The Philippines, an island in Southeast Asia that has earned the nickname “Pearl of the Orient” from travellers who have been there and adored it, has a lot to offer anyone seeking a little tropical escapism. This wealthy, biodiverse nation has 7,641 islands and is one of the most enticing travel destinations in the world, in our opinion.
Here are the 10 most beautiful islands in the Philippines.
1. Boracay, Aklana
Numerous reader surveys consistently rank Boracay Island’s beach as the greatest in the world; it is the most well-known island in the Philippines for good cause. Even though it may be well-known, the sugar-white beaches, clear oceans, and vibrant sunsets make it well worth a visit. In contrast to some of the smaller, more remote islands, Boracay offers some incredible lodging options, from simple B&Bs to opulent hotels like Shangri-La.
Check out the island’s less popular beaches for an experience away from the crowds, even though the most popular White Beach may be a little too overloaded for some. On a more tranquil section of the shore, Bolabog Beach is a favourite among kitesurfers visiting Boracay.
2. Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Siargao, a formerly tranquil surf town, has gained prominence in recent years and was chosen as the best island in the world by Condé Nast Traveller readers in 2019. Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines thanks to its enormous barrel-shaped waves, but there is also plenty to keep non-surfers busy. This tear-shaped island is filled with mysterious rock pools, secret lagoons, sizable national parks, and dive locations that are under protection.
3. El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse archipelagos, consisting of 45 islands. The terrain is as similar as one can get to what one imagines when one thinks of the Philippines, featuring limestone structures and turquoise lagoons.
Your best option for a truly exceptional stay is El Nido Resorts, which has three excellent hotels in Miniloc, Lagen, and Pangalusian Islands. You can charter private “bangkas,” or wooden boats, to visit El Nido’s many natural sites, including the charming Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and Snake Island.
4. Coron, Palawan
Perfect white sand beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and lagoons teeming with marine life all coexist in Coron. One of the region’s most stunning natural attractions is Kayangan Lake, which is also one of the country’s cleanest sources of water.
Two Seasons to remain A resort in the traditional Filipino style, Coron is located at the tip of an island’s snake-shaped corner and makes the most of the area’s stunning natural surroundings while providing the well-known hospitality of the Filipino people.
5. Pamalican Island, Palawan
Amanpulo, one of the most opulent private islands in the Philippines, certainly lives up to its stellar reputation. It provides the pinnacle of stylish tropical living and is located on the lovely Pamalican Island in the Cuyo Archipelago of Northern Palawan. Visitors have the option of staying in either the Villas, which each have a private beachfront, or the Casitas, which are constructed on the island’s lush forest canopies. There are many reasons to splash out on a stay here, including the beautiful reefs, lush jungles, and the abundance of water sports and activities.
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6. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a series of deserted islands that is accessible by car from Metro Manila’s capital and ideal for travellers seeking a more undeveloped island experience. The most well-liked atoll, “Mahabang Buhangin,” which means “long sand,” is renowned for its two miles of immaculate beach.
There are no hotels on these islands, so your only option for lodging is to camp out under the stars. This may put off visitors looking for home comforts. But if you’re ready to put up with the wilderness and complete lack of services, a trip to this uninhabited island is well worth the inconvenience.
7. Balesin, Quezon
Only a 25-minute flight separates the 500-hectare luxury resort of Balesin Island Club from Metro Manila. Even an airport is available to members of this club, and visitors frequently arrive in private aircraft and helicopters. Seven lavish surroundings in Balesin were modelled after the most well-known summer vacation spots in the globe. The Balesin, Phuket, Mykonos, St. Tropez, Costa del Sol, and Toscana villages all faithfully replicate the architectural features and culinary delights of their namesake locations.
8. Sorsogon, Bicol
Sorsogon is, in many ways, the greatest location to explore the Philippines’ diverse fauna, which is among the richest in the world. It is ideal for travellers who want to spice up their trip to the Philippines with a little adventure. Here, you may sail on the Donsol River, trek in the Bulusan Volcano National Park, and swim with manta rays and enormous “Butandings” (whale sharks). The picturesque rural environment of the Donsol River, a relatively obscure location, is changed by hundreds of millions of fireflies that illuminate the riverside at night, creating a wonderfully ethereal boating experience.
9. San Juan, La Union
The province of La Union on Luzon, the largest landmass in the Philippines, is home to another surfing haven called San Juan. San Juan, which is only a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila, has gained popularity among those seeking a weekend break from the hectic capital. This laid-back town has a lot to offer visitors seeking a more leisurely stay, including a number of eccentric cafés and undiscovered culinary wonders.
In addition to all the amazing surf locations San Juan has to offer, tourists may go cliff-diving at Tangadan Falls, enjoy the endless blue views from Luna Pebble Beach, or check out the delightfully bizarre, sculptural museum-turned-ancestral home known as “Bahay na Bato,” or House of Rock.
10. Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa, another location in Palawan on the list, is the natural habitat of much of the native flora and animals of the Philippines. A must-see location is the Subterranean River Natural Park, a lovely but unsettling location that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a boat tour here to explore the enormous, cavernous limestone caves, and you can also go into the deep, echoing darkness of the Saint Paul Mountain Range.
