With over 7000 islands, the Philippines is a travelers paradise. However, like so many other places in the world, there are only a few places that are massively frequented by tourists. Consequently, some destinations are experiencing overtourism while others stay hidden gems. For the best travel experience and less pressure on locals, wildlife and natural resources, why not try to explore the Philippines off the beaten track?
I can assure you that the Philippines has countless wonderful places to discover from pristine beaches, breathtaking dive sites, thick lush jungle, and startling hidden waterfalls. You don’t have to share these spectacular places with a million other tourists fighting for the best photo. You can just go to a different island or a different beach. This way you get a unique experience as well as you get to really enjoy the destination with its locals.
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How to get to the Philippines
It is easy to fly from most countries to either Manila, Puerto Princesa or Cebu. The best way to find cheap flights from your destination is by using Skyscanner. You can search by month to highlight the cheapest tickets. I used it when I traveled and only paid a little more than 400 Euros from Spain and back.
How to get around the Philippines
There are several national airports in the Philippines and you can fly to most of the major islands. However, the cheapest and most eco-friendly way of getting between islands is by ferry or Bangka (traditional Philippine wooden boat).
Moving around on the islands depends on your destination. The bigger islands usually have good infrastructure and public transport which makes it is easy to travel by either bus or taxi.
Typical local transports are Habal Habal (motorcycle taxi) and Jeepney (colorful minivans with seats along the sides in the back) and you should really try this while you are in the Philippines.
To get tips for your trip and advice for getting from one place to another I recommend Lonely Planet Philippines guidebook.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The Philippines has tropical warm weather all year round, but some months are more pleasant than others.
November to April is the dry season in The Philippines and also the most popular period to travel to the country. It is in the high season that it is easy to access most remote destinations.
December to February are the coolest months.
May to October is the wet season. This is also the period with fewer tourists. Even though it is the wet season the sun is shining most days, and the rain usually comes in big amounts in short time frames. Often even during the night. This makes it a good period to travel to avoid the crowds and surrounded by extremely lush green nature.
However, be aware that the typhoon season is usually through September and October.
Is it safe to visit The Philippines?
The Philippines has been stapled as a dangerous destination for years because of unstable situations in Mindanao. This southern Philippine island is a victim of war and insecurity still today and visitors are NOT recommended to go.
However, the rest of the country is safe. In fact, I found it so safe I would call it the safest country I have traveled to so far. I spent my time there in the central and eastern Visayas.
Knowing that many destinations in the western part are prone to overtourism, I can only assume the situation is a little less tranquil there, though still significantly safe. Altogether, there are not any reasons to be afraid other than taking normal precautions while traveling in the area.
Always watch your stuff and be mindful when walking alone at night, especially in the cities.
Filipinos, in general, are excessively friendly people who normally do anything to please the travelers. Not as organized as tourism in Thailand yet, though this makes it feel more unique to travel to this magnificent cluster of islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. You still find a lot of places where you buy tickets from a shack or just have to haggle directly with the Bangka owners to get a ride to the next island.
However safe the country is, I still recommend getting travel insurance in case something goes wrong before or during your trip. I always use World Nomads travel insurance. You can get your quote here.
READ: Less visited countries that need to be on your bucket list
The Philippines off the beaten track
Caramoan islands
Roshni fromThe Wanderlust Within
Off the beaten track, unspoiled, and above all, the Philippines’ last frontier. The Caramoan Islands are a secluded and largely unexplored area in the Bicol region. If you’re looking for pristine beaches, powdery-white sands, marine life, and stunning rock formations, then this far-flung jewel on the edge of the Camarines Sur is your ideal tropical destination.
Not for the faint-hearted, the journey to the Caramoan islands certainly is laborious compared to travel around the rest of the Philippines. A one hour flight from Manila to Legazpi is then followed by a three-hour drive to Sabang Port and then a two-hour speed boat ride to Caramoan. However, the inaccessibility ensures the islands sandy beaches and turquoise waters remain a secret Filipino paradise.
The best way to spend your day is to island-hop from one serene spot to the next. You’ll be blown away by the beauty. Not to mention the fact that apart from a few local fishing families, the islands are deserted.
