place to visit in the philippines

32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots

After visiting 69 of 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve had countless beautiful experiences in this archipelagic country of over 7,600 islands. If you’re looking for places to add to your Philippines Itinerary, then this guide is for you!

Let’s start with a list of top destinations that are both easy to reach and exceptionally beautiful. If you’re traveling to the Philippines for the first time, these are the highlights you don’t want to miss. You fit  all these places into a two-week itinerary.

Next, I’m going to share the stand-outs. They may not be as easy to get to, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re adventurous and want to see places that truly stand out.

Lastly, I’ve included a long list of popular and interesting destinations in the Philippines so you can enjoy a virtual tour of what my home country has to offer. Consider visiting if you have an extended trip planned in the Philippines or if you’re a fellow Pinoy looking for places to go on your next holiday.”

The Philippines Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in The Philippines? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in The Philippines for your bucketlist/itinerary.

5. Boracay Island & Aklan

6. balabac islands, 7. batanes islands, 9. banaue, ifugao, 14. puerto princesa, 15. iloilo & guimaras, 16. clark & pampanga, 18. cagayan de oro & beyond, 19. dumaguete & negros oriental, 20. legazpi, bicol & mayon volcano, 21. tacloban, leyte, 22. baguio & benguet, 23. subic bay, 24. tagaytay & taal volcano, 25. lake sebu, 26. laoag & ilocos norte, 27. siquijor, 28. port barton & san vicente, 29. caramoan, 30. calaguas, 31. biri islands, samar, 32. enchanted river & surigao del sur.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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Top Spots For First-Timers

Cloud 9 Boardwalk sunset in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao made its first claim to fame as the Philippines’ surfing capital, and recently as the “Best Island in the World” (awarded by Condé Nast readers for 2018).This paradise has been on my favorites list ever since my first trip to the island a decade ago. What impressed me the most were the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder that’s well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach. The main island is filled with pristine natural spots as well, including white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools & more.If you want to enjoy a laidback island lifestyle, Siargao is one of the best places that tourists can go to. You’ll find a mix of “foreign” and “local” here. It is remote yet accessible, and not too crowded despite the coming of new developments in recent years.

Location  — Surigao del Norte province, Caraga Region, Northeast Mindanao. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Located along the eastern coast of the Philippines (facing the Pacific Ocean), Siargao is best reached by air. Fly direct to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao Island from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Flight duration is 2 hours from Manila or 1 hour from Cebu. From the airport, the land trip to Cloud 9 beach, the main tourist area, takes around 45 minutes. You can also reach Siargao by taking a flight to Surigao Airport (SUG), found in mainland Mindanao. Then, hop on a 1.5-hour fastcraft ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

Siargao Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

Siargao Surfing Lessons

Siargao Island Hopping (Daily) – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Marcos at Magpupungko Rock Formation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Magpupungko Rock Formation, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 surfing, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Beach in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 beach, Siargao Island

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton Lagoons near Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Boardwalk surfers in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

See more : Siargao travel tips

Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and island views. El Nido in Palawan province will not disappoint. In terms of spectacular “over-the-water” sea views, El Nido is my favorite in the Philippines. Imagine hidden lagoons, uninhabited white sand beaches, and massive forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical waters. The “SEAnery” here rivals popular destinations in Asia like Phi Phi/Krabi Islands (Thailand) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).The experience of spending a whole day out on the islands is nothing short of incredible. The area of Bacuit Bay is spread over a large area, so spend at least two full days for the island hopping tours (Tour A & Tour C are the best).

Location  — Northern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Most travelers arrive in El Nido on a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), followed by a 5 to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town proper. If you want to skip the long land journey, fly directly to El Nido from Manila (1 hour), Cebu or Boracay-Caticlan. This is the fastest but more expensive way.

El Nido Travel Essentials

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Secret Lagoon Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan

Calitang Beach, at Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beaches, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Calitang Beach, El Nido

Overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands of El Nido from Taraw Peak, in Palawan, Philippines Overlooking El Nido from Taraw Peak

Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido

See more : El Nido travel tips

Pro-tip:  To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Philippines Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Where to stay in The Philippines:

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Recommended The Philippines Hotels:

Money-saving tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab 5% OFF hotels and 3% OFF tours/activities next time you book on Klook.

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Island Hopping in Boracay

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Cebu Ocean Park Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Photo by David Köhler .

In contrast to El Nido’s amazing “over water” views, go to Coron for spectacular underwater views. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, pristine waters, lots of marine life, and even sunken WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Don’t get me wrong, Coron can hold its own when it comes to scenic views over the water as well. This paradise is home to hidden emerald/blue lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. There’s no shortage of incredibly beautiful fine white sand beaches in Coron either.

How to go —  Coron Airport is located on the north side of Busuanga Island. Travel time by plane is around 1 hour from Manila. For adventurous travelers who want to maximize their trip in Palawan, you can travel by ferry between Coron and El Nido (mainland Palawan). Travel time is around 4 hours by fastcraft (high-speed ferry).

Coron Travel Essentials

Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour

Coron-Busuanga Airport Shuttle – Shared and Private Transfers

Coron Ultimate Tour

See more : Coron travel tips

Marcos at Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu

Cebu is the country’s #1 most visited tourist destination, and for good reason. It is unrivaled in offering the widest range of things to do and attractions. Cebu is like the “Jack of all trades” among tourist spots in the Philippines.You can enjoy scenic natural sites (waterfalls, beaches, mountain views etc.), have exciting wildlife encounters, join a colonial heritage tour, shop at some of the World’s largest malls, or indulge yourself in local food including the prized Cebu Lechon! You can do all of these easily while staying at a luxury resort in Mactan Island, centrally located hotel/airbnb in the city, or a peaceful beachfront resort in the countryside. Your choice!If that’s not enough, you can easily hop to nearby islands like Bohol, Negros (Dumaguete) or other major cities. Take full advantage of Cebu’s strategic location in Central Philippines and well-connected flight/ferry network.

Location  — Central Visayas (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Cebu-Mactan International Airport in Mactan Island serves direct flights from all major cities in the Philippines as well as international flights from Asia and North America. Flight duration is 1h30m from Manila, 3h 40m from Singapore and 2h50m from Hong Kong. From the airport, the ride to Cebu City center usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour (or more, depending on traffic conditions).

Cebu Travel Essentials

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Cebu Airport Private Transfers – for Cebu City, Mactan & more

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

Shangri-la Mactan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Shangri-la Mactan Resort, Cebu

The Heritage of Cebu Monument in Cebu City, Philippines The Heritage of Cebu Monument

Canyoneering near Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu, Philippines Kawasan-Badian Canyoneering in Cebu

Santiago Bay Beach in Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines

Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu City, Philippines Sirao Flower Garden, Cebu City

See more : Cebu travel tips

Marcos at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise. Taking center stage is 4-kilometer White Beach, prized for its incredibly inviting blue waters, fine white sand, and perfect sunsets. This island is the place to go if you want to take it easy and you’re looking forward to enjoying a tropical resort experience. As you can expect, Boracay caters to a more upscale crowd, but don’t fret, there are many budget-friendly options available.Boracay is small but packs a lot of attractions. Here you can find excellent dining, a wide variety of places to stay, souvenir shopping, and lots of fun water activities, and some nightlife all in one sandy stretch.Boracay’s White Beach is a class of its own when it comes to how fine and white the sand is. From my extensive travels in the country, there’s only one lengthy beach that has sand whiter and finer than White Beach. You can find it in the group of islands featured next on this list.

Location  — Aklan province, Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at either Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLO). From Caticlan, the ferry to Boracay only takes less than 20 minutes. Most travelers transit via Kalibo because the airport serves more airlines/flights/destinations and airfares are usually lower. The land trip from Kalibo to Caticlan tales around 1 hour.

Boracay Travel Essentials

Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay

Caticlan Airport-Boracay Hotel Shared Transfers – Shuttle+Ferry Ticket

Sunset at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Sunset view from Boracay Island

White Beach in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines White Beach, Boracay

View from Mt. Luho facing White Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Mt. Luho view

Kite surfing at Bulabog Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Boracay kite surfing

Ati-atihan Festival warriors in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan

See more : Boracay Island & Aklan travel tips

The Standouts

These places take more time to visit but are well worth the journey if you’re up for an adventure.

Onuk Island – Roughton Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

If you’re looking for the best beaches & most vibrant waters in the Philippines, look nowhere else. Balabac is worth a spot at the VERY TOP of your bucketlist.Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan. It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds. These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Yes, the sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue! The best spots you shouldn’t miss in Balabac are (1) Onuk Island & its crystal blue waters sprawling as far as the eye can see; (2) Bugsuk Island, home to the most powdery, whitest sand beach in the Philippines; and (3) the pink sand beach at Camiaran Island.

Location  — Southern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines)

How to go —  The most convenient jump-off point to the Balabac Islands is Buliluyan Port, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Palawan. From Puerto Princesa Airport (the nearest commercial airport), the land trip to Buliluyan Port takes around 5-6 hours. For a hassle-free trip, arrange your Balabac tour well ahead (before your trip) with a local tour operator. See the list and detailed travel tips at the  Balabac Travel Guide .

Punta Sebaring Beach in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Punta Sebaring Beach, Bugsuk Island, Balabac

Camiaran “Pink” Island, in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Camiaran “Pink” Island, Balabac

Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato

Sicsican Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Sicsican Island

Canabungan Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Canabungan Island

Balabac is remote and not easy to reach, which is why I don’t readily recommend the place to first-timers. You must really want to visit this place. It takes time to visit and you’ll have to let go of touristic conveniences.

Batanes, Philippines. Photo by Rexy Quieta .

Previously, many readers have asked me why I did not include Batanes as one of the best places to go in the Philippines. The answer is simple: I haven’t been there yet. It’s still on my bucketlist! But due to popular demand, I am including Batanes now. So, comment below if you have a place in mind that you think should be included! I might have to add it to my bucketlist too.Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. These remote islands are shaped by volcanic forces and strong typhoons. The natural landscape of Batanes is distinct from other parts of the Philippines. Here, you’ll find vibrant green rolling hills, grazing cows, steep seaside cliffs, sparkling clear blue waters, traditional stone houses, and iconic lighthouses.Travelers often describe its Batanes’ beauty as wild, overwhelming, and incredibly scenic. Looking at pictures and vlogs, I can see why it’s a popular choice among adventure seekers.

Location  — Cagayan Valley region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Basco Airport, located on Batan, the main island of Batanes. Travel time by plane is 2 hours from Manila or 1h40m from Clark. Airlines that fly to Batanes include Philippine Airlines and Skyjet. Flights to Batanes are a lot more expensive compared to other destinations in the Philippines. Expect regular roundtrip fares to cost upwards of P10,000.

Batanes Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Batanes-Basco Airport Shuttle – BSO Private Transfers

3 Day North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour

2 Day North Batan and South Batan Tour

Pongas Falls in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

The Philippines isn’t just all about postcard-perfect beaches. It has cool highland destinations too! If you want to be close to nature and the Philippines’ mountain culture, venture north of Manila and visit Sagada. You can find this small town high in the mist-covered Cordillera (mountain range) of Northern Luzon.Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, Sagada is most-known for the bizarre hanging coffins, a burial tradition that has survived for over 2,000 years. When in town, don’t miss the cave connection tour (Sumaging-Lumiang Cave), sunrise view from above a sea of clouds at Kiltepan Peak, the local coffee (best in PH) & hike to the many waterfalls in the area including Bomod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls.

Location  — Sagada, Mountain Province, Cordillera region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus trip to Sagada from Manila takes around 12 hours. Buses usually depart at 9pm (onwards) from Cubao, Quezon City. You can also catch a bus to Sagada from Baguio. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5-6 hours by bus.

Sagada Travel Essentials

Sumaguing Cave, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Marcos at Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

Hanging coffins at Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Sagada hanging coffins, Mountain Province

Kapay-aw Rice Terraces in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Kapay-aw Rice Terraces, Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines 041 Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada-150211-082531

See more : Sagada travel tips

Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Banaue is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, another must-see attraction in the Cordillera region. Hand-carved by the Ifugao people some 2,000 years ago, these extraordinary rice paddies are terraced like staircases for giants and follows the contours of entire mountainsides. Banaue is also the gateway to the Ifugao Rice Terraces, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.Have a memorable local experience by spending the night at a homestay in one of the small villages like Batad or Banga-an. Get immersed in the culture of the Ifugao people, wake-up to a view of the rice terraces with a hot cup of local coffee, and go on the breathtaking hike to Tappiya Waterfalls.

Location  — Ifugao province, Cordillera Region. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus journey to Banaue from Manila takes around 8-9 hours. Bus departures from Manila are in the late evening hours (8pm to 10pm). So, expect to arrive early morning. You can also reach Banaue easily from other destinations in the Cordillera region. The land journey to Banaue takes around 3 hours from Sagada and 6 hours from Baguio

Banaue Travel Essentials

Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces

Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum, in Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum

Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue in Ifugao, Philippines Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue, Ifugao

Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Bangaan Rice Terraces near Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint, in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

See more : Banaue, Ifugao travel tips

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Vigan is the best-preserved Spanish-colonial town in Asia. If you’re a lover of old cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time (to 16th-century Philippines) as you explore Vigan. This heritage city is filled with cobblestone paths, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old churches, and buildings. Get the ultimate Vigan experience by booking your room at one of the old Spanish-colonial homes.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Ilocos region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Vigan is Laoag Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila. This journey takes around 2 hours (1-hour flight duration PLUS 2-hour land trip). You can also reach Vigan by bus. The land trip takes around 8-9 hours from Manila.

Vigan Travel Essentials

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines Calle Crisologo, Vigan

See more : Vigan travel tips

Marcos at Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Iligan the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” deserves a spot on your bucketlist if you’re a lover of waterfalls (like me). This city in Northern Mindanao is home to many of the  Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls . My favorites in Iligan include (1) Tinago Falls with its incredibly enchanting blue-green pool surrounded by the rainforest, (2) Maria Cristina Falls (massive twin waterfall), and the remote (3) Limunsudan Falls (the highest two-tiered waterfall in the Philippines).

Location  — Lanao del Norte province, Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Iligan City takes around 1.5 hours.

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Limunsudan Falls, Iligan

Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City

See more : Iligan travel tips

Popular & Easy To Visit

Sharing these major flight gateways and popular tourist destinations. All of these places have their own special set of bucketlist-worthy attractions. This just goes to show that you can find beautiful spots all over the Philippines and how incredibly difficult it is to select just a few, to make this list of best places to visit. The destinations mentioned below are not listed by rank.

Marcos at Fort Santiago, in Intramuros, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila offers many attractions for travelers. Historic Intramuros is a good place to start. This walled city is filled with Spanish-era architecture including the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Meanwhile, Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are the best places to go to experience the nightlife, hip food scene, and the modern side of the city. Beat the tropical heat & shop at Manila’s massive malls. Metro Manila is home to many of the World’s largest malls including the ever-expanding Mall of Asia. Looking for a place to go near the airport? Visit the entertainment districts such as Newport City, City of Dreams, Solaire Resort, and Okada Manila.

Location  — Metro Manila capital region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway and domestic flight hub of the Philippines. The Manila-NAIA Airport is located in the cities of Pasay and Paranaque (among the 16 cities that comprise the Metro Manila area). Manila does not have a very good public transport system. For safe and easy rides around the metro, use a ride-hailing app like Grab.

Manila Travel Essentials

Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more

National Museum of Natural History in Manila City, Philippines National Museum of Natural History, Manila

Intramuros Walled City in Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines Intramuros Walled City, Manila

San Sebastian Cathedral interiors, in Metro Manila, Philippines San Sebastian Cathedral

Dusk view of Makati's skyline, from Top of the Citi by Chef jessie (rooftop bar), in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Makati Skyline at Dusk

Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines Bonifacio High Street

See more : Manila travel tips

Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is home to two of the Philippines’ most iconic attractions, often shown on tourism ads: The Chocolate Hills, and the bug-eyed Tarsier, one of the World’s smallest primates. This island in Central Philippines (near Cebu) offers so much more.In Panglao, you can stay at a nice hotel at one of the island’s many white-sand beach areas, go island hopping, enjoy diving, join an island hopping tour, and possibly have a dolphin encounter. If that’s not enough, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the pristine Loboc River, see the old Spanish-colonial heritage churches, Can-umantad waterfalls, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, and remote Anda White Beach.If you plan to visit Cebu, then Bohol should be on your bucketlist too as you can easily see most of Bohol’s major tourist spots on a one-day tour from Cebu City.

How to go —  Touchdown at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which serves direct flights from Manila, Clark, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Travel time from Manila to Bohol is 1 hour by plane. You can also go by ferry from Cebu. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is around 2 hours by fastcraft ferry.

Bohol Travel Essentials

Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Bohol Private Car Charter

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Dumaluan Beach in Bolod, Panglao Island, Philippines Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by Michelle Simtoco Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

Doljo Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Can-Umantad Falls in Candijay, Bohol, Philippines Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

See more : Bohol travel tips

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa is the capital and major flight gateway in Palawan. If you’re visiting El Nido, then Puerto Princesa, “The City in the Forest,” is worth a stopover. Start with a trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River, the 2nd longest navigable underground river in the world, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and New7Wonders of Nature. Then, spend a day beach bumming and snorkeling on an island hopping tour around Honda Bay. Don’t leave without going on the city tour and feasting on fresh seafood.

Location  — Central Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Puerto Princesa is 1.5 hours southwest of Manila by plane. Princesa International Airport serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Clark, and Davao. You can also go by ferry from Manila or Iloilo (on the RORO ferry-bus).

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Philippines Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River

Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa

Kinabuch's Seafood dinner, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philipines Kinabuch's, Puerto Princesa City

See more : Puerto Princesa travel tips

Journey to Heaven, at Garin Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo

This is my home, Iloilo! Located at the country’s geographical center, Iloilo is also known as the “Heart of the Philippines.” It is famous for its well-preserved heritage sites, distinct native cuisine, cheap seafood, and pristine natural sites.Bustling yet relaxed Iloilo City is one of the most livable cities in the country. A highly urbanized city that’s keen on preserving its cultural and natural heritage. Within an hour’s travel from the city center, you can find yourself along a peaceful beach in Guimaras Island, home to the World’s sweetest mangoes. Head to the islands of Gigantes, Sicogon, and Concepcion to see the stunning seascapes of Northern Iloilo. A drive to the south takes you to centuries-old Spanish-colonial churches including the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Iloilo, you can also go on a land trip to other provinces in Panay Island — Antique, Capiz (Roxas City), and Aklan (Boracay).

Location  — Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Iloilo Airport, which serves direct flights from/to major airports in the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore. Travel time to Iloilo by plane is 1h15m from Manila and 50m from Cebu. The airport also serves direct flights from/to Davao, Clark, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Iloilo Travel Essentials

Bacolod-Iloilo OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Iloilo Airport-Iloilo City Hotel Shuttle – ILO Private and Shared Transfers

Gigantes Islands Day Tour from Iloilo City

Calle Real in Iloilo City, Philippines Calle Real in Iloilo City

Tangke Lagoon in Gigantes Sur Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Tangke Lagoon, Gigantes, Iloilo

Tatlong Pulo Beach in Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines Tatlong Pulo, Guimaras

Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines Miagao Church, Iloilo

Balvan View in Tubungan, Iloilo, Philippines Balvan View, Tubungan, Iloilo

See more : Iloilo & Guimaras travel tips

Puning Hot Springs in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Located within a 2-3 hour drive north of Manila, Clark Airport is a major flight hub and alternative international gateway to the Philippines. Clark is a rapidly developing tourist destination and economic zone. It’s home to Aqua Planet Waterpark, PH’s largest waterpark, and other themed attractions such as Dinosaur Island. From Clark, you can enjoy a heritage tour of nearby Angeles City and sample the famous food of Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.Clark is also a popular jump-off point to explore the Central Luzon provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. The best things to do in this region include the (1) offroad adventure to Puning Hot Springs, (2) Mount Pinatubo summit crater trek, (3) Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar heritage resort, (4) Zambales’ scenic beaches, (5) Subic Bay, and the (6) surfing town of Baler.

Location  — Clark Freeport, Pampanga region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Clark Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Because of its location near Manila, it often serves as an alternative to congested Manila-NAIA Airport. Travel time from Manila to Clark is around 2-3 hours. Clark Airport is located within Clark Freeport Zone, which occupies part of Angeles City, Pampanga. The drive between Clark Airport & Angeles City center takes around 20 minutes.

Clark Travel Essentials

Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket

Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark

Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket

Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy

Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City, Pampanga

Aqua Planet in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines Aqua Planet, Clark

Marcos at Mount Pinatubo crater lake in Central Luzon, Philippines Mount Pinatubo crater lake, Philippines

See more : Clark & Pampanga travel tips

Isla Reta beachfront in Talucud Island, Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Considering a trip to Southern Philippines? Start with Davao City, the largest urban center in Mindanao. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the PH’s tallest mountain, this sprawling metropolis is where you can meet the great Philippine Eagle, get a taste of the infamous Durian fruit, and enjoy day trips to refreshing natural sites like Eden Nature Park and Samal Island. Of course, it is also the gateway to beautiful spots in Davao region and Mindanao.Samal Island is easily reached by ferry from Davao City. Enjoy a luxury stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, famous for its waterfront stilt cottages, or wander to the peaceful beaches of Talikud Island.

Location  — Davao region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Davao Airport is the busiest airport in Mindanao. Travel time by plane from Manila to Davao is 2 hours. From Davao Airport, it typically takes 30 minutes to get to Davao City center.

Davao Travel Essentials

Davao (DVO) Airport to Hotel/City Private Transfer

Davao 24hr COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing

Davao COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

Philippine Eagle Center, Davao City, Philippines Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

Eden Nature Park city view, in Davao City, Philippines Davao City view from Eden Nature Park

Jack's Ridge in Davao City, Philippines Jack's Ridge, Davao City

Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines Monfort Bat Colony, Samal Island

See more : Davao travel tips

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Cagayan de Oro, the largest city in Northern Mindanao, is dubbed as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines”. This city is famous for its white water river rafting, river tubing, paragliding, nature parks. Cagayan de Oro is also a convenient hub for tourists visiting the majestic waterfalls of Iligan, scenic sites of Camiguin Island, and cool attractions of Bukidnon province.

Location  — Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Cagayan de Oro City takes around 1 hour.

Cagayan de Oro Travel Essentials

Seven Seas Waterpark Ticket in Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines High Ridge, Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon, Philippines Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines White Island, Camiguin

See more : Cagayan de Oro & beyond travel tips

Swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, in Dauin, Oriental Negros, Philippines

Extremely chill Dumaguete is the jump-off point to Apo Island. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucketlist, one of the best places to go is Apo Island, a protected marine sanctuary with sprawling coral gardens. From Dumaguete, you can also visit Siquijor Island and the many waterfalls, lakes & mountain resorts of Negros Oriental province.

Location  — Negros Oriental province, Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Dumaguete Airport is about an hour south of Manila by plane. You can also fly directly from Cebu. The flight only takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get to Dumaguete by bus+ferry from Cebu. The bus+ferry journey takes around 6 hours.

Dumaguete Travel Essentials

Manjuyod Sandbar and Twin Lakes Tour

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip

Twin Lakes Natural Park with Dumaguete City Tour

Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines Siliman University, Dumaguete City

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Oriental Negros Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

Dumaguete Boulevard at night, in Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros, Philippines Dumaguete Boulevard at night

See more : Dumaguete & Negros Oriental travel tips

Daraga Church & Mayon Volcano view from Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

Legazpi is perhaps the most photogenic city in the Philippines. Here, the skyline view is dominated by Mayon Volcano, recognized as the World’s “perfect” cone-shaped volcano.Legazpi serves as the gateway to Bicol, a region famous for the whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon, gorgeous islands of Caramoan (Camarines Sur), and Calaguas (Camarines Norte), Misibis Bay Resort, and of course, delicious Bicolano dishes (Bicol Express!).

Location  — Albay province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way to get to Legazpi is by air. Flight duration to Legazpi Airport is 1 hour from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can also reach Legazpi by bus from Manila. The land trip takes around 9 to 12 hours.

Legazpi Travel Essentials

Cagsawa Ruins & Mayon Volcano in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga

Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins, Albay

See more : Legazpi, Bicol & Mayon Volcano travel tips

San Juanico Bridge in Leyte-Samar, Philippines

Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, is home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines and as the site of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur’s landing, a monumental event during WWII.Eastern Visayas is a region blessed with many of the Philippines’ most awe-inspiring natural sights including Kalanggaman Island’s insanely beautiful sandbar, the incredible rock formations of Biri Island, majestic waterfalls of Samar and alluring Sambawan Island in Biliran province.

Location  — Leyte province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Tacloban-Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which serves direct flights from/to Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Travel time from Manila to Tacloban is 1.5 hours by flight. From Tacloban Airport, the ride to the downtown area takes 15 minutes only.

Tacloban Travel Essentials

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

MacArthur Park in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines MacArthur Park

Sohoton Caves National Park in Basey, Samar, Philippines Sohoton Caves National Park

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines Kalanggaman Island

Tinago Falls in Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines Tinago Falls, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines Sambawan Island

See more : Tacloban, Leyte travel tips

Wright Park in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Visit the Philippines’ summer capital. Baguio City offers a cool climate, urban comforts, pine-filled parks and an exciting food scene. There are a lot of fun day trips beyond the city as well such as the La Trinidad strawberry fields and flower farms in Benguet.

Location  — Benguet province, Cordillera region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Land travel to Baguio is approximately 5-6 hours from Manila, 6 hours from Banaue, and 5-6 hours from Sagada.

Baguio Travel Essentials

La Trinidad strawberry fields in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines La Trinidad strawberry fields near Baguio

Flower farms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines Atok flower farms, Benguet

Camp John Hay Golf Course in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Camp John Hay Golf Course, Baguio

Burnham Park Lake in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Burnham Park Lake, Baguio City

Bell Church in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Bell Church, Baguio City

See more : Baguio & Benguet travel tips

Subic Bay beachfront, near Olongapo City, Zambales

Subic Bay is a popular destination for themed attractions and natural sites. Subic’s top tourist spots include the Pamulaklakin Nature Park, Boardwalk Park, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Inflatable Island & duty-Free shopping malls.

Location  — Zambales province, Central Luzon region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The land trip to Subic takes around 2-4 hours from Manila or 1.5 hours from Clark. Aside from buses/shuttle that go directly to Subic, you can also get on buses bound for Olongapo (Zamables). Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a short 10-minute ride away from the bus terminal in Olongapo.

Subic Bay Travel Essentials

Zoobic Safari Admission Ticket in Subic

Ocean Adventure Admission Ticket in Subic Bay

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass

See more : Subic Bay travel tips

Taal Volcano view from Tagaytay Twin Lakes in Batangas-Cavite, Philippines

Tagaytay is a popular go-weekend vacation spot near Manila? Go on a 2-3 hour drive to Tagaytay, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and see the iconic view of the highly active Taal Volcano.Taal Volcano is famous for Vulcan Point, the world’s largest island within a lake (Crater Lake) that is situated on an island (Volcano Island/Taal Island) located in a lake (Lake Taal) within an island (Luzon) in the Pacific Ocean.

Location  — Cavite-Batangas provinces, Southern Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  You can find Tagataytay-bound buses at Cubao, Buendia or Pasay in Metro Manila. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours depending on the pace of traffic. Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle van from EGI Mall near the LRT Gil Puyat Station.

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

Sky Ranch Tagaytay Ride-All-You-Can Day Pass

Paradizoo Admission Ticket in Tagaytay

Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila

See More of the Philippines

Lily Flower Blooms in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

One of my favorite highland destinations in the Philippines is Lake Sebu, the homeland of the T’boli people. This peaceful town in Mindanao offers a cool mountain climate, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic lake views. When in Lake Sebu, do not miss the 7 Falls Zipline. It’s one of the tallest in Asia and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Sebu’s seven waterfalls. Enjoy an early morning canoe ride to see the fields of blooming lotus greet the sunrise.

Location  — South Cotabato province,Soccsksargen region, Mindanao Island (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  General Santos Airport is around two hours by plane from Manila or around 1 hour from Cebu or Iloilo. Land travel from General Santos to Lake Sebu takes 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, can book a flight to Davao Airport go on a 2 to 3-hour land trip to General Santos.

Lake Sebu Travel Essentials

Hikong Bente (2nd Falls) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Hikong Bente (2nd Falls), Lake Sebu

Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Punta Isla Lake Resort, Lake Sebu

See more : Lake Sebu travel tips

Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Ilocos Norte and its capital city, Laoag, is one of the Philippines’ top heritage destinations. See the Paoay Church, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and many other exquisite Spanish-colonial churches. Go farther north to find the iconic windmills, beautiful beaches, surfing, and coastal landscapes in Pagudpud and Burgos.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to Ilocos Norte. Laoag Airport is an hour north of Manila by plane. You can also reach Laoag by land from different areas in Luzon. The land trip to Laoag is around 9 hours from Manila.

Laoag Travel Essentials

Kapurpurawan White Rock in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Kapurpurawan White Rock

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Bangui Windmills

See more : Laoag & Ilocos Norte travel tips

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, Philippines

Hop on a ferry from Dumaguete & wander around the mystical island of Siquijor. This island province is famous for its stunning beach coves, waterfalls, and as a home of mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers/Filipino witches).

Location  — Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila and Cebu. From Dumaguete Pier, ride one of the frequent ferries to Siquijor. Travel time by fastcraft (high-speed ferry) is 50 minutes. You can also reach Siquijor on a direct ferry from Cebu or Bohol.

Siquijor Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Philippines Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Lazi Church in Siquijor, Philippines Lazi Church, Siquijor

See more : Siquijor travel tips

Bato Ni Ning Ning in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

Port Barton is a quiet beachside village in the town of San Vicente. It is popular among backpackers and travelers who want to experience a relaxed rural atmosphere. Here, you can go about and explore many pristine offshore islands and venture to Long Beach in San Vicente Town Proper, reputedly the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. San Vicente/Port Barton is located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, in mainland Palawan.

Location  — San Vicente, Northern Palawan province, Palawan province, MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way is by flying directly to the new San Vicente Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From San Vicente Airport / Poblacion, you can charter a boat to get to Port Barton. Travel time by boat takes around 1 hour. You can also go by land from other spots in Palawan Island. Travel time to San Vincente takes around 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa, 2.5-3 hours from El Nido or 1-1.5 hours from Roxas Bus Terminal.

