2024 Best Destinations to go Island-Hopping in the Philippines
Manila, Philippines – Home to some of the World’s best beaches, pristine sand, thriving marine life, and friendly locals – the Philippines is a favorite for many international tourists looking for the sun, sea, and surf. Of course, locals love Philippine beaches, too, as they’re lucky enough to visit some of these beauties as often as they wish. Here are some of the Philippines’ top island-hopping destinations.
Islas de Gigantes
The Gigantes Islands consist of about ten islands; the two largest are Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) and Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes). An emerging beach destination in the Visayas, Islas de Gigantes, has been on most local travelers’ bucket lists even in the early 2000s.
Thanks to more accommodation options and better roads leading to Carles, Iloilo, visiting this beach destination is now easier.
How to get there:
- From Iloilo, ride a bus bound to Carles via Ceres Bus Terminal, located in Tagbak.
- Now, if you’re in Boracay and want to take extended vacations in Carles, plenty of vans are bound to Roxas City.
- Another option is that before you reach the Roxas Airport, you may alight at Lawaan Ceres Transport Terminal and then take the bus going to Estancia and then alight at Balasan, where you can now ride a tricycle to Carles.
- Boats can be chartered from Bancal Port in Carles. Public ferries leave daily from Bancal Port to either Gigantes Norte or Gigantes Sur.
- Private boats can also be chartered to reach the islands. It takes approximately an hour from Bancal to Isla de Gigantes.
Also Read: Islas De Gigantes Travel Guide
Boracay
Boracay’s temporary closure might change your island hopping plans, but rest assured that the famous beach will soon return better than ever. Island hopping can range anywhere from Php600 to Php2000 per person, depending on the group size.
You’ll visit aptly named islands like Crystal Cove, Piknikan Island, Puka Beach, and Crocodile Island, which got its name because of its crocodile shape.
How to Get There:
- You can reach Boracay via land and sea (RORO) travel from Manila, taking around 12 hours.
- Fortunately, several airlines offer trips from Manila to Caticlan (Boracay) for reasonable rates.
Also Read: Boracay Travel Guide
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Puerto Princesa is home to the Underground River – one of the 7 Wonders of Nature recognized all over the globe. However, you can enjoy island hopping at Honda Bay without venturing far from the city.
Cowrie Island and the Luli or Lulubog Lilitaw Island are aptly named because they tend to disappear during high tide. There’s also Starfish Island, and you can ask the boatmen to take you to the reef where you can snorkel.
How to Get There:
- Direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa is available through all major airlines.
- Honda Bay itself is less than 30 minutes away from the main city.
Also Read: 5 Things to Do for First Time Puerto Princesa City Visitors
Coron, Palawan
There are several islands to visit in Coron, such as Calachuchi Island, Banul Beach, and Atwayan Beach. Island hopping activities include a trip to the Twin Lagoons, checking out the Japanese Shipwreck, and picnicking out in the open sea.
How to Get There:
- Coron is part of Palawan but is best reached if you fly directly from Manila instead of stopping in the Province’s capital.
- Flights are available but not daily. However, you can also choose to take a ferry to Coron Island, usually through 2Go.
- You can also take a ferry ride from El Nido, which may take 6-9 hours.
Also Read: The Ultimate List of Beautiful Beaches in Coron, Palawan
El Nido, Palawan
Matinloc Island, Vigan Island, Cadlao Island, and Seven Commandos Beach are only some of the places you can visit with an Island Hopping tour of El Nido.
The tour’s typical attractions include seeing the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, the Hidden Beach, and the Matinloc Shrine. Several packages are available, and each package takes you to a different set of islands.
How to Get There:
- You can reach El Nido via Puerto Princesa. Multiple trips are made every day via bus or van. Trips usually take 4-5 hours.
- Airswift also offers a direct flight from Manila to El Nido Palawan.
Also Read: El Nido Palawan Travel Guide
Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan
Comprised of around 123 islands believed to be million years of age, the Hundred Islands is a declared National Park. Unfortunately – you don’t get to visit all the islands, but the ones you do will look and feel like paradise.
Some islands to see include Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Children’s Island, and Marcos Island. Most of them have been kept clean and pristine to preserve the thriving marine life.
How to Get There:
Located in Alaminos, Pangasinan – the Hundred Islands can be reached from Manila via a bus or private vehicle. There are several trips done per day, with prices ranging from Php300 to Php500. The trip to Alaminos takes around 5 hours.
