Close your eyes and picture this: soft golden sand, palm trees leaning toward turquoise waves, locals offering a warm “Kumusta,” and the kind of sunsets that make you forget to check your phone. This is the Philippines, but not the typical postcard-perfect Boracay or Palawan you’ve seen a thousand times. In Philippines, this is Siargao and Bohol, two islands that whisper to your soul in completely different accents: one with surf and salt in its voice, the other with quiet rivers and chocolate-colored hills.
Together, they offer the ultimate island pairing, for backpackers, honeymooners, solo travelers, and anyone craving authenticity, beauty, and calm.
Siargao: The Surfing Capital with a Soul
Once a secret whispered among surfers, Siargao is now having its moment — and yet, it hasn’t lost its charm.
Located in the southeastern Philippines, this tear-drop shaped island is more than just a wave magnet. It’s a slow-living, sunrise-chasing, coconut-drinking haven that draws creatives, backpackers, and soul searchers.
What to Do in Siargao (Philippines):
Cloud 9: The iconic surf break with a wooden boardwalk pier, even non-surfers come here just to watch. The waves roll in like clockwork, and the sunsets behind the surf are legendary.
Sugba Lagoon: Hidden in a dense mangrove forest, this aquamarine gem offers paddleboarding and diving boards into mirror-clear water.
Island hopping: Naked Island (a sandbar), Daku Island (perfect for lunch), and Guyam Island (the size of a coconut farm) are picture-perfect.
Magpupungko Rock Pools: These natural tide pools form during low tide and glow bright blue, perfect for a salty swim surrounded by volcanic boulders.
Vibe Check:
- Think barefoot cafés, smoothie bowls, sunset drum circles, and eco-resorts with surf shacks instead of chandeliers.
- The island runs on motorbikes, flip-flops, and slow mornings.
- Digital nomads are starting to trickle in, but the internet still flickers — and that’s part of the magic.
Pro Tip:
Stay in General Luna, the main hub, but rent a scooter and explore the quieter northern coast. You’ll find rice paddies, empty beaches, and locals waving as you pass.
Bohol (Philippines): Nature’s Gentle Masterpiece
Hop on a short flight or ferry west, and you’ll land in Bohol, a completely different kind of island. It’s a place where the landscapes are gentle, the waters are glassy, and time feels soft.
Where Siargao excites, Bohol soothes.
What to See in Bohol (Philippines):
Chocolate Hills: Over 1,200 dome-shaped hills that turn brown in summer, no one knows exactly how they formed. They look like the work of a divine pastry chef.
Tarsier Sanctuary: Meet the world’s smallest primates, wide-eyed and barely palm-sized, clinging to branches like shy secrets.
Loboc River Cruise: Drift down this jade-colored river while being serenaded with local folk songs and served Filipino food on a floating restaurant.
Panglao Island: Bohol’s beach capital, white sands, dive resorts, and the perfect balance between peace and play.
Vibe Check:
- Bohol is for families, couples, nature lovers, and soft adventurers.
- It’s polished but not commercialized — a place where locals are still surprised and delighted by visitors.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip Anda, the lesser-known beach town on the eastern coast. Fewer crowds, friendlier prices, and some of the best diving spots in the Philippines.
What to Eat (in Both Islands):
- Kinilaw – Filipino ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, and chilies
- Lechon – Roasted whole pig, best found at local fiestas or beachside feasts
- Halo-halo – A dessert of crushed ice, milk, jelly, beans, and sometimes… cheese? (Just try it.)
- Fresh coconut juice – Often handed to you by someone who just climbed a tree to get it
How to Get There:
- Siargao: Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, or Clark to Sayak Airport (IAO)
- Bohol: Fly into Panglao International Airport (TAG) or take a fast ferry from Cebu
You can combine both islands with a short domestic flight via Cebu Pacific or AirAsia, or break up the trip with a layover in Cebu City.
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry Season: December to May (peak surf in Siargao is August to November, but still great in dry season)
- Off-Season: June to November — occasional rain, fewer tourists, lower prices
Final Thought: Two Islands, One Journey
Siargao and Bohol are opposites that complement. One pulses with tropical energy, while the other exudes inland serenity. One hands you a surfboard and shouts “go!” while the other gives you a hammock and whispers “rest.”
Travelers often say the Philippines is all about warm people and wild beauty — but in these two islands, you’ll also find intimacy, soul, and rhythm.
Come for the beaches, stay for the balance.
