Paradise found: the best islands in the Philippines

With its dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and curious wildlife, it’s no wonder that millions of travellers head to the intriguing Philippines each year. Located in the Malay Archipelago, this country has approximately 7,640 islands, ranging from uninhabited islets to more well-known islands. Use this guide to ensure you visit the best island spots, whether you’re looking to check out the marine life, indulge in Filipino cuisine, or visit some of the best beaches in the Philippines.

Palawan

The archipelagic province of Palawan boasts some 1,780 islands and islets, making it the Philippines’ largest province. Its main island shares the same name and offers a wealth of adventures. The province’s capital of Puerto Princesa makes a great base for visiting nearby natural wonders, such as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, home to the underground river.

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, the municipality of El Nido is another highlight. Experience towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and abundant marine life as you explore El Nido on an island-hopping adventure. Travellers looking to relax can head to Port Barton, where you can enjoy the town's laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, and epic sunsets.

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Boracay

Boracay is one of the best-known islands in the Philippines. Imagine dazzling white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vivid sunsets. This charming island has its fair share of beautiful beaches, including White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, and Diniwid, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Looking for some excitement instead? Don’t worry, there’s a variety of watersports to choose from, including parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, and it also has an impressive kitesurfing community. Travellers wishing to learn more about the local culture should head to Motag Living Museum, while adventurous visitors can enjoy an exhilarating zip line ride, where you’ll be treated to epic views of Boracay.

Cebu

Travellers have countless reasons to visit Cebu, but arguably, the island’s biggest draw is its marine life. Cebu offers some of the best diving in the Philippines, with the Moalboal Sardine Run promising divers an underwater spectacle. Talisay Wall, also known as Turtle Point, is another excellent diving spot.

If you’re looking to stray away from the ocean, why not spend time waterfall chasing? Mantayupan Falls, Inambakan Falls, and Tumalog Falls are all worth a visit, or you can head to Kawasan Falls, a popular spot known for its secluded setting and adventurous activities. Alternatively, take in some of the island’s more historical and cultural sites, such as Fort San Pedro, which was established in 1565. Other highlights include Magellan's Cross, the Cebu Taoist Temple, and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

Bohol

Bohol is one of the more unique islands in the Philippines. The island's magic lies in its cultural attractions and dramatic landscapes rather than its beaches, making it a great spot for adventurers. The jewel of Bohol has to be Chocolate Hills, one of the country’s most popular attractions. There are more than 1,000 of these hills, and they take the appearance of chocolate truffles during the dry season, when the grass turns a dull brown colour. Bohol is also a must-visit for travellers looking to appreciate the wildlife of the Philippines. On this island, you’ll find the elusive Philippine tarsier, an endemic species known for its alien-like fingers and large eyes, which give it excellent night vision. Nearby Panglao Island, accessible by road, offers additional adventures. Swim in Hinagdanan Cave, snorkel beneath the waves, and go dolphin watching.

Siargao

Dreaming of palm trees, pristine beaches, and top-notch surfing spots? Then the picture-perfect island of Siargao is the place for you. Siargao is dubbed the Philippines' surf capital, with Cloud 9 being one of the most famous surfing spots. Not only can you encounter waves reaching up to 1.8m (6 ft) tall, but this island also hosts the Siargao International Surfing Cup, a worldwide competition.

There’s still plenty to occupy those not wishing to brave the waves. The iconic Palm Tree Road (also known as Coconut Road) is a photographer’s paradise, while Sugba Lagoon is just a short boat trip away. Island-hopping is another popular activity, or you can embrace Siargao’s laid-back vibe by relaxing on the sand and sampling tasty Filipino cuisine.

Siquijor

With its relaxing vibe and beautiful beaches, travellers will undoubtedly fall in love with the island of Siquijor. This sleepy spot offers a relaxing getaway, and despite its tiny size, you won’t be short of things to do. A highlight of a visit to Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls. This multi-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest and is a popular swimming spot. There’s also Lugnason Falls, which attracts fewer crowds. While exploring Siquijor, head to the butterfly sanctuary. Issues such as deforestation and construction have had a big impact on these colourful creatures, so the owner now runs a project in which butterflies are released into the wild. Travellers looking to relax can kick back on the white sands of Paliton Beach.

Coron Island

Coron Island is in the province of Palawan and is one of the country’s most popular islands. Famed for its raw beauty and variety of attractions, it’s an excellent base if you’re after an action-packed trip. Coron offers some extraordinary diving sites, including an array of shipwrecks. Okikawa Maru, the Akitsushima, Morazan, and the Olympia Maru are all popular wreck sites home to an abundance of marine life. Coron Island also boasts some of the best snorkelling spots in the Philippines, but there’s much more to this island than exploring beneath the waves. You can hike Mt Tapyas or relax in the Maquinit Hot Spring.

