The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, and choosing where to go is the single hardest decision you will make when planning a trip there. Some islands are world-famous, lined with resorts and pumping with nightlife. Others have no paved roads, no ATMs, and beaches that you will have entirely to yourself. This guide covers 15 islands across that full spectrum, with the practical details you need to actually plan a trip to each one.

Before You Go: Philippines Travel Basics

Visa: Citizens of over 150 countries get 30-day visa-free entry
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). As of early 2026, approximately 56 PHP = 1 USD
Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Domestic flights: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are the main carriers. Book on their websites or via Google Flights. One-way fares between major hubs run $25-70 USD
Island hopping boats: Called "bangka" -- the iconic outrigger boats with bamboo stabilizers. Prices are typically negotiated per boat, not per person
Best overall months: November through May (dry season). June through October is monsoon season, though some eastern-facing islands (like Siargao) have reversed seasons

Island Comparison Table

Island	Best For	Best Months	Daily Budget	Getting There
Palawan (El Nido)	Lagoons, kayaking	Nov-May	$40-80	Fly to El Nido (ELN)
Boracay	Beaches, nightlife	Nov-May	$50-120	Fly to Caticlan (MPH)
Siargao	Surfing, island vibes	Mar-Oct	$30-60	Fly to Siargao (IAO)
Cebu	Diving, whale sharks	Nov-May	$35-70	Fly to Cebu (CEB)
Bohol	Chocolate Hills, tarsiers	Nov-May	$30-60	Ferry from Cebu (2 hrs)
Coron	Wreck diving, lakes	Nov-May	$40-80	Fly to Busuanga (USU)
Camiguin	Volcanoes, waterfalls	Mar-Jun	$25-45	Fly to Camiguin (CGM)
Batanes	Landscapes, culture	Mar-Jun	$50-90	Fly to Basco (BSO)
Siquijor	Mysticism, snorkeling	Nov-May	$20-40	Ferry from Dumaguete (1 hr)
Bantayan	Quiet beaches	Nov-May	$20-35	Bus + ferry from Cebu (4 hrs)
Apo Island	Turtle snorkeling	Nov-May	$25-40	Boat from Dumaguete (45 min)
Kalanggaman	Sandbar photography	Nov-May	$15-30	Boat from Leyte (1.5 hrs)
Caramoan	Adventure, caving	Nov-May	$30-50	Bus from Naga + boat
Malapascua	Thresher shark diving	Nov-May	$35-60	Bus + boat from Cebu (4 hrs)
Balabac	Untouched paradise	Nov-May	$30-50	Boat from Puerto Princesa (8+ hrs)

1. Palawan (El Nido and Puerto Princesa)

Palawan is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world by publications like Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and the hype is justified. The island stretches over 450 kilometers and contains two distinct tourist zones.

El Nido

El Nido is the crown jewel. The town itself is a compact strip of restaurants, dive shops, and hostels wedged between a beach and towering limestone cliffs. The real draw is the Bacuit Archipelago -- a collection of lagoons, hidden beaches, and karst islands accessible by bangka boat tours.

Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island. This is the most popular tour and costs 1,200 PHP ($21 USD) per person including lunch
Tour C: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island. Many travelers consider this the best tour
Kayak rental in the lagoons costs an additional 200-300 PHP and is absolutely worth it
Where to stay: The town has options ranging from $8 hostels (Spin Designer Hostel) to $300/night resorts (Pangulasian Island Resort). Mid-range picks include Frangipani El Nido ($50-80/night)
Getting there: AirSWIFT flies direct from Manila to El Nido in 1 hour for approximately $80-150 one-way. Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 5-hour van ($12 USD)

Puerto Princesa

The capital city of Palawan is the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river tour costs about 1,800 PHP ($32 USD) including transport and permits. Book at least a day ahead through your hotel or the city tourism office.

2. Boracay

Boracay is the Philippines' most developed beach destination. Its 4-kilometer White Beach is divided into three stations, each with a different character.

Station 1: Upscale resorts, quieter atmosphere, best sand quality
Station 2: The center of activity -- bars, restaurants, nightlife, shopping
Station 3: Budget-friendly, slightly rougher sand, local vibe

The island went through a government-mandated closure in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation. It reopened cleaner and with stricter regulations. Tourist capacity is now capped.

