Where is the best beach holiday in the Philippines? The best resort islands in the Philippines. Holidays in the Philippines

For those who dream of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach, lovers of diving and Asian exoticism, a holiday in the Philippines is an excellent choice.

The Philippines is a country located in the Pacific Ocean on more than seven thousand islands that are part of the Malay Archipelago. The relief of the islands is mostly mountainous, a significant part of them is covered with lush tropical forests. The islands are washed by the waters of three seas: the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea and the Sulawesi Sea. In the north, the archipelago is separated from Taiwan by the Bashi Strait.

The climate of the Philippines is tropical monsoon. A special feature of this climate is the large amount of precipitation that falls from spring to autumn. But in winter there is practically no precipitation, which is especially noticeable in the west of the islands of Luzon, Palawan and the Visayas. In the north of the territory, typhoons are frequent and the danger of tsunamis is high.

Despite the not very stable political situation, the Philippines, whose beaches are ideal for a comfortable holiday, attracts many tourists. Any of the thousands of islands can serve as a wonderful holiday destination; for lovers of convenience and peace there are wonderful equipped sandy beaches, for adventure seekers there are plenty of opportunities to relax in unexplored territories. For such people, the rainy season is not a hindrance. In general, the nature, climate, and culture of these places are exotic for a resident of the middle zone. The largest of the entire group of Philippine islands are Luzon, Samar, Mindao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Panay, Leyte.

The frantic rhythm of the big city will drive anyone crazy. Sitting at your next report, you dream of soaking up the rays of the sun on the seashore or ocean. So isn't it time to give your dream a chance to come true? Take a vacation, pack your bags and fly away from all your troubles to pristine nature, tropical forests, alluring reefs, mysterious caves, and breathtaking landscapes. Best beaches in the Philippines with their characteristic Asian hospitality, they will give you an unforgettable fairy tale.

Unique and different from each other. They invariably attract thousands of tourists from all over the world, offering vacationers a warm, caressing sea (water temperature 26-28 degrees), sparkling with multifaceted shades - from blue to emerald green, and dazzling white sand.

In the north of Panay Island there is the famous Boracay Beach - it is one of the ten best beaches in the world. The sand shimmering in the sun and the crystal clear sea attract here, like a magnet, those who like to swim in warm waters, scuba dive and windsurf. Only in Boracay and Hawaii can you see miniature, white clouds huddled in small piles on the horizon. In addition to water activities, Boracay is a center for clubbing. The fun here continues from sunset to dawn.

Bantayan Beach (Cebu Province) offers a more relaxed and relaxed atmosphere. Here you will not hear loud music, which is a constant companion of noisy and cheerful Boracay. Only the whisper of coastal waves and a light breath of fresh breeze disturb the serenity of relaxation in this pristine paradise.


For a long time, Palawan, despite the amazing beauty of its places, remained deprived of the attention of vacationers. The colorfulness of this place is given by the village houses, lost among the untouched wild nature. At the moment the situation has changed dramatically. According to most vacationers, Palawan has the best beaches in the Philippines.

The island's beaches are very popular with divers and other thrill-seekers. The absolute favorite is Honda Bay Beach, consisting of several islands surrounded by coral reefs, crystal clear water and soft white sand. The uniqueness of these places was highly appreciated by UNESCO, which declared the Tubbataha Reef a global heritage in 1998 and took it under its protection. No matter what type of holiday you choose - be it swimming in the cool waters, exploring the underwater world with scuba diving or sunbathing - Honda Bay will make a lasting impression on you!


In the province of Palawan, the resort of El Nido is located, which includes about 45 islands, as if ringed by marble rocks, which gave shelter to a variety of tropical birds. El Nido beaches, like all the others Philippines beaches, incredibly beautiful. Among other things, this area is famous for its delicious and interesting soups - in Chinese restaurants you will certainly be offered to try Nido soup, made from the nests of local birds. Pristine nature, beautiful forests, sunny beaches, inviting reefs, mysterious caves and breathtaking landscapes - you will not find such a view anywhere else!


Puraran and Siargao - best beaches in the philippines for surfers - they are on a par with the beaches of Australia, Hawaii and Japan. The most popular is Puraran, located on the island of Catanduanes. On weekends, tourists and locals flock here to ride the wave. The beach area is limited by high cliffs and stones. During the cold season, there are very strong currents in the sea and endless rain showers. The huge waves of Siargao Beach, up to 12 feet high, attract daredevil athletes from August to March. The Siargao Cup Surfing Competition is held annually in mid-autumn, an important sporting event in the country that attracts participants from other countries.


In the Philippines, the beaches are distinguished by wonderful white sand that does not burn even at midday, picturesque corals and beautiful clear water. Tourists have the opportunity to combine a beach holiday with diving and surfing. Several of the most visited beaches are the most popular.

On the island of Boracay, everything is equipped for a comfortable stay; here is the most famous and fashionable resort in the Philippines. Many hotels and a beautiful multi-kilometer beach, blue clear water are combined with an abundance of free space.


