Discover 16 hidden island gems in the Philippinesโfrom Kalanggamanโs sandbar to Jomaligโs golden beachesโperfect for serene escapes beyond the tourist trail. (Daily Sun Chronicle/AI)
The Philippines is a dream for island lovers, boasting over 7,000 islands scattered across turquoise waters. While Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, and El Nido dominate Instagram feeds, the country still have 16 island gems that hide countless secret escapes far from the tourist trail.
Are you a traveler seeking raw beauty, quiet beaches, and authentic local culture? Here are 16 lesser-known island gemsย (and island clusters) waiting to be discovered.
1. Once Islas (Zamboanga City)
A cluster of 11 pristine islands in Zamboanga del Sur, Once Islas is an eco-tourism site where only four islands are open to visitors: Bisaya-Bisaya, Baung-Baung, Buh-Buh, and Sirommon.
Expect sandbars, snorkeling, kayaking, and genuine peace. No loud crowds โ just the rhythm of waves and island life.
2. Bulalacao (Oriental Mindoro)
Known as Mindoroโs hidden frontier, Bulalacao offers island-hopping to gems like Aslom, Tambaron, and Suguicay.
Think rustic nipa huts, white sand, and starry skies at night. Itโs the kind of place where youโll likely know everyone else on the boat tour.
3. Camiguin Island (Northern Mindanao)
โThe Island Born of Fireโ has more volcanoes than towns.
Donโt miss White Island sandbar, Katibawasan Falls, and the Sunken Cemetery โ a haunting yet beautiful dive spot.
Compact yet diverse, Camiguin is perfect for motorbike explorers.
4. Port Barton (Palawan)
Wedged between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Port Barton is laid-back Palawan.
It offers island-hopping tours to sandbars, reefs, and turtle sanctuaries. With its slower pace, it feels like El Nido 20 years ago โ minus the buzz.
5. Samal Island (Davao del Norte)
Across the bay from Davao City, Samal Island blends adventure with relaxation.
Snorkel in coral gardens, trek to Hagimit Falls, or laze on Talikud Islandโs white beaches.
Despite having resorts, it hasnโt lost its raw island vibe.
6. Jomalig Island (Quezon Province)
A golden-sand paradise five hours from Real, Quezon, Jomalig rewards the determined traveler.
Its beaches glow in shades of gold and orange, perfect for sunset chasers.
The journeyโs long โ but the reward feels like stumbling onto a forgotten Eden.
7. Calaguas Islands (Camarines Norte)
Powdery sands, crystal-clear waters, and no big resorts.
Mahabang Buhangin Beach on Tinaga Island is the highlight, offering raw beauty reminiscent of Boracay before development.
Best for camping under the stars.
8. Balabac (Palawan)
Near the southern tip of Palawan lies Balabac, a remote group of islands blessed with some of the countryโs whitest sand.
Think Onuk Island, Patawan Island, and Punta Sebaring sandbar.
Itโs not easy to get to, but it just might be the most beautiful corner of the Philippines.
9. Siquijor Island (Central Visayas)
Long known for its mystique and folklore, Siquijor is now celebrated for beaches like Salagdoong, Cambugahay Falls, and Apo Island nearby for diving.
Itโs equal parts mystical and magical โ with healing balete trees and fiery sunsets.
10. Malapascua Island (Cebu)
A diverโs dream, Malapascua is famous for thresher shark encounters โ a rare experience in the world.
Beyond diving, it offers quiet beaches, friendly locals, and a raw, unhurried pace.
11. Caramoan Islands (Camarines Sur)
Made famous by Survivor series shoots, Caramoan has limestone cliffs, powdery beaches, and hidden lagoons.
Yet it still feels secluded, with island-hopping adventures to Gota, Lahuy, and Matukad Islands.
12. Gigantes Islands (Iloilo)
Nestled in Iloiloโs waters, the Islas de Gigantes are dotted with islets, caves, and fresh seafood feasts.
Cabugao Gamay โ the classic drone shot island โ is the star.
Think endless scallops for less than a dollar.
13. Apo Reef (Occidental Mindoro)
Second only to Australiaโs Great Barrier Reef in size, Apo Reef is a UNESCO-protected marine park.
Divers flock here for its kaleidoscope of coral walls and abundant marine life.
If you love diving, this is paradise.
14. Batanes Islands (Northern Philippines)
Remote and windswept, Batanes feels more like New Zealand than the tropics.
Rolling hills, stone houses, lighthouses, and cliffs where waves crash dramatically โ Batanes is breathtakingly unique.
15. Marinduque (Luzon)
Known for its Moriones Festival, Marinduque also has untouched beaches, diving spots, and caves.
Maniwaya Island and the Palad Sandbar are perfect for offbeat island-hopping.
16. Kalanggaman Island (Leyte)
Famous for its jaw-dropping sandbar stretching into the sea, Kalanggaman is often called one of the most beautiful sandbars in the country.
No fancy resorts โ just raw beauty and endless ocean views.
Island Gems: Final Thoughts
These 16 lesser-known island gemsย prove that paradise in the Philippines isnโt just found in Boracay, Siargao, or El Nido. Itโs scattered everywhere โ in the golden sands of Jomalig, the fiery sunsets of Siquijor, the reefs of Apo, and the remote beauty of Balabac.
So if youโre ready to go beyond the ordinary, pack your bags and explore.
Who knows? You just might find your own private paradise.
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