The most beautiful natural sites to discover Philippines

At the limit of Maputi and Puntalinao. Its area is less than 1 ha. There are lots of shells on the coral beach, making it an ideal place for picnics and swimming.

A ten-minute walk from the D'Mall on the island's east coast, Bulabog Beach is a favorite with windsurfers and kitesurfers, especially between October and May when the winds are strong, and of course with anyone who enjoys watching them. Less flashy than White Beach, the beach itself is not breathtakingly beautiful, especially at high tide, and can even be dirty at times. It's not suitable for swimming. On the other hand, the atmosphere is much more relaxed, youthful and sporty, especially in season.

It is a well-known diving site of the marine reserve of Anilao. The particularity of this diving site is that a big cross (blessed by Pope John Paul II) was installed there in 1983 at the request of President Ramos, it is coiled between two big rocks, which can make think of a cathedral. Corals, gorgonians and fishes are numerous: for good reason, divers can practice fishfeeding there. The site is accessible to beginners and it is even possible to do night dives.

One of the largest beaches in the region. The sand is grey and the waters are crystal clear. Some small resorts have settled to accommodate the few tourists.

We leave Samal Island and drive three hours from Davao, between Mati and Governor Generoso, to one of the most extreme points in the Philippines. San Agustin Cape (also known as Parola) and its lighthouse offer 360-degree panoramic views of the Celebes Sea and the Gulf of Davao. The lighthouse keepers will be delighted to tell you all about its history. You can watch fishermen at work on their bancas, contemplating the immensity of nature and its beauty amplified as the sun sets.

This is a beautiful beach, surrounded by mountains covered with greenery, a bit off the beaten track, and can be reached by a 20-minute drive from Pundaquit. It is a beautiful cove, perfect for fishing, snorkeling or just enjoying the beach. The best time to go there is in the late afternoon: the light on the China Sea is then the most beautiful. There are possibilities to do some hiking and to camp and spend the night under the stars on the beach.

This bay is famous for its grey sandy beach. From here, the breeze is fresh and the view over the bay is lovely. For around 500 PHP, we can ask fishermen to take us to islands of sand and coral that are only visible at low tide and are ideal for snorkeling. At sunset, there are many fishermen on small bancas. Unfortunately, the bay's waters are becoming increasingly polluted as a result of the many industrial projects being developed along its shores.

It serves as a shelter for boats during inclement weather. The bay is very colourful with all the bancas on the beach.

Its name comes from that of a plant of very abundant mangroves once. The U.S. submarines used to stand here to unload their weapons.

It is called the island of romance for its perfect beach, idyllic sunsets and colourful marine life along the coral reef.

Some fifteen kilometers from the town, the Dodiongan Falls rise to a height of twenty metres. The waters flow over extremely smooth rock faces, separated into two falls. They are often compared to two angel wings. They plunge into a pool of more or less blue water (depending on rainy days), surrounded by vegetation. It's the perfect place for a refreshing swim and a quiet rest. Remember to bring good shoes to avoid slipping on the way (you have to cross a river twice).

Seen from the sky, it looks like a louche; it is one of the pleasant stops during navigation between islands of the archipelago. It is also a popular spot for divers.

Also known as "Heroes Hill". It offers a magnificent view of the China Sea.

It lies near the village of Pilar (to the east of the island) and gives the feeling of being one of those adventurers who know living in harmony with nature.

These large waterfalls are located at a rather arduous one-hour walk from the rice fields of Batad: do not go in flip-flops (even if they should be useful for walking in the water once you arrive!). The Tappiya waterfall flows into a huge natural pool surrounded by cliffs covered with tropical vegetation. It is very pleasant to bathe there after the walk. The place is magical. During the rainy season, the water can rise up to 2 meters; but during the dry season, you will have only a trickle of water in the river.

An unmissable destination for surfing enthusiasts, this is where the 10,500-metre-deep Pacific Fault passes through to form magnificent, powerful waves, especially at high tide and between August and October. Non-surfers can admire the surfers from afar, sipping a juice at one of the beach huts. For beginners, head next door to Jacking Horse, where the waves are more suitable and there are plenty of instructors on the beach. Be careful, it's crowded! And always a great atmosphere.

This beach located in Fort Triunfo, not far from Ozamis, offers shelters for visitors who wish to picnic on these clear blue waters.

As its name suggests, the park is located in barangay Cogon, around 25 kilometers from Dipolog. This thick tropical forest covers 300 hectares. It is classified as a protected reserve by the government to ensure that an ecological balance is maintained. The park is open to all, and is a pleasant getaway for short hikes in the heart of the forest, as well as for macro-photography enthusiasts, thanks to its rich and accessible flora and fauna. The place is always very quiet and relaxing.