The island of Mindoro offers vacationers beaches located in Muelle Bay near the city of Puerto Galera. The beaches of White Beach and Tamaraw Beach, Laguna Beach and Sabang, located in the bay, are excellent for relaxing on the beach and diving.

Near the island of Bohol, scuba diving enthusiasts and tourists who like to combine swimming in the sea with visiting restaurants and entertainment centers will find the small island of Panlao. There are many hotels on the island and wonderful places to relax on the beaches, you just need to be careful because of the abundance of sea urchins in the coastal strip and on the beach.


For those who prefer privacy, Cabilao Island, located west of Bohol, is ideal. The 2-kilometer long Dolho Beach is an ideal place for divers, thanks to its crystal clear water and abundance of coral.

Catanduanes Island is located very close to Luzon, where the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located. The beaches of the island, of which the most famous is Puraran, become the object of attention for Manila residents who spend their weekends here. In addition, Catanduanes attracts surfers who are not afraid of strong currents, which are quite dangerous in the autumn.


Excellent holiday destinations can be found near the island of Cebu. There are many inexpensive hotels on Bantayan Island, so there are plenty of vacationers, especially since, like everywhere else in the Philippines, the beaches are beautiful. The beaches on Malapasca Island, located northeast of Cebu, are world famous and offer excellent diving for those who enjoy diving with sharks. And the island of Puo will give its shelter to lovers of solitude.


Beach holidays in the Philippines are attracting more and more tourists, due to the fact that swimming can be combined with active recreation, cruises, excursions, even air safaris. You can take advantage of the beaches that are perfectly equipped for tourists visiting the Philippines, or you can become discoverers of paradise. The abundance of islands allows you to escape from the vagaries of rather unstable weather, moving from beach to beach.

If you are going on vacation and have chosen the most fabulous and unforgettable place - the Philippines, then you need to know the best beaches in the Philippines - the most beautiful and snow-white in the whole world. Of course, someone will argue: - however, if you really want to plunge into a tropical beach paradise, then first of all, I advise you to pay attention to the Philippines with its wonderful beaches.

A warm bluish-blue, sometimes turquoise sea splashes before your eyes, very fine white sand on the beaches, palm trees that lean towards the sea, and this whole view is reminiscent of an advertisement for a “bounty bar”. And you can see all this with your own eyes, touch it, swim, and lie on the snow-white sand. So pack your suitcase and go! The Philippines are islands where tourists come not only to sunbathe on the beaches, but also to go diving, surfing, snorkeling, i.e. admire the underwater world with a mask and fins.

You can see about the climate, population and much more about the Philippines in the article. And now we will talk about only one thing: the most beautiful, mesmerizing beaches of the Philippines.

The best islands in the Philippines with the most beautiful beaches

Boracay Island

Beaches on the island Boracay is the most popular in the world, the beach called White is listed in the top ten best beaches in the world, so this island is a must-visit at least once in your life. The island is only 7 km long and 1 to 2 km wide.

White Beach

The most popular beach on the island is White Beach. It is famous for its white sand, which does not burn your heels even in the most intense heat, because... it doesn't overheat. Along the entire beach, which is 4 km long, there are hotels for every taste and color, restaurants, bars, discos. Most are located right on the beach, giving you the opportunity to watch the sunset with your favorite cocktail or an exotic seafood dish prepared right before your eyes.

This beach is divided into three parts, which are called boat stations.

You can find many more interesting beaches on the island, but there are also some where access is closed; such beaches can be purchased by the hotel. Such a beach will be surrounded by a fence and it will be extremely difficult to get there, although you can try to introduce yourself as a hotel guest, but as they say, it’s not worth the candle, there are already enough beaches.

Dinivid Beach

There is also an interesting beach called Dinivid Beach - this is a very beautiful beach, which is surrounded by rocks, you can get to it if you walk along the coast along the cliff that separates it from the main beach.

Bulabog Beach

The main gathering place for kiters. Bulabog Beach is one of the first gathering places for kiteboarders in all of Asia.

Puka Beach

Puka Beach is a piece of the beach world untouched by humanity; there are no hotels, bars or restaurants on it. Very clean water, white sand, and you can hide from the heat in the shade under large palm leaves. If you get really hungry, you can find restaurants at the entrance to the beach.

Cebu Island

The island of Cebu is interesting for its history; Ferdinand Magellan landed here in 1521. Immediately, but a little later, he was killed by a leader from the neighboring island of Mactan. And after Magellan discovered this island and died here, the first colonists (Christians) who came here founded the city of Cebu, which became the first capital of the Philippines. Therefore, Cebu is considered the most historical place in the Philippines; there are architectural structures preserved from those times - a Spanish fortress, monuments to Magellan and the leader Lapu-Lapu who killed him. The most interesting thing is that the locals show respect for both one and the other monument, because Magellan opened the way to Christianity for them, and the leader Lapu-Lapu, a fighter for his people, was against the Spanish colonialists.

