7 Most Beautiful Islands in the Philippines: Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Cebu

7 Most Beautiful Islands in the Philippines: Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Cebu

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Best Philippine Islands: Boracay and El Nido Palawan

Discover the best islands in the Philippines and find out why the country has been recognized as being home to the some of the  most beautiful islands in the world. Find out which are the most beautiful islands in the Philippines that you should explore first from over 7,000 islands to choose from in this guide.

As an archipelago, the Philippines is rich in natural wonders for its tourist spots. With over 7,000 islands and islets, joining island-hopping tours is one of the best things you can do here to see as many of these famous islands in the Philippines, including the best-hidden islands in the Philippines.



Because of the geographical features of the Philippines, the country is divided into three island regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Many popular island destinations can be found in the Visayas, like Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay, but there are also some in Luzon, including Palawan. Meanwhile, Mindanao's emerging top island destination is Siargao.

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines soon, check out this guide to the best islands in the Philippines and learn why they're a must-visit. 

 

7. Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan

Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan, Philippines

Island hopping in the Philippines is a popular tourist activity, and one of the best places to do this is Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan. The province of Pangasinan on the western side of Luzon is a travel-worthy destination in the Philippines because of its scenic islands, beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, verdant hills, and many more.



One of its most popular attractions is called the Hundred Islands National Park, a protected area and the Philippines’ first national park. Pangasinan Hundred Islands island-hopping tours will give you access to some of the 124 islands and islets off Alaminos, Pangasinan. 

Some recommended islands to visit during a Pangasinan Hundred Islands tour include Marcos Island where you can jump 20-30 feet into a cave, Martha and Ramos Island, Hernandez Island and Turtle Island. 

You can avail of a Pangasinan Hundred Islands island hopping tour that includes lunch since there are no restaurants on the islands. Just make sure to leave no trace behind and bring back all your trash with you.

During your island-hopping trip, you can lounge on the white sand and swim, snorkel, helmet dive, kayak, cliff jump in Marcos Island, zipline, rappel, and parasail. Other fun water sports include banana boat riding and jet skiing.

While you're in Pangasinan, spend an additional day or two to explore more of the province. You can do a Pangasinan pilgrimage tour where you can visit old churches and go on a Pangasinan food tour.

6. Bohol

Aerial view of Balicasag Island in Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is one of the top Visayas tourist spots and one of the must-visit Philippine destinations for beach lovers, nature lovers, and divers. The main island of Bohol gives you access to more than 75 islands and islets such as Panglao Island, Balicasag Island diving, and Virgin Island. 



Bohol is home to both natural and man-made wonders. A must-do here is the Bohol countryside tour where you can visit the top attractions in Bohol and Panglao Island including the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills have been hailed as the country's third National Geological Monument. 

Other Bohol countryside tour attractions include the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can see one of the smallest primates in the world, and the Bilar Manmade Forest, a breathtaking road filled with towering mahogany trees perfect for photos.

Another highlight of the Bohol countryside tour in Bohol is the Loboc River Cruise with lunch buffet tour. Other activities in the Loboc River Ecotourism are paddleboarding and riding mountain bikes.

Aerial shot of Alona Beach in Panglao, BoholOne of the top islands in Bohol, Panglao Island, is known for being home to Alona Beach, one of the best beaches in the Philippines and home to the best Panglao resorts. Some of the hotels and resorts in Bohol are lined up on this beach, but there are more beaches on Panglao Island where you can find more Bohol beachfront resorts and Bohol restaurants

When in Panglao Island, it's best to book Bohol island hopping tours to explore the nearby smaller islands and top Bohol tourist spots. The Balicasag Island tour is an excellent opportunity to snorkel or dive because of the island's vibrant underwater ecosystem. You’ll see a variety of corals that come in different shapes, colors, and sizes.  

Another stop in the Bohol island hopping tour is the Virgin Island, a long sandbar where you can relax, unwind, and wade in the shallow waters. There are vendors there selling fresh sea urchins; have some for less than a dollar!

For the more adventurous travelers looking for more Bohol tours to add to your itinerary, you can do a day tour of Danao Adventure Park. You can go caving, ziplining, rappelling, kayaking, root climbing, and best of all, do a canyon swing similar to bungee jumping.



5. Siargao 

Ocean viewpoint at Cloud 9 surf point in General Luna, Siargao Island

Siargao, a tear-dropped island at the northeastern tip of Mindanao, is best known for being the Philippines' Surfing Capital.

Local and international publications often hail this tropical paradise as one of the best islands in the world. It has stunning islands, powdery white sand beaches, natural lagoon pools, and a gorgeous mangrove forest reserve, to name a few. 

The island of Siargao shot to fame when international surfers discovered its barrel-shaped waves in Siargao surfing spots like Cloud 9, considered one of the world's best. Cloud 9 has since become the place for surfers to test their mettle, improve their skill, or compete against some of the best in the sport. 



