Something about a sandy shore with the sparkling blue of the ocean on one side and swaying palm trees on the other has always captivated the imagination of travellers. We fly thousands of miles for a chance to laze around, swim and sunbathe on beautiful beaches. Having already covered the more popular beach destinations like the Maldives, Australia and even Brazil in the past, this time, Condé Nast Traveller brings you a roundup of its top five beaches in the Philippines – a relatively unexplored country definitely worth visiting.
BORACAY BEACH
Best for: The party-hearty
Why go: With glowing white sand and crystal clear water, it’s the country’s most popular beach, located 315km from Manila; a perfect place for those looking to get away from urban chaos, without having to go too far. You can turn your back on the world and admire the gorgeous sunset before walking into one of the numerous bars or nightclubs that dot the boulevard; Luna Negra is a popular salsa bar while Bazzura is a great venue for electro music. Once you’re done partying, totter over to one of the spas in the area and who knows, you might even bump into someone you just had a drink with.
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is a luxurious hillside retreat. With large grounds and secluded coves, its villas come with a private deck or garden, and have butler service. We recommend the two-storey Loft Villa, which has its own private infinity pool, a pergola and a charming outdoor shower.
Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines (+63 36 288 4988; www.shangri-la.com) from Rs 17,700
SIARGAO
Best for: Surfers and all-round adventure junkies
Why go: The fact that Siargao hosts the Billabong International Surfing Competition every year is a testament of it being a surfer’s paradise. Besides surfing, the island of Siargao and its beaches – Luna, Burgos and Pacifico – also offer incredible diving and snorkelling sites. If you’re in the mood for some island hopping, be sure to check out the nearby Guyam, Daku and Naked islands. After spending a day tackling waves, sit down for a meal at one of the quaint beachside restaurants and cafes. Nine Bar & Restaurant is a great place to enjoy the catch of the day alongside a chilled glass of mango rum cocktail. Maridel’s eatery is another good spot in General Luna to sample local Filipino grub.
Where to stay: The Kalinaw Resort is a stunning beachfront property in Cloud 9 – Philippine’s best surf spot. The rooms feature beautiful decks for front row views of the Pacific Ocean. The deluxe villa is well appointed, spacious and luxurious. Don’t forget to indulge in a sundown Shiatsu massage on your balcony to knead out those ocean-induced kinks.
Kalinaw Resort, Siargao, Philippines (+63 921 320 0442; www.kalinawaresort.com) Villas from Rs 8,405
PAMALICAN ISLAND
Best for: Secluded luxury
Why go: A part of the Cuyo archipelago in the Sulu Sea, this private island sits in the midst of a 7sq km coral reef. Five kilometres long and 500m across at its widest point, you can imagine just how exclusive this piece of paradise really is. The island frequently makes it to the top of the list of the world’s most amazing private islands.
Where to stay: There is only one hotel here, the super swanky Amanpulo resort. It’s a plush tropical retreat, fringed by white sand beach and turquoise water on one side and lush vegetation on the other. The casitas are strewn along the beach, the treetops as well as the hillside. Each comes with its own private buggy – ideal for a cushy island tour. The gorgeous spa and yoga pavilions make for an ideal setting to spend quality ‘alone time’ in.
Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines (+63 2 976 5200; www.amanresorts.com) Casitas from Rs 56,122
PUNTA BALLO BEACH
Best for: Scuba diving
Why go: For those looking to get up close and personal with some of the native aquatic life, the one km-long Punta Ballo Beach is the place to settle for. Located near the famous Tinagong Dagat Lake (the name literally means “hidden sea”), Punta Ballo offers some of the most spectacular dives in the Philippines. You’ll get a chance to see myriad forms of fish, seahorses and nudibranches.
Where to stay: The Nataasan Beach Resort & Dive Centre consists of simply furnished bungalows built using bamboo sticks. The resort also has its own diving school and has one of the best dive spots at its doorstep. If you’re not the type that wants to get into a suit and strap on a heavy tank on your back, this beach also offers some great snorkelling.
Nataasan Beach Resort & Dive Centre, 4 Sitio Punta Ballo, Sipalay City, Philippines (034-453 8936; www.nataasan.com) Bungalows from Rs 2,965
PAGUDPUD BEACH
Best for: Intimate vacation
Why go: It’s actually a collection of three beaches: Pansia, Saud and Maira-ira— also known as the blue lagoon. Pagudpud has a little bit of something for everyone. If it’s seclusion you’re after then Pansian is your best bet. This stretch of sand barely sees any tourists and is perfect for a little alone time or just enjoying the company of friends and loved ones. Saud is more of a gorgeous soft sand cove than a beach while Maira-ira with its turquoise water is hemmed in by hills on all sides, making it a beautiful romantic spot.
Where to stay: Saud Beach Resort’s rooms and suites contain cane furniture and offer a good night’s sleep after a day out in the sun. The hotel has tried to make its guests’ experience as traditional as possible without compromising on modern-day creature comforts. It also organises day trips to nearby attractions like the Bantay Abot Caves and Dos Hermanos Islands.