San Vicente Travel Essentials

Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour)

Port Barton Beach at dusk, in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Port Barton Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Maxima Island in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Maxima Island, San Vicente, Palawan

San Vicente Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines San Vicente Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Marcos at Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines

Caramoan rose to fame when the islands became the location of TV reality show “Survivor.” It was featured multiple times not only by Survivor US, but also various international editions of the franchise. After you’ve seen Caramoan, it’s not hard to see why. The islands are blessed with towering limestone cliffs that serve as the perfect backdrop of hidden lagoons and crowdless white sand beaches.

Location  — Camarines Sur province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur province is the jump-off point to Caramoan. Travel time to Sabang Port by car is 1 hour from Naga City (Naga-Pili Airport) or 3 hours from Legazpi City (Legazpi-Bicol Airport). From Sabang Port, ride a local ferry to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Guijalo, the land trip to Caramoan town proper takes around 30 minutes. From Caramoan town proper, the islands are accessible on whole day island hopping tours.

Caramoan Travel Essentials

Caramoan Islands view from Matudak Island in Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

Lahos Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Lahos Island, Camarines Sur

Tayak Beach in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Tayak Beach, Camarines Sur

Caramoan Church (St. Micheal de Archangel Parish Church) in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Church, Camarines Sur

Mahabang Buhang Beach in Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island is perhaps the only beach in Northern Philippines that can rival the likes of Boracay and the best beaches in Palawan when it comes to powdery fine white sand. Despite its remote location in Camarines Norte, it has risen as one of the top places to visit among beach campers and adventure-seeking tourists. The beachfront is shy of one kilometer in length and has a sprawling view of unbelievably turquoise blue and crystal clear waters.

Location  — Vinzons, Camarines Norte province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The main jump-off points to Calaguas Island is are the towns of Paracale and Vinzons in Camarines Norte province. From Manila, the land journey to Paracale/Vinzons takes around 8-9 hours. Paracale is the nearer gateway to Calaguas Island. Travel time by ferry from Paracale to Calaguas is around 2 hours. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Naga-Pili Airport (WNP), which is a 2-hour drive away from Paracale/Vinzons.

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines

Biri is one of my all-time favorite “off the beaten path” adventures in the Philippines. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this remote island is home to awe-inspiring rock formations carved over time by nature. Scramble up to one of the peaks for an awe-inspiring view of raging sea waves crashing over the rugged landscape.

Location  — Northern Samar province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Biri is Catarman Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From Catarman Airport, you’ll first need to go on a 1-hour land trip to Lavezares Port, the main jump-off point to Biri Islands. From Lavezares Port, hop on a ferry to Biri. The sea crossing takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, it’s possible to reach Biri from Calbayog Airport or Tacloban Airport. Travel time by land from Tacloban to Lavezares is 6 hours.

Bel-at Rock Formation sunset view, in Biri, Samar, Philippines Bel-at Rock Formations, Biri

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines Magasang Rock Formation, Biri

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Endless stretches of white-sand beaches, not your only image of a perfect island getaway? Surigao del Sur province has many extraordinary sights for the off-beat traveler. See the majestic Tinuy-an Falls and bizarre Hinatuan Enchanted River, a magically clear, deep blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

Location  — Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province, Caraga region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The Enchanted River is located in the coastal town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The nearest airports are Butuan Airport and Davao Airport. Travel time by bus to Hinatuan is around 4 hours from Butuan and 5 hours from Davao. From Hinatuan town proper, the trip to the Enchanted River takes around 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Philippines

Click below & search recommended Philippines hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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August 20, 2015 at 7:12 pm

Thank you for Iligan :) will share!

August 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm

Waterfalls are my weakness. Plus points for the likes of Tinago, where you can enjoy the swimming in the natural pool, and not just appreciate them from a distance. Thanks for dropping by Rain!

August 21, 2015 at 7:20 am

Thank You for featuring Iloilo! The food. The ambiance. It’s a sanctuary! ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:24 pm

My pleasure Jae. More people should discover and explore Iloilo.

August 21, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Should include Batanes in your bucketlist.. ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:22 pm

It already is! I would have included Batanes on this list if I had gone there already. For the next update, I think I’ll be needing help from my travel buddies to convince people why Batanes is worth a go.

August 22, 2015 at 1:02 pm

I definitely agree about Batanes! This may help do some convincing – http://theroadtoneverland.com/the-batanes-great-spaces-list/ :)

February 4, 2016 at 5:27 pm

I’ve been dreaming of going to Batanes too =)

January 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

I agree. Batanes should be included. Its the most serene and lovely place to go that if you want a peaceful day away from all office tension this is the right place. Not much for food though but the place and people – I’m all thumbs up! Highly recommended!

August 21, 2015 at 1:48 pm

Thanks for featuring Surigao ? You have to visit Turtle Island too in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, with its white beaches, clear sea water, cave, smaller islets around it and its beautiful scenery at the top of it. Brittania beach is so cool too .

August 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm

I love Surigao. Can’t get enough of surfing in Siargao and the lagoons of Sohoton. Thanks for the suggestions. I really want to visit more places in the eastern coast of mainland Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

August 21, 2015 at 5:17 pm

Boracay Island? i know its not that much of a paradise anymore but i think it does deserve to be on this list

August 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm

I will be including Boracay on the next update. Boracay is a rare beauty not only in the PH, but across the globe.

August 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm

Thanks much for including my hometown SAGADA… Have you been to Bumod-ok Falls? ??? Good luck and God bless!

August 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm

Yes, Bumod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls. I <3 Sagada. Thanks Gamay!

August 22, 2015 at 12:45 am

Hello, Best post I have read from browsing FB today! Have gone visited half, obviously there are still more! Keep on traveling and sharing! It really is more fun in the Phils! :) -kathy

August 22, 2015 at 1:49 am

Love your article. Grew up in Baguio City. Was hoping to see Baguio as one of the list. I guess the City had lost its charm.

August 22, 2015 at 4:53 am

You haven’t been to Antique(san jose, antique. In there we have beaches such as malalison beach. We call the virgin island. Malumpati beach, sira an spring in anini-y antique and many more.

March 1, 2017 at 11:49 am

Nice place Antique.. Mauli gid ako sa Antique Ma’am

August 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

August 22, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Nice compilation and awesome pictures! ;)

August 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm

I had an opportunity to visit the Philippines and I only had a week to stay. I chose Boracay. I had the most wonderful and transformative experience there. Not only was it beyond beautiful with countless experiences to be had, the people were some of the friendliest I’ve experienced in my world travels. I have befriended some and keep contact even now. I’d like to thank Marcos for this glimpse at some of what the country has to offer and beautiful photos. I personally now consider the Philippines to be a home away from home and thank the people there for embracing me. Everything is better in the Philippines. ^_^

August 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm

This is a beautifully presented blog. I have traveled the Philippines quite extensively back in the day but obviously, there’s a whole lot more to see, pick up souvenirs and create memories.

August 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm

thank you for bicol:) i think you should also visit calaguas islands in camarines norte its so beautiful.

August 28, 2015 at 9:39 pm

My pleasure Michelle. I’ve been to Calaguas and it’s way up my list of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches :)

September 3, 2015 at 12:19 pm

I have been to CDO a lot but didn’t make time for Ma. Cristina falls and Tinago falls. Regret! Should make time next time :)

September 12, 2015 at 10:11 am

Good Job, Marcos… nice one. i love it. Thanks…

September 12, 2015 at 5:50 pm

How about syquijor marcos?

September 14, 2015 at 5:01 am

5 down 6 more to go! Gigantes sur Island is sexy!!! Im gonna share this to all of my friends around the world, it’s more fun in the Philippines indeed!! Thanks for the great post sir!

October 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm

So fascinated with the places you’ve pinned on your blog. Visited four places out of eleven.

Please visit Cagayan Valley,too.

We have plenty of waterfalls, lagoon and jaw-dropping cave esp the Bluewater Cave.

November 21, 2015 at 10:05 am

Hey Marcos,

Greetings from the USA. I am a solo traveler going back into the Philippines February 2k16 for a couple of months. I will be visiting: Cebu, Camotes, Bantanyan, Apo, Palawan and then I will head into Thailand (4 my 4th time there).

Do you have any information on the conditions in Camotes and Bantanyan? I have been scouring the blogs but cannot find out current conditions of these islands. Have they recuperated from the typhoons?

Happy trails, Gregg

November 21, 2015 at 11:40 am

I actually visited Bantayan in Cebu earlier this year. The island is a good place as any to visit. The resorts have recovered from any (recent) typhoons. I haven’t gone to Camotes yet, but I’d go out on a limb and say that the resorts there are operating normally, too.

November 23, 2015 at 1:17 pm

What was the Overall Cost of all trips? Or separately cost of each destination? I just want to see what an estimate of the cost would be for all 11. Thank you!

November 30, 2015 at 7:24 am

If you are near the Romblon Province… you are welcome on Sibuyan Island…the Galapagos of Asia Enjoy 100% pure nature…

February 16, 2016 at 3:53 am

Batanes should be on this list! Much more so than the other places in this list! It’s so weird that it was not included. I had to re-read the list to make sure I just didn’t miss it.

February 16, 2016 at 11:49 am

Pangasinan is also an easy to go for first timers. We have lots of beaches there and tourist spots including Hundred Islands. ?

February 25, 2016 at 2:23 am

Very nice to see Dumaguete in the list :-) Kind Regards

PS: I like your picture plug-in for the small images. would you mid sharing which one you use?

February 25, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Rhoody ^_^

It’s a premium plug-in called is “Justified Image Grid.’

March 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

Awesome and really helpful article you wrote. Came across your article while searching for Gigantes island. You basically gave me so many ideas on where to take my family when we get there in the next few months! P.S. You should check out Sipalay, Negros Occidental out too and try and head over to Danugan Island Sanctuary – http://www.danjuganisland.ph/ – yes it’s not waterfalls but on the way to Sipalay, you can make a stop over at Mag-aso Falls somewhere in Kabankalan City

Have fun travelling! Maria

April 19, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for sharing this ideas, last yr we visited Calaguas..3 days are not enough to explore all the breathtaking scenery from that place. love it and its really a good place to hideaway and relax. thank u my khush also

April 28, 2016 at 4:55 am

Lovely places.. thanks for listing them. i’m going to visit the Philippines by the end of this year with my better half. i think this is perfect guide.

May 1, 2016 at 4:02 am

Please visit Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

May 1, 2016 at 8:49 am

I’ve already been to Aliwagwag! It was very beautiful. I’ve included it on my list of must-visit waterfalls in the Philippines .

May 2, 2016 at 10:59 pm

Can you suggest a 4 days tour in bangkok thailand beside visiting the temples,floating market.thanks

May 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Hey Jessica :) You can find my Thailand blogs, guides, and travel tips on this link: https://www.detourista.com/x/search/network/?q=thailand

May 27, 2016 at 11:20 am

Thanks for spending your time traveling around our country and giving people ideas what we can offer here it will helps our tourism industry and most of all thanks for featuring my home city Iloilo.

June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm

Hello there,

How long did you spend on each island and in the Phillipines in total?

June 27, 2016 at 10:52 am

I live in the Philippines and I visited these places on different trips. Visiting the highlights on each stop on the list should take 3-5 days. Many of these places are located in the same (big) islands like Luzon and Mindanao :)

August 16, 2016 at 10:02 pm

Been to awesome Palawan… next is Bicol… Good article man…

August 17, 2016 at 6:47 am

Thanks Armando! Bicol is beautiful, make sure to visit Calaguas or Caramoan Islands if you want to visit beaches. Of course, don’t miss the view of Mayon Volcano and enjoy the delicious food in Bicol.

September 7, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Great tips. Traveling in June 2017 with 4 adult kids. A lot of the activities esp in Palawan and Cebu are for divers. We aren’t divers but my adult kids are active and me not so much due to aches and pains. Will we find a happy medium in going to Coron, El Nido, Bohol? We enjoy good food and wouldn’t mind some time for pampering.

September 24, 2016 at 2:50 am

Cool Theresa! You can enjoy a lot in those places even if you are not divers. In Coron, for example, you can already see the rich marine life just on a snorkeling/island hopping tour. There are also a lot of amazing places to see & experience above water.

September 10, 2016 at 9:43 am

Hi there i am in cebu now. What would be the best circuit to go for flow here to see some of these cool place ? I wanna surf to buy at present no swell so thought if start a citcuit for a couple of weeks then hit the surf island Should i start with palawan? Or would there be an easy flow direction from cebu? Cheers Prem

September 24, 2016 at 2:48 am

Hello Prim! If you want the best surfing, go to Siargao. There’s a direct Cebu-Siargao flight by Cebu Pacific. To go to Palawan, you need to go back to Cebu by plane & take another flight to Puerto Princesa. If it were me, I would visit Siargao first & then do a more chill trip in Palawan.

November 21, 2016 at 11:06 pm

Thanks for sharing these places! Palawan looks beautiful. And Illocos looks very interesting! Ive written them down for when i go to the Philippines x

November 29, 2016 at 2:32 pm

Thanks for the comment Stephanie. Have fun on your future trips in PH!

January 7, 2017 at 1:52 pm

I’m glad South Cotabato and Northern Mindanao are featured in your list. As someone who’s living here in Mindanao, we’re proud of our tourist spots and beautiful natural resources.

January 8, 2017 at 6:43 am

Thanks for the comment Ana. I love visiting these places :) I had gone to more places in South Cotabato and North Mindanao recently. There are a lot more places to visit in the area :D

May 20, 2017 at 8:25 am

After our tour in iloilo city and Boracay , other towns in Panay island would be another bests. See a real MUMMY in Casanayan for the first time, swim in Dayhagan beach, see the biggest bell in Asia, be amazed of the tallest Marian image in Asia found in Pilar, the very high statue of sacred heart and seafood in Roxas city, the Kawa bath in Antique, the caves and super big acacia trees and waterfalls in Pilar, Sicogon island and Gigantes island . all of these are in Panay island ,3 hour bus ride from iloilo city..

May 29, 2017 at 11:31 am

What about Borocay? How does it compare to the places listed above?

May 29, 2017 at 10:59 pm

Boracay is beautiful & one of the top spots in the Philippines. It’s one of the best places to visit for vacationers. You might want to check out this list of the best beaches in the Philippines to compare with other island destinations in the country.

June 8, 2017 at 2:11 am

Why didn’t you include Batanes? Its so beautiful to miss it?

June 8, 2017 at 2:52 am

Check out this list! https://www.detourista.com/guide/philippines-best-beaches/

June 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Love Philippines!!

June 17, 2017 at 3:30 pm

I like this side. I want to visit .

June 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

awesome blog! Just wanna ask what camera and lenses you used on those lovely photos.

June 27, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Glad you like my photo Sean :)

They were taken on different trips over the last decade or so, haha. I’ve used different cameras (& lenses) but mainly these: Nikon D5000 Panasonic Lumix DSLM Sony A6000

Many photos on my blog are also taken with a mobile phone: Huawei P9

November 6, 2017 at 3:19 am

Wat would be the cost for solo trip for 5 days

November 17, 2017 at 10:19 pm

It depends on what places you want to visit, activities & hotel rates. Generally, a backpacker-friendly budget in the Philippines is around USD 20-50 or PHP 1000-2500 per day.

Check out these posts to get an idea of the costs of traveling in the Philippines: El Nido Travel Guide Blog Boracay Travel Guide Blog

November 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

Interesting list but I would have to say that my first reaction when I was browsing through the places on the list was to disagree. However upon reading the article thats when I noticed that the list would Be for first time travelers who would like to start discovering beautiful places in the Philippines. I guess A more descriptive title would be better for this article. But interesting list.

November 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm

Thank you Blanne. The Philippines has so many beautiful spots to offer beyond these places listed. They are definitely worth seeking.

You’re right, I wrote this article keeping the ease of traveling to & around these spots in mind.

If you have destinations that you think should be on the article, I and my readers would appreciate including them on your next comment :)

November 24, 2017 at 4:36 am

How many days do you suggest to visit Philippines?

November 24, 2017 at 7:18 am

Depends on how many places you want to visit. Two to four week will be enough to visit the highlights. Or, at least 2 to 5 days per destination.

May 1, 2018 at 5:37 pm

Sir whats better to visit in Kalibo, cebu,davao or puerto princesa or legaspi?I went to corn boracay dumaguete and bohol already

May 3, 2018 at 12:08 am

Hi Sweet, I recommend that you go to Palawan!

September 8, 2018 at 4:51 pm

Hi… Can I asked what hotel in Baguio city and in palawan most expensive and worth it to stay..thank you

September 19, 2018 at 1:53 am

Hey Rosie. You can check the list of hotels here . Just enter your travel dates, sort the results by the highest guest reviews, and use the price/star rating filter.

September 11, 2018 at 11:59 pm

Hi, when having to choose to add days somewhere to stay longer you would go with Cebu/Bohol are or Palawan? :)

September 19, 2018 at 2:08 am

It depends on what kind of places you want to visit. For the best beaches & islands, go for Palawan (esp. El Nido and Coron). Explore more of Palawan if you want to visit more off-beat beaches and islands. If you want to have a more diverse experience, extend your trip in Cebu/Bohol (food, waterfalls, heritage sites, urban comforts etc.)

December 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

Totally agree with your list. Having Cebu and Bohol on your top 3 list is indeed the right thing. Palawan is the most popular to me in terms of local and foreign tourists that visits the place and Cebu as the second best places in your list is indeed correct, for me, and I also agree with your number 3. All in all, I agree with your list. These are indeed the best places in Philippines that every tourists shouldn’t miss

January 17, 2019 at 2:49 am

Thank you for this information I’ve enjoyed reading all your advise . We are a couple in our 50’s hoping to spend 3 weeks in the Philippines soon thinking of port Barton, El I do , Bohol what do you think ? Than you

January 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Yes, those are good choices! From El Nido, you can take the ferry to Coron as well. From Bohol, you can continue your trip to Dumaguete & Siquijor Island.

January 24, 2019 at 1:31 am

If I have one week to visit the Philipines, what places do you recommend me to go?

January 24, 2019 at 4:00 am

You can maybe limit to one, two or three places on the list. A good combination would be, Cebu & Palawan.

February 26, 2019 at 3:58 pm

What a fantastic, informative post with beautiful pictures! I am considering an 8 day visit in April and am trying to figure out where to go so this is very helpful. I’d love to see beautiful beaches and the whale shark, maybe the Tarsiers too. Any suggestions on where I could go and the order to go in? Thank you!!

March 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm

With 8 days, I recommend that you limit the no. destinations to 2 or 3 spots. I suggest Palawan and Cebu.

In Palawan, you can either go to Coron… or do the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route.

From Cebu, you can base at Cebu City and visit Bohol / South Cebu on day trips.

Enjoy the Philippines!

April 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Marcos, i just want to thank you for the awesome info you’ve provided through your pages. I’m heading to the Philippines in a few weeks for fourteen nights, i’m still quite confused regarding where to spend my time but i’m sure that once i look closer at all you have shared that i will be able to make my destination choices and thoroughly enjoy my time!

April 26, 2019 at 11:49 am

Hi Jason, you can start planning by including Palawan (El Nido and/or Coron) and then add more places that pique your interest. Enjoy the Philippines!

June 30, 2019 at 1:02 pm

Wow, that’s an awesome compilation of the best things to do in the Philippines! I’ll definitely share it as a reference with our readers, both travelers and local organizers. Thanks!

July 3, 2019 at 11:09 am

I’ve been to these places especially in most part of Mindanao and it’s such a rare beauty. That’s why whenever my friends would invite me to visit nearby countries in asia, I always tell them to finish exploring the Philippines first because there are literally thousands of places to visit and enjoy. It’s more fun in the Philippines, indeed :)

July 4, 2019 at 11:18 pm

I am so looking forward to reading this in more depth and checking out all the links, before my first trip to the Philippines at Christmas time

August 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Its nice have a safe trip always! share more adventures

August 24, 2019 at 2:50 pm

why have’nt you included Leyte or Southern Leyte two of the most interesting historic areas of the phlippines with tons of interesting stories from the second world war and the adventures of Marco Polo

August 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm

Actually, Phillipines is one of the places in my Bucket list which I have not explored yet. I love the city of Phillipines and the places you shared are so beautiful and so amazing. I really wish that someday I will visit this city as soon as possible. I just fall in love with these places. Thank you so much for this great post.

December 3, 2019 at 5:36 pm

From your article stating Palawan and Puerto Princesa at the very top of your best of list of the Philippines, we went extra to these two places to start our trip. What a shame and a big waste of money! Why not mention that Puerto Princesa, Palawan and particularly El Nido are overpriced tourist traps? How about giving a clear account of the greediness of the hotels, guesthouse and restaurants owners for such a low quality of service and infrastructure? (compared to over places in Asia). You do give an extensive list of nicer places in your article but saying that Palawan is the must destination is a big lie. If you want to be honest and help travelers, then weight your arguments, tell that what is special on Palawan is the island hoping and lagoons, for which the boat tours have a cost as well. And if you want to boost these places for some hidden interest of yours, at least be honest and give a realistic account of the prices and quality of services for each place you present. Thank you

January 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

Hi Elodie! That is exactly my difficulty choosing where to go.. I am going for the first time to Philippines and i am really excited. However i only have 8 days this time as I am going to do a yoga teaching for a month right after.

my question is: If you are first time travelling to Philippines and have only 8 days should I do 1. Port Barton and el Nido or 2. Siargao ?

I am a lot into exploring and ideally less crowded more paradise like. I dont need any ‘luxury’ and I am going by my self end of Feb. any suggestions?

I know El Nido/Coron is like ‘THE’ place but i am not sure about how busy and tourity it might feel nowdays. In the other side Siargao seems really nice but not sure if the beauty would compare to el Nido.

thoughts please? :)

February 1, 2020 at 9:56 pm

Siargao is beautiful too. You can visit Sohoton Lagoons/Bucas Grande Island, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in the Philippines.

December 7, 2019 at 8:59 pm

Thanks for a great article. The Philippines is such an underrated country! I fell in love with the place on my first visit in 2014. I even met my wife in Manila.

December 30, 2019 at 6:37 pm

Amazing info! Question – how wheelchair friendly is Palawan, Manila & Cebu? My fiancé is quite mobile – he can around easily but he’s still in a wheelchair. I know it’s hard to say but is difficult yet do-able or completely forget it and don’t go?

December 31, 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi Terry. It’s definitely doable :)

January 24, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Hello Marcos,

Loved your article! I have two weeks in Philippines and I am flying in to Manila from Bali and onward to Hong Kong. I have only booked tickets from A-B-C .. and not inter city flights. I am planning to do Palawan -el nido, coron, Cebu and Bohol in central and sagada and rice fields in north. so my question- it a best option to come back to manila to catch flight to Hong kong or do you suggest to fly out from any other destination? .Thank you

February 1, 2020 at 10:00 pm

You can consider the direct flights to Hong Kong from Cebu or Puerto Princesa (Palawan) as well.

Here’s a route you can take:

Manila (+Sagada/Banaue) Clark to Palawan (Coron or Puerto Princesa) Flight Palawan to Cebu flight Cebu to Hong Kong flight

February 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm

Wishing to see the true natural beauty of Northern Mindanao;) Extremely loving places just like the article.

February 12, 2020 at 5:05 am

Wow! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures in your truly beautiful country. We are planning a trip for March 2020 and would love your advise on our itinerary if you are happy to give us some guidance :)

March 31, 2020 at 4:52 am

Amazing…Lovely the natural travel adventure.I love travelling the World and i read the article of the your adventure liked it.

April 1, 2020 at 4:00 am

Thanks for giving the great response

March 19, 2020 at 1:52 pm

It is true that one of the places in the Philippines that you must visit is Ilo-ilo. They have lots of beautiful tourist spots that you must see and experience. If you are the type person who loves sea or island hopping then I suggest that you try Islas de Gigantes. I recommend that you book your stay at Solina Beach & Nature Resort Iloilo because they are near the island plus they can arrange and accommodate everything for you. They will provide transportation going to the port, the boat that will take you to the islands, food, water, towels and someone who will be your guide.

March 26, 2020 at 8:42 pm

thanks for sharing

April 3, 2020 at 4:46 pm

I will really go to Palawan and Siargao after this COVID-19! I miss the view and breeze of beach!

April 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm

The Philippines is a wonderful country no doubt and the pics which you have shared, its outstanding and now I would like to see all these places. but would like to know these places are far from each other or they are close enough that you can explore these places at the same day.

May 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm

Maybe you should add Bacolod too, there are lots of great things to do there and neighboring areas like Talisay City, the Lakawon island, and more.

June 14, 2020 at 4:48 pm

I hope one day, you would be able to feature the following:

1. Sta. Cruz Island (Pink Sand) of Zamboanga City 2. Onces Islas of Zamboanga City 3. Malamawi Beach of the Province of Basilan 4. All beaches in the Province of Tawi-Tawi 5. Dakak Resort in Dapitan 6. Balut island in the Province of Sarangani

June 19, 2020 at 4:19 pm

Hello. Thank you for sharing this beautiful places in the Philippines. 😍 I used some of your photos as a model and i paint it for my Art vlogs. Thank youu ❤️

July 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Mayon Volcano is such a beauty. Its perfect cone is surreal! Imagining myself back in Bicol after this pandemic. Love this post!

October 3, 2020 at 1:34 am

thank you for the sharing of the post and informative Data in the post that is helpfull for me

December 10, 2020 at 6:50 pm

I want to thanks for your time for this wonderful Article!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

February 27, 2021 at 7:44 am

Most of my friends tell me that the Philippines is one of the best places to travel during summer. For me, traveling is tied in with looking for new experiences. Furthermore, these experiences become considerably more fun when you can share them with an old buddy. Come and visit my article on Top 7 Destinations to Visit During Summer I hope this will guide you as well.

Thanks Nicki

March 25, 2021 at 6:28 am

This article is very informative. It is a valuable piece of information. I wish to now make a travel plan to the Philippines after reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

April 22, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Thank you for such a broad overview of the sights in the Philippines. This is the best place not only in your country, but in the whole world. Friends went and were very pleased. Hopefully, the quarantine will end a hundred and we will also come to visit you.

May 20, 2021 at 11:56 pm

February 10, 2023 at 4:25 pm

Very informative. Thank you for sharing. I love the Ube Jam from Good Shepherd and the beautiful view in Mines View Park. Baguio is one of the top tourist spot in the Philippines. I will definitely go back there.

February 14, 2023 at 5:37 pm

Hi Loved this artical and learned a lot I’m coming over with my GF from June 3rd till the 17th thinking of landing in Manila and heading towards Cebu would really love if someone could suggest the best places to hit as I’ve never been before and don’t know the Philippines

50 Most Beautiful Tourist Spots in the Philippines

No words can accurately describe how beautiful the Philippines is. Not to mention that it’s a cheap country to visit. 

But with more than 7,000 islands to choose from, even globe-trotters would be hard-pressed to pick the tourist spots in the Philippines they should explore first.

This guide makes travel planning easier by recommending the best places to visit in the Philippines , what to expect, must-try food and activities, and other vital information to help you decide which tourist spots to include in your travel bucket list.

Disclosure : Some of the links you’ll encounter below are affiliate links. We’ll earn a small commission if you book a hotel or purchase a travel package using any of these links at no additional cost.

Table of Contents

Top 25 best tourist spots in the philippines.

Here are 25 of the most popular Philippine destinations frequently visited by foreign and domestic tourists:

Ideal for: Couples, families, beach bums, adventure seekers

Tourists worldwide flock to the Philippines’ famous beach destination for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and majestic sunset. Boracay has never failed to live up to its reputation every year, consistently making it to the list of the world’s most ‘Instagrammable’ places 1 .

After Boracay’s rehabilitation in 2018, beach regulations have become stricter to protect the island. Upon entering Boracay, visitors must present booking confirmation from any Department of Tourism-accredited hotels .

Top things to do in Boracay

• Watch the picturesque sunset at White Beach and Willy’s Rock
• Join a half-day tour around Boracay’s different beaches and snorkeling sites
• Experience parasailing to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island
• Jump off a cliff at Ariel’s Point
• Buy fresh seafood at D’Talipapa and have it cooked in a nearby restaurant

Where to stay in Boracay

Boracay resorts cater to every budget. Luxury hotels are located in Station 1, mid-range hotels in Station 2, and budget hotels in Station 3.

• Best Boracay luxury hotel: Henann Crystal Sands Resort
• Best Boracay mid-range hotel: Sundown Beach Studios
• Best Boracay budget hotel: Chill Out Hostel

How to get there

• The faster but more expensive way to travel to Boracay from Manila is to fly to Caticlan Airport. Then, ride a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port, where you’ll board a ferry to Cagban Jetty Port. From Cagban, ride a tricycle and get off at the drop-off point nearest your hotel.
• The cheaper but slower option is to fly to Kalibo Airport. From there, ride a van or bus to Caticlan Jetty Port and follow the same steps.

Ideal for: Couples, beach bums, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Palawan has so much captivating natural beauty, from towering limestone cliffs and beaches with turquoise water to caves and rich marine life. No wonder travel magazines like Conde Nast 2 and CNN Travel 3 lists Palawan as one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

Palawan’s most popular tourist destinations are Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. Interestingly, El Nido won a spot in HuffPost’s list of the “50 Awesome Solo Travel Destinations to Visit 4 “ for its beautiful beaches and a wide array of boutique hotels and hostels offering excellent opportunities to meet other solo travelers.

Many other hidden beaches on the island are also worth exploring.

Top things to do in Palawan

• Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River , the world’s longest navigable underground river and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
• Enjoy different water activities (snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, etc.) at El Nido’s beaches and lagoons 
• Dive at Coron Bay to discover diverse marine life and World War II Japanese shipwrecks
• Eat tamilok , a slimy delicacy from branches of mangrove trees
• Join an island-hopping adventure at Honda Bay
• Go scuba diving at Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to incredible marine biodiversity

Where to stay in Palawan

• Best hotel in Puerto Princesa: Casa Belina Bed & Breakfast
• Best hotel in El Nido: Duli Beach Resort
• Best hotel in Coron: The Funny Lion
• To get to Puerto Princesa, fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa International Airport. 
• To get to Coron, fly from Manila to Busuanga and ride a van to Coron.
• To get to El Nido, fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa. From the airport, ride a van and drop off at the Corong-Corong bus terminal. Then, ride a tricycle that will take you to your hotel. The faster but more expensive way to get to El Nido from Manila is to take a 1.5-hour direct flight via AirSWIFT.

