The Philippines off the beaten track: 15 destinations and insider tips for explorers

Camiguin will easily be a favorite island for backpackers because it is incredibly varied! Here, snorkelers and divers get their money's worth, adventurers can hike the "Hibok Hibok" - one of the seven volcanoes on the island, there are also "hot springs" and "cold springs", and unspoiled waterfalls. The sporty ones can rent a bike and explore the approximately 65 km island of Camiguin in one day. In addition, hotspots like the "sunken cemetery", an underwater cemetery, or White Island with a magnificent view of Camiguin should not be missed during a visit. A trip to nearby Mantigue Island is also highly recommended. Here you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, or exploring the mini trail of the forest the tiny island offers.

Our Tip:

The Philippines tends to have high relative humidity. As a very good thirst quencher, fresh coconuts can be bought on the way. The Buko juice is an excellent natural alternative to commercial isotonic drinks.

Getting there:

The easiest way to reach Camiguin is from Cebu City, either by night ferry or plane. Otherwise, there are also connections from Jagna (on Bohol) or from Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro (both on Mindanao).

Siargao is a stunning palm-covered island situated at the northeastern coast of Mindanao. This teardrop-shaped island is the ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the chaotic city and reveling in the white sand beaches, sandbars, waterfalls, lagoons, and palm trees lined streets of this incredible island. Siargao is popularly known as the best surf spot in the Philippines. If you are thinking of surfing, the best thing to do is visit the island from July to November, and for those who are thinking only of visiting it for vacation, the best time is from March to May. 

Further highlights are the "Magpupungko Rock Pool", the mangrove forests near Carmen, the lagoon Caob, some beautiful and also quite deserted beaches, island hopping, the boulevard of General Luna, and last but not least the people who seem to be especially curious and friendly on Siargao.

Our tip:

If you have more time, you should definitely take a trip to Bucas Grande, where the Sohoton Cove, the jellyfish grove, and the sleepy tiny town of Socorro are waiting for adventurous visitors.

The easiest way to get to Siargao is from Cebu by plane (Cebu Pacific Air). Otherwise, you have to take the ferry or the Philippine Bangka from Surigao City (in the north of Mindanao).

Samal Island is also known as the garden city of Samal. It is approximately 2 kilometers from the city of Davao in Mindanao and 1400 kilometers from Manila.

It has the distinction of being one of the country’s most developed vacation destinations and features a good number of white and pink sand beaches, as well as premier resort destinations, which include the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort and the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort. Samal Island is also endowed with numerous coral reefs and crystal clear waters excellent for relaxation.

• Enjoy relaxing at a resort and exploring the many beaches and islands, including Vanishing Island, an island that magically disappears as the tide rises.

• Go diving, hiking, or simply enjoy lounging on the beach. 

• If you can, visit Monfort Bat Conservation Park where you can see more than 2 million bats, a number that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records,  as the most bats in a single cave. 

• Go trekking on the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo. 

• Enjoy the must-try tropical fruits found in Davao: Durian, Marang, Mangosteen, and Rambutan

Take a flight going to Davao City and from there, it is very easy to take the ferry to the island.

Probably the most appealing city of the Philippines, located in the northwest of Luzon, Vigan City shouldn’t be missing on a backpacker’s itinerary. A UNESCO World Heritage site, here you can follow the traces of the Spanish colonial history (Trivia: the Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 300 years and was named after the Spanish king Philipp II), ride in a horse-drawn carriage and visit ancestral homes and museums for a trip down memory lane. 

Our Tip:

Both in Vigan and Laoag, there are delicious "empanadas", you will find in the public markets - a must-try snack while you’re there!

Cagayan de Oro, otherwise known as the "City of Golden Friendship", has developed into one of the most dynamic cities in the Philippines. The city is not only considered the gateway to Camiguin Island but is also a good starting point to set off for the beautiful municipality of Bukidnon, which the only province in Mindanao that does not have a coastline, to the native Talaandig, or to visit the legendary Tinago Waterfalls in Iligan.

Among the highlights of Cagayan de Oro (or, simply CDO) is the Mapawa Nature Park, the Macahambus Cave, the Garden of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, as well as the "White Water Rafting" on the Cagayan River. 

The easiest way to get to Cagayan de Oro is by plane from Manila or Cebu. CDO is also served by some big ferries and is easy to reach by bus on the mainland of Mindanao (e.g. from Davao City or Surigao City). 

The province of Leyte has attracted more attention in recent years, mainly because of the terrible typhoon, but also offers some beautiful destinations that make a visit worthwhile. The small island of Limasawa Island, for example, is such a sleepy and completely untouched jewel. Here, and not on Mactan Island (Cebu), Ferdinand Magellan is said to have landed in the Philippines for the first time when he "discovered" the Islas Filipinas on behalf of the Spanish crown.

