With more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines there’s no shortage of choice.
There’s something for everyone – from hiking in the mountains, to exploring its caves, canyons and waterfalls, postcard-perfect beaches and coconut-lined deserted islands. We even managed to stumble across a safari park, packed with African animals (!).
Here’s my pick of the best islands to explore, in the Philippines:
Surfing, rockpools, canyons, caves and island hopping.
2 days
Spend a day exploring the island. Travel up to the Maasin river and bridge, Magpupungko White beach and its Rock Pools and Tayangban Cave Pool. catch sunset at Cloud 9.
On your second day join an island-hopping adventure to explore Daku Island, Guyam Island and Naked Island.
Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, sunset sailing and a buzzing nightlife.
2 days
Spend a day exploring the island’s pristine beaches – head north to Puka and Diniwid Beaches before joining a sunset sailing tour. The following day join an Island hopping adventure to check out some of Boracay’s other gems.
Hot springs, islands, lagoons, rocky cliffsides and a safari for good measure.
3 days
Soak in some of the island’s hot springs.
Get up early and hike up Mount Tapyas for sunrise before joining an ultimate island hopping adventure – to check out the Twin Lagoons, Kayangan Lake, and the Siete Pecados Marine Park.
Spend your last day enjoying a little bit of Africa in the Philippines. Join a Calauit Safari tour, making sure it takes you to the amazing Black Island. Chill out in buzzing Coron town in the evening.
Beautiful beaches, pristine islands, and underground rivers.
2 days
Get up early to climb Taraw Cliff. Join an island hopping tour to check out the big lagoon and the secret lagoon, Shimizu Island and the 8 Commando Beach.
Head south to Las Cabañas Beach for sunset.
Head north and race an ATV along the long, white sandy Nacpan Beach. Enjoy the afternoon and evening checking out the busy and buzzy El Nido town.
Beaches, Forests, cute critters and Chocolate Mountains.
1 day
Beaches, Forests, cute critters and Chocolate Mountains.
Fly in or do an easy day trip from Cebu City
Take in some history at the Blood Pact Shrine and Baclayon Church. Continue north to the man made forest before trying to catch a glimpse of a Tasier.
Have lunch in a floating restaurant.
End the day by hiking up one of the island’s 1200 odd chocolate mountains.
Cities, sardines, canyons and waterfalls.
4 days
Head down to Moalboal to snorkel with the sardines.
Organising an epic canyoneering adventure to Kawasan falls.
Further south, explore Oslob to swim with the majestic whale sharks.
End your trip with half a day exploring Cebu City and half a day chilling in one of Mactan’s lux hotels.
