The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, offering stunning beaches, lush jungles, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. With so many islands to choose from, deciding where to visit can be overwhelming. Here’s a rough guide to some of the best islands the Philippines has to offer to help you plan your tropical island hopping adventure.
Boracay
Consistently voted one of the best beaches in Asia, Boracay should be at the top of any Philippines itinerary. The tiny island is just 4 miles long and less than 1 mile across at its narrowest point. The west coast is where you’ll find the famous White Beach with its powdery white sand and shallow azure waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Walk along the beachfront path lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Head to Boat Station 3 in the evening to watch the famous Boracay sunset – arguably one of the best in the world. Go cliff diving at Ariel’s Point, ride a parasail, explore secret beaches and coves or just relax on a sun lounger with a fresh coconut. With its lively atmosphere and range of accommodation and dining options, Boracay caters well for both families and backpackers.
Palawan
For ultimate island hopping, head to Palawan province where you’ll find over 1,700 islands and islets. The capital Puerto Princesa is a great base to explore the underground river at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an 8.2km navigable underground river. El Nido on the northern tip of Palawan is another popular base with island hopping tours to explore stunning lagoons such as Small and Big Lagoon with their emerald green waters, Secret Lagoon hidden behind a cave-like opening in the cliffs, and Matinloc Shrine island with its picturesque abandoned resort. Port Barton on the west coast offers a quieter alternative to El Nido. Further south, Sabang is the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Underground River. With white sand beaches, mangroves, waterfalls, reefs and jungles, Palawan has something to offer every type of traveler.
Siargao
Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea. Head to Cloud 9 beach to watch expert surfers ride the famous reef break or take a beginner’s class yourself. When the waves are smaller, paddle out on a stand-up paddle board or relax on the soft white sand. Explore the island by motorbike, taking in coconut groves, quaint villages, secluded beaches and waterfalls. Island hop to Guyam for uncrowded waves or take a boat trip to admire the unique jellyfish in Sugba Lagoon. With a laidback vibe and plenty of budget accommodation options, Siargao appeals to backpackers and surfers looking to immerse themselves in the island lifestyle.
Bohol
Just a short ferry ride from Cebu, Bohol should be included in any Philippines itinerary. The island province is renowned for the Chocolate Hills – an unusual geological formation of 1,268 symmetrical grass covered limestone mounds that turn brown in the dry season to look like chocolate kisses. Take a tour to Carmen viewpoint for the best photos. Bohol is also known for its cute tarsiers – one of the world’s smallest primates. See them up close at the Tarsier Sanctuary. The Loboc River Cruise takes you on a relaxing trip along the Loboc River through the rainforest and past floating restaurants and local villages. Don’t miss Panglao Island connected by two bridges to Bohol which has some of the best beaches in the region. With limited development and just a few small scale resorts, Panglao offers a peaceful escape.
Cebu
As one of the most developed islands in the Philippines, Cebu offers an interesting mix of city life, cultural sights and tropical beaches. Start your explorations in Cebu City – the oldest city in the country. Take a heritage walking tour of the downtown area. Visit Fort San Pedro, Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo Museum and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Travel north to Malapascua Island known for thresher shark sightings or south to Sumilon Island which has a gorgeous sand bar that appears at low tide. Moalboal on Cebu’s southwest coast is renowned for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling at Pescador Island and sardine run. With an international airport, good infrastructure and range of accommodation options, Cebu makes a great base to explore the Visayas region.
Siquijor
Known as the mystical island, Siquijor is famous in the Philippines for tales of magic, sorcery and witchcraft. Take a day tour to visit local healers offering herbal treatments and blessings. Away from the supernatural, you’ll find beautiful beaches, marine sanctuaries perfect for diving and smaller crowd than neighboring islands. For great snorkeling, head to the coral reefs of Salagdoong Beach with its cliff jumping platforms. Or relax on the powdery white sand of Paliton Beach. Take a motorbike ride around the island admiring waterfalls, centuries-old balete trees and the landmark Old Enchanted Balete Tree. The laidback island with just one main town offers a slower pace with plenty of small beachfront accommodation options – perfect for a couple of days of rest and relaxation.
Coron, Palawan
Located on Busuanga Island and part of Palawan province, Coron is famous for world-class wreck diving. Over a dozen Japanese shipwrecks from World War II lie beneath the pristine waters, now covered with coral and marine life making for fascinating dive sites. Snorkel or dive at Skeleton Wreck, Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima or Irako Wreck to discover the secrets below. Above water, island hopping tours reveal stunning lagoons such as Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake with its unique thermocline phenomenon bringing temperatures up to 38°C (100°F). The towering limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters make this one of the most picturesque island destinations in the Philippines. Base yourself in Coron Town which has an emerging backpacker and diving scene.
Bantayan Island
Lying just off the northern tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island offers pristine white sand beaches and a peaceful laidback atmosphere. The three main areas of Sta Fe, Madridejos and Bantayan Town have accommodation and dining options to suit different budgets. Spend your days lounging on the soft sand, swimming in the gentle sea, snorkeling the vibrant reefs or watching breathtaking sunsets. Visit historical sites like the Ogtong Cave Resort, Santa Fe Stone Houses Museum and St Peter and Paul Parish Church. The island is also a fishing hub so be sure to try some ultra-fresh seafood. With direct ferry links from Cebu City, Bantayan makes an ideal tropical beach escape away from the crowds.
I hope this rough guide gives you some inspiration to start planning your Philippines island hopping adventure. With paradise islands, lush jungles, incredible diving and some of the friendliest people on earth, the Philippines is a tropical dream destination. These islands are just the beginning of what the archipelago has to offer. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime exploring this astonishing island nation. I sincerely hope you find this “A Rough Guide to the Best Islands in the Philippines” article helpful.