The Philippines is home to over 7,600 islands, and the country has so much more to offer than its popular tourist spots such as Boracay and Palawan. Go a little further, and you’ll find hidden islands in the Philippines dotted with unspoiled beaches, unspoiled waterfalls, colorful coral reefs, and welcoming communities that are still under the radar. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving, secluded white-sand beaches, or mountain adventures, these hidden islands showcase a different side of the Philippines.
1. Siquijor
Siquijor has long been a part of folklore and traditional healing, and has become one of the most rewarding islands in the Philippines for those who want to experience nature without the crowds. Visitors can enjoy swimming under the turquoise waters of Cambugahay Falls, cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach, exploring centuries-old churches, or scooting around the island. Although Siquijor is becoming more popular, it remains laid back compared to many of the more famous islands in the country. The easiest way to plan your trip is to check 12Go, which allows you to compare ferry routes from Cebu, Dumaguete, and Bohol and select the one that fits your schedule.
Coco Grove Beach Resort is a great fit for travelers who want a peaceful beachfront stay while exploring Cambugahay Falls, Salagdoong Beach, and the island by scooter.
2. Camiguin
The island of Camiguin, nicknamed the “Island Born of Fire,” is packed with volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, white-sand bars, and excellent diving in an island that you can drive around in one day. The popular sites are White Island Sandbar, Katibawasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery, and Mount Hibok-Hibok for the most adventurous travelers out there. Despite the amazing variety of experiences, the island is surprisingly peaceful. To get there, your options are checking transportation options from Cebu or Cagayan de Oro (ferry schedules may change from season to season).
Balai sa Baibai is perfect for enjoying Camiguin’s volcanic scenery while staying close to White Island, waterfalls, and hot springs.
3. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is located just off the northern coast of Cebu, and is famous for its powdery white beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed vibe. Many travellers go south from Cebu, but those who go north are rewarded with a place that feels refreshingly uncrowded. Enjoy your days at Paradise Beach, exploring the coastline by scooter, visiting the historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church, going diving, or taking a boat trip to nearby Virgin Island. You can get there by taking a bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port and then a ferry from Hagnaya to Bantayan.
Anika Island Resort matches Bantayan’s relaxed atmosphere with direct beach access and a convenient location for exploring the coastline.
4. Malapascua Island
Malapascua is a small but memorable island, renowned as one of the few locations in the world where thresher sharks can be spotted regularly. If you don’t dive, the island has stunning beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back village vibe that is ideal for unwinding. Snorkeling, island hopping, and sunset walks along Bounty Beach make Malapascua well worth the journey. The route to get there is to head north from Cebu to Maya Port and then take a short ferry to the island.
Buena Vida Resort and Spa is ideal for divers hoping to spot thresher sharks and for travelers who want a quiet island stay.
5. Romblon Island
Speaking of hidden islands in the Philippines, we can’t forget about Romblon, a gorgeous island that offers a mix of serene beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant local culture, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed and authentic experience. The province is renowned for its marble production, and visitors can visit local workshops before hiking to Fort San Andres for views across the harbor. Crystal-clear waters surrounding the island also make for excellent snorkeling and diving. You can get there via ferries from ports like Batangas or one of the other nearby islands.
The Three P Beach Resort is a comfortable island base for discovering Romblon’s beaches, marble heritage, and harbor views.
6. Sibuyan Island
Sibuyan is one of the least developed island destinations in the Philippines, and is often referred to as the “Galápagos of Asia” due to its incredible biodiversity. The island is mostly covered by Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, where the rainforest is dense and contains many endemic species of flora and fauna. Visitors can also go to Cantingas River, swim under waterfalls, or just relax on deserted beaches. Ferry connections are typically required to reach Sibuyan, and 12Go allows you to plan your transportation ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling to multiple islands in one trip.
Tuki Resort works well for nature lovers visiting Mount Guiting-Guiting, rivers, and waterfalls.
7. Balabac Islands
The Balabac Islands are among the most pristine places in the Philippines, located at the southern tip of Palawan. The remote island group is known for its powdery white sandbars, crystal clear turquoise waters, giant starfish and pristine beaches that some say are as beautiful as the Maldives. Some of the highlights are Onok Island, Candaraman Island and Patawan Island, where you may find yourself with virtually your own beach. To get to Balabac, one must first go to Rio Tuba in the south of Palawan and then board a boat to the islands.
Onok Island Resort is one of the most memorable ways to experience Balabac’s famous sandbars and crystal-clear water.
8. Cuyo Islands
The Cuyo Islands, which are situated between Palawan and Panay, are still one of the least-visited island groups in the Philippines. The islands have white sand beaches, great snorkeling spots, vibrant coral reefs, and a relaxed vibe with minimal tourist crowds. Cuyo also boasts a well-preserved Spanish-era church and fort, which showcase its rich history. The islands have also become a secret spot for kitesurfers due to the regular winds. To get to the islands, you need to take a ferry from Palawan or Panay.
9. Cresta de Gallo
Cresta de Gallo is a small uninhabited island in Romblon Province with its incredibly white sandbar and brilliant blue waters. Unlike many popular beaches, there are no resorts or large developments here, making it ideal for a peaceful day trip or overnight camping. Snorkeling, swimming, and simply relaxing on the untouched shoreline are the main attractions. Cresta de Gallo is usually accessed by boat from Sibuyan or San Fernando.
