LONG BEACH CREAM SAND: Beautiful Beaches Need Not Have White Sands

Admit it, when looking for beaches to go on vacation, we always prefer to go somewhere with white sands. It has been the norm for ages. The Philippines is a haven for white sand beaches after all that Boracay and Palawan have always been on top of our lists. But what if I tell you that I found a gorgeous beach with velvety sands, soft and smooth against my feet, stunning views, and beautiful wild waves, would you dare explore it if I tell you it has creamy brown sands? I bet not. Surprisingly, I found this beach as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and no, it doesn’t have white sands. Everyone, sink your eyes into the Long Beach Cream Sand as you’ll probably hear about this place often in the days to come.

A Taste Of Home

I spent the first five years of my life in a small barangay of San Antonio in Cateel, Davao Oriental. As a young child, I often see myself in streams or in the middle of coconut fields playing tag with my older cousins. But what I loved most which had always fancied my attention was the sea, that deep blue with whitecaps from a distance. My mom had always prohibited me from getting near the beach unless I’m with her. She warned me about the ocean taking people as a sacrifice to whoever, which my innocent and superstitious self believed.

I can still vividly remember the bliss I always feel whenever the fam spends time at the beach to celebrate an occasion or a bountiful harvest. It was life’s simple joys. We only had banana puddings and coconut wine to feast on but they tasted the most delicious whenever we were near the ocean. I can still picture the smile painted all over my face whenever my mom takes me to the beach to pick up some firewood. I still cringe at the thought of seeing little crabs teeming in the sands whenever the waves hit the shores. And more than twenty years after, those gigantic waves still intimidate me but they also kind of served as my refuge, my home.

Almost thirty years ago, unwillingly, I left home and went somewhere far. I was forced to live in some place different from what I was used to. That place didn’t have streams with crystal clear waters. No fields with towering coconut trees. No gushing waterfalls. No ocean. It was a developing town with numerous pedicabs and more houses than trees. Kids like me spent more time playing video games and street sports. They knew nothing about the ocean and only a handful would dare climb trees and mountains. It was a far cry from my home far away. It felt so strange and foreign that I found it hard to fit in, much to my struggle as they also couldn’t understand my language. A wonderful tale from an enthusiastic kid who only spoke Mandaya is meaningless to a bunch of Tagalog and Bisaya kids.

Growing up, all I could think of were adventures. My dreams were filled with freedom and getting lost. My dad had always wondered why I love going out so much, why I hate staying in the house, and why I always daydream. He didn’t understand my yearning for the beautiful memories kept deep within my heart. He couldn’t quite figure out that thirst I have for discovering all things new and that longing I have for seeing new places and how it excites me every single time. My young mind failed to muster the courage to tell him or to somehow make him understand. I was always overcome by the fear of losing the only person I care about over something so trivial, at least not for me.

Fast forward to 2020 and I am now a woman. After years in the corporate world making myself some money, I finally had the chance to go back to my first home. So much has changed since the last time I saw it. The 2-story ancestral house that my gramps built was no longer there. The people didn’t seem familiar to me. Small native houses were replaced by big modern ones. The aftermath of a great typhoon that once devastated the place is still very evident. My cousins have all grown and gone to start their own families. But there was one thing that didn’t change. The streams, the waterfalls, the mountains, and the ocean. The roads are very much the same too. They may have been fixed but they still led me to the same path, to my treasured jewels.

I was just glad to see that after so many years, the beach that I love so much remained unchanged. It was still the same empty beach with only the splashing of the waves as the only sound playing on repeat. The sands have become finer, softer and smoother. The little crabs were gone but I barely consider it as a cause for alarm. The shores are clean even in the middle of the monsoon. I still saw tree trunks at the beach but I doubt local folks still come to pick them up for firewood. The ocean retained its formidable self with its endless horizon of blues and relentless and powerful waves. It still showcases a scary world of the unknown without boundaries. But unlike my 5-year-old self, I’m bolder now to take it on and explore even its most hidden corners.

How To Go To Long Beach Cream Sand

From Manila – Fly to Davao. Once at the airport, hire a taxi to take you to Ecoland Terminal. There you can either ride the bus or a van going to Cateel or Baganga, whichever is available (4 Hrs | P350/way). Just make sure to ride the one passing by Compostela Valley to lessen your travel time.

Once in Cateel, ride a tricycle to Brgy. San Antonio and tell the driver to drop you off in Long Beach Cream Sand. If the bus or van is headed to Baganga, ride it all the way to Brgy. San Antonio and tell them to drop you off at the old talipapa. From there, you can just ride a tricycle to go to the beach.

From Mati – Long Beach Cream Sand should be 2-3 hours away via bus. Just ride the one headed to Cateel and alight in Barangay San Antonio. From there, you can just ride a tricycle to go to the beach.

Book Your Trip

Useful Tips For Traveling To Long Beach Cream Sand

• The beach is best explored during the months of June to October as it’s usually sunny. If you are after big waves and would love to surf, come here during the rainy months from November to May.
• There are a few resorts along the beach. Some require an entrance fee of P10 for you to be given access. There are also resorts that offer overnight accommodation.
• Some areas are free to access. Just make sure to ask for permission from the landowners or caretakers and to clean up after.
• Bring food and water. There are no houses or stores near the beach. The nearest stores are 10 minutes away by motorcycle.
• There are no public transport that regularly ply the route from the center of the barangay to the beach so if you don’t have your own vehicle, make sure to arrange for someone to pick you up after you’re done exploring the beach.
• Always observe cleanliness. Pick up your trash and dispose of them properly.
• The mobile signal is good, especially for Smart. There is electricity in the area but expect outages to happen from time to time so bring extra power.
• There is no ATM in the area. The nearest ones are in Baganga and Cateel so make sure to bring enough cash.
• Should you wish to know the other jewels hidden in both Cateel and Baganga, this travel guide will tell you all there is to know. [Read: 10 Underrated Tourist Spots In Davao Oriental (Cateel & Baganga)]

My Favorite Resorts along Cream Sand Long Beach

Camp Sano

This resort is located in Brgy. Baybay. A little far but could afford you the peace and quiet that you require. It’s also on the less pricey side since you can rent the entire resort for a price of only P5000.
Contact: Facebook | 0917 596 6606

Camp Sotera

Another affordable resort. I actually like the vibe within it as it reminds me a lot of surf resorts in Siargao and Baler. It’s also clean, has friendly staff, and room rates are pretty reasonable.
Contact: Facebook | 0915 937 1882

Amanleya Resort & Spa

This resort is not located along Cream Sand Long Beach but I thought it’s worth including it on this list. If you’re looking for a Bali-inspired resort with beautiful amenities and reasonable prices then I highly suggest trying this one out.
Contact: 0905 113 1026

There you have it lovelies! I never really planned to share this place to anybody as it is one of my few treasured secrets but I realized that nothing can remain hidden far too long especially in this age of social media. I hope you will come to love this beach as much as I do. Until next time. Ciao!