We have the most beautiful Philippine Islands for an unforgettable tropical getaway together.
The list doesn't include the heavily popular Islands during peak tourist season, namely:
In this travel guide, we have 7 of the most beautiful Islands to visit in the Philippines, although the list is by no means exhaustive. Because we have written about travel before to the Philippines. The list must for this vacation guide must not be repetitive, so we'll include little heard of Islands.
The topmost Island to visit in the Philippines, is not found on our list. Of all the tropical Islands in the Philippines, Palawan is the must-see Island in the Philippines for most travelers.
We sort of agree, mostly as a summer destination. Boracay could be the most beautiful Island in the Philippines, for a winter break vacationing destination.
It's lovely for a Christmas and New Year break.
Have you never traveled to the Philippines before? Most definitely go with a holiday to Palawan Island. You will most likely love what you see. The experience will amaze you and you'll want to come back again.
You're eager to explore other Islands, such as one or two of the Islands found in this guide. That's what happened for us, and why we've gone back so often.
Out of those 7 Islands mentioned, Camiguin Island and Siargao Island stand out. Those are the two which grabbed our immediate attention anyway. Especially Camiguin Island off the Bohol coast. Of course, don't go neglecting the others, because each of us is after something different:
So, there is no need to repeat the obvious from this point onwards. There are hot tropical destinations all over Asia. We loved our time on those beautiful Islands in Malaysia, so why bother with the Philippines?
Consider that each Island remains out of reach of the mainstream tourist, but that may not be for long.
The first two in the list are gaining a greater number of tourists.
That's year-on-year, more crowds so the peace and quiet, the seclusion may not hold out for much longer. Isn't that wonderful when tourism is booming and fueling livelihoods. Yes, but whilst we were fortunate to enjoy solitary beaches, it's a worry for the future.
Looking forward to your vacation holiday, dreaming of Island life? Here are our reasons to make friends with the locals:
The best way of getting around an Island in the Philippines is by hiring a motorbike.
That's what we have done most of the time, the road network is reliable in good weather. Hiring the motorbike gives you the freedom you desire to explore, and at favorable costs. We never paid more than US$6 a day for a simple motorbike.
More powerful motorbikes will set you back more, as anywhere else in southeast Asia.
It's a small Island south of Bohol Island, which you can reach:
Once you leave the airport, use a local bus service to the Ozamiz City. From the terminal there'll be a service bound for Cagayan de Oro City, a 5-hour journey along the coastline. Be sure to pack snacks and bottled water before getting on the bus.
Should you stay overnight in Cagayan de Oro City? Yes, and aim to leave early morning from the Agora bus terminal, headed to the Balingoan Port.
Ferry tickets cost roughly PHP250 per person (estimate US$5). The ferry does a great job of getting you to the Island's Benoni Port 90 minutes later. From there, Mambajao City isn't more than 20 minutes from the port.
Without argument, we found Camiguin Island to be a natural paradise, like few other. As you explore the Island, you discover natural springs and waterfalls.
They're wonderful for cooling off, swimming and generally splashing around in. It's all set up perfect for nature lovers and you can't wait to unpack and get outdoors. Does this sound like a place you'd like to be?
If so, you won't want to waste time heading towards Mount Hibok Hibok.
This active volcano soars to a height of over 1300m and makes for a great adventure. Once you've trekked to the summit, you enjoy the best views possible of the Island. The volcano is the number one attraction for good reason.
With our guides help, it took only a few hours to climb to the summit. Getting to the volcano is easy, but with a local guide their knowledge is indispensable. Wherever there are volcanoes there are hot springs.
When you haggle costs with a local guide, be sure to ask about the hot springs. They know very well where the springs are, so pack a change of clothes and swimwear for your day trip. Be prepared and also pack snacks and bottled water:
The jungle setting beats any luxury beauty spa salon in Manila City, for sure. It is a true paradise holiday experience to cherish. There is a PHP30 per person entrance fee, so bring local currency.
This Island is a magnet for surfing enthusiasts, experts and beginners.
Is relaxing, sitting back and watching those do their surfing acrobatics amusing? Enjoy the show, lounging on the beach under comfortable shade. A few days on this Island is a recommendation from us, we liked the vibe and the water.
