By Brian Jules Campued
In the intense heat of summertime, vitamin sea is what we exactly need—and the Philippines has a lot to offer to quench beachgoers’ thirst for turquoise waters and white sand. Cementing the country’s position as a leading beach destination, two of Palawan’s beaches were recognized in yet another global top 100 list.
According to London-based travel startup Beach Atlas, Hidden and Nacpan beaches were hailed among the Top 100 Beaches in the World—landing at the 37th and 65th place, respectively.
Despite being tucked behind towering limestone cliffs, Beach Atlas likened Hidden Beach in El Nido to “finding a secret entrance to paradise” since it is only accessible by a boat and a swim through a keyhole-like gap.
However, the struggle would all be worth it once you have been greeted by “crystal-clear waters, white sands, and limestone walls”.
“It’s a hidden gem where you’ll want to stay forever, a true escape into a pocket of untouched paradise,” the online beach database said.
Meanwhile, Nacpan Beach is also famous for its clear waters and white/gold sand. This wide, long beach is a “chill paradise” perfect for those who want to relax, surf, snorkel, as well as go on a food trip.
“Plus, there’s tasty local food and snacks right on the beach. Close to El Nido, it’s an easy spot to reach for a laid-back day,” it added.
Claiming the top spot as the best beach in the world is Bora Bora, located in French Polynesia. It is followed by South Africa’s Boulders Beach, Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach, Brazil’s Copacabana, and Thailand’s Maya Bay.
Beach Atlas curated the list according to their criteria, which included community and cultural significance, party and lifestyle, classic beauty, and natural diversity, among others. Afterward, the website invited travel experts and influencers to vote on the shortlist of beaches and come up with the final ranking. – avds
