The Philippines has over 7,500 islands, so you’ll never run out of sun, sea and sky for your next beach break.
A joyful blend of tropical landscapes, friendly locals, and a hodge-podge of different cultural influences, there’s also a beach for all sort of sun seekers here. More popular islands like Boracay always attract travellers, while more low-key destinations such as Siargao and La Union attract the surfer crowd, and islands like Bohol are perfect for couples.
While the sheer amount of idyllic beach destinations in this sun-soaked archipelago may be a bit daunting, don’t fret. Our guide to the best islands in the Philippines (written by a local) showcases some of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands this south-east Asian archipelago has to offer.
Boracay
Best for: first-time visitors
Let’s start with the most well-known island in the Philippines, Boracay. Known for having some of the best beaches in the world (something that is agreed on by both locals and tourists), here gorgeous sunsets meet crystal-clear waters and powder white sand. But that’s not all – there’s a big nightlife scene in Boracay too, and that includes wonderful restaurants with lots of delicious local food.
Where to stay
Boracay boasts some of the most incredible luxury hotels in the archipelago including Discovery Shores and Shangri-La, but also some loved-by-local hotels, such as Banana Bay Boracay, which, in Bolabog Beach, showcases a quieter side of the island and is frequented by kite surfers.
Siargao
Best for: surfers
A veritable surfer’s paradise, Siargao is an island well-loved by the backpacking crowd. But don’t let that put you off. While the island itself doesn’t have too many options in terms of luxury hotels, it does have a handful of excellent hostels and Airbnbs that are perfect for a lowkey beach holiday. Siargao is known for rustic beaches, (Naked Island, Guyam Island and Daku Island are worth visiting) rock pools, and barrel waves – Cloud 9 is an especially popular surf shop among the locals. Top tip: Siargao is best explored on a motorbike.
Where to stay
Like its name suggests, Alon Cloud 9 is located right in front of the popular surf spot and offers gorgeous, thatched-roof beachfront villas that are perfect for a relaxed stay.
Palawan
Best for: nature
This beautiful group of islands is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse. Imagine the final scene of the film The Beach and that is exactly what you’ll get in Palawan – to find it, head north to El Nido where you can kayak through the lagoons, some of which can only be accessed via a small opening in the rockface (not for the claustrophobic). Or stay close to the airport in Puerto Princesa – the area is also home to some incredible beaches (look to Nagtabon Beach and Sabang Beach) and the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here you can also meet some of the island’s wild locals, including monitor lizards, Palawan flying foxes, flying squirrels and the Philippine cockatoo. In the south of the island, opt for the entirely off-grid Malakibay Beach.
Where to stay
The only place to stay in El Nido is El Nido Resorts, which are a group of luxury properties scattered across mini islands. If you stay at one of the hotels, you can visit and access the facilities of the others, so it’s a great all-inclusive option. You can even charter a boat to El Nido Resort’s various private islands scattered amongst the lagoons, a true bucket-list experience. In Puerto Princesa, the colourful Purple Fountain, with a home-from-home feel, is our top choice (and it’s extremely affordable too).
Coron
Best for: adventurers
Coron is technically part of the Palawan archipelago, but is also a well-defined archipelago-in-its-own right, and is home to about 50 islands of its own (known as the Calamian). This is as picturesque as it gets in the Philippines. It might be small but days are anything but lazy – instead spent island hopping, hiking and snorkelling. Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, the Twin Lagoon and shipwrecks from WWII all up the ante when it comes to adventures, too.
Where to stay
Two Seasons is a small island hotel that ticks all the boxes – and gives off private island vibes.
Cebu
Best for: a city-beach break hybrid
Cebu is one of the Philippines’ biggest metropolitan hubs and is worth a visit if you want to discover more about Filipino culture and history. The foodie scene in Cebu is exceptional – as is the nightlife – but Cebu is also home to countless white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls, nature reserves and luxury resorts. You really get the best of both worlds here.
Where to stay
Shangri-La Mactan is a Cebu institution and has maintained its excellent facilities and services throughout the years.
Bohol
Best for: a romantic getaway
Everyone goes to Bohol to check out the impressive Chocolate Hills, (a National Geological Monument), but this beautiful province in Central Visayas has much more to offer. Discreet and private, Bohol is also an excellent diving destination with the Balicasag and Cabilao islands offering incredible marine life. While white sand beaches call for long days spent splashing in the sea together, the best way to really see this island’s waterways is with a cruise along the Loboc River (pictured). Oh, and it’s also home to some incredible five-star resorts.
Where to stay
It doesn’t get more romantic than Eskaya Bohol, our top pick for visiting couples.
Mindoro
Best for: snorkelling and diving
Mindoro is a natural paradise and home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes and vibrant wildlife, found throughout the archipelago. In terms of beaches, visit Puerto Galera; hikers will adore climbing Mount Halcon; and divers will love exploring Apo Reef – it’s the largest in the Philippines and home to around 500 coral species as well as 500 species of fish, including sharks, stingrays and sea turtles.
Where to stay
Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive is an excellent choice for a lowkey stay and is ideal if you’re travelling in a big group.
Malapascua Island
Best for: swimming with sharks
Malapascua Island, located seven kilometres across a shallow strait from Cebu’s northernmost tip, has been coined the next Boracay – and for good reason. This beautiful island, which is only 2.5 kilometres long, has a rustic and untouched appeal and is one of few places in the world that you can dive with Thresher sharks.
Where to stay
We love the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere of Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort, which is one of the most well-equipped hotels on this tiny island.
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