Philippines where to relax. Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines? Tips and recommendations from experienced tourists and travelers

The Philippines is a unique state scattered over seven thousand islands, and this is not an exaggeration. The state actually includes 7107 different land areas scattered in the Pacific Ocean. Despite this, the best interesting resorts located on only a few islands.

Tourist paradise - Philippines

Resorts, the description of which is so diverse that it can satisfy any tourist, offer luxurious service, and exotic culture, and magnificent nature, and snow-white beaches, and modern megacities not inferior to Hong Kong. Add to this the hot climate and amazing diving opportunities, and it becomes clear that the tourism potential of the Philippines is much higher than that of any country in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines will please any tourist - for families and those who love passive recreation, calm islands with comfortable hotels And the cleanest beaches. It is better for young people to turn their attention to the popular resorts of the Philippines, where there are many bars, beach parties and a large number of dive sets. You can buy and combined tour visiting several islands. Therefore, when choosing a resort, you need to carefully study its specifics.

on the island of Boracay

Boracay is an island with amazingly beautiful beaches. For example, White Beach is one of the hundred most beautiful beaches in the world due to its white sand, coconut palms and the absence of ocean waves.

In the evening, there are many bars and restaurants on the embankment, which will not let the tourist pampered in the sun get bored. There are also numerous souvenir shops. Middle-class hotels are located near the waterfront, and the most luxurious hotels are located in separate lagoons, with their own beaches and access to the ocean.

However, this is quite small island, stretching for a length of 7 kilometers, and a width of only 1 kilometer. Therefore, lovers of exploring new places and corners far from the tourist trails on the island will quickly become bored. All its attractions are beaches and unique corals that can be viewed underwater.

Cebu - the center of cultural life

For those who are not satisfied with beaches alone and want to plunge into the culture of the state of the Philippines, resorts need to be chosen more carefully. Such travelers should go to this place. It was here that Magellan set foot, who discovered the Philippines, whose resorts are so attractive today. It was in Cebu that local tribes converted to Christianity, it is Cebu that is the flagship of the entire Philippine economy, and it is here that you can feel the spirit of the country, in which two cultures are mixed - indigenous people and European colonizers.

Adds popularity to the island and major airport, which takes international flights. You can fly directly to Cebu from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo or Seoul.

Among the attractions of the island are monuments to Magellan and the leader of the Lupa-Lupa tribe, who rebuffed the conquerors. You can also see the cross that Magellan stuck in the ground of the island, marking the beginning of the planting of Catholicism. Interesting from a historical point of view and the fortress of San Pedro, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

Of the natural wonders - the Kawasan waterfall, located on an island adjacent to Cebu. This large three-stage waterfall, surrounded by picturesque jungle, is a real miracle of nature.

Bohol, an island with great potential

Attractive for tourists coming to the Philippines, resorts on the island of Bohol. Tourism is not yet as developed here as on Boracay or Cebu, but the island is so interesting that it will soon be able to compete with them. Therefore, if you do not like crowds of tourists and super-popular resorts - you are here.

Of interest to tourists are local natural attractions, which are called These are unique rounded hills, similar to each other like two drops of water. There are more than a thousand of them, and the grass burnt out on the slopes gives them a brown (chocolate) color, which contrasts with the rest of the nature of the island. Interestingly, scientists still do not know how these hills formed.

Here, on Bohol, lives a local unique animal - This is a monkey with bulging eyes, the smallest among primates. It is difficult to see her in the wild, but taking a picture in a local nature reserve is easy.

On neighboring small islands - a paradise for divers. All conditions for comfortable diving are created here, and fans of extreme sports are waiting for the island of Balicasag - diving here, you can meet a dangerous hammerhead shark.

Luxury holidays in Palawan

Briefly characterizing the Palawan resort, we can say that this is a high-quality, expensive and secluded vacation for lovers of good diving. Without a doubt, Palawan is one of the best resorts in the state of the Philippines.

Resorts in Palawan are also famous for their unique site - El Nido. This is a nature reserve consisting of many small islands. Some of them housed expensive eco-hotels with gorgeous beaches and amazing nature. Here you can meet rare representatives of local flora and fauna.

Here, on Palawan, there is also a national park - a picturesque jungle, in the center of which there is a network of caves connected. Here you can meet the rarest more than 1000 species of birds, go canoeing and go diving or snorkeling in one of the best dive sets in the world.

Mindoro, mecca of divers

Mindoro Island has gained popularity and fame as the best resort in the Philippines due to its proximity to the capital Manila, the largest dive center, as well as thanks to its mountains and eco-villages.

The north of the island is the mecca of divers. This underwater park Puerto Galera, where there are many dive sets for both beginners and advanced divers. There are places where you can dive right from the shore, and there are places where you first need to sail on a boat. The Apo Reef Park is also interesting for diving, where you can meet moray eels, stingrays, reef sharks, barracuda and other underwater wildlife that the Philippines is rich in.

Resorts, reviews of which are always positive, can boast not only the inhabitants of the depths. The success of Mindoro among divers was also ensured by a sunken merchant ship carrying Chinese porcelain. Dive to it is especially interesting.

In addition to diving, on Mindoro you can climb Mount Alcon 3 kilometers high, watch cockfights or visit strip bars rare for the country.

The Philippines is a very colorful country, yet little explored Russian tourists, but this is a great opportunity to explore it yourself.

The main trump cards of the Philippine Islands are their nature, exotics and local people. Incredibly beautiful landscapes rainforests And National parks attract travelers from all over the world. Clear water and snow-white beaches give the country the status of a paradise. And the Filipinos are always very sociable, smiling and ready to help any tourist. The archipelago consists of more than 7 thousand islands, each of which stands out for its own recreational features.

