Team Out of Town
LIST: 24 Beaches near Manila (And How to Get There)
We all deserve a break from time to time. All the stress we get at work or school can tire us out. Sometimes all we need is just some sunlight and some sand in between our toes. Given our busy schedules, we want to make the most out of our time with our break. Luckily, many easily accessible beaches near Manila are only a few hours away. There is no need to book a flight; many beaches can be traveled by car or short boat ride. Learn more about the beaches near Manila that you can go to on your next break.
BEACHES IN QUEZON
Cagbalete Island, Quezon
With its fine white-colored sand, turquoise water, and a view of a blue horizon, the privately owned island of Cagbalete Island is considered one of the treasures of Quezon province. This unspoiled sand strip is a great place to go when all you need is some peace and quiet. It can be your white beach trip near Manila!
How to get there:
- Ride a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal, then ride a van or bus headed to Mauban port.
- Go to the municipal tourism office to pay the environmental fee. From there, you can hire boats to take you to the island. Travel time will be 3-4 hours long.
Borawan, Padre Burgos
Ever wonder if there is a beach here in the country with emerald-like colored water? Well, Borawan island is the beach in Quezon, where green is the primary color you will see. The beach has soft white sand that contrasts with the sea’s emerald waters and the abundant pine-like trees on the land.
How to get there:
- Take a bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal. From here, ride a bus to Unisan.
- Alight at QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos, then take a trike to Aplaya—this is where you can rent a boat to the island. The travel time can last from 3-4 hours.
Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao
By the name of the beach itself, you can expect a white beach near Manila that you can easily go to. Puting Buhangin beach looks stunning in person, but even more so in person. It has a serene vibe that feels like you’re far from the city, but you’re actually just taking a beach trip NEAR Manila.
How to get there:
- Take a bus ride going to Lucena Grand Terminal, then a jeepney ride to the town of Pagbilao.
- Followed by another Jeepney to Brgy Isla Polo. From the Jeepney terminal, take a tricycle to the jump-off point to rent a boat to Puting Buhangin.
Dampalitan Beach, Padre Burgos
If you’re considering going on an overnight stay on a beach in Quezon, the best place to stay is at Dampalitan Beach because this beach has a sizeable off-white strip of sand that can be very convenient for backpackers who wish to do beach camping. Many travelers who visited Dampalitan shared that one of the best things to do on this beach is stargazing and chasing the sunrise.
How to get there:
Getting here is precisely the same as Borawan Island, but of course, you can tell the boatmen that you are heading to Dampalitan Beach when it comes to renting a boat.
Alibijaban Island, San Andres
The cerulean water and prosperous mangroves are the two main reasons people love going here. Many people can’t really explain what makes it so different, but most say that maybe because the certain uniqueness and charm of mangroves near the water look different from the usual pine-like trees, you’d see on the other beaches.
How to get there:
To get here, ride a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal, followed by a bus to San Andres. Get a trike to take you to San Andres Port, where you may rent a boat to the island. The travel time will take 6-7 hours.
Kwebang Lampas, Pagbilao
By its name, you can already probably guess that you will see a cave here. This beach trip near Manila is highly recommended to visit a cave and a beach. But you have to be early. The cave can only be accessed during low tide, from 7 AM to 10 AM. The clear waters and white sand is one you should appreciate here too.
How to get there:
You first take a bus to Calauag Quezon and get off at Isla Polo Crossing. From there, there are trikes that you can hire to bring you to the jump-off area to the beach. Expect to get there within 3-4 hours.
Also See: Best Beaches in Quezon Province
BEACHES IN BATANGAS
Burot Beach, Calatagan
Burot Beach is one of those beaches in Batangas with many excellent beach resorts near Manila. The sand may not be the white sand people would usually want, but the cream color does have its own character. The beach is usually shallow, so it is excellent for those who just want to waddle around and do sunbathing.
How to get there:
Luckily, it is easy to get here. Ride a bus heading to Calatagan. You can easily find trikes from the town proper to bring you to Burot Beach. It is around 3-4 hours of travel.
Masasa Beach, Tingloy
Another beach on our list may not have that bright white sand we look for, but it has vibrant wave barrels we want for exciting activities. The turquoise water here seems so clear that it glistens as the sunlight hits it. Expect that despite many people going here, you can still have your privacy.
How to get there:
- Ride a bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal. After, you take a jeep headed to Talaga Port located in Mabini. Ride the public boat to Masasa Beach.
