With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a dream for beach lovers and underwater explorers alike. During my travels here (which was just over two months), I was constantly wowed by the powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best marine life I\u2019ve ever seen. If you\u2019re planning your own island-hopping adventure, here are the standout spots from my travels that I\u2019d wholeheartedly recommend\u2026<\/p>\n
![\"El](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/El-Nido-Philippines-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"El](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/El-Nido.jpg?resize=1000%2C749&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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I thought this small beach town was an Instagrammer’s Dream! I thought it was a truly dazzling spot with towering limestone cliffs, powdery-white beaches, clear turquoise waters, tropical jungles, ancient limestone formations and a mix of charming thatched-roof cottages and rustic beachfront resorts. I loved how friendly the locals were which added to the laid back and casual small-town charm. <\/p>\n
I flew into Puerto Princesa International Airport and from there it was a 6-hour bus ride to El Nido and I stayed for a truly idyllic week!<\/p>\n
I kayaked through the Big and Small Lagoons, snorkeled at Shimizu Island, explored the underwater tunnels at Dilumacad Island’s Helicopter Island, enjoyed the sunsets at Nacpan Beach, hiked to the peak of Taraw Cliff and saw incredible panoramic views, and dined at the beachfront restaurants in Las Cabanas.<\/p>\n
My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is a world-famous tourist destination! I thought it was breathtakingly beautiful with powdery white-sandy beaches, clear azure waters, seriously dreamy sunsets and a great blend of modern eco-friendly resorts, upscale hotels, and lively beachfront bars and beachside nightclubs! I loved how the island was relaxed and super-chilled by the day and that it transformed to a lively party vibe by night.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s located specifically in the Western Visayas region, it’s part of the province of Aklan and lies around 315 kilometers south of Manila, the capital city. It was just once a small fishing village, home to the Ati people before becoming a tourism hotspot and I loved that it was also home to awesome wildlife like monitor lizards, sea turtles and coral fish. <\/span><\/p>\n I flew to Caticlan Airport and took the easy 15 minute ferry ride from the jetty there (it was also possible to fly to Kalibo Airport) and spent<\/span> a week on the island at the trendy and gorgeous <\/span>Ferra Hotel and Garden Suites<\/a>.<\/p>\n I tried<\/span> awesome water sports at Bulabog Beach, went island-hopping and saw hidden coves, I watched the (braver than me!) cliff divers at Ariel\u2019s Point, relaxed on the seriously stunning White Beach and Puka Shell Beach, watched the Paraw sailers at sunset and went to a fun reggae night at Station 2 nightclub. <\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This was a dreamy tropical paradise in Palawan! I personally thought it was breathtaking filled with turquoise lagoons, towering limestone karsts, and pristine white-sand beaches, cute rustic seaside cottages and floating bamboo huts. I really enjoyed soaking up its laid-back vibes but it also felt adventurous too! <\/p>\n I discovered it was located in northern Palawan, on Busuanga Island, and the town served as the gateway to the stunning Coron Bay, nearby islands, and marine sanctuaries in the Calamian Islands group. T<\/p>\n he small town had a population of around 65,000, and is famous for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks, stunning karst landscapes, and marine biodiversity. I found out that it was actually one of the top diving and island-hopping destinations in the whole country. <\/p>\n I took an overnight ferry from Manila which took 12 hours and I stayed for an idyllic five days at the trendy and Insta-worthy Funny Lion Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n I went on breathtaking island-hopping adventures to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, went world-class wreck diving at Coron Bay\u2019s WWII Japanese shipwrecks, snorkeled the pretty coral gardens at Siete Pecados, soaked in the Maquinit Hot Springs, and hiked up Mount Tapyas and saw stunning sunset views over the islands! <\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This small tropical island was seriously Insta-worthy! I found a paradise-like place with Panglao Island powdery white beaches fringed by swaying palms and turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, clear dive spots teeming with coral and fish, and its mix of charming coastal villages and Spanish-era churches with coral stone walls. It felt relaxed and with a tropical laid back island vibe which I was totally taken with! <\/p>\n I flew into into Bohol\u2013Panglao International Airport and kicked back for a wonderful five days at the stunning and unique Mithi Resort & Spa<\/a>. I spent it on my favorite beaches of Alona, Dumaluan, and Danao, and also went snorkeling at Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands, visited Hinagdanan Cave which had an intriguing underground lagoon.