5 Must-Visit White-Sand Beaches Other Than Boracay and Palawan

The Philippines is blessed with beautiful natural respites many tourists love. Popular destinations such as Boracay and Palawan are prized for their white-sand beach resorts and stunning coastal environment. These two spots receive thousands of visitors every year and continue to cater to visitors’ leisure and wellness needs.

However, Boracay and Palawan aren’t the only white-sand paradises that will take your breath away! Yes, there are other beach resorts with ivory sand beaches and majestic blue waters you should visit on your next vacation. Here are five of them:

Relax your way to Baguio with Victory Liner's Online Booking Service

Baguio City's cold weather, breathtaking views, old-world charm, delectable food offerings, an array of scenic attractions and endless things to do are just some of the reasons why it has always been one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It is also one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines whenever I just feel like I wanna "escape" the busy Metropolis or even for just a quick weekend getaway. That is why, whenever I have the chance to visit the City of Pines, I always grab the opportunity, pack my bag and just go.

TUGUEGARAO ACCOMMODATION: Cheap Lodges, Rooms, Homestay, Pension Houses, Hotels and Resorts

Looking for cheap budget hotels in Tuguegarao City?

As Cagayan province's capital, Tuguegarao is the best place to taste the local delicacies and experience the city life. It is the most convenient point of entry to Cagayan's tourist spots and attractions. The progressive city of Tuguegarao has a lot of accommodation options to offer. Be it a high-end hotel, a mid-range pension house or a backpacker's hostel, you'll definitely find one that suits your budget. For tourists and travelers, there are many hotels, inns, hostels, pension houses in Tuguegarao that will fit your specific needs. So if you're looking for where to stay in Tuguegarao City, check out these accommodation options that I've personally tried.

TRAVEL TIP: How to Get to Palaui Island in Sta. Ana Cagayan from Manila

Palaui Island

Palaui Island is located in the eastern-most part of northern Luzon. It is a protected landscape that offers awesome sights, a Spanish-era lighthouse, unspoiled and pristine white sand beaches, stunning vistas, uninhabited islands, scenic and breath-taking views. Getting there is quite a challenge, especially if its your first time. To make it easier for you, here is a detailed procedures on how to get to Palaui Island.

PALAUI ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: DIY Itinerary, Tourist Spots and Attractions, How To Get There, Things To Do, Accommodation, and Expenses (UPDATED)

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Sta. Ana, Cagayan is located in the north eastern tip of Cagayan in northern Luzon. It is a protected landscape and seascape blessed with an awesome scenery offering adventure-seekers and intrepid travelers with great coastlines, a Spanish-era lighthouse, secluded beaches, breathtaking vistas and friendly people. There are a lot of sights to behold, things to do and activities to enjoy in Palaui Island and other islands in Sta. Ana, you could do trekking/hiking to the lighthouse in Palaui Island, island hopping to the beaches, interacting with the locals, beach bumming and more.

Cagayan - We Found a Crocodile in Crocodile Island!

After that quick stop at Punta Verde, we proceeded to Crocodile island, the last stop of our island hopping adventure. I am quite excited to see this island as I'm puzzled as to why it was called as such. It only took us about 10 minutes to reach it as our boat just went with the waves, it was smooth sailing this time.

Cagayan - Meeting the Locals of Punta Verde, Palaui Island

After enjoying the prestine white sand beach of Anguib, we proceeded to Punta Verde located at the southeast tip of Palaui Island. It took us about 10-15 minutes to reach its shoreline. Upon arrival we were greeted by the fishermen from the small fishing community residing in the island. It was around 11:00 AM, they were busy fixing their boats and with their daily catch.

Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana Cagayan - "Braving the Waves of the Pacific to this Pristine White Sand Beach"

Anguib Beach at last! I have braved the waves of South China Sea during our Nagsasa and Anawangin cove trips, as well as the wild ocean crossing Bohol Sea from Siquijor to Dumaguete, but I never thought that Palaui in the Pacific Ocean could still surprise me with its humongous waves. Hahaha! This is what we are trying to avoid, that's why we made sure that we start early to be able to finish our island hopping adventure by lunch time as the waves are expected to get ruthless by that time.

Cagayan - Conquering the Picturesque Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island

Inspired and envious by the photos I saw on the internet, I quickly said "yes" to an invitation of a friend to explore the island of Palaui. Why not? The island's dramatic coastlines, lush scenery, with rolling hills and jagged cliffs jutting out from the Pacific Ocean are enough reasons to convince me to endure the long travel to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the jump-off to Palaui Island.

Ifugao, Mountain Province and Kalinga, my 58th, 59th and 60th Provinces

I spent Holy Week and Araw ng Kagitingan holidays (April 5-9, 2012) with my friend in 3 provinces of the Cordillera Region - Ifugao, Mt. Province and Kalinga, my 58th, 59th and 60th provinces! We also had a side trip in Tuguegarao and Peñablanca, Cagayan before we head back home to Manila. We had fun exploring these provinces, trying out the food, learning new things about its culture and meeting warm and accommodating people.

BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE : Tuguegarao & Peñablanca (Cagayan) and Tumauini & Cabagan (Isabela) - Things To Do, Tourist Spots, Itinerary, How To Get There, Accommodation and more!

This is a travel guide that will help you plan a 3D/2N trip to Tuguegarao City and its nearby towns of Peñablanca (Cagayan), Tumauini and Cabagan (Isabela). It will provide you with basic information on how to get there, things to do, where to stay, suggested itinerary and estimated budget that will help you plan your visit.

These provinces offers a wide array of activities such as spelunking, church visits, trying out local delicacies, crossing a bridge and more. This is just a few of the so many things that can be done in these 2 huge provinces in Northern Luzon. A re-visit is definitely a must-do to have more time to explore! Enjoy Tuguegarao City!

Cagayan - Crossing Buntun Bridge, the Longest River Bridge in the Philippines

Since I still have few hours to burn on my final day in Tuguegarao City, I visited another major landmark in the city - Buntun Bridge. Given that it is just 2.5 kilometers away from the city center, I just took a tricycle and asked the driver to bring me to the bridge. I alighted at the foot of the bridge on Tuguegarao's side, I want to cross the bridge by foot.

Cagayan - Visiting Tuguegarao Cathedral, the Biggest Church in Cagayan

Aside from the famed Callao Cave and Cape Egaño in Palaui Island, Cagayan province is also known for its centuries-old brick churches. So, on my 3rd and final day in Tuguegarao City, I visited the Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao or the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and considered as the biggest Spanish-built church in the entire Cagayan Valley Region.

Cagayan - The Delectable Pancit Batil Patung, Tuguegarao's Best!

When visiting Tuguegarao City, you must not miss their specialty dish and everyone's favorite, Pancit Batil Patung. You know that you're in Tuguegarao City because there's a panciteria in almost every corner offering their versions of this famous Cagayan delicacy. It is perhaps the city in the Philippines with the most number of panciterias.

Cagayan - Exploring Callao Cave, my 2nd Spelunking Adventure

I arrived in Tuguegarao City at around 2 in the afternoon. Since Callao cave is just about an hour away from the city, my initial plan is to visit it upon arrival. Just right to have enough time to explore the place and get back to the city before it gets dark. Unfortunately, it was raining hard when I arrived, I had to cancel it and just have it first thing in the morning the following day.