Activities: Parasailing ($20-30), helmet diving ($25), island hopping ($15-25), sunset sailing ($10-15)
Nightlife: Epic, White House, and Summer Place are the main nightlife venues along Station 2
Where to stay: Budget dorms from $10/night, mid-range hotels $40-80, luxury resorts like Shangri-La Boracay from $250
Getting there: Fly to Caticlan (MPH), then a 15-minute boat ride. Alternatively, fly to Kalibo (KLO) and take a 1.5-hour van plus boat

3. Siargao

Siargao has emerged as the Philippines' coolest island, attracting surfers, digital nomads, and travelers looking for a laid-back alternative to Boracay. The island is home to Cloud 9, one of the best surf breaks in Asia.

Surfing: Cloud 9 is a reef break best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners should head to Jacking Horse or Stimpy's. Board rental costs 300-500 PHP/day and a surf lesson runs 500-800 PHP/hour
Island hopping: The classic tour visits Naked Island (a pure sandbar), Daku Island (palm trees and picnic tables), and Guyam Island (a tiny coconut-palm circle). Cost is about 1,500 PHP ($27 USD) per person
Sugba Lagoon: A stunning turquoise lagoon in a mangrove area. Paddleboard rental is 200 PHP
Motorbike rental: The primary way to get around. 350-500 PHP/day ($6-9 USD). International driving permit recommended
Where to stay: General Luna is the main hub. Hostels from $8/night, mid-range like Bravo Beach Resort from $40
Best months: Siargao's dry season is March through October, opposite most of the Philippines

4. Cebu

Cebu is the most versatile island in the Philippines. Cebu City is the country's second-largest metro area, while the island's coasts and smaller satellite islands offer world-class diving and marine life encounters.

Oslob whale sharks: Swimming alongside whale sharks is Cebu's most famous activity. The practice is controversial due to feeding, but if you choose to go, the fee is 1,000 PHP ($18 USD). Arrive before 7:00 AM to avoid the worst crowds
Kawasan Falls: A stunning turquoise waterfall near Badian. Canyoneering from Kanlaob to Kawasan Falls is one of the best adventure activities in the Philippines -- it costs 1,500-2,500 PHP ($27-45 USD) and involves cliff jumping, rappelling, and swimming through slot canyons
Moalboal: Famous for the sardine run -- a massive, swirling ball of millions of sardines visible from shore. Snorkeling here costs almost nothing; just walk into the water at Panagsama Beach
Diving: Moalboal and Malapascua (see below) are world-class dive sites. A single fun dive costs 1,500-2,000 PHP

5. Bohol

Bohol is a short ferry ride from Cebu and packs an impressive range of attractions into a compact island.

Chocolate Hills: Over 1,200 nearly identical conical hills that turn brown in the dry season, resembling rows of chocolate drops. Viewing platform entry is 60 PHP
Tarsier Sanctuary: The Philippine tarsier is one of the world's smallest primates. Visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella (not the unofficial roadside exhibits). Entry is 100 PHP
Panglao Beach: Bohol's resort area, with white sand and clear water. Alona Beach is the main strip
Loboc River cruise: A floating buffet lunch along a jungle-lined river. Cost is 550 PHP ($10 USD)
Getting there: Fast ferries from Cebu City (OceanJet, Lite Ferries) take 2 hours and cost 500-800 PHP one-way

6. Coron

Coron, located in northern Palawan, is a paradise for wreck divers and snorkelers. During World War II, American aircraft sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in the waters around Coron Bay, creating one of the world's best wreck diving destinations.

Wreck diving: At least 12 diveable wrecks sit at depths of 10-40 meters. A two-dive trip costs approximately 3,000-4,000 PHP ($54-71 USD) including equipment
Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The climb to the viewpoint is steep but short, and the emerald-green lake below is stunning
Twin Lagoon: Accessible by swimming through an opening in a limestone wall or climbing a short ladder. The water temperature shifts dramatically between the two lagoons
Island hopping tours average 1,500-2,000 PHP/person and cover 4-5 stops
Where to stay: Coron town has options from $10 hostels to the ultra-luxe Two Seasons Coron ($300+/night)

7. Camiguin

Camiguin is called the "Island Born of Fire" because it has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island in the Philippines. It is small, quiet, and far off most tourist itineraries.