Now the island of Cebu is popular for its beaches, and its historical part, and an abundance of fruits, and rattan wicker furniture, as well as jewelry made of semi-precious stones, coconut products, and ukuleles.

In Cebu these days you can see historical monuments, go shopping, and sit in various restaurants with delicious food. There you can go snorkeling (swimming with a mask and fins to observe the underwater world), windsurfing, fishing, or just go on a boat trip on a yacht.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW that medicine is quite expensive in the Philippines, so it is better to take care of the medical insurance policy in advance so as not to pay a tidy sum on the spot even for a small scratch. I suggest you read the following articles and purchase insurance online through our trusted resource:

Malapasca Island

This island is not large, but it is famous for its beautiful, snow-white beaches that dazzle the eyes in the sun. It is located near the island of Cebu. In Malapasca you can go diving and see the local sharks. It is better to come here from February to May - this is the most wonderful time to relax and the best beach holiday in winter.

Bohol Island

Bohol Island is a wonderful place with many natural attractions, such as the Chocolate Hills, which are apparently named after chocolate candies, because... very similar to truffles. These hills hang over very beautiful beaches and it looks very breathtaking.
The beaches are famous for their white coral sand, which Singapore bought and exported for its beaches. It is very interesting in itself that the island is of volcanic origin. The smallest monkey in the world also lives here - it is called the tarsier, this is one of the symbols of the Philippines.

Other worthy islands in the Philippines that attract tourists

Alona Beach - on Panlao Island

Not far from the island of Bohol is the small island of Panlao, where there is an 800-meter long Alona beach, where there are many hotels, restaurants, diving centers for those who like to dive and see marine life with their own eyes. Tourists who come here say that it is crowded at any time of the day.

Doljo Beach

Dolho Beach is 2 km long, there are not many cafes and restaurants on it, but they are sometimes found, they say that it is rarely clean of algae, but still the view is stunning, simply unreal.

Attention! It is imperative to beware of sea urchins, and in such places wear protected swimming shoes; if there are algae, then a urchin may be entangled and hidden in them, which, if you step on it, will cause pain and trouble in the form of a wound, for which you need time to heal.

Palawan Island

The island of Palawan is made up of many small islands led by a large island. Here you can see the beauty of the impenetrable jungle filled with rare animals, these beautiful beaches and caves. This place can definitely be called a place for the rich; there are a lot of good, expensive hotels for every taste. This place is also famous for diving. Here, as in many other places in the Philippines, there are beautiful white beaches.

The main attraction of Palawan is its National Park, which consists of many interconnected caves through which an underground river flows. A great place to go scuba diving is Honda Bay. The most beautiful place for a beach holiday and swimming is the island (marine reserve) of El Nido.

In Palawan, one of the islands of this archipelago, you can also find an uninhabited island where you can have a picnic and do whatever comes into your head. You just need to hire a boat to take you there and remember to pick you back up after some time.

Small islands, not far from the island of Palawan: Matinloc, Cadlao - are remarkable for their beaches, where you can also go snorkeling, because... not very deep and a very beautiful underwater world opens up to the tourist.

As they say, if there is a paradise in the world, this is the Philippines, I’m kidding, of course, however, it’s worth flying to the Philippines for a couple of weeks, especially since the trip itself won’t take much of your energy. - very simple. It’s your decision to prepare or buy a hot package tour. If you are interested in cheap air tickets to the Philippines, I advise you to get acquainted, or simply use the search form below.

Many types of tourism are well developed in the Philippines. Anyone will find something to their liking here. Beach holidays, shopping, visiting festivals, ecotourism, climbing mountains and volcanoes (by the way, about mountains, there are great guys who climb and hike all over the world, their website: http://kuluarpohod.com/), diving, snorkeling , surfing, parasailing - this is not a complete list of what you can do in the Philippines. In addition, the Philippines has many interesting historical places. For a long time, the Philippines was a Spanish colony, which left its mark on the culture of the country and the architecture of its cities. Useful information about the Philippines (visa, language, currency, transport, etc.) can be found. Next we will talk directly about the islands of the Philippines.

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, and each is interesting and unique in its own way. The island should be chosen based on your preferences. For divers, the ideal holiday destination would be the island of Luzon or Mindoro, and for surfers, for example, Siargao. If you love history, then you should choose the island of Cebu, and nature lovers will love the island of Palawan.

In this article we will look at tourism opportunities and the main attractions of the largest and most popular islands of the Philippines.

Luzon Island is the largest of the Philippines islands, located in the north of the country. The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is located on it. The island has four international airports.

Manila

In Manila you can see the old city of Intramuros, Rojos Boulevard, Rizal Park, Coconut Palace, Oceanarium, Avilon Zoo (30 km northeast of Manila), Manila Botanical Garden, Museum of Arts and Sciences of the University of Santo Tomas, Metropolitan Museum of Art. We advise you to entrust the organization of the excursion program to local Russians offering guide services in Manila.

