Melo Villareal
List of Best Beaches in Luzon, Philippines
In the Philippines, there is no way one can ever get bored. One of the three main islands, Luzon alone has 38 provinces to explore. That means Luzon has about 38 times as many cultures, cuisines, histories, and thousands of beaches to check out. Now, if you are at a loss at which beach to visit in well-endowed Luzon, have this list of unforgettable ones for starters:
Must-Visit Beaches in Luzon
Bon Bon Beach in Romblon
If you are the type who likes going off the trails and having a small patch of beach for yourself, then go to Bon Bon Beach in Romblon. This sandbar is so secluded because it takes some bit of trekking to get here, but through it all, you will be rewarded with plenty of trees, marble rock formations, white sand, and solitude.
How to get there:
Take a flight to Tablas, Romblon. From the airport, ride a jeep or van to Odiongan, a town about 1.5 hours from there. After that, take another jeep to San Agustin Port. You can ride a motorboat from there to get to Romblon Port. Once there, ride a tricycle to Tiamban Beach Resort. Bon Bon Beach is near the resort.
Also read: Top Beaches In Romblon That Will Make Your Vacation Blissful
Urbiztondo Beach in La Union
La Union is one of the best beach destinations in the northern part of the Philippines. Come to the first-class municipality of San Juan, which is a known surfing and swimming destination. The entire beach area here is so lovely that movies like Flotsam and I’m Drunk, I Love You. were filmed here.
How to get there:
La Union is just one ride from Manila. Local bus lines like Virion and Dominion offer trips to La Union several times daily. Drop off at San Fernando and ride a jeep or tricycle to Urbiztondo Beach.
See Also: The Ultimate List of Beautiful Beaches in La Union Province
Subic Beach in Sorsogon
If you are from Luzon, the name “Subic” might immediately make you think of Subic Bay in Zambales. But a lesser-known Subic is Subic Beach in Sorsogon. The coastline of this beach is stunningly rich in corals, so it’s ideal for snorkeling. Another extraordinary thing about this beach? The pink-colored sand.
How to get there:
You can ride a bus from Manila to this southernmost province in Luzon. Many bus lines offer rides to Matnog, Sorsogon, which usually take 12 to 15 hours, so be prepared for a but-numbing ride. You may alternatively take a plane from Manila to Legazpi City in Albay and then ride a shorter bus ride to Sorsogon. From Matnog, you can ride a tricycle to the local port and rent a boat that will take you to the beach.
Tuko Beach in Occidental Mindoro
Unlike your idea of a summery, lively beach, Tuko Beach in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, is the embodiment of the perfect, private beach paradise. Guests who check in at Tuko Beach Resort may get access to this small beach with palm trees, clean white sand, and a rocky coastline.
How to get there:
Getting to the isolated Tuko Beach requires a bus and ferry ride from Manila. Drop off at Batangas Pier for the ferry. Montenegro Shipping Lines ferries directly to Abra de Ilog, where you will need to ride a small boat that will take you to the beach and resort.
Nacpan Beach in Palawan
This four-kilometer beach is lined with coconuts and a small cove that protrudes into the sea. Every part of this beach is so beautiful; it’s impossible not to fall in love with the beautiful white sand, the rocks and trees, and the Instagrammable view.
How to get there:
Most flights from Manila to Palawan land in Puerto Princesa. If you choose a flight that goes there, you could ride a van to and from El Nido, where Nacpan Beach is. You need to rent a tricycle from the town center, or if you are more adventurous, you can hire a motorbike.
Also see: Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches in El Nido Palawan
Book your El Nido Accommodation via Agoda.com
Sabang Beach in Aurora
Baler, Aurora is one of the surfing spots in the Philippines that is frequently visited because it is just a relatively short drive from Manila. There are many surfing schools on the beach, and the instructors and surfers catch the waves at Sabang Beach, a sunny, grey sand beach that is always lively.
How to get there:
Genesis bus line offers daily trips to Baler, lasting only 5 to 6 hours. You can drop off directly at the town and ride a tricycle to the beach area with your friends.
Laiya Beach in Batangas
Batangas is a few hours’ drive away from Manila which makes it very popular for weekend travelers, especially for beach bums. It’s definitely one of the most accessible among the list of beaches in Luzon. Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas, is one of the most popular beaches in this area, mainly because it is well-developed and accessible.
How to get there:
Ride an ALPS Bus because they offer direct trips from Manila to San Juan. Go down when you see the Municipal Hall. You can ride a jeep with the Laiya route or a tricycle. If you don’t find an ALPS Bus that fits your schedule, ride a bus that goes to Lipa. From Lipa, take a van to San Juan.
