Discover the most beautiful islands in the Philippines and find out why they get recognition for being the best in the world. Find out which islands you should explore from over 7000 islands in the Philippines. With over 7000 islands and islets, it can be daunting to decide on a destination where to vacation here.
Though Boracay, Cebu and Palawan Philippines’ top tourist attractions, there are many more islands to visit in the Philippines, some unknown that they would surprise even the most well-seasoned traveler. You can visit the best beaches in the Philippine Islands here or on Pinterest.
Here is our list of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the Philippines:
Palawan
Palawan is the “last ecological frontier” of the Philippines. This beautiful archipelago is strung across turquoise waters, making island-hopping the best way to experience Palawan. Experiences like floating through an underground river, swimming in hidden lagoons, and diving among World War II shipwrecks are among the top things to do in the Palawan. Find the most amazing Palawan Beach Resorts here.
Coron
Coron is a fantastic base for adventure, especially for underwater explorers seeking to dive amid the Japanese shipwrecks of the 1940s. Hop a guided mangrove kayak tour or practice your killer spike on the beach-volleyball court at Atwayan Beach. Jungle treks, horseback tours and island camping will further quench your thirst for the ultimate outdoor experience. Head here for the 10 best luxury hotels in Coron.
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Bohol
The home of the famous Chocolate Hills, Bohol is one of the most visited destinations in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The island province offers breathtaking spots for history buffs, beach lovers, and adrenaline junkies. Bohol is comprised of one major island and 73 smaller ones surrounding it, so you’ll have plenty of places to explore during your trip here. Visit Bohol – The Amazing Island of the Philippines.
Siargao
You’ll fall in love with the teardrop-shaped island’s pristine white beaches, coconut woodlands, the clearest waters you’ve ever seen, and the sensational towering waves, as soon as you set your foot there. Siargao offers a respite from the hustle and bustle and has remained unspoiled, remote, sparsely developed, and still relatively under the radar, making it even more appealing to travelers who are looking for natural beauty and a slower pace. Visit the best places to stay in Siargao Philippines here.
Boracay
Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset, and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages. Enjoy swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining, and parties. Escape to the best islands in the Philippines, Boracay!
Palaui
Palaui Island has been a National Marine reserve ever since 1994, and it offers natural landscapes with gorgeous meadows, forests, volcanic rock scapes, and long stretches of long white beaches with the constant crashing of waves hitting the sand. About 70% of this island is covered in forests, which ensures you will see plenty of wildlife while you are there. Palaui Island is home to 90 migratory birds. The vast coastline is also home to 21 species of fish.
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Cebu
Cebu Island is a prominent and popular part of the archipelago, boasting the most ethnically diverse population. Its inhabitants are an interesting bunch, made up of Malay, Chinese, Filipino and an ever-growing number of westerners. It’s now considered to be the most dynamic island in the Philippines, attracting native and international tourists in droves. Find the best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Cebu here.
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Corregidor
Corregidor is often associated with images of old canons, hero statues, and war remnants. But the historical island has other attractions. Enjoy the hiking trails here which range from easy to advance. Gear up to discover secret caves and tunnels and such as the Wheeler Tunnel and Battery Hanna. A must-visit is the Malinta Tunnel, the last stronghold of Philippine and American military forces versus invading Japanese soldiers in World War II. If you’re looking for some sun,Corregidor Island is flanked by at least three beautiful beaches. Find the best accommodations for Corregidor Island here.
Malapascua
Malapascua Island, located in the northern part of Cebu, is just one of the many islands you can explore in the Philippines. But what makes this small island a must-visit is that it’s the only place in the whole world where you can dive with thresher sharks on a nearly daily basis. Malapascua Island is less commercially developed, with a relaxing and friendly beach vibe which makes the island even more inviting. Find the Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Malapascua here.
Siquijor
Siquijor Island is a serene place ideal for those who want to get-away from the hustle and bustle of city living. It is a haven for hikers, bikers and nature lovers. White sandy beaches cover the 102 kilometers of shoreline surrounding the island while mangroves and marine sanctuaries dot the island, providing a safe haven for its pristine marine life. Visit Siquijor and travel to the land of fire!
My sister in law is from the Philippines and she is always telling us how beautiful it is there. She has promised to take us there for a visit sometime, and I am going to ask her if she has visited some of the beautiful places you mention here.
I really wouldn’t mind going on one of those underwater adventures at Caron to see the shipwrecks or go horse riding there.
You’ve picked some great things to do while in Coron. She is right, it is beautiful and you would enjoy vacationing to the Philippines.
WOW! Those islands look simply breathtaking. I think Palawan would be my first choice, I love the thought of drifting through an underground river.. that sounds so fairytale like, I may have to include this on my ‘places to see in the world’ list. I am also a scuba diver, so WWII shipwrecks sound like great fun too. Mind you, Palaui also looks like a special place. I love wildlife and this sounds fabulous, Maybe I should consider island hopping? What beautiful photos. This looks like an amazing place.. I have heard that the people are fabulously friendly too. Yep.. this is going on my bucket list! Thank you for introducing me to such a lovely place.
