For those who dream of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach, lovers of diving and Asian exoticism, a vacation in the Philippines is an excellent choice.

The Philippines is a state located in the Pacific Ocean on more than seven thousand islands that make up the Malay Archipelago. The relief of the islands is mostly mountainous, most of them are covered with lush tropical forests. The islands are washed by the waters of three seas, the Philippine and South China Seas and the Sulawesi Sea. In the north, the archipelago is separated from Taiwan by the Bashi Strait.

The climate of the Philippines is tropical monsoon. A feature of this climate is a large amount of precipitation, which falls during the period from spring to autumn. But in winter there is practically no precipitation, which is especially noticeable in the west of the islands of Luzon, Palawan and the Visayas. In the north of the territory typhoons are frequent and the danger of tsunamis is great.

Despite the not very stable political situation, the Philippines, whose beaches are ideal for relaxation and comfort, attracts many tourists. Any of the thousands of islands can serve as a wonderful resting place, for lovers of comfort and peace - wonderful equipped sandy beaches, for extreme lovers - a lot of opportunities for recreation in unexplored territories. For such people, the rainy season is not a hindrance. In general, the nature, climate, culture of these places are exotic for a resident of the middle lane. The largest of the entire group of the Philippine Islands are Luzon, Samar, Mindao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Panay, Leite.

The frantic rhythm of the big city will drive anyone crazy. Sitting at your next report, you dream of soaking up the sun on the seashore or ocean. So isn't it time to let your dream come true? Take a vacation, pack your bags and fly away from all adversity to where virgin nature, tropical forests, inviting reefs, mysterious caves, breathtaking landscapes. The best beaches in the Philippines with their characteristic Asian hospitality, they will give you an unforgettable fairy tale.

They are unique and not alike. They invariably attract thousands of tourists from all over the world, offering vacationers a warm caressing sea (water temperature 26-28 degrees), sparkling with multifaceted shades - from blue to emerald green, and dazzling white sand.

In the north of Panay Island there is the famous Boracay Beach - it is one of the ten best beaches in the world. The sand shimmering in the sun and the crystal clear sea attract here like a magnet lovers of swimming in warm waters, scuba diving and windsurfing. Only in Boracay and Hawaii can you see tiny, white clouds, huddled on the horizon in small heaps. In addition to water activities, Boracay is the center of clubbing. The fun continues here from dusk to dawn.

A calmer and more relaxed atmosphere is offered by Bantayan Beach (Cebu Province). Here you will not hear loud music, which is the constant companion of the noisy and cheerful Boracay. Only the whisper of coastal waves and a light breath of fresh breeze break the serenity of relaxation in this virgin paradise.


For a long time Palawan, despite the amazing beauty of its places, remained deprived of the attention of vacationers. Village houses, lost among the untouched wilderness, give this place a flavor. At the moment, the situation has changed dramatically. According to most vacationers, Palawan has the best beaches in the Philippines.

The island's beaches are popular with divers and other thrill seekers. An absolute favorite is Honda Bay Beach, which consists of several islets surrounded by coral reefs, crystal clear waters and soft white sand. The uniqueness of these places was also highly appreciated by UNESCO, declaring in 1998 the Tubbatah reef a world heritage and taking it under its protection. Whether you choose to swim in cool waters, explore the underwater world with scuba diving or sunbathe, Honda Bay will make a lasting impression on you!


In the province of Palawan, the resort of El Nido is located, which includes about 45 islands, as if ringed with marble rocks, which gave shelter to a variety of tropical birds. El Nido beaches like everyone else beaches of the philippines are incredibly beautiful. Among other things, this area is famous for its delicious and interesting soups - in Chinese restaurants you will certainly be offered to try Nido soup made from nesting places of local birds. Virgin nature, beautiful forests, sunny beaches, inviting reefs, mysterious caves and breathtaking landscapes - you will not find such a view anywhere else!


