With an abundance of islands ripe for exploration, the Philippines is a vacationer's dream. Snorkel alongside giant sea turtles, discover secret lagoons, eat sea urchin fresh from the shell, hike a volcano — these are just a few of the things on offer at this Southeast Asian wonderland. However, picking where to spend your holiday can be quite tricky. And for those looking to branch out from the tourist haunts and discover some lesser-known islands, the research and planning can take its toll. That's a helluva lot of islands to Google, after all.
Well, to help you jet setters out, we've teamed up with Cebu Pacific Air and pulled together a list of stunning islands to visit on your next trip. Since the airline is offering budget flights from Sydney and Melbourne and then to 36 locations throughout the country, it's never been easier to get there and island hop around the Philippines.
CORON
Surrounded by iridescent turquoise waters, Coron Island is home to arguably the most picturesque surrounds in the Philippines. Located at the northernmost point of Palawan, visitors must fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport in order to access the remote island. From here, there is a range of ways you can immerse yourself in these crystal-clear waters — kayaking among limestone karsts, island hopping in a local banka boat, swimming in volcanic lagoons at Kayangan Lake or shipwreck diving. The latter is centred around the remains of sunken World War II Japanese battleships and is considered the best wreck diving in Southeast Asia. For those not certified to dive, snorkelling around the pristine Apo Reef is also impressive. Smaller islands to visit include Diatoy Island, Dimalanta Island and Malpagalen Island. And after a long day of exploring, relax back on land at the Maquinit hot springs, just a short tricycle ride north of town.
Closest airport: Francisco B. Reyes (AKA Coron)
SIARGAO
Siargao is synonymous with surfing in the Philippines. The island is accessible via a flight from Manila or Cebu and surfers travel the world 'round to catch the famous Cloud 9 wave. If you're not an expert, no problem; Siargao also caters to learners and Lanuza in Surigao del Sur is home to heaps of surf camps for beginners. So, even newbies can hang ten. But the allure of this island goes well beyond surfing. For day trips, check out the Magpupungko rock pools, which are exposed at low tide and allow you to cliff jump into clear waters. Closer to town is the Tayangban Cave pools, in which you can swim through a dark cavern aided only by torchlight, before emerging into a peaceful lagoon. Nearby island hopping destinations include Daku and Guyam islands — the latter of which is home to the white sand 'secret beach', another much-loved surf spot. And the island's nightly parties don't hurt its appeal, either.
Closest airport: Sayak (AKA Siargao)
El NIDO, PALAWAN
The island of Palawan is home to some truly stunning sites, and you can drive from the northern tip to the southern tip in around ten hours. But there's so much to see and do, that you could spend weeks here and still have more to explore. If you're coming for a short visit, we recommenced choosing one region to focus on and El Nido is an ideal place to start. Situated at the northern end of Palawan Island (just south of Coron Island), the region includes a cluster of islands just off the coast that makes it ideal for island hopping. Expect dramatic rock formations, 'secret' lagoons and that breathtaking azure water Palawan is known for. For larger-than-life limestone, head to Secret Beach on Matinloc Island, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs and hidden from the outside. Divers can choose from more than 30 dive sites, including The Dilumacad in Helicopter Island — a 12-metre deep, 40-metre long tunnel that's filled with rare tropical fish and other sea life. And hikers can explore Taraw Peak or the Mantinloc Shrine and find some incredible vistas.
Closest airport: Puerto Princesa with Cebu transfer to El Nido
SAMAL ISLANDS, DAVAO
For the extreme-sport fanatics, Samal offers heaps of options, including windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and ATV rental. It's also relatively easy to access, with Samal and its smaller sister island Talikud, just a short boat ride from Davao City, which you can easily reach by flight from Cebu. Along with adrenaline-charged activities, Samal is home to many experiences not found on other Filipino islands. Take a deep plunge into the Hagimit Falls or go caving in the intricate Balete, Mangongawong or Baga cave systems. A swim around the Vanishing Island in Barangay Tambo is another must — but plan carefully, the island disappears during high tide. Requisite water experiences like kayaking, boat rides and snorkelling are on offer, too. Plus conservation diving within the 150-hectares of the Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park offers a chance to see some rare species in a protected habitat. And, if land animals are more your thing, you can hang out with more than two million bats living inside the Monfort Bats Conservation Park. It's Batman's secret lair, we're sure of it.
