For the epitome of a luxurious tropical escape, head to the island of Pamalican in Palawan—aboard no less than a private plane, of course. This island northeast of mainland Palawan is home to the exclusive Amanpulo Resort by the Aman Resorts International hotel group. Pamalican Island is one of their many sites alongside other dreamy destinations like Bali, Indonesia and Porto Heli, Greece. A visit to this island guarantees top-notch, highly-personalized service from the resort’s experienced team and staff, plus as an island experience that will feel curated just for you. While the resort boasts the finest amenities and service, the island’s natural features from its immaculate shoreline to the vibrant marine life beneath the surface takes the Pamalican experience above and beyond.
While the luxurious island of Pamalican may sound divine, a trip here does end with quite the hefty bill. For those seeking out a tropical escape with a more feasible price tag, the country has a remarkable lineup of undeveloped virgin islands too. One of these is Kalanggaman in Leyte. While the island itself isn’t all that large, two dazzling sandbars extend into the sea on either side. There are no hotels on the island, nor is there electricity—two enticing features to campers. There are basic facilities however, such as toilets and cottages for rent, so choosing to spend the night wouldn’t be too rough. Kalanggaman might not be the easiest to get to but its picturesque sandbar alone makes it a must for anyone travelling around the Visayas.
Apo is a unique one on the list because perhaps even more famous than the island itself are its surrounding waters. A protected marine reserve, the waters around Apo Island hold magnificent coral gardens and bustling marine life. Turtle sightings are especially commonplace even close to shore, making it an exciting site for both snorkelling and diving. There are also accommodation options on the island for those who want more time exploring its marine reserve than a day trip allows.
