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Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
At TripZilla Philippines, we’re all about discovering vacation homes that offer something extraordinary. Finding the perfect retreat can help you uncover the hidden gems of a destination, from rustic farm stays and mountainside campsites to lakeside getaways and waterfront villas that will take your breath away. The same holds true for any trip across the Philippines, which is filled with no shortage of unique Airbnb rentals for travellers to discover.
Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite homes that go above and beyond the typical tourist experience. They might even change the way you plan your next vacation. Below, experience the beauty of the Philippines like never before.
Also read: These Airbnbs in the Philippines Will Inspire You to Travel Local
Listing name: Romantic Beachfront Cottage In A Secluded Cove
Listing type: Entire cottage
Max. no. of guests: 7
No. of bedrooms: 3
Everyone in favour of waking up to ocean views, meet your next home away from home. Set in a secluded cove in San Vicente, Palawan, this remote beachfront cottage stands only 50 steps away from soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. It features an ocean-facing balcony, a gazebo right on the sand, and beach-ready amenities for visitors: floating rafts, paddle boats, beach towels, a picnic table, and more.
Snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, and embarking on beach cove tours are just a few of the activities you can do at this quiet seafront abode — or shall we say, paradise?
Also read: 17 Secluded Hotels & Resorts in Palawan That Are Off the Tourist Radar
Listing name: The Bamboo House · Tropical Garden & Empty Beach
Listing type: Tiny home
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 1
The best experiences can sometimes come in small packages, as this tiny bamboo house will show you. Located in Santa Fe, Siargao, this unique Airbnb combines the minimalist appeal of a tiny house with the lush environment of a tropical garden. All the while, it keeps you just a few steps away from a white sand beach. If you want surfing lessons, the host Jon is friends with the local surfing instructors and can help you contact them directly.
Also read: 15 Beautiful Airbnbs in Siargao to Complete Your Island Experience
Listing name: Treehouse de Valentine No2
Listing type: Treehouse
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 1
If you don’t mind the sights and sounds of the jungle, live out your childhood fantasies at this lovely treehouse in Balamban, Cebu. Bringing you rustic views of the treetops and the nearby river, the Treehouse De Valentine delivers cosy vibes throughout its open-air living environment. Guests can also avail of free breakfast meals, from energy-fuelling favourites such as tocino and longganisa with garlic rice to vegetarian options such as tortang talong.
Also read: 15 Dreamy Treehouse Stays in the Philippines for a Magical Vacay
Listing name: the only accom in Coron Island Houseboat Suite1
Listing type: Private room in a houseboat
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 1
Just try not to swoon over the views of this floating houseboat on Coron Island — we dare you. Set in a private lagoon, this houseboat keeps you a mere boat ride away from Kayangan Lake and the Twin Lagoons. As you can imagine, this offers many possibilities for travellers, from snorkelling in the sea to island-hopping. Or you can doze off to the calming sounds of the water, then wake up to limestone formations and dramatic cliffs in Coron.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Coron That Are the Epitome of ‘Island Life’
Listing name: Nacpan Beach Glamping, Ocean View Room
Listing type: Entire tent
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
If embracing the best of island life in the Philippines appeals to you, try this deluxe beachfront tent in El Nido. Swaying coconut trees, poolside views, and open-air dining experiences are everyday sights to expect at the glamping site. Directly facing Nacpan Beach, each tent features comfortable twin beds, soft pillows, and air-conditioning. Best of all, this is a pet-friendly vacation rental that allows your four-legged friend to tag along on your adventures.
Also read: 11 Glamping Sites in the Philippines for Your Next Barkada Trip
Listing name: Tudor House at Tudor in the Pines
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 10
No. of bedrooms: 4
Each residence within the famous Tudor in the Pines estate is unique. But we dare say the main Tudor House — with its glasshouse lounge, floating view deck, spacious dining area, mini library, and man-made waterfalls — is on a completely different level.
Inspired by the Tudor architectural style from England and Wales, this beautifully designed four-bedroom home offers plenty of activities. Like sipping a cup of coffee in the glasshouse lounge, taking a stroll through the gardens, or soaking up the sights of the forest from the viewing deck.
Also read: Where to Stay in Baguio: 25 Airbnb Homes for All Budgets
Listing name: Villa Bohol (Casa Santa Barbara)
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 16+
No. of bedrooms: 6
If gazing over the wide blue sea from the pool sounds like your cup of tea, then this magical villa in Bohol is the one for you. Nearly castle-like in its stature, Casa Santa Barbara looms large as a Spanish villa with an infinity pool and a Jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.
This white six-bedroom villa is large enough to fit 16 guests, making it ideal for family reunions or team buildings in the new normal. Plus, you can easily take a 15-minute trip to Alona Beach from the property.
Also read: 8 Bohol Airbnb Rentals to Book for a Vacation in Central Visayas
Listing name: Vintage Airstream Suite on Top of a Hill
Listing type: Camper/RV
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
What could be a more unique Airbnb experience in the Philippines than living that carefree #VanLife? Adventure is calling you from this vintage Airstream, whose dreamy perch overlooks the mountains and rolling terrain in Batangas.
Embrace the great outdoors in your next camping trip, but without giving up the modern amenities inside the van — like the flat-screen TV, Bluetooth speaker, and air-conditioning. With a breezy check-in experience to boot, this van caters to travellers who like to go off-the-grid in style.
