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Puting Buhangin, which literally means “white sand”, is located on Paglibao Grande Island, on the south western side of the island. The area is also known as Kuwebang Lampas however, Kuwebang Lampas is also the name of the cave there. From what I understand, this section of the island is a privately owned beach, but is open to the public for day trips.

As our boat pulled in, I was really surprised with how white the sand was compared to Borawan, it was amazing. By this time of the day, it was very hot, so we decided to have a swim in the soothing clear water, without worrying about the jellyfish of Borawan. It really was a magical place to take in the tranquility of the surrounds. The beach is only a few hundred metres long, so it was a little more intimate than Borawan, and felt a lot cozier.

There were a few more locals here than at Borawan, all sitting around in the nipa hunts that dotted the beach having picnics and “tugay” (shots of alcohol). Naturally, we obliged with the friendly locals by joining in for a couple of shots – it would be rude not to, after all.

There is also a cave to the left of the cove (Kuwebang Lampas) set amongst the limestone karsts, which we didn’t have the chance to explore, as the entrance was very rocky and looked a little unsafe at low tide. However, according to the locals, it’s quite safe so maybe next time we will check it out. It looks pretty amazing from what I have seen.

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A view of the beach at Puting Buhangin as the boat pulled up to Paglibao Grande Island.

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An ideal setting with the calm waters gently lapping against the boats docked at the beach.

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Imagine chilling in one of these little huts for the afternoon? I wish I could’ve stayed there for a week!

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Sensational view looking southwards with the sun beginning to lower itself. Still can’t believe this is only a few hours’ drive from Manila!

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One of the locals enjoying the views and serenity of the beach. What better way to spend the day, even if you have four legs!

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A closer look at the mouth of Kuwebang Lampas cave which has a very rocky entrance and should be approached with caution.

Costs:

Puting Buhangin Entrance fee: P50

Puting Buhangin Hut/Cottage Rental: P600

How to get there

From Makati, take the SLEX and STAR tollway, and via Lipa City, head to Lucena City on the Pan Philippine Highway. From Lucena, head to Paglibao and continue through to Padre Burgos on the way to Agdangan. The Tamarind Tree Resort, in Padre Burgos, is right down beside Paglibao Bay, about 180km from Manila. This drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.

From Buendia in Makati, take a bus to Lucena City, and get off at the Lucena Grand Terminal, which will take about 3 hours. The Tamarind Tree Resort (in Padre Burgos), is about 35kms from there. At Lucena terminal take, another bus going to Unisan or a jeepney bound for Agdangan, but be sure to get off at Barangay Basiao in Padre Burgos (look for QCRB Bank). From there, you will need a tricycle to The Tamarind Tree Resort. Cost for Bus/Jeepney/Tricycle: Allow P500-600.

Dezza´s Tip

My suggestion would be to head down from Manila aiming to arrive around midday at The Tamarind Tree Resort, chill out there for the afternoon, then head out first thing the next morning on the boat, and then head back to Manila that night. You can do Borawan, Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan Island all in one day.