I’ve been lucky enough to explore the Philippines more than once, and every trip leaves me wanting more. I’ve wandered through powder-soft beaches, swum alongside sea turtles, and trekked to hidden lagoons that felt like scenes from a movie. The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, but these 13 truly stand out from all the rest.
I’ve visited each one, and trust me when I say that these spots have some of the prettiest scenery I’ve ever seen on the planet. Picture yourself kayaking through limestone cliffs in El Nido, diving into vibrant coral reefs in Bohol, hiking to waterfalls in Siquijor, or watching the sun melt into the horizon on Siargao. This guide will take you through my personal favorites…places that combine jaw-dropping beauty with memorable experiences. If you’re into adventure, culture, relaxation, or a bit of everything, these islands will steal your heart.
13 Incredibly Scenic Islands in the Philippines
If you’re planning an island-hopping adventure through the Philippines, this quick-hit list will help you map it out based on the kind of trip you’re after. Tap any destination below to jump straight to the highlights.
- Best Island for Wreck Diving: Coron, Palawan
- Most Scenic All-Around: Palawan Island
- Top Surf and Party Vibe: Siargao, Surigao del Norte
- Most Famous White Sand Beach: Boracay, Aklan
- Best Mix of Adventure and History: Cebu
- Top Spot for Unique Landscapes: Bohol
- Most Luxurious Island Escape: Pamalican Island, Palawan
- Best Hidden Gem for Camping: Calaguas, Camarines Norte
- Most Enchanting Waterfalls: Siquijor
- Best for Shark Diving: Malapascua
- Top Chill-Back Island Vibe: Bantayan Island
- Best Turtle Snorkeling Spot: Balicasag Island, Bohol
- Most Unique Volcanic Island: Camiguin Island
Here’s how I’d do it: fly into Cebu or Manila, make a base in Palawan or Siargao, and pick 2–3 others depending on your vibe…diving, luxury, waterfalls, or remote island bliss. Keep reading for all my favorite spots, travel tips, and why these islands keep pulling me back.
1. Coron, Palawan
Coron is hands down the best wreck diving destination in Southeast Asia, and honestly, it’s way better than most people expect. You’ve got 12 Japanese WWII shipwrecks sitting at depths perfect for recreational diving, plus the iconic Kayangan Lake that’s so clear you’ll think someone cranked up the saturation on your photos.
I always tell people – don’t just book the standard island hopping tours for around $25. The real magic happens when you rent a kayak for about $15 and paddle through Twin Lagoon yourself. The best dive sites like Irako and Okikawa Maru cost around $40-50 per dive, but you’re literally swimming through history.
Getting there is simple. Fly into Busuanga Airport ($120-250 from Manila) then take a 45-minute van ride to town. The dry season from March to May offers the best visibility, but I actually prefer February when the crowds are smaller and accommodation is cheaper.
Stay in Coron Town if you want budget options around $15-25 per night, or splurge on one of the dive resorts if you’re serious about underwater exploration. Just don’t expect luxury – this place is all about the adventure.
- Read next: Jaw-Dropping Destinations in Asia
2. Palawan Island
Palawan will ruin every other beach destination for you – I’m serious. El Nido’s limestone cliffs rising from turquoise lagoons look like something from Avatar, and the island hopping tours here are actually worth the hype.
Tour A costs around $21 and hits Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, but here’s the thing – book directly with operators on the beach instead of online. You’ll save at least $20 and can check weather conditions first. I learned this the hard way after prepaying for a tour that got cancelled three times.
Getting to El Nido is either expensive and quick (direct flights from Manila around $120-200) or cheap and long (bus from Puerto Princesa for about $10, taking 5-6 hours). The best time is March to May when seas are calmest, but avoid Holy Week in April unless you enjoy fighting crowds for Instagram shots.
Nacpan Beach is where I go when El Nido town gets too touristy – just rent a scooter for $15 and escape the madness. Accommodation ranges from $12 hostels to $200+ resorts, but book ahead during peak season because everything fills up fast.
