Out of the Way Places to Visit in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Islands are renowned as one of the top destinations for tourists, travelers, adventurers and water sports enthusiasts. But there are still many parts of these islands that remain off the beaten track, hidden gems that have yet to be discovered by mass tourism. It's always a good idea to research the current situation before you travel, just to make sure it's safe to go beyond the proscribed resort areas. But if you do get a chance to head out on your own initiative, here are some of the most rewarding locations that most visitors never get around to seeing. Depending on where you set off from, the journey may take you up to nine hours even from within the country, so make sure you have everything you’ll need – water, snacks, and a charged phone – and sort some entertainment too. (These Betfair promo codes NJ might help.)

Isla de Gigantes Sur

This is one of the most incredible islands in the whole of the Philippines, but at the time of writing it has yet to be colonized by hotels and resorts. This means it is still largely un-spoilt and is not overrun by tourists. If you want to stay over you'll probably need to make arrangements with a local family, but once you're on the island you should definitely head for Antonia Beach.

On one side this faces right onto the ocean, but on the other there are permanently calm waters for stress-free swimming and bathing. This is an ideal snorkeling location too, and lies just half an hour from the island's main port. You can get there by ferry from Estancia, or hire your own boat to come and go as you please.

Calayan Island

Calayan Island isn't the easiest of the Philippine Islands to get to, but it's definitely worth it. The island's relative inaccessibility, guarded as it is by high waves and a number of different ports you'll need to pass through, is what ensures that its beauty remains un-spoilt and mostly undiscovered. If you want peace and quiet in a remote, stunning landscape, Calayan Island is the place to go.

Once you arrive you'll be rewarded with amazing secluded beaches, friendly locals and striking rock formations. Be sure to check out the white sandy beaches of Cibang Cove and, if you're feeling fit, to climb the Nagudungan Hills, where the views from the top are simply breath-taking.

Dumog Sandbar

There is remote and then there is remote: and then there is this isolated sandbar in the middle of the ocean, only fully exposed at low tide. At one end it actually stays submerged just beneath the surface of the sea for several hundred meters. Walk out along it and you'll feel like you're walking on water!

Located between the islands of Bohol and Cebu, the sandbar has one permanent resident, a caretaker who guards it against the environmentally destructive practice of dynamite fishing. Otherwise it can only be visited for a few hours every day, so plan carefully.

Malawi Island

Although there is a tourist resort on Malawi Beach, the island is usually pretty quiet as it is located in the province of Basilan. While Malawi Island is considered to be completely safe, the province itself has a lingering reputation for crime and military violence that keeps many away. As always, check before you travel, but Malawi Island is just five minutes from Isabella City, the Basilan capital, and away from the resort you'll find a secluded island paradise.

Camiguin Island

Just off the northern coast of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines, "the island born of fire" is one of the archipelago's best-kept secrets. This volcanic island is scattered with unearthly mountain-peaks and spectacular free-flowing waterfalls. For absolute relaxation, just off the island's coast is the pure soft sandbar known as White Island, surrounded by perfect blue seas on all sides.

Abak Beach

Capul Island has several active resorts, but for those who want to go off the beaten track the abandoned resort at Abak Beach has a distinctly eerie charm. The white sands, perfect blue waters and coconut trees should satisfy anyone's beach requirements, but the desolate empty beach huts and derelict resort building add a certain extra frisson.

These are just a few of the amazing out of the way locations to be found in the Philippines. Sometimes it's best to follow your nose instead of following the crowds. With a bit of research and planning, creating your own itinerary can lead to the most memorable vacation you'll ever experience.