Looking for the best islands to visit in Philippines? I share my top 10 best Phillipnes islands, things to do, and places to stay.
A beautiful painting of forests, beaches, and charming islands, the Philippines “Pearl of the East” is made up of 7,641 islands and about 100 million people, from all nations, religions, and languages live together in remarkable harmony.
Anyone coming to the Philippines for the first time will likely fall in love with this place.
The tropical islands of the Philippines provide an unforgettable holiday experience with a relaxed atmosphere, warm climate, crystal clear waters, various species of sea life, and lush vegetation.
And if you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.
But it can be a difficult task to choose the best island to visit in the Philippines that is why I’ve done the hard research, so you don’t have to!
Here is the list of my favorites islands in the Philippines which will give you more than enough inspiration to make your visit awesome!
1- El Nido, Palawan
In the first place, it is the most beautiful island El Nido. Palawan is one of the many islands in the Philippines, and El Nido is the main attraction there.
If you are looking for a place with tons of beaches, clear blue water, see the impressive limestone karst cliffs and incredibly scenic views, El Nido will take your breath away.
Also, El Nido is one of the most magnificent sights in Asia, known for its white-sand beaches and dive sites.
It is a perfect place to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature, especially when you are on a budget.
The main home Bacuit Bay is surrounded by a massive limestone rock formation that reaches 200 meters high.
Things to do in El Nido:
Island hopping is the most popular activity in El Nido, Palawan. To explore the island, you will need to get a tour package from available four different islands exploring packages depending on your choice.
The current collections are Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, and tours start from 9 am to 4 pm.
All these tours include lunch with the local boatman drop by an island and prepare your food as you explore a particular island.
Moreover, El Nido has over 40 dive sites; if you are looking for deep shallow tunnels or night dives, they have it all. They have more than 800 specious of marine life and 120 different corals.
Hike at Taraw Peak. Fan of hiking? Then this is highly recommended. El Nido does not merely offer beaches, nut hiking too.
It will be a 30-minute journey to the summit, but it is a challenging adventure with extreme humidity.
Additionally, the best way to experience El Nido is to get a kayak and explore the beaches, caves, and different lagoons.
Book the most popular Day Trips in El Nido
Where to stay? Best Hotels in El Nido
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2- Siargao
For adventure seekers, nature lovers, nomads, and active retirees, Siargao Island is a great place for an extended visit or maybe even your next home.
The island is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, and inexpensive accommodations compare to other international surfing destinations.
Budget backpackers staying in a hostel can get a bike as little as USD 600 per month to explore the Siargao.
It is one of the best islands to visit in Philippines.
Things to do in Siargao:
Surfing in Cloud 9, Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, so this must be one of your reason and traveling here.
Siargao will give you a Hawaiian surfing vibe the beauty of surfing in Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels.
You have jacking horse for beginners, Cloud 9 pros, and other hidden spots where you can take a boat or ask some locals to get away with the other tourists.
But if you don’t surf, no worries at all, there are still plenty of things to is Siargao, go tanning at Naked Island.
The naked island is one of the three island hopping tours that you can do in Siargao; this is the first stopover of the three islands.
Naked from the name itself, meaning there are no shades or tress nothing at all, if you want to go for tanning, then this is the best island to visit because of its powder-like white and crystal clear blue water.
Next, visit Corregidor Island, one of the island hopping tours that you, aside from the three islands, is visiting Corregidor Island.
It is a 30-minute boat ride from General Luna, which is the tourist center in Siargao. Corregidor Island is quite more significant than the three islands.
Locals are living on the island, and it is a combination of swimming and hiking.
First, you can hike up above to explore the whole island, and you can even see the tip of the island.
Once you go down, you can go for a swim and don’t forget to take a photo under a reclining palm tree.
Where to Stay? Best Hotel in Siargao
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3- Bantayan Island, Cebu
Cebu is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines, located in the center of the Philippines, and is known to be the Queen City of the South.
It has lovely white sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters.
Bantayan is a Small picturesque Island located in the North of Cebu; it is a go-to tourist destination in Cebu as it offers tranquility with island vibes.
In recent years this island has become very popular with tourists looking for an idyllic getaway, easily accessible, excellent infrastructure, and alluring beaches.
Not only this but also this tropical island will give you an unforgettable experience.
Things to do in Bantayan:
Chill on the beach, there are a lot of beaches to choose from, but the best beach in Bantayan is Paradise Beach.
It has powdery white sand and clear turquoise water which makes its one of the best islands to visit in Philippines
Next, take a dip at Ogtong Cave located inside Santa Fe Beach club; the water inside the cave is from a natural spring.
Just pay 100Php per to hear for the entrance if you are not booked in the beach club.
You can also take a side trip to Virgin Island, which is a privately owned but well-staffed island. It has a powdery white sand beach and clear turquoise water.
