6 under-the-radar places to visit in the Philippines

Most visitors to the Philippines only head to the same handful of islands – meaning that with a little imagination, you can craft an itinerary that’s completely unique. From secret beaches to Spanish forts, these are the places where you’ll carve out your own slice of paradise…

The gardens of Fort San Andres (Shutterstock)

Romblon Island has beaches and scenery to rival its busy neighbour Boracay, yet receives a fraction of the visitors. From Manila, fly to Tugdan Airport on Tablas Island, then catch a tricycle to San Agustin and take a pumpboat to Romblon. The first sight that greets you as you approach Romblon is the imposing silhouette of Fort San Andres, watching over the island just as it did when it was completed in 1650. Together with Fort Santiago, it was built by Spanish colonists to guard against Dutch pirates. Fort San Andres is the only one of the twin forts that now survives; walk here from the town centre to see the well-preserved turrets, Spanish-era cannon, and views over the bay. Explore Romblon further by hiring an e-bike, which can be charged quickly and cheaply at plentiful stations around the island.

The cascade of Hulugan Falls is 72m high (Shutterstock)

The province of Laguna wraps around Laguna de Bay, the Philippines’ largest lake. From the province, countless waterfalls tumble into the rivers that feed the lake; of these, perhaps the most picturesque is Hulugan Falls. From a height of 72 metres, water cascades into the river in silvery sheets, churning up a dramatic spray that shrouds everything in a veil of mist (a waterproof camera is recommended). Most visitors travel from Manila to the trailhead in San Salvador, which takes around three hours. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk to the falls. Many travellers combine Hulugan with two other nearby waterfalls: Talay Falls and Hidden Falls, for a total one-way hike of one-and-a-half hours. Cool off on the way by swimming in the opalescent river, basking on the rocks and feeling the spray on your skin. Though not well-known internationally, the falls are locally popular; avoid crowds by visiting during the week.

Clownfish are among the vibrant marine life you can spot in Carbin Reef (Shutterstock)

International travellers on the Visayas tourist trail typically skip Negros Occidental, flying straight from Boracay to Cebu. That’s their loss – you’ll get those sugar-white beaches and marine sanctuaries to yourself. Popular among the local Negrense is Carbin Reef, a golden, S-shaped sandbar surrounded by an impossibly blue sea. Bring your snorkel – the reef around the sandbar is rich and unspoiled, abundant with clownfish, giant clams and much more. You’ll also need to bring food – there are shaded picnic tables on the sandbar, but no food vendors. Boats leave for the reef from the town of Sagay: a 90-minute drive (or three hours by bus) from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental. Bacolod is the home of the famous Filipino dish, chicken inasal; as well as the riotous Masskara festival, which takes place every October. The San Sebastian Cathedral, built using coral stone from Guimaras Island, is also worth a look.

Cliff houses on Hermit’s Cove (Cebu Provincial Tourism Office)

Some beaches are worth the journey – Hermit’s Cove is one of them. From Cebu City, head west across the island – 90 minutes by car or 2-3 hours by minibus – to the Farmhouse in the small town of Aloguinsan, where you’ll need to register as a visitor. Pick up Filipino street food from the carinderias (food stalls) at Aloguinsan Public Market, before catching a habal-habal (motorcycle) to the beach. There, you’ll see where Hermit’s Cove gets its name: the palm forest wraps around the beach, seeming to cut off the world around you. You’re not totally isolated, though: hire boats are available to take you to the reef, where you can snorkel among corals, anemones and sea turtles. On a clear day, you’ll see the indigo silhouette of the Mt Kanlaon volcano across the Tañon Strait. Combine a trip to Hermit’s Cove with a cruise along the nearby Bojo River, marvelling at the mangrove forests and diverse bird species.

The wild peninsula of Binurong Point (Shutterstock)

Bicol – a peninsula that juts south from the island of Luzon – is known for spectacle. The northeastern “amihan” trade winds and numerous volcanoes have carved up a thrilling landscape of jagged coastline, steep hills and deep, sandy coves. The island of Catanduanes is the epitome of Bicol drama, with several landmarks of note. The peaceful beaches of Virac province contrast with the sculptural formations of Luyang Cave – with its underground river – and the churning Maribina Falls. There are man-made wonders too: the Vatican-inspired Church of the Immaculate Conception in Virac, and the Bote Lighthouse in San Andres. But perhaps the most arresting view is the one from Binurong Point, where thundering waves crash against black cliffs and pillars of stone; behind you, green hills roll into the distance. It’s worth setting off early to catch the sunrise – and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

The idyllic island of Cresta de Gallo (Shutterstock)

How far would you go for paradise? Cresta de Gallo – so called as its shape resembles a cockscomb – is two tiny islands connected by a brilliant sandbar, marooned in a sea so vivid that one YouTuber described it as ‘Gatorade blue’. The journey there is complex, requiring a flight to Tugdan airport on Tablas, a cross-island trip to San Agustin Port, then a ferry to Magdiwang Port on Sibuyan Island. From there, you’ll need to catch a jeepney to San Fernando, then charter a pump boat to take you to Cresta de Gallo. Got all that? Good – you’ll be rewarded by a truly pristine beach, a sunset shot through with pink and purple, and a reef where starfish and rays hide among the corals. Given how long it takes to get here, it’s best to combine Cresta de Gallo with a more thorough exploration of Tablas and Sibuyan islands.