Potipot Island, Candelaria, Zambales

Potipot Island is a small island located in Barangay Uacon, Candelaria town. The island is just a mere 5 to 10 minutes boat ride from the mainland of Luzon. There are no big resort in the island, however, there are cottages that you can rent if you’re planning for an overnight stay but it is advisable that you bring your own tent. An electric generator provides electricity to the island. There is also a source of fresh water in the island. Potipot has a cream-colored sand beach. The island is small that you can even circle the entire island for  less than an hour.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a bus bound for Santa Cruz town, Zambales province. Just be sure to get off at Dawal, Candelaria town and this is located in Barangay Uacon, Candelaria town. From Dawal, rent a boat to Potipot Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Dawal, Candelaria - 4.5 to 5.5 hours

Dawal to Potipot Island - 5 to 10 minutes boat ride

Mantigue Island, Mahinog, Camiguin

Mantigue Island is a small island located off the coast of Mahinog town. The island has a beautiful cream-colored sand beach and it also has a marine sanctuary for snorkelling and diving. The island has its own fresh water source and there are also few families living in the island. There are no large resorts in the island, however, you can rent a nipa hut or an open-air cottages if you want to stay for a day or for a night. An electric generator provides electricity to the island.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to Cagayan De Oro City and then from the airport, ride a jeepney bound for bus terminal. From the bus terminal, ride a bus or a van bound for Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental province. From Balingoan, ride a ferry boat to Benoni Port, Mahinog town in Camiguin. From Mahinog, rent a boat to Mantigue Island.

You can also ride a ship from Manila to Cagayan De Oro. You can also ride a fastcraft from Cagayan de Oro City to Camiguin via Paras SeaCraft.

Travel time:

Manila to Cagayan De Oro City – 1.5 hours by plane, 20 to 24 hours by ship

Cagayan de Oro airport to bus terminal – 30 to 45 minutes

CDO bus terminal to Balingoan Port, Misamis Oriental – 2 to 2.5 hours

Balingoan Port to Benoni Port, Mahinog – 1.5 to 2 hours

Benoni Port to Mantigue Island – 30 to 45 minutes

Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin by fastcraft – 1.5 to 2 hours

Samal Island, Samal City, Davao Del Norte

Samal Island comprises the major part of the Island Garden City of Samal. It is a large island. There are also several small islands around it. Samal Island is blessed with a lot of beautiful destinations. There are a lot of hotels and resorts in the island. There is also a source of electricity and fresh water in Samal. Paved roads connect the different barangays in the island. There are several ports or point of entry to Samal Island. Transportation is not a major concern in the large communities or barangays in Samal because there are a lot of tricycles, jeepneys, bus and multicabs that plies the major roads in Samal. There are several beautiful beaches in Samal and some these are the cream/beige colored sand in Kaputian Beach and Canibad Cove. Another tourist destination in the island is the Monfort Bat Cave.

Canibad Cove

Kaputian Beach

Monfort Bat Cave

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Davao City. From Davao Airport, ride a jeepney or a taxi to Sasa Wharf. From Sasa Wharf, ride a ferry boat to Babak Wharf in Samal.

From Davao City, you can also go to Sta. Ana Wharf and from that wharf, ride a motorboat bound for Kaputian.

In Davao City, you can also ride the bus that goes directly to Samal City. The buses plies the major streets of Davao City and then the bus will be loaded on a ferry for transfer to Samal Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Davao City Airport – 1.5 hours

Davao Airport to Sasa Wharf, Davao City – 15 to 20 minutes

Sasa Wharf to Babak Wharf, Samal City – 10 to 20 minutes

Davao Airport to Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City - 20 to 30 minutes

Sta. Wharf to Kaputian - 15 to 30 minutes

Sanipaan Island, Samal City, Davao Del Norte

Sanipaan Island is an island located in Barangay Tambo, Samal City. The island has several names. It is also called as Vanishing Island, Wishing Island, Arboles Island and Arboles Shoal. The island is mostly composed of mangroves and sandbar. Most of the island is submerged during high tide and it appears during low tide and that is why it is also called as Vanishing Island. There’s no source of electricity and fresh water in the island. There is a large concrete building in the island with a wooden pathway.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Davao City. From Davao Airport, ride a jeepney or a taxi to Sasa Wharf. From Sasa Wharf, ride a ferry boat to Babak Wharf in Samal. From Babak Wharf, ride a multicab, tricycle or a motorcycle to Barangay Tambo and then from that barangay, rent a boat to Sanipaan Island. You can also rent a boat at Sasa Wharf to go directly to Sanipaan Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Davao City Airport – 1.5 hours

