Don’t Like Crowded Beaches? Five Beach Getaway Alternatives To Boracay

Five Beach Getaway Alternatives To Boracay

Table of Contents

The Holy Week and Labor Day are coming up and there is no doubt hordes of tourists will be heading to Boracay for the biggest summer beach events in the Philippines. What better way to beat the hot and stressful life in the city than to check out the many summer destinations that the country has to offer?

If you are not the type of person who likes to party all night long or to get wasted on a beach, the Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches that gives more than just a tranquil and secluded beach getaway. With the 7,641 islands in the country, where do you want to go to?

Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpod has powdery white sand coast and turquoise water. [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

The coastal resort town in Ilocos Norte, Pagudpod, has many beautiful resorts and beaches. It may be longer to get to than Boracay, but you will surely find a spot on an uncrowded beach in this northernmost settlement on Luzon.

You can enjoy the beach or try to learn how to surf in the scenic spots such as Mairaira Point, Saud Beach, and Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon has a powdery white sand coast and turquoise water similar to Boracay mins the establishments crowding the shoreline. If you want a more relaxing trip, you can book your stay at the Kapuluan Vista Resort, an eco-friendly resort that serves healthy meals and delicacies such as seafood sisig, dinakdakan, and kilawin, as well as herbs and vegetables freshly picked from the resort’s garden.

Sumilon Bluewater, Cebu

Sumilon Bluewater is a perfect spot to go diving and swim with whale sharks. [Image Credit: Max Pixels]

The city sights and food in Cebu City is familiar with tourists, but the rest of the province offers more attractions: beaches, islands, and waterfalls.

The northern part of Cebu is dotted with beautiful islands with white sand beaches, including the breathtaking Bantayan Beach. On the southern part of the mainland lies the secluded Sumilon Island which has a private resort and several white sand beaches where you can stay overnight in luxury or try glamping. You may also visit Moalboal with its own strip of White Beach on the southwest part of Cebu. Moalboal is a laid-back backpacker town that serves an excellent base camp for underwater activities and diving, including the famous sardine run.

Also See: Resort Review: Bluewater Sumilon Island Discovery Day 1

Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Enjoy water and ecotourism activities in Calaguas. [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

There are a number of beaches that are accessible by land in Bicol, but it’s the white sand beaches on the islands that are worth seeking out.

Mahabang Buhangin in Tinaga has a beautiful kilometer-long coastline, with powdery-fine white sand and clear waters. In the town of Mercedes in Camarines Norte, you can find the underrated Siete Pecados, a cluster of seven islands, each with their own stunning beaches and unique features. Calaguas also offer ecotourism activities such as hands-on cooking lessons and mangrove planting.

Potipot Island, Zambales

Potipot Island photo via Beautiful Destinations of the World FB Page

If you have limited time who want a beach getaway near Manila, there is the province of Zambales, a spot for surfing and secluded coves such as the Anawangin and Nagasa Cove, which are popular for campers and weekenders.

Another quieter but still accessible place is Potipot Island, a beautiful white beach with plenty of trees that provide shade. This beach paradise is a perfect place for families and friends to unwind. Although there are no hotels or inns on the island, there are tents and cottages for rent and you can have fun with a bonfire while savoring the fun of the long weekend.

Bohol

Bohol still lures visitors that want to catch sight of the country’s extraordinary wildlife. It is home to the Tarsier Conservatory, home to the world’s rare, quirky, and smallest primate: the tarsier. The Bohol Python and Wildlife Park also has the Philippine flying lemur and other wildlife. It is one of the ultimate summer destinations for people who are fond not only of nature but also of watching animals.

As an added bonus, Bohol also offers a ton of other amazing attractions. It is home to the iconic Chocolate Hills as well as the Sea of Clouds in Bohol.