Ideal for: History buffs, foodies, beach bums, adventure seekers

Cebu is home to the Philippines’ oldest city, famous historical places, pristine beaches, and mouth-watering dishes. The island province is foreigner-friendly because locals speak fluent English, and its bustling city teems with hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment halls.

Top things to do in Cebu

• Enjoy an island-hopping tour around Cebu’s nearby islands
• Swim with whale sharks in Oslob
• Experience trekking and canyoneering in Badian
• Witness Sinulog Festival, Cebu’s largest festivity held every third Sunday of January
• Sample famous Cebu delicacies: lechon (roasted pig), danggit (salted dried fish), puso (steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves), and dried mangoes
• Visit Cebu’s historical sites : Colon Street, Mactan Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Where to stay in Cebu

• Best hotel in Cebu City: 18 Suites Cebu
• Best hotel in Bantayan Island: Carl‘s Island Inn
• Best hotel in Moalboal: Tongo Hill Cottages
• From Manila, take a 1-hour flight to Cebu. To get to your hotel from the airport, take a taxi or book a Grab ride.
• Visitors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea , Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Dubai may fly directly to Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, families, beach bums, nature lovers

Bohol is not your typical beach destination. Aside from its white-sand beaches, Bohol has some unique tourist spots in the Philippines, such as the famous Chocolate Hills and Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Its natural and man-made wonders are also worth exploring.

Thanks in part to the iconic Chocolate Hills, UNESCO has declared Bohol as the country’s first global geopark 5 , cementing its reputation among foreign tourists as one of the must-visit beautiful tourist spots in the Philippines.

Top things to do in Bohol

• Visit Bohol’s top tourist spots on a countryside tour , with a lunch buffet at the Loboc River Cruise
• Explore Balicasag and the Virgin Islands
• Enjoy fresh organic greens and ice cream in a cassava cone at Bohol Bee Farm
• Experience biking on a zipline and other thrilling adventures at Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
• Swim, snorkel, dive, or relax at Alona Beach

Where to stay in Bohol

• Best hotel in Tagbilaran: Sweet Home Boutique Hotel
• Best hotel in Panglao: Henann Tawala Resort
• From Manila, take a 1.5-hour flight to Tagbilaran Airport. To get to Panglao, ride a tricycle, van, or taxi.
• From Cebu, take a 2-hour fast ferry ride to Tagbilaran.

Ideal for: Couples, families, nature lovers, art enthusiasts

The Philippines is world-famous as a beach destination. But there’s more to the tropical islands than just seas and sand. Case in point: Baguio City.

The summer capital of the Philippines may be too commercialized and overcrowded nowadays, but it has not lost its charm. Baguio is still a romantic year-round destination with its cool breeze and lovely scenery of lush mountains and pine trees.

Related: The Fascinating History of Baguio’s Iconic Lion

Top things to do in Baguio

• Stroll along Burnham Park, Baguio Botanical Garden, Wright Park, and Camp John Hay
• Score local goods at bargain prices in Baguio Night Market
• Shop for souvenirs and fresh produce in Baguio Public Market
• Visit the BenCab museum in the nearby town of Tuba
• Join the Panagbenga Festival, also known as Baguio’s Flower Festival, in February or March

Where to stay in Baguio

• Best Baguio luxury hotel: The Manor at Camp John Hay
• Best Baguio mid-range hotel: The Orchard Hotel
• Best Baguio budget hotel: Starwood Hotel

Take a Victory Liner/Genesis Transport/Partas bus from Cubao to Baguio (travel time: 4 to 6 hours).

Ideal for: Surf enthusiasts, beach bums, backpackers

Siargao’s huge and strong waves make it one of the world’s best surf spots 6 . Although the surfing capital of the Philippines appeals mostly to surfers, the island also has excellent tourist spots for beachgoers.

Top things to do in Siargao

• Ride the waves at Siargao’s famous surf spots: Cloud 9, Jacking Horse, Quicksilver, etc.
• Enjoy an epic island-hopping adventure on Siargao’s best islands : Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island
• Explore, cliff jump, or swim at the Magpupungko Rock Pools
• Swim, snorkel, or relax at Sugba Lagoon

Where to stay in Siargao

• Best Siargao luxury hotel: Isla Cabana Resort
• Best Siargao mid-range hotel: Harana Surf Resort
• Best Siargao budget hotel: Mad Monkey Hostel

Fly from Manila to Sayak Airport. To get to General Luna town (where Siargao tourist spots are located), rent one of the vans, motorbikes, or multi-cabs parked outside the airport.

Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, beach bums, foodies

Davao is home to the Philippine eagle (one of the world’s rarest birds), the country’s highest mountain, and the exotic fruit durian. There’s so much to see and explore—from stunning beaches to family-friendly parks—for every type of traveler. Tourists can even book a day tour around Davao City to visit President Rodrigo Duterte ‘s house.

Top things to do in Davao

• Visit Davao’s top attractions, including Philippine Eagle Center , People’s Park, Davao Crocodile Park , and Eden Nature Park
• Dine and enjoy a spectacular view of Davao in Jack’s Ridge Resort & Restaurant
• Trek Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines
• Sample Davao’s most popular fruits: durian, mangosteen, marang, and pomelo
• Join Kadayawan sa Dabaw , Davao’s grandest annual festival in August
• Swim, snorkel, and bask in the beauty of pristine beaches on Samal Island  

Related: 14 Bizarre And Fascinating Philippine Festivals

Where to stay in Davao

• Best Davao luxury hotel: Seda Abreeza Davao
• Best Davao mid-range hotel: Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort
• Best Davao budget hotel: Villa Viva Belgica

Fly from Manila to Davao. Take a taxi or jeepney from the airport to Davao City.

8. Banaue Rice Terraces

Ideal for: Backpackers, couples, nature lovers

Hundreds of years ago, indigenous people of the Ifugao tribe hand-carved thousands of rice paddies in the mountains of the Cordillera, now known as the Banaue Rice Terraces. It’s one of the most prominent tourist spots in the Philippines and is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

When you visit, it’s best to hire a local guide. Go to the Banaue viewpoint for the breathtaking scenery and Instagram-worthy snaps.

Top things to do in Banaue

Aside from Banaue Rice Terraces, there’s so much to do and see in and around Banaue:

• Enjoy the breathtaking scenery at Batad Rice Terraces, Hapao Rice Terraces, Mayoyao Rice Terraces, or Bangaan Village Rice Terraces
• Trek to Batad Village and Tappiya Waterfalls
• Discover the Ifugao culture, history, and arts at Banaue Ethnic Village, Tam-an Village, and Banaue Museum
• Shop for handicrafts, wood carvings, local coffee, and other souvenirs

Where to stay in Banaue

• Banaue Homestay
• Native Village Inn
• Baleh Boble Guesthouse
• Via plane: Take a 1.5-hour flight to Cauayan Airport in Isabela from Manila or Clark. From the airport, take a 3-hour van ride to Banaue.
• Via bus: From Manila or Baguio, ride an Ohayami Trans bus to Banaue (travel time: 9 to 15 hours).

9. Intramuros

Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, barkadas , history buffs 

Discover and appreciate the Philippines’ rich history by touring Intramuros, one of the country’s best places to experience the Spanish colonial period. Intramuros is also a romantic setting for a date with its old-fashioned charm. After touring Intramuros, visitors may take a side trip to other equally popular places in Manila: Binondo and Escolta.

Related: The Lost Tunnels Buried Deep Beneath Intramuros

Top things to do in and around Intramuros

• Join a bamboo bike tour of the different tourist spots within the walled city: Fort Santiago, Plaza San Luis, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, etc.
• Enjoy a food trip in Binondo
• Visit Binondo Church
• Marvel at the iconic landmarks along Escolta Street

Where to stay in Intramuros

• Best Intramuros luxury hotel: Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel
• Best Intramuros mid-range hotel: White Knight Hotel Intramuros
• Best Intramuros budget hotel: RedDoorz
• The most convenient way to get to Intramuros from anywhere in Metro Manila is to ride a taxi or Grab car.
• Alternatively, take the MRT to Taft Station and the LRT1 to Carriedo Station . Ride a jeep going to Pier and get off at Intramuros.

Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, barkadas , history buffs, foodies

Be transported back in time when you visit Vigan City in Ilocos Sur. Be awed by the Spanish colonial period ancestral homes and structures that make Vigan a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of CNN’s most picturesque towns in Asia 7 .

Top things to do in Vigan

• Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets around Calle Crisologo on foot or a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride
• Try famous Vigan delicacies: empanada (pork-stuffed pastry), pakbet (vegetable dish), bagnet (deep-fried crispy pork belly), sinanglaw (beef innards stew), and Vigan longganisa (garlicky and spicy sausage)
• Visit iconic ancestral homes such as Syquia Mansion and Father Burgos’ house
• Join a cruise in Mestizo River to learn about Vigan’s history and marine biodiversity
• Visit an Abel cloth shop to see weavers in action and buy traditional woven products

Where to stay in Vigan

• Best Vigan luxury hotel: Hotel Luna
• Best Vigan mid-range hotel: Paradores de Vigan
• Best Vigan budget hotel: ZEN Rooms Guimod Transient Vigan
• The fastest way to get to Vigan is to take a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. From the Laoag Airport, take a 2-hour bus ride to Vigan.
• Alternatively, ride a bus from Cubao, Pasay, or Manila with a direct route to Vigan (travel time: 8 to 10 hours).

11. Mayon Volcano

Ideal for: Backpackers, couples, families, adventure seekers, foodies

Mayon Volcano is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its distinct, perfect cone shape. Aside from admiring the natural wonder, visitors can also experience a unique food trip and adventure in Albay, where the volcano is located.

Top things to do near Mayon Volcano

• Take a thrilling ATV tour around the base of Mayon Volcano
• Visit the Cagsawa Ruins Park
• Eat pili nuts, sili ice cream (made of chili and coconut milk), and spicy dishes cooked in coconut milk, such as Bicol express (pork stew), laing (vegetable dish), and pinangat (fish stew)
• Enjoy street food and a sunset view of Mayon Volcano at Legazpi Boulevard
• Hike up and zipline at Ligñon Hill Nature Park
• Enjoy an unobstructed, enchanting view of Mayon Volcano from Sumlang Lake while riding a bamboo raft or kayak

Where to stay near Mayon Volcano

• Mayon Lodging House
• Balay de la Rama Bed and Breakfast

From Manila, take a 45-minute flight or a 9-hour bus ride to Legazpi City, Albay.

12. Tagaytay

Ideal for: Couples, families, foodies

Tagaytay is a favorite road trip destination because of its proximity to Manila, cool weather, amazing views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, delicious food, and fun outdoor activities.

Top things to do in Tagaytay

• Visit the top tourist spots in Tagaytay : People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, Caleruega Church, SkyRanch, etc.
• Dine-in at Tagaytay’s popular restaurants: Breakfast at Antonio’s, Sonya’s Secret Garden, Bag of Beans, Josephine Restaurant, Mushroomburger, etc.
• Visit Zoori to enjoy a wildlife experience and panoramic views of Taal Volcano
• Have a fun-filled day with farm animals and flower gardens at Paradizoo
• Buy delectable tarts and other pastries at Rowena’s Pasalubong shop

Where to stay in Tagaytay

• Best Tagaytay luxury hotel: Anya Resort
• Best Tagaytay mid-range hotel: Quest Hotel
• Best Tagaytay budget hotel: RedDoorz

Ride a bus or shared van bound for Tagaytay/Nasugbu/Calatagan from Manila.

13. Mt. Pulag

Ideal for: Backpackers, adventure seekers, nature lovers

Standing at 2,926 meters above sea level, Mount Pulag is the third-highest peak in the Philippines. It’s also the highest mountain in Luzon. Because of its easy trail and the magnificent sea of clouds surrounding its top, Mt. Pulag is a favorite hiking destination for first-timers. 

Top things to do in Mt. Pulag

• Trek to Mt. Pulag for about 3-4 hours using the Ambangeg trail (for beginners). Advanced hikers can take the Ambaguio or Akiki trail.
• Witness the glorious sunrise and sea of clouds atop Mt. Pulag
• Experience the simple life in the mountains without internet, signal, and electricity
• Meet and interact with the locals
• Buy fresh produce and pasalubong from stores at the ranger station

Where to stay near Mt. Pulag

• Baban’s Homestay
• Newtown Plaza Hotel
• Dream Transient Rooms

From Manila, ride a bus to Baguio. From Baguio, charter a van or jeep bound for Bokod, Benguet, where the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office is located. Hikers must register, attend an orientation, and pay fees to the DENR before climbing Mt. Pulag.

Outside the DENR office, ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) to the Babadak Ranger Station, the jump-off point where you can book a local guide (required) and a porter (optional).

Ideal for: Solo travelers, backpackers, adventure seekers

Sagada’s tranquil charm and natural beauty make it one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. There are many unique places to see and activities for adventure junkies.

Top things to do in Sagada

• See the hanging coffins in Echo Valley
• Explore Lumiang, Sumaguing, or Crystal Caves
• Hike to Kiltepan Peak or Marlboro Hills, watch the sunrise, and bask in the dreamy sea of clouds
• Swim at Bomod-Ok Falls and marvel at the rice terraces surrounding it
• Visit the Sagada Weaving Cooperative to see weavers in action and buy woven products

Where to stay in Sagada

• Isabelo’s Inn and Cafe
• Kanip Aw Pines View Lodge
• Kenlibed In n
• From Manila, ride a Coda Lines bus going directly to Sagada (travel time: 12 hours).
• From Baguio, go to GL Liner Terminal in Baguio Dangwa Terminal and ride a bus to Sagada (travel time: 6 hours).

15. Puerto Galera

Ideal for: Beach bums, backpackers, families, barkadas

Puerto Galera is a favorite beach destination every summer because of its white-sand beaches. If you’re into scuba diving and snorkeling, you shouldn’t miss this tourist spot in the Philippines.

Top things to do in Puerto Galera

• Swim and relax at Aninuan Beach
• Snorkel or scuba dive at Coral Garden
• Experience the vibrant nightlife at White Beach
• Take a carabao ride to Tukuran Falls and enjoy the beauty of this hidden paradise
• Immerse in the local culture at the Mangyan Village

Where to stay in Puerto Galera

• Best Puerto Galera luxury hotel: Edgewater Dive & Spa Resort
• Best Puerto Galera mid-range hotel: Tribal Hills Mountain Resort
• Best Puerto Galera budget hotel: Bamboo House Beach Lodge & Restaurant

From Manila, ride a bus to Batangas Pier (travel time: 2 to 3 hours). Take a ferry boat ride from Batangas Pier to Balatero Port or Muelle Port (around 1 hour travel time). Ride a tricycle to your hotel.

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , beach bums, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Looking for a place to enjoy summer outdoor activities with family or friends? Subic—just a few hours away from Manila—is one of the must-visit tourist spots in the Philippines. Many fun activities and beautiful beaches are available for tourists to enjoy.

Top things to do in Subic

• Explore the top tourist spots in Subic: Capones Lighthouse, Pundaquit Coves, Camara Island, etc.
• See wild animals up close in Zoobic Safari , the only tiger safari in the Philippines
• Enjoy thrilling water slides and attractions at Aqua Planet Waterpark
• Spend a fun-filled day on Subic’s Inflatable Island , the largest and wildest floating playground in Asia
• Cliff dive and swim at El Kabayo Waterfalls

Where to stay in Subic

• Best Subic luxury hotel: Mangrove Resort Hotel
• Best Subic mid-range hotel: Mango Valley Hotel 2
• Best Subic budget hotel: The Circle Hostel

Ride a bus bound for Olongapo from Manila and get off at Subic Bay.

17. Batangas

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , beach bums, adventure seekers, foodies

Batangas has many affordable beach resorts two to three hours from Manila. This makes the province a go-to place for family or barkada summer outings and corporate team-building activities.

Top things to do in Batangas

• Enjoy water activities in Batangas’ most popular beaches: Anilao, Laiya, Nasugbu, Calatagan, Isla Verde, etc.
• Trek up Batangas’ famous mountains: Taal Volcano , Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Batulao , Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Mt. Maculot , etc.
• Go scuba diving in Anilao to explore the famous diving spot’s spectacular underwater scenery
• Sample Batangas’ local cuisine: lomi (egg noodle soup), bulalo (beef stew), lechon (roasted pig), sinaing na tulingan (braised fish), kapeng barako (Batangas coffee), etc.

Where to stay in Batangas

• Best hotel in Anilao: Vivere Azure Resort
• Best hotel in Calatagan: Crusoe Cabins Resort
• Best hotel in Laiya: Acuaverde Beach Resort & Hotel
• Best hotel in Nasugbu: Pico Sands Hotel

From Manila, ride a bus to Batangas City/Batangas Pier/Nasugbu. From the bus terminal, ride a tricycle to your Batangas beach destination.

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , foodies, beach bums, history buffs

With its stunning beaches, one-of-a-kind culinary experience, historical sites, and genuinely warm and friendly people, Iloilo is one of the tourist spots in the Philippines where visitors want to keep coming back.

Top things to do in Iloilo

• Feast on Iloilo’s famous dishes and delicacies: La Paz batchoy (chicken and pork noodle soup), pancit molo (pork dumpling soup), fresh oysters, biscocho (twice-baked bread), barquillos (crunchy wafer roll), etc.
• Stroll along Calle Real and see heritage buildings that exude Iloilo’s old-city charm 
• Visit Iloilo’s famous centuries-old churches: Miag-ao Church, Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, San Joaquin Church, etc.
• Soak up the beauty of Islas de Gigantes and Sicogon Island
• Join the Dinagyang Festival, a religious and cultural festivity in Iloilo City held every fourth Sunday of January

Where to stay in Iloilo

• Best Iloilo luxury hotel: Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
• Best Iloilo mid-range hotel: Urban Sands Iloilo Hotel Resort
• Best Iloilo budget hotel: Figtree Hotel

From Manila/Clark/Cebu/Davao/Hong Kong/Singapore, take a direct flight to Iloilo International Airport. To get to the city, ride a taxi, jeep, or van from the airport.

19. Batanes

Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, backpackers, nature lovers

Batanes is every Filipino traveler’s ultimate dream destination. What’s not to love about the romantic island province? From its scenic landscapes and gorgeous beaches to unique cultures, Batanes is worth a visit.

Top things to do in Batanes

• Tour the top Batanes attractions (Tukon Church, Basco Lighthouse, Honesty Coffee Shop, etc.) on Batan Island and Sabtang Island
• Meet the Ivatan people and immerse yourself in their culture. Try wearing vakul , the traditional headgear made of abaca fiber, too!
• Enjoy fresh seafood dishes: dibang (flying fish), payi (lobster), etc.
• Climb Mt. Iraya in Basco, the highest mountain in Batanes

Where to stay in Batanes

• Nathaniel’s Lodge
• Baletin Hometel
• Amboys Hometel

Fly from Manila (via SkyJet) or Clark (via Philippine Airlines) to Basco, Batanes. From the airport, walk to reach the Basco town proper. To get to Sabtang Island, ride a tricycle, jeep, or van to San Vicente port, where you’ll ride a ferry to Sabtang.

20. Camiguin

Ideal for: Beach bums, adventure seekers

This serene and beautiful tropical paradise in Northern Mindanao will leave you in awe with its many natural wonders. Camiguin is among the world’s best dive spots and is recognized by the Department of Tourism as one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines.

Top things to do in Camiguin

• Swim in the crystal-clear water of White Island
• Dive or snorkel at Sunken Cemetery to see its underwater tombs
• Snorkel around the Giant Clams Sanctuary 
• Visit the old church ruins in Bonbon, Catarman
• Hike up Mt. Hibok-hibok
• Take a dip in one of Camiguin’s hot springs and cold springs
• Eat lanzones, a fruit native to the island and is considered the best and sweetest in the Philippines

Where to stay in Camiguin

• Mountain View Cottages
• Balai sa Baibai Resort
• Marianita’s Cottages

From Manila, fly directly to Camiguin via SkyJet. If you travel with a different airline, fly to Cebu first and then take a connecting flight to Camiguin Airport.

Ideal for: Families, history buffs, beach bums, nature lovers

Only a few hours away from Manila, Bataan is perfect for a quick weekend getaway. Although it’s not as touristy as the neighboring Subic Bay, people visit this province for its many historical and natural attractions.

Top things to do in Bataan

• Visit historical landmarks in Bataan: Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) at Mt. Samat, Death March Marker, Fall of Bataan Marker, Bataan World War II Museum, etc.
• Join a walking tour at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar to learn what it was like to live during the Spanish colonial era
• Visit the Pawikan Conservation Center to learn about sea turtles and release baby sea turtles into the sea
• Admire the stunning rock formations and watch the sunset in Sisiman Bay

Where to stay in Bataan

• Best Bataan luxury hotel: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Hotel
• Best Bataan mid-range hotel: The Plaza Hotel – Balanga
• Best Bataan budget hotel: Vista Venice Resort
• Via bus: From Manila, ride a Victory Liner/Genesis/Bataan Transit bus to Balanga, the jump-off point to Morong and other parts of Bataan (travel time: 3-4 hours).
• Via ferry: Go to the Esplanade Seaside Terminal behind SM Mall of Asia and take the ferry to Capinpin Port in Orion, Bataan (travel time: 1 hour). From Orion, ride a bus bound for Balanga.

22. Antipolo

Ideal for: Art enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies

Antipolo is the home of the famous Hinulugang Taktak. But there are many other reasons to visit this city near Manila, particularly its hidden gems that will delight art and nature aficionados.

Top things to do in Antipolo

• Go on an off-roading adventure through an ATV ride on the slopes of Sierra Madre
• Pamper yourself at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa
• Be one with nature at Mount Purro Nature Reserve  
• Visit the Pinto Art Museum and take Instagrammable snaps
• Learn pottery or calligraphy at Crescent Moon Café

Where to stay in Antipolo

• Date and Dine Resort
• The Citywalk Suites Apartment
• LeBlanc Hotel and Resort

Go to EDSA Shaw or Cubao and ride a van or jeepney to Antipolo. From the town proper, ride a tricycle to your destination in Antipolo.

23. Bacolod

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , foodies, adventure seekers

Bacolod is where you’ll meet friendly, welcoming locals—you won’t be surprised to learn it’s called The City of Smiles . Apart from the people, Bacolod’s delicious food, rich history and culture, and natural attractions are the biggest reasons to visit this city. As a cherry on top, Bacolod’s hotel rooms cost an average of ₱2,650, making it the country’s cheapest tourist destination 8 .

Top things to do in and around Bacolod

• Take a morning or late afternoon stroll along Capitol Park and Lagoon
• Visit The Ruins, or the “Taj Mahal of Negros,” in Talisay and discover its exciting story
• Enjoy snorkeling, kite surfing, or kayaking on Lakawon Island in Cadiz
• Join in the fun at MassKara Festival, the happiest and most colorful Philippine festival, in October
• Eat the famous inasal (Bacolod-style chicken barbecue)
• Sample and bring home Bacolod delicacies: piaya (sweet flatbread), cansi (unique soup made up of bone marrow, batuan fruit, and beef shank), pinasugbo (deep-fried and caramelized banana slices), napoleones (layered puff pastry), etc.

Where to stay in Bacolod

• Best Bacolod luxury hotel: Seda Capitol Central
• Best Bacolod mid-range hotel: GT Hotel
• Best Bacolod budget hotel: Mainstreet Pension House
• From Manila, take a one-hour flight to Bacolod-Silay International Airport. Ride a van, taxi, or Grab car from the airport to Bacolod City.
• From Cebu or Iloilo, board a ferry to Bacolod.

24. Dumaguete

Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers

Known as the City of Gentle People , Dumaguete has been recently named the top retirement spot in the Philippines for foreigners 9 . Travel to Dumaguete and discover why the laid-back city attracts tourists and foreign retirees.

Top things to do in Dumaguete

• Tour Dumaguete’s top tourist spots: Dumaguete Belfry, Rizal Boulevard, Silliman University, etc.
• Visit the captivating Manjuyod Sandbar (the “Maldives of the Philippines”) and see dolphins swimming on your way to the sandbar
• Trek around the twin crater lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao
• Climb up Mt. Kanlaon, the highest mountain and largest active volcano in the Visayas
• Eat silvanas and sans rival, Dumaguete’s famous pastries

Where to stay in Dumaguete

• Best Dumaguete luxury hotel: Salaya Beach Houses
• Best Dumaguete mid-range hotel: Acqua Dive Resort
• Best Dumaguete budget hotel: The U Pension
• From Manila, take a direct flight to Dumaguete. From the airport, ride a multi-cab or tricycle to the city proper. 
• From Cebu, take a direct bus to Dumaguete City.

25. Cagayan de Oro

Ideal for:  Adventure seekers, barkadas , families

Up for a physically challenging, unforgettable experience? Travel to Cagayan de Oro City and satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie. Conquer the raging rapids of Cagayan de Oro River—that’s what the Whitewater Rafting Capital in the Philippines is for!

Top things to do in Cagayan de Oro

• Experience whitewater rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River, or take it up a notch with the more intense whitewater kayaking adventure
• Enjoy ziplining or canopy walking in Macahambus Cave, leading to a fantastic view of the Cagayan de Oro River 
• Visit CDO’s historical landmarks: Plaza Divisoria, Plaza de Los Heroes, MacArthur Memorial Marker, etc.
• Have fun rappelling, trekking, ziplining, horseback riding, or biking in Mapawa Nature Park
• Trek from Mapawa Nature Park to Mintugsok Falls, a hidden gem in CDO

Where to stay in Cagayan de Oro

• Best Cagayan de Oro luxury hotel: Seda Centrio
• Best Cagayan de Oro mid-range hotel: Red Planet Hotel
• Best Cagayan de Oro budget hotel: GC Suites

From Manila/Cebu/Davao/Iloilo/Zamboanga, fly to Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro. Take a shuttle or bus from the airport to various points in CDO.

Top 20 Hidden and Underrated Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Aside from its most popular destinations, the Philippines has many equally stunning places waiting to be discovered. 

These off-the-radar places aren’t visited as often because of their remote location or underdevelopment (no electricity, Wi-Fi, mobile signal, shopping malls, etc.). But for travelers who want to visit places off the beaten path, such underrated destinations are simply perfect.

Here are the best up-and-coming tourist spots in the Philippines you should check out:

Ideal for: Backpackers, solo travelers, adventure seekers

Abra is not as famous as its neighboring tourist spots in the Philippines (Ilocos, Baguio, and Sagada). However, the landlocked province has a lot of natural attractions to offer.

Top things to do in Abra

• Visit Kaparkan Falls, Piwek Rock Formation, and Apao Rolling Hills in Tineg
• Trek Mt. Bullagao, the “Sleeping Beauty of Abra,” in Langiden
• Taste the local fare: pancit miki (stir-fried noodles), lechon de Abra , cascaron (deep-fried glutinous rice), palileng (mullet or goby fish stew), abuos (ant egg dish), etc.
• Visit the loom weaving community in La Paz

Where to stay in Abra

• Strutz Art Garden Resort
• Abra Valley Grand Hotel
• Abrassi Hotel and Restaurant

From Manila/Baguio/Vigan, ride a Partas/Dominion/Viron bus to Bangued, Abra. Travel time takes 8 hours from Manila or 2 hours from Vigan. From Bangued, take a jeepney to your destination in Abra.

Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Bontoc is the gateway to Sagada and Banaue, two of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. If traveling there, why not make a side trip to Bontoc for a day or two? This small, quiet town is surprisingly blessed with incredible natural wonders.

Top things to do in Bontoc

• Get a panoramic view of the town and mountains at the Bontoc View Deck
• Trek Mt. Kofafey and witness the sunrise and sea of clouds
• Be mesmerized by the beauty of Maligcong Rice Terraces
• Take a dip at the enchanting Blue Lagoon

Where to stay in Bontoc

• Suzette’s Maligcong Homestay
• Vilma’s Home Stay
• Ridgebrooke Hotel and Restaurant
• From Manila, ride a Coda Lines bus bound for Bontoc or Sagada and get off at Bontoc (travel time: 11 hours).
• From Baguio, ride a taxi to Dangwa Terminal or Slaughter House and ride a D’ Rising Sun bus to Bontoc (travel time: 6 hours).
• From Sagada, ride a jeepney to Bontoc across the public market (travel time: 2 hours).

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , backpackers, adventure seekers, nature lovers

Cagayan V alley’s smallest and youngest province is an emerging eco-adventure destination named after a former Philippine president . Quirino makes up for its lack of beaches through its breathtaking waterfalls, pristine rivers, limestone caves, verdant mountains, and other hidden natural attractions.

Top things to do in Quirino

• Cruise the Cagayan River at Governor’s Rapids in Maddela or Siitan Park in Nagtipunan
• Have an adrenaline-pumping wakeboard adventure at Quirino Watersports Complex in Cabarroguis
• Trek to the different waterfalls in Quirino and take a dip in the clear water
• Go spelunking at Aglipay Caves and other amazing caves in Quirino
• Visit different ancestral villages to experience the cultures of various indigenous tribes 

Where to stay in Quirino

• Capitol Plaza Hotel
• Villa Caridad Hotel & Resort
• Quirino Water Sports Complex Hostel
• Via bus: From Manila, ride a Florida/Five Star/Solid North bus to Maddela, Quirino.
• Via plane: Fly from Manila to Cauayan City, Isabela. From the Cauayan Airport, ride a van to Santiago City. From the terminal, ride a van or jeepney to Aglipay, Cabarroguis, Diffun, or Maddela in Quirino.

4. Jomalig Island

Ideal for: Beach bums, nature lovers, solo travelers, couples, barkadas

Reaching this remote island in Quezon province is an adventure in itself. While that sounds difficult , you’d be glad you took the challenge. The golden sand beaches and turquoise water on secluded Jomalig Island are fantastic—the long trip will be worth it!

