Insider Tips

The Philippines officially consists of 7,641 islands, around 1000 of which are inhabited. Countless islands with fantastic beaches, mountains or rivers are not at all developed for tourism. Here are a few places you might like.

If you are already somewhat familiar with the Philippines and have visited typical destinations like Boracay, El Nido, or Bohol, there are many lesser-known highlights to explore:

• Balabac – Balabac is an island and municipality in the province of Palawan, featuring turquoise waters, secluded sandbars, and very few tourists. Onuk Island is particularly renowned.
• Sibuyan Island – Located in the province of Romblon in the central Philippines, Sibuyan is considered a "green pearl" in the middle of the Sibuyan Sea; the entire island is a protected nature reserve. Often called the "Galápagos of Asia," it boasts pristine rainforests, waterfalls, and the challenging Mount Guiting-Guiting.
• Cresta de Gallo – A tiny, dreamlike island with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. Cresta de Gallo is a small, unspoiled island in the province of Romblon, famous for its dazzling white sand beach, stunning sandbars, and crystal-clear, azure waters. Uninhabited and preserved in its natural state, it is a remote paradise far removed from mass tourism.
• Calaguas Islands – Dream beaches free of large resorts, making them ideal for camping. The Calaguas Group is an archipelago in the Philippines situated north of the Bicol Peninsula. The two main islands are Guintinua and Tinaga; other notable islands include Balagbag, Bedey, Sugod, Comalasag, Ingalan, Bantiqua, Pinagcastillohan, Puacuapan, and Maculabo. The barangays of Banocboc, Pinagtigasan, and Mangcawayan are located on the two main islands.
• Camiguin – A volcanic island featuring hot springs, waterfalls, dive sites, and the White Island sandbar. Camiguin is an island and an island province in the southern Philippines, located in the Bohol Sea (also known as the Mindanao Sea). It is the second-smallest province in the Philippines—after Batanes—and is divided into five municipalities.

More tips:

• Lake Holon – A crater lake set amidst a spectacular mountain landscape.
• Port Barton – A quiet alternative to El Nido, offering great island-hopping tours.
• Dinagat Islands – A rarely visited island group featuring dramatic rock formations.
• Jomalig Island – Golden sand beaches and an authentic island lifestyle.
• Biri Island – Massive rock formations sculpted by the sea.