The Philippines Vs Indonesia: Where To Swim?

These Southeast Asian archipelagos have plenty of similarities with tropical climates, warm waters and histories of seafaring, but how do they differ and what can you expect when you swim each location?

Swimming outdoors in both Indonesia and the Philippines is a special experience no matter which archipelago you pick. Both island-strewn countries are easily reachable from Australia and New Zealand. They are warm year-round with sea temperatures that invite swimmers to visit at any time – not to mention plenty of lakes, waterfalls, and pristine resort pools (often located near the sea) to enjoy as well. There are jungle rivers, crater lakes, and natural springs to be found inland. It’s easy to see why nature tourism has taken off in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Be prepared for hot weather, high humidity and baking sunshine mixed with sweeping downpours in monsoon seasons. These countries are popular tourist destinations, included within the Coral Triangle, which serves as a global epicentre for marine biodiversity. They have some of the world’s best beaches and incredible reefs coloured by shoaling fish and other exciting marine species. Both are internationally known for the kind of thriving animals, blue-green waters and varieties of coral that delight snorkellers, divers and swimmers too.

Expect a tropical climate and island geography that requires hopping on ferries and small planes to travel freely. Both consist of thousands of islands all sculpted by the ocean in varying sizes and shapes. The Philippines is cast adrift in the Western Pacific and Indonesia lies between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, close to the northern reaches of Australia – in fact, the latter is the largest archipelago in the world!

Key Differences 

Some of the many islands are home to fishing villages, towns, and even bustling cities. The biggest city by population in the Philippines is the sprawling ‘City of Stars’ – otherwise known as Quezon City – and Indonesia has crowded Jakarta, described in 2025 as the world’s largest city with a population of almost 42 million. Of course, many of the islands in both countries are also uninhabited as well, heavily forested and home to all kinds of wildlife from tree-climbing tarsiers in the Philippines to the vine-swinging orangutans of Indonesia.

For geography, Indonesia has more volcanic crater lakes, black sand beaches, rocky coves and dramatic landscapes. The surf culture is particularly strong on the island of Bali – beloved by board-carrying Australians and edged by popular dive spots to see manta rays. The Philippines is more famous for its limestone islands, white-sand beaches (think El Nido in Palawan), with whale sharks visiting the shallows in places like Oslob, as well as calm lagoons filled with turquoise water.

When it comes to wildlife, most marine species (reef species like sharks, turtles and tropical fish) are found in both the Philippines and Indonesia, belonging to the highly biodiverse Coral Triangle region. Whale sharks exist in the waters of both countries, but the Philippines is known for close-to-shore encounters in Oslob and Donsol. You will also find higher concentrations of thresher sharks there and dugong habitats accessible to eco-tourism.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has spectacular deep-water ecosystems, big pelagic species, sunfish, manta rays and large reef systems in the Komodo area, where the dragons roam. Overall, it has more total marine biodiversity and habitat diversity, including deep ocean trenches known for their enormity.

Swimming In The Philippines Vs Indonesia

Outdoor swimming both countries is defined by open seas and island-hopping. Deep waters wash to beaches, lagoons, reefs, and the sea-facing reaches of coastal communities. In the rainy seasons, the seas might be slightly rougher with currents and reduced visibility.

Fun In The Philippines 

Southeast Asia is an underrated destination for swimmers. The Philippines is famous for its diversity of marine animals. On land, we enter sprawling rainforests, dotted with rain-soaked rice fields under the calderas of volcanos.Locals in the Philippines are predominantly Christian, and the atmosphere is charged with a festive spirit and the high energy of beach gatherings. If you swim from the beaches, hazards include rips, seasonal jellyfish, sharp coral and changing tides. Remember to pack your sunscreen, hats and rash guards for the equatorial sun.

Our Safari   

On our safari we explore the southern Philippines and travel south of the city of Dumaguete on Negros Island. We stay in luxury accommodation at the Atmosphere Resorts & Spa among coconut plantations, mountains and the foam-scribbled ocean too. Some of the most untouched reefs we’ve ever seen are only a short boat ride away. The water is incredibly clear, offering the kind of visibility we swimmers dream of.

"Inclusive, fun people who love the joy of swimming together over colourful reefs and sharing the sea with amazing turtles, fish and beautiful coral." - Val (Philippines guest, May 2025) 

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Swims In Sulawesi  

The splayed island of Sulawesi is not as known to travellers as Bali, which is major tourist hub with developed towns and cities, edged by beach clubs, resorts, and yoga retreats. It is far less crowded and a more exciting destination for those willing to stray off the tourist track. Indonesians are mostly Muslim with a Hindi majority in Bali – local customs around swimwear vary depending on each island. 

Our Safari  

Our swims take us into the warm Celebes Sea and along the fringes of an ancient ocean basin that formed many millions of years ago. We focus mostly on the islands of the Bunaken National Park at the heart of the Coral Triangle, staying at a seafront dive resort on the mainland and riding a boat out each day for our adventure swims. The diversity of marine life may take you by surprise – expect to find yourself swimming in an unwalled aquarium.

"Wow! The marine life was 'next level'. An incredible swimming destination." - Heather (Sulawesi guest, August 2025) 

SWIM INDONESIA WITH US   

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