Attractions of Luzon Island:

• Vigan. Historical Center. Spanish architecture.
• Baguio. Summer residence of the President of the Philippines. Historical Center.
• Banaue Rice Terraces. Rice terraces are located on the slopes of the Cordillera.
• Subic Bay National Park. Former American military base. Here you can see bamboo and mango forests where giant bats live.
• Taal Volcano. This volcano is unique in that the crater of this relatively young volcano is located in the lake, and not vice versa as usual. Taal Volcano is the smallest in the world, its height is only 260 meters.
• Quezon National Park.
• Volcano Arayat (Mountain Arayat National Park). Dormant volcano. Height 1026 meters.
• Mayon Volcano National Park. Active volcano. It is considered one of the most beautiful active volcanoes in the world.
• Cagayan Valley. The valley is located between the Cordillera Central and the Sierra Madre range. The longest river in the Philippines, the Cagayan River, flows into the Luzon Strait in the north of the country.
• Lake Laguna de Bay. The largest lake in the Philippines.
• Pangsanjan Falls. They used to be called Magdapio Falls.
• Mount Pulog (Mountain Pulag National Park). Height 2934 meters.
• Volcano Pinatubo.
• The capital of sex tourism is the city of Angels.

Surfing

Diving

Popular places: Donsol, Nasugbu, Ticao Island, Subic Bay, Batangas Bay.

Manila Hotels

You can view a description of the most popular Manila hotels among tourists, find out prices and book a hotel by clicking on the link.

The island is replete with historical sites. Here is the oldest Christian church, the first fort, monuments to Magellan, as well as the tomb and cross of Magellan. In addition, there is amazing nature and underwater world. Cebu Island is connected by a bridge to the small coral island of Mactan, where Cebu International Airport is located.

Sights of Cebu Island:

• Ancient Fort San Pedro.
• Chinese Temple (Taosit Temple).
• Magellan's Cross.
• Jumalon Butterfly Garden.
• Kawasan Falls.
• Bird Sanctuary on Olango Island.
• Mactan Island. On this island there is a monument at the site of Magellan’s death, as well as many monuments to the leader Lapu-Lapu, in battle with whom Magellan died. In addition, there is a guitar factory here. They say that the best guitars in the world are made here.

Diving

The islands of Mactan, Pescador, Quattro, Quimodom, Gato and Malapascua (dive site Monad Shoal), Cape Copton, as well as the Moalboal Marine Park.

Cebu Hotels

You can find out which of the hotels on Cebu Island is the most economical, which is the most expensive, which is closest to the airport, and also book a hotel by following the link.

Boracay Island is an ideal place for a beach holiday. The island is only 7 km long and 1 km wide. This is a paradise for lovers of active sea recreation - diving, kiting, windsurfing. Lovers of nightlife will also enjoy this place, which is centered on White Beach. In the first days of your stay on the island of Boracay, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour on ATVs around the island, accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide.

Attractions of Boracay Island:

• Bat caves.
• Mount Luho. Height 100 meters. The highest place on the island.
• Caves of Kabgan beach.
• Mango forest (Bakhawan eco-park).

Windsurfing

Boracay has ideal conditions for windsurfing. The water is flat here and the wind always blows.

Kiting

Bulabog Beach is chosen by kiters from all over the world; a smooth and stable wind always blows here.

Diving

Crocodile Island, Friday's Rock, Lobster Rock, Laurel Island and others.

Boracay Hotels

Review of Boracay hotels with booking options.

Mindanao Island is the second largest island in the Philippines. Davao City is interesting for its historical sites, shopping centers, markets and casinos. The island has three international airports, located in the cities of Davao, Zamboanga and General Santos.

Attractions of the island of Mindanao:

• The highest mountain in the country is Apo.
• Eagle Sanctuary.
• Orchid plantations.
• Waterfalls in Iligan City.
• Lake Lanao.

Diving

Diving in San Jose. Strong undercurrents.

Surfing

Not far from the island of Mindanao is the island of Siargao. This island is famous for its surf spots, mainly for professionals. The famous Cloud 9 reef is located on this island; international competitions are held here in September.

The seventh largest island of the Philippines. In the northern part of the island there is a popular resort - Puerto Galera, which is notable for its picturesque nature and rich underwater world.

Attractions of the island of Mindoro:

• Baco National Park (Mounts Iglit - Baco National Park).
• Mount Calavite.
• Mount Halcon (Bundok Halcon).
• Tamaraw Falls.
• Naujan Lake.
• Apo Reef.

Diving

Puerto Galera has a very diverse and rich underwater world. This place is popular with experienced divers.

The tenth largest island of the Philippines. The island is famous for its Chocolate Hills and a nature reserve inhabited by freedom-loving tarsiers.

Attractions of Bohol Island:

• Chocolate Hills.
• Tarsiers Reserve.
• Busay waterfalls.
• Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Cruise on the Loboc River.

Diving

The islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Cabilao, as well as Cape Arco and Snake Island.

The island has rich nature and underwater world. The island is replete with unique mountains, caves, impenetrable jungles and mango forests. In addition, there are amazing beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The island has Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Attractions of Palawan Island:

• St. Paul Subterranean River National Park. Underground river.
• Tabon Caves.

