Best Destinations to Watch the Sunset in the Philippines

A beautiful sunset shot is probably included in every traveler’s “things to capture” list. Whether it’s a beach or mountain destination, we always make time to relax and wait until sundown to capture the romantic sunset. Sunsets are truly amazing and beautiful.

Some of the best places to see a sunset in the Philippines include Boracay Island, Palawan Island, El Nido, Siargao Island, and Batanes Island. These locations offer picturesque views of the sun setting over the ocean or mountains. The best time to see a sunset in the Philippines is typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Here are some of the Philippines’ Best Sunset Spots, according to some of our favorite Pinoy and foreign travel bloggers.

Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan

Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan by Darwin Cayetano of TrackingTreasures.net

I took this photo at Patar Beach, my favorite beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan. I’ve been there a few times, and I will never get tired of returning. The shore always changes, but its beauty remains the same. On our way back, I asked my friend to stop the car.

This particular spot was in Sitio Cudelem, which I considered the best spot for sunset viewing, especially during low tides, when rocks and corals slowly emerge from the sea and are perfectly backdropped by the bursting color of the descending sun.

Sunset in Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido Palawan

Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido, Palawan by Brenna Bustamante of The Philippine Travelogue

Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido, Palawan

Seven Commandos Beach has one of the best sunset views. It doesn’t have a perfect horizon, but its beautiful setting, limestone cliffs, cream-white soft sand, and clear blue-green waters make up for it. Add that it’s at the end of a tiring tour, with a cool San Mig Light and the company of friends, and it makes for the perfect end to the day.

Lake Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija by Kara Santos of Traveling-Up.com

Lake Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija

Lake Pantabangan is said to be the largest man-made reservoir in the Philippines and one of the largest in Asia. On the horizon, one side of the Sierra Madre Mountains cradles the reservoir’s earth-filled embankment. Something about the place felt serene and simple.

Sometimes, in our hurry to tick off places we’ve been to and rush to the next destination, we forget the essence of traveling. Watching a simple sunset and talking with a fisherman reminded me to slow down and enjoy nature’s simple joys.

Jolo Sulu by Mervin of Pinoy Adventurista

Sunset in Jolo, Sulu

One of the best sunsets I’ve seen was during the “moonsighting activity” that we attended in Jolo, Sulu. It was the 29th day of the holy month of Ramadhan. Many people were already at the port waiting for the sunset when we arrived. The holy month of Ramadhan lasts 29–30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

This moon-sighting activity determines whether they will end the fasting and celebrate Eid al-Fitr the following day. But the moon wasn’t seen then, so they wouldn’t celebrate Eid al-Fitr on August 8, but on August 9, after completing 30 days of fasting. This is definitely my favorite sunset spot.

Boracay by Eileen Campos of The Super Tourists

Boracay Island, Philippines

Nothing beats a Boracay Sunset. And I’m not talking about being elbow-to-elbow with every known tourist on the banks of White Beach at Station 2. No, my Boracay sunset happens in an area a 20-minute walk to the left of that—in Angol Point.

This is where only a handful of people are lying around, most, if not all, having some alcoholic beverage in hand. No touts, vendors, or hoards and hoards of people— just a good collection of people who chill out and quietly celebrate the end of another day in paradise.

Baclayon Bohol by Lakbay Diva

Baclayon, Bohol

As the sun wanes, the fisherfolk in Baclayon, Bohol head to their homes…

Puerto Galera by Aleah of SolitaryWanderer.com

Puerto Galera, Mindoro

Puerto Galera is a favorite destination for diving lovers. The underwater marine life there is incomparable! You can also do many other things in Puerto Galera, including trekking to its waterfalls, snorkeling in the Coral Garden, beachcombing, food tripping, and, yes, sunset viewing!

Siquijor by Sabrina Iovino of JustOneWayTicket.com

Siquijor Island, Philippines

I spent a week in San Pedro, Siquijor, and saw some of the most colorful sunsets of my life. Sometimes it seemed like the sky was burning. An exploration of colors. This photo is straight from the camera, with no filter or Photoshop! Don’t believe it? Visit Siquijor!

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Between sunrise and sunset, I’ll pick the latter in a heartbeat. When you’re there, sitting and waiting for the day to end, memories from years ago and from that very moment flash back little by little. I went to Camarines Norte province as part of my journey around the Philippines, and the sunset at Calaguas was the real icing on the cake.

In that moment, that hour, that minute, that second, the boats docked in the calm waters of these isolated isles, the gentle afternoon breeze began to envelop all the weary, and the sun’s fading rays were just a portrait of a dream. Hues of red, orange, blue, and yellow continue to dance in the sky. But what made all the difference were the footprints of leisure in the sand. It’s all mine.

The best sunset in the Philippines will depend on personal preference and location. However, some popular spots known for their beautiful sunsets include:

• Boracay Island: White-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make for a stunning sunset.
• Palawan Island: El Nido town and Bacuit Bay offer panoramic sunset views over the limestone cliffs and islands.
• Siargao Island: Cloud 9 offers a beautiful view of the sun setting over the ocean.
• Batanes Island: The rolling hills and traditional Ivatan houses make for a picturesque sunset view.
• Panglao Island: Alona Beach is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the sea.

The best time to see a sunset in the Philippines is between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

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