27 Breathtaking Islands in the Philippines Every Adventurer Will Love

Ah, we all know that the Philippines is literally the dream destination of every adventurer out there, right? With 7,641 islands scattered beautifully around the country, I’m sure every traveler all around the world will fall in love with this mesmerizing tropical paradise on Earth. So, are you ready? Pack up your things and prepare to be amazed, here’s our Top 27 Prettiest Islands in the Philippines for Every Type of Traveler!

Malapascua Island

First up, is the heavenly island of Malapascua of Daanbantayan, Cebu. This small island is low-key one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines widely known for its pristine white-sand beach and crystal clear waters. But what really makes Malapascua extra special are its world-renowned scuba diving sites such as the iconic Monad Shoal. This is where divers can famously swim with rare marine and aquatic animals like thresher sharks.

How to Get There?

The most common way to reach Malapascua Island is first by landing in Cebu City. Then, you’ll have to dock at the New Maya Port where you’ll be hopping on a boat en route to Malapascua which takes about thirty (30) minutes to one (1) hour.

Panglao Island

Panglao Island is another must-visit island destination in the Philippines known all over the globe for its white-sand beaches and world-class diving sites. It’s located in the province of Bohol where you can also visit other iconic landmarks like the Chocolate Hills! You can find countless pristine beaches in Panglao along with hundreds of highly-acclaimed hotels and resorts. So if I were you, I’d get ready for some serious summer action when you visit Panglao Island!

How to Get There?

To reach Panglao Island, you first have to land at the Panglao International Airport of Bohol. From the airport, you can roam around the island to visit popular tourist spots or hop on a boat for some island hopping or scuba diving.

Boracay

Out of all the islands included in this list, Boracay Island is probably the most popular globally. Located in the beautiful province of Malay, Aklan. This breathtaking beach destination promises countless water activities that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping! Moreover, the world-famous white-sand beaches of Boracay are truly mind-blowing so believe me. It definitely won’t disappoint!

Some of Boracay’s must-visit island destinations are Crocodile Island, White Beach, and the legendary Puka Beach.

How to Get There?

Boracay has already been the icon of the Philippines’ amazing tourism for many decades now, so reaching the island shouldn’t be a problem at all because there are already countless flights en route to Boracay. One option though is by landing at Caticlan Airport where tourists will still need to ride a boat to reach the beautiful island. It would roughly take about twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes to reach the island from the airport.

Calaguas Island

Next up, Calaguas is actually a group of beautiful islands located in Camarines Norte. A lot of people say that it is one of the most underrated tropical paradises in the country! Known for its mind-blowing white-sand beaches, Calaguas is definitely one of the best places to witness the enchanting beauty of the Philippines’ islands. Probably the most famous attraction here in Calaguas is no other than Mahabang Buhangin Beach itself where it’s made up of a beautiful long stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

How to Get There?

Although its located in Luzon, Calaguas is one of the islands on this list that’s relatively far to the Philippines’ capital. And when we say it’s relatively far, it can be reached by a land trip from the Metro. To reach Calaguas Islands, you’d have to traverse the south for about ten (10) to twelve (12) hours! There’s also an option where you can ride a bus hailing from Cubao which roughly takes about eight (8) hours to reach Daet, Camarines Norte. From there, you’d still have to hop on a jeepney and ride a boat afterward.

Siargao

And there it is! One of the biggest names in Philippine tourism, Siargao! Also known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is hailed by many as one of the most beautiful islands known to man. It is located in the southeastern part of Tacloban, Leyte and aside from surfing, it’s also popular for its white-sand beaches, breathtaking lagoons, crystalline waters, and countless more exciting activities! Siargao’s tourism was also booming incredibly for the past years but it was unfortunately heavily devastated by Typhoon Odette in the year 2021. It is still in the process of recovering ever since. But trust me, Siargao will definitely rise again!

How to Get There?

There is only one way to reach Siargao Island directly and it is by flight. This is the fastest and most convenient way available which roughly takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Well, there’s also another way which is by taking a series of ferry trips. Obviously, the latter choice will take a much longer time.

Kalanggaman

Another hidden gem of Leyte is no other than the beautiful Kalanggaman Island. This enchanting island got its name from the Bisaya term “langgam” which means “bird”. It is said that when you view Kalanggaman Island from above, the two ends of the island look like the flapping wings of a bird. Aside from the island’s breathtaking white-sand beaches, lush palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, what clearly stands out is the long white sandbar that seemingly connects the island to another small islet filled with powdery white sands. Well, that’s definitely something we all crave to witness, right?