It is one of the most beautiful dive sites in the area. Sombrero Island takes its name from the shape of the island, which looks like a hat. On full moon days, the current can be violent. But it is also one of the best spots for underwater macro photography, as many clown fishes live there, in the middle of giant sponges and colorful corals and gorgonians. Not to forget the turtles and the rays. The spot is huge and is accessible to divers of all levels, even snorkeling.

Near the pebble beach, there is a source of hot water. It is fun to feel this contrast between the "cold" water of the sea and the hot water from the source.

The hot springs in the village of Mainit(mainit means "hot" in Tagalog), on the heights of Bontoc, are a pleasant expedition, off the beaten track. Legend has it that the village of Mainit is located on a dormant volcano. There are several hot springs and the inhabitants have built artificial pools to enjoy them. You can dip your feet in the pool of sulphur water, which is known for its therapeutic and relaxing properties.

Located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, these springs are filled with water flowing at temperatures of around 40°C, rising to 60°C near the spring. Given the temperature of the water, it's advisable not to exceed a bathing time of 20 minutes. It's best to go for a swim in the early morning, just after sunrise or late afternoon, and to avoid weekends. There's a small restaurant next door.

Known as the Santo Niño Cold Spring, it flows directly from Mount Hibok-Hibok and is a popular spot for a refreshing dip during the summer months. At some points in the natural pool, the depth can reach two meters. On site, you'll find a food court, small sari-sari stalls and convenient sanitary facilities. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

In the middle of the forest it is surrounded by small rocks, making it an ideal place for bathing.

Tinago means "hidden", and it's true: the waterfalls are hidden in a deep ravine that you reach after descending more than four hundred steep steps (cardiac patients please refrain!). The waterfall, over seventy metres high, cascades into a calm lagoon of translucent water surrounded by dense rainforest. There's a small grotto to crawl into, and a bamboo raft to navigate the basin. The view is truly breathtaking!

The water is used for the filling of several pools (about P20 entrance for each of them). There is in the vicinity of many stands where you can buy anything to eat and eat lechon (roast pork).

At 31 meters high, it is the highest waterfall in the province, in Vilaflor, on the road that leads to Calapan (15 km from downtown Puerto Galera). This series of small waterfalls flows into a natural pool where a bath is very invigorating. The environment and the views are worth the detour, especially during the week when the place is deserted. The falls are named after the tamaraw, the iconic dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro Island. It is highly threatened with extinction, today only a few hundred individuals remain.

Ideal places for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can meet whales, dolphins and sirenians.

It offers a well-located beach near a reef suitable for snorkeling. In the north-west of the island lies the picturesque bay of Binangculan, with its green beach. It is one of the best diving sites around El Nido. Turtles and barracuda often show it.

Private island located in Pujada Bay. It is ideal for diving, since sharks, sirenians, dolphins and many other fish species can be seen.

The beaches are confined to the west of the island. Some of them are equipped with very quiet and charming resorts, in a traditional style. Small hotels are gradually being built. The most popular beaches are located after San Pedro, like Ginablan. The most beautiful beach of Romblon, Bon Bon Beach, stretches like a ribbon of sand in the middle of crystal clear waters, it is magnificent, with its immaculate white sand. Very little frequented because of its isolation, it is located back from the road, about 3 km from downtown (barangay Suwa).

Sabang beach is the ideal spot for snorkeling and nightlife lovers with its many bars. The bancas are numerous and hinder a bit the swimming. At low tide, the boats are stranded on the reef and the seaweed cover the beach; it nevertheless regains some of its charm at high tide. Its main asset remains its coral bottom and its multitude of colored fish.

It can be pleasant to take the road that, crossing a beautiful palm grove, leads to Escarceo Point, 2 km east of Sabang where there is an abandoned lighthouse of 14 m, from where you can admire a magnificent panorama, especially at sunrise and sunset. You should follow the road from the market and do not hesitate to ask the locals for the direction of the lighthouse.

From Sabang, it is easy to walk to Small La Laguna, then Big La Laguna along the sea towards the east and over the dykes (10 to 20 minutes, avoiding the trip at high tide). These two beaches are quieter and suitable for snorkeling. However,Aninuan beach is the most peaceful.

7 km west of Puerto Galera is the famous WhiteBeach, the most beautiful in the region. Very popular, it is taken by storm by Filipinos in high season (April-June). It becomes more interesting out of season, despite the many resorts built along the beach. The secluded beach of Talipanan, 30 minutes away, is very quiet and pleasant, you will pass by the Mangyan village to get there.

Accessible to all; A maximum depth of 40 m. This remote site (about one and a half hour browsing) is very interesting. Hard corals have deposited on the sand. There are caves with colorful fish of all sizes. There are often species to the imposing size.

