Those that have visited the island of Boracay will find it hard to imagine there was ever a time tourism didn't exist here. The most famous beach on the island is White Beach; no prizes for guessing why! This beautiful, sandy beach stretches along 4km of coastline sitting right in front of the main strip of restaurants, hotels and bars. The waters have a consistent shallow nature making it a perfect spot for families, and the cheap cocktails, low lapping waves and sparkly white complexion make it pretty popular with the adults too. No wonder it's considered one of the best beaches in the Philippines.

For those wanting to escape the crowds, there's plenty of choice. Diniwid sits just 3 minutes north of White Beach and boasts fantastic views at sunset. Tambisaan has wonderful marine life and is the prime beach on Borocay for snorkelling, best visited when the seas are calmer during the months of October to May. Honeymooners or couples seeking something special may head during low tide to Balinghai for a secluded dinner on the sand. To explore other elements of the island with ease, opt for a island hopping tour with one of the many local tour operators.

El Nido is a small town situated at the northern tip of Palawan, often voted the best island in the world. The beaches here are all stunning, offering the usual instagram worthy scenes you come to expect from the Philippines. However, what really stands it out from the crowd is the proximity to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs offering a collection of fish filled lagoons; making for a snorkellers paradise. 

The surrounding marine sanctuary is best explored on an island-hopping day trip, preferably by sea kayak.

Panglao Island has always been a hotspot for holidaymakers and beach lovers in the Philippines. The most frequented beaches on the island are Alona and Doljo, and whilst the white sand isn't quite as fine as Boracay, there is still the desirable palm tree fringed coast line, clear waters and general feeling of paradise. Alona is 800m wide, rimmed with dive shops and tour agencies whilst Doljo at 3km wide feels quieter and is famed for its exquisite sea shells. 

One must-do day trip involves a two hour adventure inland through Bohol to marvel at the renowned Chocolate Hills and 'awwww' over the tiny primates at the Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey treats travellers to a range of scenery contrasting the peaceful shores left behind. At just 30 minutes by boat, Balicasag Island is a closer option for those wanting to minimise travel time, making it a suitable day out for all holidaymakers. This small island is easy to explore, with a beautiful beach and surrounding waters jam packed with top dollar dive sites, turtle sightings as well as dolphins if you're lucky! 

A few days just won't feel enough...

This tiny, isolated little island will be perfect for those wanting to get a bit off the beaten path and experience something really intimate.

Locals of this secluded paradise are grateful for any travellers that come their way and visitors will be flabbergasted that the already friendly nature of Filipinos gets any friendlier! Take a stroll inland away from the main beach and you will come across communities with lovely scenery as well as some hidden gems on the opposite shoreline. Certified advanced divers will be even happier, as the opportunity to swim with thresher sharks 20 metres deep is on the cards here. With gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, local villages and authentic cuisine; it is definitely worth the effort and if none of that reels you in; a treble rum costs less than a single!

When everyone thinks of the Philippines, they always envision the white sand, calm waters and palm trees. However, this isn't everyone's version of the perfect beach. Siargao is the surfing capital of the country and the great waves and numerous activities on offer make this a great choice for those looking to do more than just 'fly and flop'.  

Jump on an island hopping cruise or sail out to the intense turquoise waters of Sugba Lagoon for a spot of paddle boarding and there's a diving platform for the braver souls. A little further afield the Mabpupungko Rock Pools are wonderful places to explore, as is the Sohoton Cove National Park.

The multiple beaches of Coron are generally sparkling white and come wrapped in cascading karst like limestone cliffs. The biggest drawcard of Coron however falls under the crystal clear waters, making it a snorkelling and scuba diving hotspot. It is renowned as one of the best spots in the world for wreck diving, thanks to the plethora of Japanese ships settled on the ocean floor since the American bombings in 1944. As Coron is most frequented by visitors heading underwater, the beaches remain relatively quiet and offer a seclusive paradise to those willing to make the effort to seek it; truly some of the best beaches in the Philippines.

Fore more inspiration, take a look at our Philippines Holidays pages.