Also see: Masasa Beach Travel Guide
Anilao Beach, Mabini
Many describe this as one of the best paradise White beaches near Manila you can take. There are sharp cliffs around the area, which give it a pretty picturesque view and a fantastic scene when the sunsets. There are also interesting rock formations in some parts of the beach.
How to get there:
You can go here by riding a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal. Then, a jeep to Anilao Port. Lastly, hire a trike to take you to the resort you booked. The total travel time would be around 2-3 hours long.
Also see The Ultimate List of the Best Beach and Dive Resorts in Anilao, Batangas.
Isla Verde
If you have always been interested in seeing how beautiful life under the sea can be, then Isla Verde is the beach near Metro Manila you need to go to. Why? Because the island is actually considered the “Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World.” Yes, you read that right– in the WORLD. The things you will see above the sea and below it will amaze you.
How to get there:
To get here, you must ride a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal. Then take a trike to Tabangao Aplaya. Boats can be rented here to take you to the island. It will probably take you around 1.5-2.5 hours to get here.
Laiya Beach, San Juan
The beach has one of the best beach resorts near Manila that you can go to; Laiya Beach is a developed area with excellent accommodation for guests who travel to Batangas. The beach is well maintained and kept, so the beach remains tranquil despite having many establishments put up here.
How to get there:
Get a bus bound for San Juan in either EDSA, Cubao, or Alabang. Then, take a jeep to Laiya and just go down to the resort you have chosen. 2-3 hours is the travel time.
Also see: Beach Resorts in Laiya San Juan, Batangas
Sepoc Island, Tingloy
The beach has soft and creamy sand that looks mostly composed of small broken corals scattered throughout the beach through time. Sepoc beach has many trees on it so, you can easily find some shade if you feel like you just want to take a break after enjoying some time on the teal-colored waters.
How to get there:
You get here by taking a bus to Batangas Grand Terminal. Then, take a jeep to Anilao; this is where you can find trikes to bring you to Eagle Point Resort. The service van of the resort will bring you to the resort where the beach is. Expect the trip to be around 3-4 hours.
Malabrigo Beach, Lobo
A beach doesn’t have to have pure white sand to be pretty; sometimes, a beautiful beach can be a stoned one. Malabrigo beach is covered with a lot of varying sizes of smooth pebbles. This makes it unique from the other beaches on this list. A lot of great photos can be taken here. The contrast of the deep blue water of the sea is good beside the gray-colored stones.
How to get there:
Getting here, you must ride a bus bound for Batangas City and then alight at Diversion. You then take a jeep to SM Batangas. There you will find jeeps going to Lobo. Lastly, hire a trike to take you to Malabrigo. It will take you about 2-3 hours to get here.
Also read: 14 Amazing Beaches In Batangas To Visit For Summertime
BEACHES IN ZAMBALES
Nagsasa Cove
A great beach trip near Metro Manila is going to the paradise of Nagsasa Cove. This is a popular destination because you can also explore the mountainous places more than just swimming and sunbathing. The area is so traveler-friendly because locals are very helpful in accommodating and assisting you.
How to get there:
To go here, you ride a bus going to Iba, Zambales. Go down to the San Antonio Municipal Hall. Near the municipal hall, some trikes will take you to Pundaquit. From there, boats to Nagsasa can be rented. The whole ride can be 4-5 hours long.
Also see: When the summit and the sea kissed – Mt. Bira-Bira and Nagsasa Cove.
Magalawa Island
A sight of an unspoiled beach is very satisfying, and this is precisely what you will get on Magalawa Island. The island’s soft creamy sand and its trees definitely give off that relaxed island vibe. Some tents and cottages can be rented here, developing enough to welcome guests. The water looks more like the color of the sky.
How to get there:
You get here by riding a bus to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Get off at Radio Veritas Road. Find a trike and tell the driver which resort you’ll be staying in. Each resort has its own port to bring you to the island. 4.5-5.5 hours long is the average travel time.
Liw-Liwa Beach, San Felipe
A shoreline seems to go on and on with no end; Liw-Liwa Beach may have ash-gray colored sand, but its peacefulness and privacy give a magical and mystical feel. It seems like a place where mermaids would stop by at times. The Agoho trees here provide a scenic view of the sunrise and sunset. If beach resorts near Manila are what you’re interested in, you can find some here.
How to get there:
Abound a bus headed to Sta. Cruz, Zambales, alight at San Felipe Town Proper. You can find trikes that can take you to your chosen resort. The trip will be around 5-6 hours.