However, surfing in Siargao isn’t the only activity you can do during your stay. Experiencing island hopping tours in Siargao is also a must where you will be taken to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.

Aerial view of the Naked Island in Siargao, Philippines

Naked Island got its name because there are no structures or vegetation on it. It’s just a patch of fine white sand in the middle of the sea. You can spend an hour or so here beach bumming or wading in the clear waters.

Daku Island is the biggest of the three (“daku” is their local word for “big”) and also has huts for rent. The long stretch of powdery, white sand and the swaying trees make for an idyllic backdrop for those who want a relaxing trip. Bring some snacks and have a picnic or eat lunch boodle fight style, but always leave no trace behind. 

Guyam Island is a small island that is picturesque with its emerald-colored waters, a few trees, and powdery sand. The waters are shallow, making it easy to wade or swim around.

There are plenty of other activities and tourist spots in Siargao aside from surfing and island-hopping. You can rent a van, tricycle or tuktuk, or drive your own motorcycle to visit the palm-tree-lined roads of Siargao, the Magpupungko Rock Pools, Sugba Lagoon, Sohoton Cove, or plunge into the Maasin River. Make sure to check out the best Siargao restaurants after your Siargao tours

4. Boracay

Aerial view of White Beach in Boracay, Philippines

Boracay has always been at the top of the list when it comes to the best islands in the world. It has been hailed as one of the best islands in Asia and the world by international travel publications throughout the years.

This island in the Visayas is blessed with white sandy beaches, idyllic islands, and stunning views. There are also many beachfront and 5-star Boracay hotels and most expensive hotels in the Philippines located along White Beach and other secluded beaches in Boracay that have packages and promos including Crimson Boracay promo, Discovery Shores Boracay promo, and Movenpick promo.

There are also other resorts in Boracay that cater to those on a budget. Read our article on budget-friendly resorts in Boracay to learn more. These are just some of the reasons why Boracay is a tropical paradise and a tourist favorite. 

Sailboat during sunset in Boracay, PhilippinesPhoto of Boracay Parasailing activity

There are a lot of water activities and sports you can do here, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, paraw sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, wingfoilingride a crystal kayak, and helmet diving in Boracay. Like many destinations in the Visayas region, island hopping in Boracay is one of the most popular activities. 

After a relaxing day on the fine white sandy beaches of Station 1, get on a boat and explore nearby attractions such as Magic Island, Ariel’s Point, Puka Beach, and Crocodile Island, among others. You can join tours in Boracay for the full experience. If you play golf, there's also a golf course in one of the resorts in Boracay



When booking activities, it's highly recommended to get a private one as you can customize your trip to exclude or include certain destinations. This is ideal for small or large groups who want to stay longer in some spots.

After a day’s worth of hopping between islands, there are plenty of other Boracay attractions and activities like inland Boracay tourist spots, Boracay restaurants, Boracay bars, and entertainment. There are a number of restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to various budgets.

One must-try is the Boracay Pubcrawl experience, where you hop around different bars in just one night. Don’t forget to watch the iconic sunset on the island, one of the country's best sunsets before leaving.

3. Cebu

Aerial view of Bantayan Island in Cebu

Cebu in the Visayas is blessed with pristine islands, white sand beaches, diving spots with colorful underwater ecosystems, and historical and picturesque land attractions.

It's one of the most popular island destinations in the Philippines and is often included in lists of world's best islands. It also has its own international Cebu airport that services direct flights from different countries and is accessible to many Cebu hotels

When planning your Cebu itinerary, you can choose from North and South of Cebu. In northern Cebu, you can go island-hopping in Camotes Island, lounge on the beaches of Bantayan Island, or dive with thresher sharks in Malapascua. When you go to the south of Cebu, you can travel to Moalboal to experience the sardine run, join the adrenaline-pumping canyoneering tours to Kawasan Falls, or hike Osmeña Peak. 



Island-hopping in Mactan is a good option if you have limited time since it's the nearest to the airport. Common stops include a trip to Nalusuan Island and Hilutungan Island, Olango Island, and Pandanon Island. 

Trips often begin at Hilutungan Island since it is the nearest to the mainland and is a protected area. Hilutungan is Cebu's oldest marine sanctuary. It is excellent for snorkeling and diving because of the rich diversity of its marine life. Keep on the lookout for schools of giant trevally and a lot of batfish!

Blessed with hectares of mangroves and mudflats, Olango Island is great for bird watching. It is one of the stops for migratory birds from Siberia and China, including some endangered species. Commonly seen here are egrets, herons, terns, kingfishers, fly-eaters, and totlers.



Birds can reach more than 40,000 during peak season, which is between November and May. Be sure to drop by at sunrise or sunset for the best chances of seeing them, as they come out to feed during these hours. 

Diver swimming with millions of sardines in Moalboal, Cebu

You can do so many things in Cebu aside from island hopping trips, snorkeling, and Cebu diving. You can also go on a food crawl at Carcar and find out why Anthony Bourdain loved their Cebu lechon (roasted pig) so much.

