8 Sandbars in the Philippines You Need to Visit

Meta-Description: The Philippines is home to many immaculate beach resorts, some with unique sandbars. Here are eight sandbars in the Philippines you need to visit.

Sandbars, or shoals, are submerged ridges of pebble and sand deposits built by coastal currents and are often located meters away from the shoreline. They look like glittering, floating clouds that stand out among the sapphire waters surrounding them. Because of their unique structures, sandbars have been a picturesque destination for beach lovers everywhere.

As a matter of fact, the Philippines is home to many stunning sandbars all over its coastal areas. Discover eight of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines that you can visit and explore in your next travel plans.

Manjuyod White Sand Bar, Negros Oriental

Also referred to as the Sumapsao Shoal, the Manjuyod White Sand Bar in Negros Oriental spans seven kilometers of majestic fine white sand. This sandbar has native cottages erected in the crystal waters and white sand, a scenery that earned its nickname as the “Maldives of the Philippines.” You can even witness and capture the water emerging from the seafloor by going to the sandbar early in the morning when the tide is low.

White Island, Mambajao, Camiguin

Spanning over one kilometer, the White Island sandbar is one of the most well-known destinations in Camiguin due to its crab-claw or “I” shape, depending on the tide and waves that hit it. It is also a perfect place for snorkeling and swimming because of its turquoise waters and ivory-like powdery sand. There aren’t that many trees around the sandbar area so make sure to bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin while taking pictures and sunbathing.

Don’t forget to take landscaped and panoramic shots of Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan, two volcanos that tower over White Island.

Snake Island, El Nido, Palawan

Located in the World’s Best Island is another unique sandbar. Snake Island is a natural S-shaped sandbar made of fine sand. It emerges during the low tide and when the water is crystal-clear. While most sandbars are devoid of trees and cottages, Snake Island is surrounded by a scenic view of verdant jungle, limestone hills, and smaller islands.

You can rent a boat so you and your family or friends can sail through the crystal waters and relish in the idyllic environment of the sunny and hilly Snake Island sand bar and resort. You may also take a hike on the hills and appreciate the whole area from a bird’s eye view.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

Perhaps one of the most popular sandbars and destinations in the Philippines, the sand bar of Kalanggaman Island is a stretch of white powdery sand surrounded by crystal-clear aquamarine waters and fanned by a cool sea breeze. It is located 1.8 kilometers away from the shores of Palompon, Leyte.

Kalanggaman Island used to be a hidden gem of Leyte before it became a popular destination for local and foreign tourists. Here, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even watching dolphins jump, dive, and chortle.

Loren Island (Pulo Island), Nasugbu, Batangas

Known for its redundant name “Pulo Pulo” (Pulo Island), Loren Island is tucked away from the popular beach resorts outlining Nasugbu, like Punta Fuego, Calayo, Hamilo Coast, Matabungkay, and Pico de Loro.

Loren Island is a private island resort located 20 minutes away from Calayo Beach Resort. The island is a unique paradise due to its two beaches linked by a sandbar in between. While the sandbar and shores aren’t fine or white, and more on the tan and pebbly side, Loren Island is the perfect sanctuary for those who want to be away from the crowd.

Panampangan Island, Tawi-Tawi

With a length of 3 kilometers, Panampangan Island in the town of Sapa-Sapa in Tawi-Tawi is the longest sandbar in the Philippines, according to Travel Trilogy. The sandbar island actually stretches from the coconut-tree beach island of Panampangan to its neighbor Basibuli Island. The two islands are linked by very fine white sand and surrounded by clear azure waters.

Sumilon Island, Cebu

The sandbar of Sumilon Island in Oslob City, Cebu is one of the shape-shifting shoals that fascinate many tourists and locals. You will surely enjoy watching the variety of shapes and movements of the crystal waters depending on the tide and wind conditions.

Not only is Sumilon Island a stunning sandbar resort, but you can also take a trip to Tumalon Falls and swim with the gentle whale sharks after swimming and watching the glittering shoals stretch and change shape.

Cresta De Gallo, Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Looking for another secluded sandbar with a quiet and stunning environment? Cresta De Gallo in Sibuyan Island, Romblon is the perfect paradise for you. This spread of polvoron-like white sand is surrounded by crystal-clear waters which reveal an outline of seashells and corals as you go near the island.

Cresta De Gallo has an abundant forest covering the middle of the island, which is why many believe that it resembles the shape of Celosia flowers.

These sandbars are just eight of the most captivating destinations that make the Philippines a total paradise. After the pandemic has lifted, consider exploring these underrated jewels and see for yourself their breathtaking beauty.

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