30 Islands In Philippines For A Secret Beach Getaway in 2023

Philippines Island

Palaui Island, Siargao Island, Cebu Island, Malapascua Island, Palawan Island, El Nido Island, Bohol Island, Dumaguete Island, MoalBoal Island, Bantayan Island, Coron Island, Cambari Island and more.

Featuring a total of 7000+ islands, Philippines is an island-hopping destination of the Southeast Asian peninsula. The Philippines boasts numerous scenic islands with verdant hills, gorgeous beaches and stunning waterfalls. With so many natural wonders to explore here on your go, the Philippines islands are a perfect pick for uncovering the hidden adventurist within you.

Pangasinan islands in Philippines is a worthy travel destination featuring scenic islands, gorgeous beaches, verdant hills, and majestic waterfalls. The Bohol islands are popular amongst nature lovers, beach lovers, and divers. The north-eastern tip of Mindanao features a tear-shaped island called Siargao which is nothing less than a tropical paradise featuring stunning lagoon pools, white sand beaches, and gorgeous mangrove reserves.

The best islands in Philippines are known for their notorious water adventures. While Siargao is popular for its kite surfing adventure, Cebu islands promises you to fall off your castaway fantasy. You can even reserve a day to swim or dive with the white water sharks at Palawan islands. Canyoneering is yet another exciting thing to enjoy on your Philippines holidays.

Palaui Island

The Palaui island is nothing less than a paradise of eerie caves, deserted beaches, crystal clear waterfalls, endless rice fields, etc. The terrain of this island is quite vast and varied where you can spend hours either hiking or indulging yourself in nature trails across the vibrant green rice fields.

How to reach from Manila: You can travel from Manila to Palaui by riding a Victory liner bus either from Sampaloc or Caloocan or Kamias.

Highlights:
- Hiking trails
- Waterfalls
- Historic lighthouse.

Siargao Island

Situated at around 800 km to the south of Manila, the Siargao island is a dreamy destination for the couples to enjoy the next phase of their romantic bonding together. The presence of restaurants, shops, resorts, etc. encapsulates the little town with a tourist-friendly environment.

How to reach from Manila: If you are travelling from Manila to Siargao, you first need to take a ferry ride to Cebu from Manila followed by a second ferry ride to Surigao. Thereafter, tricycling to Surigao’s other port, and finally, a ferry ride to Siargao.

Highlights:
- Tayangban Cave Pool
- Magpupungko Rock Pools
- Doot Beach
- Secret Beach
- Pacifico Beach.

Cebu Island

Cebu island of Philippines is known as a long and narrow island featuring mountainous central spine. The locals of this island run their own family-owned water sports entities to give you the best of all water sports experiences for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat riding.

How to reach from Manila: You can directly travel to Cebu from Manila by ferry ride.

Highlights:
- Water adventures
- Tumalog Falls
- Wild Whale Sharks.

Malapascua Island

Malapascua is a small remote island of Philippines for all those who wish to have a once in a lifetime experience with diving. It is one of the best islands in Philippines to get a thrilling experience of swimming alongside a thresher shark. The backdrop of this island offers the most promising scenic vistas in the Philippines.

How to reach from Manila: Start your journey from Manila’s Quezon MRT and take a train to Cubao MRT. Thereafter, walk until you reach Cubao Silver Star Bus stop and take a bus ferry to Calbayog. Now, from Calbayog, you need to opt for a taxi ride to San Isidro followed by ferry rides to Maya and Malapuscua respectively.

Highlights:
- Malapascua manta rays and thresher sharks
- Guimbitayan and Langob beach.

Palawan Island

Palawan island is the mother of all the islands in Philippines. The landscape of these islands are lush featuring a magnificent wildlife reserve, stunning beaches, and jungle mountain ranges. The Palawan island is known for its El Nido Marine Reserve Park where you have around 50 different beaches, 5 different types of forest reserves, and numerous limestone cliffs.

