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21.07.2023 - 07:50 / roughguides.com / El Nido
Planning a trip to the Philippines? Pack your swimsuit, because beaches are a no-brainer when it comes to exploring this glorious archipelago.
Most travellers to these sunny shores squeeze themselves into tourist hotspots like Boracay and El Nido; but if you really want to get away from it all, we called on a Philippines expert to compile a list of beautiful alternative beaches for you to lay your towel down — the best beaches in the Philippines for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Less development and more remote locations make these more eco-friendly choices – ideal for seeing the Philippines in all its natural splendour. Some require a little pre-planning and a lot of time to get to, but we promise these best beaches in the Philippines are more than worth the journey.
If you're looking for experiences beyond the beach, discover the best islands in the Philippines for different kinds of travellers. In the meantime, dive into this overview of beautiful undiscovered Philippines beaches that'll see you exploring far beyond Manila beaches.
If going off-grid is your ultimate goal, make a beeline for Cresta de Gallo. This tiny island is only accessible via private boat from Sibuyan – a one-hour trip that caps off a long series of plane, ferry and jeepney rides. Those willing to endure this trek are rewarded with one of the most secluded slices of paradise in the Visayas region.
The island’s name translates to “rooster’s crest”, inspired by its novel shoreline. On its northernmost tip, a beautiful white sandbar juts out like a seaside runway, surrounded by a crystalline ocean that sparkles for miles over the horizon.
Cresta de Gallo, Philippines — one of the best beaches in the Philippines for off-grid experiences © Jakub Barzycki/Shutterstock
There are no hotels here, so unless you want to travel to and from Sibuyan, you’ll need to make use of the campsite facilities. However, with views like this, even the most precious of travellers may be tempted to rough it. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the whole island to yourself.
Guarded by steep cliffs, this idyllic stretch of white sand is naturally isolated from pesky intruders – making it perfect for solo travellers or small groups in search of solitude. The only way to get here is through Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao (just under four hours by car from Manila), where you can take a 20-minute boat ride to the island.
Sepoc beach, Tingloy island, Philippines © aldarinho/Shutterstock
For your efforts you’ll be rewarded with pristine conditions, turquoise waters and an astonishing panorama from the island’s hilltop viewpoint. What really sets Sepoc Beach apart, however, lies below the surface. The island is in the thick of the coral
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As Insider's travel reporter in Singapore, I've backpacked in four countries across Asia and have stayed in a dozen hostels.
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