Best beaches close to Manila
Cavite has lots of decent beaches near Manila
The Philippines is renowned throughout the world for having some of the most stunning beaches on the planet. Manila, however, may be famous for its culture, its shopping and its vibrancy but it doesn’t normally come up when mentioning the crème de la crème of country’s sands. Nonetheless, if visitors to the Philippine capital are prepared to venture a little outside this bustling metropolis, they may find the reward surprisingly worthwhile.
Possibly the highest quality beaches close to Manila are found along the Cavite coastline, just 30kms south of the capital and easily accessible on the coastal road. Resorts such as Cavite City and Bacoor can be reached in 20 minutes, and towns such as Ternate and Naic also have excellent beaches facing the South China Sea.
Coastal towns in the Cavite area like Bacoor, Kawit and Naic mostly feature rocky bays which lack the pristine sands of more touristy beaches in other areas of the country. However, they are extremely popular among local bathers – particularly city dwellers from Manila looking for a weekend getaway – with Miramar and Lido Beach being two of the most visited in the aforementioned towns.
These beaches are lined with native huts, while bamboo benches and tables can be hired. There are comfort rooms and makeshift showers available for a small fee. Seashells such as mussels and other marine molluscs are sold, with bathers grilling them on hot coals. It’s fair to say what the beaches lack in terms of their idyllic surroundings, they more than make up for with a true local atmosphere devoid of any touristy gimmicks.
Kabayan Beach is popular with families
Another place offering a chance to enjoy the beach just a short distance from Manila is Corregidor Island. This landmass is approximately 50kms from the capital and has the South China Sea washing up on its west coast and the waters of Manila Bay against its east. Corregidor is easily accessible on the fast hydrofoil sea vessels which regularly depart Manila’s Roxas Boulevard. Among the highlights in terms of beaches are Geary Point, Breakwater Point, Wheeler Point and Searchlight Point.
Next up on the list of beaches to hit in the area are those in Bataan province, which is on a peninsula directly opposite Manila over the Manila Bay. It takes just 40 minutes from capital to reach the largest city in the province, Mariveles. Notable beaches include Villa Milagrosa, Manager’s Place and Gold Coast in Morong, and Castle’s, Sun, Moon and Montemar in Bagac.
A little bit further out of Manila, but certainly worth the trip, is Bantagas. It normally takes around two hours to reach the area but when you do so there are a fair few options to choose from, meaning it may even be worthwhile spending a night or two in the area.
Matabungkay Beach, in Lian, is a source of pride for the people of the town and is popular among both local and foreign tourists. The sea is suitable for swimming, with gentle waves about as strong as the water gets. Matabungkay is renowned for its large bamboo rafts which are rented to bathers as well as snorkelers planning on venturing further out into deeper waters. They are also good for enjoying a picnic-with-a-difference several metres off shore.
Around 20kms south of Lian is the town of Calatagan. Several resorts along this area of the coast feature swimming pools by the sea, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the sea, the pool, or both. There is an abundance of fish in vast ponds around the beach, making grilling a fresh catch along the shore a popular pastime when taking a break from lying in the sun or enjoying the cool waters. Adding to the pleasant atmosphere of Catatagen, colourful fishing vessels dominate the seascape, with tourists even permitted to hire some of them for a fee.
Head a little further east and you’ll arrive at the town of Bauan, which boasts a number of top class beaches, ideal for bathing as well as water sports such as snorkelling or diving. One of which is the Portulano Dive Resort, offering not only an attractive beach but a superb area for diving. The cerulean South China Sea’s cool, gentle waves and the pristine beaches ensure Bauan is among the best beaches near the capital.
Still going east, but remaining within two hours of Manila, is Kabayan Beach. Here there are many affordable lodgings, clear blue water, gentle waves and fine sands. Facilities for bathing, picnicking, cooking and several water sports are fabulous. Loungers are available along the beach for sunbathing on, while the mountains towards the east make for stunning scenery.
Finally, San Juan features soft, sandy beaches which stretch along the coast and offers picturesque views of the azure sea, Resorts have built up along the area, but it has still managed to maintain its peaceful atmosphere and is an ideal spot for a short city break.
