Melo Villareal
5 “Crowd-less” Philippine Beaches to Visit this Summer
(Manila, Philippines) – Going to the beach sounds like the best idea to beat the heat this summer. But everyone seems to be thinking the same thing, and you end up elbow-to-elbow with the crowd in some of the more popular beaches in the country — not conducive to relaxing and beach bumming!
Kalanggaman Island photo by Kalanggaman Island FB
Good thing the Department of Tourism suggested some “crowd-less” beaches to visit in the Philippines this summer. These beaches are as beautiful and serene as the more popular ones, like Boracay and Puerto Galera, but there’s a better chance you’ll find your personal space on these sandy shores. Just make sure you get there first!
1. Britania Islands, Surigao del Sur
How to get there: Take a flight to Butuan City. Take a four- to five-hour road trip from the airport to San Agustin via public bus or private vehicle. The drop-off point will be the Salvacion Tourism Office, from which you may take a habal-habal motorcycle or a tricycle to Britania.
Britania Islands photo by Raissa QD via Flickr
The Tourism Department describes the beach in Britania Islands as one of the country’s “best-kept island secrets.” It comprises a cluster of over 20 islands on Lianga Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean. The islands have powdery white sands, which DOT says is comparable to Boracay’s.
2. Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales
How to get there: Board a bus en route to Iba, Zambales. Get off at the San Antonio Municipal Hall, then take a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach. From there, rent a boat to go to Nagsasa Cove.
Sunset in Nagsasa Cove photo by Kris Opiana via Flickr
Nagsasa Cove is close enough to Metro Manila to become a road trip destination. The Department of Tourism says it’s a great destination with powdery white sand and crystal waters. Perfect for a quick weekend getaway!
3. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon
How to get there: Take a plane ride to Legazpi. From the airport, take a bus ride to the municipality of Matnog. Alternatively, you can also make a land trip from Metro Manila straight to Matnog.
Subic Beach in Matnog Sorsogon
Subic Beach is on Calintaan Island, which is 30 minutes away via boat from the mainland of Matnog. Matnog is also along the southernmost tip of Luzon, which can be a jump-off point for Eastern Visayas provinces.
Apart from the pinkish-white sands of Subic, Calintaan Island also boasts rock formations and caves that visitors can explore.
4. Gigantes Islands, Iloilo
How to get there: Fly to Iloilo and take a bus to Estancia town. Ask to be dropped off at Estancia Port, where boats going to Gigantes Islands can be boarded.
South Gigante Island photo by The Gigantes Experience FB
Isla de Gigantes, or Gigantes Islands, is a chain of islands in north Iloilo. Cliffs and steep rock formations are abundant, so the Tourism Department advises visitors to go spelunking or rock climbing apart from seeing the beaches.
5. Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte
How to get there: Fly to Tacloban and drive to Palompon. Head to Palompon Liberty Park and take a boat to the Island of Kalanggaman.
Kalanggaman Island in Leyte photo by Juan Erwin
Its powdery white sand and clear waters make its beaches similar to Boracay, now described as “small Boracay.” Visitors can go snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. There are also sandbars crossing its blue seas – now even Boracay doesn’t have that!
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