Alternative Beach Destinations to Boracay: Where to go if Duterte closes BORACAY?

In a statement last February 9, 2018, President Duterte said "I will close Boracay. Boracay is a cesspool." "There will be a time that no more foreigner will go there because he will have -- when he goes back to the plane to where he belongs, he will be full of shit going back and forth to the restroom." The president also instructed and gave Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu 6 months to address the environmental problems of Boracay.

If this will happen, where will you go?

There are still a lot of beautiful beaches in the Philippines that we can enjoy. Here are some of my suggestions in no particular order:

1. Anguib Beach

Location: Sta. Ana, Cagayan

"What I like most about this beach is its uncrowded-ness. I love the tranquility of this place! There are no vendors or massage therapists that will bug you with their merchandise or services. We had so much time basking on the sand, get a tan and swim in the beach. It was so peaceful and quiet!"

How to get to Anguib Beach?

By Land: From Manila, take a direct bus bound for Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Buses from Sampaloc terminal leaves daily, check with the bus company for the schedule of trips. Travel time takes about 15 hours. Alternatively, you could take a bus bound for Tuguegarao City which takes about 10-12 hours; and then transfer to a passenger van or bus going to the town of Sta. Ana. Travel time is 3-4 hours and fare is around 180 - 200 pesos.

By Air: Take a plane bound for Tuguegarao City. From there, take a passenger van or bus going to Sta. Ana. Travel time is 3-4 hours and fare is around 180 pesos. Airphil Express flies daily to Tuguegarao City!

From the town center of Sta. Ana, take a tricycle (15 pesos each) to San Vicente port. Look for the visitor's center to register and to get a boat to Anguib Beach. Boat rental depends on the location and to how many destinations you would want to visit. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Anguib Beach.

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2. Malamawi Beach

Location: Malamawi Island, Isabela City Basilan

"Malamawi is a small island off the coast of Isabela City, Basilan. An "off-the-beaten" destination and definitely one of my favorite beaches in the Philippines. It has a long stretch of fine white sand that shines amid rich turquoise clear waters."

How to Get to Malamawi Island?

From Manila, take a flight to Zamboanga City. Upon arrival, go to Zamboanga City Port and look for the fast crafts going to Isebela City Basilan. To maximize your time, be early at Zamboanga City Port and take the earliest fast craft from Zamboanga City to Basilan. The first trip leaves at 6:45 AM, but if you missed this trip, the next available trip is at 9:30 AM. Fastcraft fare is 150 pesos per person and travel time is about 30-45 minutes to about an hour depending on the sea condition.

Malamawi Island can be reached by taking a passenger boat from Isabela City wharf. Fare is about 7 pesos per person and travel time is around 5-10 minutes. Upon reaching Malamawi Island, hire a habal-habal or a single motorcycle that will take you to the White Beach. Travel time is about 30 minutes and habal-habal rental is about 200 pesos (2-way) which is good for 2 persons. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Malamawi Island.

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3. Dahican Beach

Location: Mati City, Davao Oriental

"Dahican's beach is ideal for a one-of-a-kind, laid-back and inexpensive escapade with family and friends. There are no modern facilities or high-end resorts unlike other developed beaches in the country, but the superb view of the clear turquoise water with huge and raging waves and the friendliness of the people will definitely make your vacation in Mati City truly memorable. Mati's Dahican Beach is definitely one of my favorite beaches in Mindanao!"

How to get to Dahican Beach?

From Davao City's Ecoland Terminal, take a bus bound for Mati, Davao Oriental. Air-conditioned Bus fare is around 250 pesos, travel time is about 3.5 - 4 hours. From the town center, take a tricycle or a habal-habal (single motorcycle) to Dahican Beach. Fare is around 40 pesos each and travel time is about 20 minutes. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Dahican Beach.

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4. The Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island

Location: Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

"True to what I read on blogs, the beach is indeed gorgeous! The sand is fine with some crushed corals but feels soft and cool even under the midday sun. The waters were very inviting with its clear turquoise colors. I love it!"

How to Get to Sta. Cruz Island?

Trips to Sta. Cruz Island are available weekdays on chartered boat arrangements. During weekends visitors can join other groups going to the island to save on boat fare. If you wish to visit the island, you may go directly to the City Tourism Office in Paseo del Mar.

Entrance Fee: Php 100.00 per person
Terminal Fee: Php 5.00 per person

Boat Fees: - Php 1,000.00 (1-10 Passengers)

Note: The same rate applies in case there are less than 10 passengers. Additional Php 100.00 per person will be charged for a group exceeding 10 persons. If you are traveling alone or with a small group, you may wait for other passengers to share the boat fee.

