As a part of an archipelago that itself is also one, the province of Palawan is a place full of many islands that are surrounded by a huge body of water—for a region gifted by nature of its make-up, this is an area that is also full of many beaches coming from these islands.

The same is also true even when narrowed down to a specific region in Palawan that is El Nido, a thriving first class municipality of the province that is home to at least 36,000 people as nestled at the north-eastern portion of the capital city, Puerto Princesa.

Of these many beaches, we list down the best 18 as follows:

Nacpan Beach

Making a part of two different yet very close by distance beaches, the Nacpan Beach is the unparalleled equal of its twin, the Calitang Beach—you are basically just a few steps away from either.

 Cudugnon Beach

While many people would find more interest in the cave that was said to be a burial of ancient people—the Cudugnon Cave—the beach in the same island is nonetheless worthy of a visit for its fair share of great traits that makes seawaters by the shore within the province of Palawan memorable among tourists. This is the sought after destination in El Nido Island Hopping Tour C.

Talisay Beach

One of the highlights in El Nido Tour C is the Talisay Beach, located in Matinloc Island.  Though short, the beach gives a feeling of exclusivity. Each boatmen and its tourist have different itinerary on a daily basis so there is a great chance that your group will be the only ones enjoying Talisay beach.

 Snake Island

Do not take it simply by its name, there are not much snakes in this island (if at all). How it got its name as the “Snake Island” is because of the inherent shape of the island itself when looked at a certain angle—one good angle ideally is from atop the island while flying in the sky, possibly on a helicopter. There you shall see a snake-like formation of the sands where a resort stands as if though on a “snake’s” belly.

Papaya Beach

Finding fishes the likes of Nemo does not need to get far if you are to snorkel Papaya Beach’s waters. The fishes’ reeves are literally just a few feet away from the shore—a perfect setting for the young ones to enjoy their snorkeling without the need to worry of getting too far into the waters.

 Pinagbuyatan Island

Like it for its pristine seawaters or its landscape, what you actually get are the best of both—especially when looked at an angle facing the island’s beach to the front. Seawaters aside, Pinagbuyatan Island is easily distinguished for its overall shape.

 Calitang  Beach

Unlike its twin—Calitang Beach—Nacpan Beach is easily separated from its sibling for its rather wide space of creamy beach sands, not too far from the area where the coconut trees rose.

Las Cabanas Beach

With so many beautiful beaches to choose and visit around Palawan, to find a beach that is only for yourself is common if you are not in the province’s hotspot—the Las Cabanas Beach is one of it, but not without the beauty deemed visit-worthy.

Shimizu Island Beach

To know why the island is named a la Japanese is to know the history that took place in the area. It’s not about World War II, but there is a significant event that took place in the island meriting it a Japanese name—a Japanese diver by the name “Shimizu” died while diving in the island’s underwater tunnel. While the tunnel itself is no longer accessible, the island’s seawaters are still good for diving and swimming around.

Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon

With two lagoons at close proximity to one another somewhere around the Miniloc Island Resort, both Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon are ideal for snorkeling. Be warned, however, that certain fishes and sea urchins can be hostile in these places—but, luckily, not strong enough to cause any serious injury or fatality to anyone.

 Seven Commando Beach

Unlike common assumption, there is nothing militaristic about the island to where the Seven Commando Beach is located—the name actually came from a carving on a stone as left behind by a group of people who were said to have been left stranded in the island resulting from a broken fishing vessel until it got fixed.

Matinloc Shrine

Formerly a house for the nuns until it got abandoned, the Matinloc Shrine—located somewhere in Matinloc Island—is more for thrill-seekers and adventurers than your average travelers to see. However, if you are not after the remnants of the shrine, then the waters surrounding the place may be the reason for the visit.

Hidden Beach

Unless you are a local of El Nido, this is one place that is commonly unknown to people from elsewhere, the name of the island even already says it why—it is as hidden as its name, the Hidden Beach. There is also a good reason why this beach is also called as so—the place is not always accessible, even to those who are already aware of the place. The level of the waters around where the beach is located dictates whether or not you can get into the place—very mysterious, indeed.

Helicopter Island Beach

At a certain angle, you may see the island for a few things: a whale that is half afloat—if not a dolphin or a chicken drumstick—or a helicopter without a propeller. However you may see it, early inhabitants of the place chose the latter in viewing it and is hence named after it.

El Nido Town Beach

Why stray far from civilization just to enjoy the beach when you can just get the best of both worlds in one place? — The El Nido Town Beach. If you do not have the luxury of the time to do island-hopping, then being in the municipality itself from the mainland is a good choice.

 Pangulasian Beach

Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com

If you are the type who loves nature but still could not let go of the comforts of the luxuries that are man-made in nature, staying in a resort like the Pangulasian Beach is for you. Featuring a contemporary modern architecture as set in a tropical backdrop by the sea, staying at this private resort is heavenly.

 Miniloc Island

Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com

Not straying far from the life of the coastal village in El Nido, Miniloc Island exudes a vibe that is common to the locals yet something new to foreigners. Experiencing the real El Nido life first-hand as lived by the people of the place is great if you choose to stay at the resort in the Miniloc Island.

Lagen Island

Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com

Said to be the island among many islands of El Nido to contain the densest forest, this island is a home to a diverse species of birds and animals that adds attraction to an otherwise beautiful beach and shallow lagoon setting for you to enjoy.

With Palawan already a hotspot for many tourists across the globe, people who would resort to any of the many beaches around El Nido are those who wanted a sense of exclusivity and privacy in their destination—true enough, most of the beaches mentioned here are not always full of people as they got overshadowed by Palawan’s tourist destinations elsewhere. This, however, does not mean that these beaches fall short of those tourist destinations’ glory—believe it or not, these place did not.