TOP PICKS: My Top 5 Best Beaches in the Philippines

Photo from Henann Resort Alona Beach Bohol

When most people think of the Philippines best beaches, they naturally think of places like Boracay and Palawan. While I agree that Boracay and Palawan showcase some of the best beaches you will ever see, there are plenty of lesser known places that to me, have beaches just as good, if not better. Following are my Top 5 favourite beaches in the Philippines, in no particular order.

TOP PICKS: 11 Must-try Ice Cream Flavors in the Philippines

Whether it's summer or not, an ice cream is one of my favorite desserts. While traveling around the Philippines, I've tried different kinds of local ice cream flavors - most of them are infused with local products that the city or province they came from is famous for. With this, let me share to you my "11 Favorite Ice Cream in the Philippines" - that are definitely must-try!

HOTEL REVIEW: Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City, Davao del Norte

Tagum, dubbed as "City of Palms," is a developing city in the province of Davao del Norte. Frequented by business and leisure travelers, it is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in Davao del Norte. One of them is Big 8 Corporate Hotel which we recently visited for a 3 day 2 nights stay during our recent trip in Davao region.

RESORTS IN TAGUM, DAVAO DEL NORTE: Banana Beach Resort - Tagum City, "Davao's Best Kept Secret"

If there is one place in Tagum City, Davao del Norte that you should not miss visiting, that would be Banana Beach Resort. Located just an hour drive from Davao City, Banana Beach Resort, a property of Hijo Estate Resorts is touted as the only beach resort within a banana plantation in the world. Nestled within a sprawling 760-hectare banana plantation, it can be considered as an upscale resort with top-notch amenities, great food and world-class service. So, if you're looking for a beach resort that is peaceful, quiet and isolated from the noise of the metropolis, Banana Beach Resort is the perfect hideaway for you.

Davao del Norte: Lanikai Resort, a "Heaven by the Sea" in Tagum City

Lanikai Resort's Infinity Pool

Do you yearn for a quiet and tranquil hiding place? Are you an urban dweller who's already fed up with the chaos and noise of the city? Then you have check out Lanikai Resort, a member of Hijo Estate Resorts. Nestled along the coastline of Barangay Madaum, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, it is just 15 minutes away from the center of the city. It is a private resort where you can enjoy your private and intimate accommodation coupled with good food, relaxing ambiance and a peaceful environment.

Davao Del Norte - Giant Slide and Canopy Walk at Maxima Aqua Fun Resort

Our last stop for our Samal island tour is the Maxima Aqua Fun Resort. Unlike other resorts in the island, they don't have a stretch of white sand beach where you can lay down, unwind and work on your tan. Rather, they offer a vast array of adventurous activities ideal for adventure seekers looking for an exhilarating experience. It's a perfect place for great aqua fun adventure coupled with natural attractions and scenic beauty of nature.

Davao Del Norte - A Refreshing Freshwater Dip at Haguimit Falls

After visiting the friendly bats at the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, we asked our habal-habal drivers to drive us to Hagimit Falls.


Located at 2 kilometers away from Peñaplata proper and around 45 minutes from the bat sanctuary, Haguimit falls is composed of small waterfalls with natural swimming pools and huge rock formations. A great place to just relax and take a dip on cold fresh water.

Davao Del Norte - Monfort Bat Sanctuary, a Guinness World Record Holder

Located in Tambo Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, the Monfort Bat Sanctuary is deemed as the largest bat colony in the world. With an estimated number of 1.8 million bats, it was given a Guinness World Record for having the largest colony of Geoffrey's Rousette fruit bats.


You will find here five bat caves that make up the Bat Sanctuary. The Monfort family of Davao has kindly donated an area of their land for the Bat Research and Conservation Center, in efforts to further understand bats and their importance to the ecosystem.

Davao Del Norte - Habal-habal Ride in Samal Island

As most people say, you've never been to Samal Island if you don't experience riding a “habal-habal”. This single motorcycle is the most common ride you would find in the island of Samal, especially when going around the tourists spots in the island. There are no standard fees as each driver or operator charges differently. It also vary depending on where you want to go and how long your tour will be.


In our case, we took 3 motorcycles which the resort contacted for us. At first they were charging us Php 1,000 pesos for each motorcycle. It's a bit pricey because the resort definitely has a commission on the payment that we will be paying them.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAMAL ISLAND - Blue Waters Beach Resort, "a Perfect Choice for a Comfortable and Affordable Oceanfront Accommodation"

Our boat docked at the Blue water beach resort's wharf where the staff fetch us, carried our bags and brought us to the reception area. From the boat pa lang, we were so amazed on the resort’s amenities and it's beach area. We settled first, rested for a while then proceed to our room to keep our things. After a while, we requested them to find us a "habal-habal", so we could start our tour around the island while it's still early. After a few minutes, the motorcycles that they contacted arrived. I will have separate posts on the places we visited in the island later.

Travel Guide : Getting to Samal Island from Davao City

Davao Beach Club

The island garden city of Samal is a small island off the coast of Davao Del Norte. The beaches in the island are the most sought after asset of the province. Its landscape is an amalgamation of rocky heights, sprawling hills and pristine white sand beaches. There are also waterfalls, beach coves, caves, dive spots and adventure facilities for those who seek thrilling experiences.