The Philippines is the definition of paradise and it’s easy to see why! This tropical nation is home to over seven thousand islands, world-famous white sand beaches, incredible diving, and amazing hospitality. Amidst all this natural beauty are some iconic overwater bungalows in the Philippines. They easily rival the best found in Bora Bora or the Maldives! In this article, I’ll outline the best over-water bungalows in the Philippines to make the most of your upcoming getaway.
My personal favorites are Cauayan Island for its incredible El Nido location and Apulit Island for its adventurous excursions.
13 Best Over-Water Bungalows in the Philippines
In this article, I’ll cover the 13 best overwater bungalows in the Philippines. With its countless calm lagoons and idyllic islands, the Philippines is well poised to offer incredible water villas. From boutique hotels tucked into turquoise coves to luxurious private island hideaways, these resorts provide an unparalleled over-water escape. Read on to discover the best overwater bungalows in the Philippines.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST OVERWATER BUNGALOWS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem! Here are my three favorite over-water bungalows in the Philippines.
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
I’ve listed the 13 best overwater bungalows in the Philippines below, with a table showing current rates. These rates reflect the price for an overwater or beachfront room during the high season (December – April). Prices are subject to change.
| ACCOMMODATION | REGION | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Miniloc Island | El Nido, Palawan | $790 |
| Cauayan Island Resort and Spa | El Nido, Palawan | $740 |
| Lagen Island Resort | El Nido, Palawan | $700 |
| Apulit Island Resort | Taytay, Palawan | $600 |
| Pearl Farm Beach Resort | Samal, Davao del Norte | $670 |
| Huma Island Resort & Spa | Busuanga, Palawan | $570 |
| Sunlight Eco Tourism Island | Coron, Palawan | $430 |
| Plantation Bay Resort & Spa | Mactan, Cebu | $270 |
| Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa | Subic Bay, Zambales | $260 |
| Grace Island Resort | San Jose, Occidental Mindoro | $220 |
| Tugawe Cove Resort | Caramoan, Camarines Sur | $210 |
| Club Tara Resort | Socorro, Surigao del Norte | $135 |
| Enchanted Cove Resort | Socorro, Surigao del Norte | $55 |
13 Best Over-Water Bungalows in the Philippines
I’ve created this blog to help you find the perfect over-water bungalows in the Philippines for your upcoming stay. These resorts offer rooms either fully or partially overwater, with beautiful sea views and gracious hospitality. And while there are several well-known overwater resorts in El Nido, there are over-water bungalows in the Philippines across many different islands, with something in mind for every budget. I’ve listed the resorts below by price, so if you’re looking for a budget option, you can start at the end of the guide. Best of luck!
Miniloc Island by El Nido Resorts
El Nido Miniloc Island Resort (Excellent Location): For Miniloc Island Resort, priorities lay with top-notch service, excellent location, and comfort. This 5-star resort is located in a tranquil cove in El Nido. It spans 50 luxurious rooms including five villas over the water—all featuring a floor-to-ceiling window, comfy bed, large veranda, and seating area.
This Eco-resort has an appealing outdoor pool, a restaurant that offers a wide selection of international dishes, a bar, and a gorgeous white sand beach. Apart from its premium amenities and service, another great feature of this resort is its location, as it provides easy access to several famous attractions including the Big Lagoon and the Small Lagoon. This idyllic hideaway is popular among luxury travelers and nature lovers seeking a serene escape.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Miniloc Island
Cauayan Island Resort & Spa
Cauayan Island Resort & Spa (Stunning Location): Those searching for an epic El Nido over-water villa with luxury, sophistication, and a beautiful setting to die for will absolutely adore Cauayan Island Resort & Spa. It boasts incredible villas over the water and others perched atop hillsides and a pristine lagoon. Some villas have ocean-facing daybeds, making them an incredible overwater retreat.
There is a boutique bar and open-air restaurant that serves a variety of delectable dishes, a gym and spa with sweeping ocean views, yoga classes, and a dive shop. It also has a gorgeous infinity pool that guests love. Free airport transfer, Wi-Fi, and an amazing breakfast are among the inclusions of your stay. This 5-star resort hits a balance between luxury over-water bungalows and a natural tropical setting, and I highly recommend this as one of the best over-water bungalows in the Philippines.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cauayan Island
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Spacious Rooms): Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a favorite amongst families and couples alike. The moment you arrive at the Samal Island resort, you’ll be welcomed with refreshments, warm towels, and entertainment. This eco-friendly resort showcases a wide selection of unpretentious yet elegant accommodations, first-class amenities, and impeccable service.
