A First-time Traveler’s 3 Best Kept Secret Islands

I have three best kept secret islands found in my country, the Philippines, but I’m letting these out of the bag. With more and more people traveling nowadays, getting to a place where others have never been before has become quite a challenge. As I become more connected with other travelers, I observe that those who come to Southeast Asia often bypass my country. It should be a cause for worry but I realize that travelers, like me, would very much prefer to go someplace that has not graced the pages of well-known travel magazines.

There are 7,107 islands of the Philippines and most of these islands are inhabited. I am fortunate enough to visit the small islands. I may not claim being the first traveler to set foot on these places but I think I constitute part of the minority who have enjoyed the peace and quiet these islands offer.

1. Black Island, Palawan

It was a black speck on a blue expanse. But when we got close, white beach appeared before us and the blue-green waters revealed a colorful world underneath. Those who come to Coron, Palawan do not necessarily enjoy a swim in this so-called Black Island because of its distance from the main town.

Snorkeling and diving are best enjoyed in the area. While divers head to Tubattaha Reef, Apo Island, or Anilao in Batangas, there are so many corals and fishes to see in Black Island’s underwater world.

For those who prefer to stay on land, a cave is tucked away inside the giant black rock that occupies the entire island. It is interesting to explore the cave that also stores pools of water from the sea.

2. Matukad Island, Camarines Sur

Getting to the islands off the coast of Caramoan town is not that easy. For now, Gota Beach is the popular destination because of its complete amenities. Others carry their tents on their backs and set-up camps in the long stretch of Big-Ang Beach.

But for local boat men, they point to Matukad Island, a small isle that has powdery white sand beach and lots of rock formations. Nope, you can’t stay overnight on this tiny isle because there are no cottages here. Although, I must say, that its rustic attribute that I found alluring.

3. Mantigue Island, Camiguin

Camiguin in itself is a small island. Surrounding it is the postcard-perfect white sand bar near the sunken cemetery which most tourists frequent when they come to Camiguin. At the other side of the island-province is an even tinier island known as Mantigue Island. Only a few number of families inhabit Mantigue and they would leave you to your own devices (unless you pay them to cook for you). You don’t have to worry about other people because some visitors don’t include a trip to this island in this itinerary.

That’s where the beauty of the solitude comes in. Although it doesn’t have as colorful snorkeling sites as the other islands in the Philippines, you can have the entire beach all to yourself.

I’m still on the lookout for more secrets in my country waiting to be discovered. My exploration never ends and I hope to find more.