6 More Isolated Beaches To Visit In The Philippines


Traveling around the Philippines provides travelers endless opportunities to detach oneself from the bustle of big cities. The moment one hits the road, the chances of wandering into an isolated location increases rapidly as the many charming towns along the way could be gateways to exotic beaches. If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of Mother Nature, here are six secluded locations where you can lie down on the sand and bask under the azure-colored sky.

list of Secluded beaches in the Philippines
Guess where is this beach in the comment section

1. Cuatros Islas, Leyte


With four islands scattered just across the coast of Inopacan, Leyte provides outdoor lovers a reclusive spot to either lounge by the beach the whole day or camp under a canopy of glittering stars during nightfall. One must be ready to pitch a tent on the islands of Apid, Mahaba, Digyo, or Himokilan to fully savor the experience of being isolated from the rest of the world.


How to get to Cuatros Islas:


From Tacloban, travel by land approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to Inopacan, Leyte and hire a boat to take you to Cuatros Islas (30-45 minutes). These islands are perfect for day trips but travelers who want to stay for the night will have to pitch a tent. Accommodations are available at Inopacan.

2. White Beach, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat


As if passing by the scenic Upi-Lebak road isn’t enough of a satisfying travel experience, the sleepy yet charming town of Kalamansig, which hides a stretch of white sand beach, will quickly isolate you from your worldly worries.


Facing the bountiful Celebes Sea, Kalamansig provides you an ideal tropical setting where you can spend a beautiful day just sprawled out on its fine white sands. Doing so also eradicates your preconceived notion of danger and other security risks in this part of Mindanao.


Ride a van from Cotabato city for a three-hour trip to the town of Kalamansig. Coordinate with the local tourism office located inside the Municipal hall and they will gladly refer you to a local guide.

Travelers can either take a longer hike going to Kalamansig Beach or rent a small boat (for 10 minutes) to take you to Kalamansig beach. A couple of lodging inns are situated in the town.

3. Seco Island, Antique


Antique is a province always overlooked by travelers. But upon closer inspection, one swiftly discovers its many natural attractions ranging from waterfalls, off-the-grid beaches, mountains, and even rice terraces. Seco Island is just one of the many gems found in this province.


Devoid of any man-made structures and shaped like an elbow as seen from a drone camera, it is characterized by glistening pure white sand bars and trees rooted to the island. A 3-hour jaunt from either Culasi or Tibiao takes you to this secluded place that best typifies the great outdoors.

How to get to Seco Island:


Rent a boat from Tibiao (or join tours organized by Katahum Tours) to sail to Seco Island (travel time: 3 hours). Since the island is bare, visitors wanting to stay overnight will have to pitch a tent.

4. Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro


A well-known dive spot among scuba diving junkies, the allure of Apo Reef isn’t limited to its thriving underwater creatures. The mangrove forest and the picturesque lighthouse presents an ideal nature setting where you can while away the time while in the comforts of the rugged beauty of the outdoors.


As a protected National Park and manned by members of the Philippine Navy, camping out here for a few nights is a must.

How to get to Apo Reef:


Take a RoRo bus going to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Get off at Sablayan and approach the tourism office of Sablayan to arrange a boat going to Apo Reef. The boat trip will last for two hours. Inns are available near Sablayan port while it’s all camping out at Apo Reef.

5. Jomalig Island, Quezon


The idea of enduring a 6-hour sea journey shouldn’t hold you back from visiting this island that embraces the mighty swell of the Pacific Ocean. Encircled by fishing towns, the beaches of Jomalig scream of bare remoteness. Further exploration will take you to the stunning stretch of the island where pure golden sands meet the rows of pine tree


With all the natural splendor of Jomalig comes the sad fact that it’s home to one of the country’s most malnourished towns. Because of reality, visiting Jomalig becomes even better when coupled with a fund-raising drive to bring in multivitamins and other medicines for the children living here.

How to get to Jomalig Island:


Passenger boats sail from Real, Quezon every morning. A number of homestays are available on the island.

6. Calalanay and Padonil Islands, Camarines Norte


We all know the saying about how the Beatles isn’t just made up of John and Paul. The same adage applies to the province of Camarines Norte where the beach attractions aren’t just limited to the now popular Calaguas Island and the surfing haven of Bagasbas. With thriving ecotourism put in place in the islands along the coast of Jose Panganiban, travelers are given a fresh set of choices.


The islands of Calalanay and Padonil beautifully combines a stunning sand bar and an island perfect for overnight camping. Cap off your trip with a walk in the mangrove forests of the nearby Isla ni Sion where you can immerse yourself in the environmentally-friendly practices of the local community.

How to get to Calalanay and Padonil Islands:


Sail-off is at Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. From there you can rent a boat for a 30 minute ride going to the islands of Calalanay, Padonil and Isla ni Sion. Travelers can pitch a tent at the islands if they wish to stay overnight.


I first wrote this for Looloo Insights Philippines on September 11, 2016