White Island: A pure white sandbar sitting offshore with a volcano backdrop. Boat ride costs 300-500 PHP round trip
Sunken Cemetery: A coral-encrusted cemetery submerged when Mount Vulcan erupted in 1871. Now a snorkeling site
Katibawasan Falls: A 76-meter waterfall surrounded by tropical vegetation. Entry is 30 PHP
Hot springs: Ardent Hot Springs has volcanic-heated pools. Entry is 50 PHP
Getting there: Cebu Pacific flies from Cebu to Camiguin. Alternatively, take a ferry from Bohol

8. Batanes

Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines, closer to Taiwan than to Manila. It looks nothing like the rest of the country -- think rolling green hills, stone houses, dramatic coastlines, and a culture influenced by the indigenous Ivatan people.

Batan Island: The main island with the capital, Basco. The Vayang Rolling Hills look like they belong in Ireland or New Zealand
Sabtang Island: Traditional Ivatan stone houses with cogon-grass roofs. The boat ride from Batan costs 300 PHP each way
Valugan Boulder Beach: A beach made of smooth boulders deposited by typhoons over centuries
Best time: March through June. Batanes is directly in the typhoon belt, so the rest of the year is risky
Budget: Batanes is more expensive than most Philippine destinations due to its remoteness. Budget $50-90/day
Getting there: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly from Manila to Basco. Flights are often canceled due to weather, so build buffer days into your itinerary

9. Siquijor

Siquijor has a reputation as the "mystic island" due to its history of traditional folk healing and herbalism. It is also spectacularly beautiful and remarkably uncrowded.

Cambugahay Falls: Multi-tiered turquoise falls with rope swings. Free entry
Salagdoong Beach: Cliff jumping into crystal-clear water from platforms at 5, 8, and 10 meters. Entry is 30 PHP
Lazi Church and Convent: Built in 1884, one of the oldest convents in Asia
Snorkeling: The coral reefs around Siquijor are among the healthiest in the Visayas. San Juan Beach and Tubod Marine Sanctuary are top spots
Motorbike: You can circumnavigate the entire island in 2-3 hours. Rental is 300-400 PHP/day
Getting there: Ferries from Dumaguete (1 hour, 200 PHP) or from Bohol (3 hours)

10. Bantayan Island

Bantayan sits off the northwest coast of Cebu and offers the kind of quiet, empty-beach experience that Boracay had 20 years ago. The sand is as white, the water as clear, but the tourist infrastructure is minimal.

Sugar Beach (Paradise Beach): The main beach -- powdery white sand, calm water, very few people
Virgin Island: A small island accessible by bangka for 500-800 PHP round trip. Bring your own food and water
Kota Beach: Good snorkeling directly from shore
Where to stay: Simple beach cottages from $15-25/night. The Kota Beach Resort is the most established option at $50-80/night
Getting there: Bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya port (3 hours), then a 1-hour ferry (170 PHP)

11. Apo Island

Apo Island is a tiny volcanic island off the southeastern coast of Negros and one of the Philippines' great marine conservation success stories. In the 1980s, the local community established a marine sanctuary that has since become one of the richest coral reef sites in the country.

Sea turtles: Almost guaranteed sightings while snorkeling. The turtles feed on seagrass in shallow water near the sanctuary
Diving: The wall dives around Apo Island regularly appear in "best of the Philippines" dive site lists. A two-dive trip from Dumaguete costs 2,500-3,500 PHP
Day trip or overnight: Most visitors come on a day trip from Dumaguete. The boat costs 3,000-4,000 PHP for up to 4 people, plus a 100 PHP marine sanctuary fee
Overnight: A few basic guesthouses on the island charge 800-1,500 PHP/night

12. Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman is an uninhabited island off the coast of Leyte province, famous for its extraordinary double sandbar that extends like two white arms into turquoise water. It is arguably the most photogenic island in the Philippines.

