Tourists flock to the more popular beaches in the country like Boracay and Coron, but for the true beach buff, nothing compares to the peaceful pull of a practically undiscovered haven

Written by Patty Verzo

Special Thanks to Yoshke Dimen of Philippinebeaches.org

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF kerwin p. baldovino (buluan), philippine reef and rainforest conservation inc.
(prrcfi) (Danjugan Island), Tourism Promotions and development services division of zamboanga, department of
tourism (region 1), and monique buensalido (palaui Island)

PALAUI ISLAND
Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley

Located in Sta. Ana, off the northeastern extremity of Luzon, Palaui Island is home to white sandy beaches and coves, hidden waterfalls, and a beautifully rugged terrain reminiscent of Batanes. Although there are no commercial accommodations here, people can pitch their own tents and camp out on the pristine beaches. It is a sanctuary to over 90 species of migratory birds and a wide array of marine life. The place’s rustic appeal is emphasized by the centuries-old Cape Engaño lighthouse located on the northern part of the cape within the island.

How to get there
Take a plane or an overnight bus to Tuguegarao City, then ride a bus or van to Sta. Ana. Travel time is two hours. Take the tricycle to the San Vicente Port, where you can charter a fishing boat to take you to the island for P600.

CIBANG COVE
Calayan Island, Cagayan Valley

In April, when the Babuyan Channel is calm, visit Cibang Cove on Calayan Island, only a few minutes away from the Calayan town proper. There are no resorts, living quarters or huts, so bring your camping gear and revel in the purity of the nature surrounding you.

How to get there
Take a plane from Manila to Laoag then a bus or a van to Claveria, Calayan. From the Claveria port, you can use a motorized pump boat or lampitaw which you can hire through the local tourism office of Calayan. Another option would be walking all the way to the beach from the port, which will take you about an hour

MAIRA-IRA COVE
Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte

Often called the “Blue Lagoon” for its beautiful blue waters, Maira-ira Cove is the perfect escape if you’re looking for seclusion. For an entrance fee of P15, you can enjoy absolute relaxation. There are virtually no places to stay, save for a few nipa huts which you can rent for P100. The isolation is emphasized by the hills that surround the cove, separating Mairaira from the rest of the world.

How to get there
Take a bus to Laoag, Ilocos Norte then transfer to a bus headed for any part of Cagayan. Get off at Gaoa, then take the 15-minute tricycle ride (P15 per head) to the lagoon.

BULUAN ISLAND
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

This teardrop-shaped island, located 2.63 kilometers southwest of Barangay Buluan, is part of a marine sanctuary—the only place in the municipal waters where both hard and soft corals remain intact. It was named the 5th Best Managed Marine Protected Area in the Philippines in 2009 by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN). Giant clams, sea turtles and coralline fishes have been spotted in its beautiful waters, making it perfect for divers and snorkelers, and anyone looking for a little piece of paradise.

How to get there
Take a plane to Ipil from Manila or Cebu, then take a bus or van to Barangay Buluan, where you can take a 20-minute boat ride from Palid Wharf. It’s best to coordinate with the provincial tourism office. Phone them at (+63 62) 333 2689.

GREAT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Zamboanga City

Countless beaches in the Philippines boast of white sand, but the Great Santa Cruz Island is the only one with pinkish sand, created from crushed red organ-pipe coral mixing with the island’s white sand after centuries of natural surf erosion.

How to get there
Upon arriving at Zamboanga City, visit the provincial tourism office on NS Valderosa Street since you need a tourist permit to get to Santa Cruz Island safely. For a fee of P800 for six to eight persons, you can avail of a round trip ride to the island with a PNP escort from Paseo del Mar (located beside the iconic Fort Pilar).

DANJUGAN ISLAND
Negros Occidental

Located in the Sulu Sea, west of Negros Occidental and southwest of Bacolod is Danjugan Island. It’s home to endangered birds, crabs, and insect and fruit bats, as well as rare flora, coral reefs and sea grass, all well-protected by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI). You can find all the diverse species around the island’s five land-locked lagoons.

How to get there
From Bacolod City, take a car or public bus to Barangay Bulata, then hire a banca to get to Danjugan Island, 20 to 30 minutes away.