Also Read: Hundred Islands National Park Travel Guide
Siargao
Siargao is most popular today as a surfing destination, but it also offers excellent island hopping activities. There are 3 main islands to visit – Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island.
Each one has its own charm, and for as low as Php1,300 per person – you can visit all 3 in a day.
How to Get There:
This teardrop-shaped island is best reached through a direct flight from Cebu, Clark, or Manila. You can also fly to Surigao and just take the ferry to Siargao.
Also Read: Siargao Island Travel Guide
Bohol
The Bohol Islands are every bit as popular as the chocolate hills. There’s the Balicasag Island, Gak-ang Island, and the Isola De Francesco – all of which offer pristine white beaches under a sunny sky.
An island tour of Bohol is never complete without some much-needed dolphin watching and snorkeling through the clear seawater.
Some islands are wonderfully bereft of modern structures, while others have their mini-museums where you can explore before eating delicious Filipino meals.
How to Get There:
- You can fly to Bohol directly from Manila or from Cebu. You can also choose to take a ferry, which will take around 25 hours.
Also Read: Ultimate Travel Guide to Bohol
Caramoan Peninsula
Several islands are available for your exploration, starting with Busdak Island, which boasts fine-grain sand that’s a mixture of black and white. There’s also Matukad Island, which requires you to do a bit of steep climbing – but the view is all worth it.
You have Lahos Island, Minalahos Island, Honongan Cove, Cotivas Island, and more. Several Caramoan tour packages allow you to see different islands for each day of your stay, or you can rent your own boat and choose the Islands you want to visit.
How to Get There:
Getting to Caramoan usually means two trips. You take a flight from Manila to Naga, and you can catch a bus to Caramoan from Naga. While the cost of the airfare may vary, the bus ride is usually around Php250 to Php300.
Also Read: Caramoan Budget Travel Guide
Cebu
Most Cebu Islands are well developed, so you can expect civilization to happily welcome you each time you dock the boat. Some islands to visit in Mactan, Cebu are Nalusuan Island, Pescador Island, and Olango Island.
If you feel like communing with marine life, you can also check out Oslob, where you can actually swim with the whales and visit the beautiful sandbar on Sumilon Island.
How to Get There:
Cebu is just one plane ride away from Manila, the country’s capital. If you’re originating overseas, you can also get a direct flight to Cebu, although few planes land at Cebu’s International Airport.
Also Read: Cebu Island Travel Guide
Camiguin
Your Camiguin island hopping tour usually takes around 6 hours to complete and covers 6 stops – the White Island, the Mantigue Island, the Old Spanish Houses, the San Nicholas Church, the Mambajao Town, and the Pasalubong Shop.
Tours usually cost around Php1,500 to Php3,500 per head – depending on your group size.
How to Get There:
- Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer flights from Manila to the island of Camiguin.
- You can also get a plane ride from Manila to Cagayan De Oro, and from there, you have to take the bus to Balingoan for 2 hours and then the ferry to Camiguin, which should take another 2 hours. Aside from the airfare, the trip shouldn’t cost more than Php500.
Also Read: Camiguin Island Travel Guide
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro
Bulalacao, formerly known as San Pedro, is a 3rd class municipality in Oriental Mindoro.
With 11 islands and islets, Island hopping is definitely the most popular activity in Bulalacao. Also read our Bulalacao Travel Guide blog.
How to get there:
- The fastest way is to fly to San Jose in Occidental Mindoro (45min); from Mindoro Airport (San Jose Airport), you can ride a van to Bulalacao, which is about 1 hour travel time.
- If you prefer it by land, you can drive via Calapan (roughly 3-4 hours drive).
Also see: Exploring the Beautiful Beaches of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.
Once Islas, Zamboanga City
Once Islas is an eco-cultural tourism destination rich with majestic rock formations, fine white sand, and pristine blue waters. It comprises 11 islands along the Moro Gulf, supervised and protected by the Zamboanga Tourism Office and taken under the local community’s care.
The group of islands got its name from the combination of the Spanish words “once (eleven),” and “Islas (islands),” it opened to the public in July last year. It has since been frequented by foreign tourists and local backpackers for its natural infinity pool and beautiful spots scattered around its adjoining islets.
How to get there:
To get to Once Islas, take a northbound bus or private vehicle from Zamboanga City proper to Panubigan. The trip should take about an hour.
Also read: Once Islas Travel Guide.
Choose your next summer destination now and make the most of your Philippine vacation!
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