Siargao Island isn't over dramatic, and not over developed. Both points produce the perfect Island getaway. Going inland away from where the asphalt comes to an end, you get to see the real Island life:
Few things beat a virgin sunrise, especially over a rainforest jungle. Hire a motorbike and leave town to explore the Island is a must. Blissful hours alone, on the road is very mindful in southeast Asia:
So be sure to pack swimming gear with you, and something for picnicking. Some words of wisdom first, when roaming around the Island on the back of a motorbike:
Costs involved for renting a motorbike start from as little as US$7 a day. If you prefer a car, we saw car rentals starting from US$38 a day. When it comes to renting transport for yourself, either a motorbike or car, follow these two rules:
The nearest airport is Sayak Airport, and from there you can hire a taxi to take you to your hotel or paradise resort. Flying to the Island is easy from either Manila City or Cebu City:
During the rainy season, do expect delays and in extreme weather, cancellations. October until March is when the rains arrive and then leave. It means the Island wide open for your summer holidays (for our US and European readers).
On the Island it seldom dips below 80° Fahrenheit year-round, despite any foul weather.
Pro Tip #1: Incidentally, when in Vietnam renting a motorbike, make sure the horn works. On many occasions you'll find it a "life saver".
Planning a trip to Davao Island for your vacation? If all you're interested in is Samal Island, your trip isn't worth it in our experience. You must also want to explore Davao Island and its city, inclusive.
It's an affirmation that Davao Island is as good a destination for a holiday as is its far smaller neighbor Samal Island.
Why do so many from Singapore choose flying into Francisco Bangoy International Airport? The answer lies in the fact that Davao City is the ideal escape. For a quick weekend getaway, it's so easy to arrange and make it possible. Traveling from Manila City, you soon discover what makes Davao perfect:
The Island has some of the best features the Philippines are well known for:
The city is a bustling metropolis. With dining, entertainment and shopping malls at its heart. So, you understand, you can't have one without the other. When wishing to visit Samal Island, you must also include Davao in your plans.
Getting to Samal Island is almost too easy from Davao City. You reach the Davao-Samal Ferry Wharf from the city by local bus. The ferry takes you direct to Samal Island, and once there you find your way to Penaplata Town. The most obvious thing to do is to hire a habal-habal taking you to your accommodation.
We spent most of the day on the Island's gorgeous beaches, but found time for:
There is an entrance fee of PHP60 per person to the waterfalls.
The falls are the idyllic place for ultimate relaxation, just for cooling off in the 80° Fahrenheit sunshine. The best way for you getting around this small Island is hiring a habal-habal. You can go far on a dollar, but the drivers prefer local currency.
To discover our own little piece of paradise, we head north on Cebu Island. Of the two routes, we preferred the bus for our journey:
Getting around the Philippines, the buses are best and cheaper, we've found them to be reliable. We were in Moalboal Town, so the west side it was on reaching Hagnaya Port some 4 hours later. What we love about the buses on Cebu is they're clean and modern.
With air conditioning and USB charge points, taxis on the other hand, usually don't have them.
Once at the port, there are two services. A slower, cheaper ferry and a faster, more expensive speedboat. Choose the speedboat service for around about US$6 one way, including additional charges on reaching Bantayan Island.
Santa Fe is the largest town on the island and where all the action is. The charming town is laid back with a slower pace, offering you the ideal place to chill out. Watching people go about their business is the norm we felt.
Things on this small Island are so relaxed, you only want to:
We missed out on Hilantagaan Island unfortunately, due to lack of time.
We didn't stay overnight on Bantayan Island, but we made a day trip out of it. When we returned to the mainland late in the evening, we took a taxi to Bogo City, where we had already booked a hotel room.
The journey north was pleasant enough, we wanted to go early. Because you're not exhausted to enjoy the rest of the day. Was Bantayan Island worth it? Yes, the natural beauty of the landscape, and being close to any beach is uplifting.
The Island is small, you enjoy a sense of solitude and seclusion not found on the Island's larger neighbor.
This small, perfect Island is 30km south of the coastline of Negros Island.
One of the reasons we visited to the Island was for the rich and diverse coral reef and marine life. In other words, it's a wonder Island for snorkeling and diving. If you have diving experience, you must want to visit the Island.
A piece of advice for Apo Island is this:
The best place in the Philippines for snorkeling and diving? It's agreed it could be Apo Island having the highest quality and most beautiful world below the waves. It reminded us so much of our time snorkeling for coral in Malaysia's Islands.
The beaches on this volcanic Island are a real pleasure under foot, with rocks poking out of the smooth sand. This disruption only adds to the character to the beach and it's priceless. It's as simple as hiring a boat leaving from Malatapay Pier, getting to Apo Island in as few as 30 minutes.