- Read next: Unique Things to Do in Palawan
- You may also like: Fun & Unique Things to Do in El Nido
3. Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Siargao is the Philippines’ surf capital, but don’t worry if you can’t tell a barrel from a burrito – this place has something for everyone. Cloud 9 might be too intense for beginners, but Ocean 9 offers perfect learner waves with instructors who actually care about your progression, not just your money.
Surf lessons cost around $15 per hour including board rental, which is honestly a steal compared to other world-class surf destinations. I spent most mornings at Cloud 9 watching the pros, then headed to Doot Beach when I needed a break from the scene.
The best surf runs September to November, but I actually prefer March to May when the waves are smaller and the island’s restaurants and cafes aren’t completely slammed. General Luna is where you’ll want to stay – it’s got the best food scene in the Philippines, hands down.
Getting there costs $120-250 for flights from Manila to Sayak Airport, then a quick van ride to town. Accommodation ranges from $10 dorms at places like Mad Monkey to $100+ beach resorts. Pro tip: book accommodation early during surf season, but you can definitely wing it other times of year.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in the Philippines
- You may also like: Best Luxury Hotels in the World
- For more reading: Most Beautiful Islands in the World
4. Boracay, Aklan
Boracay gets a bad rap for being touristy, but honestly? White Beach is still one of the most beautiful stretches of sand I’ve ever seen. Yes, it’s crowded, but there’s a reason millions of people come here every year.
The key is knowing where to go. Station 1 is perfect if you want that postcard-perfect beach experience, while Bulabog Beach on the east side is where you’ll find kitesurfing lessons for around $40 and way fewer crowds. I always recommend staying at least one night at each station to get different vibes.
Getting to Boracay involves flying to Caticlan Airport ($80-150 from Manila), then a quick boat ride ($5) to the island. There’s also the environmental fee ($4) that everyone has to pay – just budget for it. The best weather is December through May, but expect higher prices during peak season.
Food is decent but overpriced – budget around $15-20 per meal. Island hopping tours cost about $20-25, and they’re actually worth doing once. Tricycles are the main transport around the island for about $1-2 per ride. Book accommodation well in advance during holidays because this place gets absolutely packed, especially during Holy Week and Christmas.
- Read next: Must-See Philippines Attractions & Activities
- You may also like: Awesome Things to Do in Boracay
5. Cebu
Cebu is like the Philippines’ greatest hits album – you’ve got everything from swimming with whale sharks in Oslob ($30) to jumping off waterfalls at Kawasan Falls ($40 for canyoneering). The sardine run in Moalboal is absolutely mental – imagine being surrounded by millions of fish for just $15.
I spent a few days here and barely scratched the surface. Sirao Flower Garden costs about $2 and offers Instagram-worthy shots without the crowds, while the historical sites in Cebu City like Basilica Minore del Santo Niño are free and actually fascinating if you’re into colonial history.
The canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is a must-do adventure that includes lunch, gear, and guides. Don’t let tour operators pressure you into expensive packages – you can book most activities directly for half the price. Mactan-Cebu International Airport has direct flights from most major cities.
Alona Beach on nearby Bohol is just a short ferry ride away if you want to combine islands. Budget around $25-40 per day for activities, $10-15 for meals, and accommodation ranges from $10 budget guesthouses to $100+ resorts. The infrastructure here is solid, making it perfect for first-time Philippines visitors who want adventure without too much hassle.
- Read next: Best Places to Live in the Philippines
6. Bohol
Bohol has the famous Chocolate Hills that everyone talks about, but honestly, the tarsiers are what blew my mind. These tiny, wide-eyed creatures at the Tarsier Sanctuary ($2 entrance) are so cute you’ll want to take one home.
The Chocolate Hills viewing deck costs about $1 and offers decent views, but the real magic happens during countryside tours that combine everything – Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Loboc River cruise, and Baclayon Church for around $25. Way better value than doing everything separately.
