If you want to visit the best beaches in the world, two reports just crowned destinations in Asia as the places to be. In its 2026 roundup, released in late April, The World’s 50 Best Beaches crowned Entalula Beach in El Nido on Palawan Island, a part of the Philippines. The secluded hidden gem was described as “Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven” and “one of those places you have to see to believe.”
Only accessible by boat, visitors can expect white sand, “exceptionally clear” water, easy-to-enjoy swimming conditions, and scenic limestone cliffs. However, what truly sets the beach apart is the sheer magnitude of its natural beauty combined with its remoteness, lending an air of exclusivity to those lucky enough to make it there.
Separately, in May, Lonely Planet said Sanya, a tropical southern destination on Hainan Island in China, had the best beaches in the world.
Considered by some as “China’s Hawaii,” Sanya boasts welcoming warm weather year-round, as well as many resorts and a side of China many international travelers haven’t seen. Lonely Planet added that what makes Sanya stand out is the local cuisine visitors can enjoy during their beach days.
“But the real star of the show in Sanya is the food,” said the source. “One of the top places to eat seafood in China, the best way to taste it is by heading to the Chunyuan Seafood Square market, where you can order what you like, then have a chef prepare it to your taste. Hainanese cuisine tends to be light, delicious and fanciful, a perfect accompaniment to gorgeous days by the sea. Try the coconut chicken hot pot, followed by a fried ice-blended dragon fruit for dessert.”
Tips For Visiting Entalula Beach And Sanya
Island hopping tours are common in El Nido if you want to see Entalula Beach and some of the nearby other picturesque watersides. When you’re not relaxing and soaking up all the natural beauty, you can keep busy doing activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Since Sanya is a resort city made up of several bays and beaches, it offers more options for water sports and activities. Sanya Bay, Yalong Bay, and Dadonghai Beach are some of the city’s best beach offerings. And in between chowing down on delicious Hainanese cuisine and spending time at the beach, you can head to Yalong Bay Tropic Paradise Forest Park for breathtaking views.
