1. Apuao Island
It is situated in Mercedes, province of Camarines Norte, an 8 to 9 hours land travel from Manila and another 15 to 30 minutes boat ride to the island. It's better to take a rest while on the road because when you're on the island, you will definitely be busy enjoying its wealthy surroundings. Apuao has a long stretch and shapeless white sand shoreline. The white powdery sand has a mixture of shells, pebbles, and other crustaceans running back and forth. This island cannot be completed without a cool sea breeze and crystal clear waters. If you prefer an overnight, no worries cottages or camping by the beach are the choices. Sari-sari store, toilets, and baths are available on the island.
If you love island hopping, Apuao is highly recommended because it is just one of the Mercedes group of islands. You can also visit Malasugui Sandbar (drone shot above), Canimog Lighthouse, and Caringo Island.
2. Maniwaya Island
Southern Luzon has a lot to offer, and this Island is just one of them. This small island is one of the must-visit destinations in Marinduque because of its amazing landscape, fine and powdery sanding beaches, crystal clear water, and wide shoreline, perfect for sunbathing and other beach activities. While on the boat, a vast diversity of underwater creatures are visible. Aside from the beauty of Maniwaya, Palad Sandbar and Ungab Rock Formations are other spots that are also Instagram-worthy. You have an option between staying in resort luxury rooms, cottages, or camping by the beach.
3. Carabao Island
Forty-five minutes from Boracay is Carabao Island, one of the stunning islands of Romblon. Indeed, this island has the same features as its neighboring island. Its shoreline has fine, white, and powdery sand that gives a bright reflection of the sun's rays, while the leaves of the palm trees are gracefully swaying because of the cool sea breeze. Picnic by the beach is just perfect because of the tranquility and the relaxing ambiance.
Other breathtaking spots to visit in the province are Binucot Beach in the Municipality of Ferrol, Lapus-lupus Cove in Tablas, the world-class Bon-Bon Beach in Romblon island, and one of the most gorgeous sandbars in the Philippines - Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island. Accessible via Batangas Port to Romblon, Romblon or Odiongan Port in Tablas Island. Via air, Manila to Tugdan Airport in Tablas Island.
4. Alibijaban Island
It's another unrated island that can be found in Quezon Province. It is a tourist island situated in San Andres, Quezon, a 9 to 10-hour travel from Manila. The island is surrounded by cool and transparent emerald water; its shoreline is made of fine white sand, a perfect paradise for the small living crustaceans; the beach has quaint cottages, boats, and trees that serve as a perfect backdrop. While its underwater is rich with splendid flora and fauna that are visible because of the clear waters.
5. Tinalisayan Island
This small but scenic island is one of the main islets of the Burias Group of Islands, 3 a 3-hour boat ride from Alibijaban. What's unique here is the stretch of fine white sand mixed with white pebbles, while on the other side is the artistic stone balancing that is just picture-perfect! There are palm trees surrounding the islet, with benches and cottages that are available for rent. Overnight camping is allowed. Toilet and Bath are available. Again, the waters are just ultra super mega clear, as in super!
6. Sombrero Island
It is one of the sun-drenched islands in Burias, Masbate, still accessible from Alibijaban. This island is surrounded by water that has a distinct smell, similar to a watermelon or a cucumber; I just can't explain why. Its shoreline is wider compared to Tinalisayan but they both have white powdery sand. Among the Burias islands, it is the most visited, which means more people because of its beauty. Camping by the beach, cottages for rent, sari-sari stores, toilets, and baths are available.
7. Animasola Island
Lastly, the photo-perfect Animasola is also one of the Burias islands. Animasola has a different feature compared to the first six islands. It has no white powdery sand, no palm tress, and no crustaceans because of its gray pebbles because the entire islet is a gigantic rock perched into the water. The side or the walls of this islet has an amazing architecture, naturally curved by the nature. There are different shapes, lines, and colors. The photo above is an amazing feature where the visitors can take a pose on top of the prominent boulder.