Because of this abundance of magnificent beaches, finding the most secluded, remote, and exclusive places to relax and soak up the sun is an easy task. The Philippines boasts some incredible beach offerings that very few run-of-the-mill tourists will ever see, and is one of the best destinations for any travelers seeking unspoilt beach beauty and private tranquility side by side. 

So if you are planning a cruise to Thailand and the idea of a cocktail in the sun on an empty stretch of sand appeals to you, why not arrange a short detour to discover the beauty of the Philippines’ most exclusive beaches.

Bantayan Island, Cebu 

Right on the furthest northern point of Cebu, the little island of Bantayan flies under the radar. Dotted with a few eco-tourism sites, it offers a selection of gorgeous white sand beaches, largely empty due to the plane, bus, tricycle combination of transport that is required to get here. Once you’ve made it, however, you are in an exclusive paradise, where you can swim, kayak, and cliff-dive to your heart’s content.

Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, Surigao del Norte

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live on a desert island? Grab a small boat from Surigao and go on an island-hopping tour that lets you experience a day at the beach, on your very own private island! While Surigao has boomed in popularity in recent years and is a haven for surfers, the tiny islets of Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island remain remote, secluded, and completely undeveloped, for total seclusion and exclusivity. 

Toytoy Beach, Catanduanes

With a beach that seems to stretch for miles, pristine soft white sand as far as the eye can see, Toytoy is a pretty special place. The northwest corner of Catanduanes is a pretty secluded spot in general, and Toytoy is its hidden gem, miles from the traditional tourist trail. This is the perfect spot to relax in total tranquility, with nothing but the surf and wind in the palms for company. 

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte 

Kalanggaman’s exclusivity is guaranteed by the Municipality of Palompon, who in order to preserve the natural beauty of the island have limited the number of visitors per day to this glorious little slice of paradise. While this might mean you need to plan ahead a little if you intend to come here, it also means that you are guaranteed solitude and a pristine, sugar-soft white sand beach, with no big developments or tourist resorts to be found. The only way to get here is via boat, which just adds to the mystique. 

Palaui Island, Cagayan

This tiny island in Cagayan province is one of the best hidden beaches in the Philippines, the perfect spot to get away from the tourist crowds and enjoy the natural splendor of this gorgeous country. If you manage to make it here and want to spend the night, you won’t find hotels, hostels, or even other tourists! Overnight visitors need to secure the local government’s permission, before setting up a tent under the stars for a serene, magical experience that is hard to beat. 

Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan 

No list of exclusive, secluded beaches in the Philippines would be complete with including the one literally called Secret Beach! With a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliffs and stunning azure-blue waters, the beauty of this spot can be a shock to the system, made even more exciting by how tricky it is to discover. Accessible only through a hidden crack between limestone rocks that is only just above the surface of the ocean, Secret Beach opens out in front of you in all its glory, a perfect slice of clandestine tranquility. While getting to El Nido is simple enough, to find Secret Beach you’ll have to jump aboard a boat to Matinloc Island before the search for the hidden entrance begins!