If you find Boracay or El Nido too crowded for your liking, explore and uncover underrated beaches in the Philippines. With over 7,600 islands, you won’t run out of sand and sea. Visiting lesser-known beaches has its own advantages, like little to no crowds, a cleaner and more tranquil environment, and opportunities to support the local community. It also gives you a more authentic and intimate travel experience compared to what you get in established tourist spots.
No matter where you are in the country, its best-kept secrets are waiting to be revealed. Here are a few of the most picturesque beaches in the Philippines that can rejuvenate your spirits.
12 Beautiful and Underrated Beaches in the Philippines You Must Add to Your Bucket List
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Malabrigo Beach (Lobo, Batangas)
The town of Lobo is situated less than two hours away from the Batangas Port, and is home to some of the most underrated beaches in the Philippines. Malabrigo Beach is filled with all shapes and sizes of pebbles, while the water itself is calm and crystal clear. Make sure to stop by the Malabrigo Lighthouse, a well-preserved structure that dates back to the 17th century Spanish colonial period.
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Binucot Beach (Ferrol, Romblon)
Photo by LeventPhotography via Turismo ng Romblon on Facebook
Romblon Islands boast several beautiful beaches in the Philippines, where you can chase the majestic sunset, free dive, and play in the powdery white sand. That is exactly what Binucot Beach on Tablas Island has to offer. This underrated seaside getaway is also a fish and turtle sanctuary, making it an ideal destination for snorkelers and divers. It rarely gets crowded, so you can spend an intimate vacation with your partner or family.
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Cresta de Gallo Island (Sibuyan Island, Romblon)
You can find the paradise of Cresta de Gallo off the coast of Sibuyan. It takes an hour to reach the place by boat, but the trip is worthwhile. Expect to be greeted by a pristine, powder-white sandbar, which connects two rocks together, and a spectacular expanse of turquoise sea. Visitors have claimed that Cresta de Gallo is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.
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Pocanil Beach Resort (San Pedro, Oriental Mindoro)
Photo by PEP.ph
In the small town of Bulalacao lies the so-called ‘El Nido’ of Mindoro. Pocanil Beach boasts a majestic rock formation, groups of mangrove trees, and a serene view of the cove. Adventurers will appreciate the nearby Karambingan Islet, rocks, and caves to explore. Local tour guides can assist you in finding the most instagrammable spots on the beach.
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Tulang Diot Beach (Camotes Islands, Cebu)
Pay a worthwhile visit to Cebu’s Camotes Islands, and there, you can find the tranquil, secluded Tulang Diot Beach. Although a quiet, uncrowded beach, you can do various activities such as snorkeling, diving, and boating on its pristine waters. Its unspoiled beauty and distance from the busy city life is what makes this one of the beautiful beaches in the Philippines. It is possible to stop by this little island on a day trip from Cebu City or Ormoc City in Leyte.
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Lumpatan Beach (Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion, Iloilo)
Photo by Philippines Journey on Facebook
Find more astonishing rock formations at Lumpatan Beach, a unique seaside escape in Iloilo. Cliff diving and camping are some of the must-do activities at this beach. You can also take photos and walk along the narrow path carved into the jagged, towering rocks and end the day by watching the sunset and crashing waves. Not only is this one of the underrated beaches in the Philippines, but also a perfect venue for island hopping, with tours going around Agho, Igbon, Bagosipol, Botlog, and other islands in Concepcion.
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Danjugan Island Sanctuary (Cauayan, Negros Occidental)
Nestled in the waters of the coast of Cauayan, almost four hours south of Bacolod City, you can find Danjugan Island Sanctuary. Treat yourself to lush forests, challenging caves, five lagoons, encounters with marine wildlife, and of course, the pristine white sand shores that rank among the most underrated beaches in the Philippines. The reserve management also commits to sustainable tourism by providing healthy organic meals to visitors.
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Baybay Beach (Roxas City, Capiz)
Photo by Capisnon
Roxas City, the Seafood Capital lives up to its name and remains one of the beautiful beaches in the Philippines. This brown sand beach is home to several seafood restaurants and the city’s peace park. The quiet coastline is also a highly recommended site for sunset viewing, which will elevate your seafood dining experience.
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Piñahon Island (Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte)
If you’re visiting Dapitan City, consider making a side trip to Piñahon Island, a small resort isle in the municipality of Sibutad. Don’t let the rocky shores stop you from taking a dip in the turquoise waters. The place is furnished with dazzling white cottages, perfect for a picnic getaway with your loved ones. Note that there is no snack bar on the tiny island, so it’s advised to bring your own food.
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Vinapor Blue Water Resort (Carmen, Agusan del Norte)
Photo by Jay Bernard Quibic on Facebook
Swim in a cave pool that seems to glow in blue at Vinapor (or Vin4) Resort, located just under 40 minutes from Nasipit Port. The cave pool is the main highlight, but guests are required to book in advance at 500 pesos (up to 10pax), separate from the entrance fee of 40 pesos. The resort also offers a restaurant, as well as seaside cottages and cabins. Their accommodation is situated on the cliffside, offering a stunning view of the sparkling Butuan Bay, making it one of the unique beaches in the Philippines.
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Bitaog Beach (Rizal, Dinagat Islands)
Dinagat Islands is an underrated province north of Surigao Del Norte, and it offers some of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches in the Philippines, most notably Bitaog Beach. Its gleaming white sand and intricate rock formations are also reminiscent of Palawan’s, which makes it popular with local visitors.
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Mabua Pebble Beach (Surigao Del Norte)
Photo by Edward Delina via Phils.pride on Instagram
Mabua is a laid-back coastal town, bordered on the shore by a pebble beachfront. The beach stretches over 2 kilometers, housing several private beachfront resorts, restaurants, cottages, and small hotels. It is the go-to place for locals who wish to enjoy the sunset at a less-crowded beach destination in Mindanao.
Take a scenic ferry ride with Starlite Ferries
Prepare for your beach getaway by sailing with Starlite Ferries. With 14 ports of call all over the country, you can reach sandy shores on time and in style.
- Book your ferry ticket via the Chelsea Travel website or Chelsea Travel app.
- Pay online and receive and e-voucher via email.
- Present your e-voucher at the port when you show up at least three (3) hours before your departure.
- Receive your actual ticket and board at the designated time and pier.
- Enjoy the journey!
There is no doubt that there are so many beautiful beaches in the Philippines, but to stumble upon or visit a tranquil paradise that feels like your very own — that is a different kind of magic. Enrich your travel experience by gaining authentic encounters on your next beach trip.
ALSO READ: The Complete Tourist Guide for Exploring Panay Island Philippines
Starlite Ferries provides comfortable, reliable sea ferry travel to popular tourist destinations in the country, such as Batangas, Caticlan, Romblon, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and more. Book a cozy stay in one of our bunk beds or VIP rooms for short or long-haul travel. Browse our rates here and connect with us today.