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10 Philippines Islands Overview: Map, Price
| Name | Highlights | Average Price (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| El Nido Island | dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches | $80–150 (boutique hotels, guided island hopping, better dining) |
| Boracay Island | powdery white sand, vibrant nightlife, crystal-clear waters | $100–180 (3–4 star hotels, beach activities, mid-range dining) |
| Coron Island | haven for wreck diving, turquoise lagoons, karst landscapes | $80–130 (comfortable hotels, guided tours, mix of local and Western food) |
| Bohol Island | iconic Chocolate Hills, adorable tarsiers, stunning island hopping | $80–130 (comfortable hotels, private tours, mix of local and Western food) |
| Cebu Island | mix of history, adventure, natural beauty, whale shark encounters, stunning waterfalls | $80–140 (boutique hotels, guided tours, nice restaurants) |
| Siquijor Island | mystical island of enchanting beaches, waterfalls, a rich tradition of folk healing | $70–120 (comfortable hotels, guided tours, mix of local and Western food) |
| Mactan Island | gateway to Cebu, rich in history, luxury resorts, and world-class diving spots. | $80–150 (3–4 star resorts, guided tours, nice restaurants) |
| Siargao Island | surfing paradise with laid-back vibes, island-hopping, stunning lagoons | $80–140 (nice resorts, surf lessons, guided tours) |
| Mamapascua Island | diver’s paradise, thresher shark encounters, pristine white-sand beaches | $80–120 (comfortable hotels, guided diving/snorkeling) |
| Camiguin Island | "Island Born of Fire," known for volcanoes, hot springs, and breathtaking white sandbars. | $70–120 (comfortable hotels, private tours, mix of local and Western food) |
#1. El Nido Island - Towering Limestone Cliffs with Hidden Lagoons & Secret Beaches
El Nido is all about island-hopping. If you’re not up for boat tours, you’ll miss the best parts. It is a paradise that feels almost unreal.
Come here and you’ll meet: 1) hidden lagoons shimmer in emerald green and Tiffany blue hues, 2) secret beaches tucked behind limestone cliffs you can only reach by boat, and 3) an endless stretch of jaw-dropping seascapes with crazy-clear waters.
How to Explore? Island Hopping Tours
The best way to experience El Nido is through its island-hopping tours. There are four well-planned routes: A, B, C, and D.
- Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach
- Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island
- Tour B: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave
- Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, Bukal Island
Tour A and Tour C are definitely the top highlights that everyone will try unless you don’t have a reservation.
What to Do in El Nido? Top 13 El Nido Things to Do (2025)
El Nido Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November to May (dry season with calm seas)
How Many Days to Stay?: 3-5 days is ideal to fully enjoy island hopping, beaches, and inland attractions.
How to Get to El Nido? Fly direct to El Nido or fly to Puerto Princesa followed by a 5-hour drive.
#2. Coron Island - Jade-Green Lagoons & Wreks for Diving
Like El Nido, Coron Island is also about island hopping (not all)! Similar limestone cliffs, similar blue-green lagoons! What’s the difference? Wrecks and diving! Coron has more about history, adventure, and land activities! Otherwise, the color of lagoons is more jade-green, and the nature is more pristine.
Best Routes to Explore Coron’s Diversity
1) Super Ultimate Tour (Perfect for first-timers)
Kayangan Lake (insanely clear water) - Barracuda Lake (mix of freshwater & saltwater) - Twin Lagoon (hidden wonder) - Skeleton Wreck (snorkel over a sunken WWII ship) - CYC Beach (chill spot).
2) Reefs & Wrecks Tour (Best for divers & snorkelers)
Pass Island - Lusong GunBoat - Lusong Coral Garden - East Tangat Wreck (WWII shipwreck diving heaven).
3) Island Escape Tour (For beach lovers)
Malcapuya Beach - Banana Beach - Ditaytayan Beach (soft sand, clear waters, pure island bliss).
4) Coron Town Tour (Land-based chill spots)
Tapyas Summit (best sunset view) - Maquinit Hot Spring (natural hot spring by the sea).