Puraran and Siargao - the best beaches in the Philippines for surfers - are on a par with the beaches of Australia, Hawaii and Japan. The most popular is Puraran, located on the Catanduanes island. On weekends, tourists and locals flock here to ride the wave. The beach area is limited by high rocks and stones. In the cold season, there are very strong currents in the sea and endless torrential rains. The huge waves of Siargao Beach, up to 12 feet high, attract the daring and brave athletes from August to March. The Siargao Cup Surfing Competition is held annually in mid-autumn, an important sporting event in the country that attracts participants from other countries.


In the Philippines, beaches are distinguished by wonderful white sand, which does not burn even at noon, picturesque corals and beautiful clear water. Tourists have the opportunity to combine beach holidays with diving and surfing. The most popular are several of the most visited beaches.

On the island of Boracay, everything is equipped for a comfortable stay; here is the most famous and fashionable resort in the Philippines. Lots of hotels and a beautiful multi-kilometer beach, blue clear water are combined with an abundance of free space.


Mindoro Island offers vacationers beaches located in Muelle Bay near the city of Puerto Galera. The beaches of White Beach and Tamarow Beach, Laguna Beach and Sabang, located in the bay, are excellently suited for beach recreation and diving.

Scuba divers and tourists who like to combine swimming in the sea with dining and entertainment will find the small island of Panlao near Bohol Island. There are many hotels on the island and wonderful places to relax on the beaches, you just need to be careful because of the abundance of sea urchins in the coastal strip and on the beach.


For those who prefer seclusion, the island of Kabilao lies to the west of Bohol. Dolho Beach, 2 km long, is ideal for divers due to its crystal clear water and abundance of coral.

Catanduanes Island is located very close to Luzon, where the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located. The beaches of the island, of which the most famous is Puraran, are becoming the focus of attention of the residents of Manila, who spend their weekends here. In addition, Catanduanes attracts surfers who are not afraid of strong currents, which are quite dangerous in the autumn.


Great places to stay can be found near the island of Cebu. There are many inexpensive hotels on Bantayan Island, so there are enough vacationers, especially since, as elsewhere in the Philippines, the beaches are beautiful. The beaches on Malapasca Island, northeast of Cebu, are world renowned for excellent diving for shark divers. And the island of Puo will give its shelter to lovers of solitude.


Beach holidays in the Philippines are attracting more and more tourists, thanks to the fact that swimming can be combined with outdoor activities, cruises, excursions, even air safaris. You can use the well-equipped beaches for tourists visiting the Philippines, or you can become the discoverers of paradise. The abundance of islands allows you to escape from the vagaries of rather unstable weather, moving from beach to beach.

Paradise islands beckon especially strongly when it gets dark outside the window earlier, and the thermometer falls lower and lower. Choosing a place to relax, where you can take a short time away from winter, bad weather and enjoy the sun, many turn their eyes to Thailand, Vietnam or Bali. The Philippines remains not the most explored destination, so today we offer an overview of the Philippine Islands - with prices and entertainment.

We went to the Philippines with a transfer via Hong Kong, stopping in the city for a day on the way back and forth, thus, having insured ourselves against problems if the connecting flight was suddenly late, which is not uncommon in Asia. Therefore, we had 2 incomplete days to inspect Hong Kong.

The easiest way to get to the city is by the Aeroexpress, which takes 30 minutes and HK $ 100 (about $ 13) directly to the city center. Tickets are sold in special machines. But if you are traveling with a company, it is more profitable to buy tickets at the box office. A ticket for three will cost HK $ 210, and for four - already HK $ 250.

A very beautiful view of Hong Kong opens from Victoria Peak. Here you can visit a shopping center and sit in one of the cafes overlooking the city. Victoria Peak can be reached by taxi or funicular.

Hong Kong ranks first in the world in terms of the number of skyscrapers. Having admired them from above from Victoria Peak, we go for a walk along the embankment of the business center.

In the Central Plaza building, the third tallest in Hong Kong, you can go up to the 49th floor for free and see the panorama of the city.

