5 Offbeat and Secluded Islands in the Philippines

5 Offbeat and Secluded Islands in the Philippines

As an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands and islets, the Philippines has its fair share of secluded islands that absolutely need to be on your bucket list. Whether it’s on the sea or on one of the country’s many large lakes, there’s no shortage of islands that you can treat like your own private paradise.

Surprisingly, many of them are both easy to find and affordable if you’re part of a somewhat large group. Any of these secluded islands are a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a private, personal getaway.

Brother Island

Also known as Small Darocoton Island, Brother Island can be found on the eastern seaboard of El Nido, north of Palawan Island. The entire place is a white sand beach that’s surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and some of the best-preserved waters in the entire archipelago, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.  

A gorgeous luxury tropical resort, complete with its own professional cook who specializes in Filipino cuisine. Don’t be shy about requesting specialty seafood dishes. If you somehow get tired of roaming the small island, the local boatmen can take you to explore some of the other nearby island paradises.

The island can be rented for a couple of nights for P30,000. It has a whole house that can fit 12 people and comes with full board meals. The accommodation has two bathrooms, seven bedrooms, nine beds, and a full service kitchen. You also have your own caretaker, housekeeper, helper, a cook who specializes in Filipino cuisine, and boatmen who can take you to nearby islands. There’s no air-condition, television, or WiFi, but that’s fine because you finally have the chance to get off grid if only for a few days.
This little island is the perfect getaway! It’s so beautiful, the sand is perfect. You can sleep inside the main house or for a truly adventurous experience take one of the outside domes… fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and wake up to the beautiful blue water and islands in the distance.

This is one of those places you won’t want to leave!

Sundang Island

This tiny island is roughly one kilometer long and a couple hundred metres wide. It’s located at Lumot Lake reservoir in the cool, windy mountains of Cavinti, Laguna, which is easily accessible by car or bus from Metro Manila. Renting the entire island is about the same standard price as a luxury hotel, but instead of luxury amenities, you’ll have basic, clean amenities – surrounded by a lake paradise.

Apart from swimming in the lake, Sundang also offers kayaks for rent, a large outdoor bonfire area overlooking the water, other nearby islands, and plenty of books and board games in the guest house. As an added bonus, several large, cuddly, and friendly dogs make their home on Sundang.

Read more about Sundang Island here on Coffeehan.com  

Seco Island, Antique

The uninhabited island of Seco lies about 50 km off the west coast of Antique, Panay Island. The name Seco comes from the local word for “elbow,” which perfectly describes the shape of the island.

The trip to Seco Island takes a few hours and once you arrive there is hardly any shade and almost no trees, so bring long sleeved clothes to cover up and a large hat.

Seco Island is a real desert island getaway. Enjoy the crystal clear water that surrounds the island and some snorkeling or diving. If you are lucky a school of dolphins may accompany you part of the way there from Culasi.

You can book your trip with Katahum Tours of Tibiao, Antique.

Panampangan Island

Home to the longest sandbar in the country (3km), Panampangan Island is located in the province of Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost group of islands in the Philippines. This area is not exactly a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreign tourists, making it a secluded hidden beauty that’s a lot less spoiled than the more popular destinations in the country. As a result, Panampangan offers some of the most surrealistically clear light blue waters and pristine white sand beaches you’ve ever seen in your entire life.

Panampangan is one paradise hidden in Tawi-Tawi’s labyrinthine set of islands. Although it’s roughly 40 km from mainland Bongao, going there can be a challenge as boat rentals can run to a few thousands. Check out the Provincial Tourism Office first because they might refer some boatmen who can take you there at a lower cost or if you get lucky, for free.

This almost untouched, 3 kilometer sand bar is said to be 1-2 feet below sea level, thus, it’s possible to cross to the other end at low tide. Expect your feet to sink at each step as the sand on this idyllic isle can be likened to powdered milk. Yes, it is that fine, white and soft. And while you’re there, enjoy frolicking in its crystal clear waters.

If you wish to visit Panampangan Island it’s best to coordinate with the Provincial Tourism Office of Tawi-Tawi who only recently opened channels to visit the sandbar-island if you want to go for a visit.

NoaNoa Island

This island is situated off the northeastern coast of Palawan Island. Surrounded by 70 hectares of tropical coral reef, Esquire Magazine describes NoaNoa Island as the place to go to see lots of marine life.

In fact, NoaNoa is an official marine sanctuary that’s recognized and protected by the Philippine government. Read this article for the easiest way to get to NoaNoa from Metro Manila.

NoaNoa Private Island is rather unique. It is neither an hotel or a resort. Ten years ago NoaNoa Island was deeloped as the exclusive paradise of a wealthy American. Now, this elaborate estate is opening up and being offered for the vacation enjoyment of two to eight people at a time.

You will experience a magical charm that can only be found on a small scale. The rooms are unique, the staff truly cares, and the cuisine is the fine home cooking enjoyed by the private guests over the years. The island is gorgeous, the development compliments the surroundings, and the reef is amazing.

NoaNoa is as good as it looks in the photos, if you are looking for some quality relaxing time, it is amazing here. You can watch the sunrise over the islands in the morning and watch the sunset from the beach bar in the evening. The feeling is relaxed and intimate, there is no pressure to do anything (except maybe watch the monitor lizards) and the owner and his wife make you feel very much at home, the food is excellent and plentiful.

There is also an amazing reef a few feet off the island for great snorkelling and, somehow, it has the best internet connection of anywhere in North Palawan! 

You can book your stay at NoaNoa Island through Agoda here

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