Yes, preparing your packing list for this Southeast Asian country must have been a bit stressful for you. But choosing which of the Philippine islands to visit is the main struggle.
The Philippines is known to have more than 7,000 islands with clear sand, clean waters, and beautiful natural landscapes, so where are you planning to start?
Of course, you can always go island hopping, but to which islands? Which Philippine islands are guaranteed to give you the best vacation where you can relax, swim, snorkel, dive, dance, explore, and eat?
Continue reading this guide if you want to find out.
17 Best Philippine Islands To Visit in 2025
1. Coron Island
All the best islands in the Philippines are quite beautiful with their clear water, clean sand, and friendly locals.
But Coron Island is a popular spot known for its natural beauty and shipwreck diving.
If you’re someone who loves exploring the land and sea, this is where you should be.
You’ll be swimming, snorkeling, and diving into its World War II Japanese shipwrecks all day long.
And for some land adventure, you can go jungle hiking or play beach sports like volleyball with friends.
Yes, Coron may be a remote Philippine island, but mixed with its golden sand, rolling hills, and green fields, it adds to its romantic charm.
2. Boracay Island
If your idea of a vacation in the Philippine islands is spending nights dancing at wild parties and spending the days relaxing at gorgeous beaches, then you’re in the right place.
Boracay Island is a beautiful paradise, just imagine its crystal clear water, its clean white sand, and the amazing Insta-pictures you’ll be taking here.
And when it gets dark, the real fun on this island begins. All the beach bars open up on the shores, so you can spend the night with friends drinking cocktails, dancing, and getting to make new friends.
This island is the perfect blend of day and night activities to help you relax and forget your troubles.
3. Balabac Island
Some of the best islands in the Philippines, like Balabac, are hidden gems so far away from the tourist crowd that the peace and quiet you’ll get is unimaginable.
This is the kind of place where you’re the only one on the beach, with only the noise of the birds and waves. And let’s not forget the natural beauty Philippine islands are usually known for.
Now getting famed as the “Maldives of the Philippines”, Balabac Island is known for its clean beaches, unspoiled nature, and clear waters.
It’s the perfect spot to come to swim, snorkel, meditate, and simply relax without anyone stressing you out.
4. Palawan Island
Yes, surely you must have been expecting to see Palawan on this list of the best islands in the Philippines to visit in 2025.
Cos, really, this island is a popular spot for adventures with a list of endless fun activities to keep your adrenaline pumping.
If you’re feeling very adventurous, you can go on a canopy walk at El Nido to get the most beautiful views below. Then head to the beautiful lagoons and beaches only accessible by boat to cool off, swim, and snorkel.
If you have the time for a day trip, you can take a tour of Puerto Princesa and explore its famous underground river.
5. Cebu Island
As one of the best islands in the Philippines, Cebu offers the best marine and natural adventures. With its vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs, this is the most biodiverse marine area in the Coral Triangle, where you can swim, snorkel, and dive.
Let’s forget about the fun water experience for a minute, cos in Cebu, fun is not just limited to the water.
You can also go canyoneering at the Kawasan Falls, where you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs and natural beauty.
This island even has an international airport, so it’s going to be quite easier for you to visit than other Philippine islands.
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6. Siargao Island
Siargao Island has made itself known as the Surfing Capital of all Philippine islands with its world-class surfing spots, including Cloud 9.
So if you’re a surfer or an excited beginner, this is the island in the Philippines you should visit this 2025. Apart from the surfing, its palm tree-lined roads, clear waters, and clean beaches will make you fall in love.
If you want a break from surfing and the crowd, you can take a swim or go paddleboarding at the quiet Sugba Lagoon.
But if you want some adventure, then it’s best to go island hopping to neighboring islands where you’ll enjoy delicious fresh seafood and the laid-back vibe.
As one of the best islands in the Philippines, Siargao Island promises relaxing, recharging, and, of course, surfing.
7. Luzon Island
Not only is Luzon one of the best islands in the Philippines, but it is also the largest and home to the capital city of Manila.
So it’s filled with beautiful natural landscapes, culture, and history. It’s the perfect mix of beaches, mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies, and bustling cities. It’s also a gateway to explore other Philippine islands.
This island has an adventure for every type of traveler. If you’re a historian, then a visit to several historic Spanish-era sites and the rice terraces of Banaue will interest you.
As a nature lover, a visit to the Kabigan Falls will provide a quiet opportunity to connect with nature.
And since there are so many mountain ranges, including Pico de Loro, you can go hiking and camping with friends.
8. Bohol Island
A visit to this Philippine island is not just about coming to relax at its amazing beaches. It’s a chance to see one of the most iconic natural wonders in the country, the Chocolate Hills.
Made up of 1,776 limestone formations formed by one of nature’s mysteries, the landscape is as sweet as it is beautiful, especially in the dry season.
If you love exploring nature, then Bohol Island will be the best island in the Philippines for you.
You can explore through hiking, cycling, biking, camping, and wildlife watching.
For a unique experience, you can go on a motorcycle tour where you’ll explore the fishing villages, secret waterfalls, buy locally made souvenirs, and enjoy delicious seafood.
9. Malapascua Island
Located in the Visayan Sea, Malapascua is the best Philippine island for those who want a quiet spot to dive and explore the underwater world.
The major attraction on this island is the thresher sharks. This is their main habitat, and when you dive here, you get to swim by the side of these gentle giants. As a diver, this is an amazing experience.
Apart from the thresher sharks, Malapascua also has colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life.
Just to be clear, you won’t find the nightlife or luxury resorts on this island, but it’s all part of its laid-back charm.
