First-timer's guide to the best islands in the Philippines - International Travel

Feb 04, 2026

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The ultimate guide to which islands to visit in the Philippines is all about helping you build your own itinerary based around the experiences that most appeal. An archipelago of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, emerald-green jungles, rich culture and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, surfer, gourmand, luxury traveller or family looking for rest and relaxation, these are the islands in the Philippines we’d recommend to suit a range of budgets.

Boracay Island

Best for: First-time visitors to the Philippines and kite surfers keen to progress.
What to expect: When the tide rolls in at White Beach, the ocean gathers itself in folds of blue-green material. First up, it’s obligatory to follow in the footsteps of the Instagrammers before you, walking slowly at the water’s edge, looking wistfully at the camera. Avoid the crowds by walking north to Diniwid Beach, sail on a traditional paraw outrigger at dusk, drift-dive the walls off Yapak, and harness the wind at Bulabog Beach, a hub for the international kitesurfing crowd.
Where to eat and drink: Nalka Seafood Restaurant for grilled mahi mahi; Jammers Beach Shack for jerk chicken; and La-Ud for Filipino comfort food.
Where to stay: Aissatou Beach Resort, which doubles as a kitesurfing centre; Discovery Boracay, which has 90 suites; and Nigi Nigi Nu Noos near to White Beach.

Siquijor Island

Best for: Snorkellers, nature lovers and mystics.
What to expect: The small island of Siquijor looks like an AI hallucination under the midday sun. Its blue-green waters are iridescent, and the emerald colours of the jungle are as concentrated as ink. White-sand beaches fringe the island, waterfalls spill into improbably blue pools, and the day’s pace is set at scooter speed. Swim at Cambugahay Falls, snorkel the coral-rich Tulapos Marine Sanctuary, or cliff-jump at Salagdoong Beach. Between swims, visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree where you can bathe your feet in a small pond at its base and let the fish nibble off your barnacles.
Where to eat and drink: Baha Ba’r for tapas and sunset cocktails; Luca Loko for breakfast plates built around longganisa (sausages), tocino (pork belly) and garlic rice.
Where to stay: Coco Grove Beach Resort for comfort, Mandala Tribe Treehouses for Castaway-chic energy.

Culion Island

Best for: Divers, history buffs and travellers keen to get off the grid.
What to expect: Once the world’s largest leper colony, Culion is now one of Palawan’s quiet achievers. Its isolation has preserved its pristine reefs, jungle-backed beaches and deeply moving history. Snorkel Lusong Coral Garden, kayak limestone coves, and explore the Culion Museum & Archives and Spanish-era fort overlooking the bay. This is Palawan without the polish, which makes up much of the island’s appeal. Culion is one of the largest islands in the Calamianes chain.
Where to eat and drink: Hotel Maya Resto Bar for fried danggit served the traditional way with garlic rice and vinegar dipping sauce; Mangrove Bar & Grill for Filipino comfort food like pork sisig.
Where to stay: Budget travellers should book rustic guesthouse Safari Lodge, while those who want to step it up a notch should stay at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, inspired by the over-water villas in the Maldives.

Camiguin Island

Best for: Nature lovers, hot-spring hoppers and adventurers who appreciate slow travel.
What to expect: From above, Camiguin Island looks like it’s wrapped in a jade green blanket. First item on your agenda must be a swim at Katisbawasan Falls, which plunges 70 metres over dark volcanic rock into a fern-fringed pool. You can also swim off Agoho Beach, Camiguin’s signature black-sand strip, or snorkel at a clam sanctuary off Mantigue Island. Visit the Sunken Cemetery, which earthquakes pulled under the sea, and swim in the Soda Water Pool.
Where to eat and drink: La Dolce Vita is hidden in plain sight opposite the Camiguin Airport. It’s run by Alessandro Cucchi who fuses Italian traditions with Pinoy (Filipino) flavours; Daos Plant-Based Kitchen is a compelling option for vegetarians and vegans.
Where to stay: Balai sa Baibai is a favourite with the boho barefoot-chic brigade for its pool facing the Bohol Sea which mirrors the sky and surrounding canopy of trees; Bintana Sa Paraiso has two fab accommodation options – one in Binunsaran, in the mountains, another in Naasag by the Bohol Sea.

Siargo Island

Best for: Surfers, divers and sociable travellers interested in island life
What to expect: Surfers looking to add another wave to their checklist should consider a Tropicsurf safari to the legendary Cloud Nine or one of Siargao’s more out-of-the-way breaks. And while surfing Siargao is what has put the island on the map, there’s also stand-up paddleboarding, lagoons for snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and interesting dive sites. Dive Blue Cathedral, join freediving clinics, paddle lagoons, or book one of the Philippines’ few deep-sea fishing trips.
Where to eat and drink: Mama’s Grill is a low-key BBQ shack that sells skewered pork chops, chicken and beef with rice and chilli on the side. For a change of pace, Miguel’s Taqueria is known for its well-executed Tex Mex.
Where to stay: Kalinaw Resort has just six premium villas and is all about understated luxury; Book Bubble Siargao if you’re planning to propose in the Philippines; Nay Palad Hideaway to get away from it all.

Negros Island

Best for: Foodie travellers curious about local produce and provenance and wildlife-loving families.
What to expect: Negros Island, specifically Negros Occidental, is known as the organic capital of the Philippines. And the Department of Tourism is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the unique food culture of the island following its launch as the country’s first Slow Food Destination. Base yourself around Bacolod, then venture inland and along the coast to meet farmers, fishers and cooks preserving Negrense food traditions through cacao, coffee, seafood and heirloom crops.
Where to eat and drink: Visit Coffee Culture Roastery for specialty Filipino coffee and cupping sessions; Enting’s Special of Sagay for kinilaw (raw seafood); and Lanai by Fresh Start for Slow Food-led farm-to-table dining.
Where to stay: Manami Resort for relaxed beachfront vibes; Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary for nature lovers and families.

Getting there

From Manila, travellers flying on Cebu Pacific can connect to 27 domestic destinations, including Palawan, Siargao, Davao, and Iloilo, making it easy to explore the best of the Philippines. Cebu Pacific operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.