Ok, We’re Guilty Aswell…
Ten years ago, Mary-Ann and I embarked on our first proper backpacking trip together. I had a decent head of hair and a few trips under my belt. She had FAR too much hair and had barely left Coventry – just take a look:
Anyway, as a pair of fairly green nerds, we were definitely guilty of only visiting the ‘known’ destinations. In our defence, it was a decade ago, and in the depths of wet season – so there weren’t many other tourists around at all (just how we like it).
Yes, Palawan, Coron, and Panglao were great! Undeniably, some of our favourite memories were formed there. But let’s face it… aside from those three, plus Boracay and more recently Siargao… where else do people actually go?
Fear Not – I’m Here to Help!
I’m not going to run you through our day-by-day itinerary like I sometimes do. This time, I want to offer you alternatives to the big 5 (mentioned above) that we discovered on our more recent Filipino foray. Although, yes… we did succumb to one or two popular destinations – mostly out of curiosity.
Where To Start…
Let’s start with the Big 5, since they’re the main offenders. I use the word ‘offender’ jokingly, but there’s a serious side to this too!
Many small, tourism-dependent islands and communities across the globe are now receiving such high numbers of holidaymakers that their infrastructure is under serious strain… I’m not just talking about potholed roads, clapped-out nightclubs, or a lack of parking spaces. The real issues are things like; fresh water supply, waste management, and the rising cost of living for locals.
I won’t lecture you (or bore you) further on that, but one solution is to spread the load.
In other words: visit some of the alternative spots I’m about to recommend!
1. Palawan: A Tough Act To Follow
The first of the big 5, Palawan is a huge island with loads to see and do. But the overwhelming bulk of visitors head to just a handful of places – most of all, El Nido.
Visiting there these days means accepting that you’ll be among herds of tourists, getting oversubscribed, low-quality tours, and encountering a helluva lot of tourist traps. That said, the scenery is otherworldly and the snorkelling was decent… Or at least it was in 2015.
You’ve probably Googled El Nido’s views already and wondered what on earth I could suggest as a comparable alternative. Truthfully, the closest match I’ve seen is the Trang district of Thailand. Places like Pak Meng have all the rocky bits, without the tourists. But that’s cheating – this is a Philippines blog!
Have You Heard of the Camotes Islands?
There’s a large area of the Philippines called the Visayas, which breaks down further into Central, Western, and Eastern Visayas. Cebu is the most well-known island in the region, and it’s where you need to go if you want to get to the Camotes.
A tiny cluster of islands just north of Cebu, still well outside the tourist bubble, the Camotes can offer you nearly everything Palawan does. The only thing they don’t have are El Nido’s famous rock formations – but they more than make up for it in other ways!
Does it Have Good Beaches?
If you’re after that laid-back, beach-bar-and-music vibe that Palawan offers in abundance, you’ll find it here too.
Santiago Bay is beautiful and expansive; with cocktails, seafood, live music, and more chilling out than you can shake a stick at! You can snorkel in the marine reserve just off the beach for a few pesos, and the water was some of the clearest we’ve ever seen. Well… ever!
How About Tours?
Granted, the Camotes don’t have a million tour boats in constant circulation, which I personally think is a good thing, but that does mean there’s less choice.
But, there are local tours that’ll take you snorkelling further afield and over to Tulang Island (the smallest Camote). The snorkelling around Tulang is excellent and very quiet, just keep your eyes peeled for sea snakes! We don’t scuba dive, but we met more than a few divers who said Camotes had some of the best underwater sights they’d seen in the Philippines.
But in truth, because the islands are so small, renting a moped is the way to go. You can create your own itinerary, explore at your own pace, and there’s a lot to do, including a unexpected zipline over a lake!
So, What About the Missing Rocky Stuff?
Yeah, well… there are jagged rocky parts along the coast, but none of the towering limestone cliffs like El Nido.
That said, the geology in the Camotes is far from boring! There is some spectacular stuff to behold – it’s just mostly underground.
You’re Sold, Aren’t You?
It’s quieter, more authentic, easy to get to (just a ferry from Cebu), has excellent beaches and good accommodation, surrounded by crystal-clear water with amazing marine life, and best of all – it’s off the radar.
