15 x Best Islands In Philippines

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian peninsula island-hopping destination with over 7000 islands. The Philippines has several beautiful islands with lush hills, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls. With so many natural beauties to discover on your travels, the Philippines islands are an excellent choice for finding the secret adventurer within you.

Photo by Arlyn Grace Supnet on Unsplash

Pangasinan Islands in the Philippines is a beautiful tourism destination with picturesque islands, beautiful beaches, lush hills, and breathtaking waterfalls. Nature lovers, beachgoers, and divers flock to the Bohol islands. The north-eastern point of Mindanao is home to Siargao. This tear-shaped island is a tropical paradise with breathtaking lagoon pools, white sand beaches, and gorgeous mangrove reserves.

The best islands in the Philippines are famous for their aquatic experiences. While Siargao is well-known for its kite surfing adventures, Cebu Islands promises to take you away from your castaway fantasies. You can even book a day to swim or dive with white water sharks in Palawan. Canyoneering is another fun activity to try during your Philippines vacation.

1. Palaui Island

Palaui Island is located on the northeastern tip of mainland Luzon and is administered by the town of Sta. Ana is a special economic zone buzzing with contemporary industrial facilities and gorgeous shoreline. Despite the changes, Sta. Ana remains rural and laid-back, adding contrasting elements to its mystique.

Palaui Island is made out of volcanic debris and has a land area of almost 3,000 hectares. It is home to a fishing community that lacks power and commercial facilities. Aside from its beaches, its most outstanding feature is the Farol de Cabo Engao, an 18th-century lighthouse built by Spaniards that guides ships entering and leaving Sta.

2. Cebu Island

The largest island in the Visayas area is the Cebu, and has a rich history of Spanish colonial rule. Cebu Island is still a significant and famous region of the archipelago, with the most ethnically diversified population. Its people are an intriguing mix of Malay, Chinese, Filipinos, and an increasing number of Westerners. Today, it is regarded as the most vibrant island in the Philippines, attracting domestic and international tourists in large numbers.

Checkout: Best Waterfalls in Cebu

3. Palawan Island

The largest island is Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is a stunning collection of islands. The islands of El Nido, Coron, and Balabac are among them. During the peak season, Palawan attracts many tourists, and deservedly so. Because the island is half desert, it is yet undeveloped. The jungle, mountains, and pristine beaches are all available to you. It is one of the Philippines' most biodiverse islands. 

The northern region is known for its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and diverse flora and fauna. The most visited destinations in the north are El Nido and Taytay, distinguished by limestone cliffs and sunken with many species of tropical fish and coral and five endangered sea turtles.

4. Bohol Island

Bohol is a prominent tourist destination and a must-see Philippine resort for beachgoers, nature lovers, and divers. Bohol's main island provides access to over 75 islands and islets, including Balicasag Island diving, Panglao Island, and the Virgin Islands.

The island of Bohol is home to both natural and artificial attractions. The Bohol countryside tour, which includes visits to the major attractions in Bohol and Panglao Island, is a must-do here.

5. Coron Island

Coron is part of Palawan, yet it deserves its spot on the list of best islands in the Philippines. There are several excellent dive sites, and among them, exploring the underwater mystery rock formations of Barracuda Lake is an unforgettable experience that you can experience.

Divers with previous experience should explore the reefs at Coral Garden. If you visit Coron, don't forget to visit the Maquinit Hot Springs. Between November and June is the best time to visit Coron Island. You can take direct flights or overnight ferries from Manila.

6. Luzon Island

The Philippines' largest island, Luzon, is home to the country's capital city Manila and the country's primary airport. Before tourism started, the island was self-sufficient, with an excellent agricultural industry that grew crops like rice, coconuts, bananas, sugarcane, and grains and mined iron, manganese, copper, and gold.

7. Boracay Island

Boracay, like Palawan, has been named the world's best island for its powdery, white-sand beaches and breathtaking sunset views. It has long attracted visitors worldwide, and as a result, it has suffered significant wear and tear over the years.

People from all around the world congregate on White Beach after sunset to dance all night. Diving is fantastic here, and we recommend visiting Yapak. However, it is physically demanding and not suitable for novices.

8. Batan Island

Batan Island is the largest island in Batanes and is home to the capital, Basco. Because of its population and the presence of a reasonably sizable airport, it is also the critical access point to all major islands in Batanes. Batan Island welcomes you to a new vista of perceiving things with its verdant meadows, lush green Marlboro hills, gorgeous cliffside landscapes, and picturesque lighthouses.

9. Malalison Island

Malalison Island is ideal for those who enjoy trekking, snorkeling, and learning about local culture. You can spend your day on a reasonably simple hike through the beautiful mountains, with the guide pointing out wildlife, plants, and fauna. You'll finally arrive at a little cave on the other side of the island, where you may relax on a giant bamboo swing and buy refreshments from the local shop.

10. Calaguas Island

Calaguas is a collection of islands located east of Manila in the province of Camarines Norte. Calaguas' islands are not as well-known as those of Boracay or Palawan, but they are unspoiled. Because fancy accommodations are not available in Mahabang Buhangin, it has become a favorite camping spot for the adventurous travelers.

11. Panglao Island

Panglao, an island in the north Bohol Sea, is one of the few islands in the Philippines that can visit by car. It is one of the most easily accessible islands in the archipelago due to its bridge link to the island of Bohol.

12. Siargao Island

Siargao, formerly a well-kept secret in surfing circles, has gradually become one of the world's most sought-after spots. Discover why, in 2018, this little sanctuary with world-class surf, white sand islets, turquoise tide pools, and hidden lagoons was named the world's most beautiful island.

With only 437 square kilometers of land, Siargao Island may be circumnavigated in less than a day. World-class surf breaks, pristine white sand beaches, turquoise tidal pools, and palm-fringed lagoons are just meters apart. Furthermore, they are close to recently opened resorts and restaurants serving local and ethnic cuisine.

13. Malapascua Island

Malapascua, located north of mainland Cebu, is well-known for its great dive spots. While Apo is known for its turtle sightings, Malapascua Island is known for its spectacular manta rays and thresher sharks. While the charm of this island extends far beyond its coast, its beaches don't make returning to shore so dreadfully.

14. Dumaguete Island

Come to Dumaguete and take a day's journey to Island, often known as 'Turtle Island.' Giant sea turtles will frequently surface for air all around you. Jump off the boat and go swimming with them. These turtles are quite accustomed to tourists splashing around them, so they will allow you to go quite close for images. Be sure to respect their space.

15. Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is a vast island near the northern end of Cebu that has yet to be overdeveloped. You can visit natural groves of tropical trees, play with free-roaming goats, go cliff jumping at your leisure, or rent a motorbike and get lost on the island.