With its wide array of must-see attractions and natural wonders, the Philippines is known the world over as one of the best destinations for a memorable getaway. From pristine waters to powder white coasts, there’s an abundance of picture-perfect landscapes waiting to be discovered and explored.
PHOTO CREDIT: Quarxdmz I Flickr
“Have car, will travel” is applicable here too, despite the archipelago being composed of over 7,000 islands. With the RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) transport system firmly in place, you can reach the different islands in your car (whether owned or rented) and be as mobile as you want to be there and find places worth exploring.
Here are our top 15 islands in the country worth visiting!
Mactan
The Diving Mecca of the South is an accolade that Mactan Island has earned. The island and the beaches there can give any diver the ideal holiday because they are home to amazing diving locations that are perfect for both beginners and experts. Mactan is a must-visit on any Cebu itinerary. If you aren't fond of diving, a day spent on a Mactan Island tour featuring Pandanon, Hilutungan, and Nalusuan should excite you. For those who are a bit more daring, they can try windsurfing.
PHOTO CREDIT: Siska Maria Eviline I Flickr
Romblon
This small yet charming island has spectacular natural beauty with its white sand beaches, clear waters, and hidden coves. It's the ideal location for both island hopping and unwinding all day. All you need to do is board a boat to experience Romblon's beauty. Visit the turtle sanctuary at Agpanabat Turtle Refuge, stroll along the well-known long sandbar at BonBon Beach, relax in the clear waters of Tiamban Beach, and take in the breathtaking rock formations at Tinagong Dagat.
PHOTO CREDIT: Romblon Islands I Flickr
Palawan
El Nido and Coron are two of Palawan’s more well-known destinations. Port Barton, on the other hand, has not yet attracted as many tourists. With its undiscovered beauty and splendor, this hidden gem is beginning to make a name for itself. Its Exotic Island's vibrant reefs, Inaladelan Island's majestic cliffs, and Star Fish Island's stunning sandbars are just a few of the many reasons you will adore this not-yet-crowded paradise.
PHOTO CREDIT: Fedor Odegov I Flickr
Siargao
Considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Siargao has won the hearts of every traveler. Your trip could easily become absolutely unforgettable because of the place's tropical island atmosphere created by the friendly locals and the picturesque surroundings. Siargao promises to be a fun-filled vacation destination in addition to being a surfer's paradise. Guyam Island, Naked Island, and Daku Island are all breathtaking islands and can be visited on a full-day cruise.
PHOTO CREDIT: Aleah Phils I Flickr
Zambales
The islands in Zambales can be the ideal choice if you're looking for a quick weekend road trip from Manila with your family or friends. You can embark on an island-hopping vacation at Camara, Capones, and Potipot in just a few hours' drive from the city. The atmosphere on Pundaquit Island still has a provincial feel to it, providing you with a much-needed escape. To complete the experience, some travelers choose to spend the night and set up camp at either Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove.
PHOTO CREDIT: Carl Clasio I Flickr
Caramoan
Without a doubt, Caramoan is truly a must-visit vacation spot. It's a treasure to be found and a paradise to be explored. It allows you to experience nature's breathtaking grandeur up close and personal. Blessed with the gifts of nature, Caramoan will enchant you with its lovely islands. Every one of them has a distinctive appeal that will leave you wanting for more. Visit Cagbalinad Island to snorkel and swim among the vibrant marine life.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jarle Refsnes I Flickr
Boracay
Regarded as one of the must-see destinations in the Philippines, Boracay continues to be a top choice for island-hopping and summer vacation with its fine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. You can swim to your heart's content in Puka Beach, snorkel at Crocodile Island, let loose your extreme side by cliff jumping at Magic Island, or explore underwater with the Boracay helmet diving adventure.
PHOTO CREDIT: Chelly Cruz I Flickr
Pangasinan
It takes around five hours of driving from Manila to reach Pangasinan, which treats you to hundreds of islands to explore. The Hundred Islands, as the name suggests, is a collection of about 123 islets where you can go on a tropical adventure. A Hundred Island day tour package allows you to discover any of these natural landmarks. Quezon Island, Governor's Island, and Children's Island are some of the most well-known islands. There are plenty of things to do there that will make your trip worthwhile.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bona Rae Villarta I Flickr
Bohol
The moniker "Heart of the Islands" is indeed reflective of Bohol. A vacation to the place will give you all the opportunities you need to realize your desire for a tropical holiday, thanks to the island's abundant activities, diverse sightseeing sites, and beautiful marine life. Set out on an adventure-filled Bohol tour via the charming shores of Virgin Island and Balicasag Island. Explore the area's diverse aquatic life by snorkeling your way down the beautiful water. While gazing at the mirror-like water that acts as your window to the teeming underwater life in Bohol, you may even feed the fish.
