Compiled by Abby Yao
1. Boracay, Aklan: Party Central
The fine white sands that made this island world-famous invite you to leave your flip-flops behind and go barefoot in their powdery softness. Island hopping and water sports will fill your days with discovery and adventure, while at nightfall, candlelit sandcastles, fire dancers and music of all genres lend a fun and easy-going atmosphere over the island. Bring your friends or make new ones at the bar—the world parties here!
Children playing near Willy’s Rock, a volcanic formation at Station 1 on Boracay’s White Beach CC BY 2.0 Rick McCharles
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Kalibo. From Kalibo Airport, it takes 1–2 hours by bus/van (from PHP 200) to Caticlan Jetty and 20 minutes by boat (PHP25 + PHP75 environmental fee + PHP100 terminal fee) to Boracay.
2. El Nido and Taytay, Palawan: Limestone & Lagoons
Once accessible only to the luxury travellers, El Nido and the islands off Taytay now welcome backpackers with a sense of adventure (and strong bottoms for rough roads). Snorkel and kayak amidst dramatic limestone cliffs and islands sans the crowds. You’ll surely discover your hiding place in this unspoilt paradise.
Villas on stilts at El Nido Resorts, Apulit Island, off Taytay town in Palawan CC BY 2.0 Jack Versloot
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Puerto Princesa. From Puerto Princesa Airport, take a van to El Nido town (5–6 hrs, PHP600–900).
3. Oslob, Cebu: Close Encounters
“SHARK!” If that cry doesn’t drive you away with the fear of Jaws, then you belong right here! Whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, are sighted every morning off the shores of Oslob town. After swimming with these magnificent giants, stop over at Tumalog Waterfalls for a refreshing dip, Moalboal for diving and Carcar town for Spanish colonial houses, belly-busting lechon (whole roasted pig) and crunchy chicharon (deep-fried pork rind).
A gentle giant in the waters of Oslob, Cebu ©Jay Kok
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from various destinations. From the airport, take a yellow coupon taxi or a white metered taxi to Cebu South Bus Terminal (at least 30 mins, from PHP300) and catch a bus to Oslob (3 hrs, PHP120).
4. Panglao Island and Pamilacan Island, Bohol: Beyond Beach Bumming
Timid, wide-eyed tarsiers and the unusual Chocolate Hills will pull you away from relaxing beaches—but only if you let them. The pure shores of Bohol and its surrounding islands, among them laid-back Panglao and the dolphin-watching and snorkelling haven of Pamilacan, are for beach bums who want more. Eco-tourism attractions and colonial heritage make the province one of the country’s best destinations for nature and culture.
Outrigger boats at Pamilacan Island CC BY 2.0 Ronald Belleza
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Bohol. From the airport, taxis (30–40 mins, from PHP500) and vans (PHP600 per van) are available to Panglao Island. Tours to Pamilacan Island range from PHP1000–PHP4000 depending on inclusions and group size.
5. Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: Beyond Pearls
The Pearl Farm luxury resort isn’t the coastal paradise’s only draw. Step into “the island that has it all”, with lush green plains, enchanting mountains and cerulean seas to add to its claim. Travellers are discovering tranquil Hagimit Falls, the underwater colours of Talikud Island’s Coral Garden Marine Park, the high tide mangrove sandbar of Vanishing Island, and Monfort Bat Sanctuary, home of 2,000,000 fruit bats.
Hagimit Falls, one of Samal’s well-hidden attractions CC BY 2.0 Paul Lewin
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Davao. From the airport, take a taxi to Santa Ana Wharf, Sasa Wharf or Sasa Ferryboat Landing (10–20 mins, under PHP200), depending on your destination. From there, take a motorboat or RORO ferries to Samal (15–45 mins, depending on resort location).
6. Camiguin: Sleeping Giant
Now you see it, now you don’t. The island’s best beach—actually a sandbar—appears only during low tide. This is only one of Camiguin’s many secrets, among them an underwater cemetery, church ruins, hot and cold springs, waterfalls, and the extinct remnants of ancient volcanoes. The popular cream-filled Pastel buns and sweet lanzones (langsat) fruits will have you snacking non-stop as you go on the island loop.
Camiguin’s White Island, as seen from a viewpoint CC BY 2.0 Allan Donque
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan Airport).
Short route: From the airport, take a van to Cagayan de Oro city centre (PHP199, 45 mins–1hr). From there, it’s a 20-minute ride to Macabalan Port by taxi (PHP80) or jeepney (PHP7). Ride the Ocean Jet ferry (2 hrs, PHP550–PHP750, one trip daily at 8:30am) to Camiguin-Benoni Port.
Long route: From the airport, take a van to Agora Bus Terminal (2–3 hrs, around PHP200). Hop aboard a Butuan-bound bus (2–3 hrs, PHP143) and alight at Balingoan Bus Terminal. Walk or take a motorela (PHP8) to Balingoan Ferry Port, where fast craft depart for Camiguin-Benoni Port (1 hr, PHP150). It is also possible to take a taxi (1.5 hrs, around PHP3000) straight to Balingoan from the airport.
Short route: From the airport, take a van to Cagayan de Oro city centre (PHP199, 45 mins–1hr). From there, it’s a 20-minute ride to Macabalan Port by taxi (PHP80) or jeepney (PHP7). Ride the Ocean Jet ferry (2 hrs, PHP550–PHP750, one trip daily at 8:30am) to Camiguin-Benoni Port.
Long route: From the airport, take a van to Agora Bus Terminal (2–3 hrs, around PHP200). Hop aboard a Butuan-bound bus (2–3 hrs, PHP143) and alight at Balingoan Bus Terminal. Walk or take a motorela (PHP8) to Balingoan Ferry Port, where fast craft depart for Camiguin-Benoni Port (1 hr, PHP150). It is also possible to take a taxi (1.5 hrs, around PHP3000) straight to Balingoan from the airport.
7. Tubbataha Reef: The Last Frontier
Technically not an island but two large atolls in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is a World Heritage Site for its natural richness. Set at the apex of the Coral Triangle, it is described by divers as a true underwater jungle. Shark sightings are guaranteed and the sheer amount of marine life is among the best in the world. If you’re a marine explorer at heart, this should be on your bucket list. And if you don’t dive, it’s time to earn your certifications as this is for experienced divers only.
Wall to wall corals and marine life at Tubbataha Reef
HOW TO GET THERE AirAsia Zest flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila. From Puerto Princesa, access to Tubbataha is via liveaboard only (10–12 hrs), arranged through accredited dive operators. Dive season is from mid-March to mid-June. Packages start at USD1600. Book in advance, as there are limited slots.
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