To go to Virgin Island, rent a boat from a local fisher in Santa Fe.
Boat tour usually includes Hilantagaan Island, too, which is another stunning island.
Lastly, don’t forget to visit OBO-OB Mangrove Eco Park, an adventurous two hours tour on Bantayan Island.
The park has a bamboo walkway in the mangroves that allows for a refreshing walk and good photo opportunities.
You can also go kayaking or take a tour of the mangroves Eco Park on a boat; it is best to visit when the park is high tide.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Bantayan
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4- Bohol
Bohol is one of the best islands to visit in Philippines; it is the 10th largest Island in the country.
The Island is a haven of natural tropical spots. You can also find the world-renowned unusual geological formation “The Chocolate Hills.”
As well as, some hidden waterfalls, tropical beaches, caves, and unique animals.
If you visit the Philippines, Bohol Island must be included in your itinerary.
The Boholano people are friendly and hospitable with good English communication skills, a big help for foreign visitors.
There is always something new to discover, and the best thing is Bohol is always reachable from main cities such as Cebu and Manila.
Things to do in Bohol:
Start exploring the Island from the most famous spot, The Chocolate Hills.
Certainly, one of the most spectacular and most visited tourist spots in the beautiful Island of Bohol.
That consists of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills that are amazing and naturally formed by nature. Tourists can climb up to a 213 steps hill that can allow them to enjoy the view at the top.
Since the place has been developed, hotels, restaurants, and gift shops are already built.
These thousands of like inverted chocolate are spreading in an open plateau like an occult mound.
At the end of the dry season, the grass turns brown, and this exactly looks like chocolate. This is one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines you must visit.
Furthermore, exploring the caves of Bohol is a must on your trip; Cabagnow Cave Pool is located in Anda Bohol.
The place is 115 kilometers or roughly 2.5 hours’ drive from Tagbilaran City.
You must visit this place as a part of your itinerary for you to complete your Bohol Island adventure.
Also, Anda has many caves, and Cabagnow Cave is one of the significant caves that tourists love to visit.
Lastly, experience the floating restaurant in the Loboc River cruise that includes a buffet meal.
Book here a Day Trip to Bohol including Chocolate Hills
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Bohol
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5- Coron, Palawan
Coron, one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, it is known as the beauty Queen of the Islands.
Located in the north of Palawan, Coron is famous for diving because there are a lot of shipwrecks here.
Besides that, the beautiful lakes, crystal-clear sweet water lakes, and breathtaking diving spots are just some of the many reasons why it is a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
The main tourist attractions of Coron are Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Kayangan Lake, which attracts millions of visitors all around the world.
In Coron, the lakes with the crystal clear water hug the incredible rocky heights, which make you like you are in one of the real wonders of nature.
Also, The Twin Lagoons are one of the must-see destinations in the Coron Island Hopping Tour.
A narrow waterway separates two small lakes, and to make things more exciting, there is the only way to move between them, and that is swimming.
Coron deserves to be called itself the Queen of Islands
Things to do in Coron:
Day trip on a boat is an obvious and probably the one you are most likely expecting to do already. Take a day trip out on a boat and visit some of the most famous spots.
You can do this as an organized with an agent or just head to the shore and hire a private boat with new friends.
Expect to spend the day swimming in beautiful lakes sunbathing on pristine beaches, sipping juice from a coconut, and snorkeling; you will stop for a tasty lunch.
Don’t forget to visit the Twin Lagoons, where two gorgeous lakes are linked by a tunnel where you will have to swim through.
Go for a swim in Lake Kayangan, a tranquil place where you can meditate about life and nature. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the area is also peaceful and quiet.
Furthermore, take here a private tour to Coron’s western side where some of the most beautiful and remote islands are found.
Lastly, dive into the waters to see the underwater mountains in Barracuda Lake.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Coron
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Also Read: Affordable Places to go for Honeymoon
6- Boracay
Boracay is a beautiful Philippines island and one of the most vibrant beaches in the world.
Boracay is a tiny island, but it’s one big reason for millions of people to cross and ocean and visits the Philippines.
This piece of beach paradise has always been on the list as one of the top islands in the Philippines.
Boracay, as a destination, is pulsating with fun and adrenaline activities. The Island It is known for its powdery white sandy beaches, vibrant community, and stunning sunsets.
The most famous beach in Boracay is known as white beach as its name implies the white beach is the fairest of them all; aside from its powdery white sand, this stretch is also the commercial center of the Island.
But if the white beach is too busy for you can always head to Bulabog Beach for something more relaxing, and if you suddenly crave your silence, there is Puka Beach with must fewer people
Things to do in Boracay:
Go for Island hopping, one of the best activities to do in Boracay; you’ll enjoy your time, whether you are traveling alone or with your loved one.