Cottage Rentals:
Small (6 persons) - Php 100.00
Large (10 persons) - Php 200.00
Pavilion (15-30 persons) - Php 500.00

For inquires, you may call 0927-2835684. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Sta. Cruz Island.

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5. Halea Nature Park

Location: Monreal, Masbate

"It has fine white sandy beach that is soft to the feet. The water is calm, super clear and it is surrounded by lush greens, tall trees and towering rock formations. The white sandy beach of Halea Nature Park has gradually sloping seafront which makes it an ideal swimming area. Here, one could indulge into snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing, beach combing, or just about anything."

How to get to Halea Nature Park?

From Masbate City, you may rent a boat that will take you to Halea Nature Park. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Masbate.

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6. Carabao Island

Location: San Jose, Romblon

Carabao Island or Hambil to locals, is an island paradise in the town of San Jose in the Province of Romblon. Known for its pristine and uncrowded beaches with clear turquoise waters and fine white sand that can rival that of Boracay, Carabao Island is a must-visit destination in the Province of Romblon.

How to get to Carabao Island?

There are many ways on how to get to Carabao Island. To help you plan your trip to Carabao Island, please read my Carabao travel guide to help you on how to get there.

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7. The islands of El Nido and Coron

Location: El Nido and Busuanga Palawan

Palawan was dubbed several times as one of "The Best Islands in the World." As a huge province, it has a lot to offer and El Nido and Coron are just two of the must visits when you talk about Palawan. And if you've never been to these places, you're definitely missing a lot!

How to get to Palawan?

Several local airlines have daily flights from Manila, Cebu and Davao to Puerto Princesa City, Busuanga (Coron), and even direct flights to El Nido, Palawan. CLICK HERE for budget travel guide, more photos and information about El Nido and Coron in Palawan.

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8. Kalanggaman Island

Location: Palompon, Leyte

"I was at awe upon stepping on the island. The long sand bar that shines with the reflection of the sun surrounded with clear blue water is really so inviting! Dito pa lang, I know, we will be having an awesome beach-bumming experience on Kalanggaman Island!"

How to Get to Kalanggaman Island?

The municipality of Palompon is about 3 hours by bus from Tacloban City, and about 2 hours away from Ormoc City. You could hire a pump boat at the Palompon Ecotours Office, boat trip takes about 1 hour depending on sea condition. Please note that you have to coordinate first with the Palompon Ecotours Office for the scheduling of visit to Kalanggaman island. CLICK HERE for more photos and information about Kalanggaman Island.

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9. Maydangeb Beach

Location: Mahatao, Batanes

"From the road side, you just need to walk towards the white beach where you'll see stunning high stone cliffs surrounding the area. It has a stretch of semi-fine white sand and clear calmer water."

How to get to Batanes?

Local airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, SkyJet, and AirSwift have daily flights to Basco, Batanes from Manila and Clark. CLICK HERE for budget travel guide, more photos and information about Batanes' tourist spots and attractions.

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10. White Island in Camiguin

Location: Mambajao, Camiguin

"Located 2 kilometers across the sea from Agoho, you have to take a 10-minute boat ride to this uninhabited white sandbar with the picturesque view of the old vulcan and the majestic Mt. Hibok-hibok. This is where you could beach bum and get some tan. It is suggested that you go here early morning or late afternoon to watch stunning sunrise and sunset."

How to get to Camiguin?

From Manila, Cebu, or Davao, take a flight to Cagayan de Oro City's Laguindingan Airport. For here, make your way to Cagayan de Oro City and take a bus bound for Butuan City. Alight at Balingoan Bus Terminal and walk towards Balingoan Ferry Terminal where you could take a ferry to the island of Camiguin. CLICK HERE for budget travel guide, more photos and information about Camiguin's tourist spots and attractions.

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With an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, there are a lot of nice and lovely beaches around the Philippines that are also as good as Boracay. These are just some of my favorites that I highly recommend for you to visit if Duterte finally decides to close down Boracay - which I hope will never happen.

But whatever other people say, Boracay is still Boracay. There's a certain "charm" that only Boracay can give. Aside from its beautiful beach, the island vibe, and the party culture; the complete facilities, activities and attractions it offers are just some of the reasons why tourists keep coming back to Boracay. I hope stricter implementation of the environmental laws and proper waste disposal will be done in Boracay so that its closure will never happen.

ALSO READ: 20 Reasons why you should NEVER visit Boracay Island in the Philippines

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