Despite modest gains, Philippine tourism is still catching up. In 2024, the country welcomed 5.95 million foreign visitors, a nine percent increase from the previous year but still short of the 8.26 million peak in 2019. Meanwhile, Thailand and Vietnam have surged ahead with 28 million and nearly 13 million foreign arrivals, respectively.
10 lesser-known destinations to visit in the Philippines
Help Philippine tourism recover by discovering the best of our own backyard
Published Jun 11, 2025 05:59 pm
To widen the market, the government introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists in June 2025, a move aimed at increasing non-traditional arrivals. Still, growth is expected to plateau at around six million foreign visitors for the year.
But there’s good news: domestic tourism remains the true lifeline. In 2023 alone, ₱2.67 trillion in domestic tourism spending contributed 8.6 percent of the country’s GDP, while tourism provided 6.21 million jobs nationwide.
As the Philippines continues to lag behind its regional neighbors in attracting foreign tourists, world traveler and adventurer Mark Togonon, Smooth Travel and Tours travel agency owner who has visited all Seven Wonders of the World, says the most transformative experiences can be found in our own islands. Here he shares 10 incredible destinations that prove we don’t need to leave the country to experience true wonder.
1. Onuk Island — Balabac, Palawan
Onuk’s translucent waters and serene sandbars feel almost otherworldly—so clear, the sea floor appears just inches below.
“It is the clearest we have ever seen, incredibly clear that one could see the boat’s shadow on the seabed below and easily spot some hawksbill and green sea turtles gliding by. Here, your snorkels are practically useless as the water’s clear visibility extends as far as the eyes can see,” he shares.
How to get there:
Van from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port (five to six hours) Boat to Onuk Island (one to one and a half hours).
2. Lobo Cave — Jiabong, Samar
This magnificent cave system features narrow ledges, vertical descents, and hidden waterfalls—making it one of the most dramatic spelunking sites in the country.
“Every inch of those took at least a hundred years to form, and they’re fragile. Make sure you don’t hit them with your helmets,” he says. “Foreign tourists often refer to Lobo Cave as the most beautiful cave in the country.”
How to get there:
Fly to Tacloban Van to Jiabong (two and a half hours) Trek to Tagbayaon Village Contact Trexplore (Joni Bonifacio: +63 919 294 3865)
3. Kalanggaman Island — Palompon, Leyte
A narrow sandbar stretching across turquoise water, Kalanggaman is a picture-perfect island with no resorts—just tents, trees, and time. Mark says, “Today, the island is even more beautiful with its longer sandbars and thicker vegetation.”
How to get there:
Van from Tacloban to Palompon (three to four hours) Boat to island (45–60 minutes)
Contact: Palompon Ecotour Office
Omapuy Island
4. Omapuy Island — Tawi-Tawi
Remote and unspoiled, Omapuy offers solitude, white sand, and a glimpse into the peaceful life of coastal seaweed farmers. Mark shares, “Had I flinched upon hearing about the bombings, kidnappings, and beheadings... I wouldn’t have seen Omapuy Island, which for me is one of the country’s most beautiful islands.”
How to get there:
Fly Zamboanga to Bongao (Cebu Pacific) Coordinate speedboat tour with Tawi-Tawi Provincial Tourism
5. Matukad Island — Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Adventure seekers scale its jagged cliffs for a secret glimpse of an inland lagoon—and the unforgettable ocean view beyond.
“Peering back down, all I could think of was how painful it would be to die this way, “ he jokes, “but I was silenced by the breathtaking panorama.”
How to get there:
Fly or bus to Naga City Van to Sabang Port Boat to Guijalo Port Island-hopping boat to Matukad
6. Paliton Beach — Siquijor
Often called the island’s “little Boracay,” Paliton is still quiet and raw, with white sand, no entrance fee, and sunsets worth the trip.
“Besides the beautiful beaches, the island has around 45 caves, several mesmerizing waterfalls, impressive marine sanctuaries, and a rich history,” the adventure seeker says. The island has long been surrounded with mystery, fuelled by stories about sorcery and creatures of the underworld.
How to get there:
Ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor (one hour) Tricycle or motorcycle to Paliton Beach (30 minutes)
Mantigue Island
7. Mantigue Island — Camiguin
With Mt. Hibok-Hibok in the distance and coral gardens underfoot, Mantigue is a snorkeler’s and photographer’s dream. Here, your eyes will feast on the brightly-colored fishes frolicking around the huge spiny corals. Mark shares, “A tiny clownfish, tucked among the graceful stalks of a sea anemone, watched as I swam past the luxuriant sea grass.”
How to get there:
Fly Cebu to Camiguin Boat from Brgy. San Roque, Mahinog (25–30 minutes)
8. Ulot River — Paranas, Samar
Experience a high-speed “torpedo boat ride” that slams through rapids, then coasts through jungle-lined calm stretches rich with birdlife.
“We found ourselves racing along the churning rapids, shrieking hysterically as our slender torpedo boat swerves, catches water, soars over hurdles, and slams into a foamy wave,” Mark shares.
How to get there:
Fly to Tacloban Van to Paranas (two and a half hours) Ride to Sitio Camp Uno.
Contact: DOT Region 8
9. Malamawi Island — Isabela City, Basilan
Still unknown to most Filipinos, Malamawi’s beach rivals any in Palawan—without the crowds or the fees.
How to get there:
Ferry from Zamboanga to Isabela City (one to one and a half hours) Tricycle to port Short boat ride to Malamawi
10. Cobrador Island — Romblon
With coral gardens and white shores hugged by Pandan trees, Cobrador is ideal for those craving nature and solitude. “The gorgeous uninhabited island has a lush forest of Pandan and Talisay trees, home to more than a hundred species of endemic birds,” shares Mark.
How to get there:
Ferry from Batangas to Romblon Town Private boat (30–40 minutes) to Cobrador.
Can also fly to Tablas and transfer via jeepney and banca.
Mark Togonon has stood in awe before the Great Wall and wandered through Petra. Yet, these Philippine destinations continue to move him in ways the world’s icons cannot. “The luxury of calling this piece of paradise your own reminds you of two things: the things you take for granted, and the privilege of being here, in this moment,” he says.
Let the rest of the world discover them later. For now, these places are best seen and protected by us.