Best islands in the Philippines to visit: our top picks

Isolated white-sand beaches, reefs teeming with marine life, cascading rice terraces—no wonder the Philippines is considered paradise. And there's even more than meets the eye, from the world’s smallest primate to the unique hanging coffins of Sagada. With over 7,000 islands to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! Whatever kind of trip you're looking for, here’s a guide to the best Philippine islands.

#1 Ticao

Ticao Island, part of Masbate Province, is a remote gem that’s perfect for divers and nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. It’s most famous for the Manta Bowl, one of the country’s top dive sites, where you can swim alongside manta rays, whale sharks, and even hammerhead sharks. The waters are clear, full of marine life, and an ideal destination for experienced divers.

On land, Ticao remains largely untouched. Its waterfalls, secluded beaches, and lush rainforests are perfect for either adventure or simply relaxing. There’s no nightlife or luxury resorts here—it’s all about reconnecting with nature and embracing simplicity. 

How to get to Ticao

To reach Ticao Island, fly to Masbate City from Manila, then take a ferry or pump boat from Masbate Port to Burias Port on Ticao. Alternatively, travel to San Jacinto, Ticao, via ferry from Pilar Port in Sorsogon Province. Since services are limited, make sure to arrange transportation in advance, which is true for getting around the Philippines in general.

When to visit Ticao

The best time to visit is from March to June, when manta rays are most active and visibility can reach 65+ feet (20+ meters) for diving. December to February offers cooler, pleasant weather, perfect for other outdoor activities. Avoid visiting between July and October, as this is the typhoon season.

#2 Guimaras

Guimaras is a small island best known for its mangoes—arguably the sweetest in the Philippines, if not the world. Every May, the island hosts the Manggahan Festival, a lively celebration of this prized fruit. Apart from mangoes, Guimaras is filled with rolling hills, quiet beaches, and calm waters.

Highlights include Alubihod Beach, which has calm waters perfect for swimming, and the Taklong Island Marine Reserve, a great spot for kayaking and snorkeling. Island-hopping tours take you to nearby islets with secluded beaches and great picnic spots.

While Guimaras lacks the dramatic landscapes of other islands, its charm lies in its simplicity and relaxed pace of life. You'll definitely want to add this one to your Philippines itinerary.

How to get to Guimaras

To get to Guimaras, take a 15-minute pump boat ride from Iloilo City’s Parola or Ortiz wharfs. Flights to Iloilo International Airport are available from major Philippine cities. Once you arrive at Jordan Wharf in Guimaras, hire a tricycle or jeepney to explore the island. Motorbike rentals are available as well.

When to visit Guimaras

The best time to visit is between February and May, when the famous Manggahan Festival takes place in May. This time of year also offers dry, sunny weather ideal for beach activities and island hopping.

#3 Apo Island

Apo Island, off the coast of Negros Oriental, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. It's surrounded by a marine sanctuary and features vibrant coral gardens along with a variety of marine life, including sea turtles that you can swim with just a few meters from the shore. This underwater haven makes Apo one of the top snorkeling spots and one of the best islands in the Philippines.

The island is small and doesn’t have major towns or upscale resorts, which adds to its appeal. Apo offers a more authentic, eco-friendly experience. There are a few basic hiking trails that lead to great viewpoints, so you can squeeze in a little adventure on land too.

Getting ready for the Philippines? From food safety to mosquito advice, our Philippines health tips will help you avoid the stuff that can really mess up your trip.

How to get to Apo Island

To reach Apo Island, fly to Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental), then take a 45-minute bus or van ride to Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita. From there, hop on an outrigger boat for a 30-minute ride. You can arrange boat trips through local resorts or directly with fishermen at the market.

When to visit Apo Island

The best time to visit Apo Island is between March and June. During this period, underwater visibility is at its best—up to 65 feet (20 meters)—and the seas are calm, making boat rides smooth. Sea turtles can be seen year-round, but the months between February and May are the best for swimming with larger groups of them.

#4 Mindoro

Mindoro is a diverse island that has something for everyone, from lively party scenes to serene nature escapes. The north is home to Puerto Galera, where you'll find vibrant beaches, colorful coral reefs, and a bustling nightlife. Popular spots like White Beach are known for water sports and sunset parties, while dive sites like Isla Verde Passage are teeming with marine life. 

In the south, you'll find Apo Reef, the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef, making it a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. If you’re into inland adventures, trekking Mount Halcon is a challenging yet rewarding hike with incredible views of the island's lush landscape.

While Mindoro offers a variety of attractions, its widespreadness can make getting around a bit tricky

How to get to Mindoro

To get to Mindoro, take a passenger ferry from Batangas Port, which takes about 3 hours to reach Puerto Galera in the north or Calapan City in the east. Fast craft services cut this travel time to about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can catch a direct flight from Manila to San Jose Airport in southern Mindoro. To access Apo Reef, book a boat tour from Sablayan town on the western coast. 