Diving

Night diving on the reefs of Tubbataha.

Palawan Hotels

You can find a review of hotels in Palawan Island.

Located just two kilometers south of the popular tourist island of Boracay. Panay Island has two international airports: Iloilo and Kalibo.

Attractions of Panay Island:

• Nangtud Volcano.
• Hawilli and Cascade waterfalls.
• Pangihan Cave and Khurum-Khurum Springs.
• Sibalom Nature Park.
• Rafting on the Butang River.

Diving

Diving for beginners and advanced divers.

The fifth largest island of the Philippines. It mainly attracts tourists with its nature and dive sites.

Attractions of Negros Island:

• Kanloan Volcano. Height 2460 meters.
• Lake Balinsasayo.
• Mount Talinis.

Diving

The island is washed by three seas at once, their underwater world is diverse and unique.

Philippines Islands on the map

We wish you a pleasant and interesting trip to the Philippines!

I would like to write generally about where it is better to go to. After all, the Philippines has more than 7 thousand islands, and if you know little about this country, it’s difficult to decide which places to visit. When asked where is the best place to vacation in the Philippines, I can definitely say that these are the islands and Palawan. I believe that these two islands should definitely be visited so that you get the right impression of the country. It has the best beaches, the best views, the best cliffs, the best diving, the underwater world, and these are the best resorts in the Philippines. The optimal option would be to spend 10 days on Boracay and, for example, 14 days on. It is worth allocating more time to Palawan, because... there are more interesting places worth visiting, a lot of excursions and beautiful islands nearby. And in Boracay, 10 days is enough to enjoy the gorgeous long snow-white beaches and diving on Ilig-Ligan Beach and Crocodile Island, sailing on a sailboat, etc. But in Palawan, I advise you to stay for several days in its capital, Puerto Princesa, from where you should definitely go to, and you can also visit waterfalls, a butterfly garden, a crocodile farm, a promenade, Pristine Beach, etc. (more about) And then go to El Nido, because this is the best and most beautiful place in Palawan. And if you haven’t visited, then you can assume that you haven’t visited Palawan itself. El Nido consists of 45 islands, so there are a lot of impressive and interesting boat excursions from there. It happens that even two weeks may not be enough! In El Nido, you definitely need to go on boat tours to the neighboring islands - this is tour A, B, C & D, to the Nagkalit Kalit waterfall and Makinit Hotsprings, to the beaches of Nacpan and, to the mangrove forest, to the Ille Cave cave, to the island of Coron , you can go rock climbing, etc. (more about)
Overall, Boracay and Palawan are top of the list when visiting the Philippines. There are also islands in the Philippines such as Bohol, Mindoro, Negros (Dumaguette), Samal, Mindanao, which are also interesting to see if you still have time.

For a very cheap Filipino life, it is better to go to Samal Island. There are no such luxurious beaches as on Boracay and Palawan, the water is still clear and clear. And also all the conditions for life - low prices, good weather all year round, an abundance of fruits, etc. and so on. Read more about.

Holidays in the Philippines can be arranged in a variety of ways, depending on what you prefer. If you have a beach holiday, then Boracay is better, if diving and excursions - Palawan and Bohol, if you want to try all the best exotic fruits - and Samal, because... Fruits are scarce in Palawan and Boracay.

Philippine Airlines and Flight
You can travel between the Philippine islands by plane, which takes only an hour of flight. There are several airlines in the Philippines such as , . There are also small local airlines like SeAir and ITI that fly to smaller airports like El Nido, but their tickets are significantly more expensive. But if you are flying to the Philippines via Thailand, China, etc., then you should use the airlines Air China, Silk Air (aka Singapore Air) and the above-mentioned Philippine Airlines.
Read about it.
How long is the flight to the Philippines? The journey from Russia will take at best a day, taking into account all the transfers. But it often happens that it takes 2 days to get here due to flight connections and long waits. First, from 3 to 10 hours of flight from Russia to Thailand or China, depending on what city in Russia you live in, and then from 3 to 5 hours to the capital of the Philippines, Manila (from China 5 hours to Manila, from Thailand 3 hours), and then already 1 hour flight from Manila to the island you need.

Prices in the Philippines
The most expensive Philippine island is Boracay. In second place is Palawan. But still, compared to Russia, everything is very cheap there - accommodation, food, massage, excursions, clothing, etc. The less touristy the place in the Philippines, the lower the prices. But you won’t find such chic places as in Boracay and Palawan. The biggest expense on a trip to the Philippines is the cost of air tickets; all the rest are trifles in the grand scheme of things.

Visa to the Philippines
Citizens of Ukraine do not have free entry to the Philippines and there is no opportunity to obtain a visa upon entering the country; it must be issued in advance in Kyiv or in the capitals of other countries (Kuala Lumpur, etc.). Russian citizens have 21 free days, and to stay longer, they need to extend their visa directly in the Philippines. Read about it.

What to bring from the Philippines
From the Philippines you can bring a variety of souvenirs, natural cosmetics, clothes and much, much more. Read about it.

