With thousands of islands and a seemingly infinite number of beaches, exploring the Philippines can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. Chasing that postcard image and wondering where to plonk your towel? Here we've gathered our pick of the best beaches in the Philippines!

Nacpan Beach

A short jeepney trip from the town of El Nido lies Nacpan, a heavenly, laid-back 3km slice of sand. It's a perfect day trip from the hub of El Nido, and as it's surrounded by rustic beach shack restaurants and bars you won't go hungry if you laze around into the evening. Beaches on Palawan are less developed than other tourist destinations, so be prepared to climb through rocky paths and jungle trees to discover areas completely unaffected by noise or light pollution!

Duli Beach

If you're looking for somewhere a little less crowded (but still beautiful) on Palawan, look no further than Duli Beach. This picture-perfect section of golden sand boasts clear water, backs right on to the lush jungle, and has unbeatable surf from December to March. For all budding surfers, board rental is available! Just a few kilometres north of Nacpan, this beach is a great alternative if you want to escape the hustle n' bustle. There's a daily shuttle van service from El Nido town, making Duli a convenient option for backpackers!

Moalboal

The diving town of Moalboal hosts many cute beaches dotted with bars, but its main attraction is the offshore Sardine Run. This year-round natural phenomenon features infinite silver sardines swimming in a hypnotic frenzy just meters away from the beach. Whether you like snorkelling or diving, if uncovering your inner mermaid in an underwater sanctuary sounds like your kind of activity, Moalboal's where to head!

Coron

Here magnificent steep karst cliffs plunge into turquoise water, contributing to the area's incredible otherworldly majesty. Coron is not one beach but an island in Palawan full of secluded coves and swimming holes, and the best way to explore is definitely on a boat trip. On INTRO's brand new Philippines Island Explorer , you'll set sail on an unforgettable 3-day boat expedition from Coron to El Nido, sailing far away from the usual tourist hotspots so you can unwind, discover deserted islands and interact with local tribes. Yearning for adventure? Check out the trip here !

White Beach

Boracay - the Philippines' most famous beach resort - was shut down for six months in 2018 due to environmental problems caused by over-tourism, but the island's signature White Beach still makes the list due to its alabaster sands, calm waters, and insane sunsets. Now visitor numbers are restricted, alcohol is banned on the beach, and restaurants have been pushed back from the shoreline, so expect something more subdued than the party place you might've heard about. Offshore you can still expect a range of water activities including parasailing, kayaking, and banana boat rides, or you can lounge the day away on the sugary sand - up to you! For an even quieter spot on Boracay try Puka Beach, a cosy haven without the facilities and crowds of White Beach.

Sugar Beach

Hidden away on the island of Negros, the pristine Sugar Beach is the perfect place to spend a few days enjoying the simple pleasures of life. With just a bunch of resorts in the area, this beach is definitely quiet, aided by a tidal river that cuts off the area from the main road network. Definitely stick around for one of the psychedelic sunsets, made even better with a coconut in hand!

Ready for some beach time? With over 7000 islands, you're never far from your own patch of paradise in the Philippines!

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If hopping around this tropical island haven sounds like your kind of adventure, on INTRO's Philippines Island Explorer , you'll be visiting some of the stunning beaches on this list and plenty more, all with an experienced group leader and an instant crew of new mates. Find out more about the trip's itinerary and inclusions here!