How to reach from Manila: You can either travel to Palawan Island from Manila by a flight or a ferry ride. While the flight will directly take you to the Palawan island, the ferry ride will drop you in between at the Puerto Princesa.

Highlights:
- Honda Bay Island hopping
- El Nido scuba diving
- Ugong Rock Adventures
- El Nido beach
- Tabon Caves.

El Nido Island

This Philippine island is considered to be the gateway to the most popular and awe-inspiring Bacuit Archipelago featuring around 45 islands and islets. Each island and islet here have got its own geological formations, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning limestone cliffs.

How to reach from Manila: To get to El Nido island, you first need to fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa and thereby take a van ride to El Nido.

Highlights:
- Small and big lagoons
- Nacpan beach
- Las Cabanas beach
- El Nido island hopping.

Bohol Island

Bohol island ranks highest amongst the best islands in Philippines with their impressive man-made structures. You can start your journey by trekking through the jungle and spot some old primates of the world as you proceed ahead. The numerous surreal caves and stunning rock formations form the central attraction of the Bohol island.

How to reach from Manila: You should first fly from Manila to Cebu City and thereafter take a ferry ride to Tagbilaran city. Later, you can take a bus ride to Bohol island.

Highlights:
- Chocolate hills
- Panglao islands
- Baclayon Church
- Dauis Church
- Hinagdanan Caves.

Dumaguete Island

Dumaguete is the best islands in Philippines for all those who wish to satiate their hunger for island exploration or relaxation. This laid- back Philippine destination is famous for water sports such as swimming, dolphin-watching, trekking adventures. The majestic waterfalls and the natural volcano crater lake are key attractions here.

How to reach from Manila: You can either take a flight or a taxi ride from Manila to the Dumaguete islands.

Highlights:
- Red rock hot spring
- Waterfalls adventure
- Forest camp
- Sidlakang Negros village.

MoalBoal Island

Moalboal islands in Philippines is a sleepy town located towards the south of Cebu and is a popular tourist attraction both for its beaches and the colourful underwater world. This impeccable weekend getaway is best known as a world popular snorkelling site. The Tuble Marine Sanctuary here offers the best views of the numerous teeming corals and fishes harbouring deep within its shallow waters.

How to reach from Manila: Take a flight to Dumaguete island from Manila and then go for a taxi ride to Sibulan. From Sibulan, you can go for a car ferry to Samboan Cebu and then travel for the next hour to Moalboal by bus.

Highlights:
- Snorkelling
- Sea turtle watching
- Sardines watching.

Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island of Cebu boasts stunning beaches and popular tourist sites for sight-seeing, cliff diving, kayaking, swimming, island hopping, and skydiving. Not known to many, this island in Philippine promises several food tours feasting on the local seafood dishes.

How to reach from Manila: Start your journey to Bantayan island by a flight ride to Mactan – Cebu, followed by a bus ride to Cebu North Bus Terminal. Take a bus to Hagnaya Port and then a car ferry to Bantayan.

Highlights:
- Paradise beach
- Kota beach
- Island hopping
- Virgin island
- Ogtong Caves
- Cliff jumping, skydiving.

Coron Island

Coron island is a small group of islands in Philippines situated at a boat drive of around 30 minutes from Busuanga. The island is famous for its kayangan lake, stunning beaches, small lagoons, twin lagoons, and Barracuda Lake.

While you plan to visit Coron Island, do not forget to enjoy a short boat ride to the nearby Malcapuya Beach. The islands are famous for snorkelling, beach camping, and wreck diving expeditions.

How to reach from Manila: You can take a car ferry to take you to coron island from Manila.

Highlights:
- Kayangan lake
- Malcapuya beach
- Shipwreck diving
- Twin lagoon.

