[2023 PICKS] Stunning OVERWATER Bungalows in the Philippines

Overwater bungalows in the Philippines are some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. From secluded island retreats to vibrant beach resorts, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise.

The Philippines is home to seven thousand islands, world-famous natural wonders, gorgeous white sand beaches, fabulous diving spots, and amazing hospitality. It is no wonder why it is easy to see why visitors flock to the Philippines for a beach getaway. For a truly unique experience, visitors can stay in one of the many overwater bungalow resorts that are scattered across the country.

These bungalows offer a magical experience of sleeping atop the ocean while listening to the sound of waves crashing. In addition, guests can enjoy the convenience of jumping straight into the water from the balcony and a front-row view of the sunrise and sunset every day.

In this article, I will highlight some of the best overwater bungalow resorts in the Philippines. From Davao’s pristine beaches to the crystal clear waters of Palawan, these resorts will make your stay simply incredible. Bora Bora, Maldives, and Fiji may be the first destinations that come to mind when thinking of overwater bungalows, but the Philippines offers an array of options in its own right.

So, let’s take a look!

The Best Overwater Bungalows Philippines

1. The El Nido Resorts on Miniloc Island

Miniloc Island, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
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Nestled among limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, Miniloc Island El Nido Resorts offers some of the most beautiful overwater El Nido bungalows. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets from their private balcony or dip into crystal clear waters below them. The resort also features excellent restaurants and activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving for guests to enjoy.

Each room is air-conditioned and built with native materials, featuring thatched roofs and wooden flooring. Amenities include a minibar, wardrobe, vanity area, private bathroom with shower facilities, and a hairdryer.

Guests can choose from a variety of activities, such as diving, windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, and sunset cruises. There are also tours available, exploring the local caves, lagoons, and mangroves, and guests can swim with the 1.5m jackfish and other marine species.

The restaurant at the Miniloc Clubhouse serves a range of international dishes, and picnic lunches on the beach can be pre-arranged.

Guests can take a 75-minute charter flight from Manila to El Nido (LIO) Airport to get to the resort. Free transfers are provided from El Nido Airport, a 40-minute boat ride away.

Review on Booking.com:

These Philippine bungalows are close to some of El Nido’s main tourist attractions, and you can go kayaking. It offers some free and paid tours to some islands; a comfortable, clean, and reasonably sized room (garden); an Excellent structure with a gym, great pool, bar, pool, and games. – Renato, Brazil

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2. Cauayan Island Resort

Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
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Cauayan Island Resort is in El Nido, surrounded by lush greenery. It offers luxurious and peaceful accommodation, with an infinity pool and a restaurant on site. The villas are all equipped with modern interiors, a clothes rack, a flat-screen TV, minibar, and a private balcony with views of the beach and garden. There is also an outdoor and indoor shower facility available.

At Cauayan Island Resort, guests can explore the islands of El Nido through island-hopping or kayaking. For those who are interested in diving, the Cauayan Diving Centre provides 15 different dive sites. Additionally, guests may also enjoy a pampering massage at the Cauayan Spa. Some of the best Palawan bungalows!

The resort also features a restaurant that serves local and international cuisines. The Cauayan Pool Bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and finger food.

Review on Booking.com:

We stayed for three nights in a beachfront villa, and the whole experience was fabulous! The location is wonderful and absolutely breathtaking. The staff is very attentive and extremely friendly. – Camille, Canada

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3. Apulit Island Resort

Taytay Bay, Palawan, 5312 Apulit Island, Philippines

This luxury resort is located on Apulit Island in Taytay Bay and offers spectacular views of El Nido Bay from its over-water villas. Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing or relax by the beach or in the infinity pool. The resort also features several restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine.

4. Grace Island Resort by Cocotel

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Ambulong Island, Philippines
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This luxury resort is located on Busuanga Island in Palawan and offers stunning views of Coron Bay from its over-water villas, featuring som of the best Philippines bungalows. Guests can enjoy activities such as swimming with whale sharks or exploring nearby islands by boat. The resort also features several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and a spa for guests to relax after a day out on the water.

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6. Lagen Island Resort

Bacuit Bay, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
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Lagen Island Resort offers some of the most stunning El Nido bungalows.

