The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southest Asia in the Western Pacific Ocean. Gifted with natural resources, it is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. An archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, it is categorized broadly into three main geographical divisions namely, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Philippine maritime waters encompass as much as 2.2 million square kilometers producing unique and diverse marine life and is an important part of the Coral Triangle. There are 2,400 fish species and over 500 species of coral. The Apo Reef is the country's largest contiguous coral reef system and the second-largest in the world and because of this Philippines is famous for its beaches with fine white sand, clear water and fresh air. It is ideal for people who are tired and stressed because of the hectic schedule in the city to relax, or merely just for fun with family and friends.
Since it is composed of different islands and surrounded by water, tourists and visitors have choices to where island they will visit.
Here are some beaches in Luzon:
BATANGAS
Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Luzon. It has many beaches and famous for excellent diving spots only a few hours away from Manila. Some of the more notable ones are Anilao in the Municipality of Mabini, Matabungkay in the Municipality of Lian, Punta Fuego in the Municipality of Nasugbu, the Municipality of Calatagan and Laiya in the Municipality of San Juan.
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| It has many dive sites that are ideal for observing marine life. It is also outstanding for macro photography. |
LA UNION
It is a province in the Ilocos Region. It is called surfing capital of the North.Pagudpud
Its white sand beaches and crystal-blue water made it famous. Filipino romance writers and other authors use this place in the
their work, making it more famous.
Aside from its beaches you can also visit, Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Beach, Bangui Windmills and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and have a picnic at Aqua Grande.
Note: In going to Pagudpud you can visit other spots too. :)
CAMARINES SUR
A province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region.
The beaches of Sagñay and Caramoan have coral reefs, and white and black sand beaches. There is the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex at the Provincial Capitol located at Cadlan Pili Camarines Sur.
While in Cam Sur you can visit Lago del Ray. It is a facility that offers family watersports entertainment including giant water slides, aqua wall climbing, water polo, water volleyball, kayaking, aqua obstacle course, paddle surfing, boat-towed wakeboarding and skiing, dragonboating and, of course, pure and simple swimming.
For more information about the province visit: http://www.camsur.com/
Here are some beaches in Visayas:
BORACAY
In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world's number one tropical beach.
Boracay's two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island's narrow central area. White Beach faces westward and Bulabog Beach faces eastward. The island also has several other beaches. White Beach is their main attraction. Tourists can also do kayaking, windsurfing, kitebording, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. in the island.
Usually held every January, Boracay is the venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour.
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Cystal Cove (See Picture at Left) is one of the island-hopping destinations in the island.
It is an isolated island between Boracay and
Caticlan.The main attractions of the island are its two caves.The first cave highlights smooth rocks and a pool that leads to the sea. The second cave showcases a small tunnel which allows visitors to view the coral shores which likewise leads to the sea.Before a certain person can enter the island one will have to pay a certain amount.
Seen in the picture is the Station 2 of Boracay Island. There are different hotels to choose from in Station 2.
D-Mall is also loacated in Boracay Station 2.
CEBU
Cebu is a province in the Philippines composed of cebu island and other 167 other islands which includes Mactan, Bantayan, Moalboal, Malapascua and among others.
BOHOL
Bohol is an island in the Central Visayas Region. Its neighboring provinces are Cebu and Leyte.
It is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches and resorts. The two most famous beaches in Bohol is the Panglao Island and Anda Beaches.
With an area of 80.5 sq. kilometers, Panglao is divided into two municipalities namely Dauis and Panglao. About 250 new species of crustaceans and 2500 new species of mollusks were found around the island. It is also famous for its diving spots.
Another town in Bohol that is famous for its beach is Anda. It is a municipality that belongs to the 3rd district of the province. Like other beaches it has also a crystal-clear water, clean air and white sand but it is not as crowded as other beaches in the Philippines. People who needs to recuperate or soul-search can have Anda as one of their choices.
Here are some beaches in Mindanao:
CAMIGUIN
An island located in the Bohol Sea. It is about ten kilometers off the northern coast of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao.It is the second-smallest province both in population and land area. It is only consists of five municipalities. A few kilometers off the coast are the two beautiful islands of Camiguin, namely the White Island and Mantigue Island.
SURIGAO
It is located at the north easternmost tip of Mindanao Island. And is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.Its surrounding waters and coastal areas provides sanctuary to numerous species of fish and aquatic life.The city's location makes it an ideal jump off point to tourists visiting popular adventure islands of Siargao, Dinagat and Bucas Grande.
It is also famous for its pebble beaches. Like the Mabua Pebble Beach which forms the northern end of a contiguous shoreline that includes the Ipil Beach. Smooth white pebbles and gray rock formations are its dominant features.
Another famous tourist destination in the province is the Berok Island. It is surrounded by vast mangroves as far as the eye can see, this small shell beach is accessible only by motorboat.
There is a choice to snorkel in the adjacent reef or explore the labyrinthine mangrove forest. Next is the Basul Island which is visible from any vantage point in Surigao. It appears like a lone
sentry at the entrance of Hinituan Channel. It is characterized by fine white sand beach mixed with assorted shells.Third is the Danawan Island. It is straddling in periphery of Surigao Strait just across Hikdop Island. This beach is rich in rare sea shells.
SIARGAO ISLAND
