Island Hopping

What can you do with 7107 islands? EXPLORE !

"Island hopping" is fascinating. When you observe some basic rules. You will enjoy unique experiences and make many of your dreams become real.

Island Hopper's Rule 1:
When you plan your journey, don't do it too narrow and always have a plan B! The plan B can become important at the end of your trip, when you have to reach your outbound flight.

Island Hopper's Rule 2:
Island hopping needs time. Time to travel but also time to see and to live the unique world around you. Think of 1 full day to get from one island to another. Consult our ferry pages.

Island Hopper's Rule 3:
Count at least 4 to 5 days per province. Some islands are equal to one province (e.g. Siquijor or Camiguin). Others are composed of 2 or more. Negros has 2 provinces, Panay has 4 of them.

Island Hopper's Rule 4:
Check the "Holiday calendar" before leaving. On the one side you may live an unforgettable experience. And on the other side you know when banks and offices will be closed and public transport will be overcrowded.

Island Hopper's Rule 5:
Take night ferries. There are lots of advantages. The nights on sea are fresher than on land. The rates are reasonable and you get a bed on any ferry. And if you cannot sleep, there is very often a sparkling night sky full of stars and there is also a bar, where you can get a cup of noodles and a drink. Ferries are here.

Island Hopper's Rule 6:
Go easy! Reduce your luggage to the minimum. It is always warm here (except up in the mountains). You can have washed (or wash yourself) anywhere. Soap, shampoo and toothpaste you find in any sari-sari store in extra-small quantities. For some destinations you have luggage restrictions of 10kg and some airlines give you a discount of 100 pesos, when you travel with only 7kg hand carry cabin luggage. Domestic flights are here.

Island Hopper's Rule 7:
Have enough cash with you. ATMs and resorts do not always accept your credit card. Banks may be closed or nonexistent. With 1000 pesos per day for food, accommodation and local transports you should be on the safe side. See also our money pages.

We wish you:
"Happy Island Hopping" !

Island Hopping in the Philippines

We only describe islands we have visited ourselves and trips we have made on our own. This is your warranty for success and no stress!

The Philippines transportation facilities are developed and various. Take a big plane for main destinations, small planes for remote destinations. Then change to ferries - fast or not so fast, pump-boats and fisherman's boats. On the islands you will find buses, jeepneys or taxis and tricycles and motor-bikes.

Filipinos do not like walking. They take a tricycle or motorela even for a 200m hopp. Local transportation gets sparse around 8 PM and stops completely during the night. If you need transportation in the night (e.g. to catch a ferry at 04:00 AM), then arrange a tricycle or a multicab in advance.