El Nido Beach (Hidden Beach)

El Nido is an unspoilt tropical paradise often referred to as the Philippines’ last frontier. Situated towards the northern tip of Palawan island El Nido is much more than just a single beach. In fact it comprises around 50 beaches set among a series of small islands, towering marble cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, ancient caves and enchanting lagoons.

As if that wasn’t enough, El Nido is the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines with turtles, sea cows and whale sharks all native.

Located on the northeast shores of the El Nido region of the Palawan archipelago’s Matinloc Island, Hidden Beach takes its name from the fact its soft pale sands are all but invisible to passing boats. Situated within a small cove guarded by sheer cliffs, this tropical idyll provides a fantastic contrast to streets that roar with motorbike engines.

The level arc of sand circles a shallow sea lagoon of extraordinary clarity, and is backed by a fusion of palms and rocks busy with birdsong. The only access to the beach is a quick swim, some of it over corals, adding to the feeling of arriving somewhere truly special.

While growing in popularity, Hidden Beach’s isolated location means it’s rarely crowded, and those that do come tend to spend only around an hour here as part of a wider tour of the island’s treasures despite the obvious beauty. If you plan to stay a little longer, you should note that there are no toilet facilities on the beach, nor is there anywhere to find food or drink.