When it comes to beaches, Philippines never run out of it! Occupying the second largest chunk in the Philippine Archipelago, Mindanao is a beach haven itself wherein most of its fine beaches are untouched by commercialism. If you are seeking for a beach getaway in cloistered areas or simply exploring the richness of Mindanao, here’s a rundown of its Ten Best Beaches to guide you through your quest:
Dako Island in Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has been the host to numerous surfing contests enticing in both local and foreign surfers. Aside from its famous waves, Siargao is as well a haven for white sandy beaches, numerous islets, abundant marine life, mangroves and caves. Of the many islands found in Siargao, Dako is the largest (Dako is the Visayan term for large). Unlike the Naked Island, Dako Island grows coconut trees and some cottages so island hoppers can really enjoy its pure white sand and clear blue waters. More Photos here: Dako Island: One of the Best Beaches in the Philippines
Dakak Beach Resort, Dapitan City, ZaNorte
A diving mecca found in Northern Zamboanga in Mindanao, Dakak Park and Beach Resort offers visitors and diving enthusiasts with not only copious coral reefs with thriving tropical marine life, but also a sanctuary of native plants and animals. The sprawling 15 hectares of wooded land makes it an ideal getaway because of its well-preserved white sandy beach with a nearly perfect season as it is well-surrounded with large islands shielding it from typhoons. More Photos here: Dakak Beach Resort in Dapitan, ZaNorte
Samal Island, Davao del Norte
It’s a sure thing that when people visit Davao, they’ll definitely include island hopping in Samal as their itinerary. Samal Island has become a highly visited place in Mindanao as it offers spectators with what beach bums would love to see – White Sandy Beach! Isla Reta, an island found in Talicud, IGACOS is rather a quiet retreat where one can purely have just fun and relaxation. Its crystal clear turquoise waters are like mirrors that show reflection of the sanctuary below while the white sand shores gives you the comfort to simply sit and relax and appreciate the nature presented before you.
Sta.Cruz Island, Zamboanga City
White sand beaches are pretty much common, right? But a pink sand beach is.. unique and boldly beautiful! The Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands are simply amazing not only because it is as well a diving mecca in the Zamboanga strip, but also because of its unique pinkish powdery sand. Actually, the sand is naturally white but red Organ-pipe Corals break down mixing its pulverized form with the beaches’ white sand, hence the sand’s pink characteristic. More Photos here : Sta. Cruz: The Pink Island in West Mindanao
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Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental
A beach getaway that even in the journey towards it is already an adventure itself – that is what Dahican in Mati, Davao Oriental can be summed up. Dahican is a long-stretch of powdery white sand lining the deep blue sea. Aside from the picturesque sceneries abounding Dahican beach, it is also a haven for surfing enthusiasts. If a day-tour in Dahican isn’t enough to enjoy the beauty of this beach, then an overnight for a day or two more can really be a good idea. The Botona Beach Resort is a popular beach resort in Dahican wherein it features two European-inspired guesthouses for those who wish to enjoy the beach overnight. Other amenities include kiosks with tables and chairs fronting the beach and a restobar. MORE PHOTOS: Mati City Tourist Spots and Travel Guide
White Beach Malamawi Island, Basilan
A picturesque beach found in one of the secluded areas in the Philippines, the White Beach in Malamawi Island offers its visitors with shores that are filled with fine granules of white sand lining its pristine turquoise waters. The beach that has taken the top spot in this list is as well the best place to put on your snorkeling gears and see the bountiful sea-water creatures in it. Aside from your camera, snorkeling stuffs and clothes, visiting White Beach will need you to bring in a whole lot of guts given the negative picture of Basilan. More Photos here: I will tell my Mom I’ve been to Malamawi Island in Basilan
Britania Islets, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur
If travelling to Pangasinan to see the famous hundred islands is a bit expensive for you, there’s a cheaper and equally beautiful way to get the same feel as you would in Pangasinan. The Britania Islets in Surigao del Sur may not have as many as 100 islands but it has the same equally good-looking islets to brag. Each of the 24 islets in Britania Islets has powdery white sandy shores which may be visited up close by renting a boat.
White Beach, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
Known as the Boracay of Caraga, the White Beach in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur may be compared to the famous Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, USA. This unseen paradise is surrounded with Talisay and Coconut trees that provide shade to its visitors. The beach stretches to a long coastline giving travelers the chance to explore its wonder.
White Island, Camiguin
Visiting Camiguin will never be complete without setting foot on its Naked Island (Siargao) look alike – the White Island. Stretching to 1.4 kilometers of sandbar, White Island is all about sand and the water, nothing else! The best way to enjoy it? Swim, Snorkel, create sand castles, see the Bohol Island and Leyte on clear weather and see the tide changes (low tide to high tide). MORE PHOTOS: Camiguin Tourist Spots and Travel Guide
Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani
Isla Jardin Resort / Photo by Gay General
Dubbed as the “Little Boracay of the South”, Gumasa stretches its white powdery sand along the coastlines of Sarangani Bay. Accommodation is never a problem because the place offers plenty of resorts to stay, each with unique styles of keeping their customers comfortable.
Coco Beach Resort offers budget – friendly accommodation. It features Glan’s famous powdery white sand and crystal clear water. Its amenities include air-conditioned rooms, open day cottages and water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Another accommodation that’ll surely satisfy your need for a beach break is the White Haven Beach Resort which is only an hour drive away from General Santos. It offers water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Its amenities and services include family air-conditioned rooms, open day cottages, boat rentals and mini caves. The Rosal Beach Resort stretches on the same lane as with White Haven and Coco Beach. The resort provides its customers with a great way to spend their vacation with its affordable accommodation and water sports facilities such as kayaks, volleyball, skim boards and even jet skiis.
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About the Author: Kaiser Mangampo
Stan Cruz Island ( Pink Island ) Zamboanga City
Try visit SELINOG ISLAND in Dapitan City
MANTIGUE ISLAND AND WHITE ISLAND CAMIGUIN.. YOU CAN REALLY SAY CAMIGUIN means i will really COME AGAIN!!!
yessss ?
Samal island is so disappointing too costly and the beach is full of mud and rocks.
How about Gumasa in Glan Sarangani Province
White beach Cagwait, Surigao del sur,
ive been there many times the most beautiful beach i’ve ever seen.
Can I locate it in Google map
The best beach resort for me in Samal is Island Garden Resort! Love it???
I am from mindanao who fondly spend our spare time and money seeking beautiful beach around areas without fear of being expose to possible danger and so on…i feel that we lack the ability to market and explore the imagination of people or tourists be that domestic or foreign shores in so many ways possible ..out there especially coming from the government department!!
Good website. I cannot wait for the the other beaches like London beach in Gensan and many more in this city.