This resort is a luxurious getaway in a picturesque El Nido, Palawan Cove. The resort boasts an on-site marine sports center offering diving, kayaking, and windsurfing activities. Guests can also observe wildlife on the property or explore the island’s many coves and caves.

The resort features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a library. Rooms at the resort are classically designed with antique wood floors and reclaimed wood furnishings. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the cove, bay, or cliffs and a CD player and minibar. The en-suite bathroom comes with shower facilities and bath amenities.

The island is a sanctuary to an array of birds and mammals. Guests can go for a hike along the resort’s forest trail or take part in snorkeling, mangrove, and cave tours. Buffet and à la carte meals are served at the air-conditioned clubhouse, while refreshments are available at the poolside bar. Picnic lunches can also be arranged.

Getting to Lagen Island Resort is easy; it is only a 75-minute charter flight from Manila to El Nido (LIO) Airport and a 50-minute boat ride to the resort. Free transfers are provided from El Nido Airport.

Review on Booking.com:

The hotel is a dream. We stayed in a cabin on the water and were very comfortable. The room is spacious, clean, and comfortable. It has a large terrace with beautiful views. The bathroom is spacious and spotless. Breakfast has Western and Oriental options. The lunch and dinner buffet is always changing and is plentiful and varied. – Maria, Chile

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7. Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort

Brgy. Baldat, Naglayan Island, 5315 Culion, Philippines

Located on Apo Island in Negros Occidental, Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort offers stunning views of Apo Reef from its over-water villas. Guests can enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing or simply relax by the beach or in the infinity pool. The resort also features several restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine.

8. Tugawe Cove Resort

Barangay Colongcogong, Camarines Sur, 4429 Colongcocon, Philippines
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Resort Tugawe Cove is nestled within limestone hills, providing breathtaking views and a private beach area. It is accessible by a wooden bridge and has an infinity pool that overlooks the sea and a lake running through the property. The rooms are spacious and fully air-conditioned, with large balconies, comfortable seating areas, and luxurious bathroom facilities. They are equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, a DVD player, and free toiletries.

These Philippine bungalows also offer various recreational activities, including island hopping tours, kayak jet ski rental facilities, hiking, snorkeling, billiard, and fishing. Guests can enjoy relaxing massages and take a lighthouse tour.

Traveling to and from the resort is convenient as it is a 2-hour boat ride and an hour’s drive from Pili Airport or a 45-minute boat ride and an hour’s drive to Virac Airport.

Review on Booking.com:

The location is really what makes this hotel unique, and the staff is very attentive. – Stephen, Hong Kong

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9. Kamana Sanctuary Resort

Nabasan Beach, Ilanin Forest, West District, Subic Bay
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This luxurious resort is located on the island of Coron in Palawan and offers spectacular views of the Sulu Sea from its over-water villas. Guests can enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing or simply relax by the beach or in the infinity pool. The resort also features several restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine.

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10. Club Tara Resort

Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao Del Norte, 8416 Socorro, Philippines
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Located on Calintaan Island in Palawan, Club Tara Resort offers stunning views of Coron Bay from its over-water villas. Guests can enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing or simply relax by the beach or in the infinity pool. The resort also features several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and a spa for guests to relax after a day out on the water.

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11. Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Located on Samal Island near Davao City, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a secluded paradise with over-water villas that offer breathtaking views of Mount Apo and Samal Gulf. Guests can choose from two villas, which feature private balconies, king-sized beds, and outdoor showers. The resort also has an infinity pool, a spa, and a variety of restaurants for guests to enjoy.

12. Huma Island Resort

Located off the coast of Palawan, Huma Island Resort is a tropical paradise with luxurious over-water villas that offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and mountains. Guests can enjoy activities such as swimming with whale sharks or exploring nearby islands by boat. The resort also features several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and a spa for guests to relax after a day out on the water.

13. Nalusuan Island Resort

This luxury resort is located on Nalusuan Island in Cebu and offers spectacular views of Mactan Bay from its over-water villas. Guests can enjoy activities such as swimming with whale sharks or exploring nearby islands by boat. The resort also features several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and a spa for guests to relax after a day out on the water.

Over-water bungalows are becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. From secluded island retreats to vibrant beach resorts, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Whether you’re looking for an intimate getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, these over-water bungalows offer some of the best experiences in the country.