And if you love adrenaline activities, go for kite surfing on Bulabog Beach. It is a thrilling but fun thing to do.
Zipline is another exciting thing you can do in Boracay Island or go for scuba diving or learn to free dive.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Boracay
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7-Luzon
Luzon is the 17th largest island in the world, and it offers some of the most spectacular tourist attractions.
It is also where Manila can be found the capital city of the Philippines.
Due to its outstanding array of scenic spots, the northern part of the Philippine’s largest island is a nature lovers’ dream.
Luzon offers lots of great activities such as hiking, swimming, and mountain climbing. It is one of the best islands to visit in Philippines.
Besides, visitors can rappel down cliff faces, delve deep into caves, and take scenic boat trips to any one of the stunning islands that line its coast.
Luzon is a cultural heritage; the region is one of the most diverse in the Philippines, and it is also a great place to learn more about the country’s rich culture, traditions, and social heritage.
Things to do in Luzon:
When in Luzon, visit the gorgeous town “Bontoc, Mountain Province” nestled among the mountains.
The bustling market town of Bontoc is full of life, and it’s a pleasant place to spend a day or two.
Also, explore the Bolinao, Pangasinan, it features some interesting historical sites and shows such as impressive looking St James Church and distinctive white lighthouse.
The highlight, however, is the Patar white beach; this is perfect for kicking back relaxing.
Watching a beautiful sunset is a lovely way to spend your evening; it is a romantic place to spend a relaxed holiday.
Moreover, if you are a surfer, visit San Juan, La Union. It is the surfing capital of the northern Philippines with some of the best breaks in the country.
San Juan in La Union is a surfer’s dream with beginners and experts heading to the laid back town to try out its epic waves.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Luzon
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8- Camiguin Island
The lush green and tropical Camiguin is one of the best islands to visit in Philippines.
Camiguin holds the distinction of being the second smallest province in the Philippines.
Despite its size, there is a great deal to see and enjoy with its abundance in natural and cultural attractions.
Camiguin is so rich in enchanting spots it is impossible to visit all of them in a short period.
So, if you have a few days to explore this best island in the Philippines, make sure to visit the places below.
Things to do in Camiguin:
Macao Cold Spring is one of the favorite spots in Camiguin. It proves that the earth is indeed beautiful in its natural form.
You can swim with the tiny freshwater fishes, watch the colourful dragonflies fly everywhere, and enjoy the cool crystal clear water.
And Sunken Cemetery is the attraction of Camiguin, which you got aware of in the first place.
There is no entrance fee to the compound where you enter to get to the Sunken Cemetery but there is a fee if you want to go the Cemetery.
You can snorkel to see the underwater world around the submerged old cross.
Furthermore, visit the Katibawasan falls, which are 70m high, and you can swim at the base. This is one of the biggest waterfalls in the Philippines and the natural wonders of Camiguin Island.
Or head to Tuasan Falls another wonderful attraction of the island.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Camiguin Island
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9- Malapascua Island, Cebu
Malapascua is a tiny island located on the northern tip of Cebu; this island is mostly known for Scuba diving with Thresher Sharks, snorkelling too is popular.
It’s the perfect place to escape the stress of daily life and enjoy this beautiful tropical island.
Most of the resorts, restaurants, and bars are located on bounty beaches, the most popular tourist spot on the island.
It is a beautiful little beach and small enough to walk from one end into the other.
There are other beaches around the island that you can explore as well.
Moreover, some of the restaurants are located right on the coast that can be a great view of the ocean.
Things to do in Malapascua:
If you love scuba diving, this is the right place for you! Malapascua is a popular spot for scuba diving, and there are many different dive spots around the island.
Or even going down to see the Thresher Sharks where the sharks come up early in the morning.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Malapascua
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10- Mactan Island, Cebu
Mactan Island is a little slice of paradise right outside from the main Island of Cebu; the Island boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions.
Being a coral island, Mactan offers some of the best diving, snorkelling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing, and cultural activities of any island in the Philippines.
The torques blue waters around Mactan are full of rich in biodiversity, creating an unforgettable experience.
Also, the beaches are made of soft ground coral that looks great!
The best thing is that this tropical Island is not very crowded as compare to other islands, which means you can easily explore it with full privacy.
A lot of people in the Philippines depend on coconut farming and fishing.
Things to do in Matacan Island:
There are many things you can do on Mactan island, hire a local boat for snorkeling or scuba diving trip.
Visit the Lapu-Lapu Monument, the local hero who fought and defeated the Spanish soldiers, is one of the historical spots to visit.
Moreover, you can enjoy the parasailing, jetski, swimming, or go for an island adventure at Nalusuan Island and Marine Sanctuary.
Mactan Island offers all types of water activities for any age group, and you may want to add this island experience on your bucket list.
Where to Stay? Best Hotels in Mactan Island
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