4 Fantastic Beach Destinations Way Cheaper than Boracay

Boracay is a leading beach destination in the Philippines widely known for its white-sand beaches, 24/7 parties, and posh resorts. The island draws in roughly 1.5 million local and foreign visitors annually, and in the peak season tour operators are swamped with bookings for Boracay packages more than any other Philippine destination.

But, while Boracay is every traveler’s tropical idyll, it does have a few drawbacks. For the most part, it is costly and quite touristy. Fortunately, the Philippines with its myriad of islands offers many affordable alternatives to Boracay. Below are our top picks.

Laiya 

Photo via flickr by georgereyes

Laiya is a coastal town in San Juan, Batangas perfect for people traveling on the cheap. There are many low-cost lodgings here and round-trip transportation costs are minimal. The best white-sand beaches in eastern Batangas are located in Laiya. The area is popular for water sports like, kayaking, jet skiing, and boating.

Getting There

The distance between Manila and Laiya is around 140 kilometers. Traveling there by car or by bus takes 3 to 4 hours. By public transportation, travelers can take an ALPS bus in Cubao, Edsa to San Juan, Batangas, then transfer to a jeepney to Laiya.

Pagudpud

 Photo via flickr by ernettej

Pagudpud is a seaside community located on the northern tip of Luzon famous for its ecological and historical attractions. Saud Beach is Pagudpud’s premier beach destination. Locals call it Boracay of the north. Pagudpud is also a jump-off point to a range of attractions in the region including, the Bangui Windmills, Burgos Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rocks, Maira-Ira Beach, and the Patapat Viaduct.

Getting There 

From Manila it takes 10-12 hours by car or by bus to reach Pagudpud. Partas and Florida bus lines offer daily trips from Cubao, Edsa to Laoag City. One-way fares cost P800. At Laoag City travelers can take a mini-bus bound for Claveria and then get off at Pagudpud. The total travel time is roughly 1.5 hours. Traveling by plane is the quickest way to Pagudpud. Cebu Pacific and PAL offer flights to Laoag Airport which is the closest airport to Pagudupud. The flight is about one hour. From Laoag Airport, travelers can take a tricycle to the city and likewise, ride a mini-bus bound for Claveria. Laoag City is around 77 kilometers or 1.5 hours away from Pagudpud.

Katungkulan Beach

 Photo via flickr by joshwept

Katungkulan Beach is a small but picturesque retreat tucked away in a quiet corner of Ternate, Cavite. The beach is located inside a marine base although civilians are welcome to visit. There is an admission fee per person for day tours, visitors can also stay overnight. Camping is allowed on the beach.

Getting There

Katungkulan Beach is only 73 kilometers or 2.5 hours away from Manila by car. Traveling there in a private vehicle is the most convenient option because public utility vehicles are not allowed beyond the camp’s gates. On the other hand, travelers from Manila can still get there by bus. Saulog Lines offers daily trips from Baclaran, Pasay to Ternate, Cavite. Jeep rentals are also available, jeepneys can take visitors up to the camp’s gates and from there it’s a 2-kilometer walk to Katungkulan Beach.

Tingloy Island

 Photo via flickr by Kat Javier

Tingloy Island is a tropical sanctuary 14 kilometers off the southern coast of Mabini, Batangas. Once an off-the-beaten-path destination, Tingloy is steadily becoming a bustling tourist hub because of its scenic beaches, the most popular ones are Sepoc and Masasa Beach. Despite its isolation, Tingloy is home to 15 seaside baranggays. Most overnight visitors bunk at homestays in baranggays close to the beaches. There are no hotels in Masasa and Sepoc Beach, and Sepoc Beach can only be accessed by boat.

Getting There

Many bus lines ply the Manila-Batangas route from Cubao, Edsa and near Buendia-LRT station in Pasay. Travel time is around 2-3 hours depending on the route. Buses with a CALABARZON signage are the fastest because they bypass many towns en route to Batangas City. The fare is minimal. Travelers must get off at the Grand Terminal in Batangas and then ride a jeepney to Anilao or Talaga Port. The trip to the ports is around 40 minutes.

Anilao and Talaga ports are used alternately depending on weather conditions. From either port, the boat trip to Tingloy Island is about 45 minutes. Alternatively, boats can be hired for day tours, but note that hiring a boat to Tingloy can be quite expensive. From Tingloy port, travelers can take a tricycle to their homestay then trek to the beaches.

Check out these Travel Guides for more info on the coolest beaches to visit in the Philippines. 

If you found this article useful please pass it on.