When it comes to great design and luxurious rooms, the Samal Suites are among the best, with their spacious rooms, elegant decor, and comfortable furnishings. Imagine lying in an oversized king bed and being able to look out at the ocean from your floor-to-ceiling windows. The Mandaya room is good for large groups or families with a semi-private pool and game room. There is a spa, complimentary fast Wi-Fi connection, an oceanfront swimming pool, meeting rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a private beach.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Pearl Farm
Apulit Island by El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts Apulit Island (Luxury): Set in Taytay Bay, Apulit Island Resort is another amazing over-water bungalow in the Philippines. It features thatched-roofed bungalows rising on stilts that are connected to the pathway through short footbridges. Each room is very luxurious and fitted with a comfy bed, minibar, and veranda which provides an amazing view of the bay and the opposite water cottages with a gigantic limestone backdrop.
One of the best activities here is a tour of the mind-blowing Japanese shipwreck during the dive experience. Other one-of-a-kind activities include cliff jumping, rock climbing, rappelling, and spelunking which are part of the resort’s all-inclusive package. If you’re seeking luxury, serenity, and water adventures, head on to El Nido Resorts Apulit Island. This is the top pick for over-water villas in El Nido!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Apulit Island
Lagen Island by El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts, Lagen Island (Couple Pick): Nestled on a cove and engulfed by dense forest over limestone in Bancuit Bay, El Nido Lagen Island Resort is a haven for luxury enthusiasts and honeymooners alike.
It offers 51 elegant and well-appointed rooms fitted with full-size sliding glass doors that lead to a private terrace. You can book a forest suite, a forest room, a beachfront room, or a water cottage. The water cottages are individually built on stilts that are connected by a boardwalk.
The resort offers many activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and many more. Lagen Island Resort not only has a 5-star service and amenities but also takes pride in sustainable resources.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Lagen Island
Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
Plantation Bay Resort & Spa (Family Pick): This high-end resort has the largest man-made lagoon in Cebu with over-water rooms. The water’s edge room is perfect for couples who want an intimate room yet also want to wake up in the morning and jump straight into the water from the balcony. Amazing, isn’t it?
If you are traveling with kids, the Lagoon Side room and the Poolside room are the best options. There is a wide range of facilities and recreational activities for kids and adults particularly wall climbing, yoga classes, archery, paddle boarding, you name it. The on-site restaurants and a bar serve exquisite and affordable food and drinks. There is a complimentary round-trip airport transfer and not to mention they organize off-site excursions such as whale shark watching and island-hopping.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Plantation Bay
Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa
Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa (Family-friendly): Situated in Subic Bay, Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa is a haven for a perfect family hideaway. It features spacious rooms fitted with everything you need. The 70-sqm Casitas is the most sought-after room which is built on stilts over the water.
It is fitted with a private balcony, large bathroom, luxurious toiletries, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and more. The resort also showcases suite rooms, deluxe rooms, and standard rooms in different sizes. The food is divine and extensive which is another highlight of this resort. Plus they offer various types of activities like kayaking, beach tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, and many to mention.
The House Spa will give you the relaxation you need after a long day of doing several outdoor activities. There is also a playground for kids. The infinity pool is picture-perfect making the beautiful ocean and mountains as a backdrop not to mention there are plenty of sun loungers around.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kamana Sanctuary
Grace Island Resort
Grace Island Resort (Tranquil Atmosphere): Featuring an array of picturesque floating cottages, Grace Island Resort is a one-of-a-kind accommodation set on a private island of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Each floating cottage is connected to wooden bridges and fitted with necessities. The lovely part is you can jump straight into the azure water or just simply bask in the afternoon sun outside your cottage.
This rustic accommodation is just an approximately one-hour boat ride from the mainland. Here, you’ll experience exciting activities such as banana boat rides, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and more. The welcome drink and entertainment when you arrive at the resort is quite a nice touch.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Grace Island
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort (Bottom-glass Villas): You don’t need to fly to the Maldives to experience a luxury retreat. Nestled on the crystal clear blue waters on Culion Island, Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort features villas built on stilts over the water. Imagine seeing beautiful corals and sea creatures under your room!