Top things to do on Jomalig Island

• Explore Jomalig’s unspoiled beaches: Salibungot Beach, Kanaway Beach, Little Boracay, etc.
• See and take a photo with the Puno ng Walang Forever , Jomalig’s most famous tree
• Visit Lingayen Cove aka Little Batanes
• Watch the breathtaking sunrise at the beach

Where to stay on Jomalig Island

• JoJomalig Beach Resort
• Apple Beach Resort

Take a Raymond Transportation bus from Manila to Infanta, Quezon (travel time: 4-5 hours). Get off at Ungos Port, where you’ll ride a boat to Jomalig Port (travel time: 4-6 hours). Upon arriving at the port, ride a motorbike or habal-habal to your resort.

5. Caramoan Islands

Ideal for: Beach bums, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Caramoan is Bicol’s secret paradise, perfect for beach junkies who want to escape the stressful city life. Fall in love with its fine white-sand beaches, diverse marine life, and other natural wonders that rival the top tourist spots in the Philippines.

Top things to do in Caramoan

• Enjoy island/beach hopping and water activities (kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving) at Sabitang Laya, Gota Beach, Hunongan Cove, etc.
• Explore the caves of Caramoan: Omang Cave, Culapnit Cave, Manipis Cave, etc.
• Hike up Mt. Caglago to get a panoramic view of the Caramoan Islands
• Climb the sharp rock cliff on Matukad Island
• Eat kinalas (noodles in thick brown broth) 

Where to stay in Caramoan

• Tugawe Cove Resort
• La Casa Roa Hostel
• Casita Mia Bed & Breakfast

From Manila, fly to Naga City Airport in Pili, Camarines Sur. Ride a van or taxi from the airport to SM Naga. At the van terminal, ride a van called Filcab to Sabang Port. When you reach the port, take a boat to Guijalo Port. Ride a tricycle to Caramoan town center.

The Department of Tourism recognizes Romblon as one of the emerging tourism destinations in the Philippines. Heading to Boracay soon? Consider taking a side trip to the secluded, laid-back beaches of Romblon for relaxation.

Top things to do in Romblon

• Climb up the scenic Mt. Guiting-Guiting on Sibuyan Island
• Tour Romblon’s hidden gems: Carabao Island (the “next Boracay” 10 ), Cresta de Gallo, Balabara Beach, Bonbon Beach, etc.
• Explore different dive spots across Romblon
• Buy marble products as souvenirs at Romblon Shopping Center

Where to stay in Romblon

• The Beach House
• Romblon Fun Divers & Inn
• Sanctuary Garden Resort
• From Manila, fly to Tugdan Airport in Tablas, Romblon.
• From Boracay, walk to Bulabog Beach and hire a boat to Carabao Island.

Ideal for: Beach bums, nature lovers

Masbate may not be the top-of-mind choice for traveling to the Bicol region, but it does offer a unique experience. For one, you can live like a cowboy in the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines—with its rolling hills, ranch life, and an annual festivity reminiscent of the Wild West.

For nature enthusiasts, Masbate offers unspoiled beaches, marvelous rock formations, stunning waterfalls, and other natural wonders. 

Top things to do in Masbate

• Go scuba diving, swim with manta rays, and see other marine creatures at Manta Bowl shoal
• Revel in the beauty of Masbate’s natural attractions: Buntod Sandbar and Marine Sanctuary, Burubancaso Rock Formation, Sese Brahman’s Ranch, Catandayagan Falls, etc.
• Watch the dreamy sunset or camp out at Mayong Payong
• Experience the Rodeo Masbateño Festival in April

Where to stay in Masbate

• Ticao Island Resort
• Ticao Altamar Boutique Resort
• Sabine’s Place

Take a direct flight from Manila to Masbate City.

Ideal for: Beach bums, history buffs, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Travelers easily overlook Antique because it’s surrounded by top tourist spots in the Philippines (Boracay and Iloilo) . But this quaint province deserves more attention. Being groomed as the next eco-adventure destination, Antique has so much natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage worth visiting.

Top things to do in Antique

• Visit Seco Island, a gorgeous white-sand beach with serene turquoise water and a sandbar
• Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping river tubing activity at Malumpati Cold Spring
• Indulge in a relaxing Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao
• Trek to Antique Rice Terraces and admire its majestic view
• See Antique’s heritage sites: Anini-y Church, Patnongon Church, Ruins of San Pedro Church, Casa Azurin, etc.
• Check out the Rafflesia , the world’s biggest flower, in Sibalom Natural Park

Where to stay in Antique

• Bugang Riverside Inn
• Phaidon Beach Resort
• From Manila/Davao/Hong Kong/Singapore, take a direct flight to Iloilo International Airport. Ride a van from the airport to Molo Terminal. Then, take a van or jeepney ride to Antique.
• From Clark, Pampanga, take a Philippine Airlines flight to Antique Airport.
• From Boracay, ride a ferry to Caticlan Jetty Port (or a tricycle if you’re coming from Caticlan Airport). Take a Ceres bus to Antique. 

9. Guimaras

Ideal for: Beach bums, history buffs, foodies

Guimaras is another underrated province overshadowed by its neighbors, Iloilo and Boracay. The small island province—famous for growing the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines—is being promoted as an alternative to Boracay because of its white-sand beaches and proximity to Iloilo City. Discover what Guimaras has to offer before it becomes a mainstream tourist destination.

Top things to do in Guimaras

• Join an island-hopping tour of Guimaras’ best beaches: Nagtago Beach, Ave Maria Islet, etc.
• Visit different historical landmarks: Guisi Lighthouse, MacArthur’s Wharf, Roca Encantada, etc.
• See the Smallest Plaza, a Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the world’s smallest plaza
• Feast on mango-based dishes: mango pizza, mango bulalo , mango bibingka , mango beer, etc.
• Buy mango products (dried mangoes, jams, etc.) as pasalubongs

Where to stay in Guimaras

• Czech Beach House
• Jannah Glycel Beach House
• Raymen Beach Resort

From Manila/Davao/Hong Kong/Singapore, fly to Iloilo International Airport. Ride a van from the airport to SM Iloilo, where you’ll hail a taxi or jeepney to Ortiz Wharf. Take a ferry ride to Jordan Port. From the port, ride a tricycle to your resort.

10. Danjugan Island

Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, adventure seekers, beach bums

Danjugan Island is a protected marine and wildlife reserve sanctuary in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. With its lush rainforest and unique biodiversity, Danjugan is indeed a paradise. 

This ecotourism destination won’t just wow you with its pure beauty but will also let you experience a rustic, back-to-basic lifestyle (no electricity and no cellphone signal). It is perfect if you’ll be on a digital detox. 

Most importantly, a short stay on the island will teach visitors the value of environmental conservation.

Top things to do on Danjugan Island

• Appreciate Danjugan’s beauty through kayaking or sailing
• Explore its rich marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving
• Trek into limestone and mangrove forests, beaches, lagoons, and other natural attractions
• See a variety of bird species at the birdwatching view deck
• Watch the sunset at Turtle Beach

Where to stay on and near Danjugan Island

Tourists have two accommodation options when traveling to Danjugan: an overnight stay in an open-air cabana (Moray Lagoon Camp) or a private room (Typhoon Beach) on the island or book a resort outside Danjugan in Sipalay City.

Best Sipalay resorts near Danjugan:

• Punta Bulata Resort & Spa
• Artistic Diving Resort
• Jamont Hotel

From Manila, fly to Bacolod-Silay International Airport. Ride a taxi or Grab car to the South Ceres Bus Terminal. Catch a bus to Hinoba-an from the terminal and get off at Crossing Remollos-Quadro de King. Take a 30-minute boat ride to Danjugan Island.

11. Biliran

Biliran is relatively unheard of, even among Filipinos. Not many know it’s a province (Biliran used to be a sub-province of Leyte before becoming independent in 1992)—much less a tourist destination. 

This small province is brimming with natural and man-made wonders; a weekend getaway is not enough to experience everything it offers. Be in awe of its beautiful mountains, rice terraces, waterfalls, caves, and beaches.

Top things to do in Biliran

• Trek to the photogenic Ulan-Ulan Falls, one of Biliran’s most beautiful waterfalls
• Go island-hopping on Higatangan Island (famous for its sandbar that changes shape and color), Sambawan Island, Dalutan Island, Agta Beach, etc.
• Visit Biliran’s historical and religious sites: Nasunugan Watchtower Ruins, Pilgrimage Site of Padre Gaspar, Almeria Church, etc.
• Discover the mystery of Tingkasan Bat Cave
• Bask in the majestic view of Iyusan Rice Terraces in Almeria

Where to stay in Biliran

• Napo Beach Resort
• GV Hotel Naval
• Via Cebu: From Manila/China/Hong Kong/Singapore/South Korea/Taiwan/Kuala Lumpur/Tokyo/Dubai, take a flight to Mactan Cebu International Airport. Ride a taxi from the Mactan Airport to the port where you’ll take an overnight trip to Naval, Biliran.
• Via Tacloban: From Manila, fly to Tacloban City Airport. Ride a jeepney from the airport to Tacloban downtown, then take a shuttle bus to Naval.

12. Kalanggaman Island

You might have already seen breathtaking aerial shots of Kalanggaman Island online . But viewing such images pales in comparison to personally experiencing the uninhabited island’s white powdery sand beaches and pristine blue water .

Top things to do on Kalanggaman Island

• Enjoy different water activities: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, banana boat, etc.
• Chill under the trees and mingle with the locals
• Take a side trip to the top attractions in Palompon: Tabuk Marine Park and Bird Sanctuary, Masaba Falls, St. Francis Xavier Church, Lantaw Palompon, etc.

Where to stay near Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman has no beach resorts or hotels, but overnight camping is allowed. If you want to spend the night on the island, renting or bringing your tent is your only choice. 

If camping is not your thing, you may book a hotel in Palompon or Ormoc. Here are the best accommodation options for your Kalanggaman escapade:

• Palompon Sugar’s Inn
• Sergi’s Resort and Hotel
• Ormoc Villa Hotel
• From Manila, fly to Tacloban, Leyte. Take a taxi or tricycle from the airport to Vansvans or Duptours terminal. Take a five-hour van ride to Palompon and then a one-hour boat ride to Kalanggaman Island.
• If you’re traveling from Cebu, the most convenient way to access and enjoy Kalanggaman is to join a day tour that will pick you up from your hotel in Cebu, take you to the island, and bring you back to the hotel.

13. Siquijor

Siquijor is synonymous with witchcraft, sorcery, and mythical creatures . But fear not—the small, mystic province is not as scary as you imagine.  

It’s considered one of the emerging favorite tourist spots in the Visayas, welcoming an increasing number of visitors 11 lately. Why is that so? Unknown to many, Siquijor has spectacular beaches, caves, nature parks, and historical attractions.

Top things to do in Siquijo

• Unwind, swim, or swing ala Tarzan into the water of Cambugahay Falls in Lazi
• Explore Siquijor’s best beaches: Salagdoong Beach, Kagusuan Beach, and Paliton Beach
• See the 400-year-old balete tree and have fun taking photos with it
• Visit Siquijor’s historical landmarks: Lazi Church, Siquijor Church, etc.
• Go spelunking at Cantabon Cave
• Trek to Mt. Bandilaan National Park

Where to stay in Siquijor

• RhenMart Inn
• Infinity Heights Resort
• Coco Grove Beach Resort
• Fly from Manila to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. From the airport, ride a jeepney or tricycle to Dumaguete Port. Then, take a ferry ride to Siquijor.
• If you take a side trip to Siquijor from Dumaguete, you can easily book a day trip to the island . You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Dumaguete, toured around Siquijor’s best tourist spots, and bring you back to the hotel.

14. Bukidnon

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , adventure seekers, nature lovers

Bukidnon is a favorite destination among hikers and adventure junkies; it’s perfect for enjoying Mindanao’s great outdoors and cool weather. The mountain province offers plenty of natural and man-made attractions.

Top things to do in Bukidnon

• Challenge yourself and your travel buddies to extreme activities at Dahilayan Adventure Park: ziplining, free-fall ride, sky jumping, obstacle course, etc.
• Hike up Panimahawa Ridge and revel in the view of mountain landscapes and a sea of clouds
• Marvel at the Hobbit-inspired houses in Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm
• Visit Del Monte’s pineapple plantation, one of the largest in the world
• Conquer Mt. Kitanglad, the fourth-highest mountain in the Philippines

Where to stay in Bukidnon

• Eiffel Kubo
• GV Hotel Valencia
• Hotel Valencia
• From Manila/Cebu/Davao/Iloilo/Zamboanga, fly to Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro. From the airport, ride a van to Agora Terminal and catch a bus to Valencia or Davao City, which also passes by Malaybalay City.
• Alternatively, look for a transport service outside the Cagayan de Oro Airport, where you can rent a car or van that travels directly to Bukidnon.

15. Mati, Davao Oriental

Ideal for: Backpackers, adventure seekers, beach bums

If you travel to Davao City, consider adding Mati to your itinerary. One of the oldest towns in the Davao region, Mati will surprise you with the beauty of its famed Dahican Beach—the skimboarding capital of Davao—that boasts of powdery white sand and a laid-back vibe. Some tourists even find it more beautiful than Boracay.

Top things to do in Mati

• Enjoy a majestic view of the Sleeping Dinosaur or hike around the base of the hill
• Take a leisurely walk, relax, and try the famous empanada at Mati Baywalk
• Relax, swim, skimboard, or surf at Dahican Beach
• Visit the Subangan Museum, which showcases Davao Oriental’s historical and cultural heritage

Where to stay in Mati

• Senorita Suites
• Dahican Surf Resort
• Botona Dahican Beach Resort

From Manila, take a flight to Davao. Outside the Davao airport, ride a Bachelor Express bus to Mati. Or take a taxi to Gaisano Mall or Victoria Plaza and ride a van to Mati. Get off at Mati City Bus Terminal and charter a habal-habal or tricycle to your resort.

16. Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, adventure seekers

Dubbed the “Summer Capital of Davao Region,” Maragusan is excellent for tourists looking for an alternative to Baguio and Tagaytay to escape the scorching heat in Manila. Aside from enjoying cool temperatures, you can also soak up the beauty of Maragusan’s waterfalls and mountain landscapes. 

Top things to do in Maragusan

• Trek to and explore Maragusan’s majestic waterfalls: Tagbibinta Falls, Marangig Falls, and Pyalitan Falls
• Climb up Mt. Candalaga, a favorite hiking spot in Mindanao, and be impressed with its flora and fauna and its sea of clouds view
• Witness the P’yagsawitan Festival, a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Mansaka indigenous people 

Where to stay in Maragusan

• Haven’s Peak Highland Resort
• Aguakan Cold Spring Resort
• Kanlawig Hot Spring Resort

Fly from Manila to Davao Airport. From Davao City, ride a bus or van to Maragusan.

17. General Santos

Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, foodies

General Santos City (GenSan) is known as Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao ‘s hometown and the gateway to other provinces in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. But these are not the only reasons to visit this city in South Cotabato. Traveling to GenSan is a must if you love nature and food-tripping. 

Top things to do in General Santos

• Discover why GenSan is the country’s Tuna Capital—visit the Tuna Fish Port, buy fresh tuna, and have it cooked your way
• Join a Pacman “Adventour” to see Pacquaio’s mansions, Wildcard Gym, Pacman Beach Resort, Pacman Farm, The Manny Pacquiao Hotel, etc.
• Trek to Sanchez Peak and enjoy a panoramic view of GenSan
• Have a satisfying culinary experience at different GenSan restaurants
• Take in a stunning view of Sarangani Bay at Sarangani Highlands in GenSan

Where to stay in General Santos

• Best General Santos luxury hotel: Greenleaf Hotel Gensan
• Best General Santos mid-range hotel: Avior Hotel
• Best General Santos budget hotel: Antonio’s Apartelle and Suites

From Manila, fly to General Santos International Airport in South Cotabato.

18. Glan, Sarangani

Ideal for: Backpackers, families, beach bums, adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts

Craving a Boracay-like experience but hate the crowd? Head over to Sarangani Bay, where the quaint coastal town of Glan awaits visitors who will take in its unadulterated beauty. Its powdery white-sand beaches make Glan worthy of the moniker “The Small Boracay of Mindanao.”

Beyond the stunning beaches, there’s more to see and do in Glan and its neighboring towns. Experience Sarangani’s natural wonders, cultural diversity, colorful festivities, and more!

Top things to do in and around Glan

• Chill out or enjoy water sports and activities (swimming, snorkeling, diving, volleyball, etc.) at Gumasa Beach and Isla Jardin del Mar
• Experience Sarangani Bay Festival, the largest beach festival in the Philippines, held every May in Glan
• Tour around Glan to see century-old, American colonial-period ancestral houses
• Get wet and wild on a whitewater tubing adventure along the Pangi River in Maitum
• Paraglide from the mountaintop in Maasim for a breathtaking view of Sarangani Bay
• Take an immersion tour at the Lamlifew Tribal Village in Malungon and discover the weaving tradition of the B’laan tribe, one of Sarangani’s most prominent ethnic groups

Where to stay in Glan, Sarangani

• Kamari Resort and Hotel
• Juanita’s Inn
• King James Hotel

From Manila, fly to General Santos. From the airport, ride a taxi to KCC Mall. Next to the mall is a terminal where you’ll ride a van to Glan. 

19. Sultan Kudarat

Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, beach bums

Sultan Kudarat offers an exciting mix of natural attractions and cultural gems for travelers looking for a great side trip from Davao or South Cotabato. This little-known, underrated province is genuinely worth a visit.

Top things to do in Sultan Kudarat

• See the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol building in Isulan and be wowed by its luxurious, Moro-inspired architecture and interior design
• Visit Baras Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of bird species, in Tacurong
• Have a unique cultural experience at Talakudong Festival (held every September) that highlights the indigenous tribes in Sultan Kudarat and nearby provinces
• Explore the rich marine life and watch the golden sunset on Balet Island in Kalamansig
• Take a relaxing dip at Margues Hot & Cold Spring in Esperanza, Lagandang Hot/Sulphur Spring in Isulan, or Nuling Hot Spring in Lebak

Where to stay in Sultan Kudarat

• King Bayya Residences
• WoodLand Tourist Inn
• EDJIN Pension House  

From Manila, fly to General Santos and then ride a multi-cab or taxi to Bulaong Public Terminal. Ride a bus or van from the terminal to Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

20. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, nature lovers

Lake Sebu is South Cotabato’s summer capital and primary eco-cultural destination. Tourists visit the charming town for its Instagram-worthy natural scenery (including its enchanting lakes), cool weather, and vibrant indigenous culture. 

Top things to do in Lake Sebu

• Join a cruise around Lake Sebu and immerse in the T’boli culture
• Trek to the Seven Waterfalls of Lake Sebu and ride the zipline, which is the highest in Asia
• Watch how T’nalak, the traditional T’boli fabric, is woven at Lang Dulay T’nalak Weaving Center
• Wear a traditional T’nalak ethnic costume for a photo-op
• Visit the T’boli School of Living Traditions and learn T’boli native dance and music
• Sample different tilapia dishes (fried, grilled, steamed, kinilaw, etc.)

Where to stay in Lake Sebu

• Sunrise Garden Lake Resort
• Punta Isla Lake Resort
• El Galong Waterpark Resort

Fly from Manila to General Santos, then ride a taxi or multi-cab to Bulaong Terminal. Ride a van that will take you straight to Lake Sebu terminal. From the terminal, ride a jeepney or rent a habal-habal to Lake Sebu.

Top 5 New Beautiful Tourist Spots in the Philippines to Watch Out for

More tourist destinations in the Philippines are propping up. President Rodrigo Duterte approved laws declaring several sites in the country as new tourist spots 12 . This means the new tourist destinations will be funded and developed to boost tourism in their respective areas.

Here are the five new attractions in the Philippines that travelers should explore:

1. Mount Bulaylay

Mt. Bulaylay has the longest and tallest zipline in Nueva Ecija , making it the primary tourist spot in Cuyapo town. The local government of Cuyapo plans to develop it into an eco-tourism park.

2. Candon City Ecotourism Zone

Here’s another reason to visit Ilocos Sur besides the historic city of Vigan: a new ecotourism destination in Candon City is in the works. The Ecotourism Zone in Candon houses a sprawling watershed, and the local government hopes to lure tourists by offering recreational activities nearby. 

With the recent opening of the newly built Heroes bypass road in Candon, the city’s tourist spots—including the new ecotourism zone—will be more accessible.

3. Santiago Cove

Ilocos Sur has its version of Boracay in Sabangan Cove (aka Santiago Cove). Like Bora, Santiago Cove boasts white sand and serene, crystal-clear water. Visitors can swim, dive, or unwind while appreciating the beauty of the beach.

4. Pinsal Falls

Another hidden treasure of Ilocos Sur, Pinsal Falls (aka Twin Falls) is an 85-foot cascading waterfall—the largest in the Ilocos region—located in Sta. Maria.

Trek to reach the top of Pinsal Falls. Small jacuzzi-like pools sit above the falls, where tourists can dip into the cold water and enjoy a stunning landscape view .

5. Hinatuan Enchanted River

The Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur isn’t exactly a new tourist attraction, though more tourists have recently discovered it. Still, up to this day, not many people know that this mesmerizing natural wonder exists.

The river is nothing less than magical, as its water changes from aquamarine to blue, depending on its shifting depth. Locals believe that fairies and other mythical spirits protect the river—this adds to the river’s mystical nature.

Tips and Warning

1. never lose your temper when dealing with locals.

Filipinos have a lot of admirable qualities—but punctuality is not one of them. Expect that your flights will be delayed, the food will be served late, the tour won’t start on time, and so on. We have a label for this tardiness habit: Filipino Time .

Lashing out at the flight attendants, waiters, or tour guides won’t improve the situation . You’ll end up wasting your time and energy. Worse, you might become the next viral sensation on social media, like the Chinese tourist who assaulted a cop 13 in a train station.

Be more patient, calm, and diplomatic when dealing with locals on your Philippine trip . You might get better service that way.

2. Pack light and loose clothing

In most tourist spots in the Philippines, the weather tends to be very hot and humid, especially during the summer. Make sure you’ll be comfortable on your trip by bringing clothes that won’t make you sweat buckets.

3. Respect local culture and tradition

Most Filipinos, especially in far-flung places, are conservative. So be careful with what you wear and what you do while vacationing in the Philippines.

Wearing skimpy clothing, skinny dipping, and kissing in public may be acceptable in your home country, but these things can offend the locals and make them uncomfortable. Learn a lesson from a Taiwanese tourist fined for wearing a string bikini 14 in Boracay.

Also, places (like mountains, churches, etc.) and religious rituals are sacred to the locals. This is why researching the destination before a trip is crucial . Be mindful and respectful of the customs in the places you visit in the Philippines. Don’t be noisy and rowdy in sacred places and during rituals.

4. Respect the environment

As a tourist, your role goes beyond just visiting a place. So you can enjoy the place as much as you did the first time you visited , do your share in preserving the environment. This couldn’t be more crucial in the Philippines, where natural resources abound. 

Simple practices—like not leaving trash on the beach, not stepping on corals, and not disturbing marine life and wildlife—prevent harming the environment. Know the guidelines before you go. If you aren’t sure about something, ask your tour guide.

5. Beware of tourist scams

Taxi scams, especially at the airport, often happen to foreign tourists in the Philippines. When hailing a taxi, ensure the driver agrees to use the meter. Otherwise, you might be charged a fixed and steep price.

If the driver refuses your request, wait for another taxi. Book a ride via an app like Grab, Micab, or Hirna.

Also, beware of pickpockets in crowded areas (like malls and markets), jeepneys, and buses. Don’t put your valuables in the back pocket of your pants or backpack. Store them safely in a belt bag or sling bag instead. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is the philippines safe to visit.

Yes, it’s generally safe to travel to the Philippines. While there are valid concerns about violence due to terrorism and the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs, these are isolated cases that don’t happen in the entire country. 

For peace of mind, read up and follow any travel alert issued by your government. It also helps to research the peace and order situation in the place you plan to visit, not just in the Philippines but in other countries.

As for the Philippine tourist spots featured in this post, rest assured that these destinations are safe to visit. Of course, you also have to do your part in ensuring your safety anywhere you go.

2. Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

Tourists from most parts of the world can enter the Philippines without a visa for a temporary visit of up to 30 days. Holders of Hong Kong and Macau passports can stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs website for the list of visa-free countries. However, a visa is required for passport holders of certain countries like China, North Korea, India, the majority of the Middle East, and a few parts of Africa and Europe.

3. When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

When traveling, the right time to visit the country depends on your purpose, preference, or priority. If you want good weather, especially in a beach destination, schedule your trip in the dry season from November to May. The wet season starts in June and ends in October, so avoid this period if you don’t want the rain to ruin your trip.

Looking to experience what it’s like to have “more fun in the Philippines”? Visit during the summer when most festivals and events are held and when beaches are most beautiful. For those who want to avoid the crowd and score cheaper travel deals, avoid the peak season. Christmas, Holy Week, and other holidays and the summer months from March to May are the busiest tourist season. 

The top tourist spots in the Philippines also get crowded with tourists on weekends. While it’s good to visit in the off-peak season, it’s better to schedule your visit in the shoulder months of May to June and October to November for a lesser chance of rain. The rainy season in the Philippines is an ideal time to visit for surfing (as waves are stronger) and visit waterfalls (as the water isn’t dried up). 

4. How many days are enough to visit the Philippines?

The ideal duration of your stay depends on the number and types of destinations you’ll visit. Two to three days are enough to explore a beach destination like Boracay and Bohol. If you visit Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron in Palawan, you should spend more than a week exploring the best tourist spots there.

Consider extending your stay for a week if you have side trips to nearby tourist spots (e.g., Iloilo-Guimaras/Antique trip). Your trip could be longer, lasting for about two weeks to a month, if you’re a backpacker hopping from one island or province to another (e.g., Palawan-Cebu-Bohol trip).

In destinations like Intramuros, Vigan, Tagaytay, Subic, and Bataan, a day trip, an overnight or weekend trip will cover all the best attractions. 

5. How do you get around in the Philippines?

The most popular and cheapest transport options are jeepneys and tricycles.  Habal-habal  (motorcycle ride) is common in the provinces, too. However, if you’re traveling with a group (especially with kids and the elderly), go for convenient modes of transport like taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab (available in certain areas only). These vehicles are typically used to get to the city or town proper from the airport.

You can explore places on foot for short distances and areas where public transportation is almost non-existent. Buses and vans are the common transport choices when traveling from one town or city to another, while boats are used for traveling to different islands or beaches.

To get to a province in the Philippines from your home country, the usual jump-off point is in Manila. For instance, you have to fly to Manila to reach Palawan or Davao.

6. How much money should I bring to the Philippines?

The average daily cost per traveler in the Philippines is around ₱1,500 or less, depending on the destination. Cash is the country’s most accepted mode of payment, so be sure to bring enough for your entire stay, especially if you travel to remote areas that don’t accept credit cards and have no ATMs.

Consider also that travelers can bring up to $10,000 (or its equivalent in another currency) into or out of the Philippines. You can carry a higher amount, though. But you’re required to declare it upon arrival at the Bureau of Customs Desk at the airport. If you don’t, you may be fined or jailed, or your money may be confiscated. 

7. How do I travel for cheap in the Philippines?

The Philippines is one of the cheapest countries to visit, luring budget travelers worldwide. But, of course, you can further save on your travel costs.

Here are some quick tips for cheaper travel to the Philippines:

a. Book flights, accommodations, and tour packages early. b. Fly with budget airlines (the most popular are Cebu Pacific and AirAsia) offering discounted airfare and wait for seat sales when prices drop significantly. c. Travel during weekdays and off-peak season when hotels and tour operators offer significant discounts and other great deals. d. Travel to cheaper destinations like Guimaras, Masbate, Bontoc, and other underrated tourist spots in the Philippines. e. If you can, go for DIY travel and plan your trip.  f. Visit free and cheap attractions like parks and museums. g. Eat at small eateries (locally called  carinderia ), fast-food restaurants (Jollibee and Mcdonald’s are the most popular), and mall food courts. 

8. Can I fly a drone in the Philippines?

Yes, flying a drone is allowed in the country, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). However, specific rules must be followed before and while operating your unit. 

Here are the most crucial drone regulations to keep in mind:

a. Secure a permit from the local government office to fly a drone. b. Fly only in the daytime and good weather. c. Get a Certificate of Authorization from the CAAP if you fly a drone that weighs at least 7 kg. or 15 lbs. or for commercial purposes. d. Don’t fly within 10-km. radius from an airport. e. Avoid flying in crowded areas like markets and schools. f. Fly only up to 400 ft. above ground level.

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Written by Venus Zoleta

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Last Updated August 30, 2023 05:43 PM

Venus Zoleta

Venus Zoleta is an experienced writer and editor for over 10 years, covering topics on personal finance, travel, government services, and digital marketing. Her background is in journalism and corporate communications. In her early 20s, she started investing and purchased a home. Now, she advocates financial literacy for Filipinos and shares her knowledge online. When she's not working, Venus bonds with her pet cats and binges on Korean dramas and Pinoy rom-coms.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in the Philippines

Written by Lana Law , Michael Law , and Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 21, 2024

The Philippines is a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 7,000 islands that offer a natural playground for your inner explorer. Collectively, its landscapes feature an array of natural wonders, from volcanoes and rice terraces to underwater rivers and limestone caves, along with beautiful beaches .

Individually, the islands each offer something unique, whether you are looking for the best place to dive and snorkel or prefer to take in the historical sights in cities like Manila or Vigan .

Since the country is so spread out, a trip to the Philippines requires careful planning and some internal flights. Some destinations, like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol or the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, are remote, but getting there is well worth the effort. It's also important to consider the best time of year to visit the Philippines. The rainy season runs from June to November.

Plan your travels with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in the Philippines.

1. White Beach, Boracay

2. relax on the stunning beaches of palawan, 3. chocolate hills, bohol, 4. underground river tour, puerto princesa, 5. hanging coffins, sagada, 6. diving in coron, 7. batad rice terraces, banaue, 8. mayon volcano, albay, 9. island hopping, 10. manila historical sightseeing tour, 11. ride in a jeepney, 12. historic tour of corregidor island, 13. bird-watching, 14. pagsanjan falls, laguna, 15. tour colonial vigan, 16. taal volcano, talisay, 17. jungle training, subic bay, 18. hanging bridge, sevilla, 19. sugba lagoon, siargao, best time to visit the philippines.