You’ll get it all, without the hordes of sunburnt Europeans!
2. Siargao: Or More Specifically – General Luna
Oh, how I wish we made it to this island back in 2015! Since just before the pandemic, Siargao has exploded in popularity. It was once just a surfer’s haven – now it’s a magnet for everyone.
OK yes, we went this time… curiosity got the better of us. Plus, I couldn’t in good conscience recommend alternatives if I hadn’t seen them for myself!
General Luna is extremely reminiscent of Bali – tattoo shops, overpriced fruit smoothies, surf shops, bars, cafés, and an obscene amount of skin on display.
If you want a slightly tamer version of Canggu or Seminyak without going to Bali, it’s a good bet. Actually, I preferred it to Bali.
Option 1: I Know, I’m Cheating Here
Truthfully, Siargao is exceptional – but I would advise against basing yourself in General Luna. Tourism there has already pushed far beyond what I’d call sustainable.
And honestly, the worst tour of our entire trip was there.
Pro Tip: Don’t bother with the Sohoton Cove tour if you’re visiting in high season. Ours lasted nearly 7 hours with travel and waiting times, with just over an hour of actual activity – and even that was bang average at best.
Instead, head north towards places like Burgos or Pacifico. You’ll find quiet communities with a modest selection of hotels, hostels, and restaurants. But the real highlight is the coastline!
Pro Tip 2: Getting up north from the airport or port is only possible by taxi, which as we found out, is costly! Learn from us and pack light, then rent a moped for the duration of your stay on arrival.
The beaches aren’t the cleanest unless you’re staying at a beachfront resort, but the rocky shelves are teeming with sea life. Another of my immensely stereotypical bald bloke hobbies is staring into rock pools for hours – and I’m pleased to report that some of the best tidal pools I’ve ever seen are up there. It was like being in an aquarium!
So… rather than skip Siargao altogether, just avoid the obvious bit. Simple, right?!
Ok. I’ll do the non-cheating option now!
Option 2: Leave the Surfers and Go to Camiguin
Camiguin has more to offer than Siargao, if you’re not a surfer. Siargao started as a surf haven, and perhaps it should have stayed that way – I am sure the surfers won’t complain!
You can fly to Camiguin from Cebu (it’s even closer than Siargao), but if you have the time, I would recommend any backpacker to do it by boat; Cebu to Bohol, then onward to Camiguin. You see so much more that way, plus it’s better for the environment!
Does it Have Good Beaches?
First, let me be honest – neither Camiguin nor Siargao have the best beaches in the Philippines.
But, Camiguin has a secret weapon called ‘White Island’. A 15-minute boat ride takes you to a tidal sandbar that’s literally just a white sandy beach. There, you can rotisserie yourself to your heart’s content.
If it’s beach bars you want, as is the case with most places, there are fewer than in Siargao. But, there are still plenty of seafront spots to drink, eat, and take in the views… usually surrounded by divers chatting about their day of splashing about in the water.
What Else is There to Do?
Like Siargao, Camiguin is packed with things to see and do: waterfalls, hot springs, mountain views, ruins, mangroves, and even Mantigue Island (a coral-fringed island that’s great for snorkelling).
Actually, some of the favourite snorkelling of our entire trip was in Camiguin. There are A LOT of snakes, decent corals, and absolutely enormous giant clams. Bigger than any I’ve seen outside of Raja Ampat.
Give It a go!
A theme is forming, isn’t it? Camiguin offers a quieter, more authentic experience. I mean, I only found one café selling trendy smoothie bowls!
The snorkelling is top-notch, exploring by moped is an adventure, and the waterfalls are still excellent (though, not quite like those in Laos).
3. Panglao (Bohol) – It Was Our Favourite, 10 Years Ago!
Unlike Siargao, we did make it to Panglao on our first trip, and we loved it! It was a truly idyllic beach town with a good balance of authenticity, natural beauty, and trashy bars serving cheap cocktails while blasting a strange combo of Bob Marley and 90’s club music. I distinctly remember drinking beers with an expat known only as ‘Crazy Tom’ – who was, indeed, totally batsh*t crazy. One evening he rocked up after being stabbed in the side by his Filipino wife… We drank even more that night!
