Words by Ruffie Cruz

The Philippines has an abundance of beaches that boast of fine, powdery sands and beautiful, calming waters. Which would probably explain why the likes of El Nido, Puerto Galera and Boracay are considered 3 of the world's top beaches. But if you've been needing a getaway and don't want to take a flight, then head on over to one or all of these beaches near Manila:

Located two kilometers off the coast of Agoho and Yumbing, this white sandbar offers front view seats to the view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan. Come sundown, the White Islands submerge.

Now, Camiguin has three entry points: Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bohol. Travelers may take the ferry from Pier 8 at Cebu or a ferry from Balingoan or Macabalan Port (both in Cagayan de Oro). For those in Bohol, a ferry from Jagna is also available.

Locally known as “Wara-Wara” (a Bicolano term for “disappearing), one needs perfect timing when visiting the Vanishing Island in Albay. Once you arrive on the island via local boats during low tide, make the most out of it as you only have five to six hours to do so before the island submerges. There are plenty of starfish here and the view is overwhelming as the famous Mayon Volcano stands tall along the horizon.

To get here, you can take a bus from Manila to Legazpi. From Legazpi, ride a van or a bus going to Bacacay. The boat ride to the sandbar lasts for about an hour.

Per Google, Kalanggaman Island was one of the most popular searches in 2016. Known for its fine, white sand and clear waters, the island was made famous when a luxury cruise line stopped over in 2013, letting almost all of her 400 guests step foot onto the island. Since then, the local tourism board made it a point to limit the number of guests to 500 per day.

To get to this "Paradise Island", travelers need to take a flight to Tacloban. From there, take a bus or shuttle to Palompon (the ride may last for three hours). From Palompon, visitors can either take an hour long boat ride or hop aboard a speed boat which would cut travel time by half.

Commonly known as the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary, local officials make it a priority to protect the 250-hectare ecosystem, resulting to strict regulations and monitoring of visitors. This destination is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and bird watching.

Travelers can take a RoRo bus from Araneta, Cubao to Masbate. From there, head over to Rendezvous Resort where boats can ferry visitors to Buntod Sandbar daily.

Probably the mostunderrated tourist spot on the list, this sandbar is actually a gateway to a haven of corals, mollusks, and fishes! Its surroundings boasts of a 500-hectare mangrove forest which serves as habitat for a variety of bird species.

From Manila, take a flight to Legazpi then ride a bus to Gubat, Sorsogon. Upon arrival, transfer to a jeepney bound for Prieto Diaz.

If you plan on heading over to one or all of these beaches, make sure to book with Traveloka for places to stay!