The Philippines, an archipelago of thousands of peaceful islands, ensures a fabulous holiday. The country is dotted with over 7000 small islands that ceaselessly lure visitors from across the world. You can indulge in a myriad of delightful pursuits such as sunbathing, diving, windsurfing, and kite surfing. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the most popular islands of the Philippines.
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido in Palawan tops the CNN’s list of Best Beaches in Philippines due to its extraordinary natural splendour and ecosystem. The waters here boast over 50 species of coral, making El Nido a popular hub for seasoned divers. A boat-hopping tour is a wonderful way to explore the numerous diving points of this island. The waters are so clear that you can easily spot colourful varieties of fish dart in and out of the corals. Some other easy to explore attractions here are karst limestone formations, marble cliffs, and prehistoric caves.
Boracay, Aklan
A beautiful island in the province of Aklan, Boracay is quite popular for its powdery white sands and clear blue waters. This four kilometre stretch is admired by everyone – from lazy beach bums to restless adventure buffs. Boracay is especially a great playground for kite-boarders and windsurfers. In the evening, the beach comes alive with lively restaurants and bars that stay open till dawn. If you are looking for a peaceful stay, check out the idyllic resorts near the beach.
Panglao, Bohol
Panglao, Bohol is just the place for you in the Philippines if gorgeous beaches excite you. The island is a haven for deep sea divers, thanks to its plethora of aquatic attractions, including over 250 newly discovered species of crustaceans and 2500 species of molluscs. Dolphin watching, whale spotting, and exploring brilliant coral formations are some of the other exciting activities to enjoy here. Other attractions at the island include the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier (world’s smallest primate).
Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
Powdery white sands, rich marine biodiversity, and volcanic rocks are some of the elements of Palaui Island’s spellbinding raw natural beauty. Moreover, with no fancy hotels and other trappings of luxury, the island largely remains an unspoilt paradise. Camping under the stars is a lovely way to spend a night here. Coral gardens and a rich marine reserve are the star highlights of Palaui Island; trekking is also quite popular in the region.
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud, the largest island of the Philippines, has an exhilarating landscape of rugged hills, valleys, and spectacular beaches. Lined with coconut trees and lapped by crystal-blue waters, the secluded beaches here are ideal for visitors craving solitude amidst the sand, sun, and the surf. The winds and waves at the beaches are usually strong and present excellent opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, and kite-boarding. Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon are a couple of not to be missed places.