30 reasons to visit the Philippines

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2 | Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan​

While its sands may not be as white as Boracay’s White Beach, Nacpan Beach takes pride in its 4-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand, clear water, a fishing village, and swaying coconut trees instead of hundreds of business establishments like in Boracay. It doesn’t get really crowded too so you can enjoy beach bumming, swimming, and hiking in peace.

 

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3 | Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan​

Off the Coron town lies Malcapuya Island, one of the best islands in Coron and is part of the island-hopping package offered by local tours. The island takes pride in its 1.5-kilometer stretch of whitesand beach and clear water that isn’t only great for swimming but snorkeling and diving as well as it is teeming with marine life including various species of fish and colorful corals.

 

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4 | Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan​

Surrounded by limestone rocks formations, Hidden Beach is an adventure to get to because of its secluded location that requires visitors to swim through a narrow opening. It is far from other popular islands and beaches in El Nido but it is absolutely worth it as you will be rewarded with a scenic beach with fine white sand and azure waters without the crowd of other tourists.

 

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5 | Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol​

Its sands may not be as white and powdery soft as that of Boracay’s White Beach but Alona Beach has become one of the most popular beaches in the Visayas and Philippines in general. Along its shore are several restaurants, bars, resorts, and other business establishments which makes it a great destination for beach bumming. And if you’re in for some water adventures, there’s no other place in Bohol you need to be but in Alona. It is the center for various activities like banana boat ride and parasailing, and the jump off point for dolphin watching, island-hopping, and snorkeling in Balicasag Island which has one of the most interesting underwater marine life.

 

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6 | Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu​

Located on the southeastern coastline of the popular Bantayan Island, Paradise Beach is a great destination for beach lovers who prefer to avoid the crowd. It’s a peaceful spot that takes pride in its clear water and fine white sand. There are no resorts, stores or whatever facility in the area so you can expect to enjoy the beach without distractions.

 

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7 | Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas​

The best beaches in the Philippines aren’t always in the Visayas and Mindanao. If you are heading towards this part of the country, don’t miss Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte province. Despite its remote location, this unspoiled beach is one of the most favorite destinations especially for campers and adventure-seekers. Whether you rent a cottage or pitch a tent, you will surely love the beach with its fine white sand and crystal clear water.

 

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8 | Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental​

It may not be as popular as the other beaches mentioned above but it’s impossibly hard not to like Dahican Beach. This 7-kilometer beach is a scenic view of fine white sand and crystal clear water. And since it faces the Pacific Ocean, its water with its waves is perfect for surfing and skimboarding. It’s even dubbed as the Skimboarding Capital of Mindanao. It’s also a sea turtle sanctuary so you have one more thing to be excited about.

 

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9 | Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan​

It’s not named Long Beach for nothing. It measures more than 14 kilometers and is recognized as the longest white beach in the Philippines. Devoid of resorts, restaurants, and other forms of commercialism, Long Beach is a continuous expanse of powdery white sand blessed with crystal clear water teeming with marine life. It’s usually not crowded and is perfect for beach lovers who are hoping to lounge in peace and free of distractions.

 

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10 | Saud Beach, Pagudpud​

There’s more to Ilocos Norte than just La Paz Sand Dunes and Bangui Wind Mills. It has Saud Beach that is not only blessed with 2 kilometers of powdery white sand and clear water but also with thick jungle which makes it an ideal destination for adventure-seekers and backpackers. It is dubbed as Boracay of the North but without the crowd and over commercialization.

 

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Top Surfing Spots in the Philippines​

Siargao​

If you can only visit one surfing spot in the country, it should be Siargao. After all, it is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines thus you shouldn’t miss it for anything. Cloud 9, the most popular surf break in Siargao, is known for its thick, hollow tubes. The break is the venue for the annual Siargao Cup which is open to local and foreign participants. Cloud 9 is recommended for expert surfers only. For beginners, Jacking Horse and Guyan are the best options. For short boarders, Stimpys is a great spot to have fun while experienced surfers likely find the thrill they seek in Pacifico and Rock Island.

