El Nido ranks top‑eight
El Nido, Palawan was named among the world's eight best beach escapes for 2026 — a big nod if you like dramatic limestone beaches and island hopping. (manilatimes.net)
The BBC Travel feature carrying the selection was published on March 24, 2026 and credited to BBC Features writer Francis Agustin. (bbc.co.uk)) Agustin’s piece recounts island‑hopping across Bacuit Bay with family and friends, mentioning swims, kayaking, snorkeling and a meal on a secluded cove prepared by local guides. (abs-cbn.com)) BBC’s round‑up pairs the Philippines entry with seven other destinations named in the same feature: the Andaman Islands (India), Icacos (Puerto Rico), La Baia di Ieranto (Italy), Grand Case Beach (St Maarten), Achmelvich Beach (Scotland), Brighton Beach (New York) and the Bay of Fires (Tasmania). (bbc.co.uk)) The Department of Tourism issued a statement on April 1, 2026 welcoming the BBC coverage as affirmation of El Nido’s global appeal. (pia.gov.ph)) DOT officer‑in‑charge Verna Buensuceso also highlighted steps to broaden El Nido’s market beyond day‑trippers, noting a January port call by the ultra‑luxury liner M/V Luminara that carried more than 200 tourists to Palawan. (pna.gov.ph)) Locally, El Nido’s Entalula Beach was reported to have placed second on the World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2025, a recent ranking cited by Philippine outlets as part of the area’s rising international profile. (manilastandard.net))