Location selection

The best islands of the Philippines, popular with most tourists, can be represented as such a list: Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Panglau, Negros, Bantayan. Selection criteria are individual for each tourist. If the main sign of selection is the opportunity to actively spend time, then any part of the archipelago will do. Diving, snorkeling and kiting are developed at the highest level. For divers, this is a real expanse - the rich underwater world, combined with clear waters, opens up new facets of this hobby.

Other key criteria, especially for family trips, are often:

low cost of living;
safety and tranquility;
developed beach structure;
low prices for food and entertainment;
lack of tourist congestion.

Boracay has no equal in a beach holiday. The white sand is like powder in texture, and hotel complexes located in the shade of branched palm trees. As the sun goes down, the active nightlife begins. This is one of the best options for young people. The entertainment infrastructure is developed very widely - bars, restaurants, discos. But all these pluses led to a large influx of travelers. So for those who are looking for solitude, Boracay is unlikely to suit. And the prices are above average.

Bohol is predominantly chosen by those who welcome eco-tourism. A world-class attraction is picturesque chocolate hills. Popeyed monkeys live here - tarsiers. An entire park is dedicated to animals. The infrastructure is poorly developed, there are also few nightlife activities, so the main attraction of the territory lies in the coastal zone.

Panglao is located near Bohol, and the coastline is better there, but the price tags for accommodation are not the most reasonable. In shops, on the contrary, you have to go across the bridge to Bohol. The constant movement from Bohol territory to Panglao does not suit everyone. The beaches are crowded, from morning until sunset, foreigners and locals gather.

Palawan is distinguished by its main attraction - a park consisting of a network of caves that are connected by an underground river. Rest is considered comfortable, but also expensive. In addition to the pricing policy, travelers are not satisfied with the remoteness of this part from the main archipelago and the lack of a permanent power supply. But for lovers untouched nature and a place of solitude would do just fine. This is the safest part in the archipelago - there are no volcanoes nearby, and earthquakes do not occur.

Negros was chosen by divers. This is the main positive side item. Another advantage is the large number of spas. The beaches are small volcanic sand. It will be quite possible to retire away from the main tourist flow. Fans of wandering through the jungle will also find something to do.

Cebu is predominantly sightseeing vacation. Cebu highlights many historical attractions, shopping opportunities, beautiful nature and ideal climatic conditions. But the underdeveloped beach infrastructure is not suitable for everyone, because most vacationers are looking for a good coastal zone in this island nation. However, the small island of Bantayan is located very close to Cebu. Bantayan satisfies all of the above criteria. Its size is very large, there are shops and good internet. At the same time, it is small for large crowds of travelers and local vacationers. The coastal zone here is no worse than in Boracay, and the prices for accommodation and food are much lower. It is often called a lost paradise due to the lack of crowds of tourists. For family vacation and holidays with children, the place will be an ideal destination. There are three cities on the island territory - Santa Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos. The first one is in great demand.

Which island in the Philippines to choose the tourist decides independently, depending on the preferences and nature of the holiday. The local currency is Philippine pesos. One dollar is equal to 49 pesos, 1 peso is equivalent to 1.25 rubles.

How to get there?

In order to move to Bantayan, you need to take a ferry crossing in the city of Hagnaya. Ferries leave every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day. However, flights may be canceled if there are not enough passengers for the trip. A ticket in 2019 costs 170 local units, the journey takes 70-80 minutes.

You can get to the station from Cebu City by bus. To do this, you should find the Northern Bus Station next to the large supermarket "SMcityCebu". At the station, you need to find buses going to Hagnay. Travel time will be approximately 3.5 hours. Fares range from 120 to 180 pesos, depending on the type of carrier. Old cars without air conditioning are cheaper.

From here you can also take a specialized route that goes right to the island, as it is transported by a cargo ferry. There are only 4 of them per day: at 12 am, at half 4 am, at 10 am and at 12:30.

If the departure is planned from Boracay, then from the city of Iloilo you need to take a passenger boat— Bungy. Boats move only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Departure at 9 am. On other days, ships move in reverse direction in the same time. The journey will take about 3.5 hours. But it is worth considering that due to low tides, the schedule may be different.

Bantayan is often combined with Malapascua Island. From here you need to get to the port of Mayo, where you can take the bus route for 18 pesos. You should get off at the Don Pedro stop, and then get on a tricycle (motorcycle with a sidecar) to Hagnay. The fee is 15 local units. Transport will deliver to the ferry station, as in the first case.
Upon arrival at the port of Santa Fe, you can also use the tricycle. You can bargain with drivers, and any route will not cost 25 points. First, everyone announces a price of at least a hundred.

Accommodation

Where to rest in the Philippines if the Bantayan territory is chosen? Of the three settlements stands out Santa Fe. There are high-quality deserted beaches, the most beautiful landscapes, cleanliness and tranquility. The town of the same name with the island is intended for the most part for grocery shopping and sightseeing. This is a large market square, many catering outlets and ATMs. Madridejos is famous for the ruins of the fort, which are suitable as a landscape for a photo shoot. There are practically no tourists there.

Housing prices start at 500 pesos for a room in small hostels, and from 1000 for a hotel on the first line. Holidays in December are considered the peak of the tourist season, which is why housing may increase in price. Some hotels offer discounts for longer stays. For an average cost of 800 p., you can get a double room with a private bathroom, TV, wardrobe and fan. For a minimal fee, there may be no bathroom or closet, only beds and chairs.

If the arrival falls at night, it is better to book a hostel for the first night, and in the morning to walk in search of a suitable home, if this option does not suit you. Leaving a reservation immediately for a long time is not worth it, since a lot of minuses can be revealed during check-in, and the money will not be returned back. It is not difficult to rent a house, the indigenous population offers many options. You should look for signs "House for rent".

Meal fee

A traveler will not remain hungry even with the most modest budget - the price tags for food here are low. However, Filipino food cannot be called diverse either. Many of the proposed dishes consist of the same products - meat, rice with additives, soups. But fruits are presented in abundance.

