Sandbars are always a delight to visit. Long, white sandy trails with sparkling blue waves crashing into the shores is something we wish we can visit all the time. Its pristine nature makes it so calming and gives you the sense of island relaxation that everybody yearns for.

The good thing is that there are plentiful sandbars in the Philippines, and more so in the Visayas. The Visayas is an archipelago full of bucket list destinations and if you are planning on going, consider these 6 must-visit sandbars.

1. Manjuyod White Sand Bar, Negros Oriental

The Manjuyod White Sandbar is a strip of pristine white sand that is in Negros Oriental. The place looks so scenic that it has been hailed as the “Maldives in the Philippines” with its huts sticking out from the crystal waters.

Photo from Manjuyod White Sand Bar And Bais City Dolphin Watching Facebook Page
Photo by Juls Aprl
Photo by Juls Aprl
Photo by Janice Mauricio

Exact location: Coast of Bais City, Negros Oriental

How to get there:

Book a flight to Dumaguete. Upon arriving at the airport, go to the bus terminal and ride a bus bound for Bais City. When you arrive, take a tricycle going to Canibol Wharf or the Capinahan Wharf. From there, rent a boat to Manjuyod White Sandbar. Prices start at P3,500.

2. Sumilon Island Sandbar, Cebu

The Sumilon Sandbar is a popular site because it is located in Sumilon Island Resort, a well-known and highly-rated resort in Oslob, Cebu. Note the fact that it is a must-visit when you go to Oslob, and Oslob has many tourist attractions to choose from!

@thomito12
Photo by Ram Mancelita

Exact location: Sumilon Island, Oslob, Southern Cebu, — ~3-4 hours away from the city.

How to get there:

Book a flight to Cebu City. Upon arriving at the airport, grab a taxi and go to the south bus terminal. From there, ride a bus bound for Oslob. Inform the driver to drop you off at the main Whale Shark activity site or to the resort you’re heading.

3. Higatangan Island, Biliran

A narrow sandbar surrounded by clear waters on both sides, Higatangan Island in Biliran is definitely a must-visit. When you are there, it is like you are crossing a sand bridge in the middle of the ocean. The sandbar itself even has a rich history.

Photo by Kenny Rosal / IG @ whereiskeeno
Photo by Kenny Rosal / IG @ whereiskeeno
Photo by Kenny Rosal / IG @ whereiskeeno

Exact location: Higatangan Island, Biliran~30-40 mins away from Naval.

How to get there:

Book a flight to Tacloban City. Upon arriving at the airport, go to the bus or van terminal and look for a bus or shuttle van heading to Naval, the capital of Biliran. Inform the driver you are heading to Naval. Upon arriving, catch a ride at one of the ferry boats going to the Higatang Island.

4. Bulubadiangan Island, Iloilo

Photo by Rizzi Areno
Photo by simonette gaspay
Photo by Christian Esperancilla
Photo by Francis Napisa

Another narrow sand bridge surrounded by turquoise waters, the Bulubadiangan Island in Concepcion, Iloilo boasts a sandbar of their own. It extends far into the open sea, making it an experience you need to have.

Exact location: Bulubadiangan Island, Concepcion, Iloilo

How to get there:

Book a flight to Iloilo City. Upon arriving at the airport, go to the Iloilo City Bus Terminal and look for a bus heading to Concepcion. Upon arriving, head to the Concepcion Fish Port or get assistance from the Concepcion Tourism department at the plaza to go to Bulubadiangan Island.

5. Seco Island, Antique

Photo by Tim Cinco
Photo by Tim Cinco
Photo by Myk Poblacion
Photo by Tim Cinco

Seco Island in Antique is not known by many, but looking at it makes you think that it is something everyone should know. It is an unspoiled sandbar in the middle of the sea forming like a boomerang, giving it a unique shape.

Exact location: Seco Island, Tibiao, Antique

How to get there:

Book a flight to Kalibo. Upon arriving at the airport, go to the Ceres Bus Terminal and look for a bus heading to Antique. Tell the bus driver you are going to Malabor, Tibiao. Upon arriving, ride a tricycle going to the municipal hall. At the back of the municipal hall there are boat trips you can take to Seco Island.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island Leyte (1)
Giff Atienza
Kalanggaman Island Leyte (2)
Giff Atienza
Kalanggaman Island Philippines (3)
Jaylord Bornea
Photo by Jaylord Bornea of Sugbo.ph
Kalanggaman Island Philippines (1)
Photo by Jaylord Bornea of Sugbo.ph

Hailed to be on par with Boracay’s pristine waters and white sand, Kalanggaman Island in Leyte is the definition of a must-visit. You can do many activities there such as playing volleyball and of course diving into the shore.

Exact location: Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte

How to get there:

Book a flight going to Tacloban City or Ormoc City. From Tacloban Airport, ride a van going to Palompon which will take you about 3 hours. From Palompon City, ride a boat (60 mins) or speed boat (30 mins) going to Kalanggaman Island.


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