Traveling to the Philippines? With a whopping 7,100 islands, it can be hard to know where to start your adventure and which are the best islands to visit in the Philippines.
From the perfect white sand beaches of El Nido on Palawan to the scuba diving opportunities on Boracay Island to more easily accessible islands like Puerto Princesa, I prepared a full list of the best islands in the Philippines that you should include in your itinerary.
After having stayed here for several months and visiting all the countries in the region, I can proudly say that the Philippines is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, so make sure to read until the end to know which are the most beautiful islands.
Let’s get right into it.
15 Best Islands in The Philippines
The Philippines is a unique country that will steal your heart if you visit the right places.
From the white sand beaches of Palawan to the marine life in Cebu, there’s an island for everyone in the country. Here are 15 of the best islands in The Philippines, based on our personal experiences and expert opinions.
Coron Island, Palawan
Coron Island is a stunning island located in northern Palawan, known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and amazing rock formations.
The island is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Bulalacao Beach and Cycad Beach. corals and countless fish species. Coron is a perfect destination for those who love to snorkel or scuba dive.
On top of that, you can take a trip to Barracuda Lake and go diving – I assure you that it’s going to be one of the most unique experiences you’ll have.
Alternatively, treat yourself, rent a private boat, and go to Smith Coral Garden, which are underwater coral gardens and you can snorkel all around.
In addition to its natural beauty, the island also has a rich history. It was once the site of a major battle during World War II, and today there are several shipwrecks in Coron Bay, which definitely adds a layer of interest.
Siargao, Surigao del Norte
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands, which means there are plenty of paradise-like destinations to choose from.
However, Siargao Island, the surfing capital of the Philippines, is widely considered to be one of the best.
Siargao is well known for its surf spots, including Cloud 9, which attracts surfers from all over the world. And if you’re a surf lover, you’ve just found one of the coolest spots you could ever imagine.
But the island has much more to offer than just waves.
Siargao is also known for being very close to Naked Island, a virgin island with only sand on it, and for the incredible Sohoton Cove National Park.
You can also enjoy hiking, biking around, renting a motorbike to explore this tropical paradise, kayaking, and taking an island hopping tour to Corregidor Island and Naked Island. And if you’re after some relaxing time, Siargao Island is definitely a place worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Note that while the Philippines is one of the affordable places for holidays in Asia, Siargao is slightly more expensive, which is something to keep in mind.
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is often hailed as one of the best islands to visit in the Philippines – and for a good reason.
This breathtaking destination is home to crystal clear waters, powdery white beaches, and lush jungle landscapes. You can enjoy a myriad of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
The tours here are divided into 4 day trips – Tour A, B, C, and D.
While all of them are worth it, I recommend taking the tour A, which covers the Secret Lagoon and the Big Lagoon, 2 of El Nido’s highlights.
There is also an abundance of restaurants and bars, offering everything from fresh seafood to western dishes to Filipino favorites. All in all, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, El Nido is sure to exceed your expectations.
Did I mention that you’ll find lots of beachfront guest houses? Come over and enjoy paradise on Earth.
To reach El Nido, you can either fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 6-hour minivan ride or fly to Coron Busuanga Airport and then take a boat to El Nido. I personally took a minivan and while the road was decent, drivers here go very fast, so don’t forget your motion sickness pills, thank me later.
Boracay
Next on our list is Boracay, one of the most popular islands in the Philippines, and you’ll quickly understand why.
Voted as the best island in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler, Boracay is the perfect destination for everyone, from budget travelers willing to party hard to elite individuals hunting for a tropical island with luxury features.
While it previously was a party island full of vibrant nightlife and parties in every corner, Boracay is now more peaceful and you can either stay in hostels or budget hotels in Station 1, nicer hotels in Station 2, or luxurious properties in Station 3.
With its massive White Beach and Bulabog Beach, crystal clear waters, zipline, and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind or a lively party scene, Boracay has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, be sure to add Boracay to your list of places to visit.
Did I mention that you can go Paraw Sailing in Boracay and have the time of your life?
Cebu Island
Cebu is not only one of the best islands in the Philippines but it’s also one of the most popular for several reasons. First, you can come on an adventure and take an island hopping tour to enjoy the serene islands of Caohagan, Nalusuan and Gilutungan.