Ideal for lovers of deep dives where you can observe large predators of the seas. However, a good dive level is required due to violent currents sometimes present. Also, think of a divemaster that knows the place well.

In the northwest of Luzon, the province of Pangasinan is home to a string of 123 islands scattered in the Gulf of Lingayen. The erosion of the waves at the base of each of these confetti gave them a shape of turtle shell or mushroom. These islands represent the vast natural marine park named Hundred Islands and cover an area of 17 ^km2. It was classified as a national park in 1974 (the first in the Philippines!). It is pleasant to sail between the islets: the water becomes clearer as you move away from the coast, but you should not expect beautiful turquoise waters like those found in the Visayas archipelago. Snorkeling remains pleasant although dynamite fishing has damaged a large part of the corals. Here are the main islands of the site:

Marcos Island: nice beach, turquoise water, ideal for swimming.

Governor Island : there is a superb view of Hundred Islands. There is also a guesthouse.

Quezon Island: this island is worth a visit. There are pavilions and barbecues for picnicking or spending the night. Don't forget to bring your snorkeling equipment to explore the beautiful giant clams(taklobo) which are located at 30 meters on the eastern side of Quezon Island. Hundreds of them, more or less open, are visible at a depth of 3 meters. The Institute of Marine Sciences protects these giant shells threatened by the dynamite used by fishermen in the area.

Children's Island: this island, adapted to children (sand and calm water) offers picnic tables, huts and tents to spend the night. It is necessary to stock up on food because there is no restaurant. Barbecues are available.

Organization of the day. You have the choice between taking a regular boat that will take you to three islands (two that can be visited in about fifteen minutes and a third where you can spend more time) or taking a service boat (a little more expensive) but you can visit the islands of your choice. In any case, it is necessary to agree with the boat driver on the program of the day if you want to do snorkeling (equipment rental, 250 PHP), swimming at the edge of beautiful beaches... You can also rent tandem kayaks (250 PHP), or try one of the zip lines (250 PHP).

Tourist office. It is located on the left side of the Lucap pier. You can get practical information and rent a boat.

El Triunfo beach is the main beach of the town of Oroquieta, so it can sometimes be quite crowded, especially on weekend days. The water is not always particularly beautiful, sometimes even polluted by plastics, depending on currents, tides and weather. Along the beach, however, you'll find a string of charming cottages on stilts made of natural materials, making picnics quite pleasant. At sunset, the view of the sea and these stilt houses is really quite something.

More than forty islands are scattered in the bay of Bacuit, all more marvelous than the others, hiding in their lands and in their sea beds secrets never before revealed, a rich endemic fauna and a luxuriant flora. Here are some of these natural gems to discover:

Cadlao Island. It is the largest and highest island of the Bacuit archipelago, with a peak reaching 640 meters. It hides a lagoon behind its lush vegetation; it is a place known for snorkeling and diving. A confetti that looks like paradise.

Dilumacad Island. Seen from the sky, it looks like a ladle; it is one of the pleasant stops during the navigation between the islands of the archipelago. It is also a popular spot for divers.

Entalula Island. It is called "the island of romance" for its perfect beach, idyllic sunrises and colorful marine life along the coral reef.

Lagen Island. Its rich forest and splendid view of El Nido's sunsets characterize it. Lagen Island is home to a trail that leads from one side of the island to the other: you can see monitor lizards, macaques and snakes! It is also an island where majestic hornbills land.

Malapacao Island. It is considered as a real paradise. Two huge rocks stand guard on each side of the island, crowned with palm trees and tropical plants that adorn a beautiful beach.

Matinloc Island (Goddess Island). It has many small bays along its coral-lined coastline, including Calmung Bay in the east. There are good snorkeling spots all along the coast. You can also venture to Secret Beach, a beach that can only be reached by swimming through a hole in the cliff: be careful with the rising water. Very nice view on El Nido from the heights.

Miniloc Island. Its deeply indented coastline leads to remarkable inner lagoons, often accessible only by boat. The famous Small Lagoon can only be reached by swimming or kayaking. You are surrounded by cliffs dotted with vegetation while swimming in waters of almost supernatural colors. The entrance to the Big Lagoon is very impressive: the waters being very shallow, once inside, the depth gives this time a deep green color to this circle surrounded by cliffs. It is a must-see.

Pangalusian Island. This island offers the visitor a short walk to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Bird watching is best done early in the morning or late in the day. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and it is a good area for snorkeling.

Pinagbuyutan Island. Its coral gardens are among the most beautiful in Palawan and make it a favorite destination for divers. In the mysterious Neptune's Palace cave on the west side of the island, stalagmites and stalactites are found along with other strange formations.