In the central part of the island there are many cafes, food courts and other food outlets. In food courts, the cost will be slightly higher than in cafeterias.

An overview of approximate food prices (in pesos):

a bowl of soup from 35 to 70;
small pork skewers - 12;
unleavened rice - 10, and rice fried with garlic - 25;
grilled shrimp and squid - 35 and 85 respectively;
rice with chicken - 85;
one chicken wing - 40, breast - 45;
a plate of seafood - up to 50;
chicken liver - 20;
tea and coffee - 15;
beer - 40.

Hard Kock Kafe can be called the cheapest, but its minus is that the menu is very limited. Ice Blue cafe serves fish and pork dishes well. They also offer delicious fruit shakes. Excellent cocktails can be tasted at Cou cou cafe. You should not order European dishes, even if they are on the list - there will be a noticeable strong difference from the usual dishes.

Here you can taste the national treat called dangit - this is fried chicken with rice wrapped in banana leaves. Other traditional food is sold mainly from street stalls. The dish is called egg balut - these are duck eggs in which the fetus has not yet fully developed.

Philippine price tags for alcoholic drinks are not inflated. The local beer San Migue has a pleasant taste, the fee starts from 30 p., it will be a little more expensive in bars. Of the European varieties, you can find Heineken, Corona, Budweiser.
There is also a market in the center, where many fruit stalls are open.

Fruits cost the following amounts:

mango - up to 100;
pomelo - up to 80;
papaya - about 50;
bananas - about 40;
apples - from 40 per kg;
coconut - from 20 per 1 piece;
tangerines - from 5 per 1 piece.

Beaches and entertainment

It is better to relax in the Philippines on the Bantayan coast. There are three main beaches on the island territory, this is not much, but there are no complaints about their arrangement and quality.

Sugar Beach (sometimes called Kotabeach because of the name of the hotel of the same name nearby). In length, it stretched for 2 kilometers. The water is crystal clear, the entrance to the sea is perfect. Sugar sand is great for playing on it. In January, nearby hotels put up their sunbeds. main feature- a form in the form of the letter V, which is why both sunset and sunrise can be observed from one place.

Alice Beach. It starts from the ferry station and is considered the best place to watch the sunrise. There are always sun loungers and umbrellas, although there are not many of them. The sand is slightly yellowish from shells and pebbles.

Maya beach. It has a very short line, which means that at low tide it takes a long time to get to the water. There is a great hotel nearby.

Other attractions include a boat tour to Virgin Island, which will cost 1200 p. per day, including a delicious lunch. This is the main place for those who are engaged in snorkeling, as the nearest coral reef is located here.

Nature lovers should visit the mangrove garden, the entrance is 50 p. Here you can watch turtles, fish and birds. Oktong Cave is located next to the hotel of the same name, so its guests can swim in the underground pool for free. Other tourists will have to pay 100p.

It is also recommended to visit the old Catholic church in Sante Fe, visit the tennis court and admire the cockfights. For all visits it is better to rent a motorbike. A simple scooter will cost 200 p. per day, a bike with a semi-automatic gearbox - 250, and a full-fledged motorcycle - 300. It should be noted that the island roads are very bad, with pits and potholes. This is the first minus of Bantayan.

Other negatives include:

sticky merchants;
power outages;
at low tide, the sea becomes shallow, it is inconvenient to swim;
monotonous food;
poorly developed infrastructure.

When to go to the archipelago?

Having decided where to relax in the Philippines, you need to decide on the optimal period for the trip. high season the period from November to April is considered. It is at this time that water and air are heated to high temperatures, and heavy rains stop. The traveler will have to get used to the fact that his clothes at this time will always remain slightly damp.

In March, most of all, those who want to weather weren't that hot. Divers during this period can observe the spring spawning of fish. Those who are afraid of seismic activity are advised to go here in February, when its values are minimal. But house prices may rise slightly compared to other periods. The heat is on the decline, and you can claim a beautiful and even tan.

If the vacation takes place in September, then you need to take into account that there will still be precipitation, although it will already decline. There will not be many hot days, so the risk of burning is reduced. Many foreigners prefer this particular season because of the possibility of successful fishing.

Where is the best place to go for families with children? If Bantayan is recommended in terms of a relaxing pastime, then in Bohol you can add to the tranquility more varied food, the opportunity to visit a marine reserve and a greater choice of clinics in case of unforeseen circumstances. It is quite safe in the coastal zone, the water will only reach the waist for a long time. Preference should be given to the central and western parts of the archipelago. If a typhoon happens, they are the safest.

Each traveler is guided by different parameters of where to be in the Philippines. It all depends not only on the traveler's wallet, but also on the age, nature of the trip and personal hobbies. Couples with children are not recommended to go on an excursion to the jungle - there is a risk of meeting snakes and spiders.

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There are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines and in this review article I will share with you where it is best to relax as a European traveler.

The Philippines is a Christian country with kind locals.

Filipinos love basketball, cockfighting, karaoke, and rice. Filipinos love and appreciate real chocolate, so grab a few for them as a gift.

I really like that Filipinos know English.

In this article, I have collected best resorts Philippines, islands where you can do:

snorkeling;
diving;
beach holidays;
wintering;
freediving;
recovery;
sightseeing vacation;
fishing;
active sports (surfing), etc.

Caramoan beach in the Philippines

Islands are suitable for:

solitary rest;
rest savage;
a relaxing holiday;
active rest;
romantic getaway;
for holidays with children.

For each of the islands, I will indicate the level of comfort in life, the price level and the number of days worth spending on them.

Prices in the article are in Philippine pesos. For now, 1 peso is equal to 1.21 rubles.

There are islands with 24-hour supermarkets, huge shopping malls, IMAX cinemas and food courts.

There are also non-tourist islands, where after 19 pm all establishments are closed.

