Top Islands In The Philippines

With around 7,107 islands making up the entire archipelago, it’s genuinely a difficult task to find out which of them should be recommended right off the bat to travelers. For one, with the sheer number of beautiful places all offering pristine beaches, unspoiled jungles and intense mountain views, it’s hard to say which one should definitively be the place you’d say is worth visiting. Off the top of my head though, these 15 places have made a huge impression on me, and should be checked off any traveler’s bucket list.

1. Palawan 

   From diving to explore shipwrecks at various points of the island, to marveling at limestone formations in Coron, to lounging in the sun at El Nido, Palawan’s status as the hottest destination in the Philippines for both local and foreign tourists has only gotten better thanks to the efforts of their local government to promote tourism and preserve the natural beauty of places such as the Underground River in Puerto Princesa. Check here and book your day tour at the Underground River.

2. Anawangin Cove in Zambales 

   This crescent-shaped cove is known for its wild beauty which combines trekking through evergreen forests and mountains to reach an incredible beach that remains seemingly untouched even as word of mouth has slowly been buzzing in the city about this place. Go camping here and admire the stark loveliness of the ashy beaches—the relative quiet here is a refreshing change from more popular summer destinations.

3. Boracay

   No list about top Philippine islands would be complete without mentioning what is still widely considered the country’s most popular summer party destination if you want to get away with your friends. The pure white sands, rolling turquoise waters, and activities that range from parasailing and cliff diving to crazy nighttime bar crawl means that when in doubt, many people choose Boracay. Definitely highly recommended for those who prefer sportier or more social vacations. You may also book water activities here.

4. Cebu

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   Consistently popular on any list, visiting Cebu means access to some of the most delicious lechon and fresh seafood you’ll ever eat in your entire life, not to mention having choices of beaches ranging from the more solitary (Virgin Beach in Daanbantayan, the northern part of Cebu—considered one of its best-kept secrets) to the more adventurous for scuba diving and swimming with sharks (Malapascua Island), this destination has it all for any kind of traveler. The laid-back attitude around here is also pretty infectious!

6. Sambawan Island, Leyte

   With gorgeous sandy white beaches that rival other more popular destinations, beautiful coral gardens and fun for both amateur and experienced snorkelers, this little slice of paradise is still a relatively undiscovered gem that is a treat for backpackers looking for a place to call their own. Worth the boat ride!

7. Calayan Islands, Cagayan 

   There isn’t a lot of information online about this destination, which is actually a good thing—that’s how this group of islands has been able to preserve its relatively unspoiled natural beauty. With rugged cliffs, overnight camping at Sibang Cove, snorkeling, exploring the caves and dips of Malangsig Falls, this quiet place is a good choice, whether you’re traveling solo and looking for some serenity or traveling as a big group and looking for fun things to do in an uncrowded setting.

8. Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

    

   Although this place has experienced a surge in popularity thanks to the Survivor TV series, the activities here in this gorgeously wild environment are not to be missed: from island hopping, to kayaking, to spelunking in Culapnit Cave and camping on the shores of any island you choose, its unexploited terrain makes this part of Bicol a must-see!

9. Puerto Galera 

   Famous for the beauty of White Beach in Sabang, its coral reefs, the great scuba diving and snorkeling you’re sure to get as well as the fun of the nightlife here, Puerto Galera is considered a great alternative for those looking for a Boracay-like atmosphere with better diving and quieter towns. The various lovely hotels here mean that you’ll never miss out on your creature comforts as well.

10. Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

    This university town is home to sites such as the Casaroro Falls, Pulangbato Falls, Silliman University’s Anthropological Museum and Mt. Talinis (and its great hiking). Explore Panligawan and Pandalihan Caves for unbeatable spelunking—some people say that it feels like the caves are still alive.

11. Ilocos Norte and Pagudpud

    

    

    For a place that has taken amazing care to preserve the picturesque loveliness of its Spanish-period architecture, it feels like you’re going back in time as you stroll through Calle Crisologo. Sample the awesome cuisine that Ilocos is known for, as well as its sand dunes, the Bangui Windmills, Saud Beach and its relative isolation, as well as the incredible Kabigan Falls.

12. Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

    When people think of powdery white sand, they imagine Boracay, but this lesser-known island provides all that beauty without the crazy bustle of that destination. You’ll get to enjoy the pure environment in relative seclusion – there’s no power on the island though, so you may want to bring a power bank and a tent! Go snorkeling or kayaking, or lounge on the soft white sand after a lazy lunch.

13. Bolinao, Pangasinan

    Watch the sunset over unspoiled Patar Beach, which is a quiet and lovely spot that rivals the most well-known beaches in the country, yet is much less crowded and has attractions nearby such as the picturesque Bolinao Falls and the Enchanted Cave. Grab a cold drink and enjoy the view!

14. Samal, Davao

    Also known as the Island Garden City, Samal Island is full of beautiful resorts, diving sites with gorgeous coral reefs, the nearby bat sanctuary and the incredible Hagimit Falls. The flora and fauna are remarkably well-preserved despite the uptick in tourism—definitely worth a visit!

15. Siquijor

    With stretch upon stretch of powdery white coast along Salagdoong Beach, the majestic Cambugahay Falls and its clear waters, and the serene old Lazi Church, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the San Isidro Labrador Church, there is so much to do in Siquijor, and without having to deal with the same tourist volume as other similarly situated locations. Highly recommended!

16. Fortune Island, Batangas

    With charming Greek-like structures, a sea as deeply blue as the Aegean and a pale shoreline, you’ll feel like you’re in Santorini instead of the Philippines when you visit Fortune Island! Try snorkeling, hike to the lighthouse or go cliff diving for an adrenaline rush while you’re here.

17. Palaui Island, Cagayan 

    One of the most popular destinations up north thanks to Survivor, you can visit the Cape Engano lighthouse, or go snorkeling as part of the island is a marine reserve teeming with fish and other wildlife. You can also go hiking, explore the mangrove forest or relax at Anguib Beach. A restful retreat!

18. Bohol 

    Famous for the Chocolate Hills, the Sandugo Compact Site, the various beaches (Alona Beach and Doljo Beach in Panglao to name a few) as well as the many churches, the snorkeling sites and nature sanctuaries, Bohol is an amazing place with so many sites to explore. Check out the many ancestral homes and watchtowers in this beautiful historic area! You can also enjoy scuba diving in Bohol.

Bucketlist Islands

The above are sites I’ve been to, but as an avid traveler, I have so many more islands I want to explore. Here are some which are still on my bucket list, still—I’ll definitely check off as many of these as I can during my free weekends!

18. Surigao del Norte

I’ve been hearing a lot about the mysterious Suhaton Cove and its caverns, its lagoons as well as the nearby Dako Island’s beaches, which are deemed to be some of the loveliest in the country. Silop Cave is also a cool place for spelunkers, so I hearSiargao Island, Surigao del Norte
This place is synonymous with surfing, and I’m always up for an adventure along the waves! Apparently it’s also a great place for camping and fishing—definitely a must-try when I finally go there.

19. Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo

With flawless white sand, the gorgeous Tangke Lagoon and inns tucked here and there for the idyllic island hideaway, this group of islets which some deem a hidden paradise is another destination I’ve been dying to visit in the south.

20. Biri Island, Samar

Incredible natural rock and pool formations that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, diving amongst the coral, and magnificent waves—these are the main draws of this island, and I can’t wait to explore their trails!

21. Antique

I’ve always wanted to snorkel in the beautiful Batabat Reef, or visit some of the natural springs in the area—Sira-an Hot Spring is apparently not to be missed, nor are the beaches along Malalison Island and Batbatan Island. It’s also a good place for diving.

22. Surigao del Sur

With a beautiful stretch of coastline, the sheer awe that is induced by the fairytale-like atmosphere of the Enchanted River and the amazing surfing you can get in the area, Surigao is emerging as a choice destination for tourists looking for something a little more off the beaten path, but still able to provide the comforts of the most luxurious hotels and cozy inns. You can also visit Tinuy-an Falls, the Niagara Falls of the Philippines.