photo by Zean Villongco
As the weather is going from cold to colder, it’s hard not to start dreaming of white sandy beaches and sunny weather with crisp ocean water lapping at your feet. Fortunately, flying to the Philippines can cure the autumn/winter blues and you’ll be relaxing in the sun in no time. And if crowds and screaming children aren’t your thing, then finding a secluded, quiet gem of a beach is even more of a treasure. So in the spirit of getting away and exploring the best unknown beaches in the Philippines, Uncharted Philippines is introducing you to a few of the most pristine, beautiful beaches that you have never heard of.
Get your selfie sticks out and your sunscreen bottles and head on over to the Philippines to visit one of these hidden gems of beaches.
photo by Leo Cuesta
Island Fever in the Calamianes archipelago
The Philippines has many islands, of course, and the ones with some of the best beaches are in the Calamianes archipelago. Specifically, North Cay, Pass Island and Bulog are showstoppers that are not to be missed by any beach lover. So why not sign up for a private tour where you’ll be able to visit these remote islands via an expedition boat.
Uncharted Philippines offers a Northern Palawan Snorkeling Expedition , where you’ll be able to enjoy these white sandy beaches, dive in the cool water to check out some of the most beautiful fish and sea life you’ve ever seen as well as spend your nights in charming beach huts to complete the ultimate beach getaway experience.
During this tour, you’ll start your island hopping adventure by taking a short hike in Coron town where you’ll get a killer view of Coron Bay before enjoying a dip in a saltwater hot spring in the evening. The next day, it’s snorkeling time and you’ll visit four different sites where you’ll enjoy swimming with Nemo and his friends before calling it a night in a beach cottage in North Cay.
Then, on day three, you’ll visit six, yes – six islands where you’ll explore caves, coral reefs, swimming, kayaking, basically anything beach related until you’re tuckered out and want to retreat to another charming beach cottage, this time in Pass Island. Then on day four, you’ll enjoy seeing sand bars and giant clams before rolling into day five and checking out the Skeleton Wreck and lagoons of Coron Island. The trip is then wrapped up with souvenir shopping in Coron Town on the sixth day before your tour guide takes you back to the Busuanga airport where you fly back home to share your memories with friends and family.
photo by Zean Villongco
Rita and Rasa - Palawan’s Best Kept Secrets
If you’re wanting more time in the sun and sand, Rita Island in Ulugan Bay and Rasa Island in Narra are also lovely options for spending long lazy days in the sun and enjoying the water. And you can enjoy both of these places during Uncharted Philippines’ Palawan’s Best Kept Secrets tour.
On this tour, you’ll get a great balance between beach and inland attractions as you explore rice fields, gardens, forests and hiking on days one and two. You’ll even stay in a farmhouse next to a picturesque pond where you can try your luck at catching dinner if you so choose. During day two, you’ll enjoy Cleopatra’s Needle which is the most bio-diverse mountain in Palawan.
On day three, you’ll visit Ulugan Bay where you’ll snorkel and enjoy all the bright and beautiful colours and creatures that the ocean has to offer as well as the promised white sandy beaches on Rita Island. If you’re lucky you’ll even see the island’s resident sea eagle. You will also explore Tagabinet’s limestone “Hundred Caves” before heading nearby the beach town of Sabang for the night.
On day four, you’ll enjoy being in a traditional Filipino outrigger boat as you enter the Underground River where you’ll see many rock formations and stalagmites. You’ll also enjoy a mangrove, waterfall and catch glimpses of indigenous species like monkeys, tree snakes and birds along the way. Day five promises more waterfalls with your visit to Estrella Falls before spending the second half of the day on the beach in Narra where you can swim, enjoy a mangrove or just relax in the pure bliss of it all.
Then on the last day, you’ll enjoy Rasa island a bit more with snorkelling, sand and surf but make sure to get up for the early start so that you can catch the migration of the white cockatoos that are endemic to the Philippines – a true sight to behold.
photo by Zean Villongco
Island Hideaway
Not looking for too much adventure but just want some great beaches, seclusion and peace? Then check out the Lubang Island hideaway . With options for a secluded romantic trip for two or a party up to four can be arranged on the Lubang Island. Expect to be mesmerized by the white sandy beach, the crisp cool ocean and dramatic cliffs that are photo-worthy during your stay.
You’ll be staying in one of the guest cottages and you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of your stay package. No need to worry about tourists here as there is little marketing and touring infrastructure which makes it truly the place to pop the question or go through the ultimate digital detox.
If you’re looking for more adventure, you can also use a boat to go to nearby islands and explore. However, most people who stay just like to take it easy and enjoy the beauty of unaltered nature and life. Typical stay starts at three days but can be extended. Reach out to an Uncharted Philippines representative today to inquire about securing this gem for your next holiday.
photo by Zean Villongco
Let’s Make a Plan
It’s only going to get colder outside so if you’re dreaming of sun and surf, then the time to book is now. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a place to plant and relax without any interruption, Uncharted Philippines can match you with the perfect group or custom tour package that will fit your needs and get you home feeling rejuvenated and renewed.