So, where is the best place to go on a beach holiday (and not only) in the Philippines?

Cebu

Type of rest: active

What to do? Diving, freediving, swimming with whale sharks, waterfall, Filipino food

Comfort, modernity of life: average

Prices: medium

How long to arrive? 3-7 days

On the island of Cebu, the urban infrastructure is quite developed: there are several shopping centers with cinemas, food courts, fast food, hotels.

It is more profitable to book guesthouses, hotels in the Philippines on the sites: Agoda.com and Booking.com.

On the street in Cebu, local cuisine is ubiquitous: meat products, egg noodles and rice. At the time of 2015 in Cebu City, in many parts of the island there was a very weak Internet connection.

In my opinion, there is nothing to do in the city itself, if only to buy in the shopping center the necessary things for excursions, diving or just relaxing.

The city of Cebu is notable for its food. There is a lot of it here and it is everywhere, especially meat products. It is in Cebu that you can meet unusual-looking fat (from overeating) Filipinos.

Swimming with whale sharks

You can swim with whale sharks in Oslob, which is located 128 km from Cebu city (3 hours by transport). This pleasure costs about 2,000 pesos or more.

This interaction with sharks is more like a shark-exploiting zoo than a natural interaction with them.

Kawasan falls (cascading waterfall)

Kawasan Falls is incredibly beautiful due to the turquoise color of the water and is highly recommended for visiting. It is located 3 hours from the city of Cebu.

The cheapest and easiest way to get to Kawasan Falls is by bus. From Cebu City, go to South Bus Station and hop on any bus bound for Badian.

The price for an air-conditioned bus from Cebu City to Kawasan Falls is 150 pesos. The first bus from Cebu leaves at 5 am.

Entrance fee to Kawasan Falls: 40 pesos

Diving, diving in Moalboal (Moolbol) - a peninsula on the southwestern tip of Cebu

located 89 kilometers from Cebu city, about 2.5 hours by bus. Most of the resorts and restaurants are located on Panagsama Beach.

underwater reef at moalboal

Moalboal has a perfect reef. The structure of the reef that follows the entire coastline has made this place an ideal place for snorkeling, diving and freediving.

Divers can enjoy easy access to the reef as the lunge is shallow and close to shore, but the depth drops to over 40 meters.

Siquijor (Siquijor)

Type of rest: active,

What to do? Beaches, waterfalls, exploration of natural wonders, relaxation

average

Prices: low

How long to arrive? 3 days to a week or more

On this island, which is located near the islands of Bohol and Cebu beautiful beaches, the underwater world and cheap life (comfortable hotels with an infinity pool, in the first lane from the sea and with breakfast for $ 12).

Like most islands in the Philippines, Siquijor also boasts several natural wonders from pristine beaches, man-made forests and waterfalls.

Salajoung Beach in Siquijor

Budget resorts like Tori's Paradise rent out their dorm rooms for 300 pesos a night.

It is more profitable to book guesthouses in Siquijor on the websites: Agoda.com and Booking.com.

waterfall in siquijor

On the island, you can rent a motorbike for little money and travel around the entire island in just 3 hours.

Malapascua

Type of rest: romantic, holidays with children

What to do? Beaches, relaxation, snorkeling, swimming with a hammerhead shark, diving, drone, taking small excursions neighboring islands

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: medium

How long to arrive? from 7 days to several weeks

Malapascua Island is ideal for a beach holiday.

The Bounty beach on this island is one of the best in the country, although it is quite touristy, but there are more secluded beaches in Malapascua.

Malapascua island

The underwater reef is ideal for snorkeling and diving, and you can easily rent a snorkel on the island.

The main attractions of the island:

Bounty Beach

It has a long white sand beach lined with bars and restaurants.

Bounty beach (Malipascuya)

This is the island's main beach and is free to visit.

Here you can easily find the right food for yourself, you can relax on the beach and swim in the sea.

Lighthouse Beach

Ideal for snorkeling as a Japanese ship sank in shallow water.

The wreckage of the ship is what is left and has become an artificial reef.

Kalanggamen Island

You can sail to this island in one day from Malapascua. The boat ride will take 1.5-2 hours.

This island has a very long sandy coastline and a beautiful area of coconut palms.

Kalanggamen Island (Near Malapascua)

Some consider it the most beautiful island in the Philippines.

A shared boat trip costs between 800 and 1,000 pesos, plus an island entry fee of 500 Philippine pesos.

Diving

If you go to Malapascua for diving, there is a 100% chance that you will see a hammerhead shark.

In addition to sharks, there are many places for diving with beautiful corals and fish. You will see seahorses, shrimps, crabs and other marine life on most dive slopes.

underwater world in Malapascua

There is no ATM on the island, so be sure to bring enough cash with you;
Malipascua can be visited all year round, but summer is best time for tourism;
Take your medicines, there is no pharmacy on the island;
Take enough clothes with you as there are no laundry services on the island.

Palawan, El Nido

Type of rest:

What to do? Snorkeling, drone, excursions to hidden lagoons, small beaches, islands

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: above average

How long to arrive? ~ 5 to 12 days

Palawan island

On the island of Palawan, to the city of Puerto Princesa can be reached by plane from Manila.

It is most profitable to fly with low-cost Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.

In Puerto Princesa, you can book an underwater cave tour on Klook.

The beaches in El Nido have one minus - small inconspicuous insects on the beach that bite invisibly and leave ugly marks on the legs, which then do not go away for months. Pay attention to the signs in front of the beaches, like "Beware of sand flies/insects" in English.

In the dry, scorching time of the day, they are less common, but it is still better to protect yourself from their bites and not go to bed even at the peak of the heat on the beach.

El Nido has plenty of heavenly sightseeing tours: A, B, C, D, E. Most popular tours: A with secret lagoons and C with secret beaches.

The cost of one morning is from 1200 Philippine pesos. They run from 9 am to 4 pm.