Secondly, you can join a day trip to Oslob to swim with whale sharks! Yes, that could be scary but there’s actually nothing to worry about, they don’t eat humans, so you’re guaranteed a safe encounter.
And why not rent a motorbike and exploring everything that Cebu has to offer? The stunning Budlaan Falls, go hiking on Osmena Peak for sunrise, discover the Taoist Temple, or even go scuba diving!
And while I only mentioned Budlaan Falls, Cebu is home to over 1,000 waterfalls, and I’m pretty confident you can visit many while exploring the island.
Bohol
If you’ve heard about the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines, then you know about Bohol, located in the Central Visayas region and popular for being one of the most easily accessible islands – reachable in only 2 hours from Cebu.
The island is home to a wide variety of attractions, from stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to unique geological formations and historical landmarks.
Bohol is also a great place to enjoy traditional Filipino culture, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
I personally stayed in Panglao and I had a great time, but I suggest you move towards the eastern part of the island for a few days before making your way to Camiguin, one of the tiniest, unique, and best islands to visit in the Philippines.
So don’t wait any longer, the stunning beaches and Chocolate Hills are waiting for you!
Camiguin
The island of Camiguin is one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets. Just a short boat ride from Bohol or a flight from Manila with Cebu Pacific, Camiguin is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
As a volcanic island, Camiguin is home to an active volcano, several hot springs, and a number of waterfalls, all incredibly stunning. There are also a number of hiking trails through the jungle, and the island’s beaches are some of the best in the country.
Make sure to go island hopping to White Island, a virgin island with only sand and no trees nor road on it, and you can discover all of it in a few minutes!
The beaches around Camiguin reminded me a lot of Koh Larn in Thailand, and I can’t recommend the tiny island enough!
If you’re brave and fit enough, why not try going up Mount Hibok-Hibok, the active volcano, on a day trip? While you can’t go by yourself as you need a permit, everyone on the island knows someone to take you there, just ask around.
Thanks to its 7 volcanoes, Camiguin is referred to as the “Island Born of Fire” and it’s easily one of the best Philippines islands you can go to. So, don’t wait any longer and make your way there, you’ll fall in love as soon as you step in!
Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan
The Hundred Islands National Park, located in the province of Pangasinan near the northeastern tip in the Philippines, is a stunning group of islands that offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy.
With 124 islands to explore, the park is ideal for those who love to spend time outdoors. Here, you can go snorkeling, swimming, canoeing, and even go on a zipline.
That’s right – the Hundred Islands National Park has one of the best ziplines in Asia!
Apart from that, I highly recommend hiking to the peak of Governor’s island where you’ll be greeted with an incredible view over all islands around.
Needless to say, with so much choice here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful islands you’ve ever seen in Southeast Asia.
Malapascua
Malapascua is a tiny island off the coast of Cebu in the Philippines. And although it’s only about two square miles in size, Malapascua has everything you could want in an island destination.
Palm trees, local culture, and rich marine life are what describe Malapascua best.
The white sand beaches are pristine, the water is crystal clear, and there’s plenty of coral for snorkeling and diving. If you have a drone, this is the perfect moment to set it up.
And let’s talk about the cliff jumping too – make your way to the northwestern tip of the island where the Lapus Lapus cliff is waiting for you, what a cool adventure awaits!
Plus, with its convenient location, you can easily island-hop to other nearby islands such as Cebu or Bohol.
Luzon
Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines, and is home to some of the country’s most stunning tourist destinations, including the Banaue Rice Terraces, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
That being said, while here, you should also visit the Batad Rice Terraces in North Luzon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ta’al Volcano in Tagaytay City is also a must-see, being a volcano within a lake and that only deserved the trip. What a cool spot to take shots for your Insta grid!
And in the southeastern corner of Luzon is Mount Mayon in Legazpi, where you’ll be able to rent an ATV for a few dollars or go for a hike. Bonus point if you can ride a mountain bike.
Lastly, if you have more time available on Luzon, you should definitely spend a day in the Historic Town of Vigan, one of the best Spanish colonial towns in Asia.
