Where to find the most beautiful islands in The Philippines

The Philipines is a tropical country made up of beautiful islands. In fact, it consists of  7,107  beautiful islands lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. We have 175 dialects spoken all over the nation but our country’s official language is Tagalog, Cebuano, and English.  Metro Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and it has the highest rank of the population in the country.

Recently, El Nido Palawan Philippines was recognized as number one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Did you know that the Philippines has always been on the list of 7 wonders of the world? The beautiful Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, The Banaue Rice Terraces in the mountain of Ifugao,  The most famous Chocolate Hills In Bohol,  The ice cream cone shape Mayon Volcano and much more. Related Article: Read more about the 7 wonders

There are so many things to see and explore in The Philippines. But for now, lets us focus more on the beautiful Islands that we have. Imagined 7,107 Islands! that is so interesting,   I was born and raised in The Philippines but I just have seen several of the beautiful islands that we have. One of my goals right now is to visit at least one-half of the seven thousand beautiful Islands in my country.

One of the most insulting words I have heard when I started this travel blog. Is when one of my family members told me that I am not proud of my country.  That I started a travel blog, but she didn’t find any single article on my site about the Philippines. All she had read in my write-ups are mostly about my trip and experienced abroad.

Perhaps, I think she was right! I actually got a headshot and I was so embarrassed to myself that time.  Those words I heard imprinted and bothered my mind a lot.I realized I am a foreigner of my own country. Lately, I have been looking and browsing my old file photos of my travel here in my country. I was so astonished how beautiful my country is, especially the beautiful islands and natural wonders that we have. After that, I  was so fascinated by the idea that I should start to share the beauty of my country now.

Here is the list of the most beautiful Islands in the Philippines

 

1.Boracay Island

The most underrated island in The Philippines. Who would never love this white powdery sand, pristine turquoise blue water in the region of Malay Aklan, Visayas? I lived in Boracay before for 3 months and so far I can say this island still number one of the most beautiful islands in my country. One of the best things I love the most in this island aside from its beautiful white sandy beach is the Stunning and so breathtaking Sunset.

Boracay Island is famous for its 5km signature white beach, It has been awarded by Yahoo and TripAdvisor as one of the Best Beach in the World countless of time already. It has over almost thousand of resorts that can accommodate million of guest yearly, which range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly inns. The island has something to offer for everybody’s type of traveler, from partying, relaxing or even person who love water and land sports activities.

How to Get There:  There are no direct flights into Boracay. From Manila or Cebu to get there, you either need to fly into Caticlan (the closest airport) or Kalibo (2-3 hours away from the island, most budget travelers choose this gateway since most of the flight that they offer are cheaper flights). Then, you’ll need to take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty port or Cagban port for 10-20 minute boat ride to Boracay.

2.Siargao Island

The Surfing Capital of the Philippines, famous for its cloud9 waveform.The waves here are perfect and heaven feels for the adrenaline-rush and surfer avid fan. But You don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy the beautiful Islands of Siargao. Because there are a lot of exciting things to do in Siargao. Siargao Islands are known for its white beaches, enchanting lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs,  rock formations, waterfalls and much more…

Siargao is located 800 kilometers southeast of Philippines. Still part of to the province of Surigao del Norte, situated at the northeastern tip of Mindanao.

How to Get There: There are direct flights from Manila or Cebu to Surigao now unlike before, viaPhilippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. You can also take a boat or a ferry, or take a bus if you travel from Mindanao.

3. Camiguin Island

I am fortunate enough to visit here several times already since my hometown is just 3 hours away from the island.  Camiguin is the smallest province in Mindanao and the second smallest in the Philippines.  They also have more beautiful islands surround in the Province. The island is situated in Northern Mindanao and boast of white sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, hot and cold springs and the active and old volcanoes they have.

How to Get There: Camiguin has its own airport that can be reached by flying Cebu Pacific Air via Manila or Cebu. Otherwise, most tourists travel it by land and sea.

4. Islands around Cebu

When it comes to beautiful spontaneous tourist spots, famous Kawasan Falls,  world class resort, and so much more….Cebu is the number one top most tourist destination across the Philippines. Not only in the tourist spots why traveler love to visit Cebu. It’s also because of the countless beautiful islands that they have.

• Bantayan Island:  One of the beautiful islands in the Province of Cebu, it is located in the Northern part of Cebu. This island which is 5 hours away from the city of Cebu is famous for its beautiful sandbar and great Skydiving Adventures of the country.
• Mactan Island: People who love to relax and chill out in Cebu choose this beautiful islands, since it is located near the city of Cebu. Where you can find most of the world class hotel located in this island.Namely Shangrila, Jpark Resort, Movenpick,  Crimson etc…. Other travelers skip this island because it’s quite pricey.

• Sumilon Island: Cebu is famous for its whale shark diving experience, and most people who visit Oslob to see the whale sharks takes Sumilon Island as their side trips.  This small turquoise water and a stunning sandbar that stretches to about a hundred meters capture the heart of so many travelers. This island is so memorable for me, I celebrated my college graduation on this island with my family. It is privately owned by Bluewater Island Resort so access is restricted to the sandbar for non-guests.