Thus, El Nido (Palawan) is more suitable for a short (several days) viewing of the most beautiful, Disney paradise places, for beautiful photos, than for a beach holiday or diving.

There are no ATMs in tourist places in El Nido so be sure to bring enough cash with you;
Some islands in El Nido have Monitor lizards, which can sting painfully and cause heavy bleeding. Be careful not to approach them;
Be sure to take a small first aid kit;
A waterproof bag for storing your camera, phone and other things will not hurt;
Take mosquito repellent, there are a lot of them in El Nido.

Bohol

Type of rest: romantic, active, holidays with children

What to do? Drone, take excursions to neighboring islands, chocolate hills, torsiera monkeys, beach holidays, diving

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: above average

How long to arrive? ~ 10 to 30 days

Below is my detailed article about the island of Bohol, about its main attractions.

chocolate hills on Bohol island

Here are some of the reasons to visit Bohol Island in the Philippines:

Chocolate Hills - Chocolate Hills;
Lemur Torsier (Torsier monkey);
Pamilacan Island;
Underwater world on Balicasag Island;
Virgin Island (Virgin Island);
Underground cave Hinagdanan Cave with a crystal lake;
Real ice cream from Bohol Bee Farm;;
Diving;
Swimming with whale sharks;
Fireflies and Loboc river cruise;
sunsets.

My article about the paradise island of Pamilacan, which is next to Bohol:

In general, the island of Bohol is more suitable for a bright, sightseeing, photo holiday than for a beach one.

The fact is that the beaches on the island of Busuanga, on Bohol, are rather inconvenient for swimming, they are not sandy, with underwater urchins. The only sandy beach where it is more or less comfortable to swim and relax is Dumaluan Beach, it is paid and filled with expensive resorts.

I didn’t understand a little what the feature of the hyped Alona beach on Bohol is. Because it is crowded with tourists, at night there are huge crowds of people, noisy, sellers are everywhere and the beach itself is crowded with hundreds of ships.

Panglao Island has a large number of guesthouses priced above average for the Philippines. Read a detailed article about rental housing in Bohol in the article:

The best Bohol excursions to book online

See Bohol's most popular attractions with this full day tour;
The main attractions of Panglao and Bohol: 2 in 1;
Anda Beach, Kabang Cave and other natural wonders private tour to Bohol.

The smallest monkey in the world "Torsier Tarsier" lives on the island of Bohol

Davao, about. Samal and Fr. Talikad (Davao, Samal, Talikud)

Type of rest: romantic, traveling with kids, single

What to do? Winter, eat fresh rare fruits and durians every day, get healthier, go for a massage, explore the beaches of about. Samal and Talikad Island, snorkeling, beach holidays, relaxation

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: low

How long to arrive? from 30 days

Davao City is unlike any other city I have ever seen. The people here are cordial, simple and open. They will not sell you a markup item (very few places have a markup price).

The island can be safely called durian due to the fact that they grow well here in the forests and are grown all year round.

During the season (August-October), durians in Davao cost from 15 Philippine pesos per 1 kg! There are 15 of them here. My favorite species: Arancillo

Davao

Davao Island has a very developed and cheap infrastructure of the city: there are several large shopping centers with cinemas, international hotels, ride a taxi on the Grab application and very cheap Thai massage(from 100 pesos for half an hour).

The city is very safe due to the huge number of police and security guards throughout the city. At the entrance to the shopping center, there are obligatory 2-3 security guards who inspect the contents of your backpacks (bags).

Davao is a paradise for fruitarians and durian fruit lovers what am I my favorite person.

Locals from these places show interest in travelers who have arrived here, because. Davao is not a tourist city. Everyone here addresses each other to "sir" and "ma'am."

In this photo you can see: in the distance part of the island of Mindanao (Davao), on the left is the island of Talikad and beautiful sunset. Photo taken on the island of Samal

The disadvantages of living in Davao and on the islands nearby are that during the rainy season there is a chance of getting dengue. For example, I lived for 4.5 months in these places at different times of the year and did not get sick with anything. Rather, on the contrary, I gained strength, health due to a large number fresh fruits, vegetables, sea and sunny days.

If you are going to these places, you can protect yourself from insects with an electric mosquito racket or a mosquito net, which is sold in large shopping centers in Davao.

Near the city of Davao are the islands of Samal and Talikad.

Samal

Samal Island has several beautiful beaches with beautiful reef and life here is very cheap. Some of my raw food friends have even bought plots here and built their own house, a guesthouse.

almost deserted San Remio beach on Samal island with a beautiful underwater world

San Remio beach on Samal island

The island is known among the locals for the fact that Russian raw foodists and vegans live and winter here.

Samal Island can be reached from Davao by public boats and by ferry, which departs every 15-20 minutes.

On Samal Island, the Smart operator has excellent Internet connection, namely Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wifi (up to 40 Mb/s).

Talikad

Talikad Island can be reached both by public boat from Davao and from Samal Island. The island is notable for its beautiful beaches and underwater world.

Talikad Island

The island can be viewed from all sides on a boat with Filipinos, snorkel for 1500-2000 pesos for the whole day.

At the time of 2018, there are no mobile towers for Internet communication on the island, they may appear in 2019. Accordingly, on about. Talikad does not have internet access.

In general, housing is very cheap on this island - from 3,500 Philippine pesos (4570 rubles) per month near the sea (without mosquitoes). But little variety of food, mostly coconuts and bananas.

Boracay

Type of rest: romantic, holidays with children

What to do? beach holiday

Comfort level, modernity of life: above average

Prices: above average

How long to arrive? from 5 days to a month, someone likes to stay here longer

Boracay Island is ideal for a beach (not secluded) holiday for a week or much more.

sunset on the white beach in Boracay (April 2018)

4 kilometers of white sand beach, feels like flour, ideal entry into the water for those who are not very good at swimming or for families with children.

