20 Best Beaches in the World
By • Last UpdatedPink Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga, The Philippines
The Philippines is renowned for its stunning beaches, including the unique pink-sand variety found on Great Santa Cruz Island. The pink hue is derived from billions of crushed red organ-pipe coral fragments mixed with white sand, creating a captivating blush color in every handful. To preserve the island’s natural beauty, visitor numbers are regulated, so it’s essential to make advance arrangements through the tourist office in Zamboanga.
Located just 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) south of downtown Zamboanga City, Great Santa Cruz Island is famous for having the only pink sand beach in the Philippines. However, its popularity has declined since the 1970s and early 1980s when it was a favored destination for German and Italian tourists. The deterioration of peace and order in the region has contributed to this decrease in visitors.
Great Santa Cruz Island, along with Little Santa Cruz Island, is part of the protected areas in Region 9 of the Philippines. Together, they are designated as the Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands Protected Landscape & Seascape, a status established on April 23, 2000, through Proclamation No. 271. The protected park spans a total area of 1,877 hectares (4,640 acres).