4. Samal Island, Davao City
Samal island is also known as the Garden City of Samal. It’s approximately 2 kilometers away from Davao City, the capital of Mindanao, and a whopping 1400 kilometers from Manila.
It has the distinction of being one of the most developed vacation destinations in the Philippines and has a good number of white and pink sand beaches as well as world-class resorts including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and the Paradise Island.
With 70 different resorts around the island, you can take your pick from the best (or not best, depending on your budget). It also boasts numerous marine reefs and crystal blue waters good for relaxation.
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When to Visit: Expect crowds and heat in high season and August, and cooler weather from December through Feb but less crowds.
How to Get There: Fly into Davao City. From Davao City, it’s very easy to take a ferry to reach the island.
What to Do: Enjoy relaxing at a resort and exploring the many islets and beaches. Also, check out the vanishing island, which disappears as the tide comes in.
What It’s Known For: There are some truly excellent places for diving, along with all the other excitements that come with island life like hiking or lounging on the beach. If you can, you should check out Montfort Bats Conservation Park, where you can see more than two million fruit bats, a number which has earned it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most fruit bats in a cave. Also check the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo. Visit the pink beach and indulge in the many tropical fruits that are only found in Davao...
5. Panglao Island, Bohol
Dumaluan beach is not as famous as Alona beach in Panglao but it is more beautiful....
Located off of Bohol, Panglao is similar to Boracay, boasting fine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are among the best in the Philippines and marine species are abundant on the island, with about 250 different species of crustaceans and 2500 species of mollusks, some of which are newly discovered.
In fact, the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project discovered that Panglao Island has more marine species and biodiversity than both Japan and the Mediterranean Sea combined. Currently, Panglao Island is being developed and the government has plans to build an airport to further boost the island's tourism.
Alona Beach, the best-known beach on Panglao island, can be congested and overpriced, but has some great diving. Dumaluan and Doljo beaches are also popular.
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When to Visit: The dry, cool season between December and March is the perfect time to go. The summer heat between April and July breaks up with the onset of the rainy season.
How to Get There: Panglao Island is accessible from Bohol, which you can reach by flying into Tagbilaran Airport (about one and a half hours from Manila). It takes about 30 minutes by land to get to Panglao.
What to Do: If you like architecture, you should check out Our Lady of the Assumption Church, which combines Byzantine and Romanesque influences and has some impressive frescoes as well as a small well that is believed to hold miraculous healing water. It was slightly damaged in the 2013 earthquake but is still worth a visit.
What It’s Known For: Explore the underground lagoon at Hinagdanan Cave. Visit the famous chocolate hills in Carmen. Rent a motorcycle and explore the island. Ride a floating restaurant boat and cruise along the green waters of Loboc river while being serenaded by Filipino musicians and eat delicious sea foods.
6. Coron Island, Palawan
Coron is both the name of an island off the coast of Busuanga and the name of Busuanga’s largest town. Coron Island is inhabited by the Tagbanua people and is a gem of natural beauty with steep limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and seven mountain lakes. It's actually been listed among the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Travel magazine.
In addition, behind majestic rock formations, there lies a secret lagoon with crystal blue-green waters encircled with limestone formations and white sand shores. This secret beach is really a paradise! You’ll have to make an effort to get there, however, either by climbing over cliffs or swimming through a sea tunnel. It's totally worth it!
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When to Visit: Though Coron isn't as packed with tourists as other beaches, visiting in the low season can still be nice to avoid the chance of crowds.
How to Get There: Fly into Busuanga and then take a van to Coron (takes about 45 minutes). You should also know that no one can stay on the island overnight, though lodging can be found in the city of Coron, Busuanga.
What to Do: Go scuba diving! This is one of the best places in the world to do it.
What It’s Known For: Beautiful limestone cliffs and shipwreck diving sites.
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