When to visit Mindoro

The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit Mindoro, especially for diving at Apo Reef and enjoying beach weather in Puerto Galera. For the warmest temperatures and festive celebrations, visit between March and May. Learn more about when to go to the Philippines.

#5 Luzon

Luzon is the largest and most diverse Philippine island. In the northern region, you'll find the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was carved into the mountains over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people. Nearby, Sagada is known for its mystical attractions, like the hanging coffins and the Sumaguing Cave, which is great for spelunking.

In southern Luzon, Mount Mayon, an active volcano with a perfect cone shape, stands tall amid lush greenery and hiking trails. Central Luzon is home to Manila, a bustling city that acts as the gateway to the island’s many attractions. 

Luzon is vast, so exploring the island requires some time and planning, but it’s worth the effort. 

How to get to Luzon

Fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the main gateway to the Philippines, with international and domestic flights. From Manila, buses connect to provincial destinations like Baguio, Banaue, and Bicol. To reach remote areas like the rice terraces, you'll likely need a combination of buses, jeepneys, and local tours.

When to visit Luzon

The best time to visit this Philippine island is between November and April, during the dry season. This is when the Banaue Rice Terraces are at their most vibrant, with lush green in December and golden colors during the April harvest. The cooler months, from December to February, are perfect for hiking Mount Mayon or exploring Sagada.

#6 Siargao

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, particularly famous for its Cloud 9 wave. But if surfing isn’t your thing, the island still has plenty to offer. Swim in the crystal-clear Magpupungko Rock Pools, kayak through Sugba Lagoon, or go island-hopping to nearby spots like Naked Island and Guyam Island.

Siargao’s laid-back vibe, palm-lined roads, and growing café culture have made it a hotspot for backpackers and digital nomads. But with its increasing popularity, expect larger crowds.

How to get to Siargao

Direct flights to Sayak Airport are available from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. From the airport, you can take vans or habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) to General Luna, the island's main tourism area. If you're coming from Surigao City, it’s about a 2-3 hour ferry ride. Renting a motorbike is the best way to get around the island.

When to visit Siargao

For the best surfing conditions, visit between March and October, particularly in September when the island hosts international surfing competitions. If you're a beginner or not into surfing, April to June is ideal, with calmer seas perfect for exploring lagoons and rock pools.

#7 Bohol

Bohol refers to an island and a group of islets. Here you'll find a great mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. The Chocolate Hills are one of the best things to do in Bohol and the island's main landmark. They are comprised of over 1,000 symmetrical mounds that turn brown in the dry season and green during the wet season. A visit to the Tarsier Reserve is also a must—it’s home to the world’s smallest primates in their natural habitat. 

Panglao Island, just a bridge away from Bohol, has some of the best beaches in the Philippines, including Alona Beach, and is a prime spot for diving. Beyond the beaches, consider taking a cruise along the Loboc River, where you’ll glide through lush jungle, or check out Baclayon Church, one of the oldest in the country.

How to get to Bohol

You can fly directly from Manila or Cebu to Tagbilaran Airport. Alternatively, take a 2-hour (about 124 miles/200 km) ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran Port. Ferries run regularly, with different class options. Once on Bohol, you can rent a car with a driver, join a tour, or rent a motorbike to get to places like the Chocolate Hills. To reach Panglao's beaches, tricycles are an affordable transport option from the main port or airport.

When to visit Bohol

The dry season, from November to May, is the best time to visit, as the Chocolate Hills turn their signature brown from March to May, and outdoor activities are available without interruptions. 

#8 Boracay

Boracay is most famous for White Beach, a 2-mile (4 km) stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear water that is quite honestly one of the best beaches in the world. After its 2018 rehab, the island is cleaner and more organized, with regulations that limit tourist numbers to protect it. During the day, you can enjoy water sports like parasailing and paddleboarding. In the evening, beachfront bars and lively parties keep things going.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot, check out Puka Beach, a more secluded stretch of sand. For those inclined to adrenaline, Bulabog Beach is where you’ll find kitesurfing and windsurfing. Keep in mind that Boracay is one of the busiest islands in the Philippines, so if you want peace and quiet, this might not be the place. That said, you do have some options on the island: see our guide to the best beaches in Boracay.

How to get to Boracay

Fly to either Caticlan Airport (the closer option) or Kalibo Airport, then take a short tricycle ride to the jetty port. From there, it’s a 15-minute boat ride to the island. Once you’re at Boracay’s jetty, shuttle vans are available to take you to your accommodation. You’ll need to register online and show your hotel confirmation before boarding the boat as part of the island’s capacity regulations. See more about that in our Philippines travel tips for first-timers.

