Hidden beach destinations for 2026: Raja Ampat, Palawan, Thai isles

When familiar resorts start to feel interchangeable, it’s time to seek out somewhere new. Tour operators say more travelers are hunting for unusual beaches where crowds don’t gather and you can really switch off. Which makes this lineup of five “secret” seaside escapes for 2026 especially appealing.

Raja Ampat (Indonesia)

This vast archipelago in West Papua spans more than 1,500 small islets plus four larger ones — Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.

Expect powder-white beaches, vivid turquoise water, coral gardens, and hardly any crowded spots. Stays are simple: bungalows and guesthouses, with no big hotels.

Getting there isn’t easy: for instance, a flight from Bali takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. A nine-night trip for two can start at roughly 550,000 rubles.

The payoff is the hush, the scenery, and that sense of being a long way from everyday fuss.

Perhentian Islands (Malaysia)

The Perhentians suit travelers who love warm seas and light adventure. You can hike through jungle, go diving, or simply idle on the sand. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to cozy bungalows.

Getting there is straightforward too: a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu takes about an hour, with fares starting around 5,200 rubles including checked luggage.

Palawan (Philippines)

One of the Philippines’ most beautiful islands, with clean beaches, green hills, and a laid-back pace. The go-to spots are El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton.

The journey is long: a flight from Moscow to Manila with one connection takes about 18 hours 15 minutes and costs around 52,800 rubles. Then it’s another 1.5 hours from Manila to El Nido for roughly 26,200 rubles.

This is a pick for those willing to invest travel time in exchange for truly striking scenery.

Thai islands: Ko Lipe, Ko Mak, Ko Kradan, Ko Tao

Thailand remains a favorite with travelers, yet the focus is drifting toward quieter islands far from the mass tourist flow.

Ko Lipe is often likened to the Maldives. The other islands offer the same cozy vibe, calm, and clear water. There are solid hotels rated 4 stars and up.

For example, in November a night in a 4-star hotel on Ko Lipe or Phi Phi Don runs from about 17,000 rubles for two.

Manly Beach, Sydney (Australia)

Australia is an adventure in itself. Sydney’s Manly district blends urban comfort with handsome beaches and the chance to surf.

A trip to Australia doesn’t come cheap: a ballpark budget for two starts at no less than 800,000 rubles.

Still, it’s a chance to combine beach time with discovering a new country.

Takeaways and observations

• Each destination offers a quieter break, away from the crowds.
• Price-wise, they sit above the midrange but well short of ultra-luxe.
• In some places the infrastructure is modest (Raja Ampat, for instance), which is part of the appeal.
• Interest in such spots is likely to rise, especially as mainstream resorts grow busier.
• Most options demand more complex logistics, so they suit travelers ready for long-haul hops.

If in 2026 you want more than just another beach trip and hope to discover someplace genuinely new, these picks are a strong bet. The key is deciding how much time and energy you’re willing to invest in the journey for the sake of those singular impressions.