Davao Airport to Sasa Wharf, Davao City – 15 to 20 minutes

Sasa Wharf to Babak Wharf, Samal City – 10 to 20 minutes

Babak Wharf to Barangay Tambo – 15 to 20 minutes

Barangay Tambo to Sanipaan Island – 10 to 15 minutes

Sasa Wharf, Davao City to Sanipaan Island, Samal City – 20 to 30 minutes

Tapiutan Island, El Nido, Palawan

Tapiutan Island is the neighbouring island of the famous Matinloc Island. Tapiutan is mostly consists of limestone cliffs and dense vegetation. There is also a white sand beach in the island and it is called the Star Beach. Just like most of the islands in El Nido, it is an inhabited island. There’s no resort, source of fresh water and electricity in Tapiutan Island.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach Tapiutan Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Tapiutan Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Tapiutan Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Tapiutan Island – 30 minutes to 1 hour

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Shimizu Island, El Nido, Palawan

Shimizu Island is also known as Zimizu Island. It is an island located off the coast of El Nido. The island boasts a cream-colored sand beach. Shimizu is an inhabited island. There’s no resort in the island and there’s no source of electricity and fresh water.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach Shimizu Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Shimizu Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Shimizu Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Shimizu Island – 30 minutes to 1 hour

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan

Miniloc is one of the famous islands in El Nido. It is a favorite stop for island hopping because of the existence of beautiful lagoons and beaches. There are several coves in the island and these coves have white sand beaches.  The Miniloc Island Resort, which is owned by El Nido Resorts, is located in this island. There are no community in the island. There’s no source of electricity in the island except for the electric generator owned by Miniloc Island Resort. Some of the favorite spots in the island are the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon.

Big Lagoon

The beach near the Secret Lagoon

Entrance to the Big Lagoon

The beach near the Secret Lagoon

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach  Miniloc Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Miniloc Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Miniloc Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Miniloc Island – 30 minutes to 45 minutes

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan

Matinloc Island is the longest slim island in El Nido town. The island’s terrain is mostly high limestone cliffs and dense vegetation. There's no resort or electricity in the island. However, there is an abandoned building and a museum in the island. A shrine is also located in Matinloc. There are several pockets of white sand beaches in Matinloc. The famous spots in island are the Talisay Beach, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine.

Hidden Beach

the view from Matinloc Shrine

Talisay Beach

Matinloc Shrine

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach  Matinloc Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Matinloc Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Matinloc Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Matinloc Island – 30 minutes to 1 hour

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Helicopter Island, El Nido, Palawan

This island is called as Helicopter Island due to its helicopter-like shape when viewed from afar. The island is also called as Dilumacad Island. This island doesn’t have a resort or an electricity. It also doesn’t have a community. The island has lush vegetation and a beige to golden sand colored beach. It is also a favorite stop for island hopping and snorkelling in El Nido.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach Helicopter Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Helicopter Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Helicopter Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Helicopter Island – 30 to 45 minutes

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Cadlao Island, El Nido, Palawan

Cadlao Island is the largest island in El Nido. The island can be seen from the town proper of El Nido and it is the nearest island from the town proper. The highest peak among the islands in El Nido is also located in this island. Cadlao also boasts white sand beaches and beautiful lagoons. There are no resorts or electricity in the island. Most of the island terrain is covered with thick vegetation.

the towering peak of Cadlao island

Paradise Beach, Cadlao island

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach Cadlao Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Cadlao Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Cadlao Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Cadlao Island – 10 to 20 minutes

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours

Pan De Azucar Island, Concepcion, Iloilo Province

Pan De Azucar is the largest island in Concepcion. Mount Manaphag is located in this island. There is a community in the island and several families live in the island. There is no source of electricity in the island, however, some families have its own electric generator. There's also a source of fresh water in the island. A resort also exists in the island. Pan De Azucar boasts a light-brown sand beach.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Iloilo Airport. From Iloilo Airport, ride a taxi, van or multicab bound for Iloilo City and then go to Tagbak terminal. From the bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Concepcion and then at Concepcion public market, rent a pumpboat for Pan De Azucar Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Iloilo Airport - 1 hour