These days, Alona Beach in particular has become something more akin to one of the party islands in Thailand. It’s a huge shame, because the rest of Bohol has so much to offer. But don’t worry – I have a solution!
Again, I’m Kinda Cheating… Anda is Also on Bohol.
Just an hour’s bus ride from the Cebu–Bohol ferry port is a fairly untrodden place called Anda. I can only imagine this is what many pretty Southeast Asian coastal villages were like 30 years ago.
Like Panglao, you can hire a moped and explore everything Bohol has to offer – the Chocolate Hills, waterfalls, tarsiers, etc. But unlike Panglao, Anda is still delightfully local and quiet. Our accommodation wasn’t even accessible by car. Getting there involved us getting lost a few times, some starey cows, and an overgrown path just about wide enough for a moped!
Does it Have Beaches?
Anda doesn’t have anything as big as Alona Beach, but it offers plenty of smaller, much more idyllic beaches. You can even snorkel off some of them to find decent reefs and drop-offs, which are drawing more and more scuba divers.
To really get the beach-bar-and-restaurant scene you’d find in Panglao, head to ‘Anda Food Park’ – a small slice of beach decked out with food vendors, a bar, and regular live music. It’s genuinely brilliant, and cheaper than Panglao!
What About Tours?
You can organise pretty much any tour you want directly from your accommodation in Anda. It’s less touristy than Panglao but not so remote that you’re left with zero options. That said, I personally think you should just do it all on a moped yourself – Bohol is small enough!
Also, Anda has the added bonus of immediate access to its famous subterranean cave pools. Ever seen those open-roofed cave pools in Mexico? The ones where the cave ceiling has collapsed and you get these incredible natural swimming holes? Well, Anda’s got those too!
There’s No Real Downside to Anda!
Well… the only small inconvenience is its proximity to the ferry port – Panglao is definitely closer. But you could hire a moped straight from the port and make your own way there with your own wheels. Or, like us, just hop on the bus.
Aside from that? Anda matches Panglao on nearly every account, in my opinion. And you’ll be doing both yourselves and the island a favour by spreading the influx of tourists around a bit.
4. Coron: It Pairs Well With Palawan, I Know.
Once you’re bored of Palawan and El Nido, a stopover at Coron seems an obvious choice on the way back to Manila airport. I know, because we did it!
When we visited, Coron wasn’t as popular as it is now. In fact, we were one of only three couples there. Although… it was low season… during a cyclone. Anyway, as far as I know, people go to Coron to continue the tour of jaw-dropping views they started in Palawan, just with more of a focus on water-based activities.
Well, If Coron Pairs With Palawan… Apo Island Pairs With the Camotes (Sort Of)
Okay, it’s not that straightforward to travel between the Camotes and Apo Island, but it’s not beyond the wit of man. You’ll need to head back along Cebu Island, hop a boat to Dumaguete, then continue on to Apo – it’s almost a day of travel once you add it all up, including waiting times. But I assure you, the snorkelling there will outstrip anything in Coron.
We didn’t stay on Apo itself; we stayed in Dumaguete and did it as a day trip – but you can stay there. There’s one basic resort, plus a few simple village guesthouses and hostels.
Does it Have Good Beaches?
Apo’s beaches are small and few, but all are within walking distance and sit next to crystal-clear, biodiverse waters. What these beaches offer, that many in Coron may not, is a truly local feel. You’ll be sharing the sand with islanders, chickens, boats, and frolicking children.
Actually, most of the tourists we saw there were actually local tourists, which is always lovely to see. It’s so much nicer than beaches lined with sunburnt Europeans – though I won’t bang that drum again.
What Else is There to Do?
Being honest, Coron has more to offer – mainly because it’s considerably bigger. But as I mentioned, this comparison I’m making is really focused on what lies beneath the waves.
I’ve snorkelled in many places across Asia (and other continents), and without a doubt, Apo Island has the most turtles I’ve ever seen. I’m talking tens of green turtles, in close proximity, of all sizes.
