Polillo, Tropical island in Quezon Province, Philippines
Polillo is an island of approximately 628 square kilometers in the northeastern Philippine archipelago, positioned between Lamon Bay and Luzon, separated by the Polillo Strait. The landmass features an irregular coastline with several smaller bays and is covered by forests and farming areas.
Spanish colonizers took control in 1567 under Juan de Salcedo, building a chapel and establishing administrative structures across the island. This conquest marked a turning point in how the place developed under foreign rule.
Before Spanish arrived, the island served as a hub where Malay, Hindu, Chinese, and Tagalog traders met and exchanged goods by sea. This history of contact shaped the local customs and the way people experience life there today.
To reach the island, visitors take a bus to Real in Quezon Province and then board a boat for the crossing, with regular morning departures available. It is helpful to check exact schedules in advance and allow plenty of time for the combined journey.
The island is home to the Butaan lizard, a relative of the Komodo dragon, which gives the place special ecological importance. These rare reptiles draw many visitors seeking to explore this remote location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
