10 Largest Islands in the Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, boasts a multifaceted tableau where size and habitability intertwine. A scant fraction of these landforms support permanent settlements, varying immensely from tranquil islets to titans of the landmass that contend for global distinction.

As you explore this rich mosaic, you’ll encounter a scale of islands that define the nation’s geography and cultural and ecological narratives.

From the lesser-known enclaves to the grandest expanses, the largest islands of the Philippines are a testament to the country’s diverse topography. They offer a measure of the area and the enduring interaction between nature and human civilization.

Here, amid these vast stretches of land, each island weaves its unique story of ecological importance and cultural heritage, inviting you to visit and connect with the pulsing heart of the Philippines.

10. Bohol: A Natural Tapestry (3,821 km²)

Within the central Visayas region, Bohol Island unveils a landscape rich in natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Famous for the geological marvel of the Chocolate Hills, these conical mounds turn cocoa-colored during the dry season. Beyond the hills, explore over 260 kilometers of diverse coastline offering waterfalls and caverns.

Discover Bohol’s coral reefs and the endemic Philippine tarsier — tiny, elusive primates with a mischievous charm. While the main island captivates, don’t overlook the 70+ minor islands that complete Bohol’s breathtaking archipelago.

9. Cebu: Visayas’ Crown Jewel (4,468 km²)

Widely recognized as the Visayas’ premier island, Cebu is the ninth-largest island in the Philippine archipelago.

Over 120 miles, Cebu is a tapestry of stunning natural landscapes, from its spectacular coastlines and pristine beaches to its distinct limestone formations and the dynamic coral ecosystems peeking above the ocean’s surface.

With a population surpassing 3.5 million inhabitants, Cebu is a blend of urban development and unspoiled beauty. At its urban heart lies Cebu City, a hub reflecting a Spanish colonial past.

Beyond the city, the island’s charm lies undisturbed, embodying its historical significance as a former national capital. Today, Cebu stands out not only for its size but also as a dynamic province comprised of the island and numerous smaller isles.

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8. Leyte (7,368 km²)

Leyte is an expanse of verdant landscapes and historical profundity tucked away in the central Philippines.

The island, which serves as an agricultural hub, brims with vital crops like rice, corn, tropical coconuts, and tobacco. The fertile Leyte Valley stands out as a particularly productive area.

Historically, Leyte holds a pivotal role, having played host to the pivotal Battle of Leyte Gulf during the Second World War, a naval conflict marked as the largest of its kind.

Nowadays, the island emanates tranquility, a stark contrast to its once war-torn past. Leyte, connected to Samar by the impressive San Juanico Bridge, teems with natural beauty and a rich farming tradition, reflecting a resilient and prosperous community.

7. Mindoro’s Expansive Terrain (10,572 km²)

Location:

• Southwest of Luzon
• Northeast of Palawan

Provinces:

• Occidental Mindoro
• Oriental Mindoro

Notable Features:

• Spanning over 160 km in length
• Home to the unique Tamaraw water buffalo

Traveler’s Haven:

• White-sand beaches
• Serene rivers and lakes

Prepare to be captivated by Mindoro’s natural grandeur as this expansive island awaits your discovery with its breathtaking valleys and rare wildlife. Aim for the sunny spells outside the monsoon for an idyllic retreat when planning your visit.

6. Panay: A Philippine Gem

The enigmatic Panay emerges as you navigate through the Philippine archipelago’s islands. Occupying 12,011 km², this island anchors the western edge of the Visayan Islands chain. With a population nearing 4.5 million, it houses 4.4% of the nation’s populace.

• Region: Western Visayas
• Major Cities: Roxas, Iloilo City
• Area: 12,011 km²

Although its verdant landscape beckons with hidden caverns and serpentine rivers, many journey through Panay en route to the famed Boracay. Yet, Panay itself offers a cultural and ecological richness that merits exploration.

