The Philippines is the second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7,000 islands. What is more, there are thousands of sandbars that rise and fall with the tides. These were some of the country’s most beautiful and transient attractions, presenting one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Sandbars are long tracts of land that are surrounded by water on both sides. Tides and strong currents shape them and make them large or small according to their whims. Some of them are only seen during low tide, and others are above the water for the entirety. They are also influenced by humans through climate change, erosion, pollution, and overdevelopment.
Probably the most famous sandbar in the Philippines is the one in Manjuyod Sandbar, which is really tagged as the “Maldives of the Philippines.” This white sand stretch is approximately about seven kilometers long and lies in the middle of the sea. There are also cottages over the water that can be rented for an overnight stay in the Sandbar. This is also the best time to visit when it is low tide, with the fine white sand that one could walk on, and swim in its transparent blue water.
Another popular sandbar is that of the Kalanggaman Island in Leyte, which boasts of its pristine beauty and serenity. It has two long sandbars at both ends of the island, making it resemble a bird while looking from above. The island does not have electricity or accommodation facilities; hence, the visitors should bring their own tents and food for their stay here. Because it is a marine sanctuary, some of the activities that could be done here include snorkeling and diving.
If one wants a more accessible sandbar, you can head over to the White Island in Camiguin, which is only 10 minutes away from the mainland by boat. The White Island is a half-moon-shaped sandbar whose shape changes depending on how strong the tide or wind is at the moment. It has no shade or any kind of vegetation, and thus sun protection and umbrellas should be brought in. The White Island offers a breathtaking view of the volcanoes and mountains of Camiguin.
There is a good number of other sandbars to be discovered, such as Angela Island in Pangasinan, whose kilometer-long sandbar connects two islands into one, and Panampangan Island in Tawi-Tawi with its 3.1-kilometer sandbar, the longest in the country. These sandbars are not only pictorially beautiful but also diverse in terms of both biodiversity and culture.
Keeping respect for the environment and the local communities in mind when visiting these natural wonders is important. As former Miss Philippines Charlene Gonzales once quipped, “High tide or low tide?” Both, depending on when you want to see these vanishing sandbars.
Relevant articles:
– How to explore the vanishing sandbars of the Philippines, CNN, September 9, 2020
– The vanishing sandbars of the Philippines (photos), CNN, September 9, 2020
– 7 Stunning White Sand Vanishing Island In The Philippines You Should Visit, The Yolo Moments, December 23, 2021