Why the Philippines is Every Beach Lover's Dream Destination

Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales | © Dahon / Flickr
Katrina Escalona

Any self-proclaimed lover of the sand, sea, and sun will inevitably fall for the Philippines. Over 7,000 islands strong, the Philippine archipelago is studded with some of the most amazing beaches and waters in the world. In recent years, this tropical paradise has boomed in popularity among foreign travellers. Read on and find out why.

The country has an overwhelming number of beaches

Beach lovers should pin the Philippines at the top of their travel lists, firstly because the sheer number of beaches in the country is dizzying. Of course, some are better than others, but most are beautiful and absolutely worth the visit. There are so many to choose from, that beach aficionados will have a field day just plotting out their destinations and travel itinerary before their trip even begins.

Hundred Islands National Park

There’s a beach for every kind of experience

Party

Locals and tourists are well-versed on which Philippine island to head to for a party — the white-sand, perfect sunset view, vibrant nightlife island of Boracay. This name is not new to beach lovers. It has topped many lists of the best island in the country, and even the world. It has attracted so many tourists that rapid commercialization took the island by storm, transforming it to the much busier place it is today. While many regret this rather urban conversion, the island’s fun and spirited nightlife is undeniable. And this is what many now come for.

Fire dancing in Boracay

Surf

Surfers visiting the Philippines can also count on some decent swells in the country’s renowned surf spots, like Baler, La Union, and Siargao. Though Baler is known as the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines, Siargao is unbeatably the country’s surf capital. It is home to the famous wave dubbed the “Cloud 9”, which surfers from all over visit the island to ride.

Surfing in Siargao

Dive

Aside from enjoying the country’s waves, visitors are in for a real aquatic treat beneath the water’s surface too. The Philippines is extremely rich in biodiversity, including that of the sea. The country has several acclaimed dive spots, such as the ones in Batangas, Bohol, and Palawan. Visit Apo Island in Negros Oriental for breathtaking close encounters with its vibrant marine life.

Close encounter with a turtle at Apo Island

Luxury

For those in search of a more lavish beach holiday, the archipelago’s got that covered too. While the country’s islands are adored by budgeting backpackers, they also have no shortage of more private, swankier resorts. For the crème de la crème of luxurious beach holidays, head to the island of Palawan. There’s gorgeous El Nido, which houses the high-end accommodations of the Pangulasian, Miniloc, and Lagen Islands. But if those aren’t luxurious enough, follow the footsteps of the stars (Brad Pitt and Beyonce, to be exact) and hop on a private plane to pristine Amanpulo and get the full A-list experience.

Lagen, El Nido

Unspoiled paradise

While many areas of the country have been developed for tourism purposes, many others have still been left untouched. So for travellers who see appeal in discovering underrated destinations, untouched beaches, and hidden gems, don’t worry — the Philippines still has a whole lot of those too. Explore the provinces of Cebu and Palawan in pursuit of these beaches, and you’ll be sure to find these pure natural paradise locations.

Sunset at Port Barton, Palawan

“The Best Island in the World”

Aside from having a beach for every kind of experience and every type of person, the Philippines is a dream destination for any beach lover because jutting out on the southwestern corner of the country is an island multiple times classified as “The Best Island in the World”, Palawan. Truly as stunning as they come, Palawan is saturated with the most amazing views in the country (and, dare we say, the world). Here, nature thrives, and its beauty remains intact for everyone to appreciate.

Coron, Palawan

Postcard-worthy photos

It’s always inadequate to travel just for the gram. But it also doesn’t hurt to be in such a beautiful place, that every snapshot from any angle will inspire your followers to double-tap in a heartbeat. Expect to conclude a trip to the Philippines with absolutely spectacular photos in tow.

Boracay Sunset

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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