As fun as group adventures and beach shindigs are, sometimes you travel to get away from the crowd. Good thing that among the Philippines’ 7,641 islands, there are plenty of spots that offer visitors the space to commune with nature in peace. 

Take your pick from this must-visit list. Find serenity in the sleepy mountain villages up north. Bike through small coastal towns down south. Better yet, explore islands where taking up residence isn’t allowed. While it takes extra effort to reach these places, the pay-off is an idyllic itinerary for enjoying unobstructed views and experiences of local attractions.

Explore Itbayat, the country’s northernmost frontier

Closer to Taiwan than the rest of the country, Itbayat is accessible by ferry from Batanes, weather permitting. After a vigorous trip over the Luzon Strait, discover a topography unlike any you’ve seen. Feel the power of the elements atop Mauyen Cliff. View the sea from inside Torongan Cave, said to be the landing place of Austronesians in 4000 BC. At dawn, trek to Rapang Cliff and watch its garden of hardened, bleached corals catch the first rays of sunlight.

Go from small-town jaunts to slightly macabre thrills

After a 12-hour bus trip from Manila, exploring Sagada on foot will feel welcome. Try your hand at a local pottery shop’s wheel then enter one of the homey cafés for some lemon pie and Sagada coffee. Head to Echo Valley with a guide and gaze at the wooden coffins hanging on the faces of limestone cliffs—part of the centuries-old Igorot tradition of burying their elders. Find more stacked inside Lumiang Cave while spelunking then connect to Sumaguing Cave to return above ground.

See the testimonies to the ravages of war

Corregidor is a WWII memorial that’s an hour-long boat ride away from Manila. Instead of joining group tours aboard the island’s tranvia buses, hike or ride a bike to explore the place. Get up close to the bombed-out military structures now overrun by vegetation. Hunt for ghosts in the abandoned hospital. Find secret trails that Filipino and American soldiers created decades ago. Try your hand too at climbing up and out of a Japanese tunnel under the careful watch of a guide.

Take a detour to a marine reserve

A 15-minute ferry ride from Iloilo takes you to Guimaras, home of some of the world’s sweetest mangoes. But for a truly off-the-grid experience, head to its Taklong Island National Marine Reserve where only 30 visitors are allowed at a time. Climb the lighthouse to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding islets. Explore the island’s coves, caves, sand bars, and mangrove forests. At night, set up camp at the beach and sleep under the stars—with the management’s permission, of course.

Free dive (or learn how to)

Dumaguete is known for having world-class dive sites, so why not take a free-diving course from local certified instructors while visiting? If you’re a beginner, start with Dauin’s sandy beach and shallow waters before swimming farther out with your instructor as you build your confidence and competence. Once you’re ready, take on Apo Island, a community-organized marine sanctuary 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) away from Dumaguete that’s home to sea turtles as well as hundreds of species of fish and corals.

Savor the bare necessities amid the wilderness in Danjugan Island

Nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) off Negros Occidental’s shores, this wildlife sanctuary runs on solar power, with less than 10% of its grounds developed. That means simple accommodations, zero AC, limited Wi-Fi, and very few people around. In exchange, you experience ecotourism like no other. Trek through the forest for a dip in the lagoon. Snorkel near the beach and spot a baby black-tipped shark if you’re lucky. Bird-watch from the shore then swing on a hammock during sunset, feeling at peace.

Connect with the spirituality and culture of local folks

Tourists used to steer clear of Siquijor because of its mystical reputation. Today, it’s a destination known for its waterfalls and picturesque beaches. Avoid crowds by heading to these hotspots early in the day. Better yet, visit the heritage churches instead. Ride a motorbike up the mountains in search of a healer and receive spiritual cleansing, free of charge. Buy fresh bread leavened with coconut wine from beachside bakery Lilibeth’s Pan Bisaya then enjoy it with coffee and the sea’s sounds and sights.

Chase all the waterfalls to your heart’s content

Tinago. Maria Cristina. Mimbalut. Dodiongan. Kalubihan. These are just some of the waterfalls awaiting you in Iligan where there are no less than 20 of them, only two hours away from Cagayan de Oro City. See them all with a different activity planned for each site: Have a picnic by the water. Dive from a cliff. Ride a raft to get underneath the powerful cascade of water. Laze the day away amid the surrounding greenery, the cool breeze, and the sound of wildlife.

Scale An island’s heights and swim its waters’ depths

Camiguin’s white sand bar draws plenty of tourists but only a few attempt to scale its active volcano Mt. Hibok Hibok. Buck the trend and reach the summit to have an overview of Camiguin. Come down from the high by heading to the Sunken Cemetery in Catarman. Swim to its giant cross marker that’s about 164 feet (50 meters) off the shore. Dive into the depths to look at submerged tombstones where corals and various marine creatures have made their homes.

Embrace simple living in the Philippines’ southernmost point

News of conflict in Mindanao keeps most people away but those who’ve experienced Tawi-Tawi attest to its peaceful lifestyle. Marvel at the crystal-clear blue-green Sanga-Sanga Channel and the houses on stilts lining its banks. Visit a Bajau village to witness indigenous women weaving colorful mats from dried pandan leaves. Try your hand at bartering at Panglima Sugala’s weekend market. Savor Tausug fare like pyanggang or chicken cooked with blackened coconut curry. Climb Bud Bungao and see as far as Sabah.

An edited version of this article was published in August 2023 on Viator. Lead image via Unsplash.