I always recommend staying on Panglao Island rather than Tagbilaran. Alona Beach has the best diving and snorkeling spots, plus it’s only 90 minutes to the Chocolate Hills by scooter ($7 per day). Just make sure it’s not raining that day (not my greatest decision haha). The underwater scenes at Balicasag Island rival anything in Palawan.
Getting there is easy with direct flights to Panglao Airport from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. The dry season from November to May is ideal, but I’ve had great experiences in October when prices drop and crowds thin out. Budget accommodations start around $15, while beachfront resorts can hit $150+. The countryside tours are touristy but worth doing – just make sure your guide speaks decent English and doesn’t rush you through everything.
7. Pamalican Island, Palawan
Pamalican Island is where you go when you want to feel like a millionaire without completely destroying your bank account – just kidding, this place will absolutely destroy your bank account. Amanpulo Resort starts around $1,000 per night, but honestly, it’s the closest thing to paradise I’ve experienced.
The private airstrip means you’re literally flying directly onto your own tropical island. I splurged here for a special occasion and don’t regret a single peso. The snorkeling is world-class, the service is flawless, and you get your own stretch of white sand beach that makes Boracay look crowded.
Everything is included in the resort package – meals, activities, even boat transfers to nearby dive sites. The coral reefs here are pristine because tourist numbers are so limited. If you’re going to blow your budget anywhere in the Philippines, this is the place to do it.
You can’t just show up – everything has to be arranged through the resort. They handle flights from Manila (about 70 minutes), ground transfers, and all activities. The best time to visit is during dry season, but really, when you’re spending this much money, every day feels perfect. This isn’t backpacker territory – it’s honeymoon, anniversary, or “I just got a huge promotion” territory.
8. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is what people think remote islands are supposed to be like – no hotels, no WiFi, no problems. Mahabang Buhangin is probably the most pristine beach I’ve found in the Philippines, and camping under the stars here costs about $10 per tent rental.
Getting here is an adventure itself – 2-hour boat ride from Daet for around $20, plus you’ll need to coordinate food and camping gear. Most people do overnight trips through local operators for $50-80 including everything, which honestly makes more sense than trying to DIY it.
The water is incredibly clear, the sand is powder-soft, and you’ll likely have the entire beach to yourself except for a few other adventurous travelers. No electricity means you really disconnect, but bring a power bank because you’ll want to capture the sunset.
I recommend going with an organized group unless you’re really experienced with remote camping. The weather can change quickly, and boat schedules aren’t exactly reliable. Best time is March to May when seas are calmest. This isn’t for everyone – if you need hot showers and room service, stick to Palawan. But if you want to experience the Philippines like it was 20 years ago, Calaguas delivers.
9. Siquijor
Siquijor is the Philippines’ best-kept secret, though honestly, I’m torn about sharing it because it’s still perfectly undeveloped. Cambugahay Falls with its rope swings costs only $1 to enter, plus $2 per swing, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen.
I spent a week here and fell completely in love with the mystical vibe. The cliff jumping at Pitogo Cliff and Salagdoong Beach is exhilarating, and Paliton Beach offers sunsets that will make you question why you ever traveled anywhere else.
Getting there requires a ferry from Dumaguete ($6) or Bohol ($12), but it’s worth the journey. Most waterfalls charge minimal entrance fees (under $2), and scooter rentals cost around $7 per day. The locals still practice traditional healing, which adds an authentic cultural element you won’t find on more touristy islands.
Accommodation ranges from $12 guesthouses to $80 beachfront resorts, but book ahead during peak season (December to May). The island only recently got reliable WiFi, so embrace the slower pace. Don’t miss Dolce Amore for surprisingly incredible Italian food – seriously, some of the best pizza I’ve had anywhere. This place rewards curious travelers willing to explore beyond the typical highlights.
10. Malapascua
Malapascua exists for one reason – thresher sharks. These incredible creatures with their whip-like tails show up every morning at Monad Shoal, and diving with them costs around $45 per dive. It’s expensive but absolutely worth it for what might be the Philippines’ most unique underwater experience.
