11 Fantastic Philippine Beaches for Fun Barkada Trips
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Beaches are the most flexible holiday getaways. They offer a wide spectrum of seaside activities that are suitable for all kinds of tourists, and most beaches have either inexpensive or no entrance fees. This means that beaches are the best tourist destinations for fun barkada trips. Because beaches are perfect for everyone, this means that even our stingiest, most silent friends, to our most unthrift, hyperactive, friends can enjoy.
Based on Expedia Beach Tool – an interactive Philippine beaches map that provides helpful information, here are the Tropical Beaches that is recommended for Fun Barkada Trips. You can also book hotels and other deals in the website.
There are so many beaches in the Philippine archipelago, and each beach has its own perks. So if you are planning to go on a trip sometime soon with your group of friends, and you’re having a hard time looking for the perfect beaches amongst the 7,107 islands in the Philippines, look no further.
Burot Beach in Batangas
This beach is perfect for camping, chilling out, and eating potluck meals. Don’t expect resorts or convenience stores around, so make sure to bring enough battery, food, energy, and your group of friends. Be sure to take a dip in Burot Beach’s cool waters just before the sun sets, and when nighttime comes, put up a bonfire and roast some marshmallows, or maybe try grilling too.
Also read: 14 Amazing Beaches in Batangas to Visit for Summertime
Malapascua Island in Cebu
If your friends love staying underwater than staying under the sun, then you should not ever miss Malapascua Island. Malapascua Island is one of the best diving spots in the country, and its high frequency of Thresher Shark sightings make this beach golden. Aside from the Thresher Sharks, you can also expect to see various types of shrimps, pipefishes, and other colorful marine life forms.
Also Read: Malapascua Island: Backpacker Weekend
Samal Island in Davao
Known as the “Island Garden City of Samal”, its laidback atmosphere makes this beach island the perfect getaway for tired urban dwellers. However, if you’re feeling a bit festive, try coming here in May to catch the Kabasan Festival, in August for the Hugyaw Madayaw Festival, or chance upon the White Nights Festival that occurs every two days. Partying after going to the beach would make a fine side trip.
Also read: Samal Island Beach Resorts with the Highest Traveler Ratings
Camiguin Island in Camiguin
Drag your friends to go trekking to Camiguin Island’s Katibawasan Falls. Although it’s not strictly a beach, the waterfalls’ pool, that is framed by orchids and ferns, wouldn’t make you ask for more. It’s not going to be an easy journey but it will be worth it in the end. If you’re not up for that, visit Camiguin Island in October to catch the Lanzones Festival, buy a kilo of lanzones, and eat them with your friends on the seaside.
Also Read: The Mystique of Camiguin’s White Island
Mactan Island in Cebu
Being a coral island is Mactan Island’s most defining characteristics. However, aside from snorkeling and diving, your group of friends can also engage in watersports. This island located just a few kilometers from mainland Cebu, and has a lot of tourist spots that your friends can visit. Try snorkeling in San Vicente Marine Sanctuary in Olango Island, and bring an underwater camera to create an entire album of colorful marine life.
Boracay Island in Aklan
Arguably the most famous one on this list, this long stretch of beach equally has a long list of activities that your barkada can do. Windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, and cliff diving are just some of the unconventional beach activities that you can do with your barkada. Simply chilling out in a seaside restaurant is also a good choice, of course. If you and your friends like taking a lot of pictures, you’ll be pleased to know that Boracay Island has a lot of Instagram-worthy locations to take pictures in.
Also Read: Ultimate Boracay Travel Guide
Panglao Island in Bohol
Although there are multitude of activities for barkadas here in Panglao Island, diving is one of the most preferred beach activities here. Home to colorful schools of fish and corals, Panglao Island’s underwater world will show you Philippine biodiversity in its finest. If you’re not a fan of diving, the island has plenty of white sand beaches to stay in as well. These include Alona Beach, Dumaulan Beach, and Libaong Beach.
Also Read: Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide
Siargao Island in Surigao de Norte
Come to Siargao Island in the months of July through November and be prepared to shout “cowabunga!”. Siargao is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, and regardless of your skill level in surfing, it’s the perfect place to go to for a unique barkada trip by the sea. Watch other surfers or learn how to surf yourself. If you’re lucky enough, you can chance upon the world-renowned Cloud 9 wave.
El Nido in Palawan
If you have an energetic group of friends, and if they’re always “go na go” for all sorts of adventures, go to El Nido. El Nido’s beaches aren’t just for relaxation. Mountain biking, kayaking, or exciting island hopping trips are just some of the things you can do in El Nido’s beaches. If you’re booking a hotel in the inner area of El Nido, you can conclude the night by eating in its seafood restaurants.
Also Read: Ultimate List of Amazing Islands and Beaches in El Nido Palawan
Honda Bay in Palawan
The next beach on this list is still situated in Palawan. Honda Bay, located on the eastern shore of mainland Palawan, is a body of water dotted with several islets, which include Starfish Island, named after its huge population of starfishes, and Luli Island, an island whose name is an amalgam for the Filipino expression “lulubog, lilitaw”, which means “sink and rise”. Book a tour, or rent a boat of your own and stay on each of the islets for the ultimate beach experience.
Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Galera’s long stretch of white sand beaches will surely serve as the perfect getaway for your barkada. However, if swimming, restaurant hopping, or diving aren’t what you fancy, you can also try going to Puerto Galera’s Tamaraw Falls, Tukuran River, or even try to ride on their famous Carabao taxi. There are plenty of fun barkada trips to do here both on and off the beach.