White beach on about. Boracay is undoubtedly my favorite in the top of all the beaches in the world.

The minus of this beach is a huge number of tourists, but personally this did not stop me from enjoying my vacation on this beautiful beach.

I enjoy my vacation on White Beach of Boracay Island

The island is very developed infrastructure: there are supermarkets, markets, shops with organic coconut ice cream, they sell fruits, durians, there are vegan cafes, a huge number of fresh seafood establishments, an active nightlife, luxurious and affordable hotels.

I booked a self catering accommodation in the center of Boracay Island on a private accommodation site: Airbnb.com. It came out for two at 800 rubles per night.

Ilig Iligan beach on Boracay island

In addition to the White beach (White beach) on about. Boracay has other beautiful beaches, such as: Puka Shell Beach (Puka Shell Beach), Ilig Iligan (Ilig Iligan) and others.

On all beaches, except for White Beach, there is a rather strong current, so it is dangerous to swim far into the sea and the very poor underwater world, so we didn’t need a mask and snorkel on Boracay.

I want to remind you, while it is still relevant, that the island of Boracay is closed to tourists until the fall of 2018 by order of the country's authorities. It is now being cleared of garbage, which the island is full of.

Sibuyan and Carabao

Type of rest: savage, solitary, active

What to do? Beach (one-day) vacation, snorkeling, exploring neighboring paradise islands, swimming in waterfalls, climbing Mount Guiting Guiting, visiting the lighthouse

Comfort level, modernity of life: savage

Prices: medium

How long to arrive? 3 to 5 days

mountain carabao

carabao island

On the island of Carabao, you can climb Mount Guiting Guiting, which is known as one of the most difficult to climb in the Philippines. You can also explore four waterfalls, a lighthouse, several viewpoints and the incredibly beautiful sandy beach of Cross de Gallo.

beaches in carabao

Sibuyan

Although Sibuyan Island is located in close proximity to about. Boracay, on it you probably will not meet a single tourist.

Sibuyan Island

On the island of Sibuyan, incredibly transparent azure water by the sea and swimming here is a pleasure!

Bonbon beach Sandbar

Bonbon Beach on Romblon Island in the Philippines is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world.

The island is located 12 kilometers from Sibuyan Island.

bonbon sandbar beach

Sunrise and sunset in Bonbon are incredible!

bonbon sandbar beach

Beaches nearby:

Tiamban (Tiamban Beach);
Dolphin (Dolphin beach);
Talipasak (San Pedro Beach) / Talipasak (San Pedro Beach).

Busuanga, Coron (Busuanga, Coron)

Type of rest: romantic, active, holidays with children

What to do? Beach (one-day) vacation, snorkeling, explore paradise islands, hidden lagoons, swim in the cleanest lakes

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: average

How long to arrive? 5 to 10 days

This island is interesting precisely for sea day trips on paradise islands with the best underwater world in the Philippines and with affordable excursions.

In the center of Coron, there are many excursion companies that will offer you a lot of excursions to nearest islands, to secret lagoons, to the purest lakes, etc.

one of the most beautiful places in Busuanga is Coron Bay

On Coron Island itself, tourists are served by only a few medium-priced cafes and restaurants. Most of the tourists on the island are Chinese.

There are about 80 hotels, guesthouses in Coron. The cost of hotels in Coron starts from 1500 rubles per night. You can find cheaper options on sites: Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Isla Bulungan beach in Busuanga where we just had lunch on one of the excursions

tour cost, which includes: visiting 5 islands, meals with seafood, drinks, a mask with a snorkel and vests was at the time of 2014 650 pesos which is very cheap.

I liked that only 8-10 travelers are present on excursions in the boat.

we make a stop at one of the excursion islands for relaxation, snorkeling and swimming

Malcapuya is one of my favorite islands in the Philippines where Nemo fish are found as early as five meters from the beach.

Hidden Lagoon in Busuanga

Thus, it is worth coming to Coron Island for a few days (from 4-5 days) in order to purchase several excursions (from 650 pesos per person) and see the rich underwater world with a mask and snorkel, hidden lagoons with very transparent clean water and beautiful islands.

Dumaguette

Type of rest: romantic, active, holidays with children

What to do? Beach (short) holiday, waterfalls, diving (underwater gardens), snorkeling, swimming with turtles, natural Park, Balinsasayao and Danao crater lakes, explore paradise islands

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: average

How long to arrive? 2 to 5 days

Come to Dumaguette to discover Magic world underwater gardens Dumaguete

Book a 3-hour diving excursion in Dumaguette in advance on Klook.

You can also make day trip to Apple Island, which translates as: "Island of the Turtles."

Dumaguette is located near the islands of Bohol, Siquijor and Cebu.

Dumaguette

You will see many big sea turtles around this island. You can jump off the boat and swim with them.

These turtles are accustomed to having funny tourists with selfie sticks floundering around them, so they will allow you to get close to them, even sometimes smiling in photos of tourists. Just respect their space.

Don't forget to visit Cassaroro waterfalls - you won't be disappointed with this place.

Manjuyod Sandbar Island

From Dumaguette, you can take a 2-hour drive to Manjuyod Sandbar, often referred to as the "Maldives of the Philippines".

Bantayan

Type of rest: romantic, healing, calm, holidays with children

What to do? Beach holidays, snorkeling, diving, see the mangroves, explore the paradise islands

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: below the average

How long to arrive? 5 to 10 days

This small island ideal for a relaxing holiday with or without children. This island can be called healing the soul and body.

A nice and long white sand beach is located in the Santa Fe area. The people here are kind. The beach is perfect for kids and not much swimmers (like me).

Bantayan

The simplest and convenient way get to Bantayan Island by flying to Cebu City.