It is the perfect place to fly a drone and capture the uninhabited islands, especially when its dry season or sunset.
Osmeña Peak
Hanna from Solar Powered Blonde
Osmeña Peak on Cebu Island in the Philippines really is off the beaten track. The road here from where you will most likely stay in Moalboal transforms into a complete dirt track about thirty minutes away from the start of the hike. Two of the five of us traveling there even had to stop at the side of the road and unfortunately give up our breakfast. However, it was all so worth it! After a fairly easy twenty to thirty-minute hike up, all you see around you is rolling green mountains, similar to the famous ‘Chocolate Hills’ in Bohol.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the coast. If there are a few of you, the easiest way to get here is by car transfer. You will be told it is only possible by bike but I heard many stories about bike accidents here as the roads are so awful, so you are much safer getting a car. Before you commit to waking up at 3 am to start this hike at sunrise, make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand.
We arrived in dense clouds, stood freezing at the top for a while until we gave up and came back at midday later on the same day. It really is a stunning spot, and we were joined by only a few other people both tine we did this hike, so it wasn’t too crowded. The drive here from Moalboal takes about one and a half hours and the cost really depends on your haggling ability!
Apo Island
Alejandra from Universo Viajero
Apo Island is a very small and beautiful island 7 kilometers from the island of Negros, in the province of Negros Oriental of the Philippines. Very few people usually reach this island because of the difficulty of access. To cross to its coast, it is necessary to arrive in Dumaguete and take transportation to Malapatay, like one hour south of the city. From here you will have to take a typical southeast Asian small boat (called “Bangka”) and experience a trip that will get you completely soaked if there is some swell reaching the coasts and some waves.
The island has only 12 hectares and can be easily seen by foot. The town is small and the accommodations are simple since there is only electricity at certain times of the day, and the food supplies don’t arrive every day. It is a place to completely disconnect and enjoy the nature and kindness of the locals.
The best thing about Apo Island and the reason why travelers arrive at this isolated place in the Philippines is diving and snorkeling on its coast. Being so far from civilization is an excellent place to see great marine diversity, with turtles and sharks very easy to find. It’s said to be one of the best places in the Philippines to spot turtles. In addition, corals and fish abound, showing a wonderful underwater scenario. You can also climb the 230 steps that will take you to the lighthouse on the island and a wonderful viewpoint. It is highly recommended to see the sunrise and/or sunset from this point.
Mt. Pinatubo
Wendy The Nomadic Vegan
The hike up Mt. Pinatubo to the turquoise crater lake at the top of the mountain is very rewarding and is suitable even for beginner hikers. Given that you’re climbing up a mountain, the walk is much flatter than you might expect. Don’t be discouraged by the scenery on the way up, which is rather stark and desolate.
This peculiar type of landscape is called a “lahar”, and it was created by the eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo volcano in 1991. A lahar is a mudflow of volcanic debris combined with water. It can be very destructive, ripping up trees and anything else in its path. It’s a real testament to the power of Mother Nature, and some people find it beautiful in an otherworldly sort of way. Kind of like going for a hike on Mars.
But the real highlight is the crater lake at the top, which is quite spectacular. The water seems almost too blue to be real, and it’s surrounded on all sides by tall cliffs rising up to the sky. The contrast of the brilliant blue lake with the colorless landscape surrounding it is striking.
The easiest way to visit Mt. Pinatubo is probably on a day tour arranged in Manila, but you can also come here independently and stay in Capas, the nearest town. Capas offers basic accommodation and Philippino food. For peace and quiet, visit during the week instead of on the weekend, when it can get crowded with local daytrippers.
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Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park
Linn from Brainy Backpackers
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park is situated on the less touristy island Samar in the Eastern Visayas. Endless lush green jungle snails its way through natural limestone structures only divided by the Sohoton River.
Panhulugan Cave invites with massive chambers covered in natural sculptures resembling famous landmarks like Chocolate Hills and Banawe Rice Terraces. Further down the river, you can kayak with a guide. Gazing up at startling limestone walls on each side of your canoe you get to the Natural Bridge.
