5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines

5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines

Both my partner and I have been lucky enough to be able to travel quite a bit around the US, South East Asia, and Europe. Throughout our travels, we have met many amazing people from different cultures, seen many incredible things, and experienced many surreal moments.

We rode motorcycles across Vietnam, hitchhiked through the mountains in Greece, and backpacked around Thailand. Throughout all of this, I have realised one thing – There is no place like home.

The Philippines is home to some of the most amazing sights and sounds, not to mention the warmest and friendliest people that we have met in our travels. Tom, who is originally from the U.K., has undoubtedly fallen in love with our beaches, mountains, and more importantly, the people. Well, it’s pretty hard not to.

With our crystal clear waters, many pristine white sand beaches, amazing sunsets, stunning mountains and caves, the Philippines has it all. When planning a trip to the Philippines, most backpackers tend to stick to the usual places like Boracay, Cebu, Sagada, and Palawan. Although visiting these places mentioned above are still an awesome experience, perhaps try exploring these off the beaten path destinations in the Philippines to get a feel of what the country and its best kept secrets are truly like.

Gigantes Island, Iloilo

While slowly gaining in popularity, this amazing group of islands if the last frontier of untouched beauty where you can do absolutely nothing apart from lazing around a secluded beach as you feast on fresh seafood. Located off of Estancia, Iloilo, this pristine paradise is a haven compared to the more crowded and over developed tourist spot like Boracay.

What is there to do: Do an island hopping tour as you explore the many white sand beaches and sandbars, and visit awesome spots like the Cabugao, Gamay Island and the Tangke Salt Water Lagoon.

Insider Tip: If you feel like roughing it out, talk to the locals and arrange for an overnight camping in one of the islands. Imagine falling asleep under the stars and waking up to a stunning beach, which you have all to yourself. Local fishermen would come by to sell you their fresh catch of squid, scallops, and crabs, which they will happily help you grill. How much better can it get?

Book a hotel in Iloilo (get 10% off with our code: AGODANMD10)
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines Gigantes Island
Gigantes Island – What a view!

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Calaguas is a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered-which is why it is best to visit it now! Picture perfect is an understatement as all you can see is a long stretch of white sand beach and crystal clear turquoise waters. This place is accessible by an 8 hour bus ride plus a 2 hour boat trip from the main land. Flying to Naga, Camarines Sur is also an option.

What to do: Snorkelling, island hopping, relaxing and swimming. Currently, there are no accommodations or establishments on the island so make sure to bring a tent and food for your trip. There are also other activities in nearby islands like caving and exploring waterfalls.

Insider Tip: This spot is ideal for camping and is slowly gaining popularity. If you want the place to yourself, try your luck by going on a weekday.

Book a hotel near Calaguas Island (get 10% off with our code: AGODANMD10)
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines Calaguas Island
Calaguas Island. Photo credit – ChasingPhilippines.com

Hinatuan Enchanted River, Mindanao

The Enchanted River in Surigao Del Sur was given its name due to the fact that no one knows where the water from this river comes from. The water in the river is so clear that the riverbed is outlined in colours of turquoise and aquamarine. The middle portion of the river is very deep and is fabled to have spirits living beneath.

What to do: Enjoy the fresh water from the river as you go swim and cool off on a hot day. Every day at 12pm, a caretaker from the local village comes and asks everyone to get out of the water. When he rings a bell, dozens of large fish come up to the surface to feed.

Insider Tip: You can also go on a river cruise to the other islands. Talk to a local and ask them where you can get some fresh grilled seafood for lunch.

Book a hotel near Hinatuan (get 10% off with our code: AGODANMD10)
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines Hinatuan Enchanted River
Hinatuan Enchanted River. Photo credit: AmazingPlacesOnEarth

Siargao Island

Although this place is no secret, the beauty of Siargao still remains to be untouched. It is a surfer’s paradise with world famous waves, stunning islands nearby, and the friendliest locals you can imagine. If surfing isn’t your thing, how about going on a motorbike ride along the island to explore secret caves, rice fields, and empty beaches?