Every day at 8 pm, from the Tsim Sha Tsui embankment of Kulun Island, you can watch the world's largest laser show, which is held on the skyscrapers of the Hong Kong downtown. The easiest way to get from Hong Kong to Kulun is by a small ferry.

We decide to devote the second day in Hong Kong to an amusement park. We choose Ocean park, mainly in order to see a live panda. The park includes a large oceanarium, a dolphinarium with performances several times a day, rooms with pandas, an Arctic zone where you can see penguins, walruses and fur seals, as well as all kinds of attractions, an underground train and a cable car. There are rides for both very young and adults, but most are still designed for children from the age of six and older. The park is huge! We got to the park at one o'clock in the afternoon - and before closing it was not possible to bypass all the attractions and pavilions.

The panda managed to see only one, and she was snoring sweetly, plunged into sleep and indifferently turned away from the visitors. But the penguins led the audience - especially the children - into complete delight, amusingly rushing in flocks in the water in one direction or the other!

But on the rides, a curious detail emerged. The Chinese, unlike Europeans and Americans, restrain their emotions. So on the steepest "yellow" roller coaster with three dead loops, installed on the top of the mountain, I was practically the only one screaming.

Philippines. Boracay island

Boracay Island is considered the best island for a beach holiday in the Philippines. You need to fly to it through Panay Island - from Hong Kong with a transfer either in Clark or Manila. Panay has two airports in the cities of Kalibo and Caticlan. Small boats run from Caticlan to Boracay Island. If you decide to fly through Kalibo, then from Kalibo to Caticlan can be reached in an hour by taxi for 1,300 Philippine pesos (about $ 30).

It is most profitable to rent housing right away on the spot. The price of rooms starts at 500 pesos per day (about $ 11), and for 2000 pesos (about $ 44) you can take a suite in a cozy mini-hotel on the first line.

It is not for nothing that White Beach is included in the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. White sand, coconut trees, crystal clear azure ocean. There are no ocean waves here. The water temperature is about 28-30 degrees.

And what stunning sunsets are here!

Small restaurants with dishes of different cuisines of the world and SPA-salons are everywhere on the shore. A full lunch or dinner with fresh juices (no alcohol) will cost about $ 5-10. The average cost of an hour full body massage is about $ 11.

After sunset, the nightlife begins: bars, discos, karaoke, various shows.

For 2000 pesos (about $ 44) you can rent a boat for a boat trip around the island. The walk usually includes snorkeling and visiting the beaches of the island. From the Ilig-Iligan beach you can walk to the caves in which flying foxes live. We could not get into the cave: the road to it is on the land, which is a private property, and on that day it was closed. But we still looked at the flying foxes: a large colony is visible right from the boat, settled in several trees.

If you are traveling with a small child, be sure to visit the small zoo near the first station on White Beach. There are very few inhabitants of the zoo, but most of the animals, birds and insects can be picked up and photographed with them. The ticket costs 150 pesos (about $ 3.5).

Bohol and Panglau islands

Further from Caticlan, our path lies to the island of Bohol. We get to it through the island of Cebu, the flight to which takes about 50 minutes. Large speed boats run from Cebu to Bohol Island every two hours. The locals hardly speak English. Taking a taxi at the airport, we found that the driver also does not know the rules of the road, does not understand pantomime and is poorly versed in the drawings, where we depicted the sea, the ship and the name of the island of Bohol. During the trip, we looked at the commercial port, listened to how our taxi driver talked about something with the locals for about five minutes and, desperate to get to the destination, asked the driver to stop at the policeman who knew English at a basic level, and most importantly knew where he was the pier from where our ship departs. Despite the protracted rally, the taxi cost us only 200 pesos (about $ 4.5). To buy a ticket for the ship, I had to look for a ticket office, which was located about a kilometer from the pier. Later it turned out that a bus runs from the pier to the ticket office.

