Within the Western Pacific and east of the South China Sea, you’ll find the Philippines. It has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its idyllic islands such as Boracay and many white sandy beaches. Furthermore, there are plenty of coral reefs, diverse sea life, rolling hills, and majestic palm trees for visitors to enjoy. A few of these popular attractions include Alona Beach that’s a huge hit with tourists, White Beach that features some of the purest white sand, and Dumaluan Beach that’s one of the most scenic beaches in the region. Check our list of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines and plan your trip accordingly!
1. Nacpan Beach, El Nido

Nacpan Beach is clean and serene, boasting crystal clear waters and a sandy shore. It’s a great option for couples, friends, and family who want to spend some time in the sun in a space that’s safe and features many amenities. There are beach chairs available for rental, and there are also several restaurants and bars nearby where visitors can purchase food and refreshments. Furthermore, this beach is a great spot to watch the sunset during the latter part of the afternoon.
Nacpan Beach, El Nido
Address: Sitio Calitang, Barangay Bucana, El Nido, Palawan Island 1131, Philippines
2. Alona Beach, Bohol

Alona Beach features a nice sandy shore, clear blue waters, and stunning sunsets late in the afternoons. Also, there’s plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the immediate vicinity, so you’ll always find the things you need without having to venture too far. But do keep in mind that this is an incredibly popular beach with locals and tourists alike and does get crowded during the day. If you want to avoid the crowds, then head over to Alona in the morning or late in the afternoon for a better experience.
Alona Beach, Bohol
Address: Alona Beach, Tawala, 6340 Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Website: Alona Beach
3. Banul Beach, Coron

If you’re seeking a more intimate beach, then you should check out Banul Beach in Coron. It’s a little paradise tucked away from the rest of the world and features shallow azure waters and deep waters, which are ideal for those that enjoy snorkeling. A few other unique facets of this beach are its coral garden and dramatic looking cliffs that almost engulf the shore. There are various resorts on the island, and you’ll want to book one if you’re planning on staying for more than a day.
Banul Beach, Coron
Address: Coron, Palawan, Philippines
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4. White Beach, Boracay

Yes, White Beach truly does live up to its name thanks to its white sandy shoreline that’s bound to brighten up your day. Furthermore, it has crystal clear waters shallow enough for swimming and snorkeling safely. Boracay island is very touristy, and there are plenty of resorts and other amenities nearby. You can also try out various water sports in White Beach and Bulabog Beach, which lies in the eastern part of the island. Do keep in mind that algae proliferate here from December to May.
White Beach, Boracay
Address: White Beach Boracay, Aklan, Philippines
Website: White Beach
5. Valugan Boulder Beach, Batanes

The first thing you’ll notice when visiting Valugan Boulder Beach is its range of humongous boulders and smaller pebbles lining the shore. So bring along your smartphone or digital camera to take photos of the waves crashing into the rocks. And, if you hang around till late in the afternoon, you’ll have an opportunity to take stunning photos of the sunset. Wear hiking shoes instead of flip flops, and avoid entering the water during tidal waves.
Valugan Boulder Beach, Batanes
Address: Contra Costa Rd, Basco, Batanes, Philippines
6. Long Beach, San Vincete
If you’ve had your fill of all the busy and touristy beaches in the Philippines, then it’s time to pay a visit to a more secluded alternative. Long Beach is indeed long with a gorgeous shoreline, towering palm trees, and clear waters. There are hardly any pebbles and rocks, so it’s easy to transverse the beach wearing flip flops or being barefoot. But do bring along insect repellent as there are plenty of sand flies in the area.
Long Beach, San Vincete
Address: San Vicente, Palawan Island, Philippines
7. Dumaluan Beach, Bohol

There’s no denying that Dumaluan Beach is so perfect-picture that it wouldn’t look out of place in a travel brochure. It’s often compared to Alona Beach since it’s similar but is actually less crowded and better maintained in the segment in front of the hotel resorts. Plenty of coconut and palm trees line the shoreline, its sand is white and soft, and the azure waters are crystal clear. Visitors can head over to the nearby Bohol Beach to enjoy the delicious cocktails and foods on offer.
Dumaluan Beach, Bohol
Address: Panglao Shores Resort Rd, Bolod, 6340, Philippines
Website: Dumaluan Beach
8. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach is yet another hidden gem in the Philippines that hasn’t been spoiled by over-tourism. It’s a clean beach with soft sand making it a joy to transverse, especially if you’re visiting the area with kids. You’ll love to spend time in the crystal blue waters of the sea or enjoy a short hike up the nearby hills. Be sure to bring along food and refreshments, and a backup battery for your phone since there are not many amenities in the vicinity.
Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas
Address: Brgy. Mangcawayan, Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Luzon 4603, Philippines
9. Bounty Beach, Cebu
Cebu is a bustling island with plenty of resorts, tourists, and white sandy beaches. Bounty Beach, in particular, is a good place to unwind, enjoy a bit of swimming, and watch the fishermen as they go about their day. Furthermore, there are many bars and restaurants nearby that stay open till late in the evenings, meaning that you’ll never have to go without food and drink.
Bounty Beach, Cebu
Address: Bounty Beachfront, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines
10. Puka Shell Beach, Malay

Puka Shell Beach, also known as Yapak Beach, gets its name from the white seashells that litter the shore. It also happens to be the second-largest beach on the island and has become incredibly popular with tourists in recent years. Moreover, it’s a good option for swimmers, especially those that prefer to swim in clean and deep waters. You may want to avoid going there on the weekends as it gets very crowded, and you may not find that ideal spot on the beach.
Puka Shell Beach, Malay
Address: Yapak, Malay, Aklan Province 5608, Philippines
Tourist hotspots and hidden gems in the Philippines
Some of the listed beaches are very popular with tourists and tend to get crowded, especially over the weekends. But if you want to steer clear from the crowds, several hidden gems are worth considering. The above-mentioned beaches should be the best bet during your trip to the Philippines.
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