These white sand beaches near Manila are just a few hours away!
These white sand beaches near Manila are just a few hours away!
When living in the tropics, summer is all year 'round! When the beach is calling, all we want to see is some sun, sea, and sand (white and powdery, please!). If you think you have to fly to Boracay just to bury your toes in soft white sand, think again. If you look closer, you’ll find that there are a number of white sand beaches near Manila, and they are as stunning as Boracay’s—and will only take you a few hours to drive to. No airports and planes needed!
Excited to start planning your summer vacation itinerary? Make sure you keep these 13 white sand beaches near Manila at the top of your mind.
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1. Patar Beach - Bolinao, Pangasinan
Source: Patar White Sand Beach Facebook
Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan is one of the best white sand beaches near Manila. The 5-hour drive is all worth it once you set your eyes on the scenic stretch of sand and sea that awaits you. Patar Beach’s creamy white sand slopes gradually from the shore—perfect if you plan to swim all day in the clear blue waters of Lingayen Gulf—and is also long enough for you to play a game of volleyball or frisbee with your friends.
Known as the “Golden Beach of Pangasinan”, its cream-colored sand reflects the golden color of the sunset, making it a wonderful alternative to Boracay!
Patar Beach, Pangasinan
Address: Patar Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan
How to Get There:
- Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay to Bolinao, Pangasinan. You may take the Victory Liner Bus or Five Star Bus.
- Once you reach the terminal in Bolinao, charter a tricycle to take you to Patar Beach.
2. Tambobong Beach - Dasol, Pangasinan
Source: Tambobong White Beach Facebook
You probably have never heard of it, but Tambobong Beach in Dasol, Pangasinan is known as the “Boracay of the North”. This hidden gem earned this moniker because of its fine white sand and turquoise waters (one of the clearest you will see) that will really remind you of the famed island. Tambobong Beach’s peaceful location makes it a great place to go beach bumming and just lay on the fine white sand or let loose in the crystal clear waters.
Now you know where to go when you’re looking for white sand beaches near Manila that look and feel like Boracay—and it’s only five to seven hours away!
Tambobong Beach, Pangasinan
Address: Tambobong Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales that passes through Alaminos, Pangasinan and tell the conductor to drop you off at Dasol. You may take the Victory Liner bus in Cubao.
- Take a tricycle from Dasol highway to drop you off at Tambobong Beach.
3. Hundred Islands - Alaminos, Pangasinan
Source: Unsplash
If one white sand beach near Manila is not enough, you have more than 100 other options (124 to be exact) in Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan. This popular travel destination is known for its lush green islands with fine sand scattered around the blue-green waters of Lingayen Gulf.
You can hop from one island to another and enjoy a number of activities along the way such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, cliff jumping, and even having a picnic. If you’re the adventurous type, you won’t run out of things to do here! But if you happen to do, feel free to just sunbathe on the white sand beaches of one of the 124 islands and enjoy your time away from the city.
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
Address: Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan
How To Get There:
- Travel by bus to Alaminos City.
- Once you arrive in Alaminos, ride a tricycle to take you to Lucap Wharf.
- You can rent boats there to take you island-hopping.
4. Laiya Beach - San Juan, Batangas
Source: One Laiya Beach Resort
Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas is the top choice for many who are looking for white sand beaches near Manila that’s perfect for a summer getaway. Its proximity to the Metro, fine ivory sands, clear waters, and luxury accommodations make it a popular beach destination for city dwellers. If you’re looking for a white sand beach for your next vacation, book a relaxing trip with friends at Cocoons Club Laiya. Each room is equipped with comfortable double beds, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, all inside colorful cocoon-type cabins perfect for barkadas.
Laiya Beach, Batangas
Address: Laiya-Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus bound for San Juan, Batangas in Cubao or Alabang.
- Then, go near the market and ride a jeep to Laiya and tell the driver to drop you off at your resort.
5. Burot Beach - Calatagan, Batangas
Source: Burot Beach Facebook
Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas is one of the best white sand beaches near Manila. It remains almost untouched due to its remote location and offers a unique kind of relaxation. Burot Beach’s sand may not be as white as that of Boracay’s, but its cream color gives it its own distinct character. If you have sights set on Calatagan, book your stay at Crusoe Cabins CaSoBe for superb service, comfortable cabins, and your own private slice of Calatagan with all the beach activities!
Burot Beach, Batangas
Address: Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus to Calatagan, Batangas.
- From the town proper, ride a tricycle to bring you to Burot Beach.
6. Masasa Beach - Tingloy, Batangas
Source: Masasa Beach Tingloy Facebook
What was once a secret paradise, Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas is now on every beach lover’s list. Located in the island municipality of Tingloy, it’s reminiscent of Boracay’s geography and scenery. The sand in Masasa Beach may not be as pearly white as that of Boracay’s, but its vibrant turquoise waters are enough reason to visit. The water here is so crystal clear that it glistens in the sunlight. Definitely one of the best white sand beaches near Manila to visit.
Masasa Beach, Batangas
Address: Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus going to Batangas City Grand Terminal at terminals in LRT-Buendia, Taft, Cubao, or EDSA-Kamias.
- When you arrive at the Grand Terminal, take a jeepney to Anilao and get off at Anilao Port or Talaga Port.
- Take a public boat to Tingloy Port or Masasa Beach.