You can also visit historic places; after all, Cebu was where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first set foot in the Philippines 300 years ago.

2. El Nido, Palawan

Island hopping in El Nido, Palawan

El Nido in Bacuit Bay, Palawan, west of Luzon, has 45 unspoiled islands and islets, proving its well-deserved title given by Forbes as heaven on earth.

El Nido’s pristine islands, each more breathtaking than the next, offer various water activities such as El Nido island-hopping tours, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and more. 

The famous El Nido Island Hopping tour A, El Nido Island Hopping tour B, El Nido Island Hopping tour C, and El Nido Island Hopping tour D have been updated. There are now seven tours to choose from for El Nido island hopping, including three luxury El Nido tours to the most popular destinations each with its own booking system called The 7 Wonders of El Nido.

You can choose either a morning or afternoon trip, with three different locations you can enjoy exploring. You can spend up to an hour and a half at each destination. Combination tours are no longer permitted, so tourists are required to visit only the destinations included on a given tour.

El Nido has a lot to offer, like towering limestone formations, lagoons with crystal clear waters, and of course, powdery white sand. Some of Its top attractions include Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Snake Island, and Secret Lagoon.

The Big Lagoon has become well-known as one of El Nido’s most beautiful attractions. Its aquamarine waters and the beam of light peeking through the top of its calcareous rock formations are some of the sights you’ll see when entering the Big Lagoon. The Small Lagoon, on the other hand, is also popular for its serene body of water with high cliffs. It’s a great site for swimming and kayaking.

Seven Commandos Beach is a stunning attraction situated below breathtaking cliffs made of limestones. Swimming and snorkeling are some of the enjoyable things to do here. Snake Island, famous for its three-kilometer-long S-shaped sandbar, connects mainland Palawan to the islet. It is best visited at low tide, when the unique sandbar is most visible.

The Secret Lagoon is a tiny and secluded spot concealed in steep cliffs. Even though the entry to the lagoon seems difficult, the views are worth it. It is located on the southern part of MinIloc Island, a well-known tourist attraction partially sheltered by towering limestone walls and has an abundant coral reef.

Aside from island-hopping, you can also explore the mainland of El Nido like joining day trips to Nacpan Beach, climb the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk, or eat seafood at the restaurants by the beach that are accessible to El Nido hotels.



 

1. Coron, Palawan   

Top view of Twin Lagoon in Coron, Palawan

Coron, located at the northern tip of Palawan, tops the list of most publications' picks for the most beautiful islands in the world. Its stunning islands, idyllic beaches, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and out-of-this-world shipwreck diving sites are just some of the many reasons why Coron is a must-visit. You'll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to Coron resorts.

A shared island-hopping adventure in Coron usually has a fixed itinerary. Some destinations you will be visiting are Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and the Twin Lagoon.

Kayangan Lake, the top attraction in Coron, is one of the cleanest water bodies in the Philippines. It's a mix of fresh and saltwater that offers the coolest and most refreshing swim. The water in Kayangan Lake is so clear you can’t tell how deep it goes until you make it to the bottom. 

Twin Lagoon is another thing of beauty thanks to the towering limestone formations flank and sky-blue waters. You can ride a kayak or swim under the passage to get in.

Other stops included in a Coron day trip are Banol Beach, Smith Beach, CYC Beach, the Coral Garden, and Siete Pecados. These have fine white sand beaches and spectacular underwater ecosystems, especially Siete Pecados, where you’ll see various fish and corals.

If you prefer a more relaxing trip, go on an island-hopping trip in Culion, specifically in Malcapuya and Ditaytayan Islands. These have pristine beaches and blue waters that all make for an idyllic backdrop for your photos. 



While island-hopping in Coron is the popular thing you can do there, another highly-recommended activity is the shipwreck diving.

Coron is one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines because of the war-time Japanese shipwrecks in its waters that plenty of marine life calls home. Snorkeling is also highly recommended, as well as hiking and soaking in a hot spring.



Plan Your Trip to The Best Islands of the Philippines

Travelers kayaking in El Nido, Palawan's Small Lagoon

Unspoiled fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, incredible underwater sights, and towering limestone formations await you in the best and most beautiful islands in the Philippines! Delicious food and friendly locals will also make the experience more memorable. Check out other reasons why you should visit the Philippines

Start planning your trip, check out the best Philippines tours packages, and read up on Philippine travel guides for the best adventure you’ll ever have. Find island-hopping tours that you can add to your itinerary when exploring over 7000 islands in the Philippines and check out Philippines resorts to book for your trip. If you can indulge a little, you may even book a stay at one of the luxury resorts in the Philippines or try glamping in the Philippines.



Book the best Philippines guided tours with Guide to the Philippines, the leading Philippines travel agency and travel booking website for hassle-free online trip booking services. Check out our best Philippines tour packagesPhilippines vacation packages all inclusive, and honeymoon package to top destinations like Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and more top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

 

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