As an archipelago, the Philippines has no shortage of beautiful, pristine beaches along its coastline. One of which is the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga. It features a gorgeous, pinkish beach that feels soft and cool to your feet in spite of the sun. The beach’s pinkish colour can be attributed to the crushed red organ pipe corals that have blended seamlessly with the Island’s white sand — giving it a unique hue of pink. At the same time, the island’s turquoise blue waters are perfect for a leisurely swim and even a few water activities.
Location
The Great Santa Cruz Island is a small, inhabited island in Zamboanga City.
Opening Days and Hours
The Island is open to the public from 07:00 to 14:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Fees for a visit to the Island include:
- Entrance Fee: PhP 100 (USD 2) per person
- Terminal Fee: PhP 5 (USD 0.1) per person
- Boat Fee: PhP 1,000 (USD 20) for 1 to 10 persons (you can share with other passengers)
Cottage Rentals:
- Small (6 pax): PhP 100 (USD 2)
- Large (10 pax): PhP 200 (USD 4)
- Pavilion (15 to 30 pax): PhP 500 (USD 10)
How to Get There
- From the country’s capital of Manila, fly to Zamboanga city via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- Go to Paseo Del Mar in Zamboanga City and to the City Tourism Office for assistance and to charter a boat.
- Head to Great Santa Cruz Island.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
You can opt to stay 1 to 2 hours swimming and exploring the beach.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Great Santa Cruz Island is during the summer months of April to May and during the early part of the day. The Island is not open for overnight stays and the waves can go crazy as the day progresses, so it is safer to go on the boat ride during the early part of the day.
Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Lagoon tour and sandbar
- Diving
- Bird watching
- Cultural immersion in the small Sama-Bangingi community
- Ride Vinta boats
Food
The Island has no restaurants so you can opt to bring your own food and meals. Locals also sell fresh seafood, which they can also cook and prepare for you.
Nearby Attractions
- Fort Pilar
- KCC Mall de Zamboanga
- Plaza Pershing
Stay
There are no accommodations on the Island, but you can opt to stay within the Zamboanga City proper. Popular accommodation options include Grand Astoria Hotel, Garden Orchid Hotel, CityInn Hotel, Winzelle Suites, and Casa Canelar Pension House. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 45.
To those who’ve heard about Buguias Island, the place is about pirates and terror, yet to those who’ve seen it, it’s a slice of paradise that shows the other side of Zamboanga. Endowed with the whitest stretch of sand and the bluest of waters, Buguias Island is a great place to visit if you want to have a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since fishermen and tourists rarely visit this place, its marine life is still well-preserved — see this for yourself by snorkeling or diving in Buguias Island’s waters. Trips to the 11 hidden islands — islands that once was tagged as pirate-infested locations — are now conducted to help dispel the rumors and to encourage Zamboanga’s tourists to see the unknown majesty of the region’s hidden gems.
Location
Buguias Island is located in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Opening Days and Hours
The island can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to Buguias Island is free.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Zamboanga via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the city proper, board a tricycle to the nearest boat port.
- Charter a boat to Buguias Island.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent in this attraction is 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Considering the limited transportation to the island, best to visit before 14:00.
Food
No restaurants or dining places available within the area. Tourists are encouraged to bring own food.
Nearby Attractions
- Pasonanca Park
- Great Santa Cruz Island
- Visa Island
- Bobo Beach
Stay
The nearest accommodations are in Zamboanga City. Grand Astoria Hotel, Garden Orchid Hotel, CityInn Hotel, Winzelle Suites, and Casa Canelar Pension House are some of the hotels and inns offering accommodations in Zamboanga City. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 45.
*Banner photo is not an actual photo of attraction.
Did you know that even locals rarely explore or even hear about Bolong Island Beach? This is because Bolong Island Beach belongs to the 11 islands that earned the reputation of being hideouts of notorious pirates. Thankfully, the local government of Zamboanga has reintroduced this attraction — contrary to rumors, Bolong Island beach is an unadulterated, pristine paradise that boasts of fine white sand, tempting waters, and the most stunning seascape and landscape. Since fishermen and visitors rarely come, its marine life is left untouched — a fact that makes Bolong Island Beach a must-visit diving site.
Location
Bolong Island Beach is located north of Bolong Island, Zamboanga.
Opening Days and Hours
The beach can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance is free.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Zamboanga via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the city proper, board a tricycle to the nearest boat port.
- Charter a boat to Bolong Island Beach.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent in this attraction is 2 to 4 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Since Bolong Island Beach is a secluded attraction, and boats coming to the beach are few, best start your travel as early as 8:00.
Activities
Food
No restaurants or dining places available within the area. Tourists are encouraged to bring own food.
Nearby Attractions
- Pasonanca Park
- Great Santa Cruz Island
- Visa Island
- Bobo Beach
Stay
The nearest accommodations are in Zamboanga City. Grand Astoria Hotel, Garden Orchid Hotel, CityInn Hotel, Winzelle Suites, and Casa Canelar Pension House are some of the hotels and inns offering accommodations in Zamboanga City. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 45.