Luzon Island

Luzon Island is one of the best islands in Philippines for the health freaks and the workout rats. The region boasts a deep natural vista to enjoy hiking expeditions. If you are here for a weekend, camping atop the mountain hill is the perfect pick for nature lovers.

How to reach from Manila: Start your journey from Doroteo Jose LRT by a train journey to Libertad LRT and take a bus to F.B. Harrison St, Lungsod ng Pasay. Walk to Manila Pasay and get into a bus to Cabanatuan thereafter take a taxi ride to Umingan. From Umingan, you can take a bus ride to Luzon island.

Highlights:
- Batad rice terraces
- Taal Volcano
- WWII Era Corregidor Island
- Pahubad swimming
- Private getaway to Magalawa Island.

Siquijor Island

Rent a local motorbike to make your way to Siquijor Island. On your bike ride, stop at the numerous waterfalls that fall in your journey. Explore the different swimming holes and the pristine white sand beaches that dot the surroundings here. Cliff jumping and jungle trekking are the other two adventures that you shouldn’t miss here.

How to reach from Manila: Travel to Dumaguete from Manila by a flight, followed by a taxi ride to the Port of Dumaguete. From this port, go for a ferry ride to Siquijor island.

Highlights:
- Lugnason falls
- St. Francis of Assisi Church
- Coco Grove Beach Resort
- Kagusuan Beach
- Guiwanon Spring Park.

Guimaras Island

Guimaras Island is a hub of three pristine beaches – the Inampulogan, the Nagarao, and the Nauway. These tranquil beaches rarely find any foreign visitor. The group of islands features mango tree plantations, lighthouses, marine reserves, caves, catholic churches. Besides, the islands also have a sea turtle conservation centre and some incredible waterfalls and restaurants.

How to reach from Manila: Start your airplane journey from Manila to Iloilo followed by a bus ride to Iloilo Business Park. Next, take a taxi to Ortiz Wharf Iloilo followed by a ferry ride to Jordan Port of Guimaras island.

Highlights:
- Nagarao beach
- Inampulogan beach
- Nauway beach
- Marine reserves
- Catholic churches
- Sea turtle conservation centre.

Calaguas Islands

The Calaguas Islands is a group of best islands in the Philippines for an off-beat beach tourism destination. Once a while which was considered as a quiet coastline, now beams with marine life, water adventures, majestic structures, and surreal natural beauty. The pristine white shore, relative isolation, cerulean waters, and magnificent overlooking views make it a perfect camping spot for the beach enthusiasts.

How to reach from Manila: Start your train journey from Recto LRT to Cubao LRT and walk for the next 8 minutes to reach Superlines Cubao. Thereafter, opt for a bus ride to take you to the Paracale and walk for the next 10 minutes to reach Paracale Pier to ride a ferry to Calaguas.

Highlights:
- Volcano rocks at Long Beach
- Daet’s Bagasbas Beach Surfing
- Swim at the Gumus beach.

Batan Island

The Batan island is a dumb-bell shaped volcanic island featuring farming plots, forests, and rice fields. The natural fences separating these natural wonders create a soothing design. Before you return, do not forget to sip in a cup of hot coffee at the Honesty Coffee Shop.

How to reach from Manila: You can directly take a flight from Manila to Batan Island.

Highlights:
- Dumb-bell shaped volcanic island
- Rice fields.

Bucas Grande Island

Swim with the jellyfish at the Philippine island of Bucas Grande. Explore the underground tunnels and caves here while enjoying the winding boat tours driving you through the mountain passageways. For some time, you may even indulge in fishing with the local community.

Highlights:
- Swim with jellyfishes
- Explore underground caves and tunnels.

Malalison Island

One of the best islands in Philippines is the Malalison Island where you just have activities, activities and activities to enjoy. This is actually a small fishing village in the Philippines featuring whilte sandy beaches and grass rolling hills.

How to reach from Manila: Fly to Iloilo from Manila first and either ride a bus or a van to take you to the Culasi. Once at Culasi, take a tricycle ride to Culasi Port, followed by a renting a boat to take you to Malalison Island.

