12 Spectacular Sandbars in the Philippines

So you’ve been to Kalanggaman Island in Leyte? Do you know that there are equally enchanting sandbars in the Philippines that you can also visit? Here’s a list of the best sandbars I’ve been to in the Philippines.  If your personal favorite is not on this list, feel free to leave a comment below.  I sure hope to visit in the future.

 

BEST SANDBARS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

COTIVAS SANDBAR (CARAMOAN)

 

COTIVAS SANDBAR CARAMOAN

Devoid of luxury trappings, Cotivas is one of the most beautiful islands in Caramoan and it has a picturesque sandbar to boot.  The rippling creamy sand that emerges during low tide is lapped by navy blue waters inhabited by a good number of starfish.  A few modest shacks stand here which makes it a good spot for lunch during your island hopping tour in Caramoan.  This island was used for filming the hit TV series Surivor.

 CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET HOTELS IN CARAMOAN 

 

MANLAWI SANDBAR (CARAMOAN) 

 

Although we missed the vast rippling sandbar of Manlawi since we arrived here at high tide, we still enjoyed swimming in its placid, clear water fringed by rolling green hills.  A handful of modest cottages are sprinkled on the shore where locals sell tempting buko.  This is also a good place for picnic as your group can rent some of the floating cottages dappled here.

MANLAWI SANDBAR CARAMOAN

HOW TO GET HERE:   CARAMOAN TRAVEL GUIDE

 

 

 


 

 

MANJUYOD SANDBAR (NEGROS ORIENTAL)

 

Time your visit during low tide and see for yourself the postcard-worthy sandbar of Manjuyod.  This creamy sandbar  is a usual stop-over during the Bais dolphin watching tour.

MANJUYOD SANDBAR

 

HOW TO GET HERE:  MANJUYOD SANDBAR TOUR 

 

 CLICK HERE TO FIND RESORTS NEAR MANJUYOD

 

 


 

BULOG DOS SANDBAR (CORON)

 

This postcard-worthy sandbar connects Bulog Dos Island to Malaroyroy Island in Coron, Palawan.   The powdery Bulog Dos sandbar is lapped by turquoise, knee-deep water, and offers a beautiful view of Coron limestone hills.

Bulog Dos Island Coron Palawan

HOW TO GET TO BULOG DOS : CORON TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG

 CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET RESORTS IN CORON

 

 


 

WHITE ISLAND (CAMIGUIN)

 

The poster girl of the volcanic island of Camiguin is the more than kilometer long White Island. It offers a stunning panorama of Mt.Hibok Hibok and Mt.Vulcan. On regular weekends or holidays, expect it to be swarmed by day trippers who come here to bask in its emerald green and azure waters hugging its horseshoe-shaped shore. As the sandbar is devoid of cottages, renting a beach umbrella is your best bet if you’re seeking for shade. Otherwise, feel free to spread your beach towel, mat or sarong on its powdery white shore, and bask in the sun for a perfect tan!

 

Camiguin Island

 

HOW TO WHITE ISLAND:  CAMIGUIN TRAVEL GUIDE

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET HOTELS IN CAMIGUIN

 

 

 


 

 

VANISHING ISLAND (SAMAL)

 

While most sandbars on this list are situated in a remote spot, the Vanishing Island offers a view of the nearby lively city.  This gorgeous sandbar sprinkled with mangrove trees is situated in Samal, Davao del Norte known for its white sand beaches.

 

VANISHING ISLAND SAMAL

 

HOW TO GET HERE: VANISHING ISLAND IN DAVAO

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND RESORTS  IN SAMAL

 


 

 

MALALISON SANDBAR

 

Just 2.5-3 hours away from Boracay Island, Malalison Island like its more famous neighbor is hemmed in by scenic beaches.  Look for the sandbar with powdery, snow-white sand surrounded by azure sea.

 

MALALISON ISLAND SANDBAR

HOW TO GET HERE:  MALALISON TRAVEL GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO FIND RESORTS IN ANTIQUE 


 

 

SANDBAR ISLAND (PUERTO GALERA)

 

This tiny strip of land which is also known as Elizabeth’s Hideaway connects Mindoro Island to Boquete Island (formerly called Paniquian Island).   The turquoise water lapping its shore and the teeming marine life here makes Sandbar Island a favorite getaway in Puerto Galera.

 
BOQUETO ISLAND PUERTO GALERA
 

RELATED POST: THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO  GALERA

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND  BUDGET RESORTS IN PUERTO GALERA

 


 

 

PUTING BALAS (PAGADIAN)

 

Located off the coast of Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, Puting Balas Sandbar offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city. This stunner that rarely sees tourists boasts of golden powdery sand lapped by cerulean waters. Once your boat docks, watch in awe as flocks of birds – not used to the presence of people – fly off in unison and perform spectacular swirls in mid-air.

PUTING BALAS SANDBAR IN PAGADIAN

RELATED POST:  PAGADIAN TOURIST SPOTS

CLICK HERE TO FIND HOTELS IN PAGADIAN 

 


 

 

SNAKE ISLAND (EL NIDO)

 

As you might have surmised, Snake Island got its name from the S-shaped sandbar that emerges during the low-tide. It is situated in a remote-feeling spot in El Nido, Palawan dappled with limestone hills and smaller islands clad by verdant jungles.  Tourists need to climb a nearby hill (easy trek) for a bird’s-eye view of Snake Island.

 

SNAKE ISLAND EL NIDO PALAWAN

 

HOW TO GET HERE: EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE

 CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET RESORTS IN EL NIDO

 


 

 

VIRGIN ISLAND (BOHOL)

 

Captivating photos of the Virgin Island convinced me to visit this famed spot in Bohol.  But because it was off-peak season (habagat), the sandbar is not as stunning as seen on photos, not to mention there were tons of dead seagrass scattered all over. But it doesn’t mean you have to skip it.  It’s still a charming U-shaped sandbar with powdery white sand.  Recently, religious images of saints, angels and the Holy Family have been constructed here.  The Virgin Island is part of the island hopping tour in Bohol along with snorkeling in Balicasag Island and dolphin watching.

 

Virgin Island Bohol

 

HOW TO GET TO VIRGIN ISLAND: BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE 

 CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET RESORTS IN BOHOL


 

BALABAG BARAS (GUIMARAS)

 

For those interested in exploring off-the-beaten Guimaras, you can go island hopping in San Roque, Nueva Valencia.  One of our favorite spots during the tour was Balabag Baras, a sandbar in Suba Malawig where we spent most of our time swimming in its crystal clear water surrounded by mangrove trees and rocky islets.

 

GUIMARAS SANDBAR

 

HOW TO GET HERE: GUIMARAS TRAVEL GUIDE

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND BUDGET RESORTS IN GUIMARAS

 

 


 

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