Did you know there are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines? So there is no doubt that the country is the place to go if you are thinking of going island-hopping. But having to pick from that many might not be as fun. To make it easier for you to decide, we have picked out the nine out of the thousands of islands that you definitely should not miss.
1. Matinloc Island, Palawan
Located in El Nido, Matinloc Island is a must on everybody’s list. Some of the most famous tourist attractions you will find are the Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. The beaches are tucked away behind the iconic limestone formations in El Nido where the best panoramic views of the area await. You can make these stops including the Star Beach and Helicopter Island as part of El Nido’s Tour C package.
2. Miniloc Island, Palawan
Another island not to be missed while you are in El Nido is Miniloc. It is famed for its beautiful aquamarine lagoons: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Paddle through the amazing wonders of nature that is on this island aboard kayaks which are available for rent on site. You will find these stops on the El Nido Package A tour, as well as Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach.
3. Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo
On the province of IIoilo, sit a group of lesser-known islands called Islas de Gigantes. A tour around the islands will take you to stops like the picture-perfect Bantigue Island, Bakwitan Cave, Antonia Beach and Cabugao Gamay that has a rock hill and a prime viewing point. Seafood lovers will be delighted to know that there is an abundance of scallops on these islands and can look forward to a sumptuous seafood feast.
4. Panglao Island, Bohol
An island boasting white sands and dazzling clear blue waters, Panglao is home to the best diving spots in Philippines. It is a place filled with rich marine biodiversity including 250 different species of crustaceans and 2,500 species of molluscs, some of which are newly discovered. In fact, you will find more marine species living in Panglao Island than in both Japan and the Mediterranean Sea combined. It is no wonder that Panglao is such a hit with the divers.
Be sure to also visit some of the popular beaches scattered on the island such as Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach and Doljo Beach.
5. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
Palaui Island is top ten on the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches with an alluring charm of plant life, marine life, and a vast landscape. You won’t find hotels or luxury items on this untouched paradise but you can arrange to stay with the locals or choose to camp out on the beach during your trip there. Towering over the island stands a preserved colonial lighthouse built with stonewalls that you can also visit.
A fun fact about this island is that Survivor, the popular American television show, once filmed a season here in 2013.
6. Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Dubbed as a surfer’s paradise, Siargao island is a tear-shaped island located in Surigao del Norte. It is home to the largest mangrove forest within Mindanao where rich marine life thrives. This island is not only made for surfing but great for diving and snorkeling as well. Thrill-seekers and daredevils from all over the world flock down just to ride on the large Cloud Nine waves that form the Cloud Nine Reef which also overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Every year, the Siargao surfing cup takes place on this very reef.
7. Mactan Island, Cebu
Cebu Island hosts a variety of tourists spots and was even ranked among the “best islands in the world” by international travel magazine –– Travel + Leisure. Located within Cebu is Mactan Island, which is known as the coral island so snorkelers and divers can look forward to bustling marine biodiversity. Other than pristine white beaches, the area is also filled with waterfalls, lagoons, lakes, and mountains for you to explore. For those looking for some splashing fun, aqua-based activities are available for you like jet-skiing, sailing, and parasailing.
If you are up for an adventure, definitely go island hopping and check out the surrounding islets that Cebu has to offer.
8. Samal Island, Davao City
Samal Island is one of the most developed vacation destinations in the Philipines with world-class resorts including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and the Paradise Island. If you are on a tight budget, not to worry, there are 70 other options available for you to choose from. Another luxurious feature of the island is the number of white and pink sand beaches there are for you to relax on. Additionally, make your trip to these pretty beaches even more complete by bringing along one of the many pool floats that The Floatys offer.
Don’t forget to check out spots like the famed vanishing island which disappears when the tides come in as well as the highest mountains in the country, Mount Apo.
9. Boracay, Aklan
Last on the list might be a familiar one: Boracay Island. There you will find fine, powdery white sands and pristine blue waters. It is a popular tourist destination in Philippines with more than 350 resorts which range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly inns. There is so much to see and do on this island –– from water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling to a night of fun with pubs, bars and restaurants. Scuba divers and snorkelers will be treated to a marvellous experience with aquatic species that are indigenous to the Philippines. The island also offers helmet diving where you put on a helmet made of glass plates, climb down ten feet to the ocean floor and walk around like you would on land.
It is pretty obvious that the Philippines is an island paradise and with so many thousands of islands to explore, you might take years to cover all that ground. The crystal clear waters and rich marine life surrounding the country not only make it the perfect destination for divers and snorkelers but also a peaceful haven for those looking to relax.