And look at the photos I took from the Philippines.

We tell you where in the Philippines it is best to live and relax for those who dream of paradise landscapes and the clearest sea, but at the same time prefer peace and solitude. All about Bantayan Island: detailed guide and tips.

Exchange rate: 1 Philippine Peso (PHP) ≈ 1.3 RUB.

Why you should go to Bantayan

Tired of the noisy and dirty Manila and Cebu City, we decided to settle on some paradise island for which the Philippines is famous for two weeks. The question arose, where is the best place to live and relax in the Philippines. We spent a long time collecting information about various islands and choosing the best one to live according to the following criteria:

• excellent beaches;
• peace and quiet;
• lack of crowds of tourists;
• inexpensive accommodation;
• inexpensive food;
• safety.

Comparison with other islands. Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, Malapascua and Bantayan were contenders for the title of the best island in the Philippines. We immediately abandoned the south of the Philippines because of terrorists - just recently tourists were kidnapped from the Samala resort, and we didn’t want to take any risks. Boracay was not suitable for us due to high prices and crowds of tourists, Palawan - remoteness, high cost and lack of constant power supply (El Nido), the once paradise Malapascua, judging by the reviews, has not yet fully recovered from the devastating typhoon, and reviews of Panglao were not the best, as we ourselves were convinced of when we visited the island at the very end of our trip to the Philippines. Bantayan remained: good reviews, beautiful photos, proximity to Cebu. And we went there.

Atmosphere on the island. Having lived on the island at the Santa Fe resort for two weeks, we can say that this is the place where we want to return. An atmosphere of thoughtful idleness reigns in Santa Fe: during the day there is practically no one on the streets, only expat Europeans sip beer in bars, and in the evening tourists creep out to restaurants. There is always a siesta here, and the landscapes are almost like something out of a Bounty advertisement. Bantayan can rightfully be called one of the best islands in the Philippines for relaxation and living.

Feel free to choose Bantayan Island for your holiday - it has not yet been spoiled by tourists. Read this review - our tips will help you easily organize your vacation.

How to get to Bantayan from Cebu City

Bantayan Island is located northwest of Cebu Island. There are no ferries from Cebu City to Bantayan; you need to sail from Hagnaya Port. You can get to the port by bus, which departs from the North Terminal - you can get there by taxi, tricycle or jeepney (route 01K and several others run from the city center). Buses from the Northern Bus Station run frequently, approximately every half hour, from 4 am to 5 pm. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. The ticket costs 170 pesos.

We were on a flight that leaves at 10:30 (actually it leaves at 11). The buses are comfortable, with air conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. There is one half-hour stop along the way - you can eat and go to the toilet (entrance 2 pesos). In total, we drove for 4 hours, but the way back took a little longer due to traffic jams - about 5 hours.

The bus arrives directly at the port of Hagnaya, upon arrival we purchased tickets for the nearest ferry (180 pesos ticket and 10 pesos port tax). Ferries run from approximately 6am to 6pm hourly. The journey takes about 1 hour. You can look at the schedules, but it’s hard to say how relevant they are - this is the Philippines, after all.

The port of Santa Fe is full of tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) that will take you anywhere. Bargain, the ticket costs 15-25 pesos per person depending on the distance.

Where to live in Bantayan: hotels, resorts, guesthouses

The most pleasant place to stay in Bantayan is the resort town of Santa Fe (although it would be a stretch to call it a city). What's good about it? As we wrote above, there is a pleasant atmosphere, deserted beaches, clear sea and beautiful scenery. The best beaches are in Santa Fe - the rest are unsuitable for swimming.

The second major city is Bantayan. There is a large market, many cafes, an old church, and an ATM. Tourists come here only for food and attractions.

The third city is Madridezhos. There is a dilapidated Spanish fort (Kota Park). There are practically no tourists.

We lived in Santa Fe, so we present the names and prices of the resort hotels that we visited on our own, and also give advice.

The most expensive hotels are located on the first line: mostly rooms with a fan cost from 800 pesos, with air conditioning - from 1000 pesos. Guesthouses and small hotels are cheaper: from 500 pesos for a room with a fan and from 800 with air conditioning.

Casa Isabel Hostel

600 pesos for two for a cell with a disgusting smell of paint, poisonous green walls, a noisy fan and a shared bathroom. This is where we spent our first night in Santa Fe. It's quite far from the beach. Pros: a friendly hostess who will personally prepare a delicious breakfast.

Nordic Inn

900 pesos for two for a room with its own bathroom. The room was good, but modest, there was no table or chair. Quite expensive, they refused to give a discount for long-term stays, although we read a review that someone lived in this guesthouse for 15 thousand pesos a month. Very close to the beach.

Mayet's Beach Resort

Located on the first line, right on the beach, but far from the city center - next to Ogtong Cave Resort. There are no places to eat nearby. Room with fan - 600 pesos, with air conditioning - 1200 pesos. The furnishings were sparse, there was practically no furniture in the rooms for 600 pesos. The reviews said that there were a lot of ants.