There is no shortage of pristine beaches in the Philippines, but if you are looking for a more active beach scene, one of the best places to visit is White Beach in Boracay . This is the most populous beach on the island but where you will find ample opportunities for boating and other water sports. It's also one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia .

Plenty of chairs and hammocks are beneath the palm trees, so you can relax and enjoy the pure white sand. You can even book a beachside massage. Snorkeling is a popular activity at White Beach, but if you do not want to put in so much work, take a banana boat ride or book a trip on a glass-bottom boat.

At the northern tip of the Island of Palawan are some of the most scenic beaches in the Philippines, unlike anything else you will find in the country. This is not just stunning soft sand and warm calm waters like you find in other areas of the Philippines. Add to this, limestone cliffs jutting up from the ocean, secrete coves that you can paddle into, and beautiful offshore islands. Some of the islands are also home to boutique luxury resorts.

The main town here is El Nido . A variety of boat trips offer day tours from El Nido to secluded beaches, sandbars, and bays. This is the most popular activity here and something that almost everyone signs up for when visiting. But you do not need to even leave El Nido, you can find this beautiful setting from the beaches around town.

Northern Palawan is not overly developed. It has enough infrastructure to make things comfortable but it's not known for large resorts. If you are looking for luxury, it will be at small resorts and lodges. If you are looking for budget accommodation, you can find this as well in town but off the beach.

Palawan appeals to everyone from adventurous families to backpackers. A small airport in El Nido offers direct flights to Manila. The city of Puerto Princesa is also found on the island of Palawan, about a 5-hour drive from El Nido. If you want to see the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, you may want to fly into El Nido and out of Puerto Princesa or vice versa.

The geological wonder on the island of Bohol known as the Chocolate Hills is a unique natural phenomenon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a protected area that features more than 1,200 small mountains that emerged above the ground over several centuries.

The area was once under the ocean, and these unique hills expand in every direction. They are green during much of the year, but during the dry season, they turn to a chocolate-brown color, thus the name, chocolate hills.

A convenient path leads to the top of a lookout area, which provides the best view. Be sure to observe the many delicate flowers along the walkway that are unique to this area.

Taking a river tour of the Underground River near Puerto Princesa is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Philippines. The underground river on Palawan Island is inside the Subterranean River National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The boat tours take you to experience the majestic five-mile river that runs below ground. The trip takes you through an intricate cave system surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. You can see ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations, as well as bats flying overhead, as the coolness of the cave balances the tropical heat outside.

As you float through the dark caves on emerald water, your guide will identify points of interest and tropical wildlife that live along the river, which flows into the South China Sea .

You can take a tour from Puerto Princesa, which is a long day due to the drive time involved. A better alternative is to stay in Sabang (which is about an hour and a half from Puerto Princesa) and hop on a tour boat right from there. This way you can see the cave in a morning or an afternoon. Sabang also has a beautiful beach and decent accommodation and is a nice place to spend a day or two whether or not you are visiting the cave.

The hanging coffins in Sagada, located in the northern Cordillera Mountains , is one of the most unusual sights in the Philippines. The hanging coffins, some centuries old, are suspended from the cliffs of the Echo Valley . These ceremonial burials were reserved for the wealthy tribesmen.

Getting to the mountainous region requires some travel time. Although transportation to this area is now easier than it used to be, it still requires some physical endurance to hike the steep and narrow paths to the secluded coffins.

You will want sturdy shoes, and you may want to train before your trip to adapt more quickly to the high altitude. The reward is a sight you will never forget and well-earned bragging rights.

Coron Island in the Philippines, as well as other nearby islands, are popular diving locations in the country due to the abundance of coral reefs and shipwrecks.

The sunken ships to explore on Sangat Island in Coron are some of the best diving sites in the world. The wrecks are at varied depths that are suitable for both deep-water scuba divers and shallow-water snorkeling.

The shipwrecks, many from WWII , have become habitats for diverse fish species. The clear water makes for easy viewing of the shipwrecks and underwater wildlife. Many of the shipwrecks are from an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944. Deep divers will want to view the Akitsushima Maru warship, Irako Maru , and the Kyokuzan Maru .

The Coral Garden is a specific site with particularly accessible coral and fish species. Snorkeling and diving tours to the Coral Garden often encompass stops at nearby shipwrecks.

If you are unsure where to snorkel to see some of the best coral, taking an organized trip to the Coral Garden is an easy introduction to the sport. Guides are able to point out sea turtles and fish and offer information about what kinds of coral you are viewing underwater.

Viewing the Batad rice terraces at sunrise in Banaue is an unforgettable experience. This is especially recommended for landscape photographers who want to capture compelling images of Philippine agriculture. Some of these terraces are more than 2,000 years old and represent a common form of farming in the country.

The stacked terraces are carved by hand into the mountainside, creating vertical farming fields in a region void of flat land. Workers commonly plant rice and vegetables. You can walk some roads above the terraces that give you the best view by looking below. Early morning and dusk provide the best light to illuminate the electric green color of the fields.

The Mayon Volcano in the Albay province on Luzon Island is a must-see in the Philippines. It is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of more than 2,400 meters. The Mayon volcano has a perfect cone peak.

Most visitors will want to enjoy the volcano by viewing it from the ground. Nature trails in the national park grounds surround the volcano, where you can also see wildlife like parakeets and other birds.

Extreme hikers can apply for a permit to climb the volcano, but it is a difficult trek through forest, and dangerous gases are emitted near the peak, so caution is advised. The ideal time to visit is March through May, outside of the rainy season. You can take an organized trip from Manila to get here.

If you just cannot decide what to do or where to go in the Philippines, an island-hopping tour might offer just the right mix. You still have to whittle down choices, but an organized island-hopping tour allows you to see a collection of islands.

You can sample snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and dining on local food in multiple locations and eliminate the hassle of trying to plan it on your own. Many of the island hopping tours span several days. One of the most popular island-hopping tours is to the Caramoan Islands , which were made famous after being featured on the hit TV show Survivor.

Manila is an exciting and vibrant city that is a thriving metropolis surrounded by centuries-old churches and colonial history. It is easy to walk around Manila on your own, or take a guided sightseeing tour of the oldest district, the Intramuros or walled city, where you'll find some of the most significant tourist attractions and important landmarks and monuments.

This will give you a better appreciation for Manila. You can see the famous San Agustin Church and monuments at Rizal Park and Fort Santiago , each bearing a significant influence on Manila that is best shared by a guide. Some tours are offered by coach, and others are available as walking or biking tours around the city.

After your tour, stop by one of the local restaurants for lunch and enjoy modern-day Manila as you watch the colorful jeepneys flying by on the streets.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Manila

Taking a ride in a jeepney is a must-experience in the Philippines, even if you have no specific destination in mind. The jeepney is one of the main forms of transportation in the Philippines . They are vehicles originally made from post-World War II U.S. army jeeps that have been transformed into colorful and fun forms of transportation.

The jeepney has become synonymous with the Philippines; a national symbol of sorts. It is unique to the country. The decorations and colorful decor on the jeepneys are as chaotic as the traffic on the city streets in places like Manila. Taking a ride in one is a thrill, with the random stops to let people on and off and being truly immersed in the local culture as residents go about their daily lives. Try taking a jeepney to one of the tourist sites you plan to visit or to your dinner spot in the evening. It might just be the cheapest entertainment you find in the country, and it will definitely be one of the most memorable experiences.

A tour of Corregidor Island is a must-see for history buffs visiting the Philippines. The island played a significant role in World War II and was the location of several battles. The relics left behind from these battles include secret tunnels and bunkers used as hideouts during the war, as well as weapons, barracks, and historical artifacts.

Be sure to take some time at the Pacific War Memorial on-site. Regular guided tours leave from Manila to a ferry that takes you to the island. This requires a full day to visit, but it is well worth the time if you have an interest in WWII history.

The stunning natural landscapes and ecosystems throughout the Philippines lend themselves to diverse habitats for birds, meaning the bird-watching opportunities are plentiful. Even if you are not an avid birder, it is worth taking a pair of binoculars on your trip to get a glimpse of some unique species that you likely will not encounter in other parts of the world.

With more than 7,000 islands and 94 national parks in the Philippines, it can be tough to narrow down where to start to look for some of the 600 species of birds that either live in or migrate through the country, like the brown-throated sunbird or the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

Some of the best places to start are the locations that cater to bird-watching like La Mesa Eco Park , which is popular among avid birders looking for barred rails, little egrets, osprey, and migratory birds that regularly rest in the park. The Negros and Panay Islands provided habitat for the endangered Walden's hornbill.

In the Luzon region, the Angat Watershed Reserve is a good spot to find many species along the trails and in the nearby Angat Rainforest and Ecological Park . Another spot where you see many migratory birds is in the Candaba Wetlands in Pampanga for species like purple herons.

The only thing more exciting than admiring one of the most notable waterfalls in the Philippines is traversing it in a dugout canoe. The Pagsanjan Falls waterfall is part of the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park .

Your trip along the falls will take you upstream through tropical landscapes, where you will be able to swim in natural pools and pass through caves. Once you get used to the leisurely ride, prepare for the main event, as you head downstream at a fast pace through large rocks and churning water for what the locals call "shooting the rapids." It is an exhilarating outdoor adventure, and you can take day trips from Manila.

A fun place to visit with a terrific pre-colonial flair is the streets of Calle Crisologo of Vigan City, located in the Ilocos province. It stands out from other cities in the Philippines. The brick streets and traditional horse and carriage mode of transportation are reminiscent of the 16th-century trading hub that used to be for foreign traders coming through the area.

This is a fun city to spend a day or two on your trip. You can take an organized tour to learn about the city's history or stroll on your own to the small vendor shops and eateries along the main street. This is also a prime spot to find souvenirs, from bags to baskets and pottery, for a reasonable price.

Be advised that if you ask your calesa driver to take you to the best shopping area in the city, he or she might instead drop you off at a friend's shop in order to earn a kickback of your purchases. It's better to take a ride, then explore the city street shops on your own.

The Taal Volcano on the island of Luzon is one of the most active in the country. It is in the center of Taal Lake, so just getting to the crater is part of the adventure. The city of Talisay , where you will catch a boat to get to the crater, is less than an hour's drive from Manila. You will catch a boat to go across Taal Lake then hike to the rim of the crater.

There are a number of trails around the volcano. The Spanish Trail goes to the top of the volcano and has some of the most impressive views. The less popular Kenney Trail is a good option if you want to avoid potential crowds or if you think you might want to rest along the way.

This trail has quite a few shade trees. Due to the logistics involved in visiting Taal Volcano, you might want to consider an organized day tour.

When the United States Navy had an active base on Subic Bay, their Navy Seals received training by indigenous Aetas on how to survive the jungle. Now, you can visit the former base on Subic Bay and even take Jungle Environmental Survival Training from the natives.

You can take a tour of the former Subic Bay Naval Base and tour the converted complex, which has a number of activities on-site. Subic Bay is located on the island of Luzon, so it is an easy day trip from Manila, or you can stay in the region.

On the island of Bohol, a bridge made entirely of bamboo swings almost 40 meters in the air over the Loboc River . For those with a sense of adventure, or a desire to conquer a fear of heights, the hanging bridge walk will be a vacation experience you will never forget. The hanging bridge is in the town of Sevilla. It is easy to combine this experience with other excursions on Bohol Island.

Over the years, the bridge, which was originally made with woven bamboo, has received some safety reinforcements due to its popularity with tourists. Not to worry though, it still creeks and swings and gives you butterflies in your stomach as you look down at the rushing river below you.

There are so many iconic lagoons in the Philippines that have movie-set quality tranquil blue waters below a towering cliffside, but one of the most spectacular is Sugba Lagoon on the island of Siargao. The lagoon is perfect for just basking in the natural, peaceful surroundings, but there are plenty of activities, too, if you want a more adventurous day.

You can book a day-trip package to the Sugba Lagoon from a nearby city like Del Carmen or General Luna, but you can also go on your own. You must take a boat to the lagoon. If you have the nerves and are not afraid of heights, you can try cliff jumping from the designated area above the lagoon. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak, and take a more peaceful tour of the lagoon at your own pace.

The best time to go to the Philippines is during the dry season , which is between November and April , when you will have optimal weather conditions and the best opportunities for outdoor experiences throughout the country. This time of year has the least amount of rainfall, which means more favorable beach days , fewer chances of weather-impacted flight delays, and easier accessibility to remote regions and smaller islands.

The dry season is also the high tourist season and the most popular time to visit so you will have increased tourist activity and higher prices for airfare and lodging. During this popular time, the months of December, January and February are the coolest months to visit before the sweltering Asian heat kicks in starting in March. Keep in mind that high temperatures and humidity surge in April and May.

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The best of the Philippines

By Trisha Andres

When I think of childhood holidays in the Philippines , the first thing that comes to mind is the soundtrack, like a scratchy old mixtape. Filipino love ballads blaring from jeepneys airbrushed in blues, oranges and pinks. Vendors bellowing ‘puto at kutsinta’ at the top of their lungs, hawking their glutinous rice and cassava cakes for merienda, a light afternoon snack. And the rising ding-a-ling of a bell as the mamang sorbetero, or ice-cream man, approaches with his little banana-yellow cart. As a child in the 1990s, I’d visit Boracay, not yet overrun by partying tourists, when the fine sand would turn to 18-carat gold in the post-dawn golden hour, and palms would sway to the lazy rhythm of amihan winds.

We’d hike in the hills of Tagaytay, south of Manila – my mother, father and two sisters, plus all 15 aunts, uncles and cousins. ‘Don’t forget to say tabi-tabi po (excuse me) to the gnomes,’ my mum would warn, half in jest, if we stumbled upon one of the mounds where she swore magical creatures lived (Filipinos remain resolutely superstitious). At the summit, we’d celebrate with a picnic overlooking the Taal Volcano caldera in the middle of the shimmering Taal Lake. On visits to Palawan and its surrounding islands , we’d ride on small, wooden bangka boats through blue-green waters so limpid I could make out tiny luminescent fish nibbling coral on the seabed. I’ve lived and worked as a journalist in London since 2006, but the Philippines has always been where my soul lies. I’m now working on my first novel, which will be set in Manila and Palawan in a 1980s dominated by Ferdinand Marcos. My home country fascinates me more as I get older, despite disappointment that politically it has again succumbed to cynical populism and nationalism.

(Pictured above: Amanpulo in Palawan)

It is a rare cultural mish-mash; many of the 7,641 islands have their own quirks, dialects and dishes. Add to this the countries that colonised the archipelago before it declared independence after World War II, such as the Spanish, the Americans and, briefly, the Japanese. The result is a lively mix of Hollywood, Catholicism and Orientalism, in a country whose ethnicities already form a pie chart like a squiffy wheel of fortune. As a traveller, my perspective has changed over the years.

It’s become clearer to me that not everywhere in the world has such a ready supply of milky-white sand, lagoons and empty, reef-rimmed islets whispering to be explored. That other places don’t have green sea turtles quite as large and languorous as the ones that drift around Palawan. That not everywhere can you watch the shadows lengthen as the sun sets over Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, a quirk of geology or something greater. And that not in all corners of the world do families routinely welcome strangers and insist on feeding them to bursting point.

I’ve watched as Siargao, the teardrop-shaped island on the Philippines’ Eastern fringes, has developed a surf buzz to rival Bali ; and as Manila has dialled up its food and art scenes while never remotely threatening to become neat. Yet this is still the curious, cacophonous country of my early memories and it still has my heart.

WATER WORLD

EL NIDO AND CALAMIAN ISLANDS

The spotless beaches , lagoons and tiny islands of this archipelago inspired Alex Garland to write The Beach , and there’s still a certain travellers’ spirit here that has been lost to overtourism elsewhere. With around 1,780 isles off the main Palawan island sliver, it’s hardly a secret: Bond and Bourne have been filmed on its beaches, and many a photographer has flown a drone over its deserted sandbars. The northern El Nido region and Calamian Islands do fill up in high season from October to May. Yet most of the key hotels exist on their own private slices of land, and all that’s required for total solitude is to clamber barefoot onto a bangka and ask the driver to take you to yours, where he may well cook you up fresh crab and green mango in banana leaves. Every time I visit, I take a boat along Bacuit Bay, swimming in the famous Big and Small Lagoons – the latter of which is reached through a small opening in the limestone – encircled by dramatic karst cliffs. I’ll always stop, too, at Snake Island, a narrow S-shaped sandbar floating in the sea. Other places are more secluded still, such as the turquoise atolls off Balabac to the south, or the secret lagoons around Taytay. All around Palawan, I’ve snorkelled with coasting hawksbill turtles and watched bottlenose dolphins leap out of glassy waters. On land, I’ve slept beneath fruit bats and woken to strutting peacock-pheasants. After all this time, it remains my favourite island anywhere.

(Pictured above: a hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan)

The private island stays

PALAWAN ISLAND

I have spent many summers on the four Palawan private islands run by El Nido Resorts: Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian off El Nido, and Apulit off Taytay. My go-to is Miniloc, on its own lagoon. It’s rustic and feels the most authentically Filipino, with its traditional overwater nipa huts, thatched roofs and woven-bamboo walls. Every night, yema custard candies and a hand-written bedtime story based on local myths are left at the foot of the bed. Meanwhile, Pangulasian, on a little U-bend of sandy beach, is reopening this December after a smart renovation. But none of these retreats match the level of Amanpulo, still the grande dame, reached by a turboprop plane and surrounded by the atoll-studded Sulu Sea; or Banwa, which opened this year, with prices as high as the jungle trees. There are more affordable stays on Palawan itself, such as Panorama (pictured above) , which feels modern and almost Balinese, with its brushed-concrete walls in evocative thatched huts that resemble split coconuts.

Manila-based blogger and photographer Kimi Juan

INSIDER TIPS

‘In El Nido, I tend to stay on the mainland at Frangipani, a cute boutique run by a friend that’s filled with glass walls and greenery. There are places to eat along the beach, and boatman will often barbecue fresh shrimp beside the water. Meanwhile, Siargao has become the new Bali so fast; there’s a strong sense of community and it’s very sustainable. Lotus Shores is great for a blissed-out yoga retreat, and Mama’s Grill, a roadside shack that grew to become a restaurant , is a brilliant place to eat. The locals keep the best surf spots, mangroves and cliff jumps a secret, so visitors must ask nicely if they want to find them. My go-to under-the-radar island is little Sicogon, off unheralded Panay, which is tricky to get to but home to some of the best beaches in the world . It's so pristine, with white beaches and sand mites, a sign that hardly anyone’s been here. I take a boat to the tiny Gigantes Islands, which have one of the most magical lagoons I’ve ever seen and where you can follow the monkeys up the rocks for incredible views.’

These thatched, stilted structures, or bahay kubos, are legendary across the Philippines, and include the lonely fishing shack on a small beach off Palawan’s Busuanga Island that is often seen tagged along with a dreamy, aspirational quote on Instagram. It’s a romantic, Robinson Crusoe take on the nipa: usually, the space underneath is used as a storage area for food or a shelter for livestock.

Lauren Burvill

Darcie Imbert

CNT Editors

Sarah James

BOAT TRIP EL NIDO TO CORON

It makes the most sense to reach Palawan on the water, and ideally by bangka or paraw, the latter a double-outrigger sailing boat. Tao Philippines offers a classic trip: a five-day sail between El Nido and Coron on a 74ft wooden paraw that looks as if it were assembled by the Swiss Family Robinson. Even the crew are barefoot, catching supper as you float serenely past empty atolls, snorkel over World War II shipwrecks and immaculate reefs and sleep at four different island bases, including an organic farm and a hidden jungle lodge.

(Pictured above: Crew aboard a Tao Philippines sailboat off El Nido)

Filipina-American model Kelsey Merritt

‘Siargao has become my happy place. It’s maybe not quite as beautiful as Palawan, but there’s more of a vibe; lots of my friends are moving here from Manila. I like staying at the fun Harana Surf shack or the slightly more slick Bayud Boutique, owned by my surfer friend Niño Barbers. We’ll often eat at Kermit, another surf spot where fresh fish is reeled in straight from the boats and is either grilled or left raw as kinilaw. For a less expensive alternative to Palawan’s Amanpulo and Pangulasian, I love the reef-fringed Club Paradise north of Coron, where you can sleep and eat in little cabanas right on the beach, and eerily beautiful resident bats flutters away at sunset. When I stop off in Manila before heading home to Pampanga, I always stay at the Shangri-La at the Fort. I had my graduation party at Raging Bull Chophouse – I’m a sucker for its truffle pasta and grass-fed rib-eye. Otherwise, the street-food platter at the casual, semi-industrial Locavore is awesome, with great versions of Filipino classics, such as kikiam pork rolls and kwek-kwek, or battered quails’ eggs.’

THE SURFING VIBE IN SIARGAO

A decade ago, this teardrop-shaped island, pronounced ‘shar-gow’, sitting lonely on the eastern fringes of the Philippines, didn’t have concrete roads. Back then, a trickle of surfers would bump along its sandy tracks to ride the whispered-about Cloud Nine break or the sharply barrelling Stimpy’s. But today, the island is buzzing, energised by the launch of direct flights from Manila in 2017, and Europeans and Manileño cool kids are opening eco-aware beach shacks, coffee roasters and surf-yoga retreats. Wave riders cram into Loose Keys (pictured above) , a thatch-covered garage near Cloud Nine that serves kinilaw, the Filipino answer to ceviche, and hosts live bands (Marlon, my Siargao surf instructor, regularly plays the blues).

The surfer-yogi crowd tends to stay at the palm-frond cottages at Harana Surf or the gypset Soultribe Beach Retreat (pictured above) , with its glamping tents in the trees, but there are smarter stays – most notably the Nay Palad Hideaway, a rattan paradise with a swimming pontoon off the beach. It was opened in 2012 by charismatic Belgian Bobby Dekeyser, who played in goal for Bayern Munich before launching an outdoor-furniture business and stumbling across this remote Filipino spot. Siargao is blessed away from the surf, too. The Magpupungko rock pools are where locals cliff-jump into a splash of turquoise that reveals itself at low tide; and there’s the emerald Sugba Lagoon on Caob Island, surrounded by limestone cliffs and forests, with its wooden diving board.

There are also castaway isles to rival Palawan’s, including tiny, coconut-tree-covered Guyam (pictured below) , or Naked Island, an aptly named little blob of fine sand. Whether it’s like Bali was 30 years ago or not, Siargao is in the midst of a wonderful moment.

BUCAS GRANDE, SURIGAO DEL NORTE

Dubbed the Palawan of the south, this island is a maze of shallow waters a two-hour boat ride from the main Siargao town of General Luna, and has a warm lake where it’s possible to bob around with non-stinging orange jellyfish. Plus, there’s a rickety wooden 16ft platform at Magkukuob Cave, a beautiful spot that looks like a Mexican cenote.

The arty stopover

This isn’t a destination with obvious appeal. The city’s elegant colonial architecture was largely destroyed by World War II bombs, to be replaced by skyscrapers and shantytowns, with the walled Spanish colonial city of Intramuros one of the few districts to be spared. Now, Manila is packed with malls, snarling traffic, frenetic wet markets and vendors selling kwek-kwek. But there is a new creative energy to be found, especially in the contemporary art scene. At The Alley at Karrivin in central Makati, a series of small galleries, boutiques and cafés fill whitewashed spaces off a shaded garden hallway. The Drawing Room represents some of the best local artists, while Lanai concept store is the place to buy Filipino jewellery and homeware with the same glam-vintage aesthetic as its owners, Manila society girls Bianca Zobel-Warns, Natalia Zobel and Maria Parsons. But the best thing at The Alley is Toyo Eatery (pictured below) , a concrete space named one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants, where The Fat Duck-trained chef Jordy Navarra whips up the most inventive Filipino plates around. The garden vegetables are a must-try, served like a pot of soil with a tiny sprout. A mix of textures and flavours, the dish uses all 18 vegetables mentioned in the Tagalog folk song ‘Bahay Kubo’, which the waiter sings while serving it.

Stay at the Fifties-era Henry Hotel (pictured above) in Pasay City, with mid-century shutters, verandhas and palmera-dotted gardens styled by interior designer Eric Paras, who runs the Artelano 11 homeware and coffee shop next door, a trove of the best Art Deco-inspired Filipino pieces. By night, Poblacion (pictured below) – once the red-light district – buzzes with microbreweries and speakeasies. It’s smartening up, but still has that fizzing Manila spirit.

The calling card

The bright, blingy, faintly comic yet ubiquitous form of public transport was originally re-crafted from abandoned American military Jeeps left over from the war. Today, jeepneys rule the roads. Mad, acid-wash paint jobs and steel horses on bonnets turn heads, but it’s the blaring sound effects, such as cow moos and parrots repeating ‘I love you’, that are truly great. The Peninsula Manila hotel has a fancy racing-green version, but the real deal is to cram into any passing jeepney and do as the locals do: hand your pesos to your fellow travellers to give to the driver.

Chef Jordy Navarra of Manila’s Toyo Eatery

THE INSIDER TIPS

‘First of all, don’t rush to leave Manila. Stay centrally in Makati or Bonifacio Global City and get to know the food scene. Explore Negrense dishes from the sugar and farming island of Negros: JT’s Manukan Grille, a group founded by Filipino actor Joel Torre, is the place to eat like a local, where every part of the chicken is charcoal-grilled, including gizzards and hearts; or head to modern Sarsa for crispy-pork sisig, a stew. For drinks, one of my go-to places is The Curator, hidden in a wine shop, which is an artisan-coffee spot by day and serves great cocktails after 6pm. And Oto, a Japanese-inspired listening room in Poblacion, is where the party tends to be these days. Another place I’d recommend is Balay Dako, a grand house a few hours south of Manila in Tagaytay, with an amazing view over Taal Lake, with a volcano in the middle. It cooks an amazing bulalo, a beef-bone-marrow broth from nearby Batangas. Aside from the hotspots of Palawan and Siargao, the weekend break for cool Manileños is La Union, a four-hour drive north, where there’s a creative little surf and party scene around the Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel.’

The dive sites

PALAWAN, MALAPASCUA AND DONSOL

The Philippines has some of the most diverse diving in the world. In the warm waters of Palawan’s Coron Bay, the evocative wrecks of half a dozen Japanese warships lie in close proximity, fuzzy with coral. On Coron itself, Barracuda Lake offers dives in a limestone wonderland, which oddly gets warmer as you paddle deeper. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a protected area in the Sulu Sea that can only be accessed on a liveaboard boat, has turtles, reef sharks and manta rays bobbing among unspoilt and colourful underwater gardens. Malapascua, an island north of Cebu, is one of the few places on the planet where there are regular sightings of rare, silver-tinged thresher sharks; while Donsol, to the south of the main island of Luzon, has near-guaranteed glimpses of polka-dotted whale sharks from November to June .

Global jet-setter Jeremy Jauncey

‘Watching the sunset over the Chocolate Hills is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Another highlight is canyoning at the Kawasan Falls on Cebu, where visitors wear a helmet and life jacket to jump off waterfalls; it’s like a natural water park. Amanpulo, on tiny Pamalican Island, might be the most incredible spot in the world, with its private plane and drifting hawksbills. Lagen, run by El Nido Resorts, isn’t quite at the level of Aman, but it’s still amazing, on its own little turquoise lagoon that can only be reached by boat – you feel like James Bond sailing to it. It’s a great starting point for a trip to the two stunning El Nido lagoons (pictured below) ; get up before sunrise to beat the crowds and escape for a private sandbar breakfast.’

The tinkling of the sorbetero street vendor’s handheld bell is music to every Filipino child’s ears, and can be heard across the country. It heralds the arrival of a vibrantly painted wooden pushcart selling sorbetes. Also known as dirty ice cream, they are prepared using natural ingredients, puréed and mixed with either coconut or carabao’s milk. Flavours tend to be purple yam, chocolate or – the most divisive – queso, which comes topped with specks of cheese.

The other islands

BOHOL AND BATANES

South-east of Cebu, Bohol is home to one of the most legendary spots in the Philippines: the Chocolate Hills (pictured above) , more than 1,200 grassy mountains that look like crafted bowls and pyramids. One legend has it that they were formed by a giant who wept over the death of his mortal beloved; another tells of two feuding beasts who spent days hurling boulders at each other until they grew weary and fell into each other’s arms. Bohol is also one of the best places in the world to see tarsiers, the bug-eyed primates who bear a passing resemblance to gremlins. For a more remote trip, the northern Batanes archipelago is halfway to Taiwan and has been described as the Scotland of the East, with its romantic rolling hills, lighthouses and traditional fishing villages.

Like this? Now read:

Things to do in the Philippines

A guide to the best Philippines islands

Where to eat, drink and stay in Manila

Scroll down for more images of the best of the Philippines...

Toyo Eatery

Tambai restaurant, Manila

Nay Palad Hideaway

Nay Palad Hideaway, Siarga

Beach kiosk in Siargao

Pearl Farm retreat on Samal Island in Davao

A dish at Amanpulo

Bedroom at Amorita Resort on Panglao Island

Coconut farm near Pacifico surf spot

Room at Panorama

Panorama bedroom wall art

Surf instructor in Siargao

Lobby at the Henry Hotel Manila

Coron coast

Miniloc Island hotel walkway

Bedroom at Henry Hotel

Hidden corners on Coron

Stuffed-squid dish at Toyo

30 Absolutely Spectacular Places to Visit in the Philippines

Get ready to discover the best places to visit in the Philippines with this handy travel guide.

Looking at a world map might lend you to think that the Philippines is a tiny country. But zoom in. If you look closely, you’ll see that the Philippines actually consists of over 7,000 islands.

That’s a LOT of islands to explore and places to visit in the Philippines. If you spent one day on each island, it would take you 19 YEARS to see everything.

Needless to say, you could probably spend a whole lifetime traveling around the Philippines and never get bored.

But Kay , you might ask, what else is there to do in the Philippines besides going to the beach?

Oh boy, you’re in for a big surprise. The Philippines has pretty much everything, except for snow (and who likes the freezing cold anyway?!). In addition to the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Philippines has:

• Mountains and volcanoes
• Stunning, misty rice terraces
• Giant caves
• UNESCO World Heritage and historic sites
• Bustling cities
• Amazing tropical fruits and regional foods
• The best coconut water (fresh off the tree!)
• Some of the friendliest, kindest people

So, yeah. What I’m basically saying is that you should get yourself over to the Philippines ASAP and explore it for yourself. It’s quite possibly one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia, and its beauty and hospitality will blow you away.