*Banner photo is not an actual photo of attraction.
Panglao Island is a haven for beach lovers — there’s Alona Beach which is known for its amazing nightlife, and Bagobo and Bolod Beach known for the seclusion and privacy they offer to tourists. Diving enthusiasts should not miss Panglao’s fascinating marine life — beneath the shore of its white beaches are corals of different hues and colours, and fishes of different varieties. Panglao also has a treat for history junkies — just a few minutes from town are several hundred-year-old churches that continue to stand as a symbol of how Boholanons treasure their religion.
Location
Panglao is an island in Bohol, 30 minutes from Tagbilaran Airport.
Opening Days and Hours
The island can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to Panglao Island is free. Several attractions have different admission fees.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Bohol via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the airport, hire a van to Panglao Island.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time to spend on this island is 3 days.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Best time to visit Panglao Island is between January and March.
Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Cave Hopping
Food
Panglao Island is filled with restaurants for everyone’s budget. For cheap eats, head over to Shaka Bohol, and Badi’s Bar. Other options include Luna Rossa Vegan Restaurant, Saffron, Tarsier Paprika, and Vanilla Sky Restaurant.
Nearby Attractions
- Dumaluan Beach
- Virgin Island
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Alona Beach
- Doljo Beach
Stay
When at Panglao Island, you can stay in Alona Northland Resort, Dumaluan Beach Resort, Hayahay Resort, Bohol South Beach Hotel, and Momo Beach House. Rates range from USD 60 to USD 200.
Almost every Boracay tour makes a stop in Crocodile Island, thanks to the exhilarating activities — swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving — that you can enjoy here. Explore the island’s underwater beauty and prepare to be amazed at its rich and diverse marine life — bright corals, friendly fishes of different size and colours will surely render anyone breathless. If you’re done with the water, head over to the uninhabited island — it’s quaintness and tranquility seems to invite everyone to just lie down on the sand and enjoy the Boracay sun.
Location
Crocodile Island is located in the southern tip of Boracay, 20-minutes away from the main island.
Opening Days and Hours
Tours to Crocodile Island is only until 16:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Tours which include a stop at Crocodile Island cost PhP 1400 (USD 27).
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Caticlan Airport via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From Caticlan Airport, take a tricycle to the port.
- Board a boat to Boracay.
- From Boat Station 1, board a boat to Crocodile Island.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent on this island is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Best time to visit Crocodile Island is between 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00.
Activities
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Scuba Diving
Food
The nearest dining places are in White Beach. Choose from Tito’s Boracay, Gerry’s Grill, Paradiso Grill, Steakhouse Boracay, Johnie’s Restaurant, and Gorio’s. Tours offer free water.
Nearby Attractions
- Ariel’s Point
- Puka Shell Beach
- Diniwid Beach
- White Beach
Stay
Hotels also offer accommodations at a higher rate, usually between USD 60 to USD 200. Hotel options include Bluelily Hotel, Willy’s Beach Hotel, White House Beach Resort, Estacio Uno Resort, Agos Hotel, and Mandala Spa and Resort Villas. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for homestays around Boracay that offer accommodations starting at PhP 500 (USD 10) a night.
From the moment you step foot on Crystal Cove, a wave of fun will welcome you — festival dancers moving to the beat of a tribal music welcomes tourists to the dazzling island. This popular stop-off point for island hoppers offers an endless list of activities for tourists such as exploring the nearby caves, swimming in the waters of Sibuyan Sea, snorkeling, trekking, and visiting the local aviary. The relaxing ambiance and tranquility of this island also make it a great place to have a picnic with your family and to relax — standing on the edge of the rock formations watching the Sibuyan Sea waves crash to the island’s walls is enough to keep you captivated.
Location
Crystal Cove Island is located in Malay, Aklan.
Opening Days and Hours
The island can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Crystal Cove Tours, which include entrance fee, costs PhP 1700 (USD 33). Regular entrance fee is PhP 300 (USD 6).
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Caticlan Airport via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From Caticlan Airport, take a tricycle to the port.
- Board a boat to Boracay.
- From Boat Station 1, board a boat to Crystal Cove.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent here in Crystal Cove is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Crystal Cove is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Boracay, so expect large groups of tourists while in there. The best time to visit Crystal Cove is between January and March.
Activities
- Cave Hopping
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Food
Crystal Cove has an in-house restaurant that serves Filipino and Western dishes.
Nearby Attractions
- Magic Island
- Motag Living Museum
- White Beach
- Crocodile Island
Stay
Tourists can find accommodations in nearby hotels, inns, and homestays such as Bluelily Hotel, Boracay Backpackers, Willy’s Beach Hotel, White House Beach Resort, and Lola’s Lodge. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 200.
The scenic stretch of Coron Bay features beautiful islets, lush landscapes, tempting Sulu waters, and diverse seascape that is unique only to this part of Coron. Coron Bay is known for its remote beaches that are as enchanting as the popular ones — these beaches often boast of picture-perfect vistas and a peaceful, undisturbed ambiance perfect for anyone who wants to relax. Divers visiting Coron Bay should not miss the chance to explore sunken Japanese warships — some vessels boast of a 328 ft length — which now serve as a home to various coral formations and fishes.
