Hermana Mayor

Philippines , Philippines

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Hermana Mayor Island, which means "elder sister" in Spanish, is a larger island covering approximately 5.39 square kilometers (2.08 square miles) with a coastline of about 10.38 kilometers, located off Santa Cruz Municipality in Zambales Province in the South China Sea, Philippines, at coordinates 15.79°N, 119.80°E, with an elevation of about 21 meters.

The island is part of a twin-island pair with Hermana Menor (the "little sister"), and is nicknamed "Miss Universe Island" by locals because Miss Universe 1974 was held in the Philippines and the island was associated with the pageantry. Hermana Mayor features pristine white sand beaches with a long, curving sandbar that creates a small lagoon, crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling, coconut trees, and stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a preferred location for holiday retreats and water sports.

The island is a marine sanctuary with abundant corals and marine life, offering one of the most photographed shorelines in the Philippines, though it is not yet fully open to the public and remains relatively uncrowded. There are no resorts on the island, maintaining a simple "back to basics" experience with just kubo (nipa huts) and tables under the trees available, and visitors can pitch tents for free.

The island is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Santa Cruz port, with boat rental costing ₱250 round-trip for 1-8 people, and the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. An ultra-luxury private-island resort called Rosewood Hermana Mayor is currently in development with villas and residences, though its opening date has not yet been announced.