Yooneek Beach Resort and Yooneek Inn

There are bungalows on the beach (Resort) and there is one across the road (Inn). Prices in both places are high: for a room with a fan 1100 and 990 pesos, respectively, for a room with air conditioning - 1700 and 1300 pesos. The large number of vacationing Europeans and high prices pushed them away. At the reception it was written that there was a discount for longsteers.

Budyong Beach Resort

Not a bad resort. Third line bungalow with fan and bathroom - 800 pesos. There is a table and chairs outside, and a TV and wardrobe in the room. They discount up to 700 pesos for long stays. Wi-Fi signal on line 3 is weak.

Kota Beach (next to Budyong Beach Resort)

Beautiful resort on the first line. The cheapest room costs 900 pesos (with a fan) - cool, cozy, furnished and with its own bathroom. There is a table and chairs outside on the terrace. Room with air conditioning - from 1400 pesos. A significant disadvantage is that Wi-Fi is only in the public area.

There is also Kota Beach Resort near the port, we were not there - we are talking about the one next to Budyong Beach Resort.

Sophia Resort

Rooms with a fan - 800 pesos, with air conditioning - 1000 pesos, good bungalows cost 1500. The rooms for 800 pesos are modest, there is a bathroom, but no closet. There are sockets on the street, a table and chairs, but the smell in the room is unpleasant. A bit far from the resort center.

Seven Star

Bungalow with fan for 700, with air conditioning - 800. The beach is a 3-minute walk. Discount for long stay - 100 pesos. The bungalows are not bad, but from the outside the yard looks bad - there is construction debris lying around.

Amihan Beach Cabanas

Very nice and cozy resort with bungalows, hammocks and gazebos on the beach. Expensive: a bungalow with a fan is 2500 pesos, with an air conditioner - 3000. But it has all the amenities, even a refrigerator and hot water, which is very rare for the Philippines.

RR Lodging House

After looking at a bunch of hotels, we stopped at this guesthouse. The room is very bright and cozy, quite spacious, there is a shower and toilet, a table, a wardrobe, a TV, and also an air conditioner - for it we paid 650 pesos per day (without a discount it costs 800). Room with fan and no bathroom - 450 pesos. There is a terrace with table and chairs. The owner - his name is Raul - brings a thermos with hot water every morning. Washing - 50 per kilogram.

Of the minuses: a lot of insects (ants and large cockroaches!); only cold shower; there was no cleaning in 2 weeks (they changed the linen once); During the day, the owner's child was constantly crying. Pros: good room, 1 minute to the beach. How to find: A. Batobalonos street, after HR Music Bar and opposite Casa Blanca.

Adviсe:

• If you arrive late in the evening, it is better to book an inexpensive hotel for one night, and in the morning walk around the city in search of suitable accommodation - Santa Fe is very small, it is easy to get around on foot.
• We recommend not to book accommodation for a long period of time right away, but to visit hotels and choose the best option, since often the picture on the website does not correspond to reality: there may be a dark and musty room, a poor Wi-Fi signal or thin walls, etc. in addition , if you are going to stay for more than two weeks, you can ask for a discount for a long stay.
• There is a large selection of houses on the island - you just need to walk around and look for the appropriate signs and advertisements (House for rent) or contact the locals.

How else can you look for housing in Santa Fe? Search for hostels, apartments and hotels on the Roomguru search engine; it will select the most profitable options among many booking systems.

Prices for food and groceries in Bantayan (Santa Fe)

Filipino food doesn't have much variety: it's mostly rice with additives, grilled meats and soup. All this is inexpensive if you find an establishment for locals. There are few of these in Santa Fe - most cafes and restaurants are highly overpriced.

In the city center there is a small place where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food - we went there very often. This is an inconspicuous eatery, but the food is delicious. Address: on the right side of A. Batobalonos street, if you walk along it from the beach. There are two churches next door (they are opposite each other), next to it is the fast food Burger Junction, and a little further away is the Casa Isabel hostel.

Prices at the establishment for locals:

• a plate of unleavened rice - 10 pesos;
• a plate of rice fried with garlic (garlic rice - very tasty!) - 25 pesos;
• grilled pork (3 skewers) - 20 pesos;
• grilled chicken leg - 45-50 pesos;
• Grilled chicken breast - 45 pesos;
• a plate of vegetables - 20 pesos;
• seafood - 40-50 per plate (serve);
• instant coffee - 15 pesos;
• tea - 15 pesos;
• glass of water - 2 pesos.

You can also eat inexpensively at the food court, which is located on the same street approximately opposite Cafe del Mare - you can eat there relatively inexpensively, but the prices are almost one and a half to two times higher than in the previous establishment.

Cost of meals at the food court:

• soup (small portion - 35 pesos, large - 70);
• pork barbecue (1 kebab) - 12 pesos;
• chicken wing - 40 pesos;
• chicken liver - 20 pesos;
• chicken with rice - 85 pesos;
• grilled squid - 85 pesos;
• grilled shrimp - 35 pesos;
• grilled bangus fillet - 85 pesos;
• drinks - 15 pesos;
• beer - 40 pesos.

