Top five beaches in the Philippines

Boasting over seven thousand islands, you can only imagine how many beaches there are in the Philippines. Blinding white sands and shell encrusted dunes, coves filled to the brim with coral, and waves worthy of windsurfing; the Philippines has it all.

This corner of the world is home to beaches like you’ve never seen before, so if you’re a beach lover, read on. You’ve probably heard of the well-talked-about White Beach of Boracay (which admittedly is an absolute must-visit), but we believe that variety is the spice of life, and we’re having a love affair with a few lesser-known beaches in the Philippines.

Pukka Shell Beach

At Black Tomato, we prefer something that’s a little less obvious perfect ‘picture postcard’ and tend to look for the hidden treasures. Pukka Beach is a perfect example of this. Leave the tourists behind and sneak around the coastline to this secluded haven. No civilisation is settled at Pukka Beach; it’s just you and the waves lapping onto the shell crumbled sands. Listen to the chimes of the tiny pink shells tinkling in the breeze. Pukka Beach is truly an enchanting part of the island, but you’ll have to sneak off quietly as it’s only a short boat ride round Bohol from White Beaches – you don’t want anybody following you.

Dalpac Cove

If you’re looking to escape to a nature-filled hideaway, look no further than the untouched Dalpac Beach on Boayan Island, just half an hour by boat from San Vicente. Forget vast stretches of sand; this spot is secluded, tranquil, and only found if somebody tells you about it. Home to the vibrant Palawan and Tabon bird, it is a hub for Filipino flora and fauna. The freshwater bay is so crystal clear that it invites you in with your eyes wide open, and the jungle is so bountiful you can choose to be shaded from every ray if you wish. Take your own beach picnic, two glasses and a bottle because not one speck of this beach is touched by humanity so you’ll find yourself totally alone. Romance at it’s finest.

Alona Beach

For those looking to sit on a beach with a cocktail in hand, make sure you anchor down at Alona Beach in Bohol. After a relaxing day exploring the natural wonders of the Chocolate Hills and indigenous ancient architecture, you might be craving a different scene for sunset. There’s no need to move islands, though. Just make your way to Alona Beach where all your beach bar needs will be taken care of. Dine for two as the waves lap up against the shore just footsteps away from you, or pitch up a bar stool as the sun lowers in the sky and casts a warm pinky orange glow across the horizon. Notice the lanterns hung from palm to palm and the candles flickering in the still night. Gather round the driftwood fire or get down on the sandy dance floor; whatever you do, make it a night to remember.

Bulabog Beach

Not everybody can bear the thought of lying on a beach for hours on end watching the world go by and basking in the sun (I know – it was news to us too). That’s why Bulabog Beach in the Philippines is the beach to go to if you find yourself travelling with somebody who can’t sit still for more than five minutes. Leave your magazines behind because this is the ultimate watersport hotspot. Palms fringe the coastline and waver in the light wind, and the clear blue waters glimmer between the wave breaks calling you in from the beach. Ride kiteboards with the currents or whiz across the waves on a jet ski. Whether you’re a beach-bum or a thrill-seeker, Bulabog Beach will leave you wanting to get involved with the plethora of activities on offer.

Puerto Galera

Beaches aside, the Philippines is famed for its wealth of diving spots, and trust us – there’s a few. Our favourite is Puerto Galera; floating in the province of Oriental Mindoro, its towering limestone tree-studded mountains shield the golden sandy bay, providing the perfect haven for a morning of beach bumming. As the afternoon soon comes round, the beach comes into its own. Translating as the ‘Port of Galleons’, dive from the shores and discover the underwater shipwrecked canyons adorned with coral of every shape and sea life of every colour.