14 Fabulous Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines

If you ask most holidaymakers about their ideal vacation, they'll likely answer the Maldives or some other tropical location with crystal clear waters. That image of floating villas in the midst of the sea feels luxurious and freeing at the same time. Opening my door and jumping straight into warm waters or lounging all morning on a private beach, yes, that's my idea of a perfect vacay day too!

You no longer need to trek all the way to the Maldives or spend a fortune to experience that over-water feel. There are some excellent overwater bungalows in the Philippines that offer every luxurious amenity at a much more reasonable price.

In this article, I've found fourteen incredible overwater bungalow resorts across the Philippines. Whether you're looking for something rustic, with a traditional Filipino feel, or a high-end resort where you can unwind in a lavish setting, there's something for your next trip!

Not sure yet which Southeast Asian paradise to choose for vacation this year? Take a look at the best overwater bungalows in Thailand for more inspiration!

The Best Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines

1. Best Overwater Bungalows for Families: Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary

With a budget price range and designated family rooms, Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary features basic water cottages on stilts in an area with a huge variety of recreational activities.

They also offer some of the cheapest overwater bungalows in the Philippines, but the best feature is that children between the ages of two and six stay for free!

The resort provides a variety of motorized water sports, and free snorkeling gear, has a spa, an onsite bar and restaurant, and a private beach. It's located near incredible dive sites like Mactan Island and Olango Wildlife Sanctuary.

The island of Cebu itself is famous for outdoor activities such as the Moalboal Sardine Run and canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, as an active family you will never be bored here!

• Location: Olango Island, Cordova, Cebu

• Price From: US$72/night

• Why stay here? Families are welcomed with open arms and small children stay free.

Check Best Rates & Availability

2. Most Convenient for Short Trips: Pearl Farm Beach Resort

This 5-start stunner is paradise on Earth. The luxury resort offers some of the most beautiful overwater bungalows in the Philippines with winding overwater walkways, a dreamy outdoor swimming pool, and well-appointed rooms.

The Samal Suites are outfitted with local tribal decor and feature private beaches. The grounds are well curated with peaceful lounge areas, and there's even a Mandala Weaving Center on the complex.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is one of the best luxury resorts near Manila for those who want an easy trip. It's just a few minutes offshore from Davao City and 1.5 hours by car from the international airport in Manila.

• Location: Island Garden City of Samal, Luzon Island

• Price From: US$338/night

• Why stay here? The resort offers luxurious rooms in a convenient location.

Check Best Rates & Availability

3. Best Overwater Bungalow for Active Couples: Cauayan Island Resort

Cauayan Island Resort is one of the best private island resorts in the crystal clear waters of El Nido. It offers several accommodation types from beachfront villas to water villas on their very own lagoon. The water villas offer private terraces, marble bathtubs, an outdoor shower, air-conditioning, and king beds!

Due to its prime location, Cauayan Island Resort offers the best bungalows in the Philippines for an active couple. Island hopping is the name of the game in El Nido, and famous attractions like Hidden Beach and Secret Lagoon are just outside your doorstep.

• Location: Cauayan Island, El Nido, Palawan

• Price From: US$761/night

• Why stay here? Cauayan is perfect for a romantic getaway with an infinity pool, a private balcony, a pristine beach, and a gourmet restaurant.

Check Best Rates & Availability

4. Best Bungalow for Luxury Meets Affordability: Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort

Top-notch villas with every luxury amenity await you at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort just minutes from Coron Town. The resort was modeled after the famous complexes in the Maldives, and it boasts the same prowess.

Situated on 18 private hectares, all the rooms are dreamy! The water cottages offer private balconies with hot tubs, plunge pools, and direct water access to explore the vibrant sea creatures at your whim.

Take a dip in the beachside infinity pool, schedule a scuba diving tour to explore the famous marine life and shipwrecks of Coron, or lap up the luxury with a spa day!

