Philippine Islands: A Guide to Island Hopping’s Great Destinations

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You could find that going on vacation is one of the most calming things you can do, particularly if you want to get away from the hectic pace of city life for a while and put yourself in something fresh.

This country is often regarded as one of the top destinations in the world for individuals who have a passion for both nature lovers and spending time outdoors. In point of fact, the Philippines is home to a wealth of natural wonders that serve as attractions for visitors. Island-hopping tour are one of the best things you can do in the Philippines to see as many of these famous islands in the Philippines, including the greatest-hidden beach in the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is one of the best places in the world to go island hopping. Check out this guide to the top islands in the Philippines and learn why you absolutely cannot miss out on going to any of them if you are planning a vacation to the Philippines in the near future.

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Boracay, Aklan

The beach in the Philippine Island of Boracay is widely considered to be the nicest beach in the world. There is a good reason why this island is considered to be the most well-known in the Philippines. In spite of its notoriety, it is unquestionably well of a visit thanks to the powdery-white sand beaches, clear oceans, and vibrant sunsets. Boracay, in contrast to some of the more remote and undeveloped islands, offers a wide variety of exceptional lodging options, from little hideaways to luxurious resorts run by companies such as Shangri-La.

Visit one of the island’s less-hyped beaches for an experience away from the crowds if you find that the most popular beach, White sandy Beaches, can be a little too crowded for your liking. Kite surfers in Boracay have a soft spot in their hearts for Bolabog Beach, which is located on the island’s more secluded side of the coast.

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Coron, Palawan

The island of Coron features picture-perfect white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and marine life-teeming lagoons. It is said that Kayangan Lake is one of the bodies of water in the Philippines that has the purest water, making it one of the most attractive natural sights here.

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El Nido, Palawan

One of the most biologically varied archipelagos in the Philippines is called El Nido, and it is made up of 45 islands. The environment, which is characterized by limestone formations and lagoons of an aquamarine color, is as similar as possible to what is in mind when one thinks of images of the Philippines.

El Nido Resorts, featuring three outstanding hotels in Miniloc Island, Lagen, and Pangalusian Islands, is the best choice for a truly superb stay. Charter private “bangkas,” or a wooden boats, to visit El Nido’s many expected sites, including the picturesque Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and Snake Island.

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Miniloc Island

Get ready for some more awe-inspiring landscape that looks like it was plucked straight from the beginning of the Jurassic Park movie. Miniloc Island is not to be missed on your vacation to El Nido, just like Matinloc Island is not to be missed. However, while Matinloc Island is famous for its secluded beaches, Miniloc Island is famous for its gorgeous turquoise lagoons: the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, and the Secret Lagoon.

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Siargao, Surigao del Norte

The previously peaceful surf town of Siargao has gained in popularity over the past several years, and in 2019, readers of Condé Nast Traveller voted it the best island in the world. Siargao is known as the “surf capital of the Philippines” because to its gigantic barrel-shaped waves; nevertheless, the island also offers a wide variety of activities for visitors who do not wish to ride the waves. This island is in the shape of a tear, and it is filled with hidden lagoons, enchanted rock pools, enormous national parks, and protected dive locations.

Siargao is home to a number of pristine islets, including Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island, all of which can be visited. Guyam Island is a little tropical atoll covered by a handful of palm trees that can be crossed in fifty steps, whereas Naked Island is a wholly uninhabited sand bar that disappears with the tide. On the other side, we enjoy Daku Island the most due to the small number of excellent seafood restaurants that are owned and operated by locals.

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Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Calaguas is a set of deserted islands that are conveniently located within driving distance of the country’s capital, Metro Manila. These islands are the ideal destination for travelers in search of a more authentic island experience. The most visited lagoon is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long sand.”

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Pamalican Island, Palawan

Amanpulo undoubtedly lives up to its flawless reputation as one of the Philippines’ most luxury private best islands, and it has earned that reputation for good reason. It is located on the stunning Pamalican Island, which is part of the Cuyo Archipelago in Northern Palawan, and it provides the pinnacle of sophisticated tropical life. Guests have the option of staying in one of two types of accommodations during their time on the island: the Casitas, which are built on the island’s lush forest canopies, or the Villas, which each contain their own private beachfront.

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Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Puerto Princesa, another location on the best islands of Palawan, is an important habitat for a significant portion of the native flora and wildlife of the Philippines. The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Subterranean River Natural Park is a mystical location that, despite its frightening atmosphere, is an absolute must-see for any traveler. You can take a boat excursion through these immense, cavernous limestone tunnels and penetrate the dark, echoing interiors of the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Both of these experiences are available here.

