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MANILA, Philippines — Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan finally claimed the top spot of the annual "The World's 50 Best Beaches" list for 2026.
This year's annual list is the result of the collaboration between "The World's 50 Best Beaches" team's first-hand, year-round exploration with more than a thousand elite travel professionals globally.
Nominations were based on eight essential criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, frequency of calm conditions, lack of overcrowding, and consistency of idyllic settings.
It was a steady rise for Entalula Beach, which was ranked second behind Italy's Cala Goloritze last year and ranked fourth the year before.
Cala Goloritze was not in contention this year, instead it was moved to the "Best of the Best" list featuring other former No. 1 beaches as a lifetime distinction. The same fate lies for Entalula Beach next year when it joins fellow El Nido destination, Hidden Beach.
In a statement sent to Philstar.com, "The World's 50 Best Beaches" co-founder and chief executive officer Tine Holst hailed the Philippines as one of the world's leading beach destinations, particularly for individuals looking for unspoiled, natural environments.
"Entalula Beach topping this year's list comes as no surprise to our judges, it has consistently received strong support!" said Holst. "It is loved for its dramatic limestone backdrop, pristine white sand, and clear, calm waters, all in a setting that feels genuinely untouched."
A write-up for Entalula Beach mirrors the executive's description, calling it among "places one has to see to believe" and "one of the most visually striking settings in the region and the world."
Related: Palawan's El Nido named among BBC’s top beach escape
The beach — only accessible by boat — reportedly sees fewer visitors than its neighbors, the exceptionally clear and calm water makes for an easy swim, and preserves it natural feel.
"The contrast of majestic cliffs, clear water, and amazing seclusion that gives Entalula its edge as a place that feels both dramatic and calm at the same time," the write-up ends.
A second Philippine beach made the list as Kalanggaman Island off the coast of Palompon, Leyte finished in the top half at No. 25.
Holst similarly praised Kalanggaman as "a different kind of standout" and "lesser known" beach that has been constantly recently highlighted by their panel. The island's "distinctive sandbar and striking water clarity" earned praises, making any leisure travelers to feel that it is "impossible to overlook."
Kalanggaman's own write-up notes its clear, shallow water on either side of the sandbar offers stunning ocean views in every direction. Its calm conditions make it easy to swim along the shores, and the lack of development or infrastructure limits visitors while keeping the setting natural and undisturbed.
Greece's Fteri Beach, Australia's Wharton Beach, Madagascar's Nosy Iranja, and Fiji's East Beach on Vomo Island complete the Top 5.
This is the first time any beach from Fiji, which also had Blue Lagoon at No. 36, made the annual list. Cambodia (Koh Rong, No. 9) and Colombia (Cabo San Juan del Guia, No. 32) are also represented for the first time.
Australia tied with Greece and Thailand for the most entries with three each. Australia's other entries are in the top half, while Greece's other two are in the bottom half. Thailand's entries are relatively close to each other at Nos. 10, 23, and 27.
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