• Location: Naglayan Island, Coron, Palawan

• Price From: US$261/night

• Why stay here? This resort has been featured by several major fashion, hotel, and travel companies. It features high-end bungalows at a relatively affordable price.

Check Best Rates & Availability

5. Best Overwater Bungalow for Groups: Kaway Resort & Spa

Stepping away from the high-end resorts for a minute, Kaway Resort & Spa offers standard rooms in a water cottage with two queen-sized beds. The resort is low-key but comfortable, and each overwater bungalow boasts a private balcony!

• Location: Tabuelan, Cebu Island

• Price From: US$143/night

• Why stay here? Guests report the staff is extremely attentive, the surrounding environment is just stunning, and the bungalows offer high value for a modest price.

Check Best Rates & Availability

6. Best Bungalow for Private Island Luxury: El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island

One of three El Nido Resorts, Miniloc Island is a private marine sanctuary with its own house reef. The owners describe it as an eco-discovery resort, perfect for families or active couples. The overwater bungalows are situated in a large bay with calm emerald waters and can accommodate two in a traditional yet modern space.

• Location: Minoloc Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan

• Price From: US$613/night

• Why stay here? This resort has a long history of excellence and is renowned in the region. It offers excellent activities like on-site fishing, paddle boarding, island hopping, windsurfing, snorkeling, and a poolside bar.

Check Best Rates & Availability

Note: El Nido actually offers three overwater bungalow resorts, but it appears that Apulit Island Resort in Taytay Bay is temporarily closed after the pandemic. Keep an eye on their website for reopening.

7. Best for Eco-Tourists: El Nido Resorts Lagen Island

Lagen Island is described as an eco-sanctuary resort and is the second option for overwater bungalows in the Philippines provided by El Nido Resorts. It's surrounded by towering limestone and dense forest.

Lagen Island is famous for forest hiking trails and bird watching. The water villas are spacious, accommodating a family of three, and boast private verandas.

• Location: Lagen Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan

• Price From: US$584/night

• Why stay here? This eco-resort provides an unforgettable experience with luxurious amenities in one of the most beautiful bays in El Nido.

Check Best Rates & Availability

8. Best for City Dwellers: Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa

Just two miles from Puerto Princesa City Center, this city resort features the largest swimming pool in Palawan. In fact, this resort is all about the water. There are no beaches, just floating villas attached to a meandering dock. It's a fantastic spot in the Philippines for families or couples wanting a low-key stay in Puerto Princesa.

• Location: Caniguaran, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

• Price From: US$469/night (for water villas)

• Why stay here? Perfect for families, the resort offers a mini-golf course, a waterpark, a fitness center, and a nearby sandbar to explore.

Check Best Rates & Availability

9. Best for Overwater Bungalow for Budget Travelers: Grace Island Resort

Situated in a pristine, shallow-water bay, Grace is a private island resort with traditional Filipino thatched water villas. It's unique in the world of overwater bungalow resorts in that you get an all-inclusive experience in a rustic setting.

• Location: Ambulong Island, San Jose

• Price From: US$176/night

• Why stay here? Breakfast, free parking, watersports and bicycle rentals, arrival drinks, full-board meals, park entrance fees, and airport roundtrip transfer are all included!

Check Best Rates & Availability

10. Best Bungalows for an Active Vacation: Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

This interesting resort is built on a private lagoon and boasts 5-star amenities. Some of the water villas are on stilts above the water, while others sit on tiny private sandbars around the same lagoon.

Of all the overwater bungalow resorts in the Phillippines, Plantation Bay has the most activities on site. You can enjoy arcade games, wall-climbing, archery, watersports, tennis, nature tours, a children's boot camp, pickleball, and much more!

• Location: Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu

• Price From: US$277/night

• Why stay here? If you arrive and aren't satisfied for any reason, the resort has a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee if addressed within four hours.