 

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San Juan, La Union​

Approximately four hours away from Metro Manila by car, La Union has become one of the most well-loved tourist destinations in Luzon. Aside from a number of resorts ranging from budget-friendly to luxury ones, the town attracts many tourists for its several surf spots for various levels. Expert surfers will enjoy The Point and The Bowl while beginners can hone their skill in The Beach Breaks. You can even learn how to surf from one of the several surf camps in town.

San Juan is considered the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines and has produced surfers that have participated in international competitions.

 

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Daet, Camarines Norte​

Facing the great Pacific Ocean, Bagasbas Beach in Daet, definitely gets strong waves ideal for all levels of surfers. Waves can range from three to six feet and can even reach eight feet at times. Best to visit during the months of July to January for a more exciting surfing experience.

 

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San Narciso, Zambales​

Zambales, particularly the town of San Narciso, is a good choice for a quick surfing getaway as it is just approximately three hours drive from Metro Manila. While the area is mostly best for longboards, it is also a good place for skimboarding and bodyboarding. The towns of San Antonio and San Felipe are good surfing destinations, too.

 

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Real, Quezon​

Its proximity to Metro Manila makes Real, Quezon an ideal destination for surfers as it is just around 3 hours drive from the country’s capital. It is for all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced, and those who want a relaxed trip as it has a smaller crowd compared to other surfing spots in the Philippines. Best time to go for a surfing trip is from August to March.

 

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Baler, Aurora​

Surfing in the Philippines was born in Baler, thanks to the 1979 movie Apocalypse Now which was shot in this small town in the province of Aurora. The best spots for surfing include Charlie’s Point, Cemento Beach, and Sabang Beach. While Baler enjoys waves throughout the year, the best time to go is from October to March when swells peak.

 

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Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur​

Lanuza Bay is great for all levels of surfers but longboard surfers and advanced surfers will enjoy its long right-hander and barreling reef breaks. The waves can even go as high as 15 feet, particularly from the months of November to March.

Apart from the good waves, Lanuza Bay is also blessed with rich marine biodiversity including rare aquatic creatures.

 

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Guiuan, Eastern Samar​

Guiuan may be badly devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 but it remains to be one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines even until this day. It is a good choice for surfers of all levels as it produces consistent waves about two to three feet high during the months of April to May and higher during the wet season. Additionally, it also boasts of clear waters and fine white-sand beaches for beach bums to enjoy.

 

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Calicoan Island, Eastern Samar​

A part of the town of Guiuan, Calicoan Island is a three-hour bus ride away from Tacloban City via the San Juanico Bridge. The island is known for its exposed reef breaks perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. Best time to go is from November to March.

 

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Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte​

Located in the northernmost part of Luzon, Pagudpud is perfect for surfers who prefer less crowded spots. Its waves are a treat to longboarders and surfers of all levels. The best time to go is from July to September when waves are strongest. Beginners may want to get surfing lessons from one of the resorts or surfing camps in the area.

 

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You Don’t Want to Miss these Amazing Festivals in the Philippines!​

Ati-Atihan Festival​

When: Third Sunday of January

Where: Kalibo, Aklan

Known as the Mother of all Philippine Festivals, Ati-Atihan is one of the oldest and biggest events in the country. It is a religious festival celebrated in honor of Sto. Niño, the child Jesus. The highlight of the festival is the tribe dancing competition wherein the faces and bodies of participants are painted with black and garbed in colorful costumes to represent the Aeta people, locally called Ati, who are the first settlers on the island.

Several people, regardless of religious beliefs, come to the island to join the celebration. The grand festival attracts even foreigners from various parts of the world.

Other activities during the festival include holy mass and procession, street dancing, food festival, live bands, and other entertainment performances.