7. Laki Beach - Mariveles, Bataan
Source: Laki Beach Facebook
Just 3 hours away from Manila is the untouched beauty of Laki Beach in Mariveles, Bataan. This virgin paradise has sand so pure that it shimmers in the sunlight, and waters so clean that you can clearly see all the way to the bottom. Its location guarantees that you’re far from all the chaos of the city and of crowded beaches, making it the perfect hideaway.
Here, you’ll get to appreciate the simplicity of the island life and just bask in the beauty of nature—powder white sands, crystal clear waters, and gorgeous sunsets. If you want to unplug nearby, book your stay at The Oriental Bataan, found within Mariveles for a comfortable and local experience. Now, that’s a white sand beach near Manila you shouldn’t miss!
Laki Beach, Bataan
Address: Laki Beach, Mariveles Bataan
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus going to Mariveles, Bataan. You may take the Bataan Transit or Genesis bus.
- Take a tricycle to Porto in Brgy. Balon.
- Once you arrive in Porto, rent a boat going to Laki Beach.
8. Puting Buhangin - Pagbilao, Quezon
Source: Unsplash
From the name itself, you can expect nothing but white sand in Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao, Quezon. This white sand beach near Manila earned its name because of its pocket of white sand tucked in a corner of Pagbilao Grande Island. Here, the cove’s sand meets the clear waters of the sea, and feels refreshing once you take a plunge. There’s even a small cave on the other end that you can explore and has cottages where you can have a delicious boodle fight with your friends!
Puting Buhangin, Quezon
Address: Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus to Lucena City, Quezon and alight at the Lucena Grand Terminal.
- From the terminal, take another bus to Unisan and get off at QRCB Bank (Padre Burgos).
- Ride a tricycle to Aplaya where you can rent a boat going to Puting Buhangin.
9. Cagbalete Island - Mauban, Quezon
Source: Cagbalete Island Facebook
Cagbalete Island is one of Quezon’s best treasures and has become the province’s top tourist destinations. This small island paradise secluded in the town of Mauban is sprinkled with fine white sand that fully bares itself during low tide and is surrounded by aqua blue waters. This unspoiled slice of paradise is the perfect getaway spot when you need some time away from your busy life in the city. It’s not only one of the best white sand beaches near Manila, but it’s definitely one of the best beaches in the Philippines—and only five hours away from Manila!
Cagbalete Island, Quezon
Address: Cagbalete Island - Mauban, Quezon
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus to Lucena City, Quezon and alight at the Lucena Grand Terminal.
- From the terminal, ride a van or bus to Mauban.
- Upon arriving in Mauban, take a short walk to the port where you can ride a passenger boat to Cagbalete Island.
10. Magalawa Island - Palauig, Zambales
Source: Magalawa Beach Facebook
Touted as the next Boracay, Magalawa Island in Palauig, Zambales is an excellent choice when you’re looking for white sand beaches near Manila. Just like Boracay, Magalawa Island is blessed with fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. While you’re here, you won’t want to miss its pristine sandbar, which serves as the perfect backdrop for your beach photos. Not only that, its unspoiled scenery gives Boracay a run for its money and is also just a 6-hour drive away from Manila. Relax in your own room and ride ATVs with friends at the Kenjul Beach Resort while in Zambales!
Magalawa Island, Zambales
Address: Magalawa Island, Palauig, Zambales
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales and get off at Veritas Road, Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig, Zambales. You can take a Victory Liner bus in Manila, Pasay, or Caloocan.
- From there, take a tricycle to bring you to the port where you can ride a boat to Magalawa Island.
11. Anawangin Cove - San Antonio, Zambales
Photo by Colourblind Kevin on Unsplash
Anawangin Cove is a breathtaking haven of white sand, fringed by majestic pine trees—a rare sight that makes it stand out among white sand beaches near Manila. Its crescent-shaped shoreline and crystal-clear waters make it an idyllic retreat for campers and nature enthusiasts alike. The sand, mixed with volcanic ash from the historic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo gives the beach its distinctive charm.
Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Address: Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales
How to Get There:
- Take a bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales, and alight at San Antonio town proper.
- From there, ride a tricycle to Pundaquit, where you can hire a boat to Anawangin Cove.
12. Nagsasa Cove - San Antonio, Zambales
Photo by Ehmir Bautista on Unsplash
Nagsasa Cove, a quieter alternative to Anawangin Cove, is another white sand beach near Manila with a backdrop of lush mountains and pine trees. This serene cove, with its clear waters and peaceful vibe, is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Whether you’re taking a refreshing swim, gliding across the water in a kayak, or simply basking in the sun on the soft sand, there’s something for everyone.
Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
Address: Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales
How to Get There:
- Take a bus to San Antonio, Zambales, and alight at the town proper.
- From there, take a tricycle to Pundaquit, and charter a boat to Nagsasa Cove.
13. Matabungkay Beach - Lian Batangas
Source: Matabungkay Beach Hotel Website
Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas, is a classic favorite as it’s only a few hours away from the Metro. Known for its golden-white sand beach near Manila, its popular activities include bamboo rafting, water sports, and beachside picnics. With plenty of resorts and local eateries nearby, it’s a convenient and delightful escape for families and friends.
Matabungkay Beach, Lian, Batangas
Address: Barangay Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas, Philippines.
How To Get There:
- Ride a bus going to Nasugbu or Calatagan, Batangas. Drop off Lian town proper.
- Ride a tricycle going to Matabungkay beach.
