A tropical archipelago, the Philippines is one of the world’s top destinations for anyone looking for a beach paradise. Local and international tourists are probably more familiar with our poster-perfect white-sand beaches, but the country has many other types of beaches to offer beach bums! We also have long strips of shores lined with colorful pebbles and sand with various colors and consistency.
So, what are the different types of beaches you can find in the Philippines? Read on and you’ll find out:
White-sand beaches
In most cases, the sand you’ll find on white-sand beaches are bits of coral or quartz pieces, and they make for lovely photographs, especially when contrasted with the deep blue of the sea.
Boracay and Palawan are two places that come to mind when locals are asked where the best white-sand beaches are. In Palawan, you have the choice of hitting either El Nido or Coron, both popular for their clear waters and picturesque beach landscapes. Looking for a more secluded getaway experience? Consider going to a private beach resort in Batangas, like Sepoc Beach, where you can enjoy long and wide stretches of fine white-sand with family, friends, and even colleagues from your workplace.
Black-sand Beaches
On the other side of the color spectrum are black-sand beaches, and you can easily find them in provinces that are near volcanoes. The sand isn’t exactly sand but rather tiny lava particles that were once part of a volcanic eruption many years ago.
Albay is an ideal destination if you’re tired of hitting white-sand beaches and want something more unique. It’s a refreshing sight indeed looking at the darker tones of the beaches complemented by the lush green foliage.
Pebble-lined Shores
The Philippines is also home to beaches that are streaked with pebbles of varying sizes and colors along its shores. Mabua Pebble Beach in Surigao del Norte mostly has white pebbles and is a popular destination because of the lovely contrast between the sea and shoreline. If you’re looking for colorful pebbles, however, Luna in La Union is covered with them and you’ll even occasionally see locals coming down to the beach to collect them.
Pink-sand beach
Crushed red corals and white sand combine to create beautiful pink-sand beaches which can be found in Sorsogon’s Subic Beach. You’ll not only enjoy the sand but the clear, azure waters as well. Looking for pink-sand beaches in the Southern part of the country? Then try Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga City, which offers exciting boat rides and plenty of fresh fish from local fishermen.
Rocky Beaches
Biri Island in Northern Samar is a fantastic example of a rocky beach. You’ll see gigantic waves constantly hitting this small island’s gorgeous rock formations and dragging the smaller rocks in and out of the waters. There’s also Valugan Boulder Beach in Batanes. The rough boulders spewed out by Mt. Iraya in the 1400’s were eventually smoothened out by waves, creating this stunning, rock-filled beach.
Muddy Beaches
Beaches near rivers often end up muddy or soft. This is because the river’s soil and sediment are carried to the river’s mouth, creating this muddy or fertile beach. Some beaches in Siquijor are a mix of white-sand and mud which does provide an interesting experience.
The Philippines is deservingly well-known for having some of the best beaches in the world, partly because there are many types to choose from. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, decide on a destination, and get ready to sink your toes into the powdery white sands of Palawan or even the darker sands of Albay. Wherever you end up going, you’re sure to get the full tropical experience!