Don’t believe me? To help inspire  convince you to visit, I’ve compiled a list of 30 of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. If not a single one of these beautiful places interests or fascinates you…well, I just don’t know what to tell you.

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Northern philippines/luzon.

The land of rice terraces and rolling hills, the northern part of the Philippines is mainly occupied by the province of Luzon. Not only can you find lush forests and beautiful landscapes here, but there’s also quite a bit of history and significant landmarks in the region.

Ifugao Rice Terraces

Deep in the center of the island of Luzon lies a green, mountainous area. The climate here is perfect for growing rice, and throughout the high season, many farmers have worked for years to cultivate their crops here.

As a result, there are miles of stark, verdant rice terraces carved into the sides of the mountains here, and the resulting imagery is absolutely surreal. If you enjoy a good adventure (and stunning scenery), the Ifugao Rice Terraces belong on your list of places to visit in the Philippines.

It’s fairly difficult to get to the Ifugao Rice Terraces, and will take at least 2-3 days to explore fully. To get there, you have to take a bus (9+ hours) from Manila to Banaue, then continue hiking more to reach the viewpoints.

There are two main villages in Ifugao where you can base yourself to see the rice terraces: Banaue and Batad.

What Manila offers in traffic, energy, and noise, Tagaytay has in relaxation, natural beauty, and solitude.

Located less than 2 hours outside of Manila on a mountain overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano, Tagaytay offers mountain bed & breakfasts, beautiful views, and areas for quiet reflection. It’s like the Pacific Northwest of the Philippines, minus the hipsters.

For a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend away, there’s no better place to go than Sonya’s Garden . Located in a garden with bright flowers, fresh foods and herbs, and lots of tropical forest areas, this locally-owned inn is a cute and cozy getaway.

Luxurious cottages dot the grounds, and in the morning, you’ll be treated to delicious breakfast and warm pastries by the kindest staff. There’s also a spa and restaurant here for those truly looking to unwind.

Taal Volcano

Want to see one of the Philippines’ cutest volcanoes? Head to Taal Lake, which boasts the tiny but mighty Taal Volcano in its center.

It might look small, but Taal packs a big punch, as it is the second most active volcano in all of the Philippines. For the adventure junkies out there, this is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines because you can actually hike this volcano and see its crater, too.

To hike Taal volcano, you need to take a boat from Precious Boat Station to Taal Volcano. Then, from the trailhead, it takes less than an hour to get to the crater. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the inside of the volcano, as well as the entirety of Taal Lake.

Sagada is the Philippine version of a mountain town gone backpacker haven. Located 6-7 hours outside of Manila in some limestone valleys, it is perfectly situated in between hiking trails, caves, and peaceful greenery.

Here, visitors can get their outdoor fix without needing to go too far from the town. There is also a lot of deep local tradition and history in Sagada, with some of the most unique attractions being those of local death rituals and burials.

Batanes is to the Philippines as the Azores is to Portugal. It is the island in this archipelago that’s so far north, you probably didn’t realize it was part of the Philippines.

Located ~200 km from the northernmost tip of Luzon, Batanes is an island of rolling hills, historic lighthouses, and lush farmlands. Here, you can hike, explore historic buildings, or simply relax and take in the isolation of it all.

The only way to get to Batanes is to fly. Luckily, many budget carriers in the Philippines fly from both Cebu and Manila to Batanes, so you won’t be short on options for getting to the island.

Catanduanes

If you’re looking for the isolation for Batanes but don’t want to be as remote, head to Catanduanes.

Filled with craggy, rocky mountains, beautiful green forests, and remote beaches, this place is a perfect haven for rejuvenating and disconnecting, and it’s right off the coast of Luzon.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is one of the most historically significant parts of the Philippines.

Established in the 16th century, Vigan was one of the original Spanish colonial cities and trading posts in the Philippines. The unique blend of Philippine, Spanish, and Chinese designs make the city and architectural and historical marvel – the coming together of many civilizations.

Today, Vigan’s central area includes Calle Crislogo, which boasts cobblestoned streets, brightly colored homes, charming guesthouses, and many historic sites that tourists can visit.

Here, you can also cruise down Vigan’s river, or admire local artisans at work, weaving brightly colored fabrics and tapestries.

Corregidor Island & Bataan

Remember how I mentioned that the Philippines has several historically significant sites? Corregidor Island and Bataan are two of them.

Known most famously for the Bataan Death March in 1942, this area was home to an American military base and was one of the main fighting grounds in WWII.

Today, visitors and history buffs alike can visit the area to learn more about the impact of WWII in the Philippines, and the critical role these islands and their people played during the war.

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

If you didn’t get enough of volcanoes in Taal and want to see more, Bulusan in Sorsogon is the best place to do so. Here, you can hike and take in epic views of Mount Bulusan.

There is also a center here to learn more about volcanic activity in the area and in the country as a whole. In addition to being a fantastic outdoor and learning experience, a visit to Bulusan is just really freaking beautiful too.

Located in Sorsogon, Donsol is best known best for one major perk: whale shark sightings.

Unlike in Oslob (Cebu) where whale sharks are fed by humans and their natural behavioral patterns are potentially disrupted, in Donsol, tourists are instructed to silently observe these gentle giants going about their normal daily routines. This kind of distant observation is much better for the whale sharks AND for the tourists.

If you’re dying to see these magnificent creatures, I highly recommend heading to Donsol and observing them with as little human interaction as possible.

Visayas/Central Philippines

The Visayas is literally and figuratively the heart of the Philippines. Located in the central part of the Philippines, the Visayas (pronounced “Bees-eye-yas”) region has some of the most spectacular islands in the country.

Here, you can find some of the most colorful and unique snorkeling and diving in the country, as well as volcanic islands and incredible wildlife. Of all of the places to visit in the Philippines, the Visayas region is probably my favorite.

Camiguin Island is the “island born of fire,” and from its volcano-laden landscape, it’s easy to see why.

Although it’s one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Philippines, Camiguin really packs a punch in terms of things to do. Waterfalls? Yup. Volcanoes? You got it. Historic ruins? They’re here. Pristine white sandbars and blue water? Check check check.

From diving to hiking, sunbathing to swimming, Camiguin is like a giant playground for people who love to be outdoors.

While here, you can also sample local specialties like fern salad (yes, made of real Camiguin ferns), lanzones, turones, and the Philippine version of ceviche.

Cebu is one of the Philippines’ largest cities, and while I usually advise visitors to the Philippines to spend as little time in the cities as possible, I think Cebu is worth a visit.

Here, there are remnants of the many cultures that helped shape the Philippines, from Spanish-style Catholic churches to Taoist temples, and a giant statue of Lapu-Lapu (Ferdinand Magellan’s killer) just outside the city.

There are so many potential options for any  Cebu itinerary , it’s no wonder many tourists use it as a base for their Philippines adventures!

Of course, you’ll also find the crazy traffic, gargantuan shopping malls, and ritzy neighborhoods that exist in all cities in the Philippines, a visit to Cebu can open your eyes to the mix of cultures and traditions that exist here.

Just a few hours outside of Cebu lies the small town of Moalboal. And while there are a few souvenir shops, seaside restaurants, and small cabanas here to stay in, the best part of Moalboal lies under the surface.

Yup, you guessed it, it’s a diver’s heaven. Here, you can spot schools of fish, wild turtles, and colorful reefs just below the surface. You can also get your open-water certification from one of the many dive shops here.

If you’re a somewhat experienced diver and feel you’re ready for the big game (literally), you can head to Malapascua. This is another diver’s paradise off the coast of Cebu that offers advanced certified divers the chance to see and dive with large marine life like thresher sharks and manta rays.

While I was there, I did a couple of deep water dives (~30 meters) and got to see a whole handful of thresher sharks – so cool! It was my 22nd birthday present to myself and an experience I’ll never forget.

Deep diving in Malapascua is an incredible way to admire natural beauty and meet some of the large sea creatures we don’t often get to see.

Home to the famed chocolate hills, Bohol is a prime location for landscapes, beaches, and wildlife. Here, you can experience the Chocolate Hills by climbing one of them. However, please follow appropriate signage and only climb hills that are designated for people.

While in Bohol, you can also see the beautiful, small tarsier monkeys, the world’s smallest primate! There’s a sanctuary here where you can observe (but not touch) these tiny, big-eyed creatures.

Disclaimer: There are also many other wildlife viewing sanctuaries around the island. However, I encourage you to thoroughly research any animal activities (in Bohol and around the world) before you choose to go to them. Places offering riding, petting, and holding wild animals is typically a bad sign.

Siquijor is another small island in the Philippines that’s home to all kind of outdoor activities and beautiful beaches. Here, you can find a few secluded beach areas surrounded by palm trees with sparkling white sand. You can also find rainforests oases with small fish that nibble on your feet. Waterfalls and hiking trails around the island treat visitors with a dose of much-needed fresh air and beautiful photogenic gems.

Eastern Philippines

While the eastern part of the Philippines constantly receives the brunt of typhoon damage, there are still a few exciting and notable places to visit in this region. The area is primarily known for historical sites and being home to the largest cave in the Philippines.

Legazpi City

Legazpi is one of the Philippines’ most picturesque cities. It’s steeped in history and nature and full of things to do for any kind of traveler.

Here, you can find ruins, caves, zip lines, and views of one of the Philippines’ most stunning and perfect volcanoes, Mayon. Spend a day exploring nature, hang around in the Cagsawa Ruins, or just lazily watch the day go by in the shadow of the mighty volcano.

Langun-Gobingob Caves

The largest cave system in the Philippines, Langun-Gobingob Caves, is located on the island of Samar. Inside this lesser-explored cave, there are thousands of stalagmites and stalactites that hang from the walls.

Getting here isn’t easy, though. To explore these monstrous caves, visitors must embark on an 8-9 hour round trip guided trekking journey through trails outside and inside of the cave.

Palawan/Western Philippines

With islands largely consisting of jagged limestone, the Western part of the Philippines boasts beautiful white sand beaches, incredible hiking and climbing, unique scuba diving, and amazing island hopping to secret lagoons with the clearest blue water.

Coron is a remote island off the coast of El Nido that is practically a paradise. Luckily, you can get here a few different ways – by boat or by plane.

Visitors who make the trek out to Coron are greeted with incredible secret lagoons, relaxed beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant sunsets. You can also spend a day island hopping in Coron .

Not only is Coron remarkable above the surface, but it has many gems under the water as well. Here, divers can marvel at colorful, shallow reefs or dive through historic WWII Japanese battleships that were sunk during the war. It’s a popular place for people to get dive certified as well.

As much of a paradise as Coron is for divers, El Nido is a paradise for, well, everyone else. Situated on the northern coast of Palawan, El Nido is a haven for island hoppers, snorkelers, and swimmers.

Here, you can embark on one of several island hopping tours, which take you around to different uninhabited islands in the area to swim, sunbathe, and explore. These different tours are extremely affordable and offer visitors a chance to see hidden lagoons, majestic, fjord-like viewpoints, marine life, and clear water for miles.

One of the most important things to know before visiting El Nido is that it’s fairly difficult to get to. To arrive here, you either need to fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 5-hour van, or fly into Coron and take a boat. Either way, it’s a worthwhile trek to see some of the Philippines’ most vibrant landscapes.

Puerto Princesa

One of the easiest places to reach in Palawan, Puerto Princesa is full of famed landmarks and things to do.

The most notable of activities in the Puerto Princesa region is the Underground River, a river that runs through a large cave system. Visitors to the Underground River can take a boat through the caves to explore them with an experienced guide.

Note that this attraction gets extremely crowded, so it’s worth going as early as you can.

Additionally, visitors to Puerto Princesa can hop on an island-hopping adventure around some of the white sand islands nearby, or take a night-time firefly boat tour through a bioluminescent river.

Of all of these activities, my favorite was definitely the night boat – I’d never seen so many fireflies in my life, and our boat and oars lit up brightly in the water with the bioluminescent plankton!

Ah, the famed Boracay. For better or for worse, it definitely belongs on any “top things to do in the Philippines” post.

With its white sand, upscale resorts, and hordes of tourists, Boracay is the classic “lay on the beach and do nothing” destination of the Philippines. Think of it as a Cancun of sorts. If you’re looking for an easy and relaxed all-inclusive resort, you can definitely find one here.

This one’s for the foodies out there. Yes, the Philippines even has destinations for you! The cuisine in Iloilo and the surrounding areas is some of the finest and most unique in the country.

Head to the markets and local sit down restaurants to try dishes such as batchoy (a noodle and meat stew), pansit molo , chicken binakol , and seafood varieties, Iloilo is a city waiting to be explored by the hungriest of souls.

Apo Island is a tiny island near Negros Oriental. Another marine paradise on the list, Apo Island is home to some of the most colorful and diverse reefs in the Philippines.

Here, snorkelers and divers can see all kinds of fish, turtles, and corals. There’s also a quaint village, a historic lighthouse, and some rocky beaches to explore nearby.

Antique is one of the most diverse provinces to visit in the Philippines.

Here, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities, beaches and snorkeling, and historic landmarks to enjoy. The most notable natural areas to visit in this area are Malalison Island Sand Bar, Seco Island, and the Cold Spring.

Nearby, there are also gorgeous rice terraces to hike through and enjoy. For history lovers, the Patnongon ruins are a must. And for those interested in culture and artisan work, you can observe weavers creating bright fabrics in Bagtason (and maybe even learn yourself).

Looking for more things to do in Antique? This post is super helpful as a starting point!

Tubbataha Reef

One of the most pristine and well-preserved reefs in the world, Tubbataha is located far off the coast of the main archipelago.

The best way to access the reef is from a diving liveaboard, which usually take anywhere from a couple of days to over a week.

While many of the reef areas are fairly shallow, I’d recommend having plenty of diving experience before taking a liveaboard to Tubbataha. You can check Tubbataha reef and liveaboard reviews on TripAdvisor.

Southern Philippines/Mindanao

Mindanao Province and the southern part of the Philippines is one of the least explored regions of the country. This is partially due to warnings of terrorist activity in the area, and partly because many of the most famous tourist areas are elsewhere in the country.

However, the southern region does have some incredibly beautiful areas that are worth a visit if you’re planning to head south.

Surigao is one of my favorite places I’ve visited in the Philippines. It is FULL of unique outdoor activities.

In Surigao, you can visit the “Enchanted River,” a magically blue spring located in the rainforest. From there, you can also take a boat to do some sandbar island hopping, with stops at various caves and craggy uninhabited islands all along the way.

Lastly, Surigao is also home to some stunning waterfalls, like Tinuy-An Falls, where you can swim and hike around. Needless to say, I loved it there and if you get the chance to visit, you will too.

Zamboanga City

For what a lot of large cities in the Philippines lack in character, Zamboanga makes up for. This city has lots of beautiful historic walking areas, ruins, plazas, and promenades to meander through.

It almost feels like a Central or South American city in a lot of ways. Because it’s located in an area of the country with many Muslims, Zamboanga is one of the rare places in the Philippines where you can visit a mosque. The iconic Taluksangay Mosque is known for its bright red dome amidst the otherwise whitewashed walls.

Bukidnon, located in the center of Mindanao, is one of the most underrated and spectacular areas of the Philippines.

Full of tall trees, rolling hills, and small villages, it’s a lovely place to sit back and enjoy nature to the fullest. The views of the surrounding farmlands and colorful sunsets in Bukidnon are absolutely to die for.

Siargao is a popular surfing destination in the Philippines, and the kind of island where you’ll plan to stay for a few days and get stuck for a few weeks. Yeah, it’s that relaxed and alluring.

As a backpacker and surfer haven, it’s easy to surf your heart away and lose track of the time and day here. Luckily, it’s an easygoing and welcoming place that might just steal your heart.

Additional Philippines Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is a wonderful year-round destination. However, the best weather occurs during the dry season, which is approximately November to March.

Additionally, there are commonly typoons in the late summer to early fall, so I strongly recommend planning your trip outside of August-October.

What to Pack for the Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical destination, so pack your bags like you would for any warm, humid place. Here are some essentials I’d recommend bringing with you:

• Clothes for warm weather
• A light jacket
• A comfy pair of shoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A sarong or quick-dry towel
• A good  headlamp
• Sunglasses and a brimmed hat
• Travel insurance (you KNOW you should always have it!)

Getting Around the Philippines

Flight: The easiest and fastest way to get from island to island in the Philippines is to fly. Most of the major islands have at least a small runway where planes can come and go a few times a week. The cheapest flights and airlines in the Philippines area Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines .

Boat: It’s possible to take a boat between islands, and especially common for going from one (larger) island to the next (smaller) island. Note that unless you’re taking a high-speed bangka  between nearby islands, large boats tend to be really slow and may take several hours or even require an overnight stay.

Bus or Van: While traveling around within an island, there are typically two kinds of public transport: public buses and shared vans. Public buses are the cheaper option, are very large and crowded, and usually don’t have air conditioning. Vans/shuttles are smaller, sometimes have air conditioning, and usually run slightly more expensive.

Private Car: If you’ve got the funds, you can hire a private car and a driver to take you around from place to place within an island. Note that this is the most expensive option and usually requires advanced arrangement.

Best Places to Travel in the Philippines: Read Next

• The Ultimate Philippines Packing List
• 27 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling in the Philippines

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I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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Top Places to Visit in the Philippines

"It's More Fun" to Discover this Island Country's Hidden Charms

 Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

Most other countries in Southeast Asia are connected by road and rail to each other. Not the Philippines - it is the only country in the region with neither land borders nor road links to any of its neighbors.

But don't let that stop you from flying in anyway: as you'll see in the destinations listed below, many of this country's attractions are worth the special trip. (Check out this two-week Philippines-centered itinerary that puts a timetable to many of the destinations we've listed below.)

Manila: Heart of Empire

Mike Aquino

Most travelers skip exploring Manila at length, preferring to jet in and out to the rest of the Philippines without delay. They're missing out on a lot: the conglomeration of Metro Manila has more partying, culture, history and entertainment than all the other spots combined. (Shhh, don't tell the people from Cebu.)

Manila served as the seat for two successive colonial rulers. Spain's presence can still be felt in the old walled city Intramuros and its feared bastion Fort Santiago ; the American presence manifests today in the Beaux-arts government buildings around Rizal Park. 

Once you get the hang of Manila's transportation system , you can then move all around the city to see its top sights. And you get a real potpourri - Bonifacio Global City's hypermodern streets, museums and shopping malls; Binondo's ancient higgledly-piggledly of Chinese-Filipino businesses and eating places; and Makati's two worlds of businessmen and backpackers.

Cebu: Queen City

The "Queen City of the South" vies with Manila for recognition as the Philippines' Number One City. But in terms of ease of transport, access to the great outdoors, and more fun per square mile, Cebu has the capital beat. (Shhh, don't tell the people from Manila.)

The Spanish came here to Cebu first via Mexico, and remade the place and its people in their image. Their influence can still be felt in the Basilica Minore de Santo Niño , where a glass-covered niche holds a precious statue of the Christ Child that commands countless devotees throughout Cebu. This devotion reaches its peak during the Sinulog Festival (pictured here) that takes place in the middle of January every year.

The rest of the city overlays 21st-century modernity onto an older stratum of churches, ancient museum-lined streets like Calle Colon, and street food stops like Fuente Osmeña.

The waters around Cebu are known for their biodiversity; famous dive spots around the area, like Sumilon Island and Moalboal, attract thousands of experienced divers every year. And you don't even need a PADI certificate to experience the swim of a lifetime; the far-flung town of Oslob lets you snorkel with the whale sharks.

The Cordilleras' Rice Terraces: Mountain Magic

 The mountainous terrain of the Philippines' Cordilleras kept the Spanish colonizers away, allowing the Ifugao of these parts to keep their unique culture alive. Today, buses regularly ply the treacherously curvy roads leading into Banaue - you can now take a nine-hour bus ride from Manila into the mountains, going where conquistadores feared to tread.

Hiking around the UNESCO World Heritage sites in these parts - the rice terraces carved out of the mountains some 500 years ago - you'll find a way of life that revolves around rice. You'll also walk some pretty challenging hiking trails that plunge steeply down mountainsides and right alongside sheer cliff faces.

Don't forget to look around you (when you're not watching your step) - the sight of the rice terraces surrounding you will be one for the books.

Siargao: Surfing on Cloud Nine

Its short coastline facing the Pacific Ocean has few family-friendly beaches, but that doesn’t stop international travelers from converging on Siargao and its challenging surfing spots.

Siargao was “discovered” by the outside world in the 1970s, and has long been a “secret” known only to locals and surfers till very recently. The surfing spot known as Cloud 9 boasts a ferocious reputation , its powerful waves and rocky bottom shredding backsides and egos on a regular basis. (This writer experienced Siargao’s tamer surf spots first-hand .)

The island’s taken a more family-friendly turn as of late, helped along by a hit movie and breathless word-of-mouth. While this 170-square-mile island denies “the next Boracay” title, the new resorts and tours around the island capitalize on other fascinating features such as the Magpupungko tidal pool and the white-sand beaches on outlying islands – Naked Island (actually a sandbar); Guyam Island and Daku Island.  

Iloilo: Cultural Pearl

Ryan Ang/Getty Images

Iloilo was once the Philippines’ richest city, and the sugar trade that powered its rise in the early 20 th century left an indelible mark. Visiting Iloilo today feels like entering a genteel bubble, one where a riverside esplanade, a UNESCO-recognized stone church, and tree-shaded parks feels like the status quo the Philippines deserves to be.

The main city of Iloilo rewards visitors willing to wander around: Molo Plaza and its nearby mansions; the Calle Real and its stately buildings; and the hidden food stalls at the Central Market await travelers willing to see local culture up close.

Faith is a big draw for Iloilo visitors, beginning with the tropical motifs carved in stone on the historic (and UNESCO-recognized) Miag-Ao Church; and culminating in the kitschy hilltop heavenly replica at Garin Farm (wear your sunglasses). 

Boracay: Beach Party Bingo

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If you're in the Philippines to party, then head straight to Boracay. The island's famous White Beach - its 2.5 miles of powdery white sand lined with a raucous collection of resorts, restaurants, bars and one shopping center known as "D'Mall" - reaches a massive party frenzy during Christmas, Holy Week (!), and the International Labor Day weekend referred to by Filipinos as "LaBoracay".

Practically unknown and inaccessible prior to the 1980s, Boracay is now easily reached via plane and boat from around the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia. If you're looking for something else to do than gulp down shots into the wee hours, Boracay obliges with plenty of other activities, from ATVing to parasailing to golf.

In the low season between June to October, windsurfing fanatics take over the other coast's Bulabog Beach, turning the skies above it into a flurry of color.

Palawan: World's Best Island

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

The “world’s best island” makes up the “arm” of the Philippines, a 260-mile sliver running southwest to northeast along the archipelago’s western flank. Wherever you land on that “arm”, you’ll find Paradise, though expressed in different ways.

At the capital Puerto Princesa, you’ll find an abundant spread of local food, and one of the Philippines’ best craft beer shops. Fly or drive up to the town of El Nido , and you’ll discover an archipelago filled with over 40 breathtakingly beautiful limestone islands ripe for island-hopping and hiking around the cliffs .

Then there’s Coron at the northern extreme of the island: site of a World War II wreck dive site and bucket-list worthy beaches and lagoons.

Bohol: Nature, Churches, Beaches

Long known for the subtly erotic " Chocolate Hills ", the sleepy island of Bohol has managed to develop a travel reputation of its own that not even a massive earthquake could topple. The karst limestone that gave Bohol its Chocolate Hills also gave it its clean, winding rivers; its gorges made for ziplining and rappelling through; and the white-sand beaches of nearby Panglao.

Transportation to Bohol is easy - one can either fly into Tagbilaran Airport or take the SuperCAT ferry from Cebu. Once you arrive, you'll have your choice of adventures before you. Meet the freaky-looking tarsier? Visit the ancient Baclayon Church, an ancient earthquake survivor? Or go island-hopping from Panglao in the hopes of meeting the dancing spinner dolphins of the Bohol Sea?

It's all up to you - just make sure you've found a place to stay. Divers and beachcombers will find a pleasing assortment of Panglao Island resorts.

Davao: Adventure Travel Hotspot

The Philippines has three major island groupings - Luzon (with Manila at its head); the Visayas (with Cebu as its biggest city); and Mindanao at its southernmost end, Davao City being its main gateway and major metropolis.

As the youngest city among the three, Davao stands next to a largely unspoiled marine and forest habitat; this access to the mountains and the sea makes Davao one of the Philippines' top spots for adventure travel.

A number of animal reservations also maintain communities of endangered species, and are well worth a visit - the Philippine Eagle Center breeds and maintains a population of Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi), and the privately-owned Monfort Bat Sanctuary on Samal Island maintains a community of fruit bats.

Pampanga: Cultural Hotbed

The province of Pampanga north of Manila once had a reputation for being more Spanish than the Spanish. As a result, their embrace of the colonial way of life led to their unique architecture, cuisine, and culture: distinctly Latin with a local twist.

This makes Pampanga a must-see stop for foodie travelers, who can make the province one stop in a culinary itinerary of the Philippines’ top eats , or as part of a dedicated trip to eat the best of Kapampangan food.

Pampanga is also (in)famous for Mount Pinatubo, which exploded in 1991 and buried several towns in ash. The volcano has since fallen dormant, and locals now manage treks up to the crater and its scenic crater lake .   

Siquijor: Beaches and Witches, Oh My!

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One of the last frontiers of the Philippines, the island of Siquijor benefits from gorgeous beaches, verdant jungle and a reputation for witchcraft.

The beaches don’t have the crowds of Phuket or Boracay, but they’re amazing sights nonetheless: Kagusuan Beach and Paliton Beach offer white-sand swimming and excellent snorkeling with less beach touts to worry about. Other natural features abound on the island, such as the cascading Cambugahay Falls and the mysterious Llihan Cave.

Siquijor’s culture remains devoutly Catholic with an occult underside. After visiting the 200-year-old coral churches like the San Isidro Labrador Church in Lazi, you can visit a local “mambabarang” (witch doctor) who can brew love potions and curses on demand.   

Legazpi: Mayon Volcano Sights & Sounds

 The city of Legazpi is a short air hop from Manila, but could not be more different in character. With a surfeit of wide-open spaces, access to the sea, and endless avenues to adventure, Legazpi makes the most out of its proximity to Mayon Volcano, whose perfect cone can be seen from anywhere in Legazpi.

Spend half the day ATVing up Mayon's slopes, splashing through creeks and past massive boulders set down by recent Mayon eruptions. You can then spend the rest of your stay exploring the other side of Legazpi - eating their famously spicy food or gazing at centuries-old churches that have somehow survived Mayon's fury over the ages. 

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Best Places to Visit in The Philippines – 30 of The Best Tourist Spots

There are so many tourist spots in the Philippines that we’ve decided to put together this extensive list of the best places to visit.

The Philippines is home to just over 7,000 islands, each of them offering visitors unique experiences, cultures, and landscapes. From white sand beaches to lofty volcanic peaks. The Philippines really does have it all. 

So grab your instant camera , pack that beach bag and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Philippines (Travel Guide)

30 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Table of Contents

These days, if you see a beautiful picture of the Philippines, the chances are high that it may well be of Coron. This small group of islands north of Palawan is truly some of the most aesthetically pleasing in the country.

There are hundreds of small islands, beaches, lagoons, and lakes to explore by boat and the water is always incredibly clear. 

Related Article:   Coron Palawan: The Only Guide You Need

Our top recommended tours of Coron:

• Coron Ultimate Tour
• Full-Day Coron Island Ecotours

2. Corregidor Island

A trip to Corregidor is one of the best day trips from Manila. A cruise out across the bay of Manila takes visitors to this important and historic island, which was used to defend the city for centuries.

You can walk around the ruins of forts and tunnels that played a pivotal role during World War II and have a significant place in Filipino history.

Our top recommended tours of Corregidor Island:

• WWII and Corregidor Island: Historical Sightseeing Tour from Manila
• Corregidor Day Trip from Manila

3. El Nido, Palawan

Palawan is often cited as being one of the most beautiful islands in the entire world, and a large part of that recognition is found in spectacular El Nido . This small fishing village has fast grown into a tourist hot spot.

Visitors travel here to see the white sand beaches, turquoise waters and limestone cliffs as they island-hop their way around the spectacular surrounding area. This makes El Nido one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines. 

Our top recommended tours of El Nido:

• El Nido Island-Hopping Tour
• Palawan: Puerto Princesa and El Nido

4. Iloilo City

Iloilo City is centrally located in the Philippines and has gained a reputation for itself as the festival capital of the nation. People visit to experience the culture, arts, and music, as the locals are proud of their unique identity; a mixture of Hispanic and Filipino traditions.

Makati is one of the largest and most important areas within the sprawling Metro Manila area. It’s the country’s financial capital, it’s the most modern part of Manila and here you can find upscale restaurants, endless nightlife and sprawling shopping malls and entertainment centers.

6. Tagaytay

Tagaytay is an area south of Metro Manila known for its cool climate and beautiful volcanic scenery. It’s a favorite for those looking to escape Manila’s monstrous humidity, and there are many countryside restaurants and cafes to visit.

You also cannot miss the incredible Lake Taal, a freshwater lake found within the crater of a huge volcano. This is one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines. 

Our top recommended tours of Tagaytay:

• Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano
• Tagaytay and Taal Volcano Day Trip from Manila

7. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Puerto Princesa is the largest city on the island of Palawan, and just outside of this provincial capital is one of the Philippines’ most spectacular natural wonders, the underground river.

Under the mountains, a river stretches for several kilometers and a large part of it is navigable by small boats. The underground river has become one of Palawan’s most exciting attractions.

Our top recommended tours of Puerto Princesa:

• Underground River Day Trip from Puerto Princesa City
• Puerto Princesa Fireflies Watching with Dinner

8. Banaue Rice Terraces

The incredible Banaue Rice Terraces are a spectacular sight. Carved into the mountainside, for hundreds of years locals have been raising crops on these stepped rice terraces. The area is lush and green and the hiking options are immense.

