The sight of crystal clear waters, white sand, and sapphire skies is enough to take one’s breath away. The Philippines has a myriad of beautiful islands that offer just that, making the archipelago the perfect summer destination. However, not all islands are naturally blessed with stunning sandbars. Picture-perfect strips of white sand jutting out from the sea, these sandbars are truly worth seeing.
We’ve listed some of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines for your next summer adventure:
1. Kalanggaman Island (Palompon, Leyte)
Located in Leyte, this beautiful sandbar is one of the most popular sandbars in the Philippines. It makes for the perfect summer setting, with its fine white sand and turquoise waters, fringed by tall palm trees. The name of this dreamy paradise came from the Cebuano word langgam, which translates to birds. The island is named as such because of the flock of birds present in the area.
2. White Island (Mambajao, Camiguin)
Approximately 2 kilometers away from Mambajao in Camiguin, White Island is a beautiful thread of white sand peeking out from the sapphire clear waters. The majestic Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan can also be viewed from here, creating a postcard-worthy scenery for this tropical paradise.
3. Buntod Sandbar (Masbate City, Masbate)
Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar is one of the most popular attractions in Masbate City. Just a 20-minute boat ride from the city, this marine sanctuary is a beautiful spot where travelers can enjoy a lot of activities, from swimming, scuba diving, to picnicking. There’s also a mangrove area which you can find by following the long stretch of the sandbar in the area.
4. Vanishing Island (Malilipot, Albay)
This beautiful paradise in Albay earned its name because it actually disappears into view during the high tide. As the tide lowers, this island emerges, offering travelers a perfect spot for swimming in emerald green waters. There are also floating cottages and sheds that can be rented in the area so you can comfortably lounge while taking in the gorgeous island scenery.
5. Bulubadiangan Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Just 30 minutes away from Panay Island via boat ride, Bulubadiangan Island is part of the 16 off-coast islets of Concepcion in Northern Iloilo. Enjoy walking on the soft soil of this beautiful sandbar as you take in the sight of azure waters surrounding the island. This island is usually part of the Concepcion island hopping tours.
6. Snake Island (El Nido, Palawan)
The name of the island is inspired by its s-shaped sandbar that resembles that of a snake. Located in a beautiful corner of Bacuit Bay, Snake Island’s sandbar is a beautiful stretch of white sand that emerges during the low tide, connecting the island to the mainland of Palawan. The best way to explore this sandbar is to join El Nido’s island-hopping tour B.
7. Manlawi Island (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)
Dramatic limestone cliffs aside, the beautiful sandbar of Manlawi Island is another spectacular attraction worth seeing when in Caramoan. During the low tide, the stretch of white sand that juts out of the waters allows vacationers to sunbathe or stroll on the sand while surrounded by the sea.
8. Sumilon Island (Cebu)
Many things make this island a must-visit. It is only a short boat trip away from Oslob in Cebu, it has four major dive sites, soft sands, and crystal-clear waters. But its main attraction would definitely be the sandbar that protrudes from the sea as the tide recedes. This island is definitely worth including in your itinerary as you explore the Queen City of the South.
9. Higatangan Shifting Sandbar (Mabini, Biliran)
Named after a Katipunan revolutionary, the Higatangan Sandbar is a 200-meter strip of white sand in Biliran Island. It’s also nicknamed the “shifting sandbar” because its location slightly changes depending on the season and monsoon winds. The peak of Mount Panamao can also be seen from here, providing a gorgeous backdrop for photo opportunities.
10. Virgin Island (Panglao, Bohol)
The main attraction of this island is the sandbar itself but there are other amusing attractions in the area such as floating kitchens serving fresh seafood, and half-submerged chairs and tables where you can lounge or enjoy your meals. Located in the wonderful island of Bohol, a short stop at this beautiful sandbar is usually part of island-hopping tours offered on the island.
11. Seco Island (Tibiao, Antique)
Seco translates to elbow in English, and the elbow-shaped sandbar of this island is where it got its moniker. Seco Island is located about 50 kilometers west of mainland Panay. It can take around 2 to 3 hours to get there, but the journey is worth it. This island is a small slice of untouched paradise with white sand, surrounded by sapphire waters. Its strong winds also make it a perfect spot for water sports like kitesurfing.
12. Manjuyod Sandbar (Manjuyod, Negros Oriental)
Known as the Maldives of the Philippines, the Manjuyod Sandbar is a hidden gem located in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, From the province’s capital of Dumaguete City, it takes around 2 hours to reach Manjuyod. The 7-kilometer stretch of powdery-soft white sand is surrounded by pristine aquamarine waters. There are cottages available for rent while local boatmen offer the freshest seafood fare. The ultimate tour of the sandbar always includes dolphin watching in the nearby waters of Bais City.
13. Naked Island (Siargao)
We top off the list with Naked Island in the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao. The island was coined such a name because of how bare it is. Literally “naked” in a sense that there is nothing on it but soft white sand. The location makes for a rather plain yet picturesque backdrop that is absolutely Instagram-worthy. The calm surrounding waters make it great for swimming and snorkeling. Naked Island is part of a Siargao island hopping tour that includes visits to the popular islands of Daku and Guyam.