PHOTO CREDIT: Stefan Munder I Flickr
Iloilo
The breathtaking group of islands known as Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo should definitely be on your must-visit list if you're thinking about a vacation where you can soak up the sun and unwind by the seaside all day long. Its two major islands are Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. Notablele islets include Cabugao Gamay, Pulupandan, Bantigue Sandbar, and Antonia Beach. The island offers a ton of activities that make a trip there so much worthwhile. This includes snorkeling, caving, and climbing a historic lighthouse to take in the panoramic view of the sea.
PHOTO CREDIT: Constantine Agustin I Flickr
Guimaras
This region, known for its high-quality mango exports, is also a fantastic place to go island hopping. The province of Guimaras is an island, and the waters surrounding it are dotted with several unexplored islets. You will definitely have a memorable experience thanks to its white sand beaches, caverns, pawikan sanctuary, and beautiful sandbars. Red shrimps (alive and uncooked!), popularly known as pulang pasayan, may also be available for viewing. The Ave Maria Islet's white sand beach is one of the main attractions, as well as the sleeping and hanging bats in Baras Cave, the variety of fish species at SEAFDEC, and the sea turtle sanctuary on Turtle Island.
PHOTO CREDIT: Allan Ascaño I Flickr
Sorsogon
This peaceful village on the southernmost tip of Luzon is full of beautiful natural landscapes. Matnog, Sorsogon, is yet another amazing island-hopping destination. This last frontier in the south has a stunning pink sand beach, a vibrant fish sanctuary, mysterious-looking sea caves, and a lengthy stretch of white sand beach excellent for camping and beach-bumming. The magnificent pinkish sands of Subic Beach; Juag Marine Sanctuary, a home to different species of fish; Calintaan Caves, a cluster of miniature caverns; and beach camping on the shores of Tikling Island are the main reasons to visit.
PHOTO CREDIT: Paolo Paraiso I Flickr
Batangas
Another island getaway that residents of Manila will undoubtedly adore is Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas. However, we advise you to get the most out of your trip by visiting other surrounding islands and beaches. Many people like to stay at Masasa alone. Although there are homestays close by, there are no beach resorts on the actual beach. We suppose a hat-shaped island and a pebble beach combine for an extremely memorable island-hopping experience. The vast white sand beach and crystal clear waters at Masasa Beach, Sombrero Island, and Sepoc Beach's pebbly beaches are the area's main attractions.
PHOTO CREDIT: Toastal I Flickr
Surigao del Sur
Beautiful islands and islets are ingeniously dispersed around Lianga Bay in this eastern region of Mindanao that faces the Pacific Ocean. Another location that would win over the hearts of every island visitor is the Britania Group of Islands. You may anticipate small islands with a variety of palm trees and incredibly pure waters. The islands are only a short distance from the mainland, making island hopping a calm and peaceful experience. You can swim and unwind in the seas of Hagonoy Island, marvel at Naked Island's exceptionally fine white sands, feel small in the presence of Hiyor-hiyoran Island's tall palm trees, and cross the sandbar that connects Boslon Island to another island.
PHOTO CREDIT: Patrick Poculan I Flickr
Masbate
Burias Islands in Masbate is the ideal destination for you if you want to go island hopping but without having to fly from Manila. The islands are part of the Bicol Region but are reached via Quezon Province. You'll be in awe of the enormous boulder-sized rock formations that are thought to have been sculpted by the wind and ocean waves in addition to the white sand beaches, sandbars, and crystal-clear waterways. The bizarrely sculpted rock formations on Animasola Island, the hat-shaped Sombrero Island, cliff jumping on Dapa Island, and the lengthy sandbar on Tinalisayan Island are the main highlights.
PHOTO CREDIT: Isabella Abelita I Flickr
Final Thoughts
With its archipelagic state, the Philippines is unquestionably a country that will never run out of magnificent islands to offer. If you haven't gone island hopping in the Philippines yet, now is the time to go and create your own journey, with a lot of them easily reachable via a road trip.
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