Sliding through the rock wall and into a water hole, this place is nothing but magic. The fact that there are not many other tourists on this trip makes it even more attractive.
You can get to the park by bus or Jeepney possibly transferring to a Habal Habal in the nearby village, Basey.
Siquijor
Erika Erika’s Travelventures
Siquijor is a is an island known to locals for its legends of voodoo and witchcraft. Although Siquijor is located close to popular Cebu and Bohol islands, the island was late in opening its port to foreigners, so it’s still under-the-tourist radar. The best thing to do on Siquijor is to rent a scooter or a rickshaw driver for a day and roam around the island.
There’s so much to be discovered including several waterfalls with rope swings, and old churches and convents. There are many pristine beaches to spend an afternoon at as well and options for snorkeling just off the coast. You can also pick up some witchcraft-related souvenirs including love potions and mini voodoo dolls.
In the evening, you can’t miss the sunset view from the West side of the island. Grab a seat at a local restaurant or a spot on the beach walk, and enjoy the sun setting over the still ocean waters.
To Siquijor, two local ferries leave per day from Santander, a port on southern Cebu island. There is also one ferry per day between Siquijor and Bohol’s main port, Tagbilaran.
Kinatarcan Island
Bianca from The Altruistic Traveller
Kinatarcan Island is a small island in the Philippines that is located about 25 kilometers off the west coast of Cebu. With only three barangays (districts in Filipino), and rich natural wonders including a mystic lagoon, pristine white sand beaches, and enchanting caves, the island is an untouched sanctuary that locals describe as “Cebu’s last frontier.”
In recent years the Southern Partners and Fair Trade Center (SPFTC) have been working with the local community on sustainable income-generating programs including the production of fair trade moringa. Fishing and farming are currently the primary sources of income on the island. However, with the observed destruction of the coral ecosystems and the changing weather patterns fish catch and crops harvest have become limited, translating to a decrease in household income and insecurity of food supply. It became apparent that supplementary and alternative livelihood systems needed to be introduced.
With this in mind, in 2018 SPFTC partnered with local authorities to develop an eco-resort on Kinatarcan Island – a way to bring in eco-tourism and provide a new form of sustainable income for the local population.
Visitors can now use the eco-friendly Kinatarcan Wellness Resort as a base to explore the Laaw Lagoon, Clam Caves and the array of beaches that surround the island. The resort is completely solar-powered, serves locally-sourced food and employs local staff with the aim to provide alternative employment opportunities. “If we can make Kinatarcan Island poverty-free, then it is possible for the rest of the 7000 plus islands in the Philippines,” says Gina Lopez, former DENR secretary, and SPFTC partner. To reach the island you must take a 45-minute boat ride from Daanbantayan. This can be arranged through Kinatarcan Cebu. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Nagtabon Beach – Puerto Princesa
Aurelia from Daily Travel Pill
With crystal-clear water, soft sand, and tall palm trees, Nagtabon Beach is one of the hidden secrets of Palawan. This beach is mostly visited by locals and more often overlooked by tourists, which makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature without being disturbed.
Situated just 40 minutes away from Puerto Princesa, this beach is a true paradise. Here, you’ll only find one local restaurant and a few shops. Don’t expect to have phone signal or internet but who needs those when you can simply admire the views?
The water is perfect for swimming and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go on a short island hopping tour with one of the local boats. If you’re into snorkeling, you’ll discover beautiful and colorful reefs and an abundance of fish.
To get to Nagtabon Beach, you’ll have to rent a motorbike from Puerto Princesa or take a tricycle. The trip shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes.
Baler
Mary from A Mary Road
If you are looking for a destination in the Philippines off the beaten track, Baler is probably just the place for you. Only known to the locals apart from a few French backpackers, Baler is a quiet surfing town surrounded by Sierra Madre Mountain. It is located 6-hour Northeast from Manila facing the Pacific Ocean. For those who love to surf or want to learn to do so, this place is one of the best surfing spots in Asia that is not touristy, very affordable, and away from the usual travel trail – indeed a place to surf or swim and lie down on the beach all day or hike the mountains.