How to Get There?

One of the best ways to reach Kalanggaman Island is by hailing from the city of Tacloban, Leyte. From the city proper, you just have to ride a van en route to Palompon which roughly takes about three (3) hours. From there, you have to hop on a boat which will take about 1.5 hours to reach the beautiful paradise of Kalanggaman.

Coron

Ah, another giant name in Philippine tourism is the one and only Coron of Palawan. Famously known for its world-class wreck diving sites, it is said that Coron is one of the most unbelievably beautiful islands you’ll ever see. The majestic rock formations, out-of-this-world turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches of Coron are absolutely jaw-dropping. Oh, and if you want to enjoy a peaceful escape from all the noise and stress of the city, Coron is said to be the more preferred choice over its sibling, El Nido.

Some of Coron’s must-visit destinations include Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and the diver’s paradise, Barracuda Lake.

How to Get There?

Just like Boracay Island, Coron has also been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. That’s why there are already several established options to reach the enchanting island, most of which are by flight. If you’re coming from Manila, the best way is to take a flight en route to Busuanga Airport. From there, you’ll have to ride a jeepney to reach Coron Town which roughly takes an hour.

Siquijor Island

Aside from the renowned reputation of Siquijor Island which pertains to its culture of magic and sorcery, what several tourists don’t know is that it is also indeed one of the most beautiful islands in the country! It is beautifully filled with pristine white-sand beaches that are truly enchanting and definitely a must-visit. Some of these mind-blowing tropical paradises include Tubod Beach, Sabas Beach, and the mesmerizing Secret Beach. These are all definitely Instagram-worthy so pay them a visit when you have the chance!

How to Get There?

To reach Siquijor, the fastest route would be to hail from Dumaguete City in Cebu. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the island. From the Dumaguete Airport, you would have to take a tricycle, ride a ferry, and hop on a habal-habal or tricycle again to finally reach the island proper. Oh, and it’s also recommended that you hire a tour guide to show you around and bring you to the most popular destinations on the island!

Apo Island

Apo Island is one of those beautiful low-key islands where you can find calm and clear waters surrounding the perfect white-sand beaches. It is located at the southeastern tip of the Negros Island where you can enjoy the amazing turquoise waters and serenading ambiance of the beach. Apo Island is also a popular dive site and other underwater activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more! It’s actually popularly known as the “First Successful Marine Sanctuary” of the Philippines so expect to see countless beautiful marine and aquatic creatures around the island!

How to Get There?

The best way to reach Apo Island is thru the main island of Negros. You can either ride a private charter boat, public boat, or motorized canoe to get to the beautiful island. It takes roughly an hour to reach Apo Island from the Negros mainland, but trust, it’s all worth it!

Bantayan Island

Another hidden gem located in the Visayan Sea is no other than the famous Bantayan Island of Cebu. This fishing village, turned into an amazing beach destination, is probably the most famous natural attraction in the province right now. The unspoiled beauty of Bantayan Island captures the hearts of countless tourists together with its white-sand beaches, majestic rock formations, and crystalline turquoise waters. But apart from the unparalleled beauty of its beaches, Bantayan Island is also visited by tourists from all over the world because of its extremely rich marine and aquatic biodiversity. You can even score the all-time favorite fresh danggit of Cebu during your stay here!

How to Get There?

Hailing from the city center of Metro Cebu, your best choice to reach Bantayan Island would be to ride a bus en route to Hagnaya which takes roughly about three (3) hours of travel time. Then, you’ll have to hop on an express ferry trip from Hagnaya to Santa Fe. This ferry trip usually takes about an hour before you can reach the heavenly beauty of Bantayan Island.

Sumilon Island

After Bantayan Island, we are now headed to the mesmerizing Sumilon Island which is also located in Cebu. This small island, spanning an area of only 24 hectares is famous for its amazing white sand beaches, diving locations, and captivating scenery. More than the exciting activities you can enjoy there like diving, snorkeling, and beach bumming, one of the best things you shouldn’t miss is walking along the famous sandbar of Sumilon Island! You might even spot beautiful fishes around the area! The marine biodiversity of Sumilon Island is very rich, it’s actually the Second Marine Sanctuary to be set up in the country.

How to Get There?

Sumilon Island is located very close to Oslob, Cebu. In fact, it only takes a short ten (10) to fifteen (15) minute boat ride away! So if you are from Cebu City, you can easily take a long drive along the beautiful coast of the island before you reach the small town of Oslob. From there on, you can already reach the island easily.

