Discover underrated resort towns across Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas. Explore quiet beaches, budget-friendly resorts, how to get there, average prices, and recommended towns to stay. Perfect for travelers seeking peaceful, authentic Visayan coastal experiences.
Lesser-Known Resorts in the Visayas Island Group (Regions VI–VIII)
The Visayas Island Group is best known for Boracay, Panglao, and Malapascua — but beyond these famous destinations lie dozens of quiet, underrated resort towns offering pristine beaches, authentic local culture, and surprisingly affordable accommodations. This long-form landing page highlights lesser-known resort areas across Regions VI, VII, and VIII, complete with travel logistics, average prices, and recommended towns to stay.
by islandsph.com
Region VI – Western Visayas
Western Visayas is home to Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, and Negros Occidental. While Boracay dominates tourism, many coastal towns remain beautifully untouched.
Seco Island, Antique
Seco Island is a remote sandbar paradise located off the coast of Tibiao and Culasi. Known for its crescent-shaped sandbar and turquoise waters, it’s ideal for kite surfers, campers, and travelers seeking complete isolation.
by moneymax.ph
Why It’s Lesser Known: Seco Island has no commercial resorts — only day tours and camping. This keeps the island pristine and crowd-free.
How to Get There:
- Fly to Iloilo International Airport or Kalibo Airport.
- Travel by land to Culasi or Tibiao (3–4 hours).
- Charter a boat to Seco Island (2–3 hours).
Average Prices:
- Boat charter: ₱6,000–₱8,000 per group
- Camping fee: ₱150–₱300
- Day tour packages: ₱1,500–₱2,500 per person
Nearby Towns to Stay:
- Culasi – Base for island tours
- Tibiao – Known for hot kawa baths and adventure parks
Nogas Island, Antique
Nogas Island is a protected marine sanctuary with a lighthouse, botanical garden, and calm beaches perfect for snorkeling.
by reddit.com
How to Get There:
- Fly to Iloilo or Kalibo.
- Travel to Anini-y (2–3 hours).
- Take a 15-minute boat ride to Nogas Island.
Average Prices:
- Boat ride: ₱500–₱700
- Entrance/environmental fee: ₱50–₱100
Nearby Towns to Stay:
- Anini-y – Home to Siraan Hot Spring
- San Jose de Buenavista – Larger town with more lodging options
Mararison Island, Antique
A small island known for rolling hills, clear waters, and friendly locals. Often compared to Batanes for its landscapes.
by culasiantique.gov.ph
Average Prices:
- Homestays: ₱500–₱1,200 per night
- Boat ride: ₱750–₱1,000
Nearby Town:
- Culasi – Jump-off point
Region VII – Central Visayas
Central Visayas includes Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. Beyond the famous tourist hubs, several quiet resort towns offer serene escapes.
by islandsph.com
Anda, Bohol
Anda is a peaceful alternative to Panglao, featuring white-sand beaches, cave pools, and cliffside resorts.
by philippineshiddengems.com
How to Get There:
- Fly to Bohol–Panglao International Airport.
- Drive to Anda (2–3 hours).
Average Prices:
- Beachfront resorts: ₱1,500–₱4,000 per night
- Cave pool entrance: ₱50–₱100
Recommended Towns to Stay:
- Anda Proper – Main resort area
- Candijay – Near waterfalls and rice terraces
Alcoy, Cebu
Home to Tingko Beach, Alcoy offers powdery white sand and calm waters without the crowds of Moalboal or Oslob.
by One Man Wander
How to Get There:
- Fly to Mactan–Cebu International Airport.
- Drive south to Alcoy (2.5–3 hours).
Average Prices:
- Beach resorts: ₱1,200–₱3,000 per night
- Beach entrance fees: ₱20–₱50
Nearby Towns to Stay:
- Alcoy Proper
- Dalaguete – Gateway to Osmeña Peak
Siquijor’s San Juan & Maria
Siquijor is gaining popularity, but towns like Maria and Lazi remain quiet and ideal for nature-focused travelers.
Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor by ph.pinerest.com Pitogo Cliff by ecency
Average Prices:
- Beachfront cottages: ₱800–₱2,500
- Motorbike rental: ₱350–₱500 per day
Recommended Towns:
- San Juan – Best for resorts
- Maria – Home to Salagdoong Beach
- Lazi – Waterfalls and heritage sites
Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
Eastern Visayas includes Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran. This region is full of untouched beaches and quiet resort towns.
by islandsph.com
Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte
Known for its long sandbar and crystal-clear waters, Kalanggaman remains peaceful due to controlled tourism.
by kgmresorts.com
How to Get There:
- Fly to Tacloban Airport.
- Travel to Palompon (2–3 hours).
- Take a boat to Kalanggaman (1 hour).
Average Prices:
- Day tour: ₱800–₱1,500
- Camping: ₱250–₱300
- Boat charter: ₱3,000–₱4,000
Nearby Town:
- Palompon – Jump-off point
Cuatro Islas, Inopacan, Leyte
A group of four islands with white sand beaches, coral gardens, and peaceful shores.
by taclobanrentacar.com
Average Prices:
- Boat rental: ₱2,500–₱3,500
- Environmental fee: ₱50–₱100
Nearby Towns:
- Inopacan
- Hindang
Biri Island, Northern Samar
Famous for its massive rock formations sculpted by strong waves — a unique geological attraction.
by nomadicexperiences.com
Average Prices:
- Homestays: ₱500–₱1,000
- Boat ride: ₱200–₱300
Nearby Town:
- Biri Proper
Sambawan Island, Biliran
A stunning island with a hilltop viewpoint, marine sanctuary, and rustic cottages.
by tourism.biliranisland.com
Average Prices:
- Cottage rental: ₱500–₱1,000
- Entrance fee: ₱100–₱150
Nearby Town:
- Maripipi – Jump-off point
Recommended Towns to Stay (Summary Table)
| Town | Region | Best For | Average Resort Price |
| Culasi | VI | Island hopping | ₱800–₱2,000 |
| Tibiao | VI | Adventure & hot kawa | ₱700–₱1,500 |
| Anda | VII | White beaches & cave pools | ₱1,500–₱4,000 |
| Alcoy | VII | Quiet beaches | ₱1,200–₱3,000 |
| San Juan, Siquijor | VII | Beach resorts | ₱800–₱2,500 |
| Palompon | VIII | Kalanggaman tours | ₱700–₱1,800 |
| Inopacan | VIII | Cuatro Islas | ₱600–₱1,500 |
| Biri | VIII | Rock formations | ₱500–₱1,000 |
Related Guides
- Lesser-Known Resort Towns in Luzon Region
- Lesser-Known Resort Towns in Mindanao Region
- Top 100 Best Destinations in the Philippines
- Best Surfing & Resort Towns in the Philippines
- Metro Manila (NCR) Travel Guide
- Luzon Island Group Travel Guide
- Visayas Island Group Travel Guide
- Mindanao Island Group Travel Guide
- Best 10 Vacation Locations
Final Takeaway
The Visayas Island Group offers far more than its famous destinations. These lesser-known resort towns provide quiet beaches, affordable stays, and authentic local experiences — ideal for travelers seeking peaceful escapes away from crowds.