Do I even need to mention more to convince you to come here?
Dumaguete
While not the most famous, I couldn’t made a list of the best islands in the Philippines without talking about Dumaguete.
And if you didn’t include Camiguin in your itinerary, then Dumaguete is the perfect occasion to see an active volcano – Mt. Kanlaon.
Dumaguete is a small city in the Philippines that is known for its beautiful beaches and for its different landscapes, with Lake Balanan and Pulangbato Falls being some of the nicest.
The city has a laid-back atmosphere, and it is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beach. There are also many interesting places to visit, such as the Siliman University campus, which is the first American and Protestant founded institutions in the Philippines.
What I like about Dumaguete is that you can do pretty much everything you can think of and it’s an affordable place to travel. So, you could spend the day roaming and relaxing on Rizal Boulevard or going hiking to Mount Talinis.
Alternatively, while you’re in Dumaguete, I highly recommend taking a tour to Apo Island, a beautiful island nestled 7 kilometers off the coast of Dumaguete and famous for snorkeling and diving.
In plain words, while it’s not the most famous, Dumaguete and Apo Island are definitely some of the best islands in the Philippines – don’t hesitate, book your ticket and go enjoy the pristine beaches!
Siquijor Island
For a truly unique travel destination, then look no further than Siquijor Island. This eerie island is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, from its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches.
But it’s not just the scenery that makes Siquijor so special – it’s also home to a variety of interesting cultural attractions, such as the centuries-old balete tree and the mystical Cambugahay Falls.
Other attractions on the tiny island include the ancient enchanted Balete Tree and the idyllic Lugnason Falls. For those after a bit of wildlife spotting, the pristine Tubod Marine Sanctuary is one of the great places to snorkel in the Philippines.
From pretty clownfish to majestic turtles and sleek barracuda, get your waterproof camera ready. Among all things to do in Siquijor, snorkeling is one of the coolest!
That’s not it; The island is not only known for the touristy spots. it’s something a little different since Siquijor is known for the sorcery and witchcraft of Siquijor. In fact, Siquijor is home to indigenous tribes, which live in the mountains and brew potions to heal ailments and banish evil spirits.
To conclude, Siquijor boasts tropical beaches and is surely one of the must-see places in the Philippines archipelago.
Negros Island
We’re approaching the end of this guide so let’s talk about off-the-beaten-path islands in the Philippines – Negros Island. Sure, it is the fourth largest island of the Philippine archipelago, but it’s surely not one of the most touristy places around.
The island is home to stunning natural scenery, like waterfalls, volcanic mountains, and pristine beaches with views on the Western Pacific Ocean. There’s also a rich cultural heritage on the island, with many traditional markets and temples to explore.
Among the cities in Negros Island, you’ll find Dumaguete, Cadiz City, and Bacolod, among many different places and famous islands.
Negros Island is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in nature. So if you’re looking for an adventure, add Negros Island to your travel list.
Bantayan
Bantayan is undoubtedly one of the best beach destinations in the Philippines. Stunning sandy beaches and clear azure waters combine to form a luxurious paradise. It’s important to note that a large part of the island is protected from nature.
Also, there’s an abundance of wildlife both on land and in the tropical waters. Attractions in Bantayan certainly worth a mention include the Kota Sandbar and Omagieca Mangrove Garden. In addition, adrenaline junkies can take to the skies on a skydive.
Needless to say, Bantayan is one of the best islands to visit in the Philippines for a reason!
Davao
The Philippine island of Mindanao is a land of contrasts. With its towering mountains and pristine beaches, it’s no wonder that Davao is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
But Mindanao is also home to some of the country’s most active volcanoes, and its rainforests are teeming with dangerous wildlife. So, before you book your trip to Davao, be sure to do your research and be prepared for an adventure.
Also, on Davao island, you will find Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can’t miss when traveling to the Philippines.
Whether you’re hiking to the top of Mount Apo or scuba diving off the coast of Siargao, there’s no doubt that you’ll have an unforgettable experience in Davao.
Conclusion
So, there we have it. More than 7,000 islands condensed into 15 unmissable highlights.
Whether you’re after a beach break or an awesome adventure, there are plenty of reasons to travel the Philippines.
