BEST BEACHES

As summer heats up in the Philippines, discover the best shoreline for swimming, whale-watching, or just plain bumming around.

BEST PARTY BEACH

Boracay's White Beach continues to hold this distinction as both locals and visitors let it all hang out there, sometimes almost literally. Nowhere else in the Philippines can one party all night, crash in a spa-resort, and dine on authentic cuisines, all on a mile-long stretch of fine white sand.

BEST MULTISPORT BEACH

A few hours' drive from Manila, Laiya Beach in Batangas, in recent years, has been the prime venue for multisport events. It is the perfect training ground for triathlon athletes, with its mountain trails for biking, trekking and running. and ocean for kayaking, diving, and swimming. After a punishing day, the resorts promise comforts for a speedy recovery before the return to the city.

BEST WINDSWEPT BEACH

With wind speeds of at least 20 knots to power your kites or fill your sails, Boracay's sleepy Bulabog Beach, is the gerent of gust. It has been the favorite locus of wind pilots and plays host to a couple of windsurfing/kiteboarding camps for beginners, as well as the internationally renowned Boracy Funboard Cup windsurfers' regatta held every january.

BEST SURFING BEACHES

Majestics in Catanduanes or Cloud Nine in Siargao. These are actually reef breaks but if you want the most powerful barreling waves in the country, these two breaks are where you want to be.

BEST SECLUDED BEACH

Tiny Capones Island, Zambales is the best for seclusion. There are no restos or inns so bring your own food and amenities. Even the tides ensure the seclusion, the visitor must leave before late afternoon because the surrounding waters become hard to navigate by the small boats.

BEST NATURE TRIP

A default rest stop for watches of whales and dolphins in the Bohol Strait, Pamilacan Island's Whitesand Beach is the perfect jump-off for snorkeling trips in crystal clear waters around Bohol. Walks around the island give the visitor a deeper understanding of the reason the whaler's harpoon yielded to the tourist's camera.