is great for island hopping with its five islets with beautiful white sand beaches that has emerged as a family-friendly destination; and the Alameda Farms offer visitors a great view while enjoying food and drinks that are organic and made in-house.

The CARAGA Region is blessed with many other nature-based tourism destinations—Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt. Hilong-Hilong, and the Mangrove Forest of Siargao Islands, to name a few—just awaiting to be discovered by tourists from all around the country. You surely won’t be disappointed adding this to your new normal travel bucket list.

DOT encourages travelers to check the official websites of the destinations they are planning to visit, as well as https://philippines.travel for the latest updates on open destinations, travel restrictions, and entry requirements and protocol.

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