10 BEST Albay Beaches and Beach Resorts for Summer Vacations
Albay Province is known as the home of the majestic Mayon Volcano, but did you know that it is also brimming with some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Bicol Region? From the fine, white sands of Misibis Bay to the unique volcanic black sands of Sto. Domingo, here are the best Albay beaches and beach resorts that you can book for vacations.
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1. Misibis Bay
Misibis Bay is a slice of paradise with pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear water. It’s perhaps one of — if not the most — beautiful beaches in Albay.
Located in Cagraray Island, this resort complex is a great place to soak up the sun or dip into the waters for a refreshing swim. The bay also offers an array of watersports, from jetskiing to windsurfing. And when the sun dips below the horizon, treat yourself to a beachside dinner under the starlit sky.
The beach resort offers luxury accommodations and top-notch facilities including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a lagoon pool, a restaurant that serves Bicolano favorites, and more.
Book your stay: Misibis Bay Resort
2. Guinanayan Island
Nicknamed the “Pearl Island of Albay,” Guinanayan Island is one of the best beaches in Albay, with its white sandbar-like shore and surrounding gentle waters, perfect for paddle boating and swimming with kids.
The island can be found in the town of Rapu-Rapu, Albay. It is mostly untouched by tourism, so the island has retained its pristine beauty and charm. Except for outdoor cottages and tents, there are no other establishments here. It’s recommended that you bring your own food and drink when visiting here.
3. Vanishing Island
Located in Malilipot, Albay, Vanishing Island is a marvel of nature that’s sure to captivate your imagination. You might wonder, “How can an island just vanish?” Well, this isn’t a magic trick or illusion but a delightful phenomenon courtesy of Mother Nature. At high tide, the island immerses under the azure sea only to reemerge during low tide, giving it the apt name — Vanishing Island.
During low tide, you can walk on the sand bar, swim, or rest up in one of the floating cottages. As the tide changes, you can watch the island slowly disappear beneath the waves, an experience that’s nothing short of magical.
You can reach this island by renting a boat from Bacacay Port or Tabaco Port.
Book your stay (Tabaco City): The Blu Hotel | Hotel Fina
4. Trinity Islands
One of the must-visit tourist spots in Oas, Albay, Trinity Islands is composed of three neighboring islets that make for a picture-perfect destination. The islets are surrounded by shallow reef and clear water, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For the adventurous at heart, there is also a spot for cliff diving.
A white sand bar connects the islets to the mainland.
You can get here by a short 10-15 minute boat ride from the coastline of the town of Oas. Most resorts offer island hopping tours to get here. It’s advisable to wear aqua shoes since some of the areas have sharp rocks.
5. Silangan Cove
Located a few minutes away from Trinity Islands is Silangan Cove, which some locals say has the finest and softest white sands in the whole of Albay Province. The cove features shallow water, making it perfect even for kids. You can also find lots of star fishes in the area.
Oas is a coastal municipality in Albay, home to a number of white-sand Albay beaches and beach resorts. It’s a great destination for families, friends, and couples. You can find different resorts, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts that cater to your budget, as well as various watersport activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and island hopping tours.
Some of the best resorts in Aos, Albay, include Charlina’s Beach House, The Manay Imacoto Beach Club & Resort, and — for the budget-conscious — Punta Estrella White Beach Resort
6. Cabungahan Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChNjPIpPwlI/One of the most popular beaches in Bacacay, Albay, Cabungahan Beach features a long strip of fine, white-sand shore perfect for those who love the ocean. It’s a great option for casual trips for families and friends, with cottages available for day trips and overnight stays. Cooking services are also available if you want to bring your own food or enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
Aside from swimming, you can also take photos of the limestone rock formations or go on an island hopping adventure to see other beaches in Bacacay and nearby towns.
7. Corangon Shoal
Just when you thought you’d seen the best of Albay, get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking Corangon Shoal in Tiwi, Albay. Often overlooked by tourists, this unique islet is formed from crushed corals and sand, which over thousands of years had swirled and swirled above the sea line until it formed a round islet, which locals sometimes call the “Egg Yolk Island.”
Visit here for a nice swim — just make sure to bring sunscreen as you’ll be very exposed to the sun! It also offers a nice vantage view of Mayon Volcano with the ocean. It’s like stepping into a surreal painting where the blues of the sky and the sea merge, punctuated only by the proud spectacle of Mayon.
This island beach is also a declared marine sanctuary, with diverse marine and coral life. It’s one of the top dive spots in the Bicol Region.
Corangon Shoal is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the town of Malinao.
8. Pinamuntugan Beach
Pinamuntugan Beach is one of the several white-sand beaches in Albay. For several years it was virtually untouched, and today only a few outdoor cottages have been added to the shore. The beach’s beautiful sand, clear water, and secluded location makes it a great place for those who want to beach bum all day. On clear days, you can also see a vista of Mount Mayon from afar.
Aside from the beach, the island also boasts of distinct rock formations, a lagoon home to various types of fish, and forest filled flora and fauna.
9. Sogod Beach
Another town that you should visit for its black-sand beaches includes Barangay Sogod in Tiwi, Albay. In particular, Sogod Beach is a popular, laid-back beach known for its distinctive ash-colored shores perfect for taking a stroll, swimming, and enjoying a picnic.
This beach is accessible as it is only four kilometers from the town proper and the beach itself is located near a road.
10. Palipasan Beach
Due to the presence of an active volcano, you’ll find a handful of black-sand beaches in Albay, similar to those found in Hawaii. The black sand is the result of volcanic rocks being broken down for years. Except for the unique jet black color, it feels similar to regular sand and you can walk on it easily.
Palipasan Beach in Sto. Domingo is one of the black-sand Albay beaches that you should visit. It is a sight to behold, and the beach itself is perfect for swimming and other activities such as skimboarding.
For those who wish to stay overnight, you can find laid-back beach resorts along the coastline of Sto. Domingo.
And there you have it! The best Albay beaches and beach resorts, perfect for beach outings for the family, friends, and even solo tourists. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comment section below!
What to read next:
Visiting Albay? Read our guides for a perfect trip!
- Best Albay Tourist Spots and Things to Do
- Best Albay Resorts, Hotels, and Camping Sites
- Best Albay Beaches and Beach Resorts
- Sumlang Lake
- Mayon ATV Adventure
- Things to do in Tabaco City
- Island hopping in Albay (via Tabaco Port)
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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).