<\/p>\n I also found organic treats and dreamy sea views exploring at Bohol Bee Farm and admired the historic Dauis Church which had Spanish-era architecture and even a interesting freshwater well inside.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This was an under-the-radar gem compared to other tourist hotspots! I discovered an island province with pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush tropical forests, unique wildlife (including large fruit bats, fireflies and the rare Visayan warty pig), <\/span>Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and<\/span> mystical folklore. In fact, I loved how it combined traditional folk healing and mysticism with its natural beauty. <\/p>\n I travelled to the island by ferry from Dumaguete Port, where ferries operated multiple times daily and took around 45 minutes. I spent five days here staying at the dreamy and peaceful <\/span>Wilcon Guesthouse Catulayan<\/a> and went <\/span>swimming at the dreamy Salagdoong Beach, snorkeling at Paliton Beach, hiked to the captivating Cambugahay Falls and Mount Bandilaan (the panoramic views were incredible)! <\/span><\/p>\n I also squeezed in a visit to the the historic St. Francis of Assisi, the Enchanted Balete Tree and the tranquil Guiwanon Spring Park and learnt all about the island’s magical healing traditions, local folklore and legends from the super friendly locals!<\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This was a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city! I found well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, a fine well-preserved cobblestone street, grand ancestral homes, and quaint antique shops. I was completely charmed by its nostalgic and romantic vibe and I felt transported to a bygone – and much more elegant – era! <\/p>\n I discovered located on in Ilocos Sur province, on the western coast of Luzon. It is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and is was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and has a population around 53,000.<\/span><\/p>\n I took a direct bus from Manila to Vigan which took nine but it was worth it, I stayed for three days at the unique 4-star boutique <\/span>Hotel Luna<\/a> and discovered the<\/span> meticulously preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses along the Calle Crisologo, <\/span>shopped for local crafts at the lively Vigan Public Market, visited the charming Vigan Cathedral and learnt all about the local culture at the Syquia Mansion Museum<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n I relaxed and swam at the nearby paradise-like Mindoro Beach and sampled the local cuisine at Caf\u00e9 Leona. I skipped the traditional \u2018kalesa’ ride though as I decided I don’t want to support animal tourism anymore!<\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/p>\n I thought this secluded tropical island was a gem! I thought it was like a paradise with its towering limestone cliffs, powdery white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, eco-friendly beachfront cabanas and dreamy overwater bungalows. I loved how peaceful, remote and rustic it felt and I really admired the eco-friendly focus it had too. <\/p>\n I discovered it was located in the Calamian Islands in northern Palawan (part of the Coron Bay area). It’s a remote place with on permanent population and is an eco-tourism haven for divers and nature lovers. <\/p>\n I took a 12 hour ferry journey from Manila and then I went on a 30-40 minute boat ride to Sangat Island and stayed for an idyllic three days at the Sangat Island Dive Resort<\/a>. I relaxed on the unspoilt beaches, dived and snorkeled the beautiful coral gardens, and went wreck diving at the famous Okikawa Maru and Irako Maru in Coron Bay.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/p>\n These were breathtaking ancient terraced fields! I thought the whole place was jaw-dropping with their immense scale and intricate engineering, the incredible sight of thousands of stepped rice paddies which followed the natural contours of the mountains, and the traditional Ifugao village houses.<\/p>\n Five of the Ifugao Rice Terraces – including Batad and Bangaan in Banaue – were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995<\/a> and I loved how exuded a serene and timeless vibe with a hint of mystery with its mist-covered mountains. <\/p>\n I took an overnight bus from Manila to Banaue, which took nine hours but it was worth it! I stayed for an extraordinary three days in the rustic Batad Countryside Guest House<\/a> and discovered the breathtaking Banaue Viewpoint and Batad Rice Terraces.<\/p>\n I also learnt about the area in the Banaue Museum<\/a> and Tam-an Village, went on a very scenic one hour trek to Tappiya Falls, and chatted with the local indigenous Ifugao people who told me about their ancient rice farming traditions.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I found this remote island was a eco-tourism haven! It was also a real beauty spot with volcanic rock formations and cliffs, sugar-white sandy beaches and ultra-clear waters, and traditional thatched-roof huts. I loved soaking up the slow-paced, rustic vibes and the isolated feel it had. <\/span><\/p>\n I found the small volcanic island located in the Dauin municipality of Negros Oriental, around 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island. Part of the Visayas, a group of islands in the central Philippines, it only covers around 74 hectares (about 0.74 square kilometers) and has only around 1,000 residents but its known for being a<\/span> marine sanctuary.