Padre Burgos is a popular destination for divers on Leyte, and at the right time of year, you can see whale sharks there.

You can get to Leyte by plane via Tacloban. It is easier to cross over from Surigao or to take a ferry from Cebu to Maasin to reach the mentioned destinations.

When it comes to whale sharks, we recommend Donsol, instead of Oslob in Cebu. Donsol has been considered the "capital of whale sharks" for several years now, although the place is a bit more difficult to visit and there is no guarantee that you will encounter these gentle giants during your visit unlike in Oslob. 

In Oslob, however, the biggest sharks in the world are fed, which among other things leads to a change in their behavior and they partly swim upright. The consequences of this are that they injure themselves already at boat rotors and do not go any longer on wanderings. Most Philippine vacationers seem to be indifferent to this because they do not want to miss this incomparable experience of swimming with the whale sharks during their trip. 

Our tip:

Plan your trip to Donsol and combine it with a stay in Legazpi, where you can also see (and climb) the very beautiful volcano, Mount Mayon, admired for its perfect symmetry. The best chances for whale shark sightings are between January and April.

When traveling from Manila, you can take a flight from Manila to Legazpi, which can take 1 hr and 15 min. From Legazpi Airport, you can take a private/public van (1.5 hrs) or a jeepney (about 2 hrs) to Donsol.

Often referred to as the Boracay of the North, Pagudpud boasts remarkably fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. However, unlike Boracay, it is a simple and quiet rustic community, with relatively few shops. In fact, it is even rare to find an ATM, so be sure to bring cash with you when you visit Pagudpud. Perhaps because it takes time and effort to get to Pagudpud, the wide and inviting beaches are generally empty, which is ideal for those who enjoy peace and quiet.

Here Saud Beach is the most well-known due to its long stretch of white sand beach and it's where you find the resorts, bars, and restaurants. On a clear day, a row of windmills down the coast from Pagudpud in Bangui City is a rare picturesque backdrop for a Philippine beach. On the northeast side is the Maira-ira beach known as Blue Lagoon because of its deep azure sea, which is starting to draw attention, but still, not many tourists go there. 

Additionally, part of Pagudpud is exposed to the winds that blow from the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, so the waves are ideal for surfers, especially from July to October. Windsurfers and kitesurfers are beginning to take note of Pagudpud as the top-level kitesurfing destinations in the Philippines.

Our Tip:

If you drive to Pagudpud from the city of Laoag, (Ilocos Norte), there are many attractions along the way such as the Patapat Viaduct and the Bangui Windmills. You can also visit Kabigan Falls and the enchanting Kapurpurawan rock formation. And, a few hours from Pagudpud is the historic city of Vigan, which we recommend you include in your itinerary.

From Manila, you can fly to the town of Laoag in Ilocos Norte (about 45-min flight) and then hire a bus or car from there (about 1 hour and 30 minutes travel time). Many tourists also prefer the 12-hour drive because getting there is already more than half the fun.

Bantayan island is another backpacker's dream. The island has remained relatively unchanged by what we call modern life, except for a handful of foreigners who have taken up residence here. Here you will find expats who make their South Sea dream come true, inspired by the island of white sands, sapphire aqua, and reddish sunsets. The main town Santa Fé is absolutely picturesque and invites you to take a break in one of the beautiful cafes.

The beers here are served cold and very cheap, the townspeople are warm and hospitable, and the laid back vibes that exude here means that problems of the outside world are easily forgotten. What to do on Bantayan Island? Just relax and enjoy lazing around the beach. Since there is not much action in itself here, neither five-star hotels nor shopping centers, take the time to soak into the beauty of the island.

Our Tip:

When visiting Bantayan if you are looking for peace and quiet, you should avoid coming during the Holy Week leading up to Easter, as the island is packed with the locals during this period. Otherwise, rooms and services must be booked in advance.

From Cebu City by bus to Hagnaya (about 3-4 hours), then take the ferry (about 1 hour). There are also connections from Cadiz to Negros.

The island is a real dream for snorkeling lovers. Over many years a "Marine Sanctuary" was built and maintained here, which is why you can find especially splendid colorful corals and many fish. The peaceful giant turtles are always on-site and can be observed feeding on a snorkeling trip.

Our tip:

Every Wednesday there is a weekly market in Malatapay which you should not miss. You can read more about it in this article about Apo Island.

Apo Island is typically accessed via Negros. To get to the island, you can either book a ferry or flight bound for Dumaguete. From there, you can take private transportation to Malatapay, the jump-off point.

The island of Siquijor is well-known for being considered an island of magic and witchcraft. This is because inside it is still possible to find the hilots, the healers who still practice the holy Filipino therapies today. 