The island itself is tiny – you can walk around it in two hours – but Bounty Beach is picture-perfect white sand, and the diving infrastructure is surprisingly professional. I was skeptical about the shark diving until I saw these magnificent animals up close.
Getting here involves a bus or taxi from Cebu to northern Cebu Island, then a 30-minute boat ride ($5). The whole journey takes about 4-5 hours and costs around $15-20. Most people stay 2-3 nights, which is perfect for multiple shark dives and exploring the small island.
Accommodation is basic but clean, ranging from $15 fan rooms to $50 air-con beachfront places. Food is decent and reasonably priced around $3-8 per meal. The thresher shark dives happen early morning (5:30 AM departure), so don’t plan late nights at the beach bars. This isn’t a party destination – it’s for serious divers and marine life enthusiasts who want bragging rights about swimming with some of the ocean’s coolest predators.
- Read next: Enchanting Places in Visayas
11. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island feels like Siargao’s chill little sister – same beautiful beaches and clear water, but without the surf crowds and influencer cafes. I rented a scooter for $10 and spent three days discovering hidden beaches, mangrove forests, and fishing villages that haven’t changed in decades.
Sugar Beach and Kota Park offer pristine stretches of white sand where you’ll likely be the only tourist. The local fishing community is incredibly welcoming, and seafood dinners on the beach cost around $5-8. It’s the authentic island experience that’s getting harder to find in the Philippines.
Getting here requires a bus from Cebu to Hagnaya Port, then a ferry to the island – total journey about 4 hours and $15. The ferry schedules aren’t always reliable, so plan for flexibility. Most budget guesthouses cost $15-25 per night, while beachfront resorts max out around $80.
The island is small enough to explore completely in 2-3 days, but that’s exactly the point. No massive resorts, no jet skis, no crowds – just beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and the kind of pace that makes you question why you ever live in cities. Perfect for digital detox or romantic getaways where you actually want to talk to each other.
12. Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island is a tiny marine sanctuary that punches way above its weight for underwater experiences. Swimming with sea turtles here costs about $15 for a day trip from Panglao, and honestly, it’s better than many “world-class” dive sites I’ve paid triple for.
The coral gardens are pristine because tourist numbers are limited and strictly controlled. I saw more marine life diversity in one morning here than during entire weeks in other destinations. The sea turtles are completely habituated to humans, so you can swim alongside them without stress.
Most people visit as a day trip from Alona Beach on Panglao Island – boat trips include snorkel gear and lunch for around $25. You can’t stay overnight on Balicasag since it’s a protected sanctuary, but honestly, a day is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on the small beach.
The boat ride is about 45 minutes and can get choppy during rough weather, so check conditions before booking. I recommend going early morning when visibility is best and before other tour groups arrive. This isn’t a party destination – it’s for people who genuinely want to experience incredible marine life without the crowds. The turtle encounters alone make it worth adding to any Bohol itinerary.
13. Camiguin Island
Camiguin calls itself the “Island Born of Fire,” and after hiking Mount Hibok-Hibok and soaking in Ardent Hot Springs ($1 entrance), I can confirm the volcanic energy is real. The Sunken Cemetery with its underwater crosses is probably the Philippines’ most unique snorkeling experience.
I climbed the active volcano with a local guide ($30) and the views across the island were incredible. The hot springs afterward felt amazing on tired muscles, and the whole experience cost less than a fancy spa day back home. Katibawasan Falls offers a refreshing swim after hiking.
Getting here involves flying to Laguindingan Airport in Mindanao, then a ferry to the island – total journey around $80-100 from Manila. The island is small and easy to explore by scooter ($8 per day) or tricycle. Accommodation ranges from $20 budget inns to $60 mid-range resorts.
The combination of volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique attractions like the underwater cemetery makes Camiguin feel like a hidden gem. The tourism infrastructure is developing but not overdeveloped, so you get authentic experiences without major hassles. Perfect for travelers who want volcanic adventure mixed with beach relaxation, plus bragging rights about snorkeling over a submerged graveyard.
