For a country made up of 7,107 islands (now 7,641), it’s strange how most people go to the same beaches every summer. The usual suspects are Boracay, Puerto Galera, Batangas, and Zambales. While they are beautiful, they don’t promise a restful vacation because of the huge crowds.
If you’re like me who wants to go to the beach to relax, it’s important to find a place that’s not too crowded. Luckily, there are still places like that in the Philippines that can rival the islands often included in world’s best lists.
Check out the list below:
1. Aguirangan Island, Bicol
Thinking of going to Caramoan? Avoid the crowds and stay in Aguirangan instead. The idyllic coastline is mostly uninhabited, with a vibrant coral reef, which you can see because the waters are clear. Because of this, the island is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Apart from the beach, you can take a 20 minute boat ride to Barangay Kinahulogan, where you can see the Kinahulogan Falls.
To get to Aguirangan Island, you can ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay to Naga and Camarines Sur (you can also fly). From Naga, you can take a van or bus to Sabang Port in San Jose, followed by a boat ride to the island.
2. Burias Island, Masbate
Burias Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate, and one of the most picturesque. From here, you can go island hopping and visit Tinalisayan Island’s incredible sandbar or Animasola Island’s unique rock formations. The island is home to interesting food, too: bird’s nest soup from San Pascual’s bird house (where 80,000 swiftlets live), tamilok or wood worm, and coco sugar. Seafood lovers will enjoy the laswi (shellfish) and the takla (mangrove shrimp).
If you have time, you can also check out Masbate’s rodeo show, the only show of its kind in Asia.
To get to Burias Island, you can fly or take a bus to Naga. From there, you can ride a van or a jeep to Pasacao Port, where you can ride a boat going to the island.
3. Matnog, Sorsogon
Visit Sorsogon this summer and you get a chance to visit two picture-perfect locations: Subic Beach and Tikling Island! Matnog used to be seen as a jumpoff point to other locations, but people are slowly realizing that it can compete with some of the country’s best. You can relax at the shore of an expansive sea, or you can visit the Juag Fish Sanctuary, where you can swim with them! The best part is that both locations feature pink sand, a result of crushed red corals.
To get to Matnog, you can ride a bus from Alabang, Pasay, or Cubao to Matnog. If you choose to fly, you can fly to Legazpi, then take a tricycle to Legazpi Terminal. From there, you can take a bus to Sorsogon or Bulan.
4. Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro has plenty of beaches, but if you only have the chance to visit one, make it Bulalacao. The place is the perfect jumpoff point to go island hopping, where you can visit postcard-worthy islands like Target’s tranquil shores, Silad’s rock formations and yellow sand, Aslom’s sandbar, Tambaron’s robust marine life, Suguicay’s mangroves, and Buyayao’s fishing and diving spots.
To go to Bulalacao, ride a bus from Cubao going to the Batangas City Pier. Head on over to Terminal 3 and ride a boat going to Calapan Port. From there, ride a bus going to San Jose, and alight at Bulalacao.
5. Salagdoong, Siquijor
Siquijor is known for its magic, and you will believe it when you see Salagdoong. This reclusive spot is so far away from the city that electricity is out by 6PM. The water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming. There’s even a small rocky hill (called a hummock) with a bridge, slide, waterfall, and diving platforms!
To get to Salagdoong, fly to Dumaguete and ride a tricycle to the Dumaguete Port. There are ferries going to Siquijor. You can also get to Siquijor via RoRo from Batangas.
Summer means being exposed to the harsh rays of the sun, so make sure to be prepared! Pack these 5 summer essentials: Lotion, Deodorant, Facial Wash, and an umbrella to protect your skin. Luckily, the BIG SUMMER SALE is happening from March 10-19. Buy 1 Get 1 Free on products from Vaseline Lotion, Dove Deodorants, Rexona, Axe, Pond’s Men, & Master in leading stores nationwide! Grab your skin summer essentials and enjoy your summer at the beach!