The 3km wide Island is idyllic for:
Did you know that you can get to Dumaguete City from Manila? You only need to get to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, there are daily flights. It's super convenient for your vacation's holiday plans. Buy your tickets destined for Bacolod–Silay Airport as soon as you arrive in Manila, no need to book in advance.
From departing to arriving on Negros Island, it's under 2 hours.
Flying in the Philippines between the Islands always leaves you feeling good. Once out of the airport, grab a taxi to continue your journey south to the other end of the island. But wait, there's more. If you're vacationing on Cebu Island, you can also reach Dumaguete City from there:
The ferry option is the more scenic route, if you have more time on your hands, it's your choice.
You can easily get to the Island from either Cebu or Bohol by ferry, because there are no airports on Siquijor Island:
Instead of buying tickets last minute, we are urging you to book them online. The reason is simple, you avoid any potential queues and ensure you catch the ferry on time. Peak season has queues, be aware.
When it comes to flying, what's the experience like? Flights from Manila to Bohol Panglao International Airport are quick, under two hours. Once you step out of the airport', it's a pleasant 30-minute taxi ride to your hotel in Tagbilaran City.
The Philippines experiences two seasons, wet and dry. December signals the arrival of the dry season, it's the perfect time for a winter holiday. Similar for Boracay. That Island too, is a dream winter destination for loved up couples and families.
Keep in mind that the Islands are tropical. That means an Island remains warm throughout the year, despite occasional rain and monsoons. If you're looking to save money, opt for a trip during the wet season and don't mind a bit of rain. The low season for Siquijor Island spans from June to October.
Be wary however, there are well-known concerns you shouldn't ignore:
We are sure you'll agree that Alona Beach is one of the best in the Philippines. Once you unpack and settle into Panglao Island, you'll love it as much as we did.
And could the beach be the excuse so many choose this small Island to stay, and not Bohol? You're thinking that, anyway. Travel to Bohol's best attractions from Panglao Island is easy. A short crossing later and you're enjoying Bohol's best:
One of the most economical modes of transport on Panglao Island is to:
When we were looking for impromptu transport, we always found the habal-habal a good bet. Taxis are great for comfort by costs soon add up, especially vacationing in peak season. We would say, avoid the buses because their routes increase journey times.
Pretty much everywhere in the Philippines is ideal for solo backpack travel. For your next solo adventure let's look at why you shouldn't discount the Philippines:
In other words, the Philippines gives you really good value for money in every respect. There are the:
The Filipino's know how to create a great nightlife atmosphere. It's so true you'll thank yourself later for coming to the Philippines. The best solo trips to the Philippines begin with either Manila City or Cebu Island.
The capital is an obvious choice of course, from there the world is your oyster.
You are free to spread your wings to Palawan if you want. Or the drop dead gorgeous Coron and El Nido Islands. From Cebu City you can enjoy a solo backpacking adventure to any number of the Islands found in this guide.
The Philippines are a hassle-free holiday destination for solo backpackers. We have backpacked around the Philippines several times and loved it. You can believe it; you will return home with memories that'll last your lifetime.
How long should you stay in the Philippines, backpacking? It's our suggestion you come to the Philippines for at least 3 weeks. But a month is more likely what you'll need to see everything. Budget yourself for US$70 a day. With that amount, it'll pay for travel, food and drink, accommodation and miscellaneous.
Excluding travel insurance and plane tickets obviously.
Pro Tip #2: Plan and budget for a whole month, because between Palawan Island and the Coron and El Nido Islands, you'll use up a whole week without realizing it.
From November to March marks the start of the dry season. We've found those are the best months to visit the Islands, before the crowds start pouring in. Peak season kicks off from late March through to July, before the rainy season begins.
If you want to avoid soaring temperatures of 94°F then don't travel in April. Rather, travel during December when it's cooler. The Philippines are ideal for a Christmas vacation in the winter sun.
Once you've traveled to the popular Islands you have a desire for something more. When that time comes to you, realize there are other Islands. The Philippine archipelago, like Indonesia, is huge. You are not limited to the mainstay of Coron and El Nido, Cebu and Boracay Islands.
Many unique Islands, friendly locals and delicious cuisine. During the dry season, the Philippines are one long thrilling adventure. Our own curiosity satisfied, now it's your turn so don't delay.
Of those 7 off the beaten track Islands in our travel guide, our favorite is Camiguin Island and Apo Island:
Spend time on any of these smaller, lesser-known Islands enhances your vacation holiday. There are fewer tourists, for sure but for how long? The best Islands to base yourself for wider exploration are Cebu and Bohol Islands.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.