The Best 5 Coastal Destinations in the Philippines

Having stayed at home for a long time, do you miss those days strolling on the beaches and swimming in the ocean? Are you looking for places full of relaxing, laid-back tropical vibe? If you want to get an unforgettable and fantastic seaside traveling experience, do not miss the list of the five most fascinating coastal destinations for travelers in the Phillippines.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, the island group situated in the northernmost region of the Palawan Islands in the Phillippines, is well-known for its diverse ecosystem and unspoiled beauty. In El Nido, you can dive into the clean, glasslike seawater, stroll on the soft white beaches, go kayaking in the secretive lagoons, and explore the dense tropical forests and mangroves.

Explore Underwater With the Marine Lives

Housing a wide variety of marine animals from passing pelagics to unusual critters, El Nido is a popular destination for people who want to get closer to the mysterious lives under the sea. Regular inhabitants in this area include sea turtles, seahorses, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, cephalopods, jawfish, and blennies. You can find over 40 diving and snorkeling spots providing professional equipment rental and training services in El Nido. From the coral bush to the steep reef, underwater cave, and the deep ocean, you can gain amazing underwater experiences in these different sites. The most famed diving site is in South Miniloc, where you can see colorful sponges, delicate corals, and schools of fish. Other diving sites are also worth going to, such as Nat-Nat, where you can see various crabs, shrimp, and lobsters; North Rock, where you may encounter big deepwater fish; and Paglugaban, where the rocks under the sea are decorated with a plethora of different nudibranch species.

Sea Turtle

Kayaking in Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon

Surrounded by the cliffs, the two lagoons are known for their unique limestone formation. Riding a kayak by yourself is the best way to explore all the nooks and crannies of the lagoons. You can find the Kayak renting center in the floating pontoon at the entrance. The average price for a kayak rental per day is around $15 USD.

Walk Along the Sandbar of the Snake Island

Relax, there are no real snakes in Snake Island. The island is named so because the island's sandbar connects to the mainland of El Nido in the shape of "S" during low tide. The stunning scenery around, the contrasting landscapes, and especially the white snake-like sandbar are worth beholding. The sandbar is comfortable to walk across. You can take your time and ramble around.

Snake Island

Stroll Down the Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calitang

Quiet and clean, the Twin Beaches offer you a peaceful moment away from crowds and are especially suitable for taking photos and walking. Kilometers of pearly white sand beach gently immersed in the coastline await you to find out. You can stroll on the beach shaded by palm trees and hike up the small hills to see the full view of the Twin Beaches with your friends or families.

Candlelight Dinner at Las Cabanas Beach

The Las Cabanas beach, occupied with several bars and restaurants facing the ocean, is an excellent place for catching the sunset. You can grab an iced drink while enjoying the incredible view. Restaurants featured with local flavor and Western flavor can be found, vegetarian friendly ones are also accessible. There is nothing more pleasant than ending an exhausting day with a candlelight dinner at the seaside.

Bohol

With a land area of 4821 square kilometers, Bohol land province is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. There are a lot of things worth discovering in Bohol and its surrounding islands. You can dive along the beautiful beaches, meet lovely animal friends, go on a river cruise and visit the iconic Chocolate Hills.

Explore the Panglao Island Group

Panglao Island group in Bohol is known for its rich marine biodiversity and its varied terrain composed of hills and plains. If you are looking for perfect diving sites, the stunning beach and the crystal clear water in Alona Beach Panglao won't let you down; If you want to store precious memories with your camera, make sure to include the Virgin Island where a long, white sandbar embedded in the blue water can be found; If you are tired of swimming in the ocean, then swimming under the stunning stalactites and stalagmites in the Hinagdanan cave can definitely surprise you; If you want to spot sunsets in a romantic place, the quiet, paradise-like Doljo Beach comes to the top.

Whale Shark and Dolphin Watching

By taking a motorized outrigger boat, you can float around the waters around Pamilacan Island, home to more than six species of whales and dolphins. You may see schools of dolphins and a few whale sharks swimming alongside you during your scenic ride. If you are not satisfied with watching them on deck, you can also swim and snorkel among the marine animals at your leisure around this area. No worries, they are gentle animals that kind to human beings. But please swim at a respectable distance of more than 4 feet away to prevent any unconscious hits caused by tail swinging while they are swimming. Also, remember not to touch them, for touching a whale shark is punishable with a fine in the Phillippines.Whale shark

Boat Cruise Along the Loboc River

Another attraction you should not miss is the cruising tour along the Loboc River, an emerald green river stretching in the jungle and surrounded by overhanging coconut and palm trees. You can appreciate the views of local villages and the untapped nature of the jungle. A sumptuous buffet featuring a variety of Filipino dishes is included in the tour. You can also enjoy a short local culture show performed by local singers and dancers at the riverside banks. The whole journey takes about an hour, and the cruise with buffet costs 12 USD for each person.

