BRB, Boracay!

With Boracay closed and the rainy season now with us, where else can beachgoers go?

With over 7,000 islands from north to south, the Philippines is teeming with diverse beach destinations that are frequented by travelers, rain or shine. And with affordable airfares available online, it doesn’t take much to visit the country’s tropical wonders.

Here are 10 beach destinations sure to satisfy your sand-and-sea craving:

Moalboal, Cebu. Dive in the crystal clear blue waters of South Cebu, especially at the island of Moalboal to witness a patch of tiny but dense group of fishes—yes, sardines—moving in perfect harmony. In an hour of snorkeling, you can come close and witness the dolphins and if you’re lucky, a whale shark (but hopefully from afar, as human interaction stresses them out).

How to get there: From Manila, fly to Cebu which is as low as Php 1,758 one-way economy fare at Philippine Airlines. From Cebu’s South Bus Terminal, take a bus south to Moalboal City Hall. From there, you can hire a tricycle to take you to White Beach or Panagsama Beach.

Sohoton Natural Park, Siargao. Siargao is indeed a popular surfer town, but what a lot of people don’t know is that one of the main attractions of this province is the Sohoton Natural Park. Located in the south of the province, the park features a 60-meter long tunnel passable only by boat during the low tide season. Within, you can discover the Hagukan Cave or the Diving Cave.

How to get there: Philippine Airlines now has direct flights from Clark to Siargao starting July 1, 2018 as low as Php 988 one-way economy fare. Van transfers from Sayak Domestic Airport are available going to General Luna where Cloud 9 is.

Deca Wakeboard Park, Davao. Apart from its famous Durian, Davao has lots to offer! Famous for white water rafting, Davao is also home to wakeboarding. Try your hand at getting through the obstacles at Deca Wakeboard Park, which features a state-of-the-art cable park.

How to get there: Philippine Airlines has flights from Manila to Davao daily for as low as Php 2,348 one-way economy fare. Only just 20 minutes away from Davao City, you may look for the Mintal-bound jeep. In Mintal, ride a trike going to the wakeboard park.

Apo Island, Dumaguete. The highlight of your stay in Dumaguete is visiting Apo Island, a volcanic island situated at the southeastern tip of Negros Oriental, where you can dive and freestyle with the pawikans and see them up close and personal in this marine protected sanctuary (but don’t touch or feed them, they easily get stressed!).

How to get there: Daily flights are available from Manila to Dumaguete via Philippine Airlines for Php 1,828 one-way economy fare. From the airport, take a bus to Zamboanguita and get dropped off at Malatapay. From Malatapay, there are boats that regularly bring tourists from there to Apo Island.

Coron Islands, Palawan. You can island hop in Malcapuya Beach, touted to be the next Boracay; Culion Island; Malaroyroy Island; and Banana Island known to be good spot for snorkeling. Coron is also known for its majestic “karst” limestones formations, which began forming 260 million years ago!

How to get there: Philippine Airlines offers a flight for as low as Php 1,288 one-way economy fare from Clark and Cebu directly to Coron (Busuanga). Upon arrival at Busuanga Airport, take a van to the town of Coron.

Anda Beach, Bohol. Bohol has a way of drawing you into its embrace. Aside from the popular Chocolate Hills, there are a whole lot of things to explore in this famed island. Visit Anda Beach and enjoy its white and powdery sand. Another spot to visit is the Cabagnow Cave Pool located in the outskirts of Anda.

With its rich blue waters that goes as deep as 12 feet, it’s worth taking a dip (or a dive) in the cave pool.

How to get there: Catch a plane from Manila to Bohol (Tagbilaran) via Philippine Airlines for as low as Php 1,948 one-way economy fare. Upon arrival at the airport, you may hail a trike going to Dao Bus Terminal. From there, take a bus or van to the town of Anda.

Lakawon Island, Negros Occidental. Visit Lakawon Island Resort and Spa, touted to be Negros Occidental’s secret paradise. Once there, be enchanted with the TawHai Floating Bar, believed to be the biggest floating bar in Asia. Sip some wine or beer while watching the sunset at TawHai (which means “relaxed” in the dialect). You may also find refuge in the stunning cabanas of Lakawon while getting a soothing massage or simply dozing off with the summer breeze.

How to get there: Flights to Bacolod from Manila via Philippine Airlines are frequent and only cost around Php 1,628 one-way economy fare. Upon arrival, take a bus to Cadiz. From there, take a trike to Barangay Cadiz Viejo where you’ll find boats that will take you to Lakawon Island.

White Island, Camiguin. The White sandbar of Camiguin is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Camiguin. Only a few kilometers away from the northern area of Camiguin Island, it’s the only beach in the area that has fine white sand. It also has an excellent view of Mt. Vulcan and Hibok-Hibok.

How to get there: Direct flights are available from Cebu to Camiguin for as low as Php 988 one- way economy fare. From Camiguin Airport, you may choose to stay in resorts 10 minutes away. From there, you can plan a day trip to White Island.

San Vicente, Palawan. Dubbed as the “longest white beach in the Philippines” with its 14-kilometer stretch, San Vicente is a budding destination in Palawan, seen to be at par with Coron’s fine white sand beaches. The beach stretches across the coast of Barangays San Isidro, Alimangoan, and New Agutaya. Now is the best time to catch this tropical paradise, still untouched by commercial resorts.

How to get there: Conveniently enough, PAL is soon opening a direct flight from Clark to San Vicente on October 28. From San Vicente Airport, you may hire a trike driver to give you a tour of the beach.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Located at the northern-most part of Luzon, Pagudpud is a sleepy town with a lot of iconic travel destinations such as the pristine Blue Lagoon. The ever-popular beach is an excellent beach destination for peace and relaxation since it’s coast is not populated by noisy bars. Not so far from Pagudpud are neighboring iconic tourist spots such as the Bangui Windmills, the Bantay Abot Cave in the east, and the secluded Maira-ira Beach.

How to get there: From Laoag Airport, Pagudpud is only one hour away. Via Philippine Airlines, airfare is only Php 1,728 one-way economy fare. From the airport, take a tricycle to bring you to the terminal. From there, take the bus to Claveria; this bus passes through Pagudpud.

Traveling to these amazing spots are made easier with Philippine Airlines’ affordable fares. Experience PAL’sbuong pusong alaga complete with snacks and beverages, baggage allowance, and comfortable
seats at budget-friendly rates.

Despite the Boracay closure and the rainy season, these beach destinations can satisfy your wanderlust.

Visit philippineairlines.com and book your way to your next escape! (PR)