Less touched than the islands of Vietnam and Thailand, the Philippines boasts a unique, low-key, Jurassic Park-like heaven. Not even Chris Pratt can save you from falling in love.

The Philippines’ vast in beauty and nature would take months to explore in its entirety. However, we have laid out our top spots to hit when planning a short getaway to this one-of-a-kind destination.

Start your trip by flying from Manila (The Philippines’ central city) to the south-west island of Coron. Continue along to The Bacuit Archipelago off the island of El Nido - a necessary stop in exploring the beauty of the Philippine islands that can only be described as paradise.

Coron: Coron is a must-see for your first experience in the southern Philippines. Its crystal clear waters, limestone cliffs, and beautiful reefs speak for itself. Put your feet up, grab a San Miguel beer, and enjoy the view.

Sleep: Spend your mornings enjoying a traditional Filipino massage, your afternoons diving next to World War II Japanese shipwrecks, and your nights unwinding by the sea at the Two Seasons Coron Island Resort and Spa.

Devour: Coron prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. If you’re itching to venture away from the resort for a night, we recommend you order a San Miguel while watching the sunset behind limestone cliffs at La Sirenetta Seafood Restaurant & Bar. Look no further than Bistro Coron for the best seafood on the island. As a local favourite, this casual hole-in-the-wall will not disappoint (tip: order the tiger prawns).

Experience: Book an island hopping tour (Tour A & C tend to be the best) with your hotel. Make sure you go for a dip at Kayangan Lake (or Cayangan Lake); known as the cleanest lake in Asia, the limestone rock underneath is perfectly visible, making you feel like you’re swimming in a different galaxy.

Bacuit Archipelago: The town of El Nido is the perfect starting point for travelling through the Bacuit Archipelago. Ranked as Conde Naste Traveller’s list of “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World,” Bacuit Archipelago is a must-see on your trip to the Philippines.

Sleep: Situated on Miniloc Island (just west of El Nido), book a private water lodge at El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island and enjoy your breakfast at the base of overarching limestone cliffs, while overlooking Bacuit Bay.

Devour: Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at Trattoria Altrove – the restaurant prides itself on its homey-feel, insisting each guest take their shoes off upon arrival.

Experience: Rent a motorbike or take a taxi and venture to Nacpan beach. There’s a good chance you’ll get to enjoy the vast, pristine beach all to yourself. Hidden by a rocky road, Nacpan possesses an untouched beauty of sea, sand, and sun.

Island Hopping Around The Philippines