Philippines: Travel Guide To The Best Islands

The Philippines includes more than 7 thousand islands unexplored by tourists, the territories of which are located for world-class surfing and diving. Here, the tourism business occupies one of the main links in the country’s economy, so most of the government’s efforts are spent on attracting as many foreign tourists as possible. Those who come to this country receive a very warm welcome. But how to choose the one island with 7 thousand, which is right for you? Here’s our guide to 10 islands, each offering a different experience for travelers.

Here is what we chose for you:

Relax in El Nido, Palawan

This jungle beach town in northern Palawan hasn’t changed much since pre-Spanish colonization and has been named “Alex Garland Beach”. You will have the unique opportunity to explore the many islets of the Bakuit archipelago on a boat tour where the water is so clear that you can see fish swimming between the corals at a depth of 15 meters. Prices range from £ 17 to £ 20 per day for a tour that usually includes lunch. Grilled seafood is plentiful throughout the island.

Relax in Boracay

Due to the graceful White Beach, Boracay Island is often called the best beach in Asia. Boracay is a party island with endless powdery white sand beaches, long starry evenings, a variety of restaurants and hotels to suit every budget, and plenty of water sports. The island has about 12 beaches, the most popular of which are White Beach and Bulabog. The island is divided into “boat stations” that are used as landmarks. The first station in the north is known for its luxury resorts and entertainment. The second station is the busiest part, and the third is where you can find all the options for budget housing. While many locals look back longingly to the good old days in the 70s before hotels and restaurants came into being, Boracay is still in Phuket’s state of progressive improvement.

See a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Banaue, North Luzon

Northern Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, is a land of foggy mountains where pine forests replace palm trees. Through the Banaue Tourist Information Center, we can help you organize walks through the rice terraces to various villages and waterfalls. Expect to pay around £ 10 for a full-day guide.

Enjoy the views in Bohol

Located near Cebu, Bohol’s most famous landmark is the surreal Chocolate Hills: more than 1,500 mounds of coral deposits created by nature itself as a result of millennia of erosion. They are either green or brown depending on the season. The famous resident of the island is the shy tarsier, the smallest monkey in the world. We can also rent a motorbike or book a tour with a local company such as Bohol Travel Tours with a car, guide and lunch prepared for you after the tour.

Surf in Siargao

Siargao, one of the surfs centers in the Philippines, is located on the Pacific Ocean, north of the island of Mindanao. The city receives a stream of dedicated surfers around the clock who come to experience themselves at the famous Cloud 9 reef located near this island. This small coastal town hosts many international surfing competitions, making it a popular surfing season, but completely empty when the waves are rippling. If you are new to the industry, we can arrange surf lessons for you or book a surf package from the hotel, such as Kermit Surf Resort, which offers a package per person per week including accommodation, transfers and private surf lessons.

Get off the beaten path on Camiguin Island

This pear-shaped volcanic island near northern Mindanao is often bypassed due to the various Islamist uprisings reported in Mindanao. There are many life-threatening phenomena in this small area. First, there are seven active volcanoes. Secondly, this island is often affected by typhoons. Therefore, you certainly cannot get here yourself. Here, together with a guide, you can take a walk through hot and cold springs, beautiful waterfalls and endless coasts. You can travel around the island on foot or rent a motorcycle.

Go on a witch hunt in Siquidjor

The magical Sikvidjor caused fear and was revered by the locals since ancient times. This is the place to go if you are looking for a healer. The provincial tourism department in this village has a list of “official healers”, but you can also ask any local to point you in the right direction. These witch doctors or healers greet their visitors, but be polite and respectful to these people. Aside from the magical activities on this island, it will also be interesting for you to try snorkeling and diving.

Explore the foggy mountains of Batan

Batan Island is located in the northernmost part of the Philippine archipelago, where you can see lands with gentle hills, thatched houses and locals wearing traditional straw hats. With weather reminiscent of the rainy British summer, locals visit the island for some respite from the tropical heat, while tourists come here for completely different purposes. Therefore, for our tourists, we can book a tour from a company such as Batanes Travel and Tours for a three-day trip, including accommodation, transportation and guide.

Diving in Mindoro

Filipino divers often swim on the Apo Reef. Most professional divers stop at Pandan Island (a 20-minute boat ride from Mindoro) and from there get to the reef via a 3-hour boat ride. Apo Reef Club is one of the closest operators to the reef. A package of five dives, including accommodation for two nights and transfers – we can order this all online.

Go hiking in Davao, Mindanao

Davao is the largest city on the island of Mindanao with few tourists due to the aforementioned Islamist riots. Davao City is widely regarded as the island’s safe haven and is considered one of the best places to live in the country. From here came the most exotic fruit in the world – durian. It is also home to the rare Filipino Eagle, so be sure to visit the Filipino Eagle Breeding Center as well. But the pearl of the island is the country’s highest and semi-active volcano – Mount Apo. The ascent to an altitude of 2956 meters will allow you to get acquainted with all the Philippine flora and fauna. If you want to climb the mountain, you should join a group tour with Climb Mt Apo. But if you are more into mountain climbing on your own, then you will need permission from the City Hall in Santa Cruz, an hour south of Davao. And remember the main thing: enjoy this country to the fullest, explore all its unique places and outskirts, meet the locals and taste real Filipino cuisine.