Iloilo Airport to Tagbak Terminal - 25 to 35 minutes

Tagbak Terminal to Concepcion - 3 to 4 hours

Concepcion to Pan De Azucar - 30 to 45 minutes

Agho Island, Concepcion, Iloilo Province

Agho Island is a small island located in the northern Iloilo Province. The island doesn't have a resort or electricity but it has its own source of fresh water. There are also some open-air cottages for rent in the island. These cottages are owned by the caretaker living in the island. Agho Island has a cream/beige sand beach. The quality of the sand in Agho island is much finer compared to its neighboring island, the Bulubadiangan island. There is also a sandbar in Agho.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Iloilo Airport. From Iloilo Airport, ride a taxi, van or multicab bound for Iloilo City and then go to Tagbak terminal. From the bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Concepcion and then at Concepcion public market, rent a pumpboat for Agho Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Iloilo Airport - 1 hour

Iloilo Airport to Tagbak Terminal - 25 to 35 minutes

Tagbak Terminal to Concepcion - 3 to 4 hours

Concepcion to Agho Island - 30 to 45 minutes

Bulubadiangan Island, Concepcion, Iloilo Province

Bulubadiangan Island is located in the town of Concepcion, at the northern part of Iloilo province. The island is also known as Sandbar Island because of its long sandbar. Bulubadiangan has a cream-colored sand beach. There is a resort in the island, however, it only offers basic accommodation. The resort has several open-air cottages and rooms for rent. The resort also has its own electric generator and a source of fresh water.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Iloilo Airport. From Iloilo Airport, ride a taxi, van or multicab bound for Iloilo City and then go to Tagbak terminal. From the bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Concepcion and then at Concepcion public market, rent a pumpboat for Bulubadiangan Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Iloilo Airport - 1 hour

Iloilo Airport to Tagbak Terminal - 25 to 35 minutes

Tagbak Terminal to Concepcion - 3 to 4 hours

Concepcion to Bulubadiangan Island - 30 to 45 minutes

Paguriran Island, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon Province

Paguriran Island is a small island located in Barangay Sawanga, Sorsogon City. The island is mostly composed of sharp jagged rocks, a short sandy beach and a few vegetation. The island has a small lagoon in the middle. You can walk from the main beach of Sawanga to Paguriran Island. It is just a few meters from the beach and usually during low tide, the sea level is just knee deep. During high tide, the sea level can be as high as 3 to 4 feet.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to Legazpi City. From Legazpi City, ride a bus or van bound for Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City grand terminal, ride a jeepney bound for Barangay Sawanga and then get off at Paguriran.

From Manila, you can also ride a bus bound for Sorsogon City. You can also ride a bus bound for Matnog or Bulan but be sure to get off at Sorsogon City.

Travel time:

Manila to Legazpi City - 1 hour by plane, 9 to 12 hours by bus

Legazpi City to Sorsogon City – 2 to 2.5 hours

Sorsogon City to Barangay Sawanga – 45 minutes to 1 hour

Barangay Sawanga to Paguriran Island – 5 to 10 minutes

Aguirangan Island, Presentacion, Camarines Sur

Aguirangan Island is located in the town of Presentacion, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. Aguirangan Island is also known as Rose Islet. Aguirangan is a small island with no electricity, no source of fresh water and no existing resort. There are several nipa huts or open-air cottages that are available for rent. If you’re planning for an overnight stay, then you should bring your own tent. A caretaker collects a minimal fee as an entrance fee in the island. Aguirangan has a beach with cream-colored sand. There are also several trees and coconuts in the island. You can circle the entire island in just an hour or two.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Naga Airport. From Naga airport, ride a pedicab going to the national highway and ride a bus or a van bound for Sabang Port in San Jose town. From Sabang Port, rent a motorized boat to Aguirangan Island. You can also ride a bus from Manila to Naga City or from Manila to Sabang Port, San Jose.

Travel time:

Manila to Naga – 1 hour by plane, 8 to 10 hours by bus

Naga to Sabang Port, San Jose – 1 to 1.5 hours

Sabang Port to Aguirangan Island – 45 minutes to 1 hour

Manila to Sabang, San Jose – 9 to 11 hours

Matukad Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Matukad Island is located in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. Matukad Island is probably the most visited island in Caramoan. It is a favorite stop for an island hopping tour. The island boasts a fine white sand beach. The island is a small island with some dense vegetation. However, the island doesn’t have electricity, a source of fresh water, cottages or a resort.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Naga Airport. From Naga airport, ride a pedicab going to the national highway and ride a bus or a van bound for Sabang Port in San Jose town. From Sabang Port, ride a passenger boat to Guijalo Port, Caramoan town and then from Guijalo Port ride a tricycle bound for downtown Caramoan. From downtown Caramoan, ride a motorcycle to Barangay Paniman and then from Barangay Paniman you can rent a boat to Matukad Island.

