WITH Boracay closed and the rainy season now with us, where else can beachgoers go?
With over 7,000 islands from north to south, the Philippines is teeming with diverse beach destinations that are frequented by travelers, rain or shine. And with affordable airfares available online, it doesn't take much to visit the country's tropical wonders.
Here are five beach destinations sure to satisfy your sand-and-sea craving:
The Island Buenavista, Samal, Davao Region
Apart from its famous Durian, Davao has lots to offer! If you are into exclusive island escapade, the Island Buenavista in Barangay Balet, Island Garden City of Samal is perfect for you. Enjoy the island resort’s white sand beach and rich marine life plus its promise of peace and total relaxation.
How to get there: Philippine Airlines has flights from Manila to Davao daily for as low as P2,348 one-way economy fare. Jump off area is at Pirata Bar, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao for the boat transfer at around 7:30 a.m. The travel time from Davao City to the island is approximately one hour.
Apo Island, Dumaguete
The highlight of your stay in Dumaguete is visiting Apo Island, a volcanic island situated at the southeastern tip of Negros Oriental, where you can dive and freestyle with the pawikans and see them up close and personal in this marine protected sanctuary (but don’t touch or feed them, they easily get stressed!).
How to get there: Daily flights are available from Manila to Dumaguete via Philippine Airlines for P1,828 one-way economy fare. From the airport, take a bus to Zamboanguita and get dropped off at Malatapay. From Malatapay, there are boats that regularly bring tourists from there to Apo Island.
Lakawon Island, Negros Occidental
Visit Lakawon Island Resort and Spa, touted to be Negros Occidental’s secret paradise. Once there, be enchanted with the TawHai Floating Bar, believed to be the biggest floating bar in Asia.
How to get there: Flights to Bacolod from Manila via Philippine Airlines are frequent and only cost around Php 1,628 one-way economy fare. Upon arrival, take a bus to Cadiz. From there, take a trike to Barangay Cadiz Viejo where you’ll find boats that will take you to Lakawon Island.
San Vicente, Palawan
Dubbed as the “longest white beach in the Philippines” with its 14-kilometer stretch, San Vicente is a budding destination in Palawan, seen to be at par with Coron’s fine white sand beaches. The beach stretches across the coast of Barangays San Isidro, Alimangoan, and New Agutaya. Now is the best time to catch this tropical paradise, still untouched by commercial resorts.
How to get there: Conveniently enough, PAL is soon opening a direct flight from Clark to San Vicente on October 28. From San Vicente Airport, you may hire a trike driver to give you a tour of the beach.
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Located at the northern-most part of Luzon, Pagudpud is a sleepy town with a lot of iconic travel destinations such as the pristine Blue Lagoon. The ever-popular beach is an excellent beach destination for peace and relaxation since it’s coast is not populated by noisy bars. Not so far from Pagudpud are neighboring iconic tourist spots such as the Bangui Windmills, the Bantay Abot Cave in the east, and the secluded Maira-ira Beach.
How to get there: From Laoag Airport, Pagudpud is only one hour away. Via Philippine Airlines, airfare is only Php 1,728 one-way economy fare. From the airport, take a tricycle to bring you to the terminal. From there, take the bus to Claveria; this bus passes through Pagudpud.
Traveling to these amazing spots is made easier with Philippine Airlines’ affordable fares. Visit philippineairlines.com and book your way to your next escape!