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Sorsogon, Bicol

Sorsogon is, in many respects, the ideal area in the Philippines to learn about the Philippines’ robust fauna, which is among the most diverse and abundant in the Philippines. It is the ideal activity for vacationers in the Philippines who are looking to spice up their trip with some excitement. You may trek the Bulusan Volcano National Park, sail down the Donsol River, or go swimming with whale sharks and manta rays here.

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Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is serene and picturesque, flat and arable, and lacks the somber mountains that are found on the mainland of Cebu. The island is located just off the northwest coast of Cebu. Although it is a wonderful place to explore, scuba divers will be let down to see that there is very little coral left along the shore. The majority of the island’s resorts and beaches may be found in the area around the charming town of Santa Fe, which is located on the southeast coast and is where the boats from the main best islands of Cebu arrive.

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Panglao Island

The Panglao Island is a scuba diver’s dream destination, including a number of most beautiful islands, a hospitable tiny city, and an antique church that was built in Spain. Bikini Beach, San Isidro Beach, and Libaong Beach are three of the most secluded and unspoilt stretches of white sand along the east coast. If you are looking for a spot to unwind and get away from it all, these beaches are your best bet.

The reef near the western end of Panglao is in good shape, with robust corals, a profusion of reef fish, and perpendicular underwater cliffs that plummet to a depth of 50 meters. This reef may be reached by banca from Alona Beach in just a few minutes.

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Malapascua Island

Bounty Beach is a blindingly white strip of sand on the island of Malapascua’s south coast where a dozen basic resorts have sprouted up offering a reasonable variety of lodging. This beach is partly responsible for the Malapascua Island being billed as the next Boracay. Malapascua is located eight kilometers off the northern tip of Cebu.

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Bohol

Bohol, which is located in the Philippines and is a part of the Visayas archipelago, is a veritable natural paradise that features numerous national parks, breathtaking beaches, and plunging waterfalls. The well-known Chocolate Hills, which consist of over a thousand rounded hills that turn a chocolate brown color during the dry season, draw a large number of tourists every year. The opportunity to observe tarsiers is the most exciting experience with wild animals that you can have on the island of Bohol. These diminutive creatures with eyes shaped like saucers are the tiniest primates.

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Olango Island

Olango Island, which is located five kilometers to the east of Mactan Island, is home to the greatest number of migrating birds that can be found anywhere in the country. Around 77 different species of birds, including as egrets, sandpipers, terns, and black-bellied plovers, make a pit stop on the island on their annual migration from their breeding sites in Siberia, northern China, and Japan to breeding grounds in Australia and New Zealand.

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Guimaras Island

The little island province of Guimaras may be found in the middle of the Philippine archipelago, between the larger islands of Panay and Negros. This region is famous across the country for the sweetness and juiciness of its mangoes. Guimaras is a tranquil island with few troubles, where the residents make their living primarily from agriculture and treat visitors with a mix of friendliness and curiosity. The island is cut off from the Panay mainland by the thinnest slice of the ocean.

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Palaui Island

The majority of tourists visit the Philippines in the hopes of discovering a paradise that gives them the impression that they are the first people to ever set foot there. Palaui Island exemplifies this ideal. On Palaui Island, one gets the impression that this is the case. You can find desolate beaches, creepy tunnels, waterfalls with crystal clear water, vast fields of rice, and some of the purest air you’ve ever inhaled.

You’ll see bright green grass sitting flat on steep cliffs overlooking the ocean, as if Scotland had a kid with South East Asia. This landscape looks like it was conceived in South East Asia. The landscape in this region is quite large and diverse.

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  1. Batan Island

Step away from the sand and the swimsuits and head out to the countryside for a change of scenery. This volcanic island in the shape of a dumbbell is covered in a vast landscape consisting of farming plots, rice fields, and woodlands. These features are all perfectly divided from one another by natural fences that create a quilt-like design.

You’ll find out that it’s a completely different world out here thanks to the honesty system at the Honesty Coffee Shop. You are free to pick up your delicacies whenever you want because there are no store workers, and you just need to make sure that you leave the correct amount of money when you check out. In spite of the fact that there are an infinite number of Pristine Beaches condition around the nation, there is nothing quite like the beautiful rolling landscapes that can be seen in Batanes.

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  1. Sibuyan Island

The uninhabited Sibuyan Island is the most eastern of the Romblon group and is dominated by the jagged saw-like mass of Mount Guiting Guiting, which is an outstanding sight. This island is the most remote of the Romblon group and contains everything an adventure traveler could ever want. The island of Sibuyan is well-known for its stunning shoreline, densely forested interior, and imposing mountain peaks.

An island with a beautiful sandbar and a beach with excellent white sand, Cresta de Gallo Island was given its name because of its shape, which was said to resemble a rooster’s comb. There are no constructions or establishments of a commercial nature. Nothing but an unadulterated tropical island paradise.

Written By Hlyn T. Fernandez

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