Highlights:
- Sea urchin
- Snorkelling and swimming
- Boating around the island
- Nablag islet adventure.

Panay Island

Famous as a gateway to the Boracay of Philippines, the Panay islands is the most popular beach destination in town. Panay islands in Philippines is renowned for its 4 provinces – Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo.

How to reach from Manila: Board a flight from Manila to Iloilo and then take a taxi for your further journey to Panay island.

Highlights:
- Beachfront guest houses
- White beach
- Guimaras islands
- Gigantes island.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is a rocky island strategically located at Manila Bay’s entrance. It represents a national shrine for the battle fought between the U.S. and Filipino. Concerning its strategic location, it serves as a focal point for the naval people. The island now serves a war memorial and a national monument.

How to reach from Manila: You have a direct ferry to transfer you between Manila and Corregidor island.

Highlights:
- Malinta tunnel
- Japanese garden of peace
- Battery way
- Battery hearn
- Mile long barrack.

Great Santa Cruz Island

The twin islands of Great Santa Cruz are situated in the Basilian Strait and off the coast of the city centre. While the smaller of those twin islands is reserved as a military campsite, the larger one is famed as the pink sand beach. The pink sand beach has got its unique identity due to the abundance of the crushed red corals that mark their presence here.

How to reach from Manila: Start your journey from Manila to Zamboanga, thereby followed by a taxi ride to the Great Santa Cruz Island.

Highlights:
- Puerto Ayora
- Carrion Point
- Black Turtle Cove
- Cerro Mesa
- Dragon Hill.

Tawi-Tawi Island

Located to the southwest region of Sulu archipelago, the Tawi Tawi islands in Philippines is a breath-taking tropical island. The island lies amidst the Sulu Sea towards its north and the Celebes Sea towards its south. The island is a fascinating world of vibrant coral reefs and diversified marine life.

How to reach from Manila: Take a direct flight from Manila to Tawitawi island.

Highlights:
- Hiking Bud Bongao
- Badjao Community
- Panampangan Island
- Bud Bongao Peak
- Old Chinese Port
- Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque.

Boracay Island

One of the most popular destinations of the Philippines is Boracay Island which is situated 350 km south of the Manila island. This island is nothing less than a picturesque paradise for honeymooners, a perfect fit for kite surfers, and a dream destination for all the vacationers.

The presence of 13 beaches here embraces the overall elegance of the island. Out of those 13 beaches, the two main ones – White Beach and Bulabog Beach are known for their restaurants, shopping, and hotels.

How to reach from Manila: Board a train to first take you to the Jam Liner Buendia Bus Terminal. From there, you can board a bus to take you to the Batangas Pier to start with your ferry ride to Caticlan. From Caticlan, you need to take another ferry ride to Boracay.

Highlights:
- Ariel’s point
- White beach
- Kite surfing at Bulabog beach
- Puka shell beach
- Diniwid beach
- Zipline Boracay
- Go Island hopping.

Britannia Island

A group of 24 serene islands, the Britannia island in Philippines are uninhabited tropical islands and an excellent hub for snorkelling. This group of islands is situated close to the Philippines southern tip.

It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and powdery sand. This island is renowned for hopping adventures wherein you can explore four famous islands, namely Naked island, Hagonoy island, Boslon island, and Hiyor-Hiyoran island.

How to reach from Manila: First you need to make your way to the Butuan by flying from Manila. Thereafter, you can go for a bus ride to take you to the Tandag Integrated Bus Terminal and ask the conductor to drop you at the Britannia junction.

Highlights:
- 24 islets
- Catamaran cruising
- Mountain biking.

Culion Island

Out of the other Philippine islands, Culion island promises you with a sense of remoteness and isolation where you can unwind yourself from all the city clutter. Yet, this island is the favourite spot for all those who wish to experience a simple living in the lap of Mother Nature. There’s a church, a museum, a fort, and a viewpoint to keep you engaged throughout the length of your tour.

