We get it, Boracay’s pretty. But it’s also starting to feel like the BGC of beaches: crowded, curated, and kind of cloned. Siargao had its moment (and it earned it), but the Philippines is an archipelago, not a two-island show.
If you’re chasing that magic mix of raw beauty, surf-town soul, and cultural grit, these five underdog destinations are lining up for their Siargao moment—minus the influencer inflation.
1. Caluya, Antique
A sleepy island town with coral coves and Kinaray-a heart.
Why it deserves the spotlight: Off the northern coast of Antique, Caluya is part of an island municipality surrounded by rich coral reefs, powdery beaches, and biodiverse waters. Whale sharks and sea turtles have been spotted in its marine zones, which remain largely undeveloped.
Cultural flavor: The island maintains its Kinaray-a heritage through weaving, coastal rituals, and old oral traditions. Here, folks gather around kinilaw and tuba not for show—but for memory.
How it compares: It offers Siargao-level beauty without the price tag. Best part? It’s still locally run, with no outside real estate giants shaping its future.
2. Cabugao Gamay, Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo
The postcard you’ve seen—but the people you haven’t.
Why it deserves the spotlight: While the islet’s sandbar and cliffside views are already Instagram-famous, the deeper draw lies in the island life just beyond. Fishing villages in the nearby barangays are sustained by scallop harvesting and seaweed gathering.
Cultural flavor: Meals here are still shared kamayan-style, loaded with oysters, crab, and bihod caught just hours before. No resorts, just real island living.
How it compares: Think El Nido’s cinematic seascapes—but without the inflated prices. It’s the raw, soulful version of a photo that went too viral.
3. Talisayan, Misamis Oriental
Where the mountains kiss the sea—and nobody’s gatekeeping.
Why it deserves the spotlight: Talisayan sits at the foot of the Mt. Balatukan Range, a protected area in Northern Mindanao. It’s an emerging eco-tourism site with access to waterfalls, coral gardens, and a pristine coastline still largely untouched by commercial tourism.
Cultural flavor: Local dive guides are also fisherfolk—many of whom lead conservation efforts after witnessing the damage of past dynamite fishing. The community takes the lead in protecting their reef systems.
How it compares: It captures the early spirit of Siargao—untamed, community-led, and fiercely local.
4. San Juan, Batangas (not the touristy Laiya)
The low-key barangays before the resorts took over.
Why it deserves the spotlight: Just past the overbuilt strips of Laiya, barangays like Hugom and Subukin offer something rare: volcanic beaches bordered by mangroves and accessible homestays, all within driving distance of Manila.
Cultural flavor: Expect backyard grills on the beach, woven baníg drying under trees, and directions from the barangay tanod like you’re family. This is Tagalog beach life without the noise.
How it compares: Like Zambales, it’s convenient—but here, the shoreline tells older, deeper stories.
5. Biri Island, Northern Samar
Where giant rock formations whisper myths—and the surf’s still sacred.
Why it deserves the spotlight: Biri’s rock formations—seven colossal sea-sculpted towers—were shaped by centuries of typhoons and Pacific surf. The area has been declared a protected landscape and seascape due to its geologic and ecological value.
Cultural flavor: Locals carry Waray oral traditions that tell of enchanted spirits guarding these stones. Women on the island keep ancient weaving techniques alive in open-air workshops near the cliffs.
How it compares: It’s Baler’s power, Siargao’s mystique, and Palawan’s soul—minus the crowds, franchises, and surf schools.
Real talk: The “next Siargao” isn’t a place—it’s a vibe. It’s unbranded. Unfiltered. And driven by locals, not logos. These five islands aren’t just pretty—they’re personal. And they still remember who they are.