So you know you’re coming here to connect with nature, enjoy delicious local meals, and experience the slow island life.
10. Palaui Island
Picture golden deserted beaches, crystal clear waters with lots of marine life, hidden caves, and waterfalls to explore.
Yes, this is what you get at Palaui Island. Although it’s close to Luzon island, this tropical paradise offers a perfect escape from untouched natural beauty and quiet atmosphere for all travellers.
This Philippine island also offers lots of exciting hikes through tropical jungles and cliffs to get the most beautiful views.
Just don’t forget to bring your camera along. You should also take the hike to Cape Engano Lighthouse, this experience is a must.
You’ll also have fun here, swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and connecting with nature. And you can also explore the local culture of the only village on this island, Punda Verda.
11. Moalboal Island
This might just be the best island in the Philippines for you to visit, at least just so you can see the amazing Badian Canyon.
In this beautiful Philippine island, you’ll explore deep canyons, secret waterfalls, and rock formations that will just blow your mind.
Moalboal is the perfect spot for adventurers, explorers, and nature lovers to visit for a cooling vacation.
And when you’re done hiking and exploring, you can head to the beautiful Kawasan Falls to cool off.
The main Moalboal town is known for its clean beaches and diving spots, so you can snorkel, swim, or dive and watch as millions of sardines move in perfect synchrony.
In Moabal, it’s very possible that you won’t run out of fun things to do, and instead, at the end of your vacation, you will have so many unforgettable memories.
12. Bantayan Island
This Philippine island combines adventure, history, and natural beauty to give you the perfect quiet vacation away from the crowds.
Since it’s one of the underrated islands in the Philippines, you’ll be relaxing on almost empty beaches, swimming, diving, and exploring hidden gems.
For some land activities, you can hike through the volcanic and mountain trails on this island that lead through the tropical forest.
And if you want to keep your adrenaline pumping, you can jump into its clean waters.
But apart from adventure, Bantayan is also rich in history, so you can go on any history tours, where you’ll learn about the 18 Spanish colonial watchtowers.
No matter what you do, make sure you have the time to explore the fishing villages on this island to enjoy some delicious local seafood meals.
13. Guimaras Island
In Guimaras, you can relax at beaches like Nagarao, Inampulugan, and Nauway without the stress of the tourist crowd.
This Philippine island is hidden between the Panay Gulf and Negros so it’s a perfect vacation spot for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to avoid the crowd or travel on a budget like in these cheapest countries.
If there’s one thing Guimaras is quite popular for, is its sweet mangoes. And with its plenty of mango plantations, you’ll have to try some of this delicious fruit for yourself.
Another landmark to explore is the Guisi Lighthouse, which feels like it’s from a movie; the views you’ll get here of the coastline and surrounding beaches like Nueva Valencia are Insta-perfect.
14. Batan Island
This volcanic Philippine island is known for its farms, rice fields, and tropical forest, which provides this unique vacation experience you can’t find in other Philippine islands.
The traditional thatched roof house, grey rock formations, and white lighthouse all add to its charm.
When you visit Batan, you’ll need to stop at The Honesty Coffee Shop, which is one of the island’s most unique attractions.
Here, you can simply pick up coffee and snacks and pay whatever you feel is appropriate. This shop is the true character of the locals, the Ivatan people.
These locals are genuine and honest, so while you’re here, you can take time to learn about their culture, language, lifestyle, and values.
15. Siquijor Island
If you need a Philippine island that gives the most enchanting, relaxed vibe, plus natural beauty, all without the tourist crowd, then head to Siquijor Island, especially if you’re traveling solo like many women do when exploring peaceful destinations like these solo trips for women.
Although this island is now a Christian land, it has always been known for its mystic energy, especially the Bolo Bolo white magic.
There are so many fun things to do in Siquijor. You can explore the historical churches, go swimming, cliff jumping, hiking, diving, explore waterfalls, and enjoy delicious local meals.
And since it’s a small island, it will only take you a couple of days to explore before heading to other islands in the Philippines.
16. Malalison Island
If you’re looking to explore some of the best islands in the Philippines off the usual tourist spots, well, welcome to Malalison.
Located in Antique Province, you can only get to this small island through a boat ride from the mainland.
But don’t worry, you’re in for a perfect vacation with its clean beaches, mountains, jungle, and vibrant culture.
You can hire a local guide or go on a tour through the mountains, jungles, caves, and some of the island’s hidden gems.
On this tour, you’ll also see some unique fauna and flora and learn about the history and traditions of the locals.
When you’re done exploring the land, you can visit the nearby beaches to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax.
17. Corregidor Island
You can’t visit the Philippine islands as a history buff without stopping at the amazing Corregidor Island.
This is where you’ll get to know the role the Philippines played during World War II.
This island might be small, but its military importance is shown in its fortifications, bunkers, and structures.
It might not have been, but don’t you think a visit to one of the most heavily fortified islands in the world should be on your list of things to do in the Philippines?
So, make time to stop at this island and explore the Malinta tunnel that served as a hospital, headquarters, and storage area during the war.
You’ll also need to stop at the Corregidor Memorial to pay your respects to the fallen heroes from the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.
Conclusion
Of course, you’re planning a tropical vacation, and what better place than these Philippine islands?
With so many island options and so many fun activities to do here, you can simply island-hop between the closest islands. And here’s how to do it.
First, use any distance travel calculator to know which islands are close, then take a ferry to the next spot.
You’ll need to check the ferry schedules in advance and double-check, or you can join a fun-filled Philippines group tour.
Just make sure you have the best time exploring these Philippine islands.
