With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines has plenty of places that few visitors ever reach. Some need a small plane, some a long boat ride, and some both. They are not for everyone, and they are not for a first trip. But for travellers who have seen the classics, these are the islands we love most.
Batanes
The northernmost province of the Philippines feels like nowhere else in the country: rolling green hills, cliffs dropping into a deep blue sea, stone houses built to resist typhoons, and cattle grazing on the headlands. It is closer to Taiwan than to Manila.
- Getting there: flights from Manila to Basco, around an hour and a half, weather permitting.
- Best time: March to May. The rest of the year brings strong winds, typhoons or rough seas.
- How long: four nights, with a buffer day for weather.
Balabac
At the far southern tip of Palawan, Balabac is a group of islands with some of the whitest sandbars and clearest water in the country, and very little infrastructure. It is a true expedition, reached by a long road from Puerto Princesa and then by boat.
- Best time: March to May, when the sea is calmest.
- Good to know: accommodation is very simple. We check current travel advisories before every trip.
Linapacan
Between Coron and El Nido, the islands of Linapacan have some of the clearest water in Asia. There are almost no hotels. The best way to see it is on a multi-day expedition boat between Coron and El Nido, sleeping on deserted beaches or in simple island camps.
Camiguin
The island born of fire: seven volcanoes on an island you can drive around in a few hours, with hot and cold springs, waterfalls, a sunken cemetery and White Island, a sandbar facing Mount Hibok-Hibok. More accessible than the others, via Cagayan de Oro and a ferry.
Calaguas
Off the coast of Camarines Norte, in southern Luzon, Calaguas is known for Mahabang Buhangin, a long beach of fine white sand with rolling green hills behind it. Most visitors come for a night or two of simple camping or very basic cottages. Go between March and May, when the sea is calm.
Apo Island
A small volcanic island off Negros, about 30 minutes by boat from the coast south of Dumaguete. It is one of the oldest community-run marine sanctuaries in the Philippines, and the snorkelling with turtles in the shallows is extraordinary.
Cuyo
A group of islands in the Sulu Sea, between Palawan and Panay, with old Spanish forts, quiet villages and empty beaches. It is one of the least visited corners of the country, and home to some of its most exclusive private island resorts.
How to plan a remote island trip
- Add buffer days. Flights and boats to remote islands are often delayed or cancelled by weather.
- Travel light. Small planes have strict baggage limits, and many arrivals are by beach landing.
- Carry cash. Cards and ATMs are rare or non-existent.
- Expect simple comforts, and do not expect reliable internet.
- Combine one remote island with an easier one, so the trip has a rhythm.
Our advice
Remote islands repay the effort, but only if you give them time. Tell us how adventurous you want to be, and we will tell you which one suits you, and when.
