Top 10 Beach Getaways Near Manila
Summer! The sun is blazing and glittering shores are calling. Ask anyone who’s been in the Philippines from the world over and they’ll agree that this country has some of the most gorgeous swaths of sand on the planet. We are an archipelago of 7,641 islands, after all!
For those of us city dwellers who want to escape the urban setting and bask in the sun even for just a few days, some of the finest beaches in the country are luckily just a few hours away. Here are our favorite shorelines just outside Manila, ideal for your quick weekend escapades:
- San Juan, La Union
Travel time from Manila: 5 hours via car / bus
A trip to LU is not complete without giving surfing a try. It has gained much popularity even in the international surfing community, and the entire town of San Juan comes alive during swell season. A lot of surf schools offer lessons and board rentals in the main beach break in San Juan. One of which is Fatwave SURF Resort, the beautiful haven the Calyxta crew went to shoot the gorgeous Amanda Fernandez. Beyond surfing though, you can check out the Ma-Cho Temple, a Taoist temple in nearby San Fernando City, or trek to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel. If you want a caffeine kick, grab a cup of El Union’s signature dark roast.
- Liwa-liwa, Zambales
Travel Time from Manila: 4-5 hours by car / bus
Coined as Liwa by its locals and constant visitors, this pristine strip of sand in San Felipe, Zambales, is the haven of backpacker abodes like Circle Hostel and Board Culture. It is also a relatively new surf hotspot where surf lessons are offered. When hunger strikes, you must check out Mommy Phoebe’s, a popular carinderia-style resting spot walking distance from the beach and partake of their scrumptious bagnet.
- Laiya, Batangas
Travel Time from Manila: 3 hours by car or by bus
This stretch of shore in San Juan, Batangas, is one of the most accessible beachfronts from Manila. If you’re in the mood for a quick and affordable day trip or overnight stay, you can check out La Luz Beach Resort, with its pretty cabanas and yummy Pinoy buffet. If you’re up for something fancier, come stay at Aquatico and bask in the lavish amenities.
- White Beach, Puerto Galera
Travel Time from Manila: 5 – 6 hours by car / bus and RORO
If you’re looking for a slightly busier beach getaway, get on that RORO and make your way to Galera. In the daytime, you can enjoy the usual fun beach activities like banana boats, parasailing, and lounging about on the sand. The shoreline is peppered with various restaurants and bars, and once the sun comes down, the party begins. Fire dancers and drag queens put on a show, and dancing ensues. For the past eight summers, Galera has also been the host to the magical Malasimbo Festival, and White Beach is just a boat ride away from the festival grounds.
- Potipot, Zambales
Travel time from Manila: 6 hours by car / bus and boat
Potipot is a pristine island on the northern edge of Zambales with white sand on its shoreline. It is accessible by boat from the town of Candelaria. It is so free from commercialization that there aren’t any resorts or even convenience stores located on the island itself. Best to stay at one of the resorts in Candelaria, then go for a day trip to the island. If you’re more adventurous, pitch a tent and stay overnight. This one’s for you if you’re in search for an ultimate serene getaway.
- Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Travel time from Manila: 4 hours by car / bus and boat
Anawangin Cove is another perfect camping spot for you. This cove is accessible via boat from Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales. It has toilets and showers, but is otherwise very bare, so be sure to bring all your camping gear, food, and toiletries. There are no resorts and electricity here, which can be an exciting thing if you’re up for some “Survivor” style adventure. Also, the immaculate shoreline and crystal clear waters are totally worth the trip.
- Baler, Quezon
Travel time from Manila: 5 hours by car / bus
A true surfer’s paradise, Baler is where some of the best waves in the country are at. Sabang Beach is the place to be whether you’re a certified surfer or a beginner. Besides surfing, you can also take a hike to see the glorious Diguisit Waterfalls, or climb Ermita Hall, the highest point in Baler.
- Tali, Batangas
Travel time from Manila: 2 hours and 30 minutes via car / bus
Tali is an upscale private subdivision by the beach in Nasugbu, Batangas, known for its fabulous beach houses, most of which are up for rent. You can book most of them online, and are they perfect for big barkada groups, company outings, or family vacays! Bonus if you score the ones right by the shoreline. For added action, conquer your fear of heights and jump off the famed Tali cliff.
- Anilao, Batangas
Travel time from Manila: 3 hours via car / bus
Diving and snorkeling are the top activities Anilao has to offer. Divers love escaping the city to explore its clear waters filled with diverse marine life. The beach itself is a bit rocky and not ideal for casual swimming, so if you’re not into diving you might want to book a resort with a pool. Fear not for Anilao has quite a selection of beautiful resorts with luxurious amenities like good food and massages.
- Las Casas Filipinas, Bataan
Travel time from Manila: 3 hours and 30 minutes hours via car / bus
Beyond the lovely patch of sand where you can lounge and sunbathe, Las Casas is known for its collection of Spanish-era heritage houses that were transported brick-by-brick from different parts of the country and restored in their original form. One can explore the marvelous structures, ridecalesas around the village, and splash around on the zipline.
Text by: Yasha Barretto