9. Intramuros

Intramuros is the old, walled city of Manila that dates back to the days of the first Spanish colonizers in the Philippine islands. They built grand cathedrals and sturdy defenses that are today, still an integral part of the capital.

The best way to experience Intramuros is to simply walk the old cobbled streets of this historic area.

Our top recommended tours of Intramuros:

• Private Old and New Manila City Tour

10. Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro is the biggest city in Northern Mindanao. The city is becoming known as the whitewater rafting capital of the Philippines, as the nearby river is beautifully scenic and loaded with rapids suitable for all levels of rafters, from experts to those with absolutely zero experience.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Philippines (Travel Guide)

11. Boracay

Boracay is an island that is both legendary and infamous amongst travelers. It’s one of the most visited islands in the Philippines, so much so that it has even had to be closed for several months to allow the environment to recover from over-tourism.

However, when it returns, there’s no doubt it will remain a place for party animals and white sand beach lovers to flock to for years to come.

Our top recommended tours of Boracay:

• Tirta Signature Massage in Boracay Island
• Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay
• Open Water PADI Diver Certification in Boracay

12. Siquijor Island

Siquijor is known as a mystical, strange island to Filipinos. The rugged island lies between Cebu and Mindanao and is famous for its traditional witch doctors and mystical local customs.

Sagada is a strange, yet intriguing place to visit in the mountains of Luzon. The area is famous for the way the locals bury their loved ones. They place them in coffins and hang them from the side of the cliffs.

G Adventures offers 9 multi-day trips through the Philippines . Simply use this link to book today.

14. Cebu City

Cebu City might not have the best reputation amongst visitors, and most travelers will simply pass through to reach the beautiful, quieter beaches and islands of Cebu rather than spending time here.

But Cebu City has a huge amount of history that few people actually see, from Spanish colonial forts to Catholic churches, while the city is home to some of the best cuisines in the country; it’s worth visiting just to sample the Pork Lechon.

Our top recommended tours of Cebu City:

• Oslob Whale Shark Watching, Kawasan Falls and Tumalog Falls
• Whale Shark Swimming Experience and Aguinid Falls from Cebu
• Cebu City and Mactan Coach Bus Tour

Oslob is famous for one thing, whale sharks. On the southern tip of Cebu Island, whale sharks congregate throughout the year and it’s possible to swim and dive with these beautiful, large fish in open water.

16. Malapascua Island

Malapascua is a small yet visibly stunning island in northern Cebu where life is slow and the views are always beautiful. The real attraction though is the chance to see the many hundreds of thresher sharks that appear every day to feed on the local reefs.

Our top recommended tours of Malapascua:

• Thresher Shark Dive from Malapascua Island
• PADI Open Water Course and Thresher Shark Dive

Bohol is just a short boat ride away from Cebu City, and it is one of the best places to experience adventure and adrenaline in the Philippines. The island is famous for the Chocolate Hills, a vast area of chocolate-colored mounds that look spectacular.

There are also many adventure parks with jungle zip lines, quad biking and much more.

Our top recommended tours of Bohol:

• Bohol Countryside Full-Day Tour
• Bohol Highlights Tour
• Private Bohol and Chocolate Hills with Loboc River Cruise

18. Panglao Island

Panglao Island is found just off the coast of the Bohol, and this is the place to be if you want to experience beach life. There are many resorts along the white sands of the islands, while out to sea there are reefs and a diverse array of marine life.

This is one of the more off the beaten path tourist spots to visit in the Philippines.

Davao is found in the south of Mindanao and is one of the largest cities in the Philippines. The locals are known for their love of Durian, the smelly fruit that people either love or hate.

The surrounding area is beautiful too, with the nearby Mount Apo being the highest mountain in the country and the spectacular Samal Island is one of the last unknown, resort-style islands in the Philippines.

20. Dumaguete

Dumaguete is one of the liveliest cities in Negros Oriental, as it’s a thriving University City. The city’s waterfront is the place to visit, with a bar and cafe culture like no other in the country.

Further afield, the natural scenery of the coastline is stunning, with ample chances to snorkel or dive.

21. Bacolod

Many people breeze through Bacolod on their way through Negros, but the city has much to offer those who stay in the way of history, colonial ruins and nearby eco-parks.

22. Romblon Island

Romblon is yet to appear on the mass travel radar, which is great because for now the beautiful islands of Romblon can be all yours. The area is known for its incredible, white sandbars and beautiful beaches.

Get here before the rest of the world does.

G Adventures offers 9 multi-day trips through the Philippines . Simply use this link to book today

23. Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano is one of the most distinctive, conical volcanoes in the Philippines. Its sheer size is staggering, and favorite activities here include trekking and even quad biking around the base.

24. Mindoro

Mindoro is located just off the south coast of Luzon and is one of the larger islands in the Philippines. The island is the Philippines in a microcosm, offering everything from beaches, waterfalls, and hiking to resorts and nightlife.

After the more famous Oslob, Donsol in Bicol is the best place to see whale sharks. The tiny fishing village is a quiet, ramshackle place, but diving or snorkeling here with these huge whale sharks is one of the best experiences you could have anywhere.

26. Siargao Island

Siargao is definitely becoming one of the most visited tourist spots in the Philippines. This far-off island was once relatively unknown, except to the surfers who traveled here to experience the huge waves.

Recently, that has changed completely, as word has finally escaped to the rest of the world of the beautiful beaches and spectacular islands.

Tablas is actually the largest island within the Romblon Province, and it’s again one of the last really untouched places in this part of the central Philippines. It’s quiet, lazy and beautiful.

28. Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo has a notorious history of eruption, but this volcano in northern Luzon is one of the most impressive in the country. The huge lake at the summit formed during the last eruption and is beautiful to see.

29. Batanes

Batanes is one of the last frontiers left to be hit by tourism in the Philippines. It’s far off, in the extreme north of the archipelago and closer to Taiwan than to Manila, but it’s also like nowhere else in the country.

The scenery is rugged, more akin to Europe than the tropics, and the culture is completely unique.

30. Camiguin

Camiguin is off the beaten track as it gets in the Philippines. Known as the island borne of fire, this volcanic rock is a beautiful place to visit, with untouched waterfalls and one of the whitest sand beaches in the Philippines.

Due to its remoteness, this is one of the best-hidden tourist spots in the Philippines. 

Recommended Multi-Day Philippines Tours

• G Adventures Northern Philippines and Palawan Adventure – The colorful culture, pristine beaches, and colonial history of the Philippines aren’t easy to capture in just one trip but this 16-day tour is a pretty decent effort. Envelop yourself in colonial history within Manila’s former walled center and the charming town of Vigan, embark on a subterranean boat ride through an underground cave system and visit a self-governing penal colony. The Philippines’ beaches are some of the world’s best, so we’ve left plenty of time for snorkeling or simply just lounging on the beaches of El Nido. This way, your knowledge of the country will only deepen alongside your tan.
• G Adventures Philippines Palawan Adventure – If you’ve only got time for just one of the Philippines’ tropical destinations, Palawan is it. This eight-day tour brings you to the best of the province from El Nido’s stunning karst stone formations to its turquoise waters and colorful marine life beyond the ocean’s surface. Snorkel above colorful coral reefs, hike the rain forest and venture through a subterranean river network by boat. But if you prefer a more leisurely pace to your adventures, don’t worry. We’ve left plenty of time for beach bumming too, lounging on remote beach resorts, and cooling off in the waves.
• G Adventures Island Hopping the Philippines – Get a whole new appreciation for the night sky after camping on a beach under a blanket of stars free of light pollution. You’ll experience this and so much more on a 13-day island-hopping tour through the best of the Philippines’ nature, beaches, and cultural life. Roam Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills (not suitable for consumption), snorkel with massive whale sharks in the clearest of clear blue waters (if the season is right), roam through exotic Manila and historic Cebu, and take a boat ride through Palawan’s mesmerizing subterranean river. From interacting with local communities to lots of free time built in, this trip is both meaningful and liberating. So go on and feel free.
• G Adventures Islands of the Philippines on a Shoestring – For travelers looking for a strange and beautiful adventure, this island-hopping adventure will show you the best of the Philippines’ nature, beaches, and cultural life. Roam Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills (not suitable for consumption), snorkel with massive whale sharks in the clearest of clear blue waters (if the season is right), roam through bustling Manila, chill out in laid-back Siquijor, and soak up the beach vibes of Moalboal. From interacting with local communities to lots of free time built in, this trip is both meaningful and liberating. So go on and feel free.

More on the Philippines:

• Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
• Culion Island Palawan: Is This the Next Philippines Hot Spot?
• Busuanga Island Palawan: Ultimate Guide to the Last Frontier
• Ultimate Puerto Galera, Philippines Guide: Diving & Beaches
• 36 Philippines Photos To Inspire Your Next Vacation
• 25 Amazing Drone Photos of the Philippines
• Crowning Glory Reef: World Class Snorkeling off Culion Island, Philippines
• Travel Recap: 4 Weeks in the Philippines

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “Best Places to Visit in The Philippines – 30 of The Best Tourist Spots”

I have heard a lot about the Philippines but never visited. The Philippines is very beautiful and the places are so exciting and adventurous. I just loved all these places you shared. I just love traveling and also love to explore new places, related to nature and I am very fond of nature, sceneries and so on. If possible in the near future, I will definitely explore these places for sure. Thank you for sharing these wonderful places.

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15 Ridiculously Beautiful Places to Visit in the Philippines

by Julie Sep 3, 2023 Philippines , Travel

Are you trying to decide where to go in the Philippines?

You’ve probably heard of the more famous destinations like Boracay, El Nido, and Coron.

But you’re not sure what other stops to add to your itinerary. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the 15 most beautiful and amazing places to visit in the Philippines.

I’ve divided these 15 places into 5 categories based on the geography of the Philippines. Just jump to the area you’re most interested in or read all the way straight through.

• North – North Luzon
• West – Palawan
• Center – The Visayas
• South – Mindanao
• East – Southeast Luzon

For all of my guides to this ridiculously beautiful country, visit my Philippines travel guide .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

THE NORTH: NORTHERN LUZON

Let’s start with the north.

Not many foreign travelers go to this part of the Philippines.

But they should.

Northern Luzon is the ideal place for those looking for culture, natural beauty, history, architecture, and adventure .

The three top destinations here are…

• the rice terraces in Ifugao province
• Sagada and its hanging coffins
• colonial city of Vigan

I suggest adding at least one of these places to your Philippines itinerary . Any of them will make for a nice change of pace from the islands to the south.

1. Rice Terrace of Ifugao Province

You will never forget your visit to the rice terraces in Ifugao province. Located along the slopes of the Cordillera Mountains, these terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago .

There are rice terraces sprinkled throughout the province. Some can be done on your own while others require guides .

Banaue is the easiest rice terrace to get to, but Batad, Bagaan, Mayoyao, Hungduan , and Nagacadan are UNESCO World Heritage sites .

You can visit several rice terraces in one trip by hiking from one to the other.

If you’re into photography and hiking , then making the 9-hour bus ride from Manila will be worth it.

This next must-visit place in the Philippines is BOTH very weird BUT ALSO quite wonderful . It’s the backpacker haven of Sagada.

Located about 13 hours by bus from Manila , this rather eerie destination is famous for its creepy hanging coffins, thrilling caves, and beautiful waterfalls . It’s ideal for those with more adventurous spirits or those seeking a bit of traditional Filipino culture.

The most important stop in Sagada is the Echo Valley Hanging Coffins . For those who like adventure, do the Cave Connection , an underground passage that connects Sumaging Cave with Lumiang Cave (more creepy coffins). You can also hike to Bomod-ok Falls , Mt. Sipitan , Mt. Kiltepan , or Marlboro Hill .

Sagada is one of the top destinations in the Philippines for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Vigan is one of the best places in the Philippines for those of you who love history and architecture . Being one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with fairy-tale-like old colonial houses that mix Spanish and Chinese architectural styles.

Vigan’s heritage still exists because it’s one of the few places in the Philippines that wasn’t destroyed during World War II.

You can get from Manila to this northwestern coastal town by taking a 9-hour bus ride . A long ride, but well worth it!

Spend most of your time wandering around the Mestizo District , the heritage area of Vigan, exploring the unique and beautiful architecture from the Spanish colonial era. Walk down pedestrian-only Crisologo Street especially at dusk when the sky is not quite dark yet but the lamps and lights in the shops and cafes are turned on. You can also tour the interior of some of the old mansions like Quema House and Syquia Mansion .

Vigan is another one of the top destinations in the Philippines for those who want to get off the usual backpacker trail .

THE WEST: PALAWAN. 

Palawan has become one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines in recent years.

And it truly deserves it. These islands have more to offer travelers than any other part of the Philippines. 

These are the 3 must-stop destinations in Palawan:

• Island hopping cruise from El Nido to Coron

Palawan has 4 more stops that I won’t cover here but are worth checking out:   Port Barton, Puerto Princesa, Balabac, and Sibaltan. 

Located in the northern part of Palawan, Coron is part of a group of islands called the Calamian Islands. Everyone calls the whole area Coron.

The whole area is a diver’s paradise . There are over 20 Japanese shipwrecks in the waters around the islands.

For everyone else, the area is just simply drop-dead gorgeous . Like everywhere in the Philippines, you’ll find white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. But you’ll also find these unique craggy rock formations and these stunning hidden lakes with water as clear as glass .

You’ll have a boatload of island-hopping tours to choose from when you’re in Coron.

The popular places to visit on these tours are Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Sand Bar , and Coconut Beach . You can also customize your own tour by hiring your own private boat.

Kayaking around the islands and Coron Bay is also popular.

Don’t miss out on climbing up Mt. Tapyas at sunset for stunning views of the bay and then finishing your evening with a stop at Maquinit Hot Springs .

As you can see there are countless reasons why you should add Coron to your Philippines itinerary .

There is a reason why El Nido has become one of the top travel destinations in the Philippines over the last few years. The limestone islands dotting Bacuit Bay are blindingly gorgeous . The bay is similar to the limestone islands of Halong Bay in Vietnam and the limestone hills of Lijiang in China.

When in El Nido, you should go on at least one island-hopping tour that’ll take you to Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Seven Commando’s Beach, Helicopter Island , or Snake Island . Make sure to schedule some time for relaxing on the area’s beautiful beaches like Nacpan , Las Cabanas , and Lio .

You can get a detailed and easy-to-follow itinerary guide for El Nido here .

PRO TIP:  Here's a list of essential items to pack for all of your island-hopping tours while in the Philippines:

• Dry bag - Your stuff will get wet while on island hopping tours so a dry bag is ESSENTIAL for the Philippines.
• Waterproof bag or pouch for your cell phone especially for your visit to such places as the Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon in El Nido and island hopping in Port Barton.
• Water shoes - It's important to have a pair because sometimes you'll need to be walking on rocks to get to your destination. You'll thank me later for bringing them.
• Sunscreen - You buy sunscreen in the Philippines, too, but it's pricey (500 - 700 pesos depending on the store--shop around!)
• Mask and snorkel -  I recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. If you're new to snorkeling, start with the full face mask and snorkel . That's what I did.

6. An Island-Hopping Cruise from El Nido to Coron

Everyone who’s taken one of the island-hopping cruises from El Nido to Coron has said that it is the best thing they’ve done in the Philippines.

These cruises are expensive (over US$300 -$500) but well worth it . Just be warned that once you do one of these multi-day tours, any other island-hopping tour after that just won’t cut it.

The most famous and the most highly-reviewed tour company is Tao Expeditions . They have both 3-day and 5-day tours through the remote Linapacan and Culian Islands . Other companies do similar routes.

You don’t necessarily have to book before arriving in the Philippines. I met people who booked theirs after getting to El Nido.

With most tours, you get to sleep on the beach . Some provide tents, while others provide rustic wooden structures. You’ll spend your days sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, drinking, eating, and well, you get the picture.

Read More Articles on the Philippines:

• First-Timer's Guide to Getting Around Manila
• El Nido Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later!
• Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

THE CENTER: THE VISAYAS

The center of the Philippines is dominated by the Visayas: a group of islands that are jampacked with paradise-like destinations.

The Visayas contain the largest number of destinations on this list of must-see places to visit in the Philippines.

If you’ve got 2 weeks, you can easily and satisfyingly limit your stay to this part of the Philippines.

7. Bantayan Island

When people ask themselves where to go in the Philippines, rarely does Bantayan come up. It’s not as famous as Boracay or Palawan. 

However, it should be. Located off the coast of Cebu, Bantayan has some of the BEST beaches with the whitest and softest sand in the Philippines. It’s perfect for being incredibly lazy and not doing much of anything. Plus, it’s not anywhere near as touristy as its more famous cousins. 

The best beaches on the island are Paradise Beach —a long white sand beach with crystal clear water and not many other tourists. Along with Santa Fe Beach , it’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

You can go on an island-hopping tour to Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island . Make sure to add St. Peter and Paul church to your Philippines itinerary . The outside isn’t that great, but the inside makes it the most interesting Spanish colonial church to visit in the Philippines.

Unlike Bantayan, Bohol is one island that travelers do automatically think of when they’re planning where to go in the Philippines.

It’s not surprising, though. Bohol has so much going for it. It’s got not ONLY white sandy beaches and crystal clear water , but it also has lots of opportunities to spot wild animals , swim in waterfalls , view unique scenery like rice terraces and the Chocolate Hills , standup paddleboard down jungle-clad rivers, and kayak through mangroves buzzing with fireflies . 

Another added bonus is that it’s just a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu City.

Bohol is also a premier diving and snorkeling destination with its colorful and healthy coral reefs and abundant sea turtles. You can go on some fun island-hopping tours to the Balicasag or Pamilacan Islands .

The best beaches in Bohol are Dumaluan Beach , White Beach , and the beaches in Anda .

Check out this detailed and comprehensive travel guide for Bohol.

PRO TIP: Make sure to buy water shoes for your trip to the Philippines. The bottom of the ocean and beach can be full of sharp and painful rocks or even glass . They’re also good to wear to prevent your feet from getting hookworms . I met a traveler in Malapascua who got a hookworm in his foot from walking barefoot on the beach. Unfortunately, he was having a hard time finding the necessary medicine in the pharmacies around Malapascua.  

Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. 

Located off the coast of Panay Island, Boracay is a thin (500 meters) and long (7 km) island. People go to this island for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

White Beach with its killer sunsets is probably the best beach in the Philippines. Popular activities include sailing trips, island-hopping tours, and kitesurfing.

Boracay has a tumultuous history as a tourist destination. It got so popular several years ago that the island became an environmental disaster. The government forced the island to shut the island down for six months in order to clean it up.

They then put in new laws to prevent tourism from destroying the island again . This was right before the pandemic. 

PRO TIP: Download these apps onto your phone for your trip to any country in Asia. They will make your life so much easier!

• Grab: - Grab is the ride-sharing service that people use in Southeast Asia. It's a must-have for getting around Manila, Hanoi, Singapore etc. It's not so necessary on the smaller islands.
• Klook - Klook is a tour-booking website used by lots of travelers in Asia. You're more likely to book with an honest tour company through Klook than through anyone else.
• WhatsApp : What's App is the best service to use for getting in touch with other travelers, tour guides, and businesses in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.
• Booking.com: I think Booking.com is the best website to use for booking accommodations in Asia.
• MAPS.ME & Google Maps: I have both of these apps on my phone. Sometimes MAPS.ME works better than Google Maps and vice versa. Make sure to download your maps to your phone before you start your adventure so you can view them offline. If you switch SIM cards, you might lose your downloaded maps.

10.  Malapascua + Kalanggaman

Malapascua is one of the premier diving spots in the Philippines. It is THE place to dive with thresher sharks !

However, I didn’t go to Malapascua to dive. Instead, I went in search of the PERFECT island . This would be the tiny spec of an island called Kalanggaman –a short boat ride from Malapascua.

I can attest that Kalanggaman Island was probably the most beautiful island I’d been to with the most beautiful sand bar I’d ever seen. I have just one huge regret—I didn’t camp overnight on the island .

There are other things to do around Malapascua as well. You can rent a private boat that’ll take you to some great snorkeling spots, spend the day on the nearly empty and beautiful North Beach , and end the evening with a meal of fresh and affordable seafood from the local market.

Check out this detailed travel guide on how to visit both Malapascua and Kalanggaman !

11. Moalboal

One of the most unforgettable things I saw in the Philippines was at Moalboal. It was seeing a sardine run up close. Not only can you experience a wall of a million sardines swimming by you by diving but you can also see it by snorkeling a few hundred meters off a beach in Moalboal.

Another reason Moalboal is one of the top places to visit in the Philippines is that some of the BEST waterfalls in Southeast Asia can be found nearby

A popular activity in Moalboal is to go canyoneering off (jumping) of Kawasan Waterfalls . You can also grab a scooter or motorcycle and search for other waterfalls like Dao Falls, Binalayan Falls , and Aguinid Falls .

PRO TIP: When you arrive in the Philippines, you can buy a SIM card at the airport . There are 2 companies used throughout the Philippines: Globe and Smart . Each of them gives you 10 or 12 GB of memory for 30 days for 1,000 pesos (US$20). I used 2 GB in 30 days.

If you have to "add load" (add minutes or data) for some reason, you can do it at a convenience store around the Philippines. Tell them you want to "add load". You need to give the clerk your phone # to complete the transaction (I usually store my SIM card # in my Contact List).

BUT that's not it. You then need to register your phone . If you have Globe, dial *143#. I usually have the store clerk or someone at my hostel or hotel help me complete the registration. If you don't register after every time you add data to your phone, the minutes and data disappear.

12. Siquijor + Apo Island

A small island located between Negros, Cebu, and Bohol islands, Siquijor (pronounced seekeehor) is a mysterious island famous for its shamans and sorcerers .

Another unique feature of the island is its marine sanctuaries which are filled with healthy coral and teeming with fish. Getting to these reefs is super easy . Just walk right off the beach and into the water. You can also take a boat to Apo Island and snorkel or dive with giant and friendly sea turtles the size of a dining room table.

The most popular place to visit in Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls —a waterfall with multiple levels of pools.

Its two best beaches are Paliton Beach and Tubod Beach . Because of Siquijior’s placid waters and healthy coral, it’s a great place to go snorkeling . You can also go cliff diving, hiking, and spelunking.

You can read my comprehensive and detailed itinerary guide for Siquijor here. 

THE SOUTH: MINDANAO

Now we’re heading further south to the island of Mindanao. Here the Philippines is becoming harder to get to. As a result, Siargao and Camiguin weren’t on the travelers’ radar as much as those destinations in the Visayas until now.

13. Siargao

When I was last in the Philippines, it seemed that every backpacker I spoke to was on their way to or on their way from Siargao. It seemed to be on everyone’s itinerary. 

Siargao is famous for its surfing , but if you’re not a surfer, there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit stunning lagoons , nearby islands with gorgeous powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and unique Instagram-worthy spots like Bending Palm Tree and Palm Tree Road .

There are a few really good island-hopping tours you can go on. These include one to Sugba Lagoon (bring your drone if you have one), Sohoton Cove , and Naked, Daku , and Guyan islands .

If visiting Magpupungko Rock Pools (and you should!), make sure you check whether the tide is in or out.

14. Camiguin

Located off the northern coast of Mindanao, under-the-radar Camiguin is an adventurer’s dream island .

Having more volcanos than any other island in the world, Camiguin looks more like Hawaii than the Philippines.

The island is littered with hiking trails, hot springs (and cold), and waterfalls . If you’re looking for an island destination with lots of adventure and great diving but without the hordes of tourists like in Palawan and Boracay, then add this island to your Philippines itinerary .

Visit Katibawan Falls , where you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Climb up Hibok Hibok Volcano for panoramic views of the island and then once you’ve climbed down, stop at Ardent Hot Springs to soak your tired muscles.

Because Camiguin is a volcanic island, the sand is dark brown. But not to worry. You can find the white powdery stuff on White Island .

Camiguin also has some unique snorkeling opportunities where you can snorkel in a giant clam sanctuary .

THE EAST: SOUTHEASTERN LUZON

Are you looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path destination in the Philippines?

Southeastern Luzon is about as under the international tourism radar as you can get in this country. There are a few good places to visit here, but I’m going to add one place to this list of the 15 best places to visit in the Philippines, and that is Mt. Mayon, an active volcano near the city of Legazpi .

15. Legazpi + Mount Mayon

Located either by a short plane ride from Manila or a 15-hour bus ride, Legazpi is famous for being at the foot of the most perfectly cone-shaped volcano in the world : Mount Mayon . Take that Mt. Fuji! If you’re looking for stunning scenery, this is an ideal stop for your Philippines vacation.

Legazpi is a typical noisy and busy Filipino City. However, the Albay District is a great place to escape its hustle and bustle. Walk up Lignon Hill or Sleeping Lion Hill to views of Mount Mayon.

But spend most of your time outside of Legazpi hiking up or part-way up Mt. Mayon , checking out the Cagsawa ruins , and driving an ATV to the foothills of Mt. Mayon .

Mount Mayon might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to go in the Philippines, but it should be!

Looking for more off-the-beaten-path destinations?

• Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Philippines

What to Pack for the Philippines

Full face snorkel mask.

Waterproof Dry Bag

Water Shoes

Final Thoughts

So these are what I think to be the best places in the Philippines to visit. Now if I had only 2 or 3 weeks in this country, my top 5 (I’m having a hard time cutting it down to 5) would be the rice terraces of Ifugao province, El Nido, Boracay, Bohol, and Siargao.

What do you think?

Have you been to the Philippines? What were your favorite places?

If you’re planning to go sometime in the future, which of these Philippines destinations would you most want to visit?

If you have questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below!

And if you like this post, please share the LOVE on social media!

More Travel Guides for the Philippines:

• Learn how to take public transportation and a Grab and taxi around Manila -  First-Timers Guide to Getting Around Manila
• Manila Itinerary: 2 Days Exploring the Culture and History of Manila  - In this guide, you'll get a detailed step-by-step itinerary for seeing the sights in Manila.
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton  - Find out how to discover the most beautiful beach in the Philippines.
• One of my favorite experiences in the Philippines was an island-hopping tour of Sibaltan. Get the details here:  Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• El Nido Itinerary: An Adventure of a Lifetime - Learn where to go, what to eat, where to see, and of course, what to do in El Nido.
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonder of the Philippines will tell you exactly what to see and do in Bohol, how to get there, where to stay, and much, much more!
• Siquijor Itinerary: Exploring the Island of Fire will give you the skinny on everything you need to know to travel to Siquijor.
• Malapascua Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later! will help you plan your trip to Malapascua and Kalanggaman Islands.
• Find out what my 15 favorite places to visit in the Philippines are.
• Solo Travel Guide for the Philippines will give you some pointers on how to best travel solo in the Philippines cheaply and safely and still have a kick-ass time!

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Philippines Tourist Places

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Must Visit Places in Philippines

San agustin church.

National Museum of the Philippines

Chocolate Hills

Banaue Rice Terraces

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Siargao is known to be one of the famous places in the Philippines for surfing. Even though the island is very small, almost like a teardrop, it’s one of the most visited places. The entire island is bordered with white sandy beaches while the turquoise blue water washes off the shoreline. Inland waterfalls and lagoons are also present, which are major relaxing and rejuvenating spots. Besides, if you want to explore the inner lands of the island, you can go on cave trekking which is a popular activity in Siargao. Snorkelling and deep-sea diving are also quite famous for non-surfer tourists, especially since you will find coral reefs surrounding the island shoreline.  Location: Towards the Northeast coast of Mindanao, Philippines

Samal Island

Coron Island

Being the third largest island, Coron is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Towards the centre of the island, you will find limestone peaks of several heights, with caves underneath which one can explore further to have a day full of adventures. If you like scuba diving or snorkelling, Coron Island is the ideal place for the same, all thanks to some of the world's most exquisite coral reefs. Several multicoloured lagoons and inland lakes are there, which you can see during your tour. You will at least find one shipwreck near Coron Island whose age is more than a hundred years.  Location: 100 kilometres towards the north direction of Palawan, Philippines.

Manilla Bay

Batan Island

Ayala Museum

Danao Adventure Park

Nalusuan Island

Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

White Beach

Mt. Luho View Deck

Crystal Cove Island

Places to Visit in Manila

Fort Santiago

Best of Thailand

Manila Ocean Park

Star City Amusement Park

San Sebastian Church

Manila Cathedral

Best of Indonesia

Places to Visit in Bohol

Hinagdanan cave.

Tarsier Conservation Area

Blood Compact Monument

Loboc Adventure Park

Best of Bangkok

Baclayon Church

Mag-Aso and Busay Falls

Places to Visit in Cebu

Yap-sandiego ancestral house.

Fort San Pedro

Magellan's Cross

Best of Maldives

Cebu Heritage Monument

Kawasan Falls

Candongao Peak

Places to Visit in Boracay

Puka shell beach.

Diniwid Beach

Best of Malaysia

Willy's Rock

Cagban Beach

Places to Visit in Quezon

National park of quezon memorial circle.

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

3d Art Museum of Art in Island

Best of Bali

La Mesa Dam and Ecopark

Places to Visit in Coron

Lake kayangan.

Atwayan Beach

Underwater Mountains in Barracuda Lake

Best of Manila

Banana Islands

Coral Garden

Places to Visit in El Nido

Secret lagoon.

Snake Island

Seven Commando Beach

Best of Krabi

Coron Beach

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25 Amazing Places to Visit in the Philippines

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: November 29, 2019

Categories Philippines , Travel Inspiration

Home / Asia / Philippines / 25 Amazing Places to Visit in the Philippines

Are you looking for the best places to visit in the Philippines? There are more than 7,000 islands to choose from, so as a first-time visitor, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose destinations for your trip, especially if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path places to visit in the Philippines.  

To make things a bit easier, I’ve made this list with 25 amazing places in the Philippines that should definitely be considered for your next trip!

1. Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano is located on the island of Luzon in the Bicol region. It’s an active stratovolcano with a perfect cone shape.

It’s one of the most spectacular places to photograph in the Philippines with the iconic reflection of the volcano in the nearby lake. 

Photo: Shutterstock

2. Coron Island

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, you’ve probably seen photos from the Palawan Islands, and most likely from the Twin lagoon in Coron.

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines, and it should definitely be listed on your bucket list!