Location
Coron Bay is located in Coron, Palawan.
Opening Days and Hours
Coron Bay can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Different resorts along Coron Bay have entrance fees ranging from PhP 100 to PhP 300 (USD 2 to USD 6). Coron Tours range from PhP 2500 to PhP 7500 (USD 50 to USD 150).
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Coron via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the airport, board a van to Coron town proper.
- At Coron, avail of Coron Tours.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent here is between 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Coron Bay is between January and March. Rain showers that could affect swimming and diving are very limited during these months.
Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Diving
Food
A buffet picnic lunch is included in most Coron Tours.
Nearby Attractions
- Calamian Island
- Kayangan Lake
- Sangat Island
Stay
With rates ranging from USD 30 to USD 120, guests can avail accommodations from SeaHorse Guesthouse, Zuric Pension House, Koskosnus Garden Resort, Sunlight Guest Hotel, and Coron Westown Resort.
Breathtaking sights await those who brave the rough Sulu waters on the way to Bulog Island — even from a distance, its immaculate white sand glimmers like a mirage while its aquamarine waters can make anyone jump in a heartbeat. Bulog, also known as Bulog Dos, is a small member of the Calamianes island and it is famous for its natural aesthetics — the place boasts of cleanliness and nature untouched, a long stretch of snaking sandbar, and rock formations that give the beach a rustic touch. A few metres off the shore, tourists can take a dive to see the beach’s various colourful corals and interact with its rich marine life.
Location
Bulog Island is located in Coron, Palawan.
Opening Days and Hours
This destination is open anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
A visit to Bulog Island is made available through a 3-island tour that costs PhP 1200 (USD 24) per person.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Coron via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the airport, board a van to Coron town proper.
- At Coron, avail of the 3-Island Tours
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this area is 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Travel to Bulog Island can be a challenge, especially on rainy months. The best to visit is between January and March but tourists are always encouraged to check the weather first before venturing to the island.
Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
Food
The 3-island tours also offer buffet lunches to tour members.
Nearby Attractions
- Calamian Island
- Kayangan Lake
- Sangat Island
Stay
Some of the best accommodations in Coron.include SeaHorse Guesthouse, Zuric Pension House, Koskosnus Garden Resort, Sunlight Guest Hotel, and Coron Westown Resort. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 120.
North Cay is one of the few destinations in Coron that has eluded tourists — in here, you’ll find no large crowds rushing to the waters, nor boats that block the panoramic view of the sea. North Cay offers nature untouched by tourists — this is evidenced by the impressive clean surroundings, the serene ambiance, the absence of major stores and establishments, and the short stretch of immaculately white sand and breathtaking emerald waters. The activities to enjoy in this place are plenty — think snorkeling to see North Cay’s rich marine life and enjoying a lazy swim in one of the island’s rock pools — and it’s for everyone.
Location
North Cay is a beach located in Busuanga, Coron, Palawan.
Opening Days and Hours
North Cay can be accessed anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance fee is PhP 200 (USD 4). If you’re availing a tour, the entrance fee is already included.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Coron via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
- From the airport, board a van to Coron town proper.
- At Coron, avail of Coron Tours.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this area is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Best time to visit North Cay is from January to March.
Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
Food
Most Coron Tours offer buffet lunches at various attractions.
Nearby Attractions
- Calamian Island
- Kayangan Lake
- Sangat Island
- Skeleton Reef
- Coron Bay
Stay
SeaHorse Guesthouse, Zuric Pension House, Koskosnus Garden Resort, Sunlight Guest Hotel, and Coron Westown Resort are some of the accommodations in Coron Town. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 120,
After the Fernandez family sold the island to the Ayala’s, the island — save a small portion on the eastern part of the area — has become a private destination exclusive only to guests of the El Nido Resort. This island is one of El Nido’s most accessible destination — only an hour away from El Nido and 25-minutes away from Miniloc Island — where tourists can enjoy the island’s 250-metre stretch of powder white sand and breathtaking coral reefs. Like El Nido’s other destinations, Entalula Island is nothing short of panoramic — the pristine blue waters set against the towering marble black caves make for a perfect postcard photo.
Location
Entalula Island is located an hour away from El Nido, and 15 minutes away from Miniloc Island.
Opening Days and Hours
You can visit this attraction anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
An El Nido tour which includes a stop in the open area of Entalula Island costs PhP 1300 (USD 26) per person.
How to Get There
- Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia Zest..
- From the airport, board a van to El Nido.
- At El Nido, choose from different tour packages offered by different companies.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Average time spent in this place is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Entalula Island is during the early morning. Tourists flock the open area by noon.
Activities
Food
Tours provide lunch to tourists.
Nearby Attractions
- Big Lagoon
- Nacpan Beach
- Seven Commandos Beach
Stay
Ipil Suites, Garnet Hotel, Dayunan Tourist Inn, Raje Residence Hotel, Cavern Hotel, Peach House Garden, and Lualhati Cottages are some of the best places offering. Rates range from USD 25 to USD 90.