THE PHILIPPINES is a pot of gold, holding treasures when it comes to the coolest summer destinations. It’s known for its beaches in Batangas, Boracay, and Puerto Galera, and for cool hangout cities like Baguio and Tagaytay. Little did we know, there’s more to the Philippines than those famous tourist spots.

We listed five of the best yet not fully explored islands in the Pearl of the Orient. Feel free to share your favorites or add your own awesome finds in the comments.

1. Borawan Island, Quezon Province

If you’re the adventurous kind but still love the beach, this choice will suit you. The island isn’t mainstream yet and has no resort whatsoever, so be sure to bring camping tents and gear if you plan to stay overnight. Even the trip is a little adventurous, as you need a boat ride to get there. The budget is very affordable: your whole barkada for the price of one, around P2000-P2500! Found near the shores of Pagbilao and Padre Burgos, Quezon, it’s a paradise worthy of your visit.

2. Freedom Islands, Metro Manila

If you’re really busy and can’t afford a long drive but still need to brush off the stress, this island is it. Located within the Metro, off the coast of Las Piñas and Parañaque, Freedom Island is truly a freedom from a crowded mind. Formally known as the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, it’s a sanctuary for birds and bird-watching lovers alike. You needn’t drive long outside Manila to watch ’em birds: a little traffic (aw, but it’s the Metro!) and you’re there. Don’t forget your camera!

3. Catanduanes

Surfer, are you? Catanduanes is right for you! The country has several well-known surfing spots, all equally great, but if you want to keep it cool and low-key (who wouldn’t want a beach almost all to themselves?), pack your bags and surfboards and head straight for this surfing wonder. Expect grand waves, as it’s located in the Pacific Ocean, so stay close to a surfer pro or, if you don’t know any, the locals are very obliging and glad to help. And if you’re a pro yourself, what are you waiting for?

4. Batanes Islands

Though it has received ample attention lately from tourists and Filipinos, Batanes has managed to preserve its extraordinary beauty and remarkable culture, which kept it unspoiled. Aside from historical sites and mouth-watering local food, a famous site here is the Honesty Store, where you can witness how Batanes practices trust, respect, and transparency through a little sari-sari (multifarious) store where patrons serve themselves whatever they please, whether refreshments like sodas or a cup of coffee, merienda or snacks, candies, or cigarettes. And the catch? You pay for what you consume through a box, at your own cost (no one’s watching!), and if you need change, you write it in a provided logbook and retrieve it the next day. Because of this, the store and its practice have long been an attraction. See it for yourself!

5. The Islands of Banana, Malcapuya, and Bulog-dos, Coron, Palawan

Who would settle for one when you can explore as many islands as possible right in the heart of Coron, known as one of the most enchanting tourist places of all time? Though famous worldwide, these islands are kept pristine and unblemished: white sand, blue-green waters, amazing snorkeling spots, harmless and awesome marine creatures, and a summer experience you’ll want to cherish. Away from the crowded, polluted hassles of the Metro, I’m sure no one can resist the peace of the islands, where privacy and relaxation are at their best.

Now that you know these unexplored, less-visited, but equally astonishing island getaways, who wouldn’t want to beat the summer heat? Come on, let’s go!

Note: If you’re exploring any of these islands, Cebu Pacific Air flies to the key destinations from Manila almost daily and offers various promos. Check out www.cebupacificair.com for more details.

Photos from Aren Goodman, visitph, philippinetrails, gettyimages, choosephilippines, and Adri Constantino.