The Fifth largest island country, Philippines, boasts about almost 7,100 islands. Each of them embracing a whole world of beauty and opportunities within them. Some have white sand beaches, some have cliffs, some have turtles and these are just a few out of the many attractions that the islands of this country have to offer to the people who visit it.
There are many beautiful islands in the world and islands of the Philippines are one of them. If you are planning to visit the Philippines and want to know about the beaches and islands of the Philippines, here is some help. We curated the list of islands in the Philippines.
Best Islands in the Philippines
Here is a list of 12 best islands in the Philippines that one can look forward to visiting.
1. Palaui Island
If one is looking for a getaway in a less populated place then Palaui island is where they can head to. There are deserted beaches, eerie caves, waterfalls, rice fields, and a fresh environment. Overlooking the sea, there are fresh flat cliff tops that have bright green grass tops.
The terrain in this place is wide-ranged. There are green rice fields on one side, beaches on the other. It is a paradise for nature lovers.
2. Siargao
Siargao is situated in the northeastern tip of Mindanao, 800 kilometers south of Manilla. The place which is the most famous attraction, in Siargao, among the people is General Luna Beach. It is an island town that has the charm of a small beach town but also is filled with restaurants, resorts, shops, etc.
This island is home to an exotic range of wildlife, mesmerizing lagoons, forest reserves, and white sand beaches. Surfing is an attraction among travellers on this island.
3. Cebu Island
Cebu island has a lot to offer for one who wishes to have a dream vacation. There are a lot of activities that tourists can indulge on this island. They can go around the place with the help of family-owned watersport companies. These companies take people out to parasailing, banana boating, and jet skiing. One can also go for snorkeling.
Towards the southern area, there are the Tumalog falls which is a natural waterfall that creates a pool of clear water amidst a tree-clad area. What is best about Cebu island is people can swim with the wild sharks off the coast of Oslob Beach
4. Malapascua
Malapascua is not a very popular island as it is located in a remote area and is very small in size. It does not offer much in terms of nightlife but, this island is where one should go if he/she is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience.
Visitors can have a thrilling experience of swimming with Thresher Sharks off the shores of this island. Malapascua offers untouched raw and scenic beauty as there is no much interference of concrete life development. The island provides a mesmerizing scenery of nature.
5. Palawan
Palawan is a place of mystery and magic with the most famous attraction- El Nido. It is a coastal town with 45 islands and islets and it in itself is a place of attraction. The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, is enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site.
El Nido and Coron situated towards the North has breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, landscapes, and much other mesmerizing scenery. One can take a bath in the hot pools of Bakbakan Falls and Mainit Hot Springs at Brooke’s Point. People can also go for water sports like kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling.
6. El Nido
El Nido is a famous place for the people and a major tourist attraction in the Philippines. It is a blend of natural beauty. There is a turquoise green sea with white sand beaches. The island consists of grey cliffs and outgrowth of lush green grass just near the white sand beaches.
All of these make El Nido a scenic beauty to be explored and enjoyed. People can take a catamaran tour of the 4-islands and acknowledge the paradise-like beauty of this place.
7. Dumaguete
The best thing to do in Dumaguete is to take a day trip to Apo Island, a name that rightly describes this place. Apo Island translates to ‘Turtle Island’ and it is apt as one can find big sea turtles almost all the time surfacing around for air. People can also swim with these turtles as they are used to having people around them. People can click pictures with the turtles too.
Another tourist attraction is the Cassaroro falls. Taking a two-hour trip from Dumaguete, one reaches Manguette- often called “the Maldives of the Philippines”. On this route, there is a sand-bar in the open water with picturesque free-standing huts on it.
8. Coron
Coron is an island that is not very easily reached but once you are there it is worth everything. It will take a 5-hour long ferry from El Nino which is a budget-friendly option. But if you have a few bucks to spare you can take a puddle jumper flight from Manilla.
The best way to get around the place is to rent a scooter and explore the golden fields, dusty roads, and rolling hills. The landscapes here represent contrasting colors with dry fields and lush green forests standing next to white sand beaches and the blue sea.
The place is not very crowded or inhabited. One can enjoy some alone time here amidst the picturesque surroundings.
9. Cambari
If you are a person who loves the sky in colors and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun setting down at the seams, Cambari island is the place you should go. This island is located just off the coast of Palawan’s Araceli.
Cambari island is a place with unique rock formations which forms mesmerizing collections of caves to be explored. These caves have pools of water where one can swim. The crystal clear turquoise water makes the white sand bed beneath visible to the eyes, all sparkling. People can go for snorkeling and discover vivid diversity which includes monster lobsters and graceful manta rays.
10. Luzon
Luzon island is home to the capital city of the Philippines, Manilla. People usually consider it to be another city with traffic, shopping, and bars which is in fact true. But just a few hours ride from Manilla, one can get spectacular opportunities to hike.
A minibus ride to Pico de Loro leads to Mt. Palay where people can hike 664 meters above the sea level. One can also enjoy the campsites after a good hike. Another hiking trail is Mt. Batuloa which is 811 meters above sea level is just one hour from Manilla.
11. Siquijor Island
Siquijor Island is a little island located off the shore of Bohol. It is home to many waterfalls, swimming holes, and white sand beaches which one can go to by renting a motorbike. People who love adventure can go for cliff jumping or trek into the jungles.
This place also has some historic places of the Philippines which include Spanish-influenced landmarks such as St Francis de Assisi Church and St. Isidore de Labrador Church. This island is perfect for people to love nature, enjoy the adventure as well as want to get in touch with the history of the Philippines.
12. Bucas Grande Island
The most mesmerizing thing to do in Bucas Grande Island is to swim the jellyfish in clear water. It is an experience of life to swim among the jellyfish of all kinds- yellow baby jellyfish about the size of your palm, and bigger brown spotted jellyfish about the size of your forearm, and the best part is these jellyfish don’t sting, so there is nothing to worry about.
There are other activities like exploring underground caves and tunnels, enjoying winding boat tours through mountainous passageways, and fishing with locals that one can go for on this island.
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The Philippines is the place you can head to if you want to have a time of life. This place with all its beauty has not disappointed any of its visitors. Do not forget to take your shades and sunscreen!
