The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands well known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and swaying palm trees.
With so many islands to choose from, it can be daunting to decide on a destination where to vacation during the winter months.
Though Boracay, Cebu and Palawan Philippines’ top tourist attractions, there are many more islands to visit in the Philippines, some unknown that they would surprise even the most well-seasoned traveler.
As such, we’ve included a mixture of both in our selection below.
Here is our list of the 10 most beautiful islands and beaches in the Philippines:
1. El Nido’s Bacuit Bay
Palawan
El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, dotted with islands and islets, is undoubtedly the most breathtakingly beautiful archipelago in the Philippines.
Located in the northern tip of the main island of Palawan, El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is a collection of cays, secluded beaches and hidden lagoon and huge limestone cliffs that emerge from the emerald sea.
El Nido is receiving increased international attention after Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked Palawan the best islands in the world.
The most exclusive island resorts are located in Miniloc, Lagen, Pangulasian, Miniloc and Cauayan Isladn. Many different types of accommodation options are located in El Nido mainland.
Plan your trip to El Nido with us – Book El Nido and Coron Adventure
2. Boracay Island
Aklan
With its sugary white sand beach lapped by the turquoise waters, Boracay is Philippines’ top tourist draw.
The highlight of Boracay is the stunningly beautiful White Beach, a 4km, postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined with resorts, restaurants and bars.
In Boracay, there are numerous activities that you can choose from – diving, snorkeling, cliff jumping, kitesurfing, water sports – enough to keep you endlessly occupied.
After sunsets, live music breaks out, and fire dancers twirl their batons.
Plan your trip to Boracay with us – Book Boracay and El Nido Palawan Tour Package
3. Panglao Island
Bohol
Located in the southwest of the island of Bohol, in the Central Visayas region, Panglao Island is one of the Philippines most favourite island destinations.
With its pristine coastline, Panglao Island boasts wondrous natural beauty.
Alona Beach is the most popular tourist spot on the island, and the dreamy Dumaluan Beach is tranquil and perfect places for relaxing, away from the crowds of Alona Beach.
There is so much to in Panglao Island and it’s impossible to get bored– scuba diving, snorkeling, spa treatment, dolphin watching, island hopping, visit Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and much more.
Plan your trip to Bohol and Panglao Island with us – Book Classic Tour of Bohol and Cebu
4. Coron Island
Palawan
Coron is one of the islands that make up the Calamian Archipelago in the northern Palawan.
Coron Island is word-class diving destination known for several Japanese shipwrecks and abundant marine life.
Dramatic rock formation paired with deep blue lagoons and barrier reefs, make this mesmerizing island a perfect spot for soaking up the postcard-perfect views.
Coron Island is home to the Kayangan Lake – an hidden gem surrounded by majestic limestone walls with unbelievably crystal clear waters.
Plan your trip to Coron Island with us – Book El Nido and Coron Adventure
5. Siargao Island
Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines thanks to its optimal conditions, forming gigantic waves that surfers can’t resist.
The coastline marked by a succession of well-preserved coral reefs and white sandy beaches makes Siargao Island a beautiful island destination even for non-surfer.
One of the well-known surfing spots in Siargao and the Philippines, with a reputation for thick, hollow tubes is “Cloud 9“. This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, an international surfing competition.
6. Camiguin Island
This relatively unspoiled Island is believed to be an Island Born by Fire.
In fact, with more than 20 cinder cones 100m-plus high, Camiguin has more volcanoes per square kilometre than any other island on earth.
Camiguin is a veritable Garden of Eden with pristine waterfalls and hot springs hidden in the rainforest; as well as its white beaches that make a striking contrast with the lush green mountains.
Visitors of Camiguin Island remain hypnotized by its exotic charm and will surely find it hard to pack up and leave.
7. Tubbataha Reef
Palawan
From the moment that divers discovered Tubbataha Reefs in late 1970, it has been recognized as one of the most beautiful reefs of the planet and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because of its isolated location, Tubbataha Reef offers a unique opportunity to divers to explore its unspoiled and unpolluted underwater landscape rich in biodiversity.
Tubbataha Reef is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and coral islands.
Tubbataha Reef is located in the middle of the Sulu Sea and can be accessed by liveaboard cruise only.
8. Pamalican Island
Palawan
Pamalican Island is the perfect island destination if you want utter seclusion and perfect peace, in a location off-limits to everyone except the resort staff and few other guests.
Accessible only by private plane, Pamalican Island is home to the exclusive Amanpulo Resort. This small private island fringed by blindingly white beaches and lapped by the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea.
Pamalican Island is the most reclusive island escape in the Philippines – and yet also the most indulgent, too. A place where it feels like you’re the only people on the planet. It also one of the best celebrity holiday destinations.
9. Malapascua Island
Cebu
Malapascua is an idyllic small island situated in the Visayan Sea off the north coast of Cebu.
Though Malapascua Island is a world-class diving destination that provides the chance to dive with thresher sharks year-round, it’s also a popular escape for travelers seeking gorgeous sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
There is a good choice of budget-friendly accommodation on the island.
10. Bantayan Island
Cebu
Bantayan Island is dubbed as the quietest version of Boracay.
Bantayan is located off the northern tip of Cebu, and it’s very well known for its white beaches, crystal clear waters, and the friendly local people.
Probably one of the best things about the island of Bantayan is the tranquility. Its beaches are smaller and less crowded than those of Boracay.