View the Famed Chocolate Hills

This attraction is composed of huge "chocolates". It is declared as the country's third national geological monument and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But, attention foodies, there is no real chocolate on Chocolate Hill! It is called the "Chocolate Hills" because the grass on the mountain will wither and turn brown every year in the dry season, and the hills look like chocolates from a distance. In more than 50 square kilometers, there are 1,268 conical hills with a nearly uniform shape and a height ranging from 40 to 120 meters. You will be amazed at the magic of nature for such a unique spectacle.

Chocolate Hills

Greet the Lovely Tarsiers

If you are fond of adorable animals, you must come and visit the little friends you can only see in Bohol---the fist-sized primates named tarsier, often referred to as the smallest monkey in the world. They have big eyes that are out of proportion to their small bodies. They mainly rely on these huge eyes to forage in the dark night. You can drop in the Tarsier Sanctuary. Please remember to turn off the flashlight when you taking pictures of them. Tarsiers are sensitive to lights and sounds.

Cebu

Located near Bohol, Cebu is a wonderful place for tourists looking for both wonderful beaches and cultural sites, for there are abundant marine life and heritage spots. Known as the "Queen City of the South", Cebu is the main port and economic center, as well as the second-largest city in the Phillippines. Cebu has many places of interest rich in exotic and historical significance since it used to be the first island in the Phillippines colonized by the Spanish. Here, the ancient charm and modern vitality are almost perfectly aligned.

Spot Thresher Sharks in Malapascua Island

The deep, unspoiled water area around Malapascua Island in Cebu inhabits the giant, mysterious thresher sharks. You may have a chance to spot these fantastic creatures early in the morning, for they usually appear near the sea surface to remove parasites from their skin at that time. If you are brave enough, you can also dive with the Thresher Sharks, as they are shy and graceful animals and may even turn around when encountering a diver.

Swim in the Kawasan Falls

Famous for its beautiful turquoise water, Kawasan Waterfalls are consist of multi-layer waterfalls. There are two major waterfalls cascades down flat terrains, forming two deep natural pools very suitable for swimming. You can also view tropical birds and monkeys around the falls. If you have teenagers at home, then the canyoning and zip-line adventures at the Kawasan Falls may suit them well.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Since most of the islands consist of Cebu, surrounded by limpid and warm seawater, many seasides are open to the public for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are a sea-sports fan, then Cebu is an ideal destination for you because there are so many spots to choose from. For example, the town of Moalboal, famous for its abundance of sardine runs; the Nalusuan Island, suitable for beginners to snorkel in the shallow tropical waters; and the Hilutungan Island, an excellent place to see vibrant corals and sea turtles.Scuba diving in Cebu

Visit the Historical Landmarks

There are plenty of landmarks in Cebu reflecting the tumultuous history of the Phillippines being colonized by Spain. From Magellan's Cross to Lapu-Lapu Monument and Santo Nino Church to the Chinese Taoist Temple on the Beverly Hills, you will get to know the history of the region. If your time permits, you can also visit the museums scattered in the city with rich exhibits and restored models.

Shop in the Carbon Market

Carbon Market, located in downtown Cebu City, is the oldest and largest farmer's market in Cebu. Since it is not a tourist market, you can have a shopping experience closest to the life of locals. Here you can find cheap clothing, baskets from Bohol, fish, chickens, and tripe, as well as souvenirs and handicrafts.

