The 10 Best Beaches Near Manila for a Weekend Away!

Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant city life, but what is the best sea beach near Manila?

Sometimes the city’s energy can be overwhelming, and locals and tourists alike may crave a serene escape. Luckily, the Philippines is an archipelagic country blessed with over 7,000 islands, many of which are home to stunning beaches just a few hours away from the city.

With a mix of white sand, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, these beaches near Manila offer the perfect getaway for relaxation, adventure, and a taste of the tropical paradise that is the Philippines. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best beaches near Manila, including options for families, couples, and solo travelers.

While getting out of Metro Manila can often be a daunting enough task as it is, a beach trip to these stellar beaches near Manila will be worth the stress, just worry about having to go back to the city once you’ve you had your R&R!

1. Patar White Beach – Bolinao, Pangasinan

Image from shoestringtravelers.com

Patar White Beach, located in Bolinao, Pangasinan, is a beautiful beach destination just five hours away from Manila.

This hidden gem boasts fine, creamy white sand and pristine turquoise waters, making it an ideal getaway for those looking for a serene and picturesque beach experience without the crowds of more popular beach destinations, like Boracay.

Patar White Beach offers various beachfront accommodations, from high-end resorts to budget-friendly bed and breakfasts. In addition, the beach is close to other notable tourist spots in Bolinao, such as the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and the Enchanted Cave.

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. Burot Beach – Calatagan, Batangas

Located in Calatagan, Batangas, Burot Beach is an underrated gem that offers a charming and simple beach experience. The sand here is not white but more of a cream color, giving it a unique appeal. Burot Beach is perfect for travelers looking for a budget-friendly beach destination near Manila, as it offers affordable accommodations and a laid-back atmosphere.

The beachfront resorts offer nipa huts and cottages where you can relax by the beachside, and the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus to Calatagan, Batangas.
• From the town proper, ride a tricycle to Burot Beach.

3. Borawan Beach – Quezon

Borawan Beach in Quezon is often compared to the famous islands of Boracay and Palawan due to its white sand beaches and limestone cliffs. Just four hours away from Manila, Borawan Beach offers a unique charm and beauty that is perfect for those looking for a more secluded and serene beach experience.

There are several accommodations available on the island, including both camping sites and resort options. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, swimming, and island hopping to nearby attractions like Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan Beach.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus from Manila to Lucena City, Quezon.
• From Lucena, take a jeepney or van to Padre Burgos.
• From Padre Burgos, rent a boat to take you to Borawan Beach.

4. Nagsasa Cove Beach – San Antonio, Zambales

Image from mikedtravelph.com

Nagsasa Cove Beach in San Antonio, Zambales, is a stunning beach destination just three to five hours away from Manila. Created by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the beach features a unique landscape of ash-gray sand, agoho trees, and crystal-clear waters.

Nagsasa Cove Beach offers basic accommodations, including nipa huts and camping options, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more rustic and nature-oriented experience. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring nearby attractions such as Capones Island and Lighthouse, as well as the neighboring Nagsasa Cove.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales, and get off at San Antonio. You may take the Victory Liner bus in Cubao, Pasay, or Caloocan.
• From San Antonio, take a tricycle to Pundaquit Beach, where you can rent a boat to take you to Nagsasa Cove Beach.

5. Laiya Beach – San Juan, Batangas

Laiya Beach, located in San Juan, Batangas, is a popular beach destination near Manila, known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and luxury accommodations. Just a 2.5-hour bus ride away from the city, Laiya Beach offers a relaxing and picturesque beach experience that is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.

In addition, there are various water activities available at the beach, such as jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beautiful beaches and marine life of the area.

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.

6. Anilao Beach – Batangas

image from anilaodivingresort.com

Anilao Beach in Batangas is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts due to its rich underwater resources and proximity to Manila. The beach itself may not have the powdery white sand of other destinations, but its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life more than makeup for it.

There are numerous resorts in the area that offer diving tours and classes, ensuring that visitors can fully experience the beauty of Anilao’s underwater world. In addition to diving and snorkeling, visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions such as Mt. Gulugod Baboy and Sepoc Beach.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal.
• From the terminal, take a jeepney to Anilao and get off at Anilao Port or Talaga Port.
• From the port, rent a boat to take you to your resort or beach destination.

7. Subic Beach – Zambales

Just two to three hours away from Manila, Subic Beach in Zambales offers a refreshing beach escape for city dwellers. This expansive beach is tucked in the charming town of San Narciso and features a mix of gray sand and clear waters. Subic Beach is perfect for beach lovers and surfing enthusiasts, as it offers surfing activities and classes for both beginners and professionals. The beach is also home to several bars and restaurants, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a fun and relaxing beach experience.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus going to Olongapo City, Zambales.
• From Olongapo, take a jeepney or van to San Narciso.
• Upon arriving in San Narciso, rent a tricycle to take you to Subic Beach.

8. Cagbalete Island – Mauban, Quezon

Image from wikicommons.

Cagbalete Island, located in Mauban, Quezon, is a stunning beach destination that offers a laid-back island experience. Known for its white sand beach, aqua blue waters, and lush mangrove forests, this small island paradise is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are several accommodation options available on the island, including homestays and floating cottages, ensuring that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.

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.

9. Magalawa Island – Palauig, Zambales

Magalawa Island in Palauig, Zambales, is a pristine beach destination just six hours away from Manila. With its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, Magalawa Island is often compared to the famous island of Boracay.

The island offers a variety of accommodation options, including beach huts and resorts, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay. Activities available on the island include swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s nearby attractions such as the Magalawa Island Lighthouse.

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 the port where you can rent a boat to take you to Magalawa Island.

10. Crystal Beach – Zambales

Crystal Beach, located in San Narciso, Zambales, is an idyllic beach destination that offers a tranquil beach getaway further from the city. With its fine, dark sand and clear waters, Crystal Beach is perfect for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful beach experience.

The beach offers various accommodation options, ranging from high-end beach resorts to low-key bed and breakfasts, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to stay. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Crystal Beach also offers surfing classes for those who want to catch some waves during their stay for all levels.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus going to Zambales and get off at San Narciso. You may take the Victory Liner bus in Cubao, Pasay, or Caloocan.
• From San Narciso, take a tricycle to Crystal Beach.

The aforementioned top 10 best beaches near Manila offer a wide variety of experiences, from white sand beaches perfect for relaxation and sunbathing to crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly destination, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled trip, these beaches near Manila have something for everyone. So pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable beach escape just a few hours away from the city.

Stay tuned for our future lists where we dig into the best beaches near other major metro areas that you can escape to and enjoy on a long weekend or beach vacation, or hopefully a bit longer! Some other beaches near Manila that are worth an honorable mention are Masasa Beach, Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera, Cabongaoan Beach, Halfmoon Beach, Tambobong Beach, Sombrero Island, to name a few more.