For flights between the islands of the Philippines, it is most profitable to use the services of low-cost airlines Air Asia, Cebu Pacific or Philippines Airlines, and track more favorable price for a specific date on the aggregator: Aviasales.ru

Interesting sights of the island:

Paradise Beach

Secluded beach in Santa Fe. If you want to get to the beach, where there will be no people at all. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee: 50 pesos. There are a few other beaches in Santa Fe that I would recommend: Alice Beach, Sugar Beach, and Marikaban Beach.

Ogtong Cave

A small cave with a natural turquoise pool. Entrance fee 120 pesos if you want to swim in it.

Beach near Anika resort on Bantayan Island

Eco-park with mangroves

The Eco Park is best explored by boat, kayak or on foot. Kayaks are also available for rent for 150 pesos and small boats for 350 pesos.

Virgin Island and Hilantagan Island

Bantayan Island can also be a starting point for nearby islands such as "Virgin" Island, Hilantagan Island.

"Virgin" Island (Virgin)

A day trip to the islands can be purchased for 1,000 pesos, and a half-day trip for 700 pesos.

On the island of Bantayan, life is very cheap. For example, a guesthouse can be rented from 400 pesos per night, and a tent for 200 pesos.

The most profitable hotels on Bantayan are best rented on the sites: Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Siargao

Type of rest: calm, active, solitary, savage recreation, romantic

What to do? Beach holidays, surfing, wintering, visiting many natural attractions, rice fields, wild natural places, exploring paradise islands

Comfort level, modernity of life: average

Prices: above average

How long to arrive? from 12 days to several months

This island has many natural attractions. It is full of beautiful landscapes.

Siargao boasts the best waves in the country and attracts surfers from all over the world.

surfing in Siargao

Perfect white beaches, charming lagoons, caves, beach bars near the sea, coral reefs, unusual rock formations, exotic wild nature, endless rice fields, waterfalls, a large mangrove forest reserve and much more.

Guyam Island near Siargao

Guyam Island is a tiny island covered with palm trees, which is located near the island of Siargao. It's a beautiful little oasis!

Pier Cloud 9 in Siargao

The relaxed and laid-back atmosphere on the island will probably make you stay here forever.

Siargao is suitable for long term paradise vacation(from 1 month).

Looking for accommodation on the island of Bohol? Order accommodation search by local

At the end of my trip to Bohol, I met a Russian-speaking couple: Daria and Alexander from Panglao, who live there.

Daria - lives with her husband in Panglao and helps tourists find the best accommodation

Daria and Alexander help people find very profitable housing options: from 7.000 to 70.000 pesos / month, depending on the client's requests.

Here example of a profitable option:

Loft accommodation 3 km from Alona Beach. 2 floors of rooms, large separate kitchens. Balconies overlooking the tropical garden. With pool and WiFi. Price: 20.000 pesos/month

There are dozens of such options and a variety of them.

They also help to select housing for rent and also land for purchase.

The guys take a commission for their help: from 25 to 35% of the monthly cost of housing or 15% if the housing is daily. Write to me in messengers on the number: +79876642764 to contact them.

It turns out very profitable - to contact them for help. They send photos of the rooms, all the necessary information.

First, it's cheaper. Secondly, you do not need to waste your time, resources searching. And it’s not a fact that in a few days of searching on the spot you will find good options.

Too bad I didn't know about these guys before coming to the island.

In order to order a service from them for the selection of housing for you in Panglao from locals, write to me in instant messengers at the number: +79876642764 and I will give you information about them. I will answer within a few hours.

Send the following to messenger:

1. Do you want to pay daily or monthly?
2. When do you plan to move in and for how long?
3. What is your daily/monthly budget?
4. What are your housing requirements (internet, location, kitchen, number of bedrooms, etc.)?

Conclusion

I would like to note that this list is incredibly small compared to the huge number of paradise islands in the Philippines and it will be updated as new ones are explored.

If you know about interesting islands in the Philippines for travel and they are not in this post, please write about them in the comments below the article.

Which of the islands for a trip to the Philippines suits you best?

If you have questions about the islands or have something to add to this article, write them in the comments below the article.

Unsure which island to choose? Book my consultation

This is my 5th trip to the Philippines at the moment.

In total, I visited 5 large tourist / non-tourist islands and dozens of small ones. Therefore, I have experience and I can help you plan a profitable desired vacation.

my master class in the Philippines for Russian speakers on the topic “How to buy the most profitable air tickets” (12/12/2018)

Why is my consultation paid? I believe that any experience, knowledge, time of a person who ultimately help should be rewarded.

Why is my consultation beneficial? I have been traveling since 2010 and have a lot of experience in planning independent travel from A to Z.

I will help you organize a safe, comfortable vacation without overpayments in the Philippines.

During the consultation you will learn:

Which island is best for you?
How to find out which islands are safe and do not have typhoons, tsunamis and other cataclysms?
Where and how to rent affordable housing in the Philippines
How to buy the cheapest flights to the Philippines and within the Philippines
What kind of transport would you like to use
How to get to the necessary places, islands
How to navigate the Philippines and not get lost
What you need to be prepared for, what precautions to take
What is important to take with you from Russia
What is the minimum budget for the Philippines
What are the prices for different products, services on different islands
Which Internet is better to connect in the Philippines
Which bank card is better to use and where is it more profitable to withdraw money
What diseases lie in wait for a Russian tourist in the Philippines
What is the cheapest way to extend your visa?
How to solve the problem with English. What can you do if you do not know English at all
Which places in the Philippines are the most beautiful, must-see, and which islands, places not worth visiting
How to determine the season / off season, the weather in the Philippines by months, days

I will answer all your questions.

The most important thing is that we will arrange for you from A to Z comfortable, without overpayments, safe travel dreams in the Philippines.

Don't worry, get in touch ;)

Our compatriots have already mastered the nearby hot countries, and now they want something more! And they are doing it right, because on our land there are still a huge number of countries that are in no way inferior to the sea resorts that are familiar to us, and possibly even surpass them in many ways.