Also See: 10 Ways to Enjoy Your Beach Outing in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Banol Beach in Palawan
Banol Beach’s shallow and clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are so clear that you do not need snorkeling equipment to witness the colorful fish freely swimming around!
How to get there:
From Manila, hop on a flight to Busuanga. Once in Busuanga airport, ride a van that will take you to Coron town. This will only take at most 40 minutes. When you get to Coron, get into one of those boats that will take you to Banol Beach.
Also See: The Ultimate List of Beautiful Beaches in Coron, Palawan
Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Camarines Norte
Mahabang Buhangin, which translates to “long sand” is what the name implies: it is a long strip of beach in the Calaguas group of islands. It is a popular destination for people traveling in groups because they allow camping on the island.
How to get there:
In Cubao, ride a bus that takes you to Daet. From there, you can ride a van that will take you to your preferred jump-off point. There are two routes, Vinzon and Paracale. Vinzon is the shorter route (just 30 minutes). Get to the port, where you can ride a boat that will take you to Mahabang Buhangin.
Cobrador Island in Romblon
Also called Nogoso Island, Cobrador Island has clear waters and sands that vary in color primarily because of the abundant crushed corals on the beach. You can swim, snorkel, or simply get a tan. Small boats will also take you on tour for a fee.
How to get there:
Go to Batangas Port from Manila. You can ride a 2Go Travel RoRo ferry that will take you to Romblon. Alternatively, you can fly to Tablas in Romblon and ride a van that will take you to the port. You can hire a boat from the port that will take you to Cobrador Island.
Camara Island in Zambales
Camara Island in San Antonio, Zambales, is not your ordinary beach. Instead of coconut trees, it has a huge rock that perfectly shades guests from the sun at certain times of the day. During low tide season, you can access the islet connected to the lump of rock with a sandbar.
How to get there:
From Manila, catch a bus that goes to Iba, Zambales. You can reach San Antonio’s Municipal Hall, where you can ride a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach, the jump-off point to Camara Island.
Patar Beach in Pangasinan
Golden sand, clear waters, and a beach lined with small huts and tables instead of resorts… this is what it’s like in Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan. It is one of the most famous beaches in Pangasinan, next to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos.
How to get there:
Many bus lines in Cubao and Pasay have Manila to Bolinao routes. You just have to sit back for at least seven hours for the trip and, once there, transfer to a tricycle that will get you to the beach.
Fortune Island in Batangas
Fortune Island is unique in that it is not just famous because of its beach. It is renowned for its Greek pillar ruins that stand atop a rocky cliff that overlooks the sea. What is additionally so great about this beach is that it is so secluded, and there’s no electricity or other distractions from nature. Guests will only have to pay an entrance fee to have complete access to this beautiful island.
How to get there:
Ride a bus with the Nasugbu (Batangas) route, like San Agustin Bus Line in Cubao. Drop off at Jollibee-Nasugbu, where you can ride the tricycles in a queue. Ask them to take you to Fortune Island Resort, where you will get a boat to take you to the island.
See Also: Fortune Island Travel Guide: Itinerary + Things to do, How to Get There, and More
Saud Beach in Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud is the northernmost municipality in Ilocos Norte, most of which protrudes to the sea. Saud Beach, located here, has white sands, privacy, and many places to stay. Get under one of the many coconut trees for shade and listen as the waves crash to the shore.
How to get there:
Victory Liner is one of the several bus lines in Manila that offer trips directly to Pagudpud. You can ride a tricycle to Saud Beach Resort for the beach. Traveling via land usually takes 12 hours at least, so if you can’t handle that, consider riding a plane instead. Cebu Pacific offers flights to Laoag City that usually only take 45 minutes! From the local airport, ride a tricycle to take you to the bus terminal, where you can catch a bus that will pass through Pagudpud.
Read: Pagudpud Budget Travel Guide: Things to do, Where to Stay, and How to get there.
Gota Beach in Camarines Sur
Gota Beach is the ultimate escape from urban life. The beach is located in a village resort with the same name in Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. The village is like an entirely different world: it is so detached from the rest of town, and the fresh air and the surrounding hills make it the perfect getaway.
How to get there:
Go to Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur from Manila by bus. From there, you can ride a boat to another port, Guijalo Port, to the municipality of Caramoan. You can get to Gota Beach by foot from the town center.
How about you? Can you share your favorite Beaches in Luzon? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.
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Read:
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- Cruising Romblon: An 8-Day Adventure Trip