When to visit Boracay

The best time to visit for windsurfing and kiteboarding is between November and April when the winds at Bulabog Beach are most consistent. Avoid the monsoon season (July to October), as rains can disrupt outdoor activities, although you might find better deals if you don’t mind the occasional shower.

#9 Cebu

Cebu is a dynamic island with something for everyone — history, adventure, and beautiful beaches. In the south, you can try canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, a series of turquoise waterfalls surrounded by jungle. Moalboal is another highlight, where you can snorkel with millions of sardines during the famous sardine run.

Cebu City, which is this Philippine island's urban hub, is rich in history. For a quieter beach experience, Malapascua (known for thresher sharks) and Bantayan (with serene beaches) are a short boat ride away. These are just a few of the top things to do in Cebu.

How to get to Cebu

Fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the Philippines' second-busiest gateway, with direct flights from major Asian cities and connections across the country. From the airport, taxis and rideshares connect to Cebu City or resorts on Mactan Island. To reach southern attractions like Kawasan Falls, buses leave from the South Bus Terminal. Ferries link Cebu to nearby islands like Bohol, Negros, and smaller spots such as Malapascua and Bantayan.

When to visit Cebu

The Sinulog Festival in January celebrates Santo Niño with vibrant street parades and cultural performances. March to May offers the clearest underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling at Moalboal's sardine run. Avoid July to September when heavy rains can lead to flash flooding.

#10 Palawan (including Coron and El Nido)

Palawan is simply a must-visit, with its islands Coron and El Nido standing out as highlights. Puerto Princesa, the island's capital, is carbon-free, and stunning beaches like Nacpan near El Nido are popular with travelers, and are among the best things to do in El Nido.

The island is best explored by water—go island-hopping to secluded coves, snorkel in vibrant reefs, or visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO-listed wonder that runs beneath the St. Paul Mountain Range.

Coron is a diver's dream, with WWII shipwrecks that have turned into thriving reefs. Above water, you can visit Kayangan Lake, famous for its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. There are so many great things to do in Coron. 

How to get to Palawan

Fly directly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron’s Busuanga Airport. Puerto Princesa is the main gateway with the most frequent flights. From Puerto Princesa, take a 5-6 hour van transfer or public bus to El Nido. For Coron, flights to Busuanga are followed by a short van ride to town. Island-hopping tours often include hotel pickup.

When to visit Palawan

The best underwater visibility for wreck diving in Coron and marine sanctuaries in El Nido is between February and April. The Underground River is open year-round, but December to March has the most reliable weather.

#11 Malapascua

Malapascua, a small Philippine island off Cebu’s northern tip, is famous for more than just its beautiful white sand beaches. It’s the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be reliably spotted year-round. Divers head to Monad Shoal at dawn to see these graceful creatures, known for their long tail fins.  

Beyond the sharks, Malapascua is home to vibrant coral gardens, manta ray cleaning stations, and macro critters. Despite growing tourism, the island has maintained its fishing village charm, with no cars and electricity only since 2009.

How to get to Malapascua

Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, then travel north to Maya Port (about 4 hours by bus or van). From Maya, take a 30-minute boat ride to the island. The last boat usually departs around 4 PM, so plan your arrival accordingly. There’s no pier on Malapascua, so you’ll wade through shallow water when disembarking. Several resorts offer direct transfers from Cebu City.

When to visit Malapascua

For the best thresher shark sightings and clear underwater visibility (100+ feet, or 30+ meters), visit between December and May. The calmest seas and warmest water are typically from March to May.

#12 Camiguin

Camiguin, known as the "Island Born of Fire," is home to seven volcanoes packed into just 92 square miles (238 square kilometers), making it the island with the most volcanoes per square mile in the world.  

The island’s landscape is shaped by volcanic activity, with hot springs, soda pools, and black sand beaches. The highlight is Mount Hibok-Hibok, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views after an admittedly challenging trek.

History enthusiasts can snorkel to the sunken cemetery, marked by a large cross offshore, where an eruption in 1871 submerged the original burial site. During low tide, Ardent Beach’s powdery white sandbar makes a rare appearance, perfect for a stroll or swim.

How to get to Camiguin

You can reach Camiguin by direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin Airport, which runs several times a week. Alternatively, fly to Cagayan de Oro and take a 2-hour van ride to Balingoan Port, then hop on a ferry to Benoni Port. Ferries also run twice a week from Bohol’s Jagna Port to Camiguin. 

When to visit Camiguin

The Lanzones Festival, held in October, celebrates the island’s famous fruit with street dancing and cultural events, though occasional rain showers are common. For the best underwater visibility, visit between April and June.

#13 Siquijor

Siquijor, the "Mystical Island," is known for its deep connection to traditional healing and folk magic. Mambabalaos (traditional healers) still craft love potions and healing oils using ancient techniques, especially during the Holy Week ritual gatherings. The island’s spiritual aura blends stunningly with natural beauty.

