The Most Stunning Beaches in The Philippines
By Sarah Hemsley
Last updated: 5th February 2024
Seeking a real paradise? Look no further than the tropical beaches of the Philippines. With 7,640 islands, the choice of hidden bays, secluded lagoons and long stretches of sand is endless. We’ve narrowed it down to our favourite 8. Have a read and add these stunning spots to your Philippines itinerary.
Secret Lagoon Beach, Miniloc island, El Nido, Palawan
Best beach in The Philippines for: Kayaking in natural lagoons.
Of course, the stunning El Nido tops the list! With its unbelievably crystal clear water, sugary white sand bays, and clusters of limestone islands, it’s a favourite destination on our 13-day Pure Philippines group tour. Escape to the secluded Miniloc island for a natural Filipino beach. Paddle through the sapphire waters of the impressive lagoons, and uncover the beautiful Secret Lagoon beach, where limestone cliffs meet soft powdery sands. It’s truly a gem.
Balabac Island, Palawan
Best beach in The Philippines for: Natural Beauty.
One of the Philippine's most pristine islands! There are endless reasons to visit Balabac Island but first thing first, to feel the softest and purest sand on earth beneath your toes. Your jaw will seriously be dropping. When you take a blissful dip in its serene waters you’ll believe us when we say they’re crystal clear! You’ll surely spot sea turtles, stingrays and tiny fish gracefully swimming beside you. When it comes to the sunsets, they’re out of this world. Watch in awe as the Filippino sky lights up with pretty hues of pink and orange. It’s a precious jewel not to miss.
Coron Island, Palawan
Best beach in The Philippines for: A banca cruise & scuba-diving shipwrecks.
This place is simply Mother Nature’s masterpiece. On our Pure Philippines group trip, you’ll spend a few days aboard a traditional banca boat, hop between stunning beaches and bays and scuba-dive amid coral reefs to discover Japanese shipwrecks that were bombed in WW2. Skelton Wreck, Olympia Maru and Lusong Gunboat are a few of the most well-preserved and accessible for divers of all levels, pros and beginners alike. When golden hour approaches, hop over to one of its neighbouring islands to watch the fiery sunset as you wind down for a reviving night of sleep in a rustic Filipino hut. There’s nothing quite like it.
White Beach, Boracay Island, Aklan
Best beach in The Philippines for: White sand & beach bars.
White Beach is every backpacker's dream. It’s the perfect combination of pure white sand and thriving beach bars. Not to mention the breathtaking sunsets, pristine waters and thrilling watersports. Spend your day on the sunkissed shore, topping up your tan and relaxing to the peaceful sound of waves. By night, hit the booming beach bars for a night to remember with new like-minded friends for life. This beach will soon feel like your second home.
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Cebu
Best beach in The Philippines for: The iconic sardine run.
As lovely as Pangsama Beach is, the real beauty of Moalboal is hidden underwater. Get your flippers on and dive down deep to witness this world-famous sardine run. Watch in awe as millions of silvery fish swim in unison to form an incredible swirl around you. What are you waiting for? Swim amid the sardines yourself on our Pure Philippines group tour. It’s simply a breathtaking moment that won’t fail to amaze you.
Long Beach, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Best beach in The Philippines for: Endless sands & laid-back vibes.
Palawan is known for its stunning beaches. Stop by Palawan on our Pure Philippines group trip and check out Southeast Asia’s second-longest beach! Long Beach is the place to be for laid-back vibes in natural beauty. Think of white sands lined with swaying palm trees and sunshine beaming off calm turquoise waves. Dip in the warm water, practice your morning yoga or sunbathe on the sunkissed shores. This beach of your dreams stretches for 14 km. That’s 8.5 miles! No wonder it’s got its name.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
Best beach in The Philippines for: Spotting dolphins & snorkelling.
If you like relaxing on the beach with a cold beer in hand, Panglao Island is the place for you. Alona Beach is a tropical paradise famous for its 1.5 km (0.9 miles) stretch of pure white sand embedded between incredible rock formations at each end. Spend the day admiring dolphins, snorkelling the turquoise water or playing frisbee on the soft sands. Afterwards, stroll down the stunning shoreline and you’ll pass plenty of authentic restaurants for a taste of Filipino cuisine. Entice your taste buds with some fresh seafood or a refreshing tropical cocktail.
Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Best beach in The Philippines for: Surfing the waves.
The stunning island of Siargao is a surfing lover's dream. Cloud Nine is an iconic surfing spot. Whether you’re a surfing pro or it’s your first time picking up a board, the waves are simply perfect for all. So perfect in fact, it’s rated the Philippines' best surf spot! Grab a board and enjoy the thrill of the waves carrying you through this pristine paradise.
Make your dream trip to the Philippines a reality. Awaken your senses on our 13-day Pure Philippines group trip. You’ll be pinching yourself as you soak up the stunning views. Uncover El Nido, climb the iconic canopy walk, swim in Kawasan Falls and live the island-hopping life on a banca boat. Believe us, it’ll be pure bliss.
Discover more of Asia’s stunning beaches on an Asia group tour.
