Discover the Best Alternatives to Boracay in the Philippines

The Philippines’ famed island, Boracay, was closed to the public in April 2018 in an attempt to restore the incredible location to its former glory after suffering the effects of overtourism. The picturesque island, previously famous for pristine beaches and a heady party vibe, has reopened with a limit on the daily number of visitors and a set of rules designed to protect the environment. If you want to take the boat less travelled, keep your flippers on and consider these responsible alternatives to Boracay within the island-hopping haven that is the Philippines.

Panglao Island (Visayas)

Main attraction: Beach bars
Also known for: Diving, ecotours

Panglao is one of the few resort areas in the Philippines that strives to recreate Boracay’s famous party vibe. Most of the action happens on Alona Beach along the south coast, a ‘mini-Boracay’ of sorts, where a steady lineup of restaurants and bars flank an enviable ribbon of white sand. Unlike Boracay, Alona is more about sipping cocktails or a chilled beer on the sand, accompanied by the strains of live acoustic music. However, for those seeking nightlife, a short stroll up the hill behind the beach reveals a few pubs catering to late-night revelers, plus the odd nightclub.

Panglao is also a haven for marine creatures, boasting superb snorkelling offshore and the famous reefs of Balicasag Island just 45 minutes away by boat. Early morning dolphin-spotting trips are highly recommended—do it responsibly with options like Pamilacan Island Dolphin & Whale Watching. Linked by a causeway to the much larger island of Bohol, Panglao also serves as a convenient base for visiting iconic tarsiers and Chocolate Hills, or for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking adventures on the Loboc and Abatan Rivers.

Sibaltan (Palawan)

Main attraction: Kitesurfing
Also known for: Chilling out, island-hopping

Kitesurfing is massive on Boracay, yet several lesser-known destinations can rival the island in the realm of water sports. Prime among those is Sibaltan, a small village on the northeast coast of mainland Palawan, located about 40km from the city of El Nido. Although administratively part of El Nido, Sibaltan lacks the overwhelming number of tourists, presenting a more mellow atmosphere with just a few resorts scattered along virtually empty beaches.

Facing east, Sibaltan is ideally positioned to benefit from the strong northeast breezes prevalent from November to April, making it a prime kitesurfing location. A variety of kitesurfing operations, including El Nido Kiteboarding, have established bases here. Just a few kilometers north, in San Fernando, the boutique beach resort Qi Palawan features a full-service kitesurfing center. For island hoppers, the remote Linapacan group of islands offers breathtaking beaches that are unmatched anywhere in the world.

Siquijor (Western Visayas)

Main attraction: White-sand beaches
Also known for: Shamans, snorkelling

No place in the Philippines—and indeed, few places globally—can replicate the striking luminescence of Boracay’s 4km-long flagship White Beach. However, for those in search of extensive stretches of white sand, the Western Visayan island of Siquijor comes remarkably close. The island boasts a variety of beaches, the most notable being Paliton Beach, which faces the sunset in the town of San Juan on the island’s southwest coast. Just southeast lies Solangan Beach, where hammocks connect palm trees in front of affordable beach resorts like JJ’s Backpackers Village & Cafe. Unlike Boracay, these beaches offer exceptional snorkelling opportunities.

Ride around the island’s 75km ring road on a motorbike—the only way to explore—and you’ll encounter one scenic beach after another. In Larena, the lengthy Sandugan Beach is renowned for its magnificent sunsets, providing an ideal spot to rent a sea kayak from several low-key resorts. At bustling Salangdoong Beach, you can dive into crystal clear turquoise waters from a 12m platform built into the rocks. Moreover, Siquijor features not only beaches but also lush jungles, caves, waterfalls, and witch doctors who, for a small fee, will treat your ailments with traditional remedies—hence the island’s mystic reputation. This spooky allure keeps the crowds down, providing a tranquil experience.

San Vicente & Port Barton (Palawan)

Main attraction: Sunsets
Also known for: Waterfalls, snorkelling

With its expansive 7km beach of fine alabaster sand (appropriately named Long Beach), San Vicente in central Palawan invites comparisons with Boracay’s stunning White Beach. Similar to Boracay, San Vicente boasts uninterrupted westward views of the West Philippine Sea, leading to legendary sunsets that seem to last for hours.

Currently, the only full-service resort on Long Beach is Club Agutaya, while most development in the area remains south of town in the tranquil village of Port Barton. Connected to San Vicente by a newly constructed coastal road, the tiny town has become a popular stop for adventurous backpackers seeking solace. Its beach, flanked by pristine jungle, is idyllic, and its hidden coastline is even more mesmerizing. Affordable private-island resorts await just offshore. Therefore, make sure to visit before the area becomes more popular.

Camiguin (Mindanao)

Main attraction: Activities
Also known for: Thresher sharks, small-island vibe

The rugged island of Camiguin may not resemble the breezy paradise of Boracay, yet both are top-five destinations in the Philippines for thrill-seekers. While Boracay is famous for kitesurfing, parasailing, diving, sailing, stand-up paddling, and skim-boarding, Camiguin offers a balance of terrestrial and aquatic adventures. Its scenic circumferential road, providing jaw-dropping views, stretches 64km and grants access to waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails that lead to the peaks of smouldering volcanoes.

Underwater, the scuba diving around Camiguin is exceptional. Turtle-rich Mantigue Island ranks among the top scuba diving spots in terms of visibility and marine diversity, while the sunken cemetery is considered one of the country’s most unique dive locations. Alternatively, you can learn free diving with Kurma Freedive & Yoga. White Island, a solitary strip of sand off the northwest coast of Camiguin, is among the Philippines’ most photographed sites, although it can be challenging to avoid the Instagramming crowds (visit at sunset). Additionally, the island features beautiful American colonial architecture, black-sand beaches, and the world’s finest lanzones (a sweet-and-sour tropical fruit).