5 Underrated Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical paradise with over 7,000 islands, and it’s no secret that it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

While Boracay, Palawan, and El Nido are all renowned tourist destinations, the Philippines has a plethora of other amazing beaches that are still relatively undiscovered and not talked about as much.

Here are a handful of the country’s underrated beaches that we think are worth a visit.

1. The Pink Beach ~ Sila Island, San Vicente, Northern Samar

 The pink sand color of this island comes from the natural colors of coral and shell fragments. The sand consists of crushed red corals and little sea animals with red shells. The initially white sand eventually took on the color of a flamingo or salmon as a result of the environment crushing them over time. 

This serene place is ideal for relaxing in the sun and swimming in clean waters away from the tourists.

Activities available here include:

• Swimming
• Scuba/free diving, snorkeling
• Camping. If you wish to spend the night on the island, you can camp overnight as long as you maintain cleanliness – which includes leaving no rubbish behind.
  

2. Apo Reef Natural Park – Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef, a coral reef system located in the western waters of Occidental Mindoro province in the Mindoro Strait, is home to over 285 species of fish, 12 species of sharks, and 5 species of turtles.

Encompassing 34 square kilometers (13 sq mi), it is considered the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef system and is the largest in the country. The reef and its surrounding waters are protected areas administered as the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) and are one of the best-known diving regions in the country. They are also on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is a popular snorkeling and diving site. The clean waters and diversity of marine life make this a fantastic spot for exploring the undersea world. Kayaking, hiking, and camping are among the other activities available at the park.

💸 Per person per visit 120.00

Things to Do in Apo Reef Natural Park:

• Scuba or Freediving 
• Snorkeling                  
• Swimming
• Sunset and sunrise watching at the lighthouse
• Rafting and birdwatching at the lagoon
• Picture taking at the rock formation
• Milky Way and stargazing
• Camping
  

3. Sepoc Beach – Maricaban Island, Batangas

Sepoc Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand beach located on the western tip of Maricaban Island in Batangas, Philippines.

It is roughly 2 hours by vehicle from Manila. Tingloy, the nearest prominent landmark, is approximately a 10-minute walk from the beach. The Maricaban Lighthouse, Maricaban Island National Park, and the Tingloy Marine Sanctuary are all neighboring attractions.

Sepoc Beach’s water is pure and tranquil, with fine and powdery sand, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

This location is also ideal for diving. There are various dive sites nearby, including the Sepoc cliff, a beginner-friendly vertical cliff that lowers to a depth of more than 90 feet. The wall is covered in coral reefs and aquatic life, making it an excellent location for seeing fish, turtles, and other sea creatures.

Sepoc Beach is an idyllic spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the Philippines. It is also an excellent location for learning to dive or exploring the underwater world.

💸 Php 200 per person

Things to Do in and around Sepoc beach:

• Beach bum
• Snorkel 
• Trek to Sepoc Viewpoint
• Check out the small caves nearby 
• Stop by Sombrero Island 
• Go to Masasa beach 
• Catch the Anilao sunset 

4. Magalawa island – Palauig, Zambales

Approximately 15 kilometers from the mainland, in the Philippine province of Zambales, is the little island of Magalawa. The island is only a short boat trip away.

The place is a favorite for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving due to its white-sand beaches, clean waters, and greenery.

The tiny island does have a few resorts, although they are mostly undeveloped.

A nice place to get away from the throng and enjoy the island’s peace and quiet, with a few mangrove woods that are home to a variety of species.

💸 Php 100 per person

• Swim in the pristine seas that surround Magalawa Island.
• Snorkeling or diving to explore underwater marine life, particularly on the island’s northern shore.
• Explore the mangrove woodlands. Magalawa Island’s mangrove woods are home to a variety of fauna. Take a boat excursion through the mangroves to witness the various birds, fish, and other wildlife that inhabit them.
• Camping. If you want to pitch a tent rather than stay at Armada, Ruiz Resorts, or Bacala Resthouse, the island has a large camping area.
• Go for a hike. On Magalawa Island, there are a few hiking trails that lead to stunning views. Hike around the island and take in the breathtaking views of the water.

5. Talisayen cove – San Antonio Zambales

Talisayen Cove is a small, secluded cove located in San Antonio, Zambales, which is an amazing site for campers and nature lovers. 

The cove features a lovely, white sand beach and is surrounded by lush greenery, with a few rustic cabins also available for rent.

Things to Do in Talisayen Cove:

• Go camping: Talisayen Cove has a few campsites accessible. You have the option of pitching your own tent or renting one from a local tour operator.
• Swim: Talisayen Cove’s water is clear and tranquil, making it ideal for swimming.
• Go snorkeling: The waters near Talisayen Cove are teeming with marine life.
• Go hiking: There are a few hiking trails in the area that lead to stunning viewpoints.
• Go fishing: There are a variety of fish to catch in the waters around Talisayen Cove.

If you’re not match of a camper, here are some of the best places to stay in while in Talisayen Cove:

• Talisayen Cove Resort
• Talisayen Cove Campsite
• Talisayen Cove Beach House

💸 Entrance fee to the cove is P100 per pax for overnight. You can rent at P200 for a small tent good for 2 pax.

Let us know which one of these would you like to visit first!

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