Balicasag Island

And back to Bohol, we go! Another underrated island destination in the country is located just off the coast of Bohol’s famous Panglao Island. The Balicasag Reef, also known as the Balicasag Island, is a very small and pristine island filled with white sand coasts and surrounded by extremely blessed ocean waters. The mind-blowing crystalline water is home to thousands of beautiful sea creatures like barracudas, sea turtles, jacks, and many more that you can encounter by snorkeling and scuba diving! Another exciting activity you shouldn’t miss here at Balicasag Island is dolphin watching!

How to Get There?

Nowadays, Balicasag Island is already included in plenty of Bohol island-hopping tours so make sure that you put that on your bucket list! Nevertheless, you can easily ride a taxi or van from Tagbilaran City en route to Alona Beach. From there, it’s only a 30 to 45-minute boat ride to reach Balicasag Island. Easy, right?

Guimaras Island

You might have heard of Guimaras Island as the place where you can find the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines, right? Well, aside from being the Mango Capital of the Philippines, Guimaras is also blessed for having picturesque white-sand beaches, sparkling waterfalls, and beautiful springs and rivers! It’s absolutely a natural gem perfect for every kind of adventurer there is.

One of Guimaras Island’s best destinations is the one and only Alubihod Beach. The creamy white sand beaches surrounded by deep blue denim waters of the ocean are indeed a magnificent sight worthy of seeing. It’s also a perfect spot to start a must-try Guimaras island hopping tour!

How to Get There?

One of the most common and recommended ways to reach Guimaras Island is through the mainland of Iloilo. From the ferry port of Iloilo City, you simply have to hop on a ferry ride en route to Guimaras which usually takes about one (1) hour of travel time.

Sabtang Island

And now, we’re heading up north, to the beautiful islands of Batanes! Unlike the popular beauty of the islands of the south, the islands in Batanes show off a unique kind of beauty and ambiance that will make you feel like you’re not in the Philippines anymore! One perfect example is the famous Sabtang Island, which has extraordinary features such as lush green hills, mesmerizing rock formations, and pristine beaches.

Apart from Sabtang Island’s breathtaking scenery, what actually amazes a lot of tourists who visit there is the perfectly preserved culture of the people living on the island. The stone beautiful houses, clean environments, and fresh air of Sabtang Island are truly one of the best things to experience in the Philippines.

How to Get There?

To reach the island of Batanes, we first have to take a plane ride en route to Basco, which takes about 70 to 110 minutes of travel time. From Basco, we just have to take a short boat ride, roughly about 30 to 45 minutes before we can reach Sabtang Island. This still depends on the wave conditions around the island, which is famous for having strong and turbulent waves.

Samal Island

One of the best island destinations not only in Mindanao, but the entire Philippines is the enchanting Samal Island of Davao. It is officially known as the Island Garden City of Samal and is considered the largest resort city in the Philippines. Imagine that! It is incredibly blessed with pristine beaches and breathtaking snorkeling and diving sites that are truly worth visiting.

Due to the mind-blowing popularity of Samal Island throughout the years, countless hotels and resorts around the island have already been established attracting more and more tourists every year!

How to Get There?

To reach the luxurious and breathtaking island destination of Samal, you can simply hop on a ferry ride from Davao City. It’s only two (2) kilometers away so it definitely wouldn’t take a lot of time to get there!

Camotes Island

Yet another must-visit island in Cebu is the famous Camotes Island. This group of islands is one of the most underrated destinations in Cebu because aside from its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, there are also other fun and exciting activities to look forward to! There are beautiful natural caves, scenic lakes, and sparkling waterfalls scattered all around the island that are truly a must-visit.

Therefore, there’s no question why Camotes Island is now considered one of the best budget-friendly summer destinations not only in Cebu but in the entire Philippines.

How to Get There?

There are actually three (3) major routes for tourists to reach the beautiful Camotes Island. The most popular of which is by going through Cebu as the main jump-off point. From that point, you can already ride an Ocean Jet Ferry en route directly to Camotes Island.

Corregidor Island

Unlike most of the islands on this list which are all known for their mind-blowing beauty, Corregidor Island is somehow better known as a historical landmark. The beautiful island of Corregidor became famous for its major participation in World War II where hundreds of Filipino and American Soldiers fought against Japanese invaders. Today, it is considered a national shrine dedicated to the heroic acts of all the soldiers who participated in World War II.

But many people don’t know that Corregidor is also a very beautiful island with an amazing beach. For everyone who’s looking for some beach action, tourists can go to South Beach where they can swim around and laze off at the sandy cove.

