Best islands in the Philippines and when to visit

With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines offers visitors a vast range of options to explore. A well-known destination will tend to be crowded during peak season but will also offer the attractions, convenience and infrastructure to make for a smooth vacation. Equally, sites located off the beaten path can be less busy but may also be challenging to reach or have fewer modern amenities.

The following destinations are a mix of famous hotspots and underrated hideaways offering excellent value. Want to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, lounge on white sand beaches, enjoy the nightlife, or go diving and surfing? Check out these islands the next time you visit the Philippines.

1. El Nido, Palawan

Best time to visit: November to May

Located on the northernmost tip of Palawan, El Nido is the obvious choice for those who want an ideal island vacation. Beachfront hotels, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, look out onto fine white sand beaches and towering limestone cliffs. Private and group tours take you to several islets where you can swim and snorkel, and to the big and small lagoons where you can kayak or swim surrounded by rocky limestone formations. In the evenings, El Nido comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous restaurants and beach bars within easy access of most hotels. 

2. Camiguin Island

Best time to visit: January to May

Known as the Island Born of Fire due to its (mostly inactive) volcanoes, Camiguin Island lies north of mainland Mindanao. If you want the road less travelled, this is where you go. Divers love White Island and Mantigue for their rich marine life and beautiful coral gardens, while hikers enjoy the three-to-five-hour ascent of Mount Hibok-Hibok, which takes you through tropical forests and over rocky volcanic trails. For a more relaxed itinerary, immerse yourself in Ardent Hot Spring or get refreshed in the mineral-rich water of Santo Niño Cold Spring. The best cultural experience is the annual Lanzones Festival in October, when locals celebrate the harvest with street dancing and trade fairs. As the sun sets, head to UNWND Hotel to unwind with a drink.

3. Siquijor Island

Best time to visit: February to May

Take a stroll around Siquijor at night and you’ll find skies illuminated with fireflies. This beautiful display of nature has earned the island its nickname, the Island of Fire, yet it’s one of the most underrated island destinations in the Philippines. It’s a place associated with mystic traditions, dark magic and love potions. However, there’s more to Siquijor than its magical lore. Visitors can explore white sand beaches, stalactite caves and marine sanctuaries rich in colourful coral systems. Rent a scooter to explore the island, jump off a cliff up to 10 metres high at Salagdoong Beach or swing on a rope into the clear waters underneath Cambugahay and Lugnason waterfalls. For beach parties and live bands, head to JJ’s Backpackers Village in San Juan.

4. Malapascua Island, Cebu

Best time to visit: March to June

Like Palawan, the island province of Cebu has a lot to offer. Off the northernmost tip of mainland Cebu, however, you’ll find Malapascua, a tiny island known for world-class scuba diving. Divers from around the world flock to the island to see thresher and tiger sharks at Monad and Kimud Shoals, while non-divers can enjoy snorkelling or strolling on fine white sand beaches lined with palm trees. 

A nearby day trip from Malapascua is Kalanggaman Island, best known for its long sandbar stretching into blue-green waters and a small hill you can hike up for the best view of the island. The focus is less on nightlife on Malapascua, but there are still plenty of great restaurants for an evening drink. 

5. Siargao Island

Best time to visit: April to July for most tourists; September to November for surfers

This emerging tourist destination is located in the northeastern part of Mindanao. While best known for surfing, Siargao has a lot more to offer besides. Day tours can take you to small islands where you can walk, swim, snorkel, and enjoy lunch. Rent a scooter to check out Taktak Falls or Magpupungko Rock Formation, where you can swim in a deep natural pool bounded by a large reef which you can walk upon during low tide. 

Go on a day trip to Sohoton Cove National Park, where you can check out lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. If visiting from March to June, you might even be able to swim with stingless jellyfish at the Tojoman Lagoon Jellyfish Sanctuary. Recommended nightlife spots on Siargao include Siargao Beach Club, El Lobo or Harana in the town of General Luna – check social media to find out where the party’s at. 

Island outlines

• El Nido: A great all-round beach holiday destination with everything you could want close at hand.
• Camiguin: Take a walk (or a dive) on the wild side in breathtaking volcanic scenery.
• Siquijor: A place of magic and mystery, full of fireflies, love potions, caves and coral.
• Malapascua: Dive into an ocean paradise, full of exotic sea creatures.
• Siargao: This is the ideal place to swim, surf and party till the sun comes up.