Getting here is easy too, you can either take a 6-hour standard bus or a 4-hour premium one. The standard bus costs $9 (490PHP). It stops twice for food and toilet break. The premium bus is $15 (700PHP) that offers reclined seats, snacks, and a toilet in the bus for convenience.
I highly suggest you go here if you want a break from the touristy scene and is looking for a place to breathe, relax, and be lazy for a few days or even weeks. There are two popular hostels for $10 (500PHP) per night, while the food is really affordable as well.
Bantayan Island
Darren & Lauren from Faramagan
Many people visit The Philippines for the striking blue waters and icing-sugar sand, but it is becoming harder to find crowd-free beaches and secluded swimming spots. However, a short ferry ride from mainland Cebu is postcard-perfect Bantayan Island, where between snorkel spots and white beaches lies quaint guesthouses, inviting cafes and relaxed island vibes.
Although growing in popularity, there is still the perfect balance of local culture and tourist facilities with small crowds to match. There are two ways to explore the island – by land and by sea and no Bantayan Island itinerary would be complete without a boat and trike tour. The joy of a hidden gem is that the tour prices are still very affordable, with trike tours around the island lasting all morning for only 500 pesos. Boats can be hired locally from any beach for around 1000 pesos per group and many include snorkel equipment.
Whether by land or by sea, you will fall in love with the pristine beaches and relaxing charm of Bantayan and will find yourself conflicted whether to tell the world about this wonderful place or keep it your little secret.
Sibaltan, El Nido
Jessica from Unearth The Voyage
One of the best off the beaten track places to visit in the Philippines is El Nido. Now, I know you might be thinking- wait, isn’t El Nido super touristy and famous? It totally is! And for good reason- it has some of the most gorgeous beaches for island hopping we have ever laid our eyes on.
But, El Nido isn’t just a famous place on the island of Palawan. It is an entire municipality and there is much more to it besides the one place people call “El Nido.” We decided to venture to the other side of the 179 square mile municipality. This way, we could soak up the gorgeous beaches Palawan has to offer minus the crazy amount of tourists!
If you have ever been to Palawan, you might know that getting around isn’t that easy. You can either pay a tour company to take you around or try and tackle public transportation. If you are wanting to get to the other side of El Nido, you can either try to tackle public transportation or arrange a private transfer.
For public transportation, you will need to first go to the famous part of El Nido- the town called Maligaya. From there make your way to the El Nido Transport Terminal and ask at the desk to go to Sibaltan. There might be a bus or jeepney leaving that day that you are welcome to jump aboard with the locals. Private transfers can be arranged in any (big) town on Palawan, just approach a tourist desk and ask. Another way to get to Sibaltan is by arranging with your accommodation for a ride.
We stayed at Tapik Guest House when we ventured to the eastern side of El Nido and loved every minute of it. The beaches aren’t great for swimming, but we took out kayaks, explored the town, and went on a private (because there were no other tourists in sight) island hopping tour. We have heard that this side of El Nido is now becoming a big place for windsurfing as well! If you are wanting to get away from it all and enjoy a serene place that has yet to be discovered by other tourists- Sibaltan worth a spot on your El Nido itinerary.
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Be a responsible traveler
Even though you travel The Philippines off the beaten track and there are fewer tourists and pressure on the destinations it is important to think about how your actions impact the places you visit.
Always be respectful to the locals and listen to their advice. Further, it is important to think about the wildlife and make sure you don’t pay for any kind of animal tourism. This especially goes for petting Tarsiers who actually commit suicide when held captive.
Finally, as always make sure to take all your waste with you from remote places and if you feel like it, you could even pick up some on your return towards a rubbish bin. If we all do a little, together we make a big difference.
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These hidden gems look like paradise, especially since they wont be full with tourists. I never knew about the Tarsiers and the danger their in due to unfair tourism, I’ll be sure to leave them to their natural habitat when I pay a visit!
Hi Connie! There are without a doubt a lot of paradisiac places in the Philippines without the crowds! I am sure you will find your little paradise once you visit! I am glad you learned something new when reading this post, about the adorable Tarsiers, and that it will make you travel more consciously when you visit the Philippines:)