Also read: 5 Airbnb Trailers in the Philippines for the #VanLife Experience
Listing name: “The Castle Villa Siargao” at Tuason Point Beach
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. no. of guests: 7
No. of bedrooms: 3
Picture a surfing hideaway and a boho-chic retreat wrapped in one; and you get this seaside villa in Siargao. Far from your average surf shack in General Luna, this three-storey home features a pagoda-like exterior, with tropical touches lovingly curated and distributed throughout the property.
All three bedrooms come with air-conditioning, while the open-air living area sets up a breezy ambience that embodies laid-back island life to the fullest. Whether you’re practising yoga on the outdoor deck or surfing at the beach, it’s an excellent place to soak up the trifecta of sand, surf, and sea.
Listing name: Exclusive & Private Island Resort: Floral Island
Listing type: Island
Max. no. of guests: 16+
No. of bedrooms: 8
As far as Airbnb rentals in the Philippines go, it can’t get more unique than the Floral Island Resort on Talacanen Island. Not only does this secluded island resort offer palm-fringed shores and endless sea views for days, but it’s also a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited resort that squeezes in all the comforts of a luxury hotel without compromising sustainability.
Want barefoot luxury? Seek refuge in tastefully appointed cottages and villas, swim with colourful fish and sea turtles, and enjoy a picnic on the sand far from the tourist crowds. Considering you’ll have a private island all to yourself, this is a bargain you won’t want to miss.
Listing name: Cactus and Tides
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 3
Dreaming of a holiday in beautiful Tulum? The beachy Mexican town may be out of reach (for now) but this Instagram-worthy villa in Zambales brings its essence to local shores. The unique three-bedroom Airbnb creates the illusion of Tulum in the Philippines with natural materials, white-washed walls, neutral hues, thatched roofing, and minimalist furnishings.
Relax in pristine bedrooms, then bask in sunshine and salty sea breeze from the picturesque patio. Lounging is an art here — there’s even an indoor hammock where you can curl up with a good book. Sun-seekers will also love the private beach right in front of the villa. If you’re lucky, nature will gift you a spectacular sunset during your stay!
Also read: 17 Airbnb Homes in Zambales That You’ll Never Want to Leave
Listing name: LRS Hobbit House w/ POOL (with Solar Panels)
Listing type: Place to stay in a hut
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
If hobbits lived in the Philippines, then they’d probably hunker down in this Hobbiton-inspired cottage in Cebu’s diving paradise, Moalboal. Call it the tropical version of Bilbo and Frodo’s magical cave-shaped home with the thatched roof and a lush garden outside. Plus, it’s just a few minutes away from the beach that’s perfect for snorkelling! A one-of-a-kind stay, this Airbnb is definitely worth considering, especially for Tolkienists visiting the Philippines!
Also read: 10 Must-Visit Snorkelling Spots in the Philippines
Listing name: River Rock Cabin, Tuba Benguet
Listing type: Tiny home
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 1
Travellers looking for a quieter alternative to Baguio can drive to Tuba in Benguet, a town widely known as the Gateway to Baguio. We’ve even got the perfect retreat for you: This minimalist cabin near the river lets you escape the bustling city for a few days. It’s truly a minimal escape: Besides tatami beds for sleeping and a small but pristine kitchenette, there’s really nothing else to see indoors.
Trust us when we say that you’ll hardly notice what’s missing! Essentials like WiFi and a hot shower are provided, while a hot tub and an outdoor BBQ even offer some luxuries for guests. It’s the getaway of every nature lover’s dreams: Wake up to the birds chirping, then go on a nature walk through the woods and cool down in the tranquil river. Keep in mind that even with nearby resorts, the cabin is quite remote — you’ll have to cross a hanging bridge to get there!
Listing name: The Container Bungalow
Listing type: Shipping container
Max. no. of guests: 3
No. of bedrooms: 1
Tucked away in the laid-back town of Guagua, Pampanga is The Container Bungalow. If a unique Airbnb is what you’re after, then this colourful home away from home is arguably one of the best in the Philippines: Not only is it crafted out of a decades-old shipping container, but it’s also thoughtfully designed with bright interiors, vibrant furnishings, a spacious bedroom, and a private indoor pool. Guests even get served breakfast on a private bamboo deck over the property’s fish pond!
Listing name: Nature stone house for rent.
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
Swim, snorkel, and jump off the cliff — you can get lost in the call of adventure and nature’s wild beauty at this secluded stone hut on Siquijor Island. Perched on a cliff overlooking the dazzling sea, the small yet picturesque house is surrounded by unspoiled nature. Highlights include cosy interiors for a perfect night’s sleep, a cliffside cave kitchen, and a private outdoor bathroom with sea views. Here, days are spent in warm tropical waters or exploring Siquijor on a motorbike. Previous guests call it paradise. Well, who are we to argue?
Also read: 10 Private Islands You Can Rent in the Philippines Right Now
So, which of these unique Airbnb homes in the Philippines are you looking forward to renting someday? Whether it’s for design inspiration or simply to fuel your travel dreams, bookmark these charming rentals for a safer time in the future. When the green light for travel comes, you’ll be ready!
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