Top 5 Island Hopping Destinations For Backpack Travelers

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Looking for Island Hopping Destinations?

To be honest with everyone, I’m just like the others who are budget travelers. I usually love to travel when I have the chance. When I am stressed, going anywhere in the world is one of those things that relieved me. My dad has a stressful job, my mom is struggling with her Alzheimer’s disease, and my younger sisters are not contented in their lives.

As a budget backpack traveler myself, I want to make a difference in traveling by visiting a lot of places as much as I can. Island hopping is one of my favorites. I have great memories with my family, and I wish I want to go back to these destinations again and again.

Must Read: 7 Safety Tips for Travelers in Philippines

Without further ado, I would like to reveal the top 5 island hopping destinations for backpack travelers in the Philippines.

Best 5 Island Hopping Destinations in Philippines

1. Coron Island, Busuanga, Palawan

Coron-Island-Palawan

This destination alone has attracted a lot of locals and foreigners from around the world. To be honest, the Coron Island in Busuanga is among the top five beautiful destinations worldwide. As a result, it’s already on my bucket list. My sister and I are planning to go here next year, no matter if our parents are coming or not. They say that Coron is one of the cleanest and most transparent waters that you’ve ever seen. Not only that, if you know scuba diving, you can enjoy exploring the shipwrecks there.

In Coron, you can visit places like the famous Kayangan Lake, Calachuchi Coral Eden, Bulungan Beach, Twin Peaks Reef and a lot more. Most of the tourists here are backpackers, and only a handful would bring luggage for staying as long as they like. You can fly to Coron from Manila or Cebu.

2. Isla De Gigantes, Carles, IloiloIsla De Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo

 

Another travel destination that I want to recommend is no other than Isla De Gigantes. I’ve been here with my family last August of 2017, and it was a fun experience like no other. Since it’s in Iloilo, you can take a road trip from Dumangas to Carles in just three hours. It took us more than an hour to get to the island that we’re staying. Some of the islands that we are visiting in Isla De Gigantes are the famous Cabugao Island, Langub Sandbar, Bakwita Cave and a lot more.

I have learned that when traveling in this island-hopping destination, it’s necessary to bring waterproof backpacks that are best in durability and quality. You know why? It is because when we’re about to ride on a boat from the island we’re staying, there’s no dock available. Since the “bangka” can’t go nearer, we need to walk with our lower body going wet due to its water level up to our hips. As a result, we should carry our belongings (especially electronic devices) right above our head or shoulders to avoid getting wet.

3. Siargao, Surigao Del Sur

Siargao, Surigao Del Sur

To be honest, I’ve never been in this place yet. However, some of my friends have visited Siargao, and it’s one of the best that they’ve ever experienced. In the Philippines, Siargao is it’s surfing capital. Known for it’s teardrop-shape, Siargao was one of the most visited tourist destinations during summer. For backpackers who aren’t surfers, you can enjoy the breeze, the ambiance, the clear waters and the seafood.

In Siargao, some of the famous attractions are the Naked Island, Guyam Island, Tojoman Lagoon and a lot more. I suggest that when you want to go here as a backpack traveler, make sure that you book in a legit travel agency. They will give you the best offers for your entire trip, especially those who will be traveling here for the first time in their lives.

4. El Nido, Palawan

El-Nido

Last May of 2017, my family and I went to Palawan for the first time. As we’ve toured around Puerto Princesa and the famous Underground River, we’ve visited one of the most attractive hotspots of the province that is known as El Nido. To be honest with you guys, it is not affordable for you to go here unless you opt for a tourist agency. My sister has a friend who owns a private travel agency. As a result, we only pay around $250 per head (including airfare and extra money for souvenirs).

If you want to go to El Nido, you should take a plane from Manila, Iloilo or Cebu. Since we’re from Iloilo City, it only took us an hour to get there. After that, you can hire an air-conditioned van going to El Nido. It will take you up to 6 hours to get to that place. Most of my friends say that this site alone is breathtaking and there’s no way that I’m going to regret spending my time here.

In El Nido, you can visit various islands such as the Helicopter Island, 7 Commandos Island, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon. It took us a whole day from 8 AM to 4 PM to visit all of these islands. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience like no other. To make the most out of your trip, you should learn more how travel backpacking is essential in this destination.

5. Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur

Caramoan

Last, but not the least, is the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur. It is something special, which wasn’t exploited by commercial tourism yet. If you are familiar with a TV show named Survivor, this hidden paradise was one of their favorite places to run the show. The US, French, Indian, Swedish and other Survivor versions have all stepped foot in Caramoan Peninsula.

This hidden paradise for backpack travelers alone is isolated from the rest of the Camarines Sur. Boasted of beautiful rock formations, underground river and cave, beaches and coves, freshwater pools and excellent marine life, I can say that this place is so incredible. For you to get here, you can book a flight from Manila to Naga City.

 

About the author: Jeff Caceres is a digital nomad who is very passionate to travel in some parts of the Philippines and around the world. No matter if he’s traveling alone, or with his friends and families, he wants to make a difference and bring great and unforgettable memories while experiencing some particular places around the corner. To learn more about nomadic lifestyles from different people, you can visit our blog at https://mightygoods.com.

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