You are welcome 🙂 Glad you enjoyed learning about the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.
I love the rocks that come right up out of the water in a lot of the islands. My wife and I had our 20th-anniversary vacation plans all get canceled due to covid, so we are in the market for a really nice vacation. The Philippines looks like the perfect place for this, I particularly love the look of Coron.
It would be the perfect place Al, let me know if I can help with your planning.
Wonderful islands, of great beauty and preserve the natural flora and fauna. Borakay white sand beach is in my view, these landscapes are soothing .. These wonderful islands, full of natural beauty
forms a unique place on earth. I would like to visit at least one of these wonderful islands.
I would like you to visit them all, although it is quite expensive. I think I would write these islands and set a goal to visit as much as I can.
They are unique and I have heard more and more about them, but the distance is great.
Respectfully
Vasile
Glad you enjoyed your visit to the most beautiful Islands in the Philippines Vasile!
This is awesome!! The Phillipines and Brazil are 2 of my top main countries I would love to visit. the islands look so peaceful and tranquil, definately places I would love to explore.
I really didn’t think there were so many islands though, would be costly to visit them all but so so worth it for the life experience and the local life, seeing how people live in different countries has always fascinated me.
Many weird and wonderful ways to live.
Oh yes Ben. There are a ton of islands. Unless you have unlimited vacation time, several trips to the Philippines are in order.
These islands are a visual treat for me and more importantly, they preserve the natural flora and fauna. The underground rivers and small mountains of the Palawan archipelago, the chocolate hills of Bohol, the white sand beach of Boracay, and the Siquijor islands are on my favorite lists. The crystal clear water, coconut trees, different types of plants and trees, rare species of fish, and water bodies are made these islands a unique place on earth. I definitely consider visiting a couple of them.
Yes, makes for at least a few trips to the Philippines. Worth it too! Sounds like you have a few planned 🙂
Looking at your website, I see that you like to talk about Brazil and the Philippines mostly. Have you ever considered branching out and look at different beaches in the world or is Brazil and the Philippines your niche? I would like to know more about other beaches in the world.
I cover many countries, just happens that at the moment I am covering Brazil and the Philippines. If you click on Categories in the top right hand section of my blob, you will find many, many different locations 🙂
Holidays are fast approaching and men, it would be very lovely to go a journey, visiting such locations like the islands in Philippines. These islands are so beautiful and breath taking from a glance. Visiting all, though quite expensive, won’t be a bad idea and would definitely be worth it. I think I would pen these islands down and make a target towards visiting as much as I can.
Agree! The Philippines is a great vacation destination. So much for everyone. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
I never realized that there were so many islands in the Philippines and that they are so close to Australia. There look to be some beautiful islands from populated to vacant and tranquil. I think my pick would be Cebu as I like the idea of a fairly unpopulated island where I can enjoy island people and their simple life.
Sounds like a great choice! I like a little of both….some mingling with the crowds, and some peaceful time. You can certainly get both in the Philippines.
All of these islands have a lot to offer. However, the most fascinating seems to be Palawan, as it provides the opportunity to travel down an underground river. Siquijor also looks like a good choice, as it offers those scenic waterfalls. A more adventerous person might like Malapascua, as it offers the chance to swim with sharks.
I think you will find a little something for everyone in the Philippines. Personally I like Palawan as it has so much to offer, but then don’t they all? Thanks for visiting The Most Beautiful Islands in the Philippines guide.
Hi there,
Awesome travel article on the Philippine Islands. I have always wanted to travel to the Philippines. Your article brings the Philippines closer to me, especially since I have been planning a vacation there!
What a natural and beautiful place to visit. I am really looking forward to it. You have made my choice harder for which island to go to! Thank you!
You are very welcome. I will be adding additional information on each of the islands. So keep checking back 🙂
I have always wanted to go to the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. I believe that it was in Siargao where surfing got started in the Philippines. And from there, it got introduced to the rest of the country. Apart from surfing, Siargao is also open to other activities that I like, such as cave explorations and rock climbing.
Yes, I agree and Siargao is my first choice for the Philippines. If I could recommend any where, it would be there. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I haven’t yet traveled to the Philippines, but your post certainly makes me want to put it on my bucket list! Of all the beautiful islands and beaches you listed, I think I’d most like to visit Siargao because of the crystal clear waters and slower pace. I’m not into all the adventure sports that some of the other islands offer. Siargao looks like a peaceful place to relax and reflect.
I agree that Siargao is the best choice. I live on a crowded beach, so being able to go somewhere for a slower pace, Siargao fits the bill. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.