With the sun prominently featured on the Philippine flag, it’s no surprise this country is home to spectacular beaches, Boracay being perhaps the most famous. This tiny, dog-bone-shaped island of white sand often tops lists of the world’s best beaches and draws in the crowds. Last year alone, it drew in 1.8 million visitors.
But with over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, many with their own powdery white sands and turquoise waters, you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re seeking an alternative to Boracay, here are seven white sand destinations where you can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and experience local culture.
1. Cauayan Island in El Nido, Palawan
El Nido, a municipality in Palawan, Philippines, is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and clear turquoise waters. One of its highlights is Cauayan Island, framed by dramatic limestone cliffs. The island is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with frequent sightings of parrotfish and clownfish even in shallow waters.
You can visit Cauayan as part of an El Nido island-hopping tour, which offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, or stay on the island for a more laid-back experience. The sunsets here are especially striking, with the cliffs and calm waters creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
2. Coron, Palawan Philippines
Like much of Palawan, Coron is famed for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s also a hotspot for wreck diving, with several World War II Japanese shipwrecks offering a unique underwater experience. Snorkelers can explore colourful coral gardens teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, giant clams, and schools of batfish at sites like Siete Pecados.
Beyond its underwater attractions, Coron features serene white-sand beaches and quiet lagoons, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
3. White Island, Camiguin
White Island is an uninhabited sandbar about 10 minutes by boat from Camiguin’s main island. With no trees, buildings, or shade, it’s pure white sand surrounded by clear blue water, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views—including a stunning backdrop of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
What makes White Island stand out is its shifting shape—the sandbar changes with the tide, so no two visits look exactly the same.
4. Naked Island, Siargao
While Siargao is best known for surfing, its islands offer equally stunning escapes, like Naked Island. True to its name, this tiny sandbar is completely “naked,” with no vegetation or structures, and sits amid Siargao’s bright turquoise waters. It’s often visited as part of the popular three-island tour, alongside Daku and Guyam Islands.
With fine white sand perfect for a barefoot stroll and shallow waters ideal for a quick dip, Naked Island is more of a photogenic stop than a full-day destination. Its minimalist beauty, however, has made it a favourite among travellers seeking simple, serene landscapes.
5. Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan
Stretching for 14 kilometres, Long Beach in San Vicente holds the record as the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. Unlike Boracay, there’s no dense row of resorts here—development is still minimal, giving it a raw, untouched feel.
Its gentle slope and calm waters make it a pleasant spot for swimming, and the length of the beach means you can always find a quiet patch just for yourself. It’s also an emerging eco-tourism destination, with locals aiming to preserve its natural state as tourism grows.
6. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a group of islands in the Bicol Region, with Mahabang Buhangin Beach as its crown jewel. This long stretch of soft, white sand remains relatively under the radar compared to other beach destinations.
There are no major hotels here—most visitors either camp or stay in simple huts—so the experience is back-to-basics and blissfully quiet. The waters are calm and inviting, making it a great swim spot, and at night, the lack of light pollution means you’ll get a starry sky show.
7. Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol
While Panglao Island has its share of resorts, Dumaluan Beach manages to feel less crowded than the more famous Alona Beach. Its soft white sand and clear waters make it a family-friendly spot, with plenty of shallow areas for kids to swim.
The beach is lined with coconut palms and small eateries, so you can easily spend the whole day here. Snorkelling is possible near the reefs, and there’s also a stretch of public beach if you’re travelling on a budget.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?
The best time to visit the Philippines is generally from December to May, when the seas are calmer, skies are clearer, and there’s less chance of rain disrupting your plans. However, weather patterns can vary between islands, and the country averages around 20 typhoons a year, mostly during the rainy season. It’s always a good idea to check local conditions before you go.
With its warm tropical breeze, friendly locals, and beaches so pristine they almost look airbrushed, the Philippines is a dream destination. While Boracay’s White Beach remains undeniably beautiful and popular for good reason, exploring other islands lets you discover equally stunning shorelines—and helps distribute tourism benefits to smaller communities. The Philippines offers countless ways to enjoy sun, sand, and sea—without following the same well-trodden path.
So grab your sunnies, pack your swimmers, and head to one of these seven white-sand gems—Boracay will still be there, but these spots might just become your new favourites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5G available with Philippines travel eSIMs and SIM cards?
Yes, the Philippines has widespread 5G coverage, particularly in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. As of March 2024, 5G coverage is available in most urban areas, though it may still be limited in rural regions. In these less-populated areas, your device might fall back on 4G for a more stable connection. If your device and Philippines travel eSIM or SIM card plan support 5G, it will automatically connect when available.
Is a Philippine SIM card cheaper than an eSIM?
A SIM card and eSIM for the Philippines is often more cost-effective than a physical SIM card, as it is a digital product that eliminates shipping fees. However, prices vary depending on the data plan and features. SimCorner offers a range of Philippines SIM card and eSIM options, providing flexible choices to suit your needs.
How many GB do I need for a day or week in the Philippines?
The amount of mobile data you need for a week in the Philippines depends on your usage habits:
- Light users (messaging, light browsing): 1 to 2GB per week
- Moderate users (social media, navigation, some music streaming): 3 to 5GB per week
- Heavy users (video streaming, large file uploads/downloads, work-related tasks): 10GB or more per week
If you rely on Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, or public spaces, you may consume less data. However, if you’re concerned about public Wi-Fi security or travelling to remote areas with limited Wi-Fi access, having extra data ensures a more reliable and secure connection.
What’s the best travel eSIM or SIM card for the Philippines?
The best SIM card or eSIM for Philippines travel depends on your data needs and budget. Choose a plan from a trusted provider like SimCorner that offers sufficient data and a validity period that matches your trip.