The resort has a gorgeous outdoor pool overlooking the beach, a spa, KTV room, children’s playground, gym, dive shop, bar, and restaurant. Water activities include jet skiing, glass-bottomed kayaks, and more. The coral reef, sunrise, and sunset are spectacular. With an insta-worthy mountain and sea backdrop and a variety of water activities, this amazing resort is certainly the tropical staycation you’ve been looking for.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for SETIR
Club Tara Resort
Club Tara Resort (Insta-worthy): Set on the placid island of Bucas Grande, Club Tara Resort features extraordinary cottages built on wooden stilts right on the blue lagoon. This 3-star resort offers air-conditioned rooms that suit all sorts of travelers.
Rooms range from Water cottage, Family room with sea and garden view, Dormitory room, and Standard twin room. Some of the rooms have a jacuzzi and balcony with a fantastic lagoon backdrop that is worth a pose for your Instagram. At Club Tara, you’ll find a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, poolside bar, communal area, and massage service.
Activities include canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a Sohoton Cove excursion. Despite the remote location, Club Tara is for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even on this list of the best 13 over-water bungalows in the Philippines, I think this has one of the best locations!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Club Tara
Huma Island Resort & Spa
Huma Island Resort & Spa (Luxury): Just because you are on an island doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the same luxury you would find at hotels in the city. Take Huma Island Resort & Spa for instance, where you’ll be treated like royalty. Situated on a private island in Palawan, this world-class resort boasts 81 thatched-roofed villas that stand proudly on stilts over the water fitted with free Wi-Fi, an infinity pool, restaurant, bar, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Each villa has an outdoor deck with an inviting whirlpool, outdoor shower, hammock, and sun loungers. Activities include jet skiing, banana boat rides, scuba diving, kayaking, and more. If that’s not enough, pamper yourself in the over-water spa room where you can see the crystal clear water through its glass floors while enjoying your massage.
This is a perfect getaway for those who want to taste luxury and fall asleep in the lap of calm waves with a peaceful and cozy atmosphere in some of the most epic over-water villas in the Philippines.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Huma Island
Enchanted Cove Resort
Enchanted Cove Resort (Relaxing Atmosphere): Hidden in a magical cove, Enchanted Cove Resort is another over-water accommodation in Socorro. True to its name, this no-frills accommodation is charming and tranquil where you only hear the sounds of wildlife and even see fish and jellyfish around. It features two 2-story huts built on stilts over the aquamarine lagoon connected to the footbridge leading you to the main lounge.
There, you can find the restaurant, bar, showers, and toilets. There is an air-conditioned family room with free breakfast on the first floor, a fan room with bunk beds suitable for groups, and a room for couples on the second floor which also comes with a balcony and free breakfast.
Activities include island hopping, Cove Tour, Caving, watching sunsets, and swimming. This isn’t a luxury resort but one of the more relaxed over-water bungalows in the Philippines.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Enchanted Cove
Tugawe Cove Resort
Tugawe Cove Resort (Excellent Amenities/Views): Find your zen in Tugawe Cove Resort’s peaceful rooms, offering amazing views and top-notch amenities. The resort boasts three different types of rooms such as Lakeside Cabanas which proudly stand over the water, Hillside Rooms surrounded by greenery, and the Hilltop Rooms that take a bit of exercise to climb up hilly stairs.
Each room has comfy beds, air conditioning, spacious bathrooms, and not to mention great showers. The resort has a private beach, an ocean-facing infinity pool, and a restaurant. I personally love the ambiance of the place and the panoramic ocean view from the swimming pool. I highly recommend this resort if you are heading to Caramoan but probably not for older people and families with infants.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Tugawe Cove
Conclusion: Best Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines
I hope this was a helpful guide to the best over-water bungalows in the Philippines, and that you were able to find the perfect resort for your upcoming visit! And as always, happy travels!
Andre Norbury
Monday 30th of October 2023
Great overview - thanks - what's the best place for snorkeling out of this list?
S
Thursday 24th of August 2023
Do any of these bungalows allow you to swim directly from the balcony?
Brian
Thursday 10th of August 2023
Thank you for providing this beautiful overview of luxury over-water resorts in the Philippines.
Arthur Catubay
Tuesday 14th of February 2023
What a waste. Pictures and short descriptions but no info on how to get there. Sim just imagining they’re in some island and difficult to go to. Wanting in important info.
Joy
Sunday 11th of February 2024
@Arthur Catubay, imagine not being able to click a link to see where a resort is located 🤡
Jameson Bandala
Friday 21st of May 2021
All I can say is WOW! Wonderful and amazing places that you must have in your vacation list when you are in the Philippines!