What to expect: No hotels, no restaurants, no shops. Just a sandbar, some palm trees, and crystal-clear water. You can camp overnight (bring everything you need) or visit on a day trip
Fees: Environmental fee of 500 PHP plus tent rental (200-500 PHP) if camping
Getting there: Hire a bangka from Palompon, Leyte (2,500-3,500 PHP for the boat). The ride takes about 1.5 hours
Tip: Bring sun protection, food, and water. There is almost no shade

13. Caramoan Peninsula (Camarines Sur)

Caramoan gained international attention as a filming location for multiple seasons of Survivor. The limestone islands, hidden lagoons, and caves are reminiscent of El Nido but with a fraction of the tourists.

Island hopping: A full-day tour covers 4-5 islands including Matukad Island, Lahuy Island, and Cotivas Island. Cost is approximately 2,500-3,500 PHP per boat
Caves: The area has several cave systems accessible by kayak
Getting there: The journey is part of the adventure. Fly to Naga City, then take a van to Sabang port (2 hours), then a boat to Caramoan (1 hour). Alternatively, some resorts arrange direct transfers

14. Malapascua Island

Malapascua is a tiny island (2.5 km by 1 km) off the northern tip of Cebu that punches far above its weight in the diving world. It is the only place in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks on a daily basis.

Thresher shark diving: The sharks come to a cleaning station at Monad Shoal at dawn. Divers descend to about 20-25 meters and wait. Sighting rates are above 90% during good conditions. A single dive costs 1,800-2,500 PHP
Bounty Beach: The main beach on the island -- white sand, palm trees, small beach bars
Other diving: Gato Island (sea snakes, cave swim-throughs), Chocolate Island (macro diving)
Getting there: Bus from Cebu City to Maya port (3-4 hours), then a 30-minute bangka to Malapascua (100 PHP)

15. Balabac Islands

Balabac is as far south as you can go in Palawan, near the Malaysian border. These islands are genuinely remote, with almost no tourist infrastructure, no ATMs, and limited electricity. What they have is some of the most pristine marine environments and untouched beaches in the Philippines.

Onuk Island: A sandbar island with impossibly clear water and a starfish population
Candaraman Island: Pink sand beach -- one of only a few in the world
Bugsuk Island: Community-run pearl farms and deserted beaches
How to visit: The most practical way is to arrange a multi-day island-hopping boat tour from Rio Tuba (the southernmost port accessible by road from Puerto Princesa). Tour operators like Balabac Island Hopping Tours charge approximately $50-80/day per person including boat, food, and basic camping gear
Important: Bring enough cash for your entire trip. There are no ATMs south of Puerto Princesa. Cellular signal is spotty to nonexistent

Planning a Philippines Island-Hopping Itinerary

With 15 incredible islands to choose from, you will need to narrow your list. Here are three suggested routes based on trip length:

2-Week Visayas Route

El Nido (4 days) -- Coron (3 days) -- Cebu/Moalboal (3 days) -- Bohol (2 days) -- Siquijor (2 days)

10-Day Surf and Chill Route

Siargao (5 days) -- Cebu (2 days) -- Camiguin (3 days)

3-Week Ultimate Route

Manila (1 day) -- El Nido (4 days) -- Coron (3 days) -- Boracay (3 days) -- Cebu (2 days) -- Bohol (2 days) -- Siargao (4 days)

Let TripGenie Build Your Island Itinerary

The logistics of Philippine island hopping -- ferries, flights, hotel check-in times, weather windows -- can be overwhelming. TripGenie can map out your multi-island route with realistic travel times, ferry schedules, and budget estimates so you spend less time planning and more time in the water.

Final Advice

The Philippines rewards flexibility. Ferries get canceled, weather changes plans, and the best moments often happen when you abandon your itinerary and follow a local's recommendation to a beach you never heard of. Build buffer days into your schedule, carry cash, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and prepare to fall hard for a country that has more natural beauty per square kilometer than almost anywhere else on Earth.

15 Best Islands in the Philippines: From Famous to Untouched