9 Breathtaking Islands In The Philippines That Are Absolutely Worth A Visit

If you are into white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal-clear waters, you're in the right country. Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands. It's not hard to find your dream beach or a pristine island over there and having it all for yourself.

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An island that boasts crystal clear waters, incredible beaches and one of the newest natural wonders of the world has been named the best in the world by readers of a leading travel magazine. The idyllic island of Palawan in the Philippines claimed top spot based on over 76,000 votes in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2014.

If Palawan is indeed "the last frontier" of the Philippines, as it's been dubbed, the coastal town of El Nido is the gateway to wild adventure. Sure, it's got powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters. But the views are what really sell the place. Off the coast of El Nido are majestic karst limestone formations, empty lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls.

With endless beaches of powdery-white sand, long happy hours, abundance of restaurants and hotels to suit all budgets, and plenty of watersports, Boracay is the party island.

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It ticks all the boxes, flat clear blue water with tropical fish and corals. Pure white sand (Boracay is famous for its white sand silky sand) and of course palm trees lining the beach, with a beautiful mountain range to the left. Its such a paradise setting that Microsoft Windows used a picture of Boracay Island for its ''paradise'' desktop background for Windows 2000.

“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).

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Once a sleepy island, Panglao is being roused by travelers in search of gorgeous beaches. It's a refuge for those who appreciate a diverse menu of aquatic attractions. Options include dolphin watching, whale spotting, diving with barracudas, jackfish, sea snakes and brilliant coral formations.

In addition to its beaches, the island of Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, an unusual rolling terrain of more than 1,000 dome-shaped hills.

The "world's smallest primate" -- the endangered Philippine tarsier -- also inhabits the island.

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.

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Camiguin has more volcanoes per square kilometre than any other island on earth. And because it’s uncorrupted by large-scale tourism and one of the more tranquil islands around – the 10km waters of Gingoog Bay separating the island from the mainland are partly responsible – those who do come here tend to feel proprietorial about this little jewel and guard news of its treasures like a secret.

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If there is a spot that surfers worldwide shouldn’t miss, it is without doubt Siargao’s Cloud 9, rated among the top 10 spots for surfers around the world.

Even if you are not a surfer, this place is definitely worth a visit. The scenery is incredible, with the soothing sound of the waves and the famous surfer’s boardwalk where you can admire the acrobatic moves of some of the coolest surfers around.

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Between Cloud 9 and the village of General Luna you’ll find several kilometers of white sand. As Siargao Island hasn’t been discovered by the masses yet, you’ll only have to share the beach with a few locals, the odd dog passing by and the always-present hermite crabs.

The island garden city of Samal is a small island off the coast of Davao Del Norte. The beaches in the island are the most sought after asset of the province. Its landscape is an amalgamation of rocky heights, sprawling hills and pristine white sand beaches. There are also waterfalls, beach coves, caves, dive spots and adventure facilities for those who seek thrilling experiences.

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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.

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The 2,439-hectare Palaui Island offers a virtually untouched landscape of grass meadows, rice fields and thick tropical forests, enclosed by a 10-km shoreline with stretches of white sand and coral beaches, mangroves and jagged rock formations.

Last year, its beaches were ranked by the US-based media company CNN 10th best in the world for their “raw beauty.”

“[It is where] glorious white sands meet volcanic rocks and blue-green waters topside, while coral gardens and a rich marine reserve meet divers under the surface,” CNN said on its website.

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Bantayan has remained relatively untouched by modern life, save for a smattering of foreigners who have taken up residence, sucked in by the island's white sands, aqua-colored waters and red-gold sunsets.

Beers are cold and cheap, townsfolk are hospitable and the dreary troubles of the outside world are easily forgotten.

The capital city of Manila is the point of arrival for many visitors to the Philippines and has many attractions. The city has a lively and varied nightlife with bars, restaurants, casino and karaoke cafes.

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Boasting everything from craft beer, street food and speakeasy bars, to live music and a contemporary art scene, Manila is emerging as one of Asia's most happening capitals.

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This sprawling metropolis has something to offer everybody: art lovers, music aficionados, food connoisseurs, history buffs, religious fanatics and more!

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