tip of the day SAT 31 JUL 10
Maintain a balance in your romantic relationship. Show your man that you need him but don't be clingy. SEE ALL
aries / MAR 21 - APR 19 /
If you ignore someone’s good intentions, it could put a damper on his or her spirits, ...more
taurus / APR 20 - MAY 20 /
A great way to snap out of your daze today is to read or watch something ...more
gemini / MAY 21 - JUN 21 /
Learning new things which are strange and wonderful may appeal to you today, Gemini. Funny conversations ...more
cancer / JUN 22 - JUL 22 /
You may like studying mysterious things today, Cancer. You'll want to try a different kind of ...more
leo / JUL 23 - AUG 22 /
You may talk freely today, Leo, but you may also have a certain secretive side. It ...more
virgo / AUG 23 - SEP 22 /
Get-togethers with friends may prove enjoyable today, Virgo, but if they’re not witty enough to appreciate ...more
libra / SEP 23 - OCT 22 /
A good walk during an outdoor excursion may prove beneficial for exercise and learning, Libra. Ask ...more
scorpio / OCT 23 - NOV 21 /
You may put on a good show in public today, Scorpio. If showbiz or theater is ...more
sagittarius / NOV 22 - DEC 21 /
The stage may be pretty attractive to you today, Sagittarius. Whether it’s a real stage or ...more
capricorn / DEC 22 - JAN 19 /
If you enjoy being on stage, Capricorn, why not do a little number for that special ...more
aquarius / JAN 20 - FEB 18 /
You may be more lenient today toward someone you usually turn away, Aquarius. Even that pesky ...more
pisces / FEB 19 - MAR 20 /
Forgetfulness could creep up on you today, Aquarius. It may be best to write a to-do ...more
March 09, 2010

Beyond Boracay: 5 Philippine Beaches You Should Visit

Pristine white beaches and dramatic sunsets are not restricted to Boracay shores. FN suggests 5 local non-Bora beach destinations for the summer. By Gia Recio
36 Comments
Add Yours
With the gradual decline of the post-Christmas chill and the onset of clear, arid afternoons without a trace of rainfall, there’s no doubt that beach season is just around the corner. The next couple of months will definitely find most of us packing our bags and going off to the beach, where we can languish in the toasty summer heat, savor the cool blue waters on our skin, and let the warm salty breeze softly tousle our hair.

Summer is indeed the most ideal time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a couple of days or weeks in seaside havens safely tucked away in the corners, tips and small towns of the country—havens with powder-white shores fringed with trees and kissed by brine the color of cobalt and emerald.

Moreover, although the island of Boracay indeed remains one of the hottest go-to destinations this summer, there are a plethora of other beautiful shorelines around the Philippines that could serve as an idyllic getaway for you, especially if you would prefer a more tranquil and rustic beach experience over the exciting crowd and intense nightlife that Boracay guarantees. When planning your itinerary this season, you might want to consider visiting these five exquisite beaches:


5_non_bora_beaches_baler.jpgBALER, AURORA

Besides being the oldest municipality of Aurora Province and having been popularized by the fairly recent local film bearing the same name, Baler is also the perfect destination for those who love to surf, especially since its expansive coastline opens up to the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the season, the waters can shift from small, undulating waves to powerful swells nine feet high. You’ll definitely enjoy riding the crest of Baler’s high waters, especially at Sabang Beach and Cemento Beach. You can even take a few lessons from the local surfers, who are very welcoming of tourists and those eager to learn. Apart from being a nirvana for surfers, Baler has must-see historical sites such as the Baler Catholic Church and Quezon Park. You might also want to visit the nearby islands of Aniao, Dimadimalangat, and Lukso-lukso, which are renowned for their lovely coral beds, or have breakfast and lunch at the Dicaloyungan Picnic Zone.  


5_non_bora_beaches_bantayan.jpgBANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU

Bantayan Island, which is one of the clustered islands nestled at the northern part of Cebu island, has gained repute for its crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Its pastoral charm untouched by modernity, this island is a wonderful spot to escape from the world and enjoy the sea at its best. When the afternoon wanes and the sky turns red-gold, watch the breathtaking sunset as you take a walk down the Bantayan coast. The peaceful atmosphere of this tropical paradise just a few hours away from the Queen City of the South is also complimented by the company of friendly, smiling townsfolk. If you get the chance to visit the islands during Holy Week, you might even witness the Lenten procession held at the town center.  
Page 1 of 2

[ 1 ] 2
36 COMMENTS / Add Yours
  • get ready for a fun fun summer! :)
    by angeLmina on 2010-03-09 14:16:00
  • My dad's from Surigao but I've never been to Siargao! Boohoo!
    by Mary on 2010-03-09 18:15:58
  • BOO ME!! I haven't been to any of these places YET. However, hello Boracay for me this April!! WOOT!!! :)
    by Kat on 2010-03-09 21:11:53
  • I was supposed to go to Coron, Palawan with my mom this March but I can't because my classes aren't over yet. Tsk boo!
    by Karla on 2010-03-09 22:58:25
  • There are so many beautiful beaches in the Philippines.
    by Lourdes Espanol on 2010-03-10 09:20:27
LATEST Articles
MOST READ Articles
I Spy: 25 Sexy Spies from TV and Movies
Salt is showing this week! FN pays homage to the great (and sexy) spies of the boob tube and silver screen.    2
FN Flick Picks: 20 Kickass Movie Heroines
It’s time female heroes took the spotlight; these women know several ways to bring the men around them to their knees.    7
Online Pick-Me-Ups: 20 Websites To Make You Smile
Get a daily dose of the best medicine.    6
Destination: Historic Metro Cebu
These sights help us learn a little bit more about our national history, with a focus on the Queen City.    5
Louis Vuitton Trunks and Toys Exhibition in Manila
Check out these antiques from the Louis Vuitton Museum.    2
Subcribe to win exclusive prizes and get hot FN news delivered straight to your inbox weekly!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT