Hidden Beach, Beach cove in El Nido, Philippines.
Hidden Beach is a cove with white sand surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and clear water where you can see coral formations below the surface. The narrow entrance to the cove creates a separated feeling from the surrounding coastline.
This beach remained unknown to outside visitors until backpackers discovered El Nido in the 1980s and shared word about the hidden coves there. It has since become a regular stop on island hopping tours.
Local fishermen work from this cove using time-tested techniques, and you can observe them going about their day alongside visiting tourists. The place has become shared space where traditional livelihoods exist alongside modern tourism.
Reaching this beach requires joining an island hopping tour departing from El Nido in the morning when conditions are best for swimming and visibility. Bring sturdy footwear for navigating the rocky entrance passage.
Getting into the cove requires swimming through a small natural tunnel carved into the limestone, which creates a memorable entry experience. This underwater passage is what makes the arrival distinctive for most visitors.
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