Dumaguete

Widely recognized as "The City of Gentle People", Dumaguete is known for the kind nature of its residents and the harmony between the city and nature. The peaceful coastal city has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the 7 Best Places to Retire Around the World for its leisurely living atmosphere and low cost of living. You can incorporate yourself with the slow-paced life of locals---walk on the boardwalk by the sea, explore the natural reserves, visit the old local

Stroll on the Boardwalks at the Seaside

If you are tired of the exciting sports on the sea and are looking for places to stroll comfortably along the coast, Dumaguete is the best choice. There are plenty of clean and well-built boardwalks facing the ocean, such as in Rizal Boulevard, Freedom Park, and Rizal Boulevard, where you can take your time to stroll, jog, or hang out while enjoying the coastal views. Tired, you can sit on the bench on the boardwalks; Hungry, you can find nice cafes and restaurants nearby.Dumaguete Beach

Mangroves Exploration and Bird Watching

Rich in saline coastal lands, Dumaguete has different species of mangroves, which provide ideal habitats and breeding territories for wildlife, including several species of fish and shore and wading birds. In the Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park, you can walk around with binoculars to watch the birds flying through the mangroves, take pictures of the natural land, and hear the constant echoing sounds of birds chirping around you.

Visit the Silliman University and the Museum Within It

Silliman University, a historical landmark of Dumaguete, lies in the heart of the city. Founded in 1901, Silliman University is the first American school in the country, reflecting the mixture of colonial American and modern Filipino cultures. You can take a stroll around, taking pictures of the unique architecture of the university. You are also encouraged to visit the Anthropology Museum with collection of ancient Filipino artifacts inside the campus.

Stop By the Clay Town

The clay town, Baranggay Daro, is located in the northern part of Dumaguete City. Here, you can find more than twenty shops owned by locals selling handcrafted pottery of different styles and sizes made from local river clay. You can also observe locals weave pina cloth and craft the clay pots.

Visit the Local Market-Malatapay Market

Visiting a local market is one of the best ways to get to know the routine life of locals. The Malatapay market, which opens every day but most abuzz on Wednesdays, is a large outdoor comprehensive market where farmers, fishers, livestock growers, and craftsmen gather together to sell their fresh products. From food to beverages, handicrafts, furniture, slippers, hats, and machetes, you can find almost all the daily necessities you can expect. In addition, you can see how local folks dealing business in the market and buy souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Boracay

Selected by "Lonely Planet" and various other influential travel magazines as one of the destinations with the most beautiful beaches in the world, Boracay welcomes travelers of all ages. Here, you can not only find pristine white sand beaches but also experience various kinds of extraordinary water adventures, relax with a local massage, and shop in the outdoor commercial street.

Explore the Beautiful Beaches

Boracay is known for its powdery white sand and gorgeous, pristine beaches. It is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation in a typical tropical and peaceful atmosphere. You can either join an island hopping tour or reach particular beaches for sightseeing. One beach you shall not miss is White Beach, which is located on the beachfront lined with resorts and restaurants and provides the island's best view. If you want to escape the crowds, other beaches such as Diniwid Beach, the best spot for watching sunsets; Tambisaan Beach, the beach with the most abundant marine lives near the shore; and Manoc-Manoc Beach, where you can see how workers ship their boat and immerse in the local island life, are all worth checking out.Boracay

Take Part in Exciting Water Adventures

There is a wide range of nautical activities available on Boracay's beaches, from ordinary water sports like surfing, and snorkeling to the banana boat ride, jet skiing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, etc. Boracay is definitely an ultimate paradise for people looking for complete kinds of water entertainment. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced water sporter, you can always find fun with the adventures. It doesn't matter if you haven't tried these activities before; professionals will give clear instructions to you before you set off on your journey.

Learn to Swim in the Mermaid Suits

Have you ever imagined how you look when dressing up as a mermaid? Here in Boracay, you can transform yourself into one with tail and fin! You will learn how to pose and swim like a mermaid in the 90-minute long courses provided by the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy. Courses are divided into 5 levels according to their difficulties, friendly to beginners and swimmers of all genders aged 7 and above.

Eat and Shop at the D’Mall

In the open-air shopping mall, you can find restaurants featuring dishes worldwide, souvenir shops selling clothing and various kinds of handicrafts, sporting goods stores selling sea sports supplies, and bustling bars. You also can see small stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and other local delicacies. It is basically a one-stop-shop for anything you might need while on the island.

Philippine Food

Spa and Massage

Spa and massage services are readily available in Boracay, from beach massage to spa salons. After spending an exhausting day, having a relaxing and soul-purifying massage helps you eliminate the fatigue and soreness caused by exercises. You can have a refined spa and massage experience in stylish spa salons such as Tirta Spa, Terra Wellness Spa, and Mandala Spa & Villas.

From splendid natural beauties to lively local cultures, these 5 coastal destinations in the Phillippines promise you the ultimate island vacation experience. Stop hesitating plan your trip to the Phillippines now!