How to Get There?

Corregidor Island is probably the most familiar island on this list and it’s also the most accessible from the city of Manila. The easiest way to go to Corregidor is by taking a ferry ride from the SM Mall of Asia. It will only take less than an hour to reach the island so I really recommend that you pay a visit when you have the chance!

Camiguin

Another island famed for its unique beauty and composition is Camiguin Island located in the Bohol Sea. It’s actually a round-shaped island filled with countless amazing rock formations. It’s also dubbed an island “Born of Fire” because there are seven (7) volcanoes surrounding Camiguin. One of the most active volcanoes in the country, Mt. Hibok-Hibok is actually in Camiguin. One of the incredible perks of being on a volcano island is that you’ll get the chance to enjoy natural hot springs any time you want! Aside from mountainous attractions, the island is also filled with sparkling waterfalls and white-sand beaches.

Some of the must-visit attractions in Camiguin are the Sunken Cemetery, Sto. Niño Hot Springs, and the mesmerizing White Island’s long sandbar.

How to Get There?

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Camiguin Island is by riding a plane en route to the Camiguin Airport. Hailing from there, you would have to sail a boat on the way to the island. You can also opt to board a ferry to reach the island from Cagayan De Oro.

Sibuyan Island

Sibuyan Island is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, quietly settled within the enchanting islands of Romblon. It’s also a unique destination on this list because, unlike the other islands, Sibuyan is famously known for its majestic peaks and lush forests. But of course, its white-sand beaches are also heavenly and truly mesmerizing. Some of the must-visit locations in Sibuyan Island are the Cantingas River, Lambingan Falls, and of course, the towering beauty of Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Of course, you shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy the tropical haven of Cresta De Gallo with its white sands, crystalline waters, and lush forest.

How to Get There?

Sibuyan Island is undoubtedly one of the most remote islands in Romblon because it’s situated far away from the main port in Tablas. To reach the island, you just would have to ride a ferry en route to Sibuyan which leaves at 8 AM every morning. If you really want to visit Sibuyan, I suggest that you stay in Romblon for a few days and explore its beautiful province then just add Sibuyan Island to your itinerary so you can maximize your stay!

Balabac Islands

The Balabac Islands of Palawan are easily one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and the interesting part about it is that it’s already close to the mainland of Sabah, Malaysia. Due to the fact that the Balabac Islands are located at the southeastern tip of Palawan, their pristine condition is perfectly preserved until today. That’s what lots of tourists claim that the Balabac Islands are indeed a heavenly piece of paradise we should all get a chance to experience.

Some of Balabac Islands’ mesmerizing attractions include pink sand beaches, long white sandbars, crystal clear waters, and many, many colorful corals that will surely take your breath away.

How to Get There?

Probably the best way to reach Balabac Islands is to first take a flight en route to Puerto Princesa Airport. After that, you would have to take a land trip towards Rio Tuba in Bataraza which usually takes about four (4) to five (5) hours. Finally, after that, you just have to ride a ferry to reach Balabac Island. This sea journey also takes around four (4) hours of travel time.

Biliran Island

Biliran is actually an island province located in the Eastern Visayas region near the province of Leyte. It is a relatively new island and considerably small but lots of tourists refer to Biliran Island as a hidden paradise because it’s surrounded by the Visayas Sea on the north, Carigara Bay on the south, Samar Sea on the east, and the Strait of Biliran on the west. This is the reason why Biliran Island is extremely rich in coral gardens, marine life, and also mesmerizing coco-lined beaches.

How to Get There?

There are numerous ways to reach Biliran Island given that it’s basically located in Leyte but probably the most convenient and fastest way is to ride a plane en route to Tacloban Airport. From there, you can simply ride a taxi en route to Biliran which usually takes about one (1) and a half hours. Then, just ride a boat to reach the enchanting and beautiful Island of Biliran!

Palaui Island

Palaui Island started as one of those underrated tropical paradises but soon came to rise as one of the best island destinations you’ll ever see in the Philippines. Well, it’s actually recognized by CNN as “One of the Best Beaches in the World” for its perfectly preserved pristine condition. Palaui is a national park and protected area where tourists can enjoy spectacular landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The virgin islands and rich marine, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems are mind-blowing.

There are also dozens of coves and must-see beaches around the area. Moreover, countless tourists also visit Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape for its fun and exciting activities such as snorkeling, swimming, birdwatching, and of course sunset watching.

How to Get There?

