16 Best Islands to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines is famous as an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia. Officially called the Republic of the Philippines, the country is located in the western Pacific Ocean. Featuring around 7641 islands, the Philippines is famous as an island-hopping destination in the Southeast Asian peninsula. The aesthetic charm of these beaches lies in the coral reefs, natural beauty, crystal clear water, and mountainous tropical rainforests in the surroundings. With so many natural wonders and sporty vibes, the islands are the best places to visit in Philippines. However, most of these islands are like gems hidden from sight, untouched and undiscovered by tourists. Here we help you to discover some of the most beautiful islands in Philippines.

1. Palawan

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, the Palawan Island in the Philippines, attracts tourists with beautiful beaches, Jungle Mountains, and lush wildlife. Located just off the western flank of the country, Palawan is a long island and a heaven for nature and adventure lovers. Also famous as one of the most popular resort destinations of the country, Palawan in the Philippines is just an 80-minute flight away from Manila. It is an ideal place when you are all set to go for a long-awaited island getaway.

2. El Nido

Next up in the list of the best islands in Philippines, El Nido is on the tip of Palawan Island. El Nido is said to have a world of its own, having the most striking natural beauty and landscapes. This is the island, considered to be the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, featuring more than 45 islands and islets. Here, each islet or island has a distinct attraction, including vibrant coral reefs, small and big lagoons, stunning limestone cliffs, and geological formations.

3. Bohol

Situated in the Central Visayas region, Bohol attracts tourists with its striking and diverse attractions, including the Chocolate Hills as the most popular spot. It is comprised of one major island and 75 smaller islands, giving you the opportunity to select your favourite one. Bohol in the Philippines is filled with many hidden natural spots such as fisherman-only rivers, local grilled seafood spots, secret waterfalls, handicraft markets, and more.

4. Coron

Considered as one of the best islands in the Philippines by many, Coron Island is mainly famous for its stunning beaches, Kayangan Lake, twin lagoons, small lagoons, and Barracuda Lake. It is a small group of islands in the region, located at just 30 minutes of boat drive from Busuanga. The Coron in the Philippines is a perfect place to enjoy beach camping, snorkelling, scuba, or wreck diving. Also, you can go hiking to witness stunning sunset or take a dip in a hot spring. When you plan to visit Coron Island, make sure to enjoy a short boat ride to Malcapuya Beach, located at a close distance.

5. Boracay

Another one of the most popular islands in the Philippines, Boracay has both natural and manmade points of interest. Located around 300 km south of Manila, Boracay Island in the Philippines is a small island, yet it has around 17 beaches and coves of all sizes and shapes. Surrounded by stunning white-sand beaches and clear water, Boracay is an ideal place to enjoy a range of nautical activities on beaches, including snorkelling, kiteboarding, surfing, or simply relaxing on the soft sand.

6. Luzon

Luzon is one of the largest islands in the Philippines, especially popular for beach vacations. Located in the northern part of the Philippine archipelago, Luzon is a perfect pick for nature and adventure lovers. Also, you can go camping atop the mountain hill on Luzon Island in the Philippines. Some highlights include Taal Volcano, Batad rice terraces, Pahubad, WWII Era Corregidor Island, and a Private getaway to Magalawa Island.

7. Siargao

A dream destination for tourists, Siargao is located at the northeastern tip of Mindanao, around 800 kilometres in South Manila. It’s a place with perfect white sand beaches, mesmerizing lagoons, mangrove forest reserves, and exotic wildlife. However, one of the biggest attractions for travellers here is surfing. This beautiful island town also has shops, resorts, restaurants, etc. yet, maintaining the vibe and charm of a small beach town. Siargao Island in the Philippines offers tourists a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

8. Bantayan

Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Bantayan is one of the off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations. With eco-tourism sites and striking beaches, this beautiful island in the Philippines attracts travellers from all over the world. Here you can enjoy swimming, exciting water activities, skydiving, sightseeing, and gastronomic seafood adventures.

9. Negros

Known as the 4th largest island in the Philippines, Negros is home to both calm, beautiful beaches and active city centers. A boot-shaped island, that is 35 to 79 km wide and 217 km stretched, Negros is the main producer of sugar and organic products in the Philippines. The island attracts tourists with stunning beaches, underwater coral gardens, a rugged mountain interior, and some nature reserves.

10. Dumaguete

Next on the list of best islands in the Philippines is Dumaguete, a perfect spot for island exploration or relaxation. Dumaguete is a laid-back destination, famous for natural beauty in its surroundings and many water sports such as dolphin-watching, swimming, and trekking adventures on nearby mountains. Some key attractions here are waterfalls adventure, red rock hot spring, Sidlakang Negros village, and forest camp. However, the natural volcano Crater Lake and majestic waterfalls are the highlights of this island.

11. Mindanao

The second-largest island in the Philippines, Mindanao, is located in the southern part of the archipelago, with the Bohol, Celebes, Sulu, and Philippine seas in its surrounding. Some of the major attractions in Mindanao include the tropical beaches of Samal Island, the laidback surfing hotspot called Siargao Island, and the small yet striking island of Camiguin, blessed with many waterfalls and white-sand beaches. If you wish to experience a relaxed and comfortable vacation, Mindanao Island may be the right place for you.

12. Malapascua

Located around 7km off the northernmost area of Cebu Island, Malapascua is a small, calm, and remote island in the Philippines. The island is a perfect spot to have a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience. It is a tropical Island featuring crystal clear water, coconut trees, and white sandy beaches. Malapascua is known worldwide for being one of the few places to spot the very rare Thresher Shark.

13. Britannia Island

Located in the village of Britannia in Surigao del Sur province, Britannia Island is a group of 24 beautiful and serene islands. This group of islands is in proximity to the southern tip of the Philippines. Famous for powdery sand beaches and crystal-clear water, Britannia Island is an ideal tourist destination to enjoy Mountain biking and Catamaran cruising. Also, the island is known for hopping adventures, allowing you to visit four renowned islands - Hagonoy Island, Hiyor-Hiyoran Island, Naked Island, and Boslon Island.

14. Panay

Surrounded by the Sulu, Visayan, and the Sibuyan seas, Panay is one of the best islands in the Philippines. Known as the gateway to the Boracay, the island is one of the most preferred beach destinations in town. The highlights of this island are white sandy beaches, Beachfront guest houses, Gigantes and Guimaras islands. Panay Island is also famous for its 4 provinces, including Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique.

15. Calaguas

Situated in the Philippine province of Camarines Norte, the Calaguas Island is a group of some striking islands in the Philippines. It is an off-beat beach destination, earlier known as the quiet coastline. However, the island is now beaming with magnificent structures, rich marine life, surreal natural beauty, and water adventures. Also, the outstanding views, isolation, and pristine white shore make it an ideal camping spot for beach enthusiasts.

16. MoalBoal

A quaint town situated in the south of Cebu, Moalboal Island is a popular tourist destination among travellers around the world. Famous for its beaches and the vibrant underwater world, Moalboal is a perfect weekend getaway, mainly known for its snorkelling site. The highlights of this island include Sardines watching, Sea turtle watching, and Snorkelling. Also, the Tuble Marine Sanctuary of MoalBoal Island offers views of the fishes and teeming corals, harbouring deep into its shallow water.

The Philippines has a lot to offer, from island beauty to scrumptious food and the islands that provide unforgettable experiences for visitors. When planning a vacation to this country of islands, make sure you choose the best Philippines tour package to enjoy a perfect holiday.