Thinking of the Instagram-perfect island escape? Then you’re thinking of the best beaches in the Philippines. Made up of 7,641 islands dotting the Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a country that abounds in powdery, white sands and crystal-clear waters. On top of that, they also offer an incredibly rich picture of natural beauty. The archipelago’s stunning coasts are among the most diverse in the world, with a total of over 22,000 miles of shorelines featuring quiet coves, rocky shores, mangrove forests, sandbars, lagoons, mudflats, coral reefs, and so much more.
The Philippines’ wealth of geographic marvels has drawn millions of international tourists every year, as well as Filipinos (living domestically and abroad) who know very well that few beaches compare to those in the motherland. The hospitality, people, and culture on the islands are also truly things to behold. (It’s only natural then that some of the best islands in Asia, according to our Readers’ Choice Awards, are found in the Philippines.) Whether you’re looking to have a restorative getaway, to party all weekend, or to satiate your thirst for adventure—in the Philippines, there’s something for everyone. Here are seven of the best beaches in the Philippines.
Entalula Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Entalula was named the best beach in Asia for 2025—and the second best beach in the world—by World’s 50 Best, so you know it’s gotta be good. Apart from white sand and turquoise waters, the beach is also surrounded by lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs. Snorkelers and divers can also delight in the underwater wonders on the west bay of Entalula Island, where a colorful coral garden sits, teeming with vibrant, tropical marine life. But one of the main draws to the beach is its location—secluded on a remote island accessible by a 30-minute to hour-long boat ride from the town of El Nido. While part of the beach is open to the public, most of it is exclusive to guests of El Nido Resorts, so it’s a good idea too book a stay.
Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Palawan
For a luxurious, five-star, The White Lotus-esque beach retreat, it doesn’t get much better than the exclusive resort Amanpulo on Pamalican Island. White sand, thriving reefs, and calm waters encircle the private island paradise, which is perfect for swimming, diving, and other water sports. Pamalican is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles, so hotel guests can witness the magical moonlit experience of hatchlings emerging on the beach. With its lavish modern amenities, and the fact that it’s reachable only via chartered plane from Manila, a stay at the resort certainly costs a pretty penny. However, it’s all worth it for that view.
White Beach, Boracay
This beach is a 2.5-mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft, white sand. But while the seaside landscape and views are certainly a big draw at White Beach, so is the seaside social, dining, and nightlife scene. Boracay has long been deemed a party destination because of its lively bar, lounge, and club culture, with people dancing to live music and DJs while sipping on cocktails by the beachfront. There’s a wealth of options, depending on your budget: The beach is divided into “stations,” with Station 3 being the most affordable and Station 1 being the most luxurious. However, you’ll find that most food and shop options are in Station 2. There’s also the exclusive Station 0—the northernmost tip of the island, which is a lot more upscale. For an easy journey at end-to-end, the staff at The Lind Boracay will handle all transfers from airport to resort for maximum relaxation.
Puka Shell Beach, Boracay
Puka Shell Beach is a more serene, relatively-secluded, and low-key alternative to White Beach. It’s named after the small, white shells that are abundant along its white sand shore, which locals use to make jewelry. Visitors can feel free to comb through the shore to see these tiny natural wonders, but they need to be sure to put it right back to maintain the safety of the local ecosystem. Removed from crowds, Puka might offer a more romantic and intimate scene for couples. It also has a family-friendly atmosphere, as kids can enjoy a swim in the calm, clear, shallow waters without having to worry about strong currents. As for where to stay, you’ll find Shangri-La Boracay nearby, with polished suites and villas, and even a private jetty for excursions on the water.
Cloud 9, Siargao
Siargao is considered the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” and Cloud 9 beach is the spot to catch a wave. Cloud 9 is a world-renowned surfing destination where the prestigious World Surf League hosts the annual Siargao International Surfing Cup. What makes this beach perfect are its powerful, barreling, fast-breaking waves, which provide a fun challenge for experienced surfers. But there are also areas designated for beginner surfers where the waves are calmer and smaller, and they can learn with guidance of instructors. But if you’d rather leave the surfing to the pros, you can watch them from the iconic (and very photogenic) Cloud 9 boardwalk, where you can also catch a beautiful sunset. And just a 20-minute car ride away is the gorgeous Nay Palad Hideaway, the most luxurious resort on the island—and its all-inclusive concept means there’s no fussing about signing bills after lunch or scanning the activities list for prices, which sets the tone for a proper toes-in-the-sand break on one of the country’s prettiest islands.
Pacifico Beach, Siargao
For a quiet, laid-back, and off-the-beaten-path beach experience on Siargao, head to Pacifico Beach. This area in the northeastern part of the island feels more untouched, with less commercial activity and development, and more eco-friendly accommodations, lush palm trees, and a rugged coastline that nature-lovers will appreciate. Visitors can just chill out on the beach and read a book, swim, or explore coves and beautiful rock formations. Pacifico is also a surfer’s haven for pros looking to break away from the crowds, or beginners trying to find a more relaxed environment to learn. Just up the road from Pacifico is Trogon’s Perch, an eight-room hideaway with a fabulous restaurant and killer views from its infinity pool.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Alona Beach has incredibly fine, white sand—ideal for long walks and building sandcastles—and clear, calm, shallow waters close to shore that even non-swimmers can enjoy dipping their toes into. The coastline is also a great commercial hub, with family-friendly resorts, luxury villas, bustling restaurants and shops, as well as bars and lounges that come alive at night. For those looking to explore more of Bohol’s marine wonders, island hopping tours leave all the time from Alona. And with the well-known diving site Balicasag Island not too far from the beach, numerous diving shops also offer tours and diving lessons. Overlooking the Bohol Sea, Amorita Bohol’s villas are the perfect perch for a stay on Panglao.
