Artist Jason Mraz once shared, “My home isn’t about being grounded in one corner of the planet. It’s about being in love and being lost in the middle of an amazing adventure, witnessing sunbursts over horizons of every time zone”. I couldn’t agree more… Spot on words that have never been spoken.

A cove is a small, circular to an oval type of bay or coastal inlet, usually with narrow, restricted entrances.

The Philippines, being an archipelago, have some well-tucked and serene coves perfect for swimming and bumming. These coves are ideal places for swimming because they are believed to have waters that do not have a strong current.

Accessibility of these coves differ. Some, like the coves of Zambales, are easy to go to. While others may pose a little patience as it would require some long bus and boat rides (example, Calayan’s coves). Near or far, these Philippines’ coves are perfect getaways for the wandering soul. These dreamlike places would surely entice all kinds of travelers/ explorers to experience calmness and relaxation. So here is a roster of Philippine coves you might want to tick off your list this 2017:

Zambales Coves – Anawangin, Nagsasa, Silanguin, Talisayen

Perhaps the coves nearest to Metro Manila are the ones in Zambales. Found in the coastal town of San Antonio are the picturesque Anawangin, Nagsasa, Silanguin and Talisayen Coves. These agoho trees dotted beaches surrounded by picturesque mountains and crystal-clear waters would make any wanderer fall in love with its charm.

See more of Zambales’ beautiful coves from: The Lost Kids PH, and The Poor Traveler.

Coves of Calayan – Cibang, Caniwara, Cababaan

If you are the type of person Almost every space your eyes gaze at in this island, is stunning. Some of the most beautiful ones are the islands coves – Caniwara, Cibang and Cababaan. Each of these coves are found in Barangay Dadao. They are separated by some rock formations beautifully sculpted by nature. And each of these 3 coves has unique features.

More of these coves at D’Yan Lang, No Juan is an Island

Batanes – Chamantad – Tinyan

For the record, almost every travel enthusiast I have met along the way would always have Batanes in their must-go place or dream destination list. Well, who would not want to? The smallest and the northernmost island province of the Philippines is definitely worth seeing and experiencing. Beyond its verdant hills and lighthouses, its coves are beyond picturesque especially the Chamantad – Tinyan Cove on the island of Sabtang.

More stories about Batanes by checking these out: No Juan is an Island, and my friend Togi Explorer‘s beautifully written Batanes post.

Ilocos Norte – Maira-ira Cove, Pagudpud

Tucked away from the touristy crowd is a beautiful azure lagoon-like spot. Maira-ira Cove, commonly referred to as the Blue Lagoon of Pagudpud, is a more serene and picture-perfect beach place if the more frequented Saud Beach is too much for your taste. The stunning Timmangtang and Bantay-Abot rock formations will greet you as you make your way to this cove.

Photo of Mairaira Cove from A Wanderfule Sole and another blog by Senyorita Lakwachera. Show some love.

Surigao Coves: Sohoton in the North, Cagwait in the South

Sohoton Cove

All I wanted to see then were the stingless spotted jellyfishes of Tojoman Lagoon. Little did I know that there is more to Socorro in Surigao del Norte than these marine creatures. Sohoton Cove of the Bucas Grande Island is definitely a big surprise. The crystal clear waters and islets popping out like emerald gems are sights to behold. Plus that small opening for you to get to the cove itself is an awesome experience.

Cagwait Cove

This paradise looking place is yet to be ticked off my bucket list. I have seen a lot of luring photos and I can’t wait to see it myself. Dubbed as the ‘Waikiki Beach of the Philippines’, Cagwait Cove is considered one of the hidden coves in the Philippines that boasts off the soft chalky white sand.

A photo of Cagwait Cove from Adrenaline Romance and 3 articles about these 2 Surigao coves that are worth reading from Trekero, Marxtermind, and Love Mindanao.

Cagayan – Anguib Cove

Anguib Cove, a pretty much secluded beach in the northern tip of Cagayan, has become the pride of the town of Santa Ana. It features startlingly blue, clear waters that touch the fine, white sand alongside its shores.  Being in a cove, the waters are calm and display stillness as the waves are mild, making the place safe for swimming. How to get here? Check this out. Also, one of my travel idols — Lakwatserong Tsinelas – have something to say about this place.

Aurora Province – Dicasalarin Cove

Dicasalarin Cove is still almost unheard of, making it one of baler’s best kept secrets. It is a secluded cove with a white sandy beach, a unique lighthouse atop a hill, a piece of the Sierra Madre’s lovely mountainscape and a seemingly endless, spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. So if you desire serenity at its finest, then a visit to this cove is a must when you are in Baler. More of this cove here.

You could also check out these posts on Dicasalarin Cove by The Memet Diaries, and Tara Gumala.

Truly, the Philippines is a haven for immaculate explored and off-the-beaten places. These beaches, whether white, black or gray sand-dotted, and their clear aquamarine to emerald waters – surely would make any vacation or adventure be filled with postcard-perfect memories. So what are you waiting for, don’t be a wasted soul, be “juan”derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’…