I’m heading off to the Philippines for a few weeks, and like many travelers before me, I’ve been completely captivated by the idea of island hopping through this dazzling archipelago. But I quickly realized that while everyone talks about it, no one really breaks down how it works. So this post is for all the beginners — the wanderers like me who want to jump from island to island but aren’t quite sure how the logistics unfold.
Spoiler: It’s easier than you think, more fun than you expect, and possibly the most rewarding way to explore the Philippines.
✈️ Or 🛳️: How to Get From Manila to the Islands
The first leg of the journey for many island hoppers is getting from Manila to Coron, a gem in the Calamian Islands. There are two ways to get there:
Fly: Easiest and quickest, especially if you’re tight on time. Several budget airlines fly directly from Manila to Coron (Busuanga Airport).
Ferry: Slower, but so much more fun. We’re slow travelers and love to do things the local way, so we opted for the overnight ferry with 2GO Travel. Clean, super cheap, and surprisingly lively — think karaoke, bingo, a live band, a sun deck, and meals included. Book it online and bring a photocopy of your passport and the card you booked with — that’s all you need.
We traveled to Manila → Coron → Palawan (Puerto Princesa) → Cuyo Islands → Panay → Negros → Bohol → Siquijor → Cebu → Manila, all by ferry. Yes, it takes time. But every leg was an adventure, and we never had any issues.
🏝️ How Island-Hopping Actually Works
Island-hopping isn’t a hop-on-hop-off situation like a European train pass. Here’s how it works:
1. Day Tours (El Nido, Coron, Siargao, etc.)
In tourist hotspots like Coron and El Nido, you’ll find packaged island-hopping tours labeled Tour A, B, C, etc. These are day trips that include stops at beaches, lagoons, snorkeling sites, and lunch. They’re easy to book on the spot or online.
2. Expedition Trips (like Tao Philippines)
If you want the real deal — sleeping under the stars, eating fresh fish caught hours ago, and waking up on uninhabited islands — consider a multi-day sailing expedition. Tao Philippines offers 3-5 day adventures between Coron and El Nido. They’re expensive and book out quickly, but people say it’s life-changing.
3. DIY Adventures
Want to explore lesser-known islands like Port Barton, Cuyo, or Siquijor? You can hop ferries or even organize private boat trips. In some places, you can kayak to nearby islands and camp. Just know — remote means remote. No boats will casually pick you up the next morning. You’ll need to coordinate your return or go with a group.
💤 Can You Stay Overnight on Remote Islands?
Yes — and you absolutely should. But it depends on how you get there:
Expedition trips (like Tao) include overnight stays on tiny islands with rustic huts or tents.
In El Nido or Port Barton, some day tours offer overnight camping.
If you’re going rogue, make sure to bring camping gear, food, water, and a plan for getting picked up.
It’s not a backpacker bus where you can get dropped off and catch the next boat in a few hours. Think castaway with logistics — doable, and magical, but you’ve got to plan ahead.
🍜 Food on the Islands — Stock Up or Snack On?
If you’re sticking to towns like Coron, El Nido, or Siquijor, you’re fine. There are plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and street food vendors.
But if you’re heading off-grid:
Bring snacks, especially protein bars, nuts, and fruit.
Stock up on water — always.
Some ferries have small shops onboard, but they’re limited.
Long ferry rides include meals but don’t expect gourmet. It’s functional food (think rice and chicken).
In general: yes, stock up if you’re heading anywhere without electricity or if you’re camping.
🌊 Where to Go & Why
Coron
Shipwreck diving, stunning lakes, hot springs. Chill town with good food and warm locals.
El Nido
Not as off-the-beaten-path as it once was, but still amazing. Tour A is a fan favorite for a reason. For fewer crowds, head north to Nacpan Beach on a rented scooter. Stay overnight and hit the reggae bar under the stars.
Port Barton
More peaceful than El Nido, with less partying and more local charm. Great for kayaking and DIY camping trips.
Siquijor
A wild card — witches, coral churches, skateboarding comps, and some of the coolest backpackers around. We stayed 10 days longer than planned, just because we loved it so much.
📝 Tips for First-Time Island Hoppers
Be flexible. Weather can cancel ferries last minute.
Book ahead in the high season, especially Tao trips and flights.
Travel with cash. ATMs can be scarce or down.
Pack light. You’ll be getting on/off boats a lot.
Talk to locals. They’ll point you to beaches and towns you won’t find in guidebooks.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Island-hopping in the Philippines isn’t just a way to travel — it’s a