Check Best Rates & Availability

11. Best Resort for Adventure & Corporate Events: Stilts Catalagan Beach Resort

Stilts Catalagan is a large resort with several types of accommodation ranging from tree houses to three sizes of water villas. With an infinity pool, a beachside bar, restaurants, a garden area, and an infinity pool, the resort has everything you need for a relaxing yet adventurous vacation!

• Location: Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Luzon Island

• Price From: US$152/night

• Why stay here? Stilts Catalagan is located just south of Manila, making it the perfect weekend getaway spot.

Check Best Rates & Availability

12. Best Overwater Bungalow for Nature Lovers: Tugawe Cove Resort

Located conveniently on Luzon Island, Tugawe Cove Resort feels a world away from hectic Manila. The primary resort sits slightly inland in a forested garden, but the water villas occupy a front-row view of a private lake, just steps from the private beach!

• Location: Colongcogong, Caramoan Peninsula, Luzon Island

• Price From: US$148/night

• Why stay here? If you love the great outdoors, this island resort boasts dense forests, rolling hills, a private lake, a pristine beach, and those famous Filipino limestone bluffs!

Check Best Rates & Availability

13. Best Overwater Bungalow for Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel: Onok Island Bungalows

Onok is an exclusive private island in one of the least visited areas of Palawan – the Balabac Islands. Balabac is a tropical paradise, but (for now) its series of rustic private islands are only available via guided tours from Puerta Princesa.

Onok provides very simple overwater bungalows with a camping vibe, perfect for those who want to experience a Robinson Crusoe island experience!

• Location: Onok Island, Balabac Island Chain, Palawan

• Price From: US$27/night (this is on top of the 3D/2N tour price of US$552).

• Why stay here? Balabac offers an experience unlike any other in the Philippines. The tour is filled with fresh seafood, epic snorkeling, and the most pristine beaches on Earth.

Check Best Rates & Availability

14. Best Stay for Foodies: Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa

Kamana is a mid-range resort on Nabasan Bay, near Manila. It offers a private beach, an indoor pool, an outdoor infinity pool, and modern “casitas” hovering over crystal clear waters. The resort also offers a variety of activities including beach volleyball, basketball, and kayaks.

Note: Rooms are available on Agoda, but you may need to contact the resort directly to book the overwater bungalows.

• Location: Ilanin Forest West, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Luzon Island

• Price From: US$169/night

• Why stay here? From Asian staples to New York pastrami, the executive chef at Kamana will ensure that you can feast on incredible dishes while you feast your eyes on the natural beauty of the Philippines.

Check Best Rates & Availability

Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines: Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Philippines have overwater bungalows?

There are several overwater bungalows in the Philippines! From Pearl Farm Beach Resort right outside of Manila to the rustic cabins of Onok Island in the last frontier of the Philippines, there are water villas in the country for every budget. There are also three El Nido resorts with overwater bungalows!

🤑 How much are overwater bungalows in the Philippines?

Overwater bungalows in the Philippines vary greatly in price. The cheapest overwater bungalows, like those on Onok Island, can be rented for as low as US$27/night.

In contrast, Cauayan Island Resort is US$761/night in the rainy season and escalates in the high season. Middle ground resorts, like Kawan Resort & Spa come in at approximately $US150/night.

🏨 Are overwater bungalows in the Philippines worth it?

If your dream is to stay in an overwater bungalow, the Phillippines is a great place to try it! Without spending a fortune, you can stay in high-end floating accommodations in the most beautiful natural environment on earth.

Overwater Bungalows in the Philippines: Final Words

When I imagine the Philippines, I generally think of scuba diving adventures, towering limestone bluffs, and island hopping tours, but this floating nation really does have something to offer every kind of traveler.

From Miniloc Island and Lagen Island in El Nido to Plantation Bay in Cebu, the overwater bungalows in the Philippines offer a peaceful escape into the lap of luxury. After a few days of watersports and adventure, I can't think of a better way to close out a dream vacation than a night or two in a floating villa!