One of the island’s main attractions is the Cambugahay Falls, a three-tiered waterfall where you can swing into crystal-clear turquoise pools. Another must-see is the ancient 400-year-old balete tree, thought to house supernatural beings, which has a natural fish spa at its base. 

How to get to Siquijor

Most visitors get to Siquijor via ferries from Dumaguete (Negros Oriental), which takes about 1 hour. You can also take ferries from Cebu City (about 4-5 hours) or Tagbilaran, Bohol (2 hours), though these routes are less frequent. Once you’re on the island, renting a motorbike is the best way to get around the coastal road. 

When to visit Siquijor

The best time to visit is between March and May, when the dry weather makes it ideal for swimming in the waterfalls and exploring the beaches. If you’re interested in the island’s traditional healing ceremonies, plan your trip during Holy Week (March or April), but keep in mind that accommodations can fill up quickly during this time. Learn more about the customs of the Philippines.

#14 Romblon

Romblon, known as the "Marble Capital of the Philippines," remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. This trio of islands is home to marble quarries producing world-class stone that rivals the best Italian varieties. Local artisans transform the raw marble into stunning sculptures, which you can spot around the main town.

But it’s not just about craftsmanship. Romblon is a haven for travelers seeking untouched beauty. The pristine beaches, like Bonbon, are a highlight. This beach is connected to Bang-og Island by a natural sandbar that appears during low tide. 

Divers will enjoy vibrant coral systems and may even spot the rare blue-ringed octopus at dive sites that haven’t been overtaken by mass tourism. The islands also boast hidden waterfalls and the crystal-clear blue hole on Cobrador Island. Perfect for those looking to explore a quieter side of the Philippines.

How to get to Romblon

You can reach Romblon by twice-weekly direct ferries from Batangas Port to Romblon Town (a 12-hour overnight journey). For quicker access, fly to Caticlan (Boracay) or Tugdan Airport on Tablas Island, then take a local boat to the smaller islands. Montenegro shipping lines operates between the islands. Be prepared for flexible schedules, as they can change based on weather.

When to visit Romblon

The best time to visit is from February to May when calm seas make island hopping to remote beaches and the Bonbon sandbar easier. March is when the Biniray Festival takes place, celebrating the local patron saint with colorful maritime processions. The marble workshops are open year-round.

#15 Caramoan

Caramoan, a peninsula in Camarines Sur, gained international fame when it became the backdrop for multiple seasons of "Survivor." This once-remote destination is packed with dramatic limestone karst formations that rise from crystal-clear waters, making it look like Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands but without the crowds. 

Island hoppers can explore hidden lagoons that are accessible only through narrow crevices, beaches with soft white sand bordered by towering cliffs, and caves just waiting to be discovered. Matukad Island adds a touch of mystery with its lake, believed to be home to a legendary giant milkfish.

How to get to Caramoan

Fly to Naga Airport (Camarines Sur), then take a 2-hour van ride to Sabang Port. From there, a 2-hour boat ride will get you to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Alternatively, direct vans from Manila take 10-12 hours to reach Caramoan town. The last leg of the journey involves taking tricycles to the beaches and resorts.

When to visit Caramoan

The best time to visit is between March and June, when the seas are calm and skies are clear, making it ideal for island hopping. For the best underwater visibility, plan your trip between April and May. During May, the Kaogma Festival celebrates the local culture with performances and traditional cuisine.

#16 Bantayan

Bantayan Island, located off Cebu’s northern coast, is all about relaxed island vibes. Unlike some other destinations that have been overdeveloped, Bantayan has managed to keep its peaceful, small-town feel. You’ll find friendly locals, quiet beaches, and a slower pace of life here. 

In Santa Fe, the main area, you’ll find soft, white sand and calm, clear waters—perfect for families traveling to the Philippines with kids. If you’re an early riser, you can watch the fishermen return with the day’s catch and even buy seafood directly from their boats.

For something different, visit the Omagieca Mangrove Garden with its boardwalk or head to Virgin Island, which has a sandbar that shifts with the tide. The island is also great for cycling. The flat terrain makes it easy to explore, and you’ll stumble upon hidden coves and quaint villages along the way.

How to get to Bantayan

To reach Bantayan, fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, you’ll need a 3-4 hour bus or van ride to Hagnaya Port in northern Cebu. Ferries leave regularly from there, with a one-hour ride to Santa Fe Port. The last ferry typically leaves around 5:30 PM, so keep that in mind when planning. 

When to visit Bantayan

The best time to visit is between January and May when the weather is perfect for beach days and bike rides. If you’re interested in a unique cultural experience, consider going during Holy Week, when locals put on the traditional "Pasko sa Kasakit" passion play. However, be aware that accommodation fills up months in advance.