On A. Batobalonos street there are many popular establishments of various cuisines: German, Italian, Portuguese, etc., and there is also a small market, which in the mornings acquires additional tents in front of the entrance. Opposite the market, not far from the exchanger, there is also a fruit shop where you can buy fruit a little cheaper.

Fruit prices:

• mango - 90-100 pesos per kg;
• pomelo - 80 pesos per piece in the market and 40 per kg in a tent (however, they are dry there, it is better to buy them at the market);
• papaya - approximately 50 per kg;
• bananas - about 40 pesos;
• soursop - 60 per kg;
• langsat - 90-100 per kg;
• coconut - 20-30 per piece;
• tangerines - 5 pesos per piece.

The prices for alcohol in stores are inflated, for example, San Miguel beer is 37-50 pesos depending on the type, a little more expensive in bars.

In Bantayan City, the cost of fruit at the market is almost the same as in Santa Fe; at the food courts, food costs a little less.

Also on our website you can read about housing, food and transportation in the Philippines in general.

Bike and Bicycle Rental in Bantayan

Renting a motorbike or bicycle on the island is not a problem at all. In Santa Fe, every second bike owner will take you to a rental point, and on the street you will only hear “motorbike, ma’am” and “rent e motorbike, sir.” Cost per day: from 200 pesos for a scooter, from 250 for a semi-automatic and 300 for a full-fledged motorcycle. The bikes are not bad, one might say, in excellent condition, but the roads are not, so you can’t really ride around the island. The asphalt is uneven, full of potholes and patches, and in some places it simply isn’t there - either concrete slabs or a dirt road.

Bicycle rentals are not that common, but can be found in the supermarket area near the Corner Inn.

What to see in Bantayan

Bantayan is not rich in attractions. The road is also not enjoyable due to the roughness. You can easily travel around the entire island in one day. What to see on the island? Here are some of the attractions we liked, the cost of entry and tips on how to get there.

Paradise Beach

Anyone who has always dreamed of visiting a paradise beach should definitely visit this place. Finding a beach is quite difficult, but possible. We found it only the third time.

Instructions: you need to drive through Ogtong Cave Resort, then along the coast to the small village of Moalboal. Having passed it, look on the left for an inconspicuous path that seems to lead into a thicket of bushes and trees. There are no signs. Turn there - the road over stones and frozen corals is unpleasant and exhausting. At the fork you need to turn right - you will run into a fence. Behind it is Paradise Beach with a well-groomed area and a couple of gazebos. The place is non-tourist; during our visit there were not a single tourist for 2 hours. Very beautiful, quiet and secluded. Entrance - 50 pesos. If you get lost, ask in the village - a local resident guided us.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan

The ancient church makes a pleasant impression. Beautiful stained glass windows and interior decoration in general - without pretentiousness or vulgarity.

Kota Park in Madridejos

An ancient Spanish fort, pedestrian bridge and lighthouse in the very north of the island. Couples in love come to the bridge to watch the sunset, and local children run along the exposed corals at low tide. To get to the fort, you need to arrive early.

Ogtong Cave

Located on the territory of the resort of the same name. For 120 pesos you can look at an underground cave with crystal clear blue water. someone writes that you can swim in it, and someone denies this. We decided not to visit it, since there is a similar one in Bohol.

Omagieca Mangrove Garden (Obo-Ob)

For those interested in mangroves. You can see turtles, fish, starfish, shrimp, and birds. We only saw fish and birds. Calm and quiet. Entrance 50 pesos.

What else you can visit in Bantayan: Tiyaba Cave, Sunrise Beach, Dalton Pass Shrine. You can go to the neighboring Virgin Island - about 700 pesos per person round trip.

Cons of Bantayan

And the paradise island of Bantayan has its drawbacks, alas:

• bad roads;
• poorly developed infrastructure;
• there are power outages;
• the selection of fruits and inexpensive food is small;
• the food is monotonous;
• hotel prices are higher than we expected;
• few attractions;
• to renew, you will have to go to another island - for example, Cebu;
• pestering pearl merchants and children begging for money;
• the sea is shallow, it is not always convenient to swim - at low tide it can go 15-20 meters away;
• the corals are close, so there is a risk of stepping on a sea urchin, a star, a snake or something worse - you need to carefully watch where you are stepping and not enter the sea if it is cloudy and there are waves. We met all of the above, and Lesha was also stung by a jellyfish - so just in case, purchase insurance before your trip. But there is excellent diving and snorkeling here!

However, all these shortcomings are either characteristic of the country as a whole, or you can turn a blind eye to them. As a result, Bantayan is one of the best places in the Philippines, where anyone who craves a relaxing holiday on the shores of the beautiful sea should go.

To get to know the country better, read our extensive material about - it contains all the useful information that may be useful to a tourist on a trip, as well as our tips and recommendations based on personal experience.

Introductory image source: © truetraveller.ru.