Must-see Beaches in the Philippines this 2011

Words and Photos by Upper Viceo

Dicalubuan Island, Coron, Palawan

It’s once again the beach season! I’m pretty sure most of you are planning the ‘must-see’ summer getaways to destress from school and work! If you’re a Boracay fan, I’m sorry to burst your bubble but I’m not including it in the list. Forget Boracay. The Philippines, with its 7,107 islands, has so much to offer aside from the famed party island! I present you some of my most favorite island beaches in the Philippines!

Calaguas in Camarines Norte, Bicol

Forget resorts or cottages as you unwind in Calaguas. Camp out and be one with nature!

Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) in Calaguas, Camarines Sur, Bicol. Raw beauty at peace.

An eight-hour road trip or a 45-minute flight to Daet plus a two-hour boat ride will get you to this island, but nonetheless, it truly is a slice of nirvana. There are no resorts here, so better bring your own camp essentials and travel toys if you want to wind down here.

Calaguas is in fact a group of islands, where you can go island hopping for a day or two. But it’s known for Tinaga Island, or commonly called Mahabang Buhangin (or Long Beach) by the locals. It is the biggest island in the the area. Powdery white sand, serene ambiance, clean waters and a breathtaking sunrise views–what a perfect way to destress but to stay here for quite some time! There you have it, your secluded nirvana far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dicalubuan Island in Coron, Palawan

Commonly known as ‘Banana Island’, this is a perfect getaway if you want peace. Dicalubuan is one of the islands that comprise the Calamian Group in the province of Palawan.

Banana Island

No fancy hotels or resorts. Enjoy shacks like this!

It is located in the northernmost of Palawan. If the raw beauty of nature tickles your fancy more, Dicalubuan Island is your best bet. There are open-air shacks which you can rent for a fee. There may be no electricity there, but would you really want to be caught up with the electric temptations when you can just chill out in the beach in front of you?

Make sure to bring your snorkeling gears as this island is a marine sanctuary itself. Go kayak, read a book by the beach, take long naps on a hammock, loosen up and stay in this island for as long as you want!

View of Malcapuya Beach from the cliff

Across Dicalubuan Island is another haven for beach lovers! Another secret of the Calamian group of islands is Malcapuya; definitely a must-see when you are in Palawan.

Powdery white sand over clear waters of Malcapuya

Unlike Dicalubuan Island, Malcapuya has air-conditioned rooms. You can go for a quick hike to get to the cliff area and see the stunning stretch of this island! There is a camp ground also should you wish to stay there.

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor

Cliff diving area in Salagdoong Beach

Seeing all the shades of blue will definitely make you fall in love with the island province of Siquijor. Though the whole province is lovely as it is, Salagdoong Beach is one of Siquijor’s many offbeat virgin beaches worth seeing.

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor

The ‘ordinary’ beaches along the coastline surrounding Siquijor. I can live here!!

Siquijor is also known for its mystical sunsets, hence being called ‘A Ball of Fire’.

For any beach lover, one can just rent a motorcycle for the day, roam around, break out from the city life, sight-see, go to the waterfalls, check out an old convent, and stop in any of the beaches surrounding the province. You won’t be having a hard time roaming around the island as a half-day road trip gets you to circle the whole province.

Read more of Upper Viceo’s offbeat wanders at this link.