The definitive guide to island hopping in the Philippines — the best routes, which islands to combine, when to go, and how to travel between El Nido, Coron, Bohol, and Boracay.
The Philippines is one of the world's great island-hopping destinations — 7,641 islands, crystal-clear waters ranked among the world's best, and a variety that ranges from dramatic karst limestone to flat coral atolls. But it requires planning. Here is how to do it properly.
Why the Philippines for Island Hopping?
The Philippines offers something that the Maldives and Bali cannot: genuine variety within a single trip. Palawan has dramatic limestone karst scenery and UNESCO-listed underground rivers. Bohol has tarsier sanctuaries and the Chocolate Hills. Boracay has White Beach, one of Asia's finest stretches of sand. Coron has World War II wreck diving without equal in Asia.
Best overall months: November–May (dry season across most of the archipelago). The Philippines sits in the typhoon belt — June–October brings typhoon risk, particularly in the north.
Note on weather patterns: Palawan (El Nido, Coron) has a slightly different pattern — best November–May. Bohol and Siargao are best March–May and November–January. Boracay: best November–April.
The Best Island Hopping Routes
Route 1: The Classic Palawan Loop (7–10 nights)
El Nido (3–4 nights) → Coron (3–4 nights)
This is the Philippines' signature route. El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan — a town surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise lagoons, and some of the world's most dramatic island scenery.
El Nido essentials:
- Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) — do this first
- Island Hopping Tour C (Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) — more dramatic
- Snorkelling at Cadlao Lagoon — excellent reef health
- Kayaking into the Big Lagoon at sunrise — arrive before tour boats
Where to stay in El Nido:
- Miniloc Island Resort — overwater cottages on a private island within Bacuit Bay (the gold standard, book months ahead)
- Lio Beach Resort (El Nido Resorts) — beachfront, sustainable, excellent snorkelling direct from beach
- Cauayan Island Resort — intimate, boutique, stunning views
El Nido to Coron: Ferry (4–5 hours, scenic) or fly via Puerto Princesa (2 hours including stopover). Fastcraft ferries run daily in peak season.
Coron essentials:
- Barracuda Lake — thermocline diving lake, otherworldly experience
- Coron Bay wreck diving — 10+ WWII Japanese shipwrecks, among the best wreck dives in the world
- Kayangan Lake — called the Philippines' cleanest lake, stunning karst scenery
- Snorkelling at Siete Pecados marine sanctuary
Where to stay in Coron:
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort — the area's standout luxury property, on a private island
- Club Paradise Palawan — all-inclusive, house reef, excellent for non-divers
- Sangat Island Reserve — eco-lodge directly above wreck diving sites
Route 2: Palawan + Bohol (10–14 nights)
Add Bohol for a route that combines Palawan's seascapes with Bohol's interior wildlife and culture.
El Nido (3 nights) → Coron (3 nights) → Cebu (1 night) → Bohol (3–4 nights)
Travel: Coron to Cebu by air (1 hour), then Cebu to Tagbilaran (Bohol) by fast ferry (2 hours) or short flight.
Bohol essentials:
- Chocolate Hills (1,200+ perfectly cone-shaped hills) — hire a motorbike for dawn visit before tour buses
- Philippine tarsier sanctuary near Corella — world's smallest primate, remarkable to see
- Panglao Island — white sand beaches, excellent diving at Balicasag Island
- Loboc River cruise — lunch on the river, surrounded by jungle
Where to stay in Bohol:
- Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa — clifftop villas, award-winning, adults-only section
- Bohol Beach Club — beachfront, Panglao Island, good value
- Amorita Resort — boutique, infinity pool, excellent restaurant
Route 3: Boracay + El Nido (10–12 nights)
For travellers who want the Philippines' most famous beach combined with Palawan's drama.
Manila (1 night) → Boracay (4 nights) → El Nido (4–5 nights)
Boracay's White Beach (4km of powdery white sand, calm waters) is one of Asia's most beautiful beaches, best appreciated at the quieter northern end (Station 1). Avoid the crowded southern end near D'Mall for accommodation.
Where to stay in Boracay:
- Shangri-La Boracay — clifftop, private beach, multiple pools, excellent for families
- Discovery Shores Boracay — beachfront on Station 1, consistently rated best on the island
- Hue Hotels & Resorts — boutique, Station 2, good value for money
Practical Tips for Western Travellers
Visas: No visa required for EU and US citizens for stays up to 30 days (extendable to 59 days).
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). USD widely accepted in resort areas. ATMs available in El Nido town and Coron town.
Getting around: Inter-island travel uses a mix of island-hopper flights (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirSwan), fast ferries, and pumpboat tours. Book island-hopper flights early — routes sell out during peak season (December–March).
Manila transit: If routing through Manila, stay near the airport (Resorts World Manila, Okada Manila) to minimise transfer stress. Manila's traffic is notorious.
Connectivity: Signal is variable outside town centres. Coron and El Nido have reasonable data coverage. Bring a local SIM (Smart or Globe — buy at Manila airport arrivals).
Electricity: 220V, Type A plugs (same as USA). Europeans need an adapter.
Diving certification: PADI open water courses are widely available in El Nido, Coron, and Boracay (3–4 days). Coron's wreck diving requires advanced certification for the deeper sites.
When to Book and What to Pay
Best booking window: 3–4 months ahead for December–March travel. Private island resorts (Miniloc, Club Paradise) book out 4–6 months ahead.
Budget guidance:
- Luxury resort: $250–600/night
- Mid-range boutique: $100–200/night
- Island hopping tours: $20–40/person/day (shared), $150–300 (private charter)
- Inter-island fast ferry: $20–50 per leg
- Domestic flights: $40–120 per leg (book early)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Philippine island for first-timers?
El Nido for scenery and snorkelling. Bohol for a mix of culture, wildlife, and beaches. Boracay for a classic beach holiday. First-timers often do best starting with El Nido — the island scenery alone justifies the journey.
Is Coron or El Nido better?
For divers: Coron (world-class wreck diving). For snorkellers and scenery: El Nido (more dramatic karst lagoons). Most travellers should do both — they are different experiences that complement each other.
Is the Philippines safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas (Palawan, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu) are safe and welcoming to Western tourists. Avoid the far south (Mindanao and southern Sulu Sea) where travel advisories apply. Check your government's current travel advice before departure.
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