Now, I feel obliged to mention that the behaviour we saw of some tour guides and tourists there was questionable, to say the least. Just remember that you’re the captain of your own ship – hold yourself to your own high standards, lead by example, and remind people NOT to touch the turtles!
It’s Not Quite the Same, I Know.
I’ll admit, comparing Apo Island to Coron is the most tenuous comparison in this blog. But as I’m suggesting, if you’re in the Visayas, heading to Coron isn’t exactly convenient anyway. Not without a few flights, anyway.
If diving and snorkelling are some of the main reasons you’re considering Coron, then Apo is a fantastic alternative. It’s genuinely some of the best in the Philippines – maybe even all of Asia.
5. Boracay: I Admit, We’ve Never Been…
Even 10 years ago, this was one place we opted to avoid. Not because it’s bad or horrible, but because, even then it was a hotspot for tourism and partying – which just isn’t our scene.
If that is your scene, Boracay may well be your best bet. Or maybe General Luna (Siargao), or even El Nido (Palawan). But if it’s the idyllic island life with pools, nice hotels, and beach bars you’re after – there’s another option. One that’s not even that far off the tourist trail. Just a whole lot less crowded than Boracay.
I’d usually put a photo here, but because I only use my own – I’ve got none of Boracay. So just imagine sand, sea, parasols, drunk Europeans, and the occasional bar fight.
Siquijor – Be Quick. It’s Getting Popular, Fast!
Ten years ago, Siquijor was still known among travellers, but it was very much ‘up-and-coming.’ There were hostels and a few hotels around, all for bargain prices – but there was quite a bit of construction too.
From what I understand, tourism really took off after 2020 – and I can vouch for that! Nearly every backpacker we met in Cebu, Bohol, and even Siargao had either been or were planning to go. It still isn’t like Boracay yet, but get in there soon, before it inevitably becomes another place I need to find an alternative for!
Does It Have Beaches and Bars Like Boracay?
Don’t expect the Ibiza-style holiday you can find in Boracay. Clubbing and raves are going to be in short supply. But if, like us, that’s not your cup of tea, then you’ll find it a lot easier to avoid on Siquijor.
That said, one of our favourite bars in Asia, the ‘Baha Ba’r’ is in the island. A place where you can do it all; food, drinks, and a bit of nightlife. We even had a movie night there, watching one of the greatest films of all time – ’Austin Powers’. Yea baby, yea!
What Else Is There To Do?
Siquijor has it all really. Rent a moped and explore – you won’t run out of things to do and see. Caving, hiking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, massive trees, ancient trees, waterfalls, beaches… the lot!
We met people on this trip who had spent two whole weeks there. I wouldn’t go that far personally, but it tells you something, right?
Siquijor Almost Didn’t Make This List
Maybe I’d feel differently about Siquijor if we had revisited it in 2025. I’m basing my opinion on our 2015 trip and word of mouth. But honestly, I don’t think it’s changed that much – not yet, anyway.
All I’ll say is; go before it does become too used and abused. It was in our top 3 spots in the Philippines when we visited, and I’ve heard nothing bad about it since.
Get on it!
That’s All, Folks!
Being a responsible tourist is something we all need to think about these days. Some of it’s obvious – keep places clean, respect nature. But the less obvious one I’m trying to highlight here is the impact of overtourism.
Filipinos know this reality well. Tourism is great for many businesses – but it can have knock-on effects for the environment and for locals who don’t work in tourism. Obviously, we can’t stop visiting these places! They’re incredible, and many economies rely on tourism… I’m just suggesting we try to spread the load and keep this stuff in mind wherever we travel – not just in the Philippines.
Aside from that, I hope this blog has shone a light on a few amazing places in the Philippines that aren’t part of the ‘big 5.’ Palawan, Siargao, Panglao, Coron, and Boracay are incredible in their own right – just at least try to avoid them in peak season. In truth, you could skip all five and still have an unforgettable experience in the Philippines with just the alternatives I’ve listed above. Which is just a handful of ideas!
If (when) we go back, I’m aiming for the East Visayas – Leyte and Samar. Go check them out for yourselves. I reckon they look pretty incredible!
Stay bald folks.
Toodles,
Jack
