10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Vacation Destinations in the Philippines

Situated midway between Luzon and Taiwan, the remote island of Itbayat is accessible by ferry from Basco, weather permitting, meaning that you've got peace and quiet pretty much guaranteed. After the trip across the Luzon Strait, you’ll discover an unusual topography with a distinct red clay topsoil on this inviting island.

Feel the power of the elements atop Mauyen Cliff, or explore Torongan Cave, said to be the landing place of the Austronesians in 4,000 BC. Then, at dawn, trek to Rapang Cliff to view its hardened, bleached corals catch the first rays of sunlight for a truly off-the-beaten-path Philippines experience.

A 12-hour bus ride from Manila, Sagada offers a taste of small mountain-town life. Try your hand at a local pottery shop’s wheel, then head to a homey café for some lemon pie and Sagada coffee (a varietal local to the region). Or, head to Echo Valley with a guide to see wooden coffins hanging on the faces of limestone cliffs—part of a centuries-old Igorot burial tradition. And spelunking fans will definitely want to explore the Lumiang and Sumaguing caves.

Instead of joining group tours aboard the island’s tranvia buses, hike or ride a bike to explore Corregidor, a World War II memorial that’s an hour-long boat ride away from Manila. Explore bombed-out military structures now overrun by vegetation, hunt for ghosts in the abandoned hospital, or discover secret trails that Filipino and American soldiers created decades ago. You can even climb with a guide through a Japanese tunnel ... as long as you're not claustrophobic.

A 15-minute ferry ride from Iloilo takes you to Guimaras, home to some of the world’s sweetest mangoes. While that should be enough to convince you to visit, know that you can also enjoy a truly off-the-grid experience here, by heading to the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve where only 30 visitors are allowed at a time. Explore the area’s coves, caves, sandbars, and mangrove forests, or climb the lighthouse to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islets. At night, set up camp at the beach and sleep under the stars—with the management’s permission, of course.

Dumaguete is known for its world-class dive sites, so why not take a free diving class from a certified local while visiting? If you’re a beginner, start out with Dauin’s sandy beach and shallow waters. Then, when you’ve built up your skill and confidence, explore Apo Island, a marine sanctuary that’s home to sea turtles, as well as hundreds of species of fish and corals.

Nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) off Negros Occidental’s shores, this wildlife sanctuary runs on solar power, with less than 10 percent of its grounds developed. That means simple accommodations, zero AC, limited Wi-Fi, and very few people around—ideal if you're looking for a really off-the-beaten-path Philippines vacation. Here, you can trek through the forest before taking a dip in the lagoon; snorkel near the beach (and spot a baby black-tipped shark if you’re lucky); or do some birdwatching from the shore before taking in the sunset from a hammock.

With its picturesque waterfalls and beaches, Siquijor has an almost mythical reputation. Avoid the crowds by heading to scenic spots early in the day. For an even quieter experience, visit the local heritage churches to learn about the area's culture, or ride a motorbike up the mountains in search of a healer for a spiritual cleansing. Then, grab fuel for your day with a coffee and fresh bread leavened with coconut wine from beachside bakery Lilibeth’s Pan Bisaya.

Tinago. Maria Cristina. Mimbalot. Dodiongan. Kalubihan. These are a few of the more than 20 waterfalls you can find in Iligan, located just a 2-hour drive away from Cagayan de Oro City. Have a picnic by the water, dive from a cliff, or take a raft to get right under the powerful cascade of water. Or, simply laze away the day amid the surrounding greenery, enjoying the cool breeze and sounds of wildlife.

Camiguin's white sandbar draws plenty of tourists, but only a few attempt to scale its active volcano, Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Climb the summit to get an overview of Camiguin, then come down from the high by heading to the Sunken Cemetery in Catarman. Swim to its giant cross marker about 164 feet (50 meters) off the shore or dive down to look at submerged tombstones where corals and various marine creatures have made their homes.

Not many visitors to the Philippines make it to the island province of Tawi-Tawi, but those who do will be rewarded with the sight of the crystal-clear, blue-green waters of the Sanga-Sanga Channel and its recognizable stilt houses. Visit a Bajau village to witness Indigenous women weaving colorful mats from dried pandan leaves, or do some bartering at Panglima Sugala’s weekend market, where you also can sample Tausug fare like pyanggang (chicken cooked with blackened coconut curry). For an unforgettable view, climb the cobblestone steps to the peak of sacred Mt. Bungao.