5 Destinations and Tips for Island Hopping in the Philippines
The Philippines is a stunning Asian archipelago, filled with over 7,000 breathtaking tropical islands. If you want to travel to the Philippines, chances are you’ll do some island hopping during your trip. Island hopping in the Philippines is a great way to explore multiple locations during your vacation. Not sure where to start? Read on for the best island hopping destinations and insider tips.
Siargao
If you love surfing, Siargao should be at the top of your to-do list. The top surf spot on the island, Cloud 9, is known for awesome tubes and big crowds. You can also find other good surf spots on the island that are happily less overrun with people. If you’re not a surfer, never fear—there’s still plenty of interesting things to do on the island that don’t involve quite as much adrenaline. This is the perfect vacation spot for people who prefer nature to partying, since it’s laid-back and peaceful.
Romblon Island
Another island that hasn’t had too much touristic commercialization is Romblon Island. The most significant part of the island is Romblon town, where you can find nice resorts and places to eat out. If you want to experience the beauty of the Philippine’s natural world and local culture, this is the place to go.
Busuanga Island
Another place you can’t miss when you’re island hopping in the Philippines is Busuanga Island. This is the largest and most popular island in the Calamian Group of islands. This island is known for its awesome dive sites, which feature World War II Japanese wrecks.
Boracay
When you travel to the Philippines, be sure to check out Boracay. This island is hugely popular with tourists for its pristine beaches, nightlife, and leisure activities. It’s the perfect place to find tranquility at the beach, go parasailing, or ride a horse on the shore.
Luzon
The Philippine’s largest island is one you can’t miss while you’re island hopping in the Philippines. It’s big enough that you won’t be able to see it all in one trip (or perhaps even one lifetime), so you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do in Luzon. A couple of tourist favorites are Taal Volcano and tours of Manilla.
Tips
- Save money by going with a group and chartering a boat. No matter where you go, island hopping in the Philippines can get pricey. You can save by getting with a large group and renting out a private boat.
- Waterproof everything. There’s no quicker way to dampen (pun intended) a vacation by having to worry about keeping things dry. Choose a water resistant bag, get waterproof cases for your electronics, and don’t pack anything that can get damaged if it gets splashed.
- Plan meals. Make sure you know when and where you will eat. As the popular candy commercial wisely advises, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” So pick a tour that comes with lunch, or pack sandwiches and snacks to stave off hunger.
These are just a few of the literally thousands of island you can visit while you’re island hopping in the Philippines! However, they are also five of the best. Which sounds like the most fun to you? Let us know in the comments!