In the port of Bohol Island, at the counters of small travel agencies, you can not only order a taxi, but also arrange excursions and choose a hotel. At the same time, if the hotel does not like it, the driver will offer other options. The most beautiful beaches are on Panglau Island, which is connected by a bridge to Bohol.

On Panglau we were offered a hotel on the Bolod beach. The cost of double rooms with breakfast is from 1600 pesos per day. We looked at 5 hotels on this beach and chose Dumaluan Beach Resort with the most beautiful beach and the largest and most beautiful area. In the standard rooms, as it turned out not immediately, hot water is not provided, so over time we moved to a suite, costing 2,150 pesos, which, unlike a standard room, besides hot water, also amazed the imagination with a TV.

The hotel does not have its own SPA-salon, but for 500 pesos you can order an hour-long oil-body massage right in your room.

In the hotel restaurant overlooking the beach, live music is played almost all the time. In the morning (even at 5 am, when we got up for an excursion!) And in the afternoon, the blind musician played very romantic melodies on the piano. The cost of lunch or dinner is about $ 5-10.

Bolod is a very beautiful beach, white sand and palm trees. In the ocean, fifty meters from the shore, algae, sea urchins, stars and other living creatures begin. The sea is not deep at all. The beach is ideal for families with small children. The greatest depth, which can be reached on the sand, is approximately waist-deep. The downside is that there is a strong low tide on the beach - it is inconvenient to swim in knee-deep water, and it is difficult to go further - therefore, it is best to swim at low tide only with a mask. For snorkelers, there is plenty of space! At arm's length you can see several types of starfish, hedgehogs of various sizes and colors. The largest hedgehogs are about the size of a soccer ball. It is very curious to watch how they very quickly move along the sandy bottom for their daily business. We managed to see several small moray eels, strange-looking fish and even a lionfish.

The remoteness of the beach from local villages and resort towns sets you up for complete relaxation.

In the morning for 2000 pesos, you can rent a boat to the neighboring small island, where dolphins swim. There is also a very beautiful coral reef on this island where you can snorkel.

After the beach and snorkeling, we went to explore the island. On a trip to the chocolate hills and to the tarsiers (or, as they are also called, tarsiers), we agreed at the port with the same company that was taking us to the hotel. Renting a car cost 2,000 pesos.

Tarsiers (tarsiers) are cute funny creatures, somewhat similar to little gremlins. In total, there are about 200 tarsiers left in the world. We saw seven of them :) Tarsiers are nocturnal animals. During the day, they are firmly glued to a branch in a tree, on which a roof of leaves is built. Each tarsier has a nursery attendant who is ready to take a picture of you against the background of the tarsier's bulging eyes. Entrance to the nursery costs 60 pesos.

Chocolate Hills is an amazing geological formation - more than 1200 hills of unusual conical shape. The hills are similar in shape to candy truffles, and they turn chocolate in color during the dry season, when the grass turns brown. Scientists do not have a single version about the origin of the hills. For tourists, they came up with two. According to one of the legends, the hills appeared after the battle of two giants: for many days they threw stones and sand at each other, which eventually turned into hills. According to another version, the young giant Arogo fell in love with a mortal girl named Aloya, who did not want to marry him. After her death, Arogo was killed for a long time and cried, and the tears rolling from his eyes turned into hills.

Cebu Island

On the island of Cebu, we stop for a couple of nights for a trip to the whale sharks!

You can swim with sharks near the town of Oslob. Get here for 150 pesos on an air-conditioned regular bus that goes from Cebu a little over two hours.

Swimming with sharks lasts 30 minutes and costs 1000 pesos (about $ 22) per person. This price includes the rental of a boat, mask, snorkel and a life jacket, which is compulsory. An underwater camera can be rented for 500 pesos.

There are several rules for swimming with whale sharks: do not swim in front of the nose, do not touch the shark, do not swim closer than 4 meters from the side and behind, do not use sunscreen. At the same time, no one instructs the sharks and they are allowed to swim up and touch you :) An unforgettable impression when a huge head with a meter-long mouth, into which several like me can easily fit, turns out to be 20-30 cm!