5. Exploring Palawan: The Nature’s Sanctuary (12,189 km2)

Palawan extends over 12,000 square kilometers and is proudly situated between South China and the Sulu Seas. This island is a serene retreat that has resisted the rapid pace of tourism development, preserving its natural splendor.

Here’s what makes Palawan noteworthy:

• Diverse Landscapes: Marvel at the dense jungles, pristine beaches, and a remarkable array of wildlife.
• Conservation Efforts: Known as the Philippines’ ‘last ecological frontier,’ it reflects a strong commitment to preserving nature’s beauty.
• Global Acclaim: Awarded as the world’s top island for its enchanting beauty by global travel experts in 2016.

As you traverse Palawan, embrace the island’s raw and untainted beauty, a testament to the Philippines’ dedication to environmental preservation.

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4. Exploring Negros: A Philippine Gem (13,310 km²)

With its distinctive boot shape, Negros is tucked within the heart of the Visayas, encircled by the Visayan Sea’s waves to the north and the serene Sulu Sea to the south.

This island is more than just a geographical marvel; it’s an affluent hub in the Philippines, thanks to its vast sugarcane fields, diversely resourceful mines, and fertile lands peppered with cornfields, coconut groves, and diversified fruit orchards.

Beyond its economic vitality, Negros captures the heart of travelers with its aquamarine depths teeming with dynamic underwater ecosystems, positioning it as a premier diving sanctuary within the archipelago.

The island’s lengthy coastlines invite exploration and discovery, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life above and beneath the water’s surface.

3. Samar: The Easternmost Haven of the Visayas

Spanning an impressive 13,429 km², Samar holds the eastern frontier of the central Philippine archipelago. Its natural beauty is safeguarded within the largest old-growth forest reserve in the country, the Samar Island Natural Park.

You’ll find Samar distinct for its undulating terrain, revealing a harmonious blend of hilly landscapes, coastal expanses, and rich floodplains.

• Location: Bordered by the Samar Sea, the Philippine Sea, and the San Bernardino Strait.
• Provinces: Three provinces collectively define Samar’s landmass.
• Connection: Links to Leyte via the San Juanico Strait.
• Ecological Significance: Samar Island Natural Park protects a third of the island.
• Geography: Dominated by hills rather than the usual high peaks of other Philippine islands.
• Scenery: Coastal plains add to the scenic diversity, offering a stunning contrast to the lush interior.

As you traverse Samar, the lack of towering summits gives way to impressive coastal vistas, forming a unique aspect of its natural allure.

2. Mindanao (97,530 km2)

Mindanao presents itself as the rugged gem of the southern Philippines. As the second-largest island in the archipelago, it forms a landmass of nearly 480 kilometers at its fullest stretch, hemmed by the Bohol, Celebes, Philippine, and Sulu seas.

With the majestic Mount Apo standing sentinel as the highest point in the Philippines, the island’s landscape is a tapestry of volcanic splendor.

Here, you’ll find a rich tapestry of ethnic groups—the Maranao, Maguindanao, and Sangil among them—each contributing to the dynamic cultural web of the island.

Agriculture thrives in Mindanao’s virgin soils, sowing productivity with staples like corn and rice alongside the more exotic durian and lanzones. Even coffee and cacao beans find their niche here, grown in pockets of fertile land that echo the island’s pioneering spirit.

1. Overview of Luzon (109,965 km²)

Luzon is the Philippines’ grandest island in terms of size and its unparalleled contribution to the nation’s demographic and socio-economic tapestry. With a landmass ranking among the world’s 15 largest islands,

Luzon is the northern beacon of the Philippine archipelago. Home to over 50 million inhabitants, this island represents a significant chunk of the country’s populace, making it the fourth most populous island globally.

• Area: 109,965 km²
• Population: Over 50 million
• Notable: Philippines’ largest island; Northern Philippine archipelago
• Significant for: Being the economic and political heartland, including Manila, the nation’s capital.

As you traverse Luzon, you’ll find a potent mix of urban vigor and rural splendor, with Manila’s pulsating energy and the serenity of its rural landscapes.