How to Get There:  Cebu has its own international airport. There are direct flights from Cebu via local or international flight. If you visit one of these Island most tourists travel it by land and sea. You can take a boat or a ferry, or take a bus or private car going to the island. It’s very accessible and so easy to come here.

5. Panglao Island

Panglao is very similar to Boracay, boasting fine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. It is also known for its best diving spots in the country. Alona Beach, the best-known beach on Panglao Island.  There are also other beautiful islands near Panglao where people do island hopping, Numerous of foreign traveler choose Panglao right now rather than Boracay since Boracay is so crowded already.

Every time I visit Bohol Province I always stayed in this area. No wonder I am beach bum kind of person and I really love this beautiful Islands of Bohol.

How to Get There: Panglao Island is located in Bohol, which you can reach by flying into Tagbilaran Airport. Also accessible from Cebu and it takes 3 hours fast craft boat to visit here.

6.Palaui Island

Palaui Island is located off the northeastern extremity of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippines.  This unexplored and still untouched Island in Cagayan Valley has listed one of the world’s most beautiful islands in CNN.

Palaui Island is not that easiest place to get to. The long haul land travel started from Manila has discouraged the other traveler to come here. Only those who have perseverance and wanted to find some unique and tranquility who makes effort to come here.

How to Get There: Make your way to Sta. Ana, Cagayan either by bus or car from Manila. Once in Sta. Ana, make your way to San Vicente and then you can hire a boat to Palaui.

7.Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte became one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines right now. The island is still untouched and it has a wide stretch of a white sandy bar and turquoise blue water.  When the island became so trending in social media, island type of people was so curious about it and they started to come around. Right now, this island has the unstoppable visitor who comes daily.

How to Get There: First you need to go to Palompon, Leyte. You can go to Palompon, Leyte via Tacloban Airport, Cebu Airport or Manila Airport. Once you’re in Palompon, go to Palompon Liberty Park and take a Boat ride from this point to Kalanggaman Island it takes about an hour.

8. Siquijor Island

For us Filipino, this island is a mysterious island and there are so many superstitious belief about this island.  People believe that the witchcraft in the Philippines originated in Siquijor Island. I know its sounds funny that in our modern world right now people still believe about this. I remember one of my college dormmates before who lives in Siquijor invited us to come and visit here in her hometown. But I and my friends did not accept it because we are afraid of this witchcraft things.

But these days Siquijor’s most popular healing practice and Witchcraft issues are slowly fading. It became one of the most beautiful islands in my country right now. I know Siquijor is one of the most beautiful underrated Island in the Philippines. I have heard that a lot of tourists started to come and explore it. Siquijor Island is located right in the heart of the Central Visayas, One of the many attraction they have include great diving, waterfalls, caves and forest walks in the hilly interior.

How to get there: Siquijor is a small island so its so impossible to go by air directly to the island. The easiest to reach by ferry boat from one of the neighboring islands. It is also close to Cebu and Bohol.

9. Samal Island

Samal has located 10 minutes away from Davao City.  If you are tired of shopping malls, noise, and pollution. A day in Samal make your life stress free for awhile.  Located in the heart of the Davao Gulf, Samal City is physically unattached to the mainland of Mindanao although it only 900 meters east of Davao City. The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. Because of that Samal has become the most beautiful islands in Davao.

How to get there: For International Visitors, you can fly directly to Davao City, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Airlines or Philippines airline. In going to the Island from Davao City take the boat from Sta Ana Wharf the most convenient port to Samal.

10.Palawan

Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands and its the largest island province in the Philippines. Palawan was also known as the last frontier of the country. Most of the land is still undeveloped and untouched.It became popular for its astonishing seascape: Bizarre rock formations, turquoise lagoons, white beaches, mountains, jungles and a diversity of wildlife, over and under the sea. It’s no surprise that Palawan became such a dream destination for scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, island hopping, and even foreign investors.

Recently, I had heard a news about US children’s television network Nickelodeon has a plan to build an underwater resort and theme park on Palawan.  But a lot of locals in the Philippines are protesting and so against it.  Local people and another environmentalist in the Philipines wanted to preserve this beautiful island that we have.

No words can describe how beautiful this Island is. Two of the major Islands that attract so many tourists including locals and visitors are El Nido and Coron

El Nido:

Ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. El Nido is a heavenly scent,  Endless beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful rock formations that will take your breath away. A destination that truly looks like paradise.

Coron:

The Famous lagoons, surrounded by cliffs and limestones is located in Coron. The main attractions are the freshwater Lake Kayangan, but also the Twin Lagoon and the Barracuda Lake are pretty amazing.

How to get there: For International Visitors, There is no direct flight going to the island. You can fly from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa and take a bus going to the island. Otherwise, land in Busuanga Airport in Coron via Cebu Pacific Airlines or Philippines airline. In going to the Island from city take the boat from Sta Ana the most convenient port to Samal.

 

Have you been to any  of these Island? How was it? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below.