<\/span><\/p>\n I flew to Dumaguete and took a 30 minute bus journey to Malatapay and took a guided boat trip the island which took 30 minutes and stayed at the rustic Mario’s Scuba Diving and Homestay<\/a>.<\/p>\n I snorkeled with the super-cute sea turtles at Turtle Point, checked out the unspoilt beaches of Cogon and Kan-Uran, dived their famous coral reefs and hiked to their lighthouse – the views were incredible!<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this unique geological spot was extraordinary! I discovered a surreal beauty spot with a rolling landscape of over a thousand cone-shaped mounds that turned golden brown in the dry season. I was fascinated by the area and really enjoyed how mysterious and awe-inspiring it felt there.<\/p>\n I found them located in the Bohol province in the Central Visayas region, in the towns of Batuan, Carmen, and Bilar. I was in awe of the (around) 1,200 symmetrical mounds which I found out from my guide were formed millions of years ago through the erosion of limestone.<\/p>\n I took a ferry Cebu to Tagbilaran which took two hours and I spent three days exploring basing myself at the CASA AGUELO Chocolate Hills<\/a>. I saw breathtaking views from the Chocolate Hills Complex viewing deck, went on a guided hike to the Man-made Forest in Bilar, and finally took a gorgeous river cruise along the scenic Loboc River.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is the largest island in the Batanes province! I thought it was breathtaking with stunning dramatic landscapes made up of rolling hills, rugged cliffs, green tropical pastures, rugged volcanic rock formations along the coast, and pristine beaches. I loved how quiet and rustic it was – it felt like a really unspoilt retreat nature away from the hustle and bustle of city life! <\/span><\/p>\n It took me 1.5 hours to arrive by air, flying from Manila(MNL) to Basco (BSO) and I spent<\/span> four days at the beautiful <\/span>Villa Ferrer<\/a>.<\/p>\n I explored scenic viewpoints of the Marlboro Hills and Vayang Rolling Hills, striking Basco Lighthouse, discovered the ancient stone houses of the Ivantan and Mahato people, hung out at the cute Honesty Coffee Shop in Ivana, walked along the rugged and dramatic Valugan Boulder Beach and visited the quirky stone Tukon Chapel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
2. Boracay Island <\/h2>\n
![\"Boracay](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Boracay-Island.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Boracay-1\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Boracay-1.webp)
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3. Coron<\/h2>\n
![\"Coron](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Coron.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Coran](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Coran-Philippines.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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4. Panglao Island<\/h2>\n
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5. Siquijor<\/h2>\n
![\"Siquijor](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Siquijor-2.jpg?resize=1000%2C562&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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6. Vigan<\/h2>\n
![\"Vigan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Vigan-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Vigan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Vigan-2.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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7. Sangat Island<\/h2>\n
![\"Sangat](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sangat-Island.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Sangat](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Sangat-Island.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Banaue Rice Terraces<\/h2>\n
![\"Banaue](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Banaue-Rice-Terraces.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Banaue](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Banaue-Rice-Terraces.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Batad](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Batad.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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9. Apo Island<\/h2>\n
![\"Apo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Apo-Island.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Apo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Apo-Island-diving.jpg?resize=1000%2C710&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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10. Chocolate Hills<\/h2>\n
![\"Chocolate](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Chocolate-Hills.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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11. Batan Island<\/h2>\n
![\"Batan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Batan-Island-2.jpg?resize=1000%2C562&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Batan](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Batan-Island-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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