You can also rent a motorcycle from Guijalo to Barangay Paniman and from there you can rent a boat to Matukad Island.

From Naga City, you can also ride a van, jeep or a bus to Nato port in Sagñay town. From Nato, ride a ferry boat to Guijalo port. From Guijalo Port ride a tricycle bound for downtown Caramoan. From downtown Caramoan, ride a motorcycle to Barangay Paniman and then from Barangay Paniman you can rent a boat to Matukad Island.

You can also ride a bus from Manila to Naga City or from Manila to Sabang Port, San Jose.

Travel time:

Manila to Naga – 1 hour by plane, 8 to 10 hours by bus

Naga to Sabang Port, San Jose – 1 to 1.5 hours

Sabang Port to Guijalo Port, Caramoan – 2 to 3 hours

Guijalo to downtown Caramoan – 15 to 25 minutes

Downtown Caramoan to Barangay Paniman – 20 to 30 minutes

Barangay Paniman to Matukad Island – 15 to 20 minutes

Manila to Sabang, San Jose – 9 to 11 hours

Naga to Nato, Sagñay – 1 to 1.5 hours

Lahus Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur

This tiny island is located off the coast of Caramoan, Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. The island is a small island and it doesn’t have a resort, electricity and a fresh water source. The island also doesn’t have an existing community. Lahus Island has a beige/cream sand beach.

google map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane bound for Naga Airport. From Naga airport, ride a pedicab going to the national highway and ride a bus or a van bound for Sabang Port in San Jose town. From Sabang Port, ride a passenger boat to Guijalo Port, Caramoan town and then from Guijalo Port ride a tricycle bound for downtown Caramoan. From downtown Caramoan, ride a motorcycle to Barangay Paniman and then from Barangay Paniman you can rent a boat to Lahus Island.

You can also rent a motorcycle from Guijalo to Barangay Paniman and from there you can rent a boat to Lahus Island.

From Naga City, you can also ride a van, jeep or a bus to Nato port in Sagñay town. From Nato, ride a ferry boat to Guijalo port. From Guijalo Port ride a tricycle bound for downtown Caramoan. From downtown Caramoan, ride a motorcycle to Barangay Paniman and then from Barangay Paniman you can rent a boat to Lahus Island.

You can also ride a bus from Manila to Naga City or from Manila to Sabang Port, San Jose.

Travel time:

Manila to Naga – 1 hour by plane, 8 to 10 hours by bus

Naga to Sabang Port, San Jose – 1 to 1.5 hours

Sabang Port to Guijalo Port, Caramoan – 2 to 3 hours

Guijalo to downtown Caramoan – 15 to 25 minutes

Downtown Caramoan to Barangay Paniman – 20 to 30 minutes

Barangay Paniman to Lahus Island – 15 to 20 minutes

Manila to Sabang, San Jose – 9 to 11 hours

Naga to Nato, Sagñay – 1 to 1.5 hours

Pandan Island, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Pandan Island is located in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City. The island boasts a cream sand beach. There is a resort in the island and there are several cottages available for rent. Pandan Island has its own source of fresh water and it is a favorite destination for island hopping and snorkelling in Honda Bay.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, ride a tricycle, van, or taxi to Barangay Santa Lourdes wharf and then rent a motorized banca to Pandan Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Puerto Princesa City – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa to Barangay Santa Lourdes – 30 to 45 minutes

Barangay Santa Lourdes to Pandan Island – 30 to 45 minutes

Snake Island, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Snake Island is located in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It is a favorite destination for island hopping in Honda Bay. The island has a long beige/cream colored sand bar that stretches for almost a kilometer. There are no communities or resorts in the island, however, there are several cottages for rent if you want to stay for a few hours in Snake Island. There are also several stores selling foods and other items in the island. Snake Island is also a favorite snorkelling site in Honda Bay.

Google Map

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, ride a tricycle, van, or taxi to Barangay Santa Lourdes wharf and then rent a motorized banca to Snake Island.

Travel time:

Manila to Puerto Princesa City – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa to Barangay Santa Lourdes – 30 to 45 minutes

Barangay Santa Lourdes to Snake Island – 30 to 45 minutes