5) Calauit Safari Tour (Wildlife & remote island adventure)
Calauit Safari Park (yes, there are giraffes!) - Black Island (mystic caves & white sand).
10 Best Things to Do in Coron: Places to Visit & Travel Tips
Coron Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit? November-May (dry season, best visibility for diving).
How Long to Stay? 3-5 days to enjoy island hopping and diving.
How to Get There? Fly to Busuanga Airport, then take a van to Coron Town.
#3. Boracay Island - White Beach Vacation
Boracay is all about Beaches and Water adventures! Not a Water Person? No worries. Just sink into a beach chair, grab a fresh mango shake, and soak up the island life.
Why Boracay Allure Me?
1) White Beach (Top-Tier Sand Goals) - 4 kilometers of powder-fine, sugar-white sand that feels like walking on clouds. This beach is so perfect it could be a screensaver.
2) Water, Water Everywhere - Snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, you name it. Want to walk on the ocean floor? Try helmet diving.
3) Beachfront Resorts & Bars Everywhere - From luxury resorts to cozy beachfront cafes, there’s always a perfect spot to chill. Oh, and the nightlife? Insanely good.
4) Sunset Paraw Sailing - Imagine gliding over golden waters on a local sailboat (paraw). It’s peak tropical vibes.
5) Island Hopping - Discover Puka Beach (shell paradise), Crocodile Island (awesome snorkeling), and Magic Island (for cliff diving daredevils).
Boracay Travel Tips
Best Time to Go? November-May (dry season = perfect vibes).
Stay for? 3-4 days for max fun.
Getting There? Fly to Caticlan (easy) or Kalibo (cheaper but needs a 2-hour transfer), then hop on a boat.
#4. Bohol Island - Chocolate Hills & Balicasag
Unlike the first three islands, Bohol is the perfect mix of island hopping and unique land adventures. More affordable, more suitable for families with children! Stunning beaches? world-class coral reefs? Yes, Bohol has! What’s more? Lush countryside filled with unique sights (hello, Chocolate Hills and tiny tarsiers!).
Bohol Highlights: Countryside Tour & Balicasag Tour
Countryside Tour (Bohol’s land adventure)
- Napaling Reef in Panglao Island - Wonderful Sardines Run without boat ride.
- Chocolate Hills - Iconic, rolling hills that turn brown in dry season.
- Tarsier Sanctuary - Meet the world’s tiniest, cutest primates.
- Loboc River Cruise - Relaxing lunch cruise through jungle scenery.
- Man-Made Forest - A dreamy, Instagram-worthy stretch of mahogany trees.
Island Hopping to Balicasag (For the ocean lovers)
- Balicasag Island - Top-notch snorkeling & diving, with sea turtles and vibrant coral gardens. Chance to see dolphines.
- Virgin Island - A stunning sandbar in the middle of the sea—pure paradise. (closed for now)
Activities in Bohol: 13 Things to Do & Places to Visit
Bohol Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November-May (dry season, perfect for sightseeing and diving).
How Long to Stay: 3-4 days for a mix of land and sea adventures.
How to Get There: Fly to Panglao International Airport or take a ferry from Cebu.
#5. Cebu Island - Moalboal Sardines Run & Oslob Whale Shark
Cebu is the ultimate mix of city, culture, and crazy marine experiences. Known as the “Queen City of the South”, it’s the gateway to Bohol and Visayas. Whether you're here for history, waterfalls, or once-in-a-lifetime underwater encounters, Cebu’s got it all.
Cebu City & Island Adventure
1) Cebu City Tour (For layover tours)
Magellan’s Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño - A peek into Cebu’s Spanish past.
Fort San Pedro - The oldest fort in the Philippines.
2) Moalboal Tour (For snorkelers & waterfall chasers)
Sardine Run - Swim with millions of sardines (it’s like an underwater tornado!).
Pescador Island - Amazing snorkeling & coral reefs.
Kawasan Falls - One of the most beautiful blue waterfalls in the Philippines.
3) Oslob Tour (For the ultimate whale shark experience)
Whale Shark Watching - Get up close with these gentle giants (ethical reminders apply!).