If you are looking for alternative places on your trip to the Philippines, the island of Siquijor is your perfect destination. Due to the fact that mass tourism has not arrived here yet like other islands in the country, Siquijor still maintains a lot of its authenticity. Its beaches, waterfalls, the natural treasures within, and the cultural traditions this small island in the Visayas has to offer make Siquijor the perfect destination for backpackers.

The most comfortable way to explore Siquijor is by rented motorcycle. The best time to visit the island is from February-March (dry season). If you have time and diving is your thing, Apo Island is a must-see. Famous for its turtle sanctuary, you can visit it on a day trip from Siquijor Island.

Getting to the mystic island of Siquijor is quite easy. The fastest and most convenient way is by ferry from Dumaguete City, otherwise, there are also ferries bound to Siquijor that depart from the ports of Cebu and Bohol.

Located on Bohol, Anda boasts pristine waters and grainy white sand. It is a very good alternative to Panglao Island, which has established itself as perhaps the most popular Philippine destination for tourists from all over the world, along with Boracay and El Nido. 

Also from here, it is worth a trip for divers and snorkelers into the colorful underwater world. Other points of interest here include the Anda Water Caves, Anda Falls, and the stunning Anda Blue Heaven Viewpoint.

Our Tip:

The Chocolate Hills, and numerous other sights in Bohol, including even small rice terraces, are also easily accessible from Anda.

Anda is easiest to reach from Tagbilaran City by van, bus, or cab in about 2 hours. Alternatively from Camiguin by ferry to Jagna on Bohol, then on to Anda. Or also from Cebu by ferry over to Bohol (Tubigon or Jetaffe, and hire transportation to get on.

Caramoan is as scenic as it is secluded. It has stretches of white sand between huge rocks and astounding rock formations. Complementing the beautiful beaches, there are caves, waterfalls, freshwater pools, lagoons, and underground streams.

The island is also well-known as the shooting location for the reality show series, "Survivors." Other similar international programs have used Caramoan as a filming location. Despite the town's reputation with TV production companies, there are enough beaches for everyone to enjoy and Caramoan has remained relatively unspoiled and unexploited.

Our Tip:

Mountain climbers can trek to the summit of Mount Caglago and enjoy a fabulous 360-degree view of Caramoan Island and the nearby islets. The mountain is also a pilgrimage site, thanks to its gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mother of Peace.

From Manila, take a flight to Naga. Via land travel, you can ride a bus going to Naga with a travel time of approximately 8 hours. From Naga, you can ride another bus to take you to Sabang Port (about one hour trip), which is the jump-off point to Caramoan Islands. From here, you can ride a boat going to Caramoan Islands, travel time is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, there is an easier route not familiar to many, which is via Virac, Catanduanes. From the airport in Virac, ride a tricycle to Codon Port or van going to Pandan and get off at the Codon Port in San Andres (travel time is approximately 1 hour). At the Codon port, charter a boat that will take you to Caramoan (travel time is 30 to 45 minutes).

On the Grande Island of Santa Cruz Islands in Zamboanga City, the pulverized red coral (tubipora musica) when washed mixes with the white sand to produce a pink beach. It is a different version of perfection, the pink beach combines with the blue and green tones of the sea. If you walk along the beach, there’s a good chance of seeing these red corals that are washed ashore.

The surrounding waters of Grande Island are protected and abundant with marine life ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visits to the beach are limited to day trips, no overnight stays allowed, so you have to squeeze everything into a few hours: swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. Moreover,  a trip to Grande Island Santa Cruz is not just about admiring Pink Beach, the scenic island also gives you a glimpse of the colorful history and culture of the island, as it is home to Badjaos, Tausugs, Subanens, and the Yakans.

The island is just a boat ride away from the city, but getting there requires extra precautions, due to local threats. Only those with a tourist permit from the Secretary of Tourism in the city of Zamboanga can visit it. The permit includes armed escorts.

Why the need for security? According to the regional office of the Department of Tourism, it is a preventive measure, although there are no militant or terrorist activities recently. Thus, the city is very vibrant and relatively peaceful. 

Paseo del Mar in Zamboanga City is the jump-off point of Santa Cruz Island. From there, you can hire a boat that can accommodate up to 10 people for 1,000 Php.

Palaui Island is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with its natural beauty where nature unfolds with flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, fine white sand, and rich marine biodiversity.

 

Here you will not find hotels or other luxury items, it is literally an intact paradise, made up of 70% forest. The island of Palaui is known for its unspoiled beaches and a picturesque colonial lighthouse. In addition, in 2013, the American reality show, Survivors, has filmed a season here.

 

On the way to Sta. Ana, Cagayan either by bus or by car from Manila (travel time is roughly 14 hours). If you fly, you can either fly to Tuguegarao or take a bus the rest of the way. Once in Sta. Ana, make the way to San Vicente, and then you can hire a boat to Palaui.