In the evening we will stop by to see the most famous sights of the island of Cebu - Fort San Pedro and Magellan's cross.

Fort San Pedro is an ancient Spanish fortress, which is the oldest building in all of the Philippines. The fort was founded in 1565, and its construction took almost 200 years. Now there is a historical museum, and in a small courtyard of the fortress there is a beautiful park.

The second main attraction of Cebu is the cross, erected in 1521 by Fernand Magellan himself, who is considered the discoverer of the Philippines. Magellan tried to convert local residents to Christianity, for which he paid - he was killed by the local leader Lapu-Lapu. It is believed that the real cross, which was brought by the Europeans, is inside the cross that we can see.

The Philippines are ideal for a beach holiday: beautiful beaches, islets of wildlife, more than affordable prices for food, hotels and entertainment make them a very interesting place for independent recreation. We hardly met our compatriots (in Bohol, Panglau and Cebu we practically did not see white people at all!) And never got stuck in traffic jams. I think if in the future Russian travel companies launch charters here, the charm of the Philippines will greatly diminish.

The Philippines is considered one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia; they include more than 7 thousand islands in their territory. The local Department of Tourism recommends six of the best beaches in the Philippine Islands for a quality and unforgettable vacation.

1. Pagudpud Beach

Pagudpud Beach, located in the northern part of the Philippines, on the island of North Luzon (in North Ilocos province), is considered the longest white sand beach. With strong winds and powerful waves, it is a favorite destination for surfers.

2. Beaches of Mactan Island

The tropical island of Mactan, located east of the province of Cebu and connected to the city by two bridges, is one of the most visited in the entire province. Here you will find numerous exclusive hotels, resorts with beautiful beaches, shops, historical and cultural monuments, nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

3. Beaches of Panglao Island

The small island of Panglao, which is located southwest of the larger island of Bohol, is ideal for diving and beach holidays. Panglao is famous for its attractions, including the mysterious Hinagdanan Cave.

4. Beaches of Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island is considered the most beautiful island in the Philippines; locals call it the "Garden of Eden". Among the many attractions of the island are magnificent waterfalls that form hot and cold natural springs.

5. El Nido beach

El Nido Beach on Palawan Island is famous for its towering marble cliffs that are home to a number of tropical birds. Also El Nido is famous for the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan. Translated from the Filipino language, El Nido means "heaven", so for the locals it is literally the island of the gods.

6. Pearl farm, Davao

The Pearl Farm is located on Samal Island off the coast of Davao City, in the southern Philippines. One of the best seaside resorts on the pristine island of Samal was once a pearl farm. Thousands of white oysters transported from the Sulu Sea were once cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, beach lovers from all over the world appreciate this world-class beach resort for its panoramic landscapes and whitest sand.

In addition to beaches, the Philippine Islands are famous for nature reserves, emerald rice fields, "chocolate hills". There are excellent conditions for ecotourism and outdoor activities, such as diving, parasailing, kiteboarding. Filipino cuisine is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cuisines: Malay, Spanish and Chinese.

You can get from Russia to the Philippines with transfers (for example, by flights of China Southern Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, etc.), there are no direct flights at the moment. A tourist visa is not required if the period of stay in the country does not exceed 30 days.

The Philippines has fully recovered from the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan and is actively grateful to the entire world for the support it received in this difficult moment. Now is the time to remember the rich heritage of the 7000 islands of the archipelago, in particular its white beaches surrounded by tropical palm trees. CNN has compiled a list of the 10 best beaches in the Philippines.

1. El Nido, Palawan

The coastal city of El Nido is the Philippines' last frontier and gateway to the wilderness. Of course, there is the finest white sand and crystal blue water, but El Nido's beaches are rightfully ranked first thanks to the views that open from its lagoons. Majestic rock formations, virgin nature, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and many waterfalls - a person's foot can go everywhere, and the view that opens is mesmerizing.

