The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

Limestone cliffs spike straight up behind a strip of white sand, and the visual contrast is the whole argument for the boat ride out here. Entalula holds the number one spot on the World's 50 Best Beaches list, and the relative quiet confirms why: access is by boat only, so the crowds that pack El Nido's more reachable shores never quite materialize. The water is clear enough to make swimming feel like an afterthought you'll spend an hour doing anyway.

Kalanggaman is a sandbar, essentially, a sliver of white sand so narrow you can see ocean on both sides at once. The water is shallow and clear enough to walk out absurdly far, and the near-total lack of development means nothing interrupts the view in any direction. Getting here takes a boat ride, which keeps the crowds manageable. It landed at number 25 on the World's 50 Best Beaches, and the shape of the place makes the case without any help.