5 Secluded Islands to Put on Your Bucket List

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

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. Spot has the scoop on its accommodations: a gorgeous luxury tropical resort, complete with its own professional cook who specializes in Filipino cuisine. Don’t be shy about requesting for 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.

Sundang Island

Sundang Island

This tiny island is just about one kilometer long and a couple hundred meters wide. It’s located at Lumot Lake reservoir in the cold, windy mountains of Cavinti, Laguna, which is 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’s waters, Sundang also offers kayaks for rent, a large outdoor bonfire area overlooking the lake and other nearby islands, and plenty of books and board games at the guest house. As an added bonus, several large, cuddly, and friendly dogs make their home on Sundang.

Seco Island

Seco Island

The uninhabited island of Seco lies 50 km off the west coast of Panay Island, somewhat near Caticlan Airport. Filipknow reveals that the name Seco comes from the local wordfor “elbow,” which describes the shape of the island. Make sure to bring sunblock or at least go there on a somewhat cloudy day as there is very little cover on the island and its famed sandbar – it’s mostly white sand and crystal-clear waters in all directions.

Panampangan Island

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. Choose Philippines advises coordinating 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

Noanoa Island

This island is situated off the northeastern coast of Palawan Island. Surrounded by 70 hectares of tropical coral reef, Esquire Magazine reports that this is the place to go see lots of undersea wildlife. In fact, NoaNoa is an official marine sanctuary that’s recognized and protected by the Philippine government. The easiest way to get to NoaNoa from Metro Manila is to book a direct flight to Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan through respected local carrier Philippine Airlines. From there, you can take a local shuttle to a seaport where a boat can take you directly to NoaNoa.

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