Tumalog Falls - A dreamy, misty waterfall perfect for cooling off after Oslob.
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Cebu: Attractions & Activities
Cebu Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November-May (dry season, best for marine activities).
How Long to Stay: 2-3 days to enjoy Cebu City + Moalboal + Oslob.
How to Get There: Fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport, then take buses or private vans to Moalboal/Oslob.
#6. Siquijor - The Mystical Small Island of Magic & Adventure
Siquijor isn’t just another tropical island, it’s steeped in folklore, known for witchcraft and healing rituals, and packed with epic nature spots. It’s also a perfect quick getaway from Bohol or Cebu, with stunning beaches, waterfalls, and fun cliff jumps all wrapped up in one small, easy-to-explore island.
How to Explore Siquijor? (Full Island Loop in a Day!)
Beach & Cliff Adventures - Try Salagdoong Cliff Jump (10m drop!) & Paliton Beach (for that dreamy sunset swing).
Nature Thrills - Experience the famous Balete Tree Fish Spa & Tarzan swing at Cambugahay Falls.
Mystical Side - Visit a local healer or check out old churches for that spooky Siquijor vibe.
Siquijor Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: November-May (sunny, perfect for beach hopping).
How Long to Stay: 1-2 days (easy to explore in a day!).
How to Get There: Ferry from Dumaguete (Port of Dumaguete City), Bohol (Tagbilaran City Tourist Port), or Cebu (Liloan Santander Port).
#7. Mactan Island - Cebu’s Unexpected Island Gem
Yes, you read that right - Mactan Island, home to Cebu’s international airport, actually deserves a spot on the list. You might think it’s just a transit point, but surprise! It’s also got gorgeous island-hopping spots, white sand beaches, and fun water activities right at your doorstep.
How to Play? - Jump Into a Mactan Island Hopping Tour!
- Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary: Snorkel with colorful reef fish.
- Nalusuan Island: Great for swimming, snorkeling, and sandbar vibes.
- Caohagan Island: Chill beach life, plus fresh seafood from the locals.
- Pandanon Island: Soft white sand and a super photogenic sandbar.
Mactan island-hopping tours often include a boat, lunch, and gear—super easy, super fun.
Quick Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit? November–May for calm seas and sunny days.
How Long to Stay? 1-2 days (perfect pre- or post-flight beach fix).
How to Get There? You’re already there if you land at Mactan-Cebu International Airport! Just step out and dive in.
So next time you land in Cebu, don’t rush off too fast—Mactan might just surprise you with its crystal-clear charm.
#8. Siargao Island - Capital of Surfing
Welcome to Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. Even if you’ve never touched a surfboard, you’ll still fall hard for its chill vibe, dreamy landscapes, and epic adventures.
How to Explore Siargao
1) Surf in Cloud 9 Surf Spot
World-famous waves, cheap rentals, and surf schools everywhere. Pro or beginner, you’re covered.
2) Island Hopping Fun
Daku Island: Perfect for lunch and beach lounging.
Guyam Island: Tiny, photogenic, and dreamy.
Naked Island: Just white sand and turquoise water. No trees. No shade. All beauty.
3) Land Adventures
Sugba Lagoon: Paddleboard, jump off the diving board, or just float in peace.
Magpupungko Rock Pools: Tide pools that appear only during low tide—super Insta-worthy.
Maasin River: Swing off the famous bent palm tree into emerald water.
Siargao Attractions: 10 Best Things to Do in Siargao (With Itinerary)
Quick Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit? July-November for surfing; March-May for calm seas and island hopping.
How Long to Stay? 4-5 days (you’ll want more!).
How to Get There? Fly to Siargao (Sayak) Airport, usually via Cebu or Manila.
#9. Malapascua Island - The Island of Thresher Sharks & Hidden Paradise
Tiny but unforgettable, Malapascua Island is a diver’s dream and a true hidden gem in the Philippines. It’s famous worldwide for one thing you can’t find just anywhere: daily sightings of thresher sharks in the wild!
How to Enjoy Malapascua?
1) Diving to Meet Thresher Sharks!
Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can dive with them every day. Early morning dive at Monad Shoal = unforgettable.
