El Nido, Boracay cited as PHL's top two beaches

When the sun gets too hot to handle, it may be time to pack your bags and head to the beach. Fortunately, the Philippines is a great place for sun-worshippers. 

 

CNNGo recently came out with its list of the Philippines' best beaches and islands, with El Nido, Palawan on top. 

 

While tourist favorite Boracay comes in second, El Nido gets the top spot with its postcard-perfect views.

 

"Sure, it's got powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters. But the views are what really sell the place. Off the coast of El Nido are majestic karst limestone formations, empty lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls. All are easily explored," CNN Go writer Candice Lopez-Quimpo says.

 

She describes El Nido as the "gateway to wild adventure," where scenes from “The Bourne Legacy” were shot earlier this year.

 

Location manager Dow Griffith described El Nido as paradise, and said guests are "very well looked after at any of the resorts." 

 

Also on the list are Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley, Panglao in Bohol, Bantayan Island in Cebu, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, Samal in Davao, Siargao Islands in Surigao del Norte, Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

 

Panglao was previously cited by an international travel magazine as one of the best secret beaches on earth.

 

The CNNGo article is part of CNN's "Eye on the Philippines" series, which focuses on the country by featuring live daily reports and in-depth reportage to provide insights on people, politics, business and culture. 

 

No doubt about it, the Philippines has beaches for all kinds of people—whether you want time away from it all, to party barefoot on the sand, to surf three-meter-high waves or to simply sit and soak up the sun. 

 

Just don't forget to wear sunblock. –KG, GMA News