If you have long been tormented by the question - where is it better to relax, do not hesitate: in the Philippines you will find what you have been missing for so long!

What is this state? It is located in Southeast Asia, and has one unique feature: its territory is located on more than seven thousand islands! These patches of land are washed by several seas and the Pacific Ocean at once, and the favorable tropical and subequatorial climate makes local flora and fauna incredibly rich and varied.

Istanbul is called the city of contrasts, but in the Philippine Islands the whole country is filled with them! Each, even a small island, has its own unique microclimate and features for recreation, and large cities combine historical and architectural monuments belonging to different eras and cultures. Very close to each other can be luxurious hotels and shantytowns where the poor live.

What are the weather seasons on the islands?

Since the state is located near the equator, there is no winter here in our understanding. The high season is the period from October to April, in the summer there are frequent typhoons and rains, but not for long, so this does not prevent tourists from getting a great vacation.

The most even climate without suddenly flying hurricanes and with little rain is on the islands of Mindanao, Cebu, Bohol, Samal. In general, the air temperature, even in the coldest season, does not fall below +25 degrees, so you can safely forget warm clothes at home.

Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines?

Of course, a lot depends on your preferences and cash in your wallet. Of course, Boracay and Palawan are the most interesting in terms of education, they are advised to visit first of all by all connoisseurs.

The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princes, is a very interesting place in itself. But there are also many incredible places for excursions in the vicinity: a crocodile farm, a garden with many butterflies, picturesque waterfalls and an underground river that you can sail on by boat. The main attraction of Palawan is the El Nido archipelago, which includes 45 small islands. Here are the magnificent sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, thermal springs, and many, many wonderful, lushly colored and fragrant tropical nature! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places where you can relax in the Philippines.

Another important tourist center is one of the smallest and most beautiful islands in the Philippines. Its heart is White Beach, 4 kilometers long, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, the second most important is Pukka-Shell Beach. This is the capital water activities- surfing, diving and snorkelling. There are few opportunities for shopping here, but all kinds of tropical fruits are countless here.

The most popular among diving enthusiasts is the island of Negros. It got its name from the black volcanic mountains visible from everywhere on the island. There are several diving centers here at once, and local underwater beauties invariably attract tourists from all over the world. Here you can see dolphins and even whales - that is why people especially willingly come here on vacation with children.

If you spent all the money on tickets, go to Samal Island. Here are the most low prices for everything - and the beaches are as magnificent as on other islands. And if you take a ferry to the city of Davao (only 15 minutes on the way), you will be taken to world capital durian, a unique tropical fruit known for its heavenly flavor, reminiscent of creamy hazelnut ice cream, and the terrible smell of rotten meat, cesspit and garlic.

If you want to combine the seemingly incompatible, then it is best to relax in the Philippines on the island of Cebu. It has a wonderful climate - rains and typhoons are rare. The beaches, as elsewhere on the islands, are simply gorgeous. The coastline is built up with comfortable hotels, and very close by there are many restaurants, nightclubs, discos and shops for inexpensive shopping. Plus - located on the island ancient capital Philippines - the city of Cebu, where a tourist who is not indifferent to historical and architectural monuments, a lot of interesting things await.

We must not forget about the capital - Manila. This is a stunningly interesting city, all the sights of which are difficult to describe. We can only say that spending a few days in this Asian metropolis will be informative and interesting in terms of shopping.

I want to write in a general way about where it is better to go to. After all, there are more than 7 thousand islands in the Philippines, and if you don’t know much about this country, it’s hard to decide which places to visit. When asked where it is better to relax in the Philippines, I can say for sure that these are the islands and Palawan. I believe that these two islands must be visited so that you get exactly the right impression of the country. There best beaches, best views, rocks, best diving, the underwater world, and these are the best resorts in the Philippines. The best 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's more interesting places worth visiting, a lot of excursions and nearby beautiful islands. And on Boracay, 10 days is enough to enjoy the gorgeous long 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 a few 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 have not been to, then we can assume that you have not been to Palawan itself. El Nido consists of 45 islands, so there are a lot of impressive interesting excursions on boats. Sometimes even two weeks is not enough! Be sure to go to El Nido on boat tours to neighboring islands - this is the A, B, C & D tour, to the Nagkalit Kalit waterfall and the Makinit Hotsprings hot springs, 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)
In general, Boracay and Palawan are at the top of the list when visiting the Philippines. There are also such islands in the Philippines as Bohol, Mindoro, Negros (Dumaguette), Samal, Mindanao, which are also interesting to see, you still have time left.

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, it is still the cleanest clear water. As well as all the conditions for life - low prices, all year round good weather, 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 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. there is little fruit 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 smaller local airlines like SeAir and ITI that fly to smaller airports like El Nido, but tickets are much more expensive. But if you are flying to the Philippines through Thailand, China, etc., then you should use the airlines, Air China, Silk Air (aka Singapore Air) and the above Philippine Airlines.
Read about.
How long is the flight to the Philippines? From Russia, the road will take at best a day, taking into account all the transfers. But it often happens that you can get here in 2 days due to flight connections and long waits. First, from 3 to 10 hours of flight from Russia to Thailand or China, depending on which city of 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
Dearest Philippine island- 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 place in the Philippines, the lower the prices there. But you will not find such chic places as in Boracay and Palawan. The biggest cost of a trip to the Philippines is the cost of air tickets, all the rest are trifles by and large.

Visa to the Philippines
Citizens of Ukraine do not have free entry to the Philippines and there is no way 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.). And Russian citizens have 21 free days, and to stay longer, you need to extend your visa directly in the Philippines. Read about it.

What to bring from the Philippines
From the Philippines you can bring the most various souvenirs, natural cosmetics, clothing and much, much more. Read about it.

And look at the photos I took from the Philippines.