Other Dive Spots: Gato Island (sharks, sea snakes, and soft corals), wreck dives, and vibrant reefs.
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Enjoy Relaxed Island Life: No cars, no big crowds, just sunsets, hammocks, and powdery white beaches. You can walk the whole island in a couple of hours! Snorkel, sunbathe, and sip cocktails at beachfront guesthouses.
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Island-hopping to Kalanggaman Island: a long, photogenic sandbar in the middle of nowhere.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit? November-May (clear water and calm seas).
How Long to Stay? 2-4 days, especially if you’re diving.
How to Get There? Fly to Cebu, take a 3.5-4 hr van/bus ride to Maya Port, then 30-45 min boat to Malapascua Island.
#10. Camiguin Island - The Volcano Island You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Camiguin is tiny but mighty, nicknamed the “Island Born of Fire”, it packs 7 volcanoes, epic waterfalls, hot springs, white beaches, and even an underwater cemetery into one lush, peaceful island.
How to Explore?
Rent a scooter or tricycle and go full island loop, you can see the highlights in 1-2 days.
Don’t miss:
- Sunken Cemetery - Dive or snorkel over tombstones, seriously.
- White Island - For sandbar selfies and sunrise/sunset magic.
- Giant Clam Sanctuary - Unexpected underwater wow.
- Ardent & Sto. Niño Hot Springs - Perfect after waterfall hikes.
Quick Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: March-June (dry, sunny, best views).
How Long to Stay: 2-3 days is ideal for the full experience.
How to Get There: 1) Fly from Cebu or Manila to Camiguin Airport, 2) from Cagayan de Oro: land travel + ferry to the island.
Popular Island-hopping Tours: Best Way to Explore Philippines’ Islands
If you want to experience the best of the Philippines, island-hopping is the way to go. With over 7,000 islands, hopping from one paradise to another is part of the fun.
Itinerary #1: Palawan - El Nido & Coron Tours (7–9 Days)
Vibe: Dreamy lagoons, limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and crystal-clear waters
Perfect for: Nature lovers, couples, photographers, and anyone who wants to say “this looks unreal!”
Route: Fly into El Nido (or Puerto Princesa) → Ferry or flight to Coron → Fly out from Coron
This is the ultimate tropical escape! Start in El Nido, where you’ll kayak through dreamy lagoons, discover hidden beaches, and swim in insanely clear waters. Then head to Coron for epic island tours, vibrant coral gardens, and sunken WWII shipwrecks. It’s nature, adventure, and postcard views all in one trip.
Itinerary #2: Cebu & Bohol (6–8 Days)
Vibe: Waterfalls, whale sharks, coral reefs, and a mix of land + sea adventures
Perfect for: Families, adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and first-time travelers
Route: Fly into Cebu → Land tours → Ferry to Bohol → Ferry or fly back to Cebu
This one is perfect for mixing adventure with chill. In Cebu, you’ll swim with whale sharks, chase waterfalls, and dive into the famous Sardine Run. Then hop over to Bohol for white sand island-hopping, the quirky Chocolate Hills, and a peaceful countryside vibe. Land + sea fun from start to finish!
Explore Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to make your island dreams a reality? At Asia Odyssey Travel, we’re all about helping you explore the very best of the Philippines.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quick island escape or an epic multi-island adventure, we’ll help you plan a trip that’s smooth, exciting, and totally stress-free. From flights and ferries to hotels, tours, and hidden gems, we’ve got every detail covered.
- Well-organized tour packages: Philippines Group Tours, El Nido Tours, Coron Tours, Bohol Tours, Cebu Tours, Boracay Tours
- Useful travel guide: Philippines Islands, Philippines Itineraries, Philippines Travel Cost, Philippines Surfing Spots
- Updated Maps: Philippines Maps, Cebu Maps, Bohol Maps, El Nido Maps, Coron Maps, Boracay Maps, Manila Maps, Siargao Island Map, Palawan Maps
You just show up. We’ll handle the rest. Let’s build your perfect Philippines trip — easy, fun, and unforgettable. Message us today and let the island magic begin!
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