Crystal Beach, San Narciso
Crystal beach has fine sand, the kind of sand that’s nice to just take a stroll. The sea is part of the West Philippine Sea, so it’ll feel like you see something endless as you stay here. Beach resorts here as well are one of the best in Zambales. All with varying prices, depending on your budget.
How to get there:
You can go here by riding an Iba, Zambales bound bus. Then, go down to San Sebastian Church; this is where you can take a trike that will take you to your chosen resort. You can get there within 3.5-4.5 hours.
Silanguin Cove, San Antonio
What the cove lacks is the beauty of the sand it has. It makes up for the sensational backdrop it has. You can already see the reddish-colored hills that serve as the backdrop of a beach that has aqua-colored waters from afar. This beach has been kept untouched, so modern accommodation and amenities can’t be expected, but you can at least get the isolation and stillness.
How to get there:
You must travel by riding an Iba, Zambales bound bus to get here. Then, alight at San Antonio Market. You get hire trikes to take you to Pundaquit. There will be boats at Pundaquit that can take you to the cove. Within 3.5-4.5 hours, you’ll arrive here.
Also see: Best Beaches in Zambales Province
BEACHES IN PANGASINAN
Hundred Island, Alaminos
If a beach trip near Manila is what you are looking for, you should never miss out on going to the famous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. Many activities can be done here aside from just beach bumming; you can go island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. You will never be bored when you go here. Make sure to take tons of photos.
How to get there:
Travel by bus to Alaminos City. Followed by riding a trike to Lucap Wharf. There are boats there that can be rented to help you go on that island adventure. It is around 4-5 hours from Manila.
Also, see:
Tambobong Beach, Dasol
The Boracay of the North; that is what Tambobong Beach is usually referred to. Do you know why? Because if a white beach near Manila is what you want, you don’t need to look any further. The turquoise water is one of a kind. It is one of the clearest ones you will ever see.
How to get there:
You can get here by riding a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Buses pass by at Alaminos so just go down at Dasol. The whole travel time will take 5-6 hours.
Also see: 15 Best Beaches in Pangasinan
BEACHES IN BATAAN
Laki Beach, Mariveles
Do you want to see a beach that has pure and raw beauty? Then Laki Beach in Bataan should be your next trip. The white sand here is so pure that it looks like it shimmers. The water is so clear that it seems almost transparent. This beach is kept to keep it untouched.
How to get there:
Abound a bus going to Mariveles (this is where you also alight). Take a trike to Brgy. Balon, tell the driver you’d go down at Porto to rent a boat to Laki. The trip is around 4-5 hours long.
Morong Beach
This is a fun destination to go to if you plan to travel with your whole family. Because aside from the stunning beach, there are other natural and historical wonders you can visit. The beach is nothing short of remarkable.
How to get there:
Ride a bus going to Balanga, Bataan. Then, you can find buses headed to Morong Public Market. Get down there and ride a trike to your chosen resort. The estimated travel time to Morong Beach is 4-5 hours.
Also see: Best Beach Resorts in Bataan Province
OTHER BEACHES NEAR MANILA
Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Frequent travelers of any nationality have heard, one way or another, of the famous and stunning Puerto Galera. This is because of the uniqueness of the place. Some mountains add depth, seas with colors, waves, underwater wonders, and life that is so different from most, and locals welcome you with openness. This is the only one with bright seafoam green-colored waters and the best dive spots from the beaches mentioned here.
If you are looking for the best beaches close to Manila, Puerto Galera in Mindoro is the perfect place for your most awaited weekend getaway.
How to get there:
Getting here, you must board a bus headed to Batangas Pier. Bus terminals are located in Buendia Taft, Cubao, and Pasay City. From Batangas Port, you can buy a boat ticket and wait for your boat to Puerto Galera.
Dinadiawan Beach, Aurora
This is another beach on our list where we can just enjoy the view as we get our feet soaked in the water and swim in its aqua waters. Most beach areas have not much on them except some trees and a long strip of sand, making it laid-back and calm. Couples, groups of friends, or families that want some alone time would love it here. You can have the beach all to yourself.
How to get there:
The easiest way to get here is by riding a bus going to Baler. Then from here, you must ride another bus headed to Casiguran. Go down to Diadiawan beach. The estimated time to get here is around 6-7 hours long.
Looking for resorts near Manila for a Quick Weekend Getaway? Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Beach Resorts near Manila via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more stories about the best beach destinations near Metro Manila? Please follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also, see:
- Caramoan Travel Guide: Caramoan Peninsula Travel Tips
- Stunning Beaches to Visit in the Philippines
- Best Beaches of Sorsogon Province
- List of Best Beaches Near Bangkok, Thailand
