Home to more than 7,100 islands, The Philippines boasts an incredible chain of tropical islands waiting to be discovered. Each idyllic getaway boasts its own personality, landmarks and customs, making island-hopping popular among visitors from around the globe.
While there are many flights and ferries connecting the islands, a helicopter is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the islands in comfort and convenience.
Here are some of the Philippines’ must-visit spots, with helicopters providing the perfect way to get from one island to the other in style and to suit your schedule.
Kitesurf in Boracay
Boracay is opening again for business following the pandemic, and it’s cleaned up its act. The small island in the central Philippines made headlines when it closed its doors to visitors for six months in 2018 to allow the popular island destination to rehabilitate and the enforced closure due to COVID-19 means the palm-fringed beaches dotted with resorts has allowed the environment to recover from the massive impact of tourism.
The tropical island paradise, which has a daily cap placed on visitors, is an exciting location to explore from the skies and from its beautiful beaches. Boracay is served by two airports - the Kalibo International Airport and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (referred to as the Caticlan airport.) and helicopter charters allow for a perfect birds-eye-view of the famous island and its lush aquatic life.
In terms of beaches, the west coast’s White Beach is popular with visitors wanting to relax on the 4km stretch of powder-white sand. Strong winds on the east coast make Bulabog Beach a prime spot for kitesurfing; Boracay is well-known for hosting competitive Windsurfing Tour events! If you are in search of more privacy, Puka Shell Beach in the north is quieter and still offers exquisite sandy beaches and turquoise waters in its tranquil setting
Hike in Palaui Island
This postcard-perfect paradise is home to deserted beaches, thundering waterfalls, sprawling rice fields and plenty of nature. Nestled on the northeastern tip of Luzon Island, picturesque Palaui forms part of a national marine reserve and is home to a bounty of breath-taking natural beauty. A total of 70 per cent of the island is covered by forest - home to a wealth of wildlife.
Relax on the many white sandy beaches, or alternatively, discover the island by foot, hiking through lush paddies and along tracks that snake through the jungle. Nature lovers will be in their element with a jungle trek the perfect way to meet Palaui’s residents.
Snorkel in Cebu Island
It’s easy to understand why Cebu is popular with tourists. Home to serene stretches of sandy shores, waterfalls and heaps of spectacular nature, there’s no shortage of activities to keep visitors entertained.
The island is surrounded by waters teeming with marine life – perfect for snorkelling and diving.
In the south, sits striking Tumalog Falls, a five-story waterfall that thunders into a clear pool of water. From stunning Oslob Beach, visitors can organise tours to swim alongside wild whale sharks.
Explore Palawan By Helicopter
This archipelago of Palawan boasts an abundance of stunning spots to explore. Its vibrant capital, Puerto Princesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with El Nido and its stunning shores sitting to the north, and Brooke’s Point to the south. You can refresh at Bakbakan Falls and take a soothing dip at Mainit Hot Springs.
The vibrant underwater world is at its finest out in the Sulu Sea, with Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park teeming with marine life. The main island of Palawan is also home to the world’s longest navigable underground river, Cabayugan River.
Dive in Coron - Unspoilt Beauty
The stunning utopia of Coron forms part of Palawan but it’s such a special destination, it earns a mention all to itself. Unspoilt and spilling over with natural beauty, this magical spot is home to rolling hills, stunning shores and heaps of enchanting spots. It is also home to six shipwrecks that can be explored by diving.
The remote island is tricky to get to and involves either a five-hour ferry from El Nido or a flight from Manilla. This makes a helicopter charter the perfect mode of transport while soaking up aerial views of the island’s incredible beauty, picking your tailored route and even arranging for a special occasion from the comfort of the helicopter cabin.
The diving is spectacular, and Coron has access to some of the best shipwrecks in the Philippines. From limestone cliffs to white sandy beaches and healthy reefs teeming with life (check out the Apo Reef system) scuba diving in Palawan is an unforgettable experience.
Flights to Coron take around 1 hour and 35 mins via Busuanga Airport.
Get in touch for a range of charter experiences in the Philippines.
Remember Corregidor
Take a step back in time with a visit to the small island of Corregidor. Its strategic position at the mouth of Manila Bay led to it becoming a battleground between American and Filipino troops fighting against the Japanese during World War II.
The island is home to a fortress, with guided tours available to see war relics that include gun batteries, Mile Long Barracks, the Pacific War Memorial and Malinta Tunnel. It is also home to a vast variety of wildlife, making it a top twitcher spot.
Charter and executive helicopter flights from NAIA to the island of Corregidor. Only takes approximately 35 minutes.
Discover Wildlife in Bohol
Famed for its majestic 1,200 Chocolate Hills, Bohol is another island in the Philippines overflowing with natural beauty and home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier.
Blessed with a striking coastline, rugged jungle, meandering waterways and magical scenery, Bohol is becoming increasingly popular with tourists wanting to unwind in nature.
Hidden nature spots include secret waterfalls and fishermen-only rivers, with small towns home to colourful handicraft markets, seafood spots and historic churches.
You can enjoy amazing charter helicopter experiences to visit Kawasan Falls or explore from the air the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