Closest airport: Francisco Bangoy International (AKA Davao International)
MASBATE
Tourism has yet to truly take off in Masbate, which makes it all the more appealing. It's the kind of place you don't want to share for fear of it changing. The province consists of three major islands, along with Ticao (extreme solitude) and Burias, and their combined beaches redefine the term 'pristine'. Port Vega Beach is considered a rival to Bantaya's Sugar Beach, and its remoteness is definitely a plus. The island has no end to its exotic beaches, perfect for relaxing with a tipple in hand. If you're keen for an adventure, the 18-metre-high Catandayagan Falls and its pools and caves offer hours of fun. Or take a boat ride to Halea National Park, where you'll spend the night at either the island's only resort or camping on the beach. Wake up to entrancing green-blue waters and snorkel among the brightly coloured fish, then wander around the nature preserve to see the breathtaking tropical flora.
Closest airport: Moises R. Espinosa (AKA Masbate)
CARAMOAN ISLANDS
The remote Caramoan Islands are located 3.5 hours northeast from the tiny Naga Airport — accessible from Manila — in the province of Camarines Sur. The island is considered a 'secret paradise' as it's relatively new to tourism — sounds like our kind of place. It's home to a 4000-hectare limestone forest rich in natural diversity and perfect for those who love to get among nature. Land adventures include limestone rock climbing and cave exploration. Meanwhile, water sports like kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving allow you to explore the lagoons, reefs, waterfalls and smaller islands (including Guinahoan Island and Matukad Island, which, according to locals, are home to an enchanted lagoon). But, honestly, a relaxing day on the beach is just as attractive an option here.
Closest airport: Naga
BANTAYAN, CEBU
Though Cebu City was once considered a beach town, it's now a built-up metropolis that rivals Manila. So, in order to see the true wonders of the Cebuana region, you have to venture outside of the main island and onto the smaller ones that surround. One such island is Bantayan, which is easily accessed from Cebu City. Compared with crowded Cebu, the beaches around Bantayan are secluded and pristine — especially Paradise Beach in Santa Fe, though Sugar Beach, Alice Beach and Maricaban Beach each have their own appeal. Inland, check out Madrilejos' Kota Park — this Spanish fort was built in the 1790s and has since been reclaimed by nature. Once you've finished exploring the site, head to Kota Beach where you can walk along a sandbar deep into the sea. Go farther afoot, and check out the Obo-ob Mangrove forest. To catch all the sites, bicycle rentals are available for around 200 pesos per day (roughly $5). For even more island hopping, Silion Island and Hilantagaan Island are close by, with a half-day tour costing around 700 pesos (about $20).
Closest airport: Mactan-Cebu International
MALAPASCUA
North of Cebu, Malapascua Island is a haven for divers thanks to its marine sanctuary — and well worth the trek to get there, which can involve taxis, buses, boats and your own two feet. Its most famous dive site, known the world over, is Monad Shoal, which allows divers to swim with sharks at sunrise. (Let's hope they're like Bruce from Finding Nemo and not Jaws.) Day or overnight trips to Kalanggaman Island offer more sights for snorkelling and diving, but a trip to Malapascua shouldn't be limited to diving. Motorcycle tours or rentals around the main island cost around 700 pesos per day (about $20) and are a great way to see all that the island has to offer. Rides will take you past Lapus Lapus and Langub white sand beaches, Los Bamboos for cliff jumping and rock formations and the lighthouse for unbeatable sunsets. Afterwards, relax back on Bounty Beach where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and nighttime activities to get stuck into.
Closest airport: Mactan-Cebu International
BOHOL
Bohol offers the ideal combination of jungle and beach holiday for those who love a bit of both. Catch a flight to the new Bohol-Panglao Airport, and head to Panglao Island's main beach, Alona. (It's considered a mini-Boracay, only much cleaner and less crowded.) From here, you are afforded a throng of exploration options, with diving, snorkelling and island hopping easy to organise with your accommodation or with local tour guides along the beach. Make sure to visit Balicasag Island — where you can snorkel with large sea turtles — and eat freshly shucked sea urchin in the Virgin Islands. Inland, trekkers can rent ATVs and explore the Chocolate Hills — mysterious, chocolate-coloured hills. Afterwards, take a cruise through the emerald-green Loboc River or opt for an adrenaline rush with a 200-metre-high, 480-metre-long zipline. You can even do all three activities on one day trip from Alona. You'll be back at your beach-side accommodation just in time to enjoy live music and cocktails as the sun sets.
Closest airport: Bohol-Panglao (AKA New Bohol International)
Ready for an adventure to the Philippines? Book with Cebu Pacific Air for affordable international flights from Melbourne and Sydney.