How to reach from Manila: First, take a car ferry to Coron from Manila followed by a ferry to Culion.

Highlights:
- Culion museums
- Culion church
- Fort Culion
- Agila viewpoint
- Pulang Lupa.

Calauit Island

Calauit island belongs to the Calamian Archipelago located off the north-western coast of the Philippines’ Busuanga island. Since 1977, the entire island has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary and now serves as a famous tourist attraction of the Philippines – the calauit Safari Park.

This Philippine island is nothing less than a splendid example of a wildlife reserve where you can find varied types of grasslands, forest covers, and mangrove swamps.

How to reach from Manila: First fly to the Francisco B. Reyes from Manila, followed by a taxi ride to the Coron to finally lead your way to the Calauit island.

Highlights:
- Calauit safari
- Boat tour to Calauit island via Gutob Bay.

Miniloc Island

You can’t simply afford to miss the Miniloc island while you are on your El Nido tour. This miniature wonderland is popular for its aquamarine lagoons, stunning natural wonders, and blissful kayaks.

How to reach from Manila: First, take a flight from Manila to El Nido, followed by a taxi ride to the Miniloc island.

Highlights:
- Bacuit Bay
- Big and small lagoons
- Snake island.

Talikud Island

Talikud Island in Philippines greets its visitors with its sparkling turquoise waters and white sandy shores. This is a perfect spot for all the photographers to unwind their creativity amidst the calmness of Mother Nature.

How to reach from Manila: Start your journey from Manila to Davao via flight followed by a taxi ride to the Santa Ana Wharf Davao. From here, you need to book a ferry ride to take you to your final destination.

Highlights:
- Sparkling turquoise waters
- White sandy shores.

Cambari Island

The perfect sunsets in the Philippines exist on the Cambari Islands which is stationed just off the Araceli coast. Here, you will find several caves filled with pool water where you can indulge yourself in swimming adventures or try snorkelling in the deep turquoise waters, or for that matter explore the gorgeous corals and rich biodiversity of Cambari.

Highlights:
- Snorkelling
- Gorgeous corals
- Unique rock formations
- Monster lobsters
- Graceful manta rays.

Mavulis Island

Mavulis island is situated 280 km away from Luzon’s mainland and features a fisherman’s shelter, a helipad, and a lighthouse. The fisherman’s shelter is a large room capable of accommodating around 20 people and has a solar power facility to provide electricity to the house. You can even find coconut crabs in large numbers.

Highlights:
- Tataya boating
- Military and fisherman centre
- Flagpole.

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Philippines Reviews

Mangala Menon 5 Days Budget Tour Package of Philippines 2021 | Flat 20% off

Excellent

At first, I was nervous about this as this is my first international solo trip but the company I booked Thrillophilia and the team was professional they encourage and ensured that the trip was good which makes me felt comfortable and booked it... Yes, the package I chose was my dream destination and the booking price they offeres was matched with my budget, and the trip duration also was exactly what I am looking for. Right from the airport I was received by the friendly representative and even helps me with the documentation part and checked in at the pre-booked hotel. The hotel they selected was beautiful with all facilities and hospitable staff. The picked-up and dropped-off were exactly on-time. The staff was always there to help with all our needs and as well if there is any problem they solved it in real-time. The daily tours were well-organized and well-managed the main part of my trip was the sightseeing in Manila, evening cruise ride, and 100% the tour to Boracay which we indulged in many different water-based activities like Sea-diving, Kayaking, Banana ride, jet-ski, and lots more activities at the beaches and had great leisure time with pictures clicked...KUDOS

Bhushit Joshi Highlights of Philippines in 8 Days 2021 | Flat 15% off

Excellent

I'm so glad that I took this trip with Thrillophilia they organized our trip beautifully!!! It was a family trip but still, we didn't face any kind of a problem at all the entire 8 days instead we enjoyed the trip like anything the highlight of our trip was the visiting to the islands, on this trip we indulged in water-sports adventure activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and had great leisure time and feel the beauty of the place with the stunning views from the pristine beaches... Hotels they arranged for us gave us a luxury experience the staff there were very professional and friendly with great hospitalities and service...Picked-up and drop were on time always, Special thanks to the team for helping and guide us the entire trip with perfection... We missed nothing form the package we booked and to be honest we get more than we are expected...

