The Philippines islands everyone skips (and shouldn't)
by Annabel Lashbrook
When people picture the Philippines
, they usually think of El Nido's towering limestone cliffs or Boracay's famous White Beach. And sure, they're incredible.
But here's the thing: some of the country's best places never make it onto the average itinerary.
If you only stick to the places you've seen on Instagram, you're missing out on remote islands, tiny fishing villages, hidden beaches and unforgettable local experiences that make the Philippines feel... well, like the Philippines.
If you're looking for more than just ticking off famous spots, here are the islands and destinations you shouldn't skip.
Coron: more than just beautiful lagoons
Most travellers head to Coron for the famous lakes and crystal-clear lagoons. They're absolutely worth the hype, but that's only part of the story.
Spend a little longer here and you'll find colourful coral gardens, Japanese shipwrecks, natural hot springs and some of the best snorkelling in the country. Finish the day with a hike up Coron Viewpoint and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over dozens of tiny islands scattered across impossibly blue water.
The remote islands between Coron and El Nido
This is the part almost everyone skips.
Most travellers jump on a ferry or take a quick flight between Coron and El Nido. It gets the job done - but you miss what's arguably the most unforgettable part of Palawan.
Instead, spend three days travelling by boat through remote islands where there are no roads, no crowds and barely any phone signal. Sleep in traditional beach huts, snorkel reefs that feel untouched, jump off the boat whenever the water looks too good to ignore, and eat freshly cooked meals on the sand.
It's simple, off-grid and completely different from anywhere else you'll visit.
Port Barton: the quiet side of Palawan
El Nido gets the attention.
Port Barton quietly gets on with being one of Palawan's best-kept secrets.
Life moves slower here. Think sleepy beaches, local boats bobbing in the bay and afternoons spent swimming, snorkelling or simply doing absolutely nothing.
It's proof that sometimes the best travel memories come from the places you had no expectations for.
Moalboal: Cebu's adventure capital
While many visitors rush through Cebu on their way elsewhere, Moalboal deserves far more time.
This is where you'll jump into the ocean and find yourself surrounded by millions of sardines swirling through the water in one of the world's most incredible natural spectacles.
Then there's Kawasan Falls, where bright turquoise pools become your playground as you scramble, swim and canyoneer your way downstream. It's adventurous and ridiculously fun.
Puerto Princesa: home to one of the world's most incredible rivers
Most people only use Puerto Princesa as a transport stop.
Big mistake.
Just outside the city lies the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Glide through enormous cave systems by boat and you'll discover towering rock formations, cathedral-like chambers and an underground world that feels completely surreal.
It's one of those places that photos never quite do justice.
It's not just about the islands
Some of the most memorable moments in the Philippines don't happen on beaches at all.
Ride through El Nido on a colourful jeepney, meet local communities, share meals with your group, watch sunsets from hidden viewpoints and spend evenings swapping stories under skies full of stars.
See the Philippines beyond the bucket list
The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, so no single trip can see them all.
But the best adventures don't always happen in the most famous places.
They happen on tiny islands without phone signal. In quiet beach towns where time slows down. On boats between destinations that most people simply fly over.
Our Philippines Island Explorer was designed to show you those places - the ones that don't always appear on the front of the guidebook, but often become everyone's favourite part of the trip. With epic island hopping, incredible snorkelling, local experiences and all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