What to do: Try surfing in their beginner to intermediate breaks at different points around the island, go island hopping and visit Naked and Dau Island as well as the Sohoton Caves. The white sand and palm fringed shores of every island will surely make you want to stay forever.

Insider Tip: Go see (and swim) with the stingless jellyfish over at the Sohoton Caves which are in there from March – May.

Book a hotel in Siargao Island (get 10% off with our code: AGODANMD10)
Siargao 5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines
Siargao – Photo credit: GoPhilippinesTravel

Siquijor

Originally called “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire because of the eerie and mysterious swarms of fireflies that would come out at night. This enchanting island is rumoured to have mystical healers and shamans. But no need to fret – the only mystery here is why not many travellers come for a visit.

What to do: Pay a visit to the ancient Balete tree, check out the Cambugahay and Lugnason Waterfalls, and go beach hopping in their many hidden coves of unspoilt white sand beaches. The haunted island of Siquijor is also home to many old churches like the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the San Isidro Labrador Convent, which are some of the oldest and largest churches in our country.

Insider Tip: For the more adventurous, get your adrenaline pumping and try cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach.

Book a hotel in Siquijor (get 10% off with our code: AGODANMD10)
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines Cliff Jumping Siquijor
Cliff jumping in Siquijor

At the end of the day, with over 7107 islands to choose from, you won’t run out of choices as there is still so much of the Philippines to see and explore. However there are some reasons why not to visit the Philippines.

[box] Have you been to any destinations that are off the beaten path in the Philippines? Let us know in the comments below![/box]

Anna Faustino

Anna Faustino

Anna Faustino is ½ of the travel blog, Adventure in you. She and her partner Tom met one fateful day in Vietnam and they have been together ever since. Brought together by their love for silly dance moves, good food, and discovering new cultures, they’re on a mission to go have as many adventures around the world as they possibly can. Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as they inspire and unleash the Adventure in You.

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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17 thoughts on “5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In The Philippines”

  1. Beautiful couple. It’s good to know you both share the same passion for traveling around the world. The Philippines has many beautiful places to enjoy like beaches, mountains, caves, and waterfalls. Depending on your interests. For budget travelers, the Philippines is the place for you. Make sure you do your own research, read reliable sources of information, and plan ahead of time. Thank you for sharing your honest review about the Philippines.

  2. Oh my goodness gracious, could those waters be any more beautiful? That photo of Siargao has my heart fluttering. How soon can I get to the Philippines? : )

    • We hear you about the water. Anna made us very jealous. the Philippines look incredible. We have never been and can not wait to go one day. Hope you get there soon Lauren.

  3. Amazing photos!
    Manitigue island is another destination I recommend. The island is 15 min from Camiguin and not yet known.

    Shachar

    • Tom and Anna are great photographers. Thank you for the recommendation. We have never been to the Philippines yet so we love this post and will add Manitique Island to our list too. Thanks for the great tips Shachar.

  4. I love this post – I feel to visit Philippines and enjoy every thing. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • Thank you for your message Ramakant. We haven’t been to the Philippines either. Anna wrote a great post for us and definitely have added places to our list now. Hope you get to the Philippines one day. 🙂

  5. Hey, dear, your blog is really amazing and you have decorated your blog a great info and beautiful pictures. ! Now, I have to change my hot list after enjoying your blog. Thanks dear for your great help.

    • Thank you so much for your kind words Monika. 🙂

    • We want to head to the Philippines as soon as possible after checking out this list as well!

  6. Glad you guys liked the article! There is really so much of the Philippines to see! If you guys need any help in planning, we would be more than happy to help. I love helping people explore the best of the Philippines!

    • Thanks so much for writing this article for us Anna. Definitely has us wanting to get to the Philippines sooner rather than later 😀

  7. This is so beautiful. I have been just to Boracay but I definitely want to see more of the Philippines!

    • The Philippines are high on our list now too 😀

  8. Oh wow…

    • Looks amazing eh Katie 🙂

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