Experience it for yourself on: Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure

Batan Island

For travellers seeking some downtime, Batan Island is a destination you can’t miss. Unlike other islands in the Philippines, you won’t find crowded beaches and party hostels. Instead, Batan Island offers visitors an opportunity to dive into local culture. The municipality of Basco is on this island and is where you should focus your time. It's where you’ll find the province’s capital, as well as Basco Lighthouse, which boasts a viewing deck on its fifth floor. Diura fishing village also offers an authentic experience for travellers, as does the village of Itbud, where you’ll find Ivatan-style houses. Chawa View Deck is another must-visit because you can appreciate the island’s stunning landscapes.

Luzon

Covering an area of more than 100,000 sq km (38,610 sq mi), Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It's where you’ll find the country’s capital city of Manila, one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Manila is full of life, boasting delicious Filipino food, a vibrant nightlife scene, and endless cultural attractions. Explore Fort Santiago, admire the architecture of Manila Cathedral, and visit the city’s Chinatown. Outside of the capital, you’ll find Mt Purro Nature Reserve. Spend time with the Dumagat Indigenous community to learn about their food and culture. Afterward, enjoy a community bonfire while listening to local stories.

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Sibuyan Island

Because Sibuyan is one of the lesser-known islands in the Philippines, it’s a tough place to reach by boat, but you’ll be thoroughly rewarded for your efforts. Ready to lose yourself in nature? You’ve come to the right place. Here, you can expect endless white-sand beaches, lush jungle, waterfalls, and mountains. The mighty Mt Guiting-Guitin towers above the island, reaching a height of 2,058m (6,752 ft). This mountain offers a gruelling challenge for hikers and is one of the country’s most difficult hikes. Alternatively, head to Cresta de Gallo on a day trip from Sibuyan. This secluded paradise is perfect for those who’d rather just kick back and relax.

Mindoro

Travellers heading to Mindoro are in for a real treat. Separated by a virtually impassable mountain range known as the High Rolling Mountains, the island is split into two provinces: Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro Oriental. Mindoro Oriental is the more developed province and is where you’ll find the small town of Poblacion (Puerto Galera town). As well as boasting a natural harbour, there are plenty of accommodation and dining options in Poblacion. Mindoro Oriental is also a diving paradise, with various atolls and islets that are rich in marine life. You can reach these reefs on a boat trip from Puerto Galera. On the flip side, Mindoro Occidental offers a more rugged experience for travellers. Mt Iglit-Baco National Park is one of the main attractions and is home to the endemic tamaraw, a rare species of buffalo.

Bantayan Island

Despite being just a short ferry journey from Cebu, you won’t find a buzzing tourist scene on Bantayan Island. Instead, Bantayan is relatively undisturbed compared to the main tourist spots, and that’s part of its charm. Santa Fe is the island’s hub and where you’ll find the majority of local restaurants and small resorts. Aside from a colonial-era church, there’s not much sightseeing to do, so you can kick back and enjoy some downtime. Outside of Santa Fe, you’ll find Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden, Baigad Lagoon Beach, and Bantayan Central Plaza, all of which are worth a visit.

Mactan

Although Mactan might not be the first island that comes to mind when visiting the Philippines, it’s certainly accessible, located just across the Mactan Channel from Cebu City. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is also here. This island has an intriguing history, with the Battle of Mactan being one of its most notable events. In this 1521 battle, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed. There’s also a shrine to Lapu-Lapu, the chief of Mactan Island during this battle. Despite being a small island, Mactan has plenty to see. Visit Magellan's Marker, enjoy a cultural show, and indulge in the local cuisine (the Red Crab Restaurant is a popular seafood spot), and you’re still only scratching the surface.

Calaguas Island

Looking for a more rustic island getaway? Calaguas might just be the place for you. Located off the coast of Luzon, Calaguas is actually a group of islands. You can reach them by bus and boat from Manila, although the journey can take a whopping 15 hours, meaning only the hardcore adventurers come here. The beauty of this island is reason enough to visit but add in its laid-back vibe and lack of tourist amenities, and you’ll quickly see why this place offers the perfect getaway. Tinaga is one of the main islands, and it's where you’ll find Mahabang Buhangin Beach, a tropical paradise boasting deserted sands and turquoise waters. A few local guesthouses are nearby, or you can camp overnight and embrace the wilderness.