Tuki Resort – Since Cresta de Gallo has no major accommodation, this makes a practical base before visiting by boat.
10. Jomalig Island
Jomalig Island in the eastern part of Quezon Province is one of the best-kept secrets of Luzon. The island is renowned for its golden beaches, tranquil fishing villages, coconut-lined coastlines, and exceptionally clear waters. Visitors can enjoy the beaches of Salibungot Beach, Little Batanes, and Kanaway Beach, and experience the quietness of the island without the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. To get there, you first need to go to Real (Quezon) and then get a ferry to Jomalig.
Las Rocas Beach Resort is a laid-back stay that complements Jomalig’s quiet villages and golden beaches.
11. Marinduque
Marinduque is also known as the “Heart of the Philippines” due to its central location, making it a refreshing break from the more touristy areas of the country. The island boasts tranquil beaches, rolling hills, limestone caves, and picturesque fishing villages with a slower pace of life. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hikes on Mount Malindig, the Bathala Cave System, and relaxing along the shores of Poctoy White Beach. Marinduque is also known for its annual Moriones Festival, which is one of the most colorful cultural events in the Philippines.
Balar Hotel and Spa is a comfortable option for exploring caves, beaches, and the island’s slower pace of life.
12. Batanes
The northernmost province of the Philippines is different from all the other provinces. Batanes is not a tropical jungle or palm-fringed beach, but rather dramatic rolling hills, rugged cliffs, stone villages, and windswept coastlines that look like parts of Ireland or New Zealand. The islands are very peaceful, and there is a great emphasis on maintaining the local Ivatan culture and traditions. Since flights are the main mode of transportation to Batanes, it is useful to use 12Go to compare the available options to your departure city and plan the rest of your trip in the Philippines.
Fundacion Pacita is the most iconic stay for experiencing Batanes’ rolling hills and dramatic coastal scenery.
13. Dinagat Islands
The Dinagat Islands, though off the northeastern tip of Mindanao, are one of the least-visited provinces in the Philippines, despite their breathtaking beauty. The destination is wonderfully untouched with hidden lagoons, emerald green islands, white sand beaches and striking rock formations. The island’s protected forests and marine ecosystems will delight nature lovers, and adventurous travelers can visit caves, waterfalls and secluded coves with few other visitors. Travel to this far-flung province may require several connections, so it’s worth checking 12Go for ferry, bus and flight options to help plan the easiest way to get there.
Blue Gates Paradise is a scenic retreat that fits the untouched feel of this remote island province.
14. Gigantes Islands
Gigantes Islands (Islas de Gigantes) is one of the best-kept secrets of the Visayas. This island group, off the coast of Iloilo, offers visitors the chance to experience towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, secluded beaches, and fresh seafood straight from the local fishing communities. The typical island-hopping tour will feature Cabugao Gamay Island, Tangke Lagoon, and several lesser-known coves that are still relatively quiet.
Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn is a convenient base for island hopping to lagoons, cliffs, and quiet coves.
15. Bucas Grande Island
Bucas Grande Island is a haven for those seeking untouched nature and is often overlooked by visitors in favor of its more popular neighbor, Siargao. The island’s highlight is Sohoton Cove National Park, featuring emerald lagoons, secret caves, limestone cliffs, and non-stinging jellyfish, making it one of the most memorable island-hopping experiences in the Philippines. Narrow passages to kayak and crystal clear waters to swim are highlights not to be forgotten. Most visitors arrive in Bucas Grande via Surigao City and then by boat.
Club Tara Resort is the classic choice for easy access to Sohoton Cove and overwater-style island views.
16. Tablas Island
Last but not least, we conclude this guide to hidden islands in the Philippines with Tablas, the largest of the islands in Romblon Province. The island has an attractive combination of waterfalls, secluded beaches, coral reefs, and quiet countryside that many visitors miss. The island is perfect for those who prefer a leisurely pace, offers beautiful coastal drives, top-notch diving, and hiking trails to vantage points that overlook the entire island. Binucot Beach, Aglicay Beach Resort, and the island’s peaceful fishing villages offer plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds.
Aglicay Beach Resort is a relaxed beachfront stay that reflects Tablas’ peaceful and uncrowded character.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many hidden islands in the Philippines are not on the tourist list. These islands are a testament to the fact that there’s still more to explore than the country’s most popular destinations, from the volcanic scenery of Camiguin and the magical atmosphere of Siquijor to the untouched beauty of Bucas Grande and the tranquil beaches of Tablas.
12Go’s integration with ChatGPT has also made it easier to plan transportation between these hidden islands in the Philippines, as the AI can assist users in organizing their travel plans more efficiently and compare the available routes. With 12Go’s transportation data and ChatGPT, users can explore ferry routes, bus schedules, and domestic flights to simplify their travel plans for island hopping in the Philippines.
By combining 12Go’s transportation data with ChatGPT, users can streamline their travel plans and explore ferry routes, bus schedules, and domestic flights to simplify island hopping in the Philippines. Many of these lesser-known destinations require several transfers to reach, so it’s important to plan and make the trip as smooth as possible.
How did you like this guide to the best hidden islands in the Philippines? Did you ever visit any of them? Do you know of any others that are worth mentioning? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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