Vacations season is fast approaching. Whether you are looking into the mid christmas and new year break or the summer vacation months ahead, it’s that time of the year to plan ahead. Planning maximizes your budget with early bird rates. Another factor is deciding where to go on vacation. More often than not, people love the beach. With 7,107 islands, finding the perfect Philippine Beach can be an overwhelming choice. Based on the many beach and island destinations I have been to, they vary in character, quality and activities. So finding the appropriate beach destination depends on who you are with, whether traveling as a couple, as a family, a bunch of friends or with retirees. Here’s an idea how beach experience differ depending on who you’re with or the way you travel.
Beach for Families
When traveling with families, the beach should be child-friendly if there are toddlers or kids in tow. Beaches like the ones in Boracay have gentle slope on the seabed, soft sands and friendly waves. A good number of establishments nearby that offer choices for dining and entertainment, especially for the teens or grown-ups. A slew of activities available to keep everyone occupied like like parasailing, beach hopping and swimming. Other beaches like in Mactan in Cebu and Panglao Bohol fits the bill.
Beach for Couples
A destinations with romantic air is ideal for couples. One destination in Palawan is El Nido with a number of beaches they can enjoy. Hire a private boat for island hopping to get away from the crowds. Rent a kayak and explore nearby islands, rent a motorcycle and drive up to the secluded Nacpan-Calitang Beach, hike bathe under waterfalls and escape to the far regions of Sibaltan. Have a romantic dinner by the beach lit only by candlelight and the moon.
Beach for Friends
Beach is much more fun with friends. Camiguin province boast of natural attractions and group activities that will tighten the bonds with fiends. An unadulterated beach found like White Island is where visitors can bask under the sun. Go to Mantigue island and chase some turtles. Hike to visit scenic waterfalls like Katibawasan or Tuasan Falls. Or climb Mt Hibok-hibok to get a spectacular view at the island’s highest peak. Marvel at the teeming marine life while snorkeling along the underground cemetery. Finally cap off the night with a beer or two with pizza in town. Probably belt out a few tunes at Filipino’s favorite Karaoke past time.
Beach for Retirees
Retirees or senior travelers often look for places that are tranquil and away from the bustle. The Island Garden City of Samal in Davao has secluded destinations like the Island Garden Resort, a quiet, picturesque beach resort that you can even stay at one of the tree houses by the shore. The place is not short on amenities and comfort while keeping attuned to nature.
It helps to have a beach map tool of the Philippines based on the companions we travel and activities we are looking forward to. Knowing what’s ahead can guarantee a better vacation and much productive time spent either with out family, friends or love ones. Just like what Christopher McCandless said “Happiness is only real when shared”
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