El Nido is also one of the best diving destinations - Palawan's coastal waters are home to over 50 species of coral, as well as rare species such as whales, whale sharks, manatees, rays, dolphins and sea turtles.

2. Boracay, Aklan

Boracay's white beaches stretch for 4 km along the coast of the island and welcomes travelers from all over the world. During the day, families relax on the beach, tourists enjoy water sports, and at night, along the beach, the lights of cozy restaurants and bars are lit up, which are open until dawn.

In the first months of the year, kite boarders and windsurfers from all over the world come to Boracay to take part in the International Funboard Cup. Strong waves at this time of year make the island an ideal pilgrimage destination for all lovers of these sports.

3. Palaui, Cagayan valley

This secluded island is a little secret of the nature of the Philippines. It is quite difficult to get there, but the stubborn travelers will receive generous rewards. White sands embraced by volcanic rocks gently merge with the azure waters of the lagoon, revealing the unspoiled virgin nature of this place. There are no hotels on Palui, so if you want to stay there for more than one day, travelers are offered the opportunity to pitch tents on the shore.

Snorkeling and diving off the coast of Palui will reveal to travelers the underwater gardens of the coral reefs and the richness of their inhabitants.

Among the rest of the beaches included in the CNN rating, such popular destinations in Russia as Bohol, Cebu and Davao are also indicated. The beaches in the Philippines are distinguished by white sand, clear ocean water and a rich underwater world, so the rating depends more on other opportunities opening up on the island, or the uniqueness of the local nature.

1. El Nido, Palawan
2. Boracay, Aklan
3. Palaui, Cagayan Valley
4. Panglao, Bohol
5. Bantayan, Cebu
6. Karamoan, South Camarines
7. Samal, Davao
8. Siargao Islands, North Surigao
9. Grande Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
10. Pagudpud, Ilocos North

Detailed information and news about the Philippines can be found on the website of the Ministry of Tourism (www.tourism.gov.ph) or the representative office of the Tourism Office in Russia (

The Philippines is a group of islands located in southeast Asia and washed by the Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its mild climate, picturesque nature, and mysterious healers and healers. Tourists and travelers from all over the world flock here year-round. They are attracted by crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and a rich underwater world.

The coast of the Philippines offers vacationers a lot of sports entertainment: kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, spearfishing. After an active holiday, you can with great pleasure lie on the wonderful local beaches, since there are no problems with this.

The best beaches in the Philippines

White Beach

The name of the beach speaks for itself. A five-kilometer strip of white sand along the ocean will not leave anyone indifferent from tourists. There are many reasonably priced hotels, bars and restaurants along the coastline. White Beach is rightfully included in the hundred best beaches in the world. But a distinctive feature of this place is a calm, cozy atmosphere and not a very large crowd of people (except for April-May, when school holidays begin). There are practically no corals here, so diving enthusiasts will have to take a boat trip to the nearest reef. From November to April the traditional time for the influx of windsurfers.

Honda bay

The bay located on the island of Palawan traditionally attracts diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. This place has only recently become popular with vacationers, so the infrastructure is not so developed here - there are very few shops and restaurants. Honda Bay is all about white beaches and picturesque corals around them.

Malapasca

The small island has only recently taken a place in the ranking of the best beaches in the world. Malapasca is located near the island of Cebu. The attraction is the vast population of local sharks, which attracts the attention of divers from all over the world. The best time to relax on the island is February-May, when the weather is dry and warm.

Bantayan

Bantayan is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from the island of Cebu. It is famous for its crystal clear water and the smallest snow-white sand. Bantayan is a relatively inexpensive resort. The influx of people here is quite significant, especially in the Santa Fe area. Those wishing to retire should go to the island of Puo.

Puraran

One of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. Capital residents from Manila come here on weekends. The resort is also famous for its fine white sands and excellent, wide beaches. Puraran is located in the rainiest region of the country, so the best time to relax is April-June.

These are the best beaches in the Philippines, but the choice was not easy. After all, nature has generously endowed the country with luxurious beaches.

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