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Excellent

Such an amazing decision we've made!!! our trip was well-organized by Thrillophilia, We are happy with the itinerary they make for us, the service they provided to us the entire trip was absolutely great. By the way, our trip was out of this world, beyond expectations. What a rich and beautiful culture, country, and people. We had everything set-up perfectly by the professional. Once arriving at the country we have received a warm welcome from the wonderful staff and the driver. The hotel they booked for us was luxurious. Very thoughtful activities they arranged for us... Incredibly we explored the Puerto Princesa Honda Bay's the white sandy beaches and the surrounding areas were truly beautiful we had a great time in snorkeling, Scuba-diving, etc, Amazing visit to the different islands and an unforgettable trip to Iwahig witness the fireflies was such an amazing expereince...The whole tour was safe and enjoyable...

Chandramohan Bandopadhyay 7 Days Exciting Philippines Tour Package 2021 | Flat 20% off

Excellent

A very memorable trip we had in the Philippines, to be honest, wasn't sure about this trip and what to expect but this turns out to be a big surprise for us. Beautiful place and kind-hearted people, The one who looks after my trip was extremely helpful and responsive to all my questions, queries, and concerns during my trip. The itinerary was well-planned and included all requirements, surely we had everything from the itinerary and we enjoy our leisure time in Manila Ocean Park, market, a food tour, and nearby hotel sightseeing... We witness alot of things on this trip...

Buddhana Asan 5 Days Budget Tour Package of Philippines 2021 | Flat 20% off

Excellent

The agent I spoke for my trip planning and who helps me out with the booking was very kind, polite, and professional helps to organize the perfect family vacation trip to the Philippines which was incredibly helpful...They planned with a detailed itinerary and answered all of our endless questions...The trip was in a budget and the services were simply amazing...The trip goes as per the itinerary and the arrangements and the activities came with the package were beyond our expectations...All the 5-days trip was full of joy, happiness, and surprises...We get more than enough than what we are truly expected

Vidhya Kapoor 6 Days Philippines Tour Package 2021 | Flat 16% off

Excellent

Have already recommended this to several friends!!! I was in love with this trip! the destination was so perfect for everyone and it is suitable for a family vacation, honeymoon trip, and solo trip. The biggest advantage also was that we booked this with Thrillophilia and they already plan our trip and they know exactly what we are looking for. We had great communication the entire trip with the team... The day tours were well-arranged and the places we covered were fantastic. We had a great stay throughout and also very satisfied with everything they provided to us. Thumbs Up...

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Superb

The package we choose from Thrillophilia was fulfilling and satisfying though which worth all our investment on the trip, I really liked the way the team treated us the entire trip. Accommodation, meals, sightseeing and picked-up and dropped-off were spot-on. A beautiful island with lots to see and experience, we clicked lots of pictures for a lifetime to remember all the moments we had on this trip... The whole trip was full of joy and happiness... Thank you to Thrillophilia.

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Superb

I had an amazing trip to the Philippines with my family! All because the package I choose was fulfilling and satisfying one. All pickups were on time with a good vehicle they arranged for us. It was a flawless execution of the itinerary, The coordinator was helpful, and supportive throughout the trip which we faced no issues at all during our trip... The place is truly beautiful especially the islands, culture, and people...We had the most wonderful and unforgettable trip.

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Superb

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Excellent

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