Palaui is located in the province of Santa Ana, Cagayan, which can be easily accessed by a plane ride. You just have to book a flight en route to Tuguegarao Airport and simply ride a bus or van from there on the way to Santa Ana. Another option is by taking a direct bus from Sampaloc, Manila to Santa Ana, Cagayan whose travel time takes roughly about 14 hours.

Gigantes Islands

Another hidden gem in the already jam-packed tourist destination in Iloilo is the spectacular Gigantes Islands. Sometimes, it is also called the Islas de Gigantes or Higantes Group. Locals claim that the island got its name when a local legend emerged that gigantic human remains were found inside the Bakwitan Cave. What makes Gigantes extra special is that it is incredibly blessed with white-sand beaches, tropical coves, and tons of abundant marine and aquatic life.

But what really makes Gigantes Islands stand out is the fresh and cheap supply of the island’s seafood such as shrimps, fish, squid, crabs, and most especially scallops. It is unofficially known as the “Scallops Capital of the Philippines” as well!

How to Get There?

Gigantes Island is very accessible by plane through either Roxas, Iloilo, or Caticlan Airports. From any of these destinations, you can already reach Bancal Port. From there, you just have to ride a ferry en route to Gigantes which roughly takes about 1.5 hours of travel time.

Dimakya Island

Probably the most underrated and lowkey island destination on this list is Dimakya Island of Coron, Palawan. The pristine condition of the crystalline turquoise waters and powdery white sands is what attracts countless tourists from different parts of the world to visit this heavenly paradise. Dimakya is also a protected area. Therefore, it is blessed with an abundant marine and aquatic ecosystem that can be explored by fun activities on the island like snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more!

How to Get There?

As far as it sounds, reaching Dimakya Island is surprisingly easy especially if you choose to book a flight en route to Busuanga Airport. Once you reach Busuanga after an hour, you just have to ride a van on the way to a jetty port. From there, a speedboat ride which usually takes about an hour will get you to this spectacular piece of paradise. Coordinating with your preferred resorts will also make things easier!

Pamilacan Island

Another must-visit gem in Bohol is the stunning Pamilacan Island which is part of the municipality of Baclayon, Bohol. It is considerably small compared to other islands on this list but doesn’t let that fact fool you for its incredible beauty is also jaw-dropping! The island is nestled right at the heart of the Bohol Sea so expect to enjoy the white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and amazing dive sites surrounding its area.

It is also a part of the Bohol Marine Triangle or BMT where you can find countless species of seagrasses, sponges, planktons, dolphins, and even sperm whales! The sought-after Gloria Maris Seashells can also be found within the area of Pamilacan Island.

How to Get There?

Bohol’s best-kept secret Pamilacan Island is already slowly rising into stardom as more and more tourists from different parts of the country start discovering its beauty. This is why several modes of transportation have already been established throughout the years. To reach Pamilacan Island, the fastest way would be to book a flight en route to Tagbilaran City and from there, just ride a bus to reach Baclayon Pier. Then, you would have to rent a boat that will take you directly to the beautiful island of Pamilacan.

Seco Island

Seco Island is a breathtaking paradise in Antique known for its interesting shape of an island. The island’s name, “Seco”, means an elbow that seems to be the shape of the mesmerizing island. The tiny island mostly consists of white sandbars, lush forests, and is surrounded by turquoise blue waters perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. But what really stands out on the island is its perfect weather conditions for kitesurfing.

How to Get There?

The best possible way to reach Seco Island is still by plane where tourists have to book a flight en route to Caticlan Airport. You will then need to ride a tricycle to take you to the jetty port. From there, you can find buses on the way to Culasi, which is the town nearest to Seco Island.

Caramoan Islands

Finally, the last but definitely not the least on this list is the picturesque Caramoan Islands of Camarines Sur. Caramoan is famously known as the gateway to a hidden tropical paradise where you can witness scenic white-sand beaches, majestic limestone cliffs, and the enchanting caves of Caramoan National Park. As countless tourists may say, the pristine condition of its virgin beaches and unspoiled turquoise waters will absolutely take your breath away.

One beautiful trivia about Caramoan is that the popular reality TV show Survivor actually filmed around the region and featured the mesmerizing beauty of the islands.

How to Get There?

Caramoan Island is one of the most prized gems of the Bicol region. And we all know that Bicol has long been accessible thanks to the continuous development of roads and infrastructures in the south. To reach Caramoan Islands, it’s best to take a plane en route to Naga City and then ride a boat on the way to the island for about two (2) hours. Alternatively, you can also just take the bus going to Bicol which usually takes more than twelve (12) hours of travel time.

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