10 cheap beach getaways near Manila

NAGSASA COVE, Zambales

Its gray shore fringed by agoho trees sparkles against a backdrop of windswept massif, worn by weather and time. Nagsasa Cove beckons weekenders because it exudes an air of tranquility. Boats to Nagsasa will cost you around Php 1,500 or Php 600 per head including a side trip to Anawangin Cove and Capones Island. Admission fee is Php 50 (day trip) or Php 100 (overnight stay). Tents are available for rent for Php 200 plus camping fee of Php 100.

CAGBALETE ISLAND, Quezon

Azure waters colliding with dessert-like terrain in a tranquil atmosphere makes Cagbalete Island a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the metro. “Cagbalete Island is famous for the occurrence of low tide where water can recede up to one kilometer from the shore, exposing its compact white sand, corals and rocks”, revealed avid traveler Rogelio “Gabz” Gabiano Jr. To get here you can also charter a boat with rates starting at Php 1,500 at Mauban port or board the passenger boat to Cagbalete Island (two trips a day to the island) for Php 50. Take note that you also have to pay for the environmental fee of Php 30 and terminal fee of Php 40.

CAPONES ISLAND, Zambales

Though not exactly the type of beach that is good for swimming because of the untamed waves crashing on its craggy shores, what sets it apart from its neighboring islands is its topography. The old colonial lighthouse – Faro de Punta Capones adds more drama to its already picturesque landscape. Hire a boat from Pundaquit Beach for about Php 1,500 or Php 600 per head, with this rate, you can also swing by in Nagsasa and Anawangin Cove.

BUROT BEACH, Batangas

To make your summer travels with your friends a breeze, head to Burot Beach in Calatagan. Crystal clear turquoise water hugging powdery white sands makes it an idyllic beach escape. Good news is, you don’t really need to charter a boat to get here so no need to worry about seasickness. But do pack your tent and food since the beach is devoid of resorts or any establishments. The only fee you have to pay is the entrance fee of Php 130. If you want to explore the nearby sandbar, hire a boat for Php 300 to take you there. “It can get quite crowded though during holidays and summer “, warns travel enthusiast Kirk Acebron.

ANAWANGIN COVE, Zambales

Intrepid travelers flock to the gorgeous Anawangin Cove for its easy attitude and tranquil atmosphere. The eruption of Mt.Pinatubo back in the days gave the cove a massive make over. Sands were transformed to gray because of the volcanic ash and agoho trees (usually mistaken as pine trees) suddenly mushroomed along its coast. Hike up the hill nearby for an uninterrupted view of the cobalt sea and neighboring cove. At the time of our visit, to get here one needs to charter a boat for only Php 1,500 from Pundaquit Beach but some boatmen may charge per head – Php 600 per pax which includes a side trip to Capones and Nagsasa.

CABONGAOAN BEACH, Pangasinan

If your ideal holiday consist of pristine beaches devoid of tourist crowd, you will find yourself content in Burgos. This unassuming town in Pangasinan is home to Cabongaoan Beach with sun-sparkled cerulean waters fringed with coconut trees. “The sand is white and a little fine. The shore isn’t flat as what the usual beach looks like but that’s totally okay. The weather, the beach itself and the people I’m with made this beach perfect for a great summer getaway”, shares traveler John Marx Velasco. To get here you can rent a tricycle from Burgos town for about Php 500 one way. If you have the luxury of time, you can also do a side trip to Tambobong Beach in Dasol and do some island hopping to the nearby atolls.

PATAR BEACH, Pangasinan

Pangasinan has always had the multitude of attractions that beckon tourists. And one of the local favorites here is Patar Beach. Frolic in the golden sand beach, plunge into the sapphire water and end the day watching the breath-snatching sunset.

BORAWAN BEACH, Quezon

Padre Burgos, Quezon is becoming a tourist magnet lately because of its affordable interesting beaches flanked by mountains clad by verdant jungles. One of them is Borawan, lapping the coast of Brgy. Lipata. “The beach doesn’t really have that fine powdery white sand of Boracay and the limestone isn’t as grand as those I have seen in El Nido. But to have a hint of both in one place is probably what makes Borawan Beach uniquely beautiful”, says mommy explorer Claire Raborar-Blaxland, one of the first to introduce Borawan online a few years back. Boats to Borawan can be chartered for Php 800, entrance fee is Php 80 per pax and tent rental is Php 500. Bring your own tent so you only have to pay Php 200 for tent pitching.

POTIPOT ISLAND, Zambales

Another dirt cheap beach escape in Zambales attracting sun-seekers is Potipot Island. “The island did not fail me though it didn’t exceed my expectation. Potipot is perfect for beach bumming. It is comparable to the white sands of Boracay, Panglao and Palawan. Though the dried sea grass on the shore makes it looks a dirty beach still its powdery white sand will entice you to roll your beach body and cover yourself with white sand,” traveler Jherson Jaya shared. Boat fare is around Php 400, entrance fee (day tour) Php 100 or Php 300 overnight stay.

HUNDRED ISLANDS, Pangasinan

Alaminos in Pangasinan is riddled with utterly captivating forest green coral islands hugged by cerulean waters, which for the most part, are blissfully deserted. Comprised of 123 sun-kissed islets that houses varied wildlife, the Hundred Islands is the poster boy of the province. Boat for island hopping can be rented for Php 800-Php 1,100 and admission fee is only Php 20 per pax.