Race Del RosarioBecause of the stigma and numerous travel advisories, the islands in Mindanao are rarely part of any local or foreign traveller’s itinerary. While it is true that a few areas are conflict-ridden, it does not remove the fact that Mindanao is home to some of the most unspoiled destinations with a huge potential for tourism.
Imagine the white sands of Boracay and the pristine beaches of Palawan without the commercial establishments, flock of tourists blocking your view of the sunset, and expensive amenities. These are just some of the things that you can look forward to when you include the following beaches in your next escapade.
Also read: Beach Getaways in the Philippines: 10 Resorts with the Most Stunning Views
1. Cagwait White Beach, Surigao Del Sur
Image credit: Edz Del Rosario
If you are not so keen with the party scene in Boracay and you just want to enjoy the long stretch of powdery white sands and the clear turquoise water, then Cagwait is a good alternative. This less commercialised beach features tropical palms richer than those in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii.
2. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental
Image credit: Paul Emerson Almontero
Image credit: Camera and Cheese
Dahican will make any beach bum fall in love with its 7km stretch of fine sand. But its pride comes from its powerful waves making it a surfer’s paradise. Although not as prominent as Cloud 9 in Siargao, Dahican is perfect for amateur and professional surfers who want to master this sport.
3. Gumasa Beach, Glan, Sarangani
Image credit: Jenny Tañedo
Aptly called as the Boracay of the South, Gumasa offers a long crescent beach with a sandy shoreline that will make you leave a mark whenever you step on it. It is also home to the famous SarBay Festival, an annual sporting event that promotes marine preservation in Sarangani.
4. Great Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga
Image credit: Wowzamboangacity
If you are tired of seeing the usual white sand beaches, then you must definitely visit the Great Sta. Cruz Island where the sands are pink! This posh-looking beach got its colour from the abundance of pink-coloured corals around the area.
5. Panampangan Island, Tawi-Tawi
Image credit: DPWH ARMM
The famous travel blogger JourneyingJames dubbed it as the “finest white sand beach” he has ever been to, after travelling to the nicest beaches in the country for several months. Panampangan is indeed a heavenly sight with a serene ambience that will make you NOT want to leave the island.
Also read: Tawi-Tawi: Why You Should Visit the Philippines’ Southernmost Province
6. Mabua Pebble Beach, Surigao del Norte
Image credit: Shayla Sanchez
Tired of getting beach sand in between your toes? Mabua Pebble Beach is a good alternative for you! Enjoy walking along a shoreline with multi-sized pebbles and experience natural massage for your feet. This sandless beach will make you fall in love with its unique splendour.
7. Cabgan Island, Barobo, Surigao del Sur
Image credit: Rolly Magpayo
Cabgan is probably one of the least exploited beaches in this list. Aside from the powdery white sand, you will also see rock formations that will leave you in awe. Cabgan’s laidback community will definitely make you forget about the city life.
8. Malamawi Island, Basilan
Image credit: Malou Eudela
The beauty of Malamawi will make you forget all the negative things you’ve heard about Basilan in mainstream media. This hidden paradise has recently been developed as a tourist destination but there are definitely fewer tourists compared to its more famous counterparts in the region.
9. Agutayan Island, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental
Image credit: Marisse Galorport
Agutayan Island may not have a rich vegetation but the diverse marine life makes up for it. A few metres from the shoreline of this naked island lies an underwater sanctuary that is perfect for snorkelling.
10. Aliguay Island, Dapitan
Image credit: Aliguay Island
Aliguay is one of your portals to the vast and alluring water of the Sulu Sea. Getting to the island is an adventure in itself as you will have to brave the waters and go against the waves. If you’re lucky enough, dolphins may join in the fun!
11. Talicud Island, Davao
Image credit: Mark Onod
Although fairly known to Mindanaoans, Talicud Island doesn’t ring a bell to Luzon, Visayas, and foreign tourists. Talicud is the lesser known destination compared to the more popular Samal Island. Appropriately named, Talicud is right behind the main island and is now gaining fame for the same quality of beaches, yet cheaper accommodations.
12. Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte
Image credit: Edz Del Rosario
Bucas Grande offers a similar experience to Palawan with the tour of its mostly unspoiled islands. You will definitely enjoy the serenity of the nature as the tour guides fondly share interesting trivia about each island. There are coves where you can swim with stingless jellyfishes but make sure not to wear any sunblock lotion as this may poison them.
13. Mantigue Island, Camiguin
Image credit: Allan Ascaño
Camiguin is a one-stop destination for all your touristy needs. It is home to a cold spring, hot spring, falls, a challenging trek, a sunken cemetery, historical ruins, and beaches that do not disappoint! The small island of Mantigue should be part of your itinerary especially if you like snorkeling.
14. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands
Image credit: Banawe Corvera
Bitaog beach is just one of the many beautiful islands in Dinagat. Upon reaching the place, you will feel that you are in your own private island as Bitaog is quite small and mostly uninhabited. If you get tired of swimming, you may explore the different rock formations and limestone peaks in this island.
Also read: Dinagat Islands: An Underrated Gem in Mindanao That’s Worth a Visit
15. Carmen, Agusan Del Norte
Carmen Dive Sites via Butuan City
Some of the best Snorkeling Spots and Dive Sites in the Caraga Region are just 40 minutes away from Butuan City. Like our page and tag someone you want to take there.
Nai-post ni Backyard Adventures noong Martes, Enero 10, 2017
Video credit: Backyard Adventures
Sure, Carmen’s shores can’t compete with the white sands of most of the beaches in this list but its rich, diverse, and colourful marine ecosystem compensates for it. Any diver who has tried exploring Carmen will agree that the diving sites are world-class.
Also read: 15 Secret Beaches in the Philippines You Probably Didn’t Know About
These are just some of the beaches that Mindanao can offer. The Land of Promise may have been tainted by negative notions regarding safety, but no one can deny that tourism in this beautiful island has been booming in recent days. In return, the possibility of exploitation of these beautiful beaches is high, unless we do our part by becoming responsible tourists to ensure sustainability.