Pinasil Island. The main feature of this mushroom-shaped island is its cave, which turns into a cathedral and is sometimes illuminated through its pierced nave.

Tapiutan Island. It has a well located beach near a reef suitable for snorkeling. In the northwest of the island is the picturesque Binangculan Bay, with its beach lined with greenery. This is one of the best dive sites in El Nido. Turtles and barracudas are often seen here.

It offers banca tours to follow the river (100 P per person). Unfortunately, the river is getting dirtier and dirtier because of the villages that border it and the tour is not really interesting.

This walk proposed by the tourist office is a real delight! The program includes a three-hour walk through Echo Valley, suspended coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls.

This 97,000-hectare marine park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 and has since become a natural sanctuary under high protection. Located 180 km from Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea, it is, according to specialists, the ultimate in diving in the Philippines, and one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Captain Cousteau used to say that it was one of the most beautiful places he had seen. Totally uninhabited, except for a few coastguards, divers can only go there from mid-March to mid-June when the weather conditions are good (one must also be aware of the risks involved in such an expedition in such an isolated place. In April 2023, for example, a ship of divers was wrecked there). Traditionally, the boats leave Puerto Princesa in the evening to arrive in the early morning and they stay 5 days on the spot. It is necessary to count about 10 000 PHP per day (all included), plus 5 000 PHP of entrance fee per day. Underwater, we find ourselves in front of vertiginous reefs like underwater mountains, with a visibility that can reach 30 to 45 meters. The site is covered with 75% of splendid corals. More than 1,200 species, many of them endangered, live in these waters, such as manta rays and turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and grey sharks by the hundreds. It is definitely one of the most majestic diving spots in the country and even in the world.

Ipil beach is better known locally as Mabua Pebble Beach. Mabua is the name of the barangay where it is located and Pebble means "pebble" in English. It lies close to the center of Surigao City and is famous for its white and gray pebbles, in all shapes and with smooth walls. Careful not to slip, it's pleasant to walk barefoot on these pebbles which, according to certain beliefs, have restorative virtues for body and mind. There aren't many people around, it's quiet and it's a change from sand!

Located in Tiwi, a little more than an hour from Legazpi, Putsan beach is the origin of the ceramic and pottery industry of the Bicol region that is still active today. This beach is actually made up of volcanic sands, used to make red clay and contrasting with the white sand beaches. By the way, go to the PhilCeramics center in Putsan where you can watch the potters at work and why not buy some ceramics. A nice excursion if you are radiating in the area.

Stopping on Quezon is part of the traditional tour of Bateaux boats. This island deserves to be looked at. There are pavilions and barbecues installed for picnic or for a night. Before leaving the wharf of Lucap, we have to equip ourselves with proper snorkeling equipment, because the water is not very clear and the few rental facilities on the island are not in good condition, in order to explore the splendid cultures of giant giant giant giant clams located 30 m away from the east side of Quezon Island. Hundreds, more or less open, are spread, visible about 3 m deep. The Institute of Marine Sciences protects these giant shells threatened by dynamite used by fishermen in the area.

The beautiful white sand beaches licked by turquoise waters offer superb views from morning until sunset. San Salvador Island is famous among tourists (especially locals) for the beauty of its transparent and shallow waters in which it is easy to dive with just a mask and snorkel. The island's seabed and marine biodiversity had been severely damaged by pollution, but the locals took action and today the island is a coral farm and the seabed is protected.

Capones Island is famous for being surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, on which strange rock formations are piled up. There are also beaches of the same type in caves, but their exploration is reserved only for experienced divers. The other asset of Capones Island is its underwater life, where fishes live side by side with beautiful coral reefs. You can come here for snorkeling or diving and on land, it is also possible to make some hikes, especially to the lighthouse (not accessible).

This island offers picnic tables, cottages (600 P) and pavilions (1000 P) to spend the night on site. You have to stock up because there is no restaurant. Barbecues are provided for grilling.

It is equipped with a generator to feed the guesthouse that can accommodate eight people. It is composed of two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen.

Places not to be missed for lovers of white sand beaches.

Black world in summer. It is invaded by many tourists, both foreign and Filipino, who enjoy the crystal clear waters of this beach.

Alert, secret beach! This magnificent beach is not yet occupied by any hotel. The water is incredibly beautiful (it is more pleasant at high tide) and the sand is remarkably soft. Do as the locals do and spread wet sand on their bodies(sand massage), it is very pleasant. Few tourists know this place. At sunset it is also a treat for the eyes. To get there, go to the Minalulan baranguay and after the basketball court, go to the end of the road, there is a sari-sari, you can access the beach from there.