11 Best untouched beaches in the Philippines

Whether you’re longing to take a break from city life or simply craving the feel of sand between your toes, a beach holiday is always a great idea. And what could be more blissful than stepping onto immaculate shores, where soft sands meet the pristine turquoise waters of untouched Philippine beaches?

With 7,641 islands, this country has an incredibly long list of pristine beaches to calm and soothe you. Even though only about 2,000 of these islands are inhabited, this tropical paradise offers a plethora of picturesque beach destinations, making it quite a challenge to choose where to begin.

While some of these idyllic beaches have rightfully earned their place on the must-visit lists of both local and foreign travelers, it’s important to note that there are many other hidden gems in the Philippines beyond the popular spots of Boracay, El Nido, Coron, and Siargao. Countless islands remain raw, unspoiled, and untouched, mainly due to their remote locations.

Here are some untouched beaches in the Philippines where you can expect clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and tropical vibes without the noise and crowds. 

1. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Are you a sandbar chaser? Romblon won’t fail you. An archipelagic province with 20 pristine islands, Romblon teems with amazing beaches and other natural attractions.

Bonbon Beach is perhaps the most stunning beach in the island, located about five kilometers from Romblon downtown. With white sand and turquoise water, Bonbon is linked to Bang-og Island by a strikingly beautiful sandbar which is submerged on a knee to chest-deep water during high tide. The island also offers a beautiful view of Tablas Strait. Bonbon is privately owned, so you need to seek permission if you plan to camp in the area.

2. Danjugan Island, Negros Oriental

It’s not only the long stretch of white sand beaches that will entice you to visit Danjugan Island; it’s also discovering the island’s incredibly rich marine life and diverse wildlife. Not only that—Danjugan Island has five tranquil lagoons, amazing bat caves, lush limestone forests and dense mangrove forests—making it a great place to truly connect with nature.   

This 43-hectare tropical paradise in Negros Occidental is a protected sanctuary with remarkable biodiversity and terrestrial life. Owned and managed by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), the island remains densely forested, with less than ten percent of it developed while the rest is left for wildlife. This makes Danjugan one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines, as the island embraces a “low-impact, low-volume, high-quality and high-value tourism model”. 

3. Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Calaguas, a group of islands, is known as the secluded tropical paradise of Camarines Norte. No wonder this destination is among the untouched beaches in the Philippines.

Considered the most beautiful among its beaches is Mahabang Buhangin, a long stretch of powdery sand beach in Tinaga Island, one of the two major islands. Although it is now getting popular, it remains less crowded because of its remote location (about 8 to 10 hours by land from Manila, or two hours if you fly from Manila to Naga plus a two-hour boat ride). But don’t let the long hours of travel discourage you. When you reach the island, the long stretch of fine sand, azure water, and breathtaking scenery will embrace you.   

4. Palaui Island, Cagayan

This isolated paradise in Barangay Sta. Ana, Cagayan in the northeastern part of the country is all about raw beauty. It is home to extraordinary beaches with powdery white sand, blue-green water, volcanic rocks, rich biodiversity, and a colonial lighthouse at Cape Engaño.

The US reality show Survivor: Cagayan introduced the island to the world when they used it as the filming location in 2013. Note that there are no hotels in Palaui. Homestays are available, or if you want a more adventurous stay, go camping under the stars.

5. Jomalig Island, Quezon Province

Jomalig Island is a quiet, laid back, isolated paradise in the eastern part of the Polillo Group of Islands in Quezon province, making it one of the untouched beaches in the Philippines. Its golden powdery sand, pristine water, and stunning sandbar are all worth the long trip from Manila.

Among its popular attractions are Kanaway beach (its captivating sand ripples and rock islets), Alog beach (also known as mini Boracay because of its white sand and aqua blue water), Salibungot beach (a perfect combination of golden sand and rock formation), and Lingayen cove which looks like mini Batanes. Also, explore Jomalig’s amazing underwater and its rich, diverse marine life.

6. Panampangan Island, Tawi-Tawi

How about walking along one of the longest sandbars in the Philippines, on an island that is so tranquil, pristine and unhurried?

In the municipality of Sapa-Sapa in Tawi-Tawi, the country’s southernmost province, lies the unexploited Panampangan Island, home to over 3-kilometer-long sandbar. During low tide, the sandbar connects to neighboring Basibuli Island. Escape into one of the Philippines’ most exotic destinations and let your feet soak into its fine white sands while marveling at the magnificent views of Celebes Sea, with swaying coconut trees as your backdrop.

7. Tikling Island, Sorsogon

Light pink-tinged beach, anyone?

Arriving on the island after a 30-minute boat ride from Matnog, Sorsogon, you will notice that Tikling Island is not your typical beach with powdery white sand. It has a touch of light pink because of the crushed red corals that blend with the white sand. Its crystal-clear aquamarine water and breathtaking shoreline against the backdrop of coconut and other trees gently swaying in the wind make Tikling Island a tropical paradise.

Walk to the other side of the beach and explore the interesting rock formations. Accommodations are not available here, although you may camp for a night after seeking permission from the caretakers since the island is privately owned. 

8. Punta Sebaring, Palawan

On the southern tip of remote Bugsuk Island in Balabac, Palawan lies another idyllic beach retreat, Punta Sebaring.

If you are after infinite white sand and turquoise water in an offbeat location, then this is your paradise. Its charming isolation will captivate you. Explore the vast sandbar and let your feet sink into the soft, fine white sand patterned with ripples. Bask in the sun and stay overnight in a cottage or tent so you can watch the lovely sunset. Then wake up to the adorable sunrise in one of the untouched beaches in the Philippines.

9. La Manok Island

La Manok (La Manoc) Island, also called Isla Lamanok, is an unspoiled, uninhabited island between Cebu and Masbate.

Jump and run on the quiet sand, roll on the beach, swim on its calm blue water while no one is watching. La Manok has two tiny islands connected by a beautiful sandbar which you may enjoy exclusively with your group if you are lucky since it remains undiscovered. It offers nothing but its raw beauty. There are no cottages, facilities, and no entrance fee. It is about 45 minutes to 1 hour by boat from Esperanza, Masbate and about 30 to 40 minutes from Carnaza, Daanbantayan, Cebu.

10. Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Imagine walking, beachcombing and sunbathing on pinkish sand on a small island. Then snorkel or scuba dive to see vivid corals and rocks, home to a large variety of tropical fish. This beautiful sanctuary is Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City, just four kilometers off the city proper.

You can reach the island in about 15 minutes by motorboat from Paseo del Mar port. Note that there is no accommodation in Great Santa Cruz and they do not allow camping in the interest of conservation. What makes the sand pink, you wonder? It’s because of the pulverized corals with bright red or crimson-tinged skeleton, known as organ pipe coral. The crushed corals blend well with the white sand, giving it a pinkish color.

11. Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

For another laid-back and quieter escape, head to San Antonio in Zambales and ride a boat at Pundaquit port to Nagsasa Cove, one of the untouched beaches in the Philippines.

The boat ride takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes depending on sea conditions. Nagsasa’s grayish shoreline was created by the ashes spewed by Mount Pinatubo when it erupted in 1991.

If you love pristine environment and simpler beach experience, you will fall head over heels with Nagsasa and its unexploited beauty. Watch the unobstructed view of the breathtaking sunset if you decide to camp for the night. Many travelers who go island hopping in Zambales make this cove the last stop because of its lovely sunset.

Featured image: Bonbon Beach, Romblon (credit: Canva)

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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