3. Banaue rice terraces

The Rice Terraces in the Philippines are quite unknown compared to the Tegallalang Rice terraces in Bali or the SaPa Valley in Vietnam. But the Banaue rice terraces are very impressive and offers a genuine experience that will surely become a memory for life. 

They were carved into the mountains of Ifugao by the ancestors of the local people living there today. The rice terraces in Banaue are sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world because they are built largely by hand with minimal use of tools.

If you’re looking for a more remote experience, the Siargao island is very beautiful but not as touristy yet. It’s a dream destination for the adventurer and those who love spending time in the water. 

The waters surrounding Siargao is teeming with marine life, and the island is full of lovely beaches and crystal clear water. The atmosphere is quite relaxed, and it’s a great place to get to know some Filipino culture as well. 

5. Chocolate Hills

Despite its name, there is no chocolate to be found at the chocolate hills in Bohol, but you’ll be met with scenic views and hundreds of hills that look like small chocolate mountains when they change in color. 

You might have heard of Oslob and that you can swim with whale sharks there, but it’s much better to visit Donsol, which is ethical and don’t do the same bad behaviors as the tour operators of Oslob. 

Donsol is located in the Sorsogon province and is one of the best off-the-beaten-path places to visit in the Philippines. 

7. Cebu City

Cebu City is the main city of Cebu island, and it holds some important historical places from colonial times. It’s also the gateway to more than 150 smaller islands.

The street food of Cebu is particularly famous, so don’t forget to try some of the local dishes!

8. Taal Volcano

The Taal Volcano might be one the coolest places in the Philippines, located on the island of Luzon. If you feel adventurous, you can even go hiking here!

9.  Tubbataha Reef

If snorkeling and diving is your thing, then you should visit the Tubbataha national park, which is located in the middle of the Sulu sea.

Tourists are only allowed to come here via a liveaboard boat, but it’s well worth it as the Tubbataha Reef is teeming with marine life. 

10. Boracay

Boracay is one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines. The island is renowned for its white sandy beaches and turquoise water, and there are lots of development going on. 

The island got so popular that it had to close down as it couldn’t coup with the number of tourists wanting to go here. But now, it’s opened up again, and you can once again enjoy the beautiful beaches of Boracay . 

11. Mount Pulag

There are many impressive mountains in the Philippines and Mount Pulag is the highest peak of Luzon island with a peak height of 2,926 meters above the sea.

The views from the top are very striking and it takes about 4-6 hours to reach the summit. 

12. Siquijor

Siquijor is another beautiful island in the Philippines that I think everyone should visit at least once.

In addition to natural beauty with beaches and waterfalls, the island is also famous for witchcraft and shamanism, which can be a cool cultural experience where you get the see the mystical side of Siquijor. 

Vigan is one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in the Philippines, and it’s located in the northwestern part of Luzon island. 

Photo: Akarat Phasura / Shutterstock.com

14. El Nido

El Nido is another beautiful place in the Palawan Islands that shouldn’t be missed. Fly to Puerto Princesa and from there it’s easy to reach El Nido, where some stunning scenery and various shades of blue water await. 

15. Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella

On the island of Bohol, you can find this particular little creature, better known as the Philippine Tarsier. It’s one of the smallest primates in the world, and you can visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, which is the only ethical place to see them, except in the wild. 

16. Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island is a small but lovely island which is located north of Davao. It’s famous for its white sand and mountainous backdrop. The island was shaped by volcanic eruptions and is also nicknamed the island born of fire. 

Photo: Adrian Baker / Shutterstock.com

Sagada is one of the most peculiar places to visit in the Philippines. It’s located in the mountain of Luzon island, and it’s known for the hanging coffins in the Echo Valley. 

It’s quite a remote mountain region with lots of caves, rice terraces, and waterfalls to explore, but you’ll still find a selection of guesthouses and local restaurants. 

18. Kalangaman Island

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a small island with a long strip of white sand, and crystal clear water in various shades of blue, then the Kalangaman Island is the place for you! 

19. Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls is one of the major attractions on the island of Cebu, and it’s a beautiful waterfall with turquoise water in the middle of the jungle. It has 3 levels, and it’s quite popular to go canyoneering here as well. 

Baguio city might be one of the most colorful places to visit in the Philippines, and it’s known for its many colorful houses.

It’s a mountain resort town nicknamed “the city of pines” and it’s a popular getaway during the hot summer mountains, due to cooler mountainous air. 

21. Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a beautiful coastal city on Negros island in the southern part of the country. It’s full of history and it makes a great base to explore the nearby mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. 

All in all, you’ll get a very local feeling when you visit Dumaguete. 

Photo: Kim David / Shutterstock.com

22. Mount Apo

Mount Apo is the highest point of the Philippines, and it’s an active stratovolcano located on the island of Davao. You can easily reach the area from Davao City, and you can even reach the summit, from where you get an amazing view. 

23. Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

The Enchanted River is one of the most beautiful natural places to visit in the Philippines, and it’s located in Surigao del Sur, on the east coast of Mindanao.

It’s also known as the Hinatuan Sacred River, and the water is crystal clear with an amazing emerald blue color. 

24. Maria Cristina Falls

If you wanna go chasing waterfalls in the Philippines, you might as well write down the beautiful Maria Cristina Falls on your list.

It’s located just outside the Iligan City (Mindanao Island), which is known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls because of its proximity to more than 20 stunning waterfalls. 

Last but not least, the capital of the Philippines, Manila, formerly ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the world . Luckily, things have changed and Manila is generally safe to visit these days, and the city is massive!

The Manila Metro has a population of more than 13 million people and here you can experience Filipino history, food, and culture. 

More Places to Visit in the Philippines

• Ilocos Norte (famous heritage destination)
• Batanes (Idyllic rolling hills)
• Lake Sebu (One of the most beautiful lakes)
• Manjuyod Sandbar (“Maldives of the Philippines”)
• Iloilo City (famous food destination)

Photo: imwaltersy / Shutterstock.com

Book Your Trip

So, now that you know about all these beautiful places to visit in the Philippines, it’s time to book your trip!

• See the best deals on hotels
• Find the cheapest flights here
• Get $40 discount on Airbnb

The Philippines is an incredible destination where you can spend weeks or even months. If you know some more beautiful places to visit in the Philippines, feel free to share in the comment section!

26 Underrated Destinations in the Philippines That You Should Visit Now

Underrated Destinations in Luzon Philippines

Catanduanes, occidental mindoro, san vicente, palawan.

• South Palawan
• Underrated Destinations in Visayas Philippines

Southern Leyte

• Underrated Destinations in Mindanao Philippines

Dinagat Islands

Maguindanao, mati, davao oriental, south cotabato, surigao del sur.

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte and Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor

The Philippines has some of the world's best white sand beaches , scenic landscapes, historic sites , and delectable Filipino cuisine . The best islands in the Philippines are endowed with a unique combination of natural and man-made features. 

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are the three primary island regions that make up the Philippines geography . If it's your first visit to the Philippines, you will most likely arrive in Manila , the capital city on the island of Luzon via Manila Airport or NAIA, one of the main  Philippine airports .

If you’re planning to go island hopping in the Philippines and book at  extended-stay hotels or beach resorts in the Philippines , most white sand beaches in the Philippines and sandbars in the Philippines included in the best Philippine beaches are found in Visayas and Mindanao. There are direct international flights to Cebu Airport  in Visayas and Davao Airport in Mindanao. 

While the Philippines' most well-known destinations like Boracay  Island known for White Beach , Palawan  Island known for El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, Cebu  Island known for diving spots and beaches, Bohol  Island known for Chocolate Hills , and surfing capital  Siargao  Island are must-visits in your tour to the Philippines , there are a plethora of undiscovered places in the Philippines that are still relatively uncrowded and brimming with surprises.

Aside from the popular and  best places in the Philippines , plan an itinerary that includes these underrated tourist spots in the Philippines and underrated beaches in the Philippines located in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao:

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, 4-day fascinating culture & nature tour package to cebu & bohol with accommodations & transfers, scenic 1-week beaches & nature vacation package to cebu, puerto princesa & el nido palawan.

Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao

Luzon is the biggest island in the Philippines and is loosely split into four divisions: Northern Luzon , Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the National Capital Region or Metro Manila. Most of these are accessible through international and domestic flights to the  Manila Airport , and land vehicles like buses and private guided Luzon trips with transfers from Manila City.

Some of the top tourist destinations in Luzon include Manila  City, Baguio  or the Summer Capital of the Philippines, surfing spot  La Union , historical spots in  Ilocos tours which includes Laoag and Vigan , Bicol's  Legazpi  in Albay province known for Mayon Volcano , Batanes  known as the smallest island province in the Philippines, surfing spot  Baler , and the highlands of  Sagada .

Some of the top tourist spots in Luzon include Intramuros  in Manila, Batad Banaue Rice Terraces, Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Albay tour package  adventures to Mayon Volcano and Daraga Church, and Palawan's Puerto Princesa Underground River , which is also one of the  UNESCO heritage sites in the Philippines ,

Baguio tour packages comprising of tourist spots like Camp John Hay and Burnham Park, Zambales tourist attractions like Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove, Puerto Galera tourist spots like Talipanan Beach and Tamaraw Falls, and Taal Volcano view in Tagaytay , which is one of the most iconic  volcanoes in the Philippines , are also in Luzon. Day tours near Manila are also a popular activity in Luzon.

Most 5 star hotels in the Philippines , hiking places in the Philippines , cultural activities in the Philippines , architectural landmarks in the Philippines , farm resorts in the Philippines , and luxury resorts in the Philippines are also in Luzon.

However, if you want to visit a less-crowded destination, there are many underrated destinations in Luzon for you to visit. Here are some of the must-visit lesser-known destinations in Luzon that you should explore:

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

Budget-friendly 4-day coron palawan package at skylodge resort with flights from manila & tour, stress-free 5-day coron palawan package at bacau bay resort with flights from manila.

Catanduanes  is situated in the southern portion of Luzon, off the coast of the Bicol Region. It has two districts: West Catanduanes and East Catanduanes. This province has a lot to offer visitors, with its eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial cathedrals, waterfalls, great surfing waves, and beaches that are yet to be explored by many travelers.

Some of the top  Catanduanes tourist spots , mostly located in Virac, Catanduanes , include Amenia Beach, Maribina Falls, Virac Cathedral, Bato Church, Museo de Catanduanes, and many other interesting outdoor attractions. 

Photo by Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary

Marinduque is a Philippine island province located in the MIMAROPA area between Tayabas Bay and the Sibuyan Sea. The province, which resembles a heart, is home to more than 200,000 people. It is densely inhabited and is thought to be the geographic center of the Philippines owing to its central position.

The best time to visit is during the Lenten season when Marinduque celebrates the Moriones Festival, one of the country's oldest religious Philippine festivals . Some of the top tourist spots in Marinduque include Maniwaya Island, Poctoy White Beach, Malbog Sulfur Spring, Boac Cathedral, and Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary.

See our popular Marinduque Tours and Activities

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Photo of Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar by JM Nga Vlogs

Masbate is a rural island province in the Philippines that is a part of the Bicol region. It comprises three large islands: Masbate island proper, Ticao island, and the Burias archipelago.

Masbate Island is endowed with a variety of natural wonders, including hills, beautiful white-sand beaches, and fascinating marine life. Some of its top attractions include Palani White Beach, Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar known as one of the best Philippine sandbars , Animasola Island, and Tinalisayan Island.

Photo by Apo Reef Natural Park

Occidental Mindoro is located south of the province of Batangas in the southern Luzon region of the Philippine mainland. Several mountain ranges, valleys, and vast plateaus make up its landscape. Paddy fields and mountain ranges are abundant in Occidental Mindoro, but the region has a lot more to offer than that.

The province is a viable center for ecotourism because of its pristine white beaches, diving spots, and other mesmerizing views. Apo Reef, the Philippines' biggest reef and one of the emerging diving destinations in the Philippines , is located in Occidental Mindoro. It is the second biggest connected coral reef in the world, covering 34 square kilometers, and is in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other must-visit spots on Occidental Mindoro include Inasakan Beach, Ragara Beach, and Hulugaan Falls.

See our popular Philippine Scuba Diving Packages & Courses

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Palaui Island is a peaceful ecotourism spot that is known for its immaculate land, virgin ecosystems and rock formations, a wide variety of land and sea animals, and beautiful landscapes. Located in Cagayan Valley in North Luzon, it gained popularity because of the TV program Survivor. 

A 20 KM sandy beach, sea grass beds, coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical and narrow forests make Palaui Island a great destination to visit. Some popular tourist spots in Palaui include Cape Engaño Lighthouse, Anguib Beach, Crocodile Island, Punta Verde Falls, and more.

Photo by Romblon Provincial Tourism Office

Romblon province is a series of islands situated in the middle of the Philippine archipelago, notably to the south of Marinduque, in the Luzon area of the Philippines. The amount of marble found in Romblon has earned it the nickname "Marble Capital of the Philippines”, which is also a major source of income for the locals.

Some of the top tourist spots in Romblon  include gorgeous white sand beaches, historical landmarks, and the Mt. Guiting Guiting, one of the most difficult hiking destinations in the Philippines , in addition to the region's well-known marble products. Some of the must-visit Romblon tourist spots include Aglicay Beach, Looc Marine Sanctuary, Mabiaran Falls, Bon Bon Beach, and Fort San Andres.  

• Book transportation going to Romblon

San Vicente is located between El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan . The island is most known for being home to the famous Long Beach, the longest beach in the Philippines. It also has a quaint fishing town atmosphere with a slew of other attractions. Unspoiled rainforests, beautiful islands, spectacular waterfalls, charming mangroves, and a wide variety of flora and wildlife may be found in the area.

Port Barton, a popular tourist site on the island of Palawan, is also located near San Vicente. You may combine a visit to Long Beach with a stop in Port Barton or stay at Port Barton resorts . Other tourist spots in San Vicente, Palawan you can add to a Palawan tour package aside from Long Beach include Inoladoan Island, Naonao Beach, Bigahoi Waterfalls, and Cagnipa Island.

See our popular San Vicente Tours and Activities

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Sorsogon province is in the Bicol region of the Philippines and is the southernmost province on the island of Luzon. There is a lot of trade and commerce in Sorsogon City, the province's capital. Sorsogon has a lot of beaches, coves, and lagoons. There are also beautiful islands that are just off the coast of the province.

Some prime sites in a Sorsogon travel package include Tikling Island, Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Ogod River for a  Donsol firefly tour , and Donsol for Donsol whale shark watching.

See our popular Sorsogon Tours and Activities

South palawan .

Palawan is famous for its north destinations like Coron , El Nido, and Puerto Princesa. But there's so much more to explore in South Palawan that are included in our list of top Palawan tourist spots . Balabac Island in the south, Brooke's Point in the east, and Quezon in the west are some of the must-visit spots in South Palawan.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Puerto Princesa

Scuba diving and island hopping are the most popular water activities in South Palawan. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park , with its islets and diverse animals, is a must-see when in this section of Palawan. It is located just southeast of Puerto Princesa and is one of the top diving spots in the area. Other beautiful wonders in South Palawan include Tabon Cave, Punta Sebaring Beach, and Onok Island.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

Underrated destinations in visayas philippines.

White Beach in Boracay

The Visayas Island group is situated in the archipelago's middle region. This region is made up of hundreds of tiny islands and is known for its Philippine sceneries . It is also readily accessible since top destinations like Boracay and Bacolod have domestic airports. However, the region's primary transportation center is Cebu airport , which offers both local and international flights.

Some of the must-visit tourist spots in Visayas include White Beach Boracay, Chocolate Hills and Loboc River cruise included in a Bohol countryside tour and most Bohol packages , Kawasan Falls included in most Cebu tour packages , and Iloilo tourist spots  like Islas de Gigantes  island hopping and Jaro Cathedral.

Most natural swimming pools , treehouse resorts , honeymoon resorts , eco-friendly resorts , scuba diving holidays for beginners , vacation packages for couples , and romantic places in the Philippines are in Visayas.

Here are some of the must-visit underrated destinations in Visayas perfect for a relaxing and less-crowded trip:

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

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The province of Antique is situated in the Western Visayas area of the Philippines and is only a few hours away from Boracay .

Adventure seekers will find much to do in this laid-back province as their attractions include riverbank jungle hot tubs like the kawa hot bath, idyllic beaches, rice terraces tucked away in secluded mountain towns, gorgeous waterfalls, clear rivers and springs, mountain highlands, and breathtaking karst cliffs, among other things.

While in Antique, it is recommended to visit top tourist sites like Antique Rice Terraces, Mararison Island, Tibiao Museum, and Igpasungaw Falls.

Photo by Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs 

Capiz province located on Panay Island is a developing ecotourism destination that offers various activities for every kind of traveler. Roxas City, the capital of Capiz, is recognized as the country's Seafood Capital and one of the best food destinations in the Philippines .

Capiz tourist spots include historic and religious spots, off-the-beaten-path natural wonders like islands and waterfalls, caves with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites, and local handicrafts you can bring home.

Some of the must-visit attractions in Capiz include Baybay Beach, Olotayan Island, Mantalinga Island, Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, Suhot Cave and Spring, and Malinamon Falls.

Dumaguete or the City of Gentle People is the capital of Negros Oriental, a region of Negros Island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Dumaguete City is a popular retirement destination for expats because the beach town is a haven of peace and quiet.

There are several tourist attractions in this province, including a natural volcanic crater lake, a beach with a long sandbar, and gorgeous waterfalls. Dumaguete tourist spots included in Dumaguete tours include Silliman University, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, diving in Dauin and Apo Island , among many others.

See our popular Dumaguete Tours and Activities

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Photo by Guimaras Tourism

Guimaras is located in southern Panay and north of Negros. This island province lies near the city of Iloilo, just a 30-minute ferry ride away. Aside from its ancestral houses, lighthouses, parks, farms, caves, beaches, and islands, Guimaras is highly renowned for its sweet mangoes, which for most households, are one of the primary sources of income. 

• Book our Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras itinerary tour packages

Visit some of its prime attractions like Guisi Beach, Guisi Lighthouse, Tatlong Pulo Beach, Taklong Island National Marine Sanctuary, and Baras Cave. Join a Guimaras city tour after your other activities in Panay like Gigantes Island Iloilo package tour . 

See our popular Guimaras Tours and Activities

Leyte is a must-visit in the Philippines whether you're looking for a tropical escape or a glimpse into the country's rich history. Located in the Eastern Visayas region, it's most known for being home to the breathtaking Kalanggaman Island, located off the coast of Leyte, which has white powdery sand beach and a clear turquoise waters. You can see the sandbar when you book a  Kalanggaman island tour from Cebu .

Aside from Kalanggaman Island, Leyte is also known for the previously  longest bridge in the Philippines , the San Juanico Bridge, which links Leyte to Samar province. Other tourist spots in Leyte include Leyte Landing Memorial Park, Lake Danao National Park, Tongonan Hot Spring, and Canigao Island.

Samar, the Philippines' third biggest island, is endowed with natural wonders such as caverns, beaches, waterfalls, and rivers. Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar are the three provinces that make up the island. It is known as the "Caving Capital of the Philippines" because it's home to Asia’s 2nd largest cave system – the Langon-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga and other world-renowned caves.

Aside from caves, it's also a must-visit if you like activities such as kayaking, hiking, swimming, white-water rafting, and waterfall hopping. Other op attractions in Samar include Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, Malajog Beach, Lulugayan Falls, and more.

Siquijor, located in Central Visayas region, has a reputation for being associated with mystic traditions which have sparked the curiosity of many travelers. Siquijor even celebrates healing ritual festivals where locals sing incantations and make potions from herbs, roots, and insects.

Apart from its stunning beaches, Siquijor also has old cathedrals, waterfalls, marine sanctuaries, man-made and natural parks, and other unique landmarks. Some of the prime attractions included in a Siquijor tour are Cambugahay Falls, Salagdoong Beach, Old Balete Tree, Tubod Marine Sanctuary, and Kagusuan Beach.

See our popular Siquijor Tours and Activities

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Southern Leyte is a Philippine province in the Eastern Visayas area, comprising the eastern part of the Visayas archipelago. Southern Leyte is a one-of-a-kind province, with one side facing the vast Pacific Ocean and the other covered in lush forests. The province has many tourist attractions such as white-sand beaches, islands, and springs.

The majestic twin barangay islands of San Pablo and San Pedro in Hinunangan are just a few of the must-visit areas. Other tourist spots in Southern Leyte include Tangkaan Beach, Tagbak Marine Park, Agas-Agas Bridge, and Cambaro Caves.

Underrated Destinations in Mindanao Philippines

Guyam Island in Siargao

Mindanao, the second biggest major island in the Philippines after Luzon, comprises the archipelago's southernmost region. Although it is the farthest island region from the capital Manila, it is still accessible to travelers by domestic and international flights to  Davao International Airport , among other airports in Mindanao .

Some of the prime destinations and tourist spots in Mindanao include  Davao  City, the tallest mountain the Philippines called Mt. Apo, the beaches of  Samal Island , surfing capital of  Siargao  Island, the colorful city of  Zamboanga  known for the Pink Beach, whitewater rafting capital  Cagayan de Oro , and the Sunken Cemetery and White Island in  Camiguin .

• Book our Seda Centrio Cagayan de Oro tour package
• Check out this Davao toCagayan de Oro Mindanao tour package
• See our Camiguin tours that you can book

Because of the big Muslim population in Mindanao, the provinces here are also some of the best  halal destinations in the Philippines .

Check out our list of the must-visit underrated destinations in Mindanao:

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

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Basilan is located south of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is the largest and northernmost of the main islands of the Sulu Archipelago, and it is also the most populous. Basilan is home to a variety of natural tourist attractions including Malamawi White Beach, Lampinigan Island, Bulingan Falls and Tenusa Island.

• Book this Basilan Tour to Bulingan Falls, Tulip Garden, and Wee Siu Tuy Museum

Basilan also has a peninsula point called Punta Matangal in Tuburan that's known as a surfing destination, with waves that are very similar to those found on the north shores of the Hawaiian islands. 

See our popular Zamboanga Tours and Activities

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Photo by Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park

Bukidnon is a landlocked province in the Philippines, situated in the Northern Mindanao area. The province of Bukidnon is regarded as the "Pineapple Capital of the Philippines" and the "Food Basket of Mindanao," and it is home to a large number of pineapple plantations.

Photo by Dahilayan Adventure Park

Travelers can enjoy its mountains, ridges, lakes, adventure parks, and other rich natural landscapes such as Mount Kitanglad, Dahilayan Adventure Park known for having Asia's longest zipline, Panimahawa Bridge, Bukidnon Pineapple Farm, Alalum Falls, and Mount Dulang Dulang.

• Book a Dahilayan Forest Park package with a Del Monte pineapple plantation tour
• Enjoy a Bukidnon flower farm & cafe tour
• See other Bukidnon tours

See our popular Bukidnon Tours & Activities

The Dinagat Islands are a group of islands in the Philippines that make up a province in the Caraga region, located at the south side of Leyte Gulf. It is often regarded as a hidden treasure as biodiversity and bountiful resources abound on the islands. The white sand beaches of the Dinagat Islands are surrounded by a breathtaking diversity of massive rock formations.

The caves, lakes, beaches, and other prime attractions of the islands are must-visits which include Bitaug Beach, San Juan Cave, Lake Bababu, Hagakhak Cave, Tagberayan Beach, Legaspi Water Falls, and Quano Cave.

See our popular Dinagat Islands Tours & Activities

Located in northern Mindanao, the city of Iligan is the industrial hub of the southern Philippines. Most people know it as "The City of Majestic Waterfalls" because of its numerous beautiful waterfalls, but it also has a wealth of other natural wonders, such as springs and lakes.

Other cultural landmarks in Iligan include churches, ancestral homes, and historical sites like heritage houses and historic constructions. Some of the must-visit tourist spots in Iligan include Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, Paseo de Santiago, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and Hindang Cave.

Maguindanao, one of the underrated historical places in the Philippines, is a province in Central Mindanao, which is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In a place filled with natural beauty and cultural diversity, it is also home to important landmarks like mosques, historic homes, rolling hills, mountains, and pristine lakes.

Some of the must-visit tourist spots in Maguindanao include Cotabato Grand Mosque, White Mosque, Masjid Dimaukorn or the Pink Mosque, Timako Hill, Liguasan Marsh, Limpongo Hot Spring, Blue Lagoon, Lake Buluan, Al Jamelah Weaving Center, and Mount Minandar.

Mati, the capital of the province of Davao Oriental, Philippines, is situated on the south-eastern side of Mindanao. The three protected areas in Mati include the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mati Protected Landscape, and Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape.

Unspoiled beaches with powdery white sand and clear blue waters await visitors of Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, an underrated surfing spot in the Philippines. Other tourist sites in this province include Subangan Museum and Mount Hamiguitan Nature Reserve.

South Cotabato, situated in the Soccsksargen region or the south-central part of Mindanao, has developed into one of the country's premier ecotourism locations. Its broad and diverse environment is home to a plethora of eco-cultural treasures.

Lake Sebu is South Cotabato's modest second municipality. More than just a picturesque tourist attraction in Mindanao, Lake Sebu serves a wider function since it is one of the country's most significant watersheds and a source of irrigation for some provinces.

Not only will you see gushing waterfalls, mystical lakes, and lush woods, but you will also get the opportunity to interact with several indigenous tribes. Some of South Cotabato’s top spots include Lake Holon, Mount Matutum, and Tupi Tarsier Sanctuary.

Surigao del Sur, along with its counterpart Surigao del Norte, the Agusan region, and the Dinagat Islands, is a province in the Caraga Region, located in the northeastern section of Mindanao. The province is home to a variety of natural wonders that are ideal for adventurous tours.

While Siargao in Surigao del Norte is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Surigao del Sur also boasts waves for surfing including Lanuza Bay . Skimboarding is also available in a number of municipalities. Some of the prime attractions in Surigao del Sur include the Hinatuan Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, Britania Group of Islands, Cagwait Beach, Cabgan Islet, and more.

Tawi-Tawi  is the southernmost province of the Philippines, sharing sea borders with Sabah, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Tawi-Tawi is considered one of the most off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Philippines. This small island province is blessed with idyllic islands, mountains, mosques, great cuisine, and other noteworthy attractions.

• Book this Tawi-Tawi tour to Bud Bongao, Boloboc Cave, and Badjao Village
• Secure your  Sanga-Sanga Airport to Tawi-Tawi private transfer

Some of its top tourist attractions include Panampangan Island known as the longest Philippine sandbar , Balobok Rock Shelter, Sama Dilaut and Tausug Stilt Houses, Bajau Village, Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque which is considered the oldest in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, and Bud Bongao Peak with a panoramic view of the town. 

See our popular Tawi-Tawi Tours and Activities

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Start Exploring the Underrated Spots in the Philippines

With this list of underrated destinations in the Philippines, your list of reasons why you should visit the Philippines  is sure to be longer now! Discover unique natural wonders and hidden gems, visit ancient houses and religious sites, and learn about history through the eyes of locals in these lesser-known but beautiful places in the Philippines when you book Philippine travel packages  with a legitimate travel booking website like Guide to the Philippines.

For those who want to learn to dive like fun dive , there are many incredible Philippine diving spots  including emerging Philippine diving spots across the 3 main island regions. 

Read more about the best places to visit in our  Philippines travel guide , book the best Philippine vacation packages , and check out the latest  Philippine travel requirements .

See our popular Philippines Vacation Packages

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10 Best Places To Visit In The Philippines

The Philippines are filled to the brim with beautiful locations just begging to be discovered. Here are 10 fantastic places to visit.

The southeastern country called the Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands. It's three main islands are Luzon (where the capital city is), Visayas, and Mindanao. The best places to visit in the country are mostly beaches, some tourist-friendly like Boracay, and some that a tourist would have to travel more for that slice of heaven on the white sand. If you are looking for beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, you will certainly find it here. But the Philippines is a favorite vacation spot of the most secretive, and richest personalities in the world. These are 10 places a tourist should try to visit when vacationing in the Philippine islands.

Although Manila is the capital city, it's crowded and there's really not much to enjoy there except for history and culture and some cool landmarks. Let's dive right into the good stuff and travel to the northernmost part of the country. The topmost islands of the Philippines have beaches that are beyond amazing.

RELATED: 10 Islands No One Wants To Live On

Take Batanes for example, it's one of the islands that's not thick with tourists, even local tourists because it's not easy to get there. One of the best beaches in Batanes is the Morong Beach on Sabtang Island, and watch out for that beautiful sunrise.... and sunset!

9 Mountain Province

The Mountain Province is a region in the northern part of Luzon Island. Hikers and backpackers are welcome here, and the locals will be sure to take care of you. Find the town of Sagada and check out the following places: Sumaguing Cave, Kankanaey Hanging Coffins (hanging off the side of a cliff!), take unlimited pictures with the clouds at the Kiltepan Peak, Bomod-Ok Falls, and the mystical Blue Soil Hills. Then travel south about 51 miles to get to the Ifugao Province to check out the amazing Banaue Rice Terraces and the UNESCO World Heritage site Hapao Rice Terraces.

From the Ifugao Province, we'll cross Manila and go south to the Bicol Region where a lot of tourist sites await. The best one is the volcano that people say has the most perfect cone shape, the Mayon Volcano . Located in the town of Albay, Mayon is the pride of the Bicolanos (locals of Bicol). For some water sports fun and hip accommodations, check out the CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex) in Camarines Sur. It's a resort and wakeboarding facility that caters to beginners and expert wakeboarders alike. Looking for beaches in Bicol, head to Caramoan (car-ra-mow-ann) and find the once-virgin Gota Beach, Matukad, and other breathtaking islands in the Caramoan peninsula.

7 Kalibo, Aklan

We proudly present the revitalized Boracay Beach . Once the pride and glory of the Kalibo province of Aklan in Western Visayas, Boracay was so perfect in the early nineties up to the early 2000s, but the small island town could contend with the fast-rising tourism and the government finally had to shut down the whole beach for environmental reasons for about six months. Boracay Island is famous for its long and wide shoreline, white sand, and calm, kid-friendly waters. The beach is divided into stations, where Station 1 has the most luxurious beach resorts and Station 3 is the station of choice of budget-conscious visitors.

6 Puerto Princesa

If there is a province or region that could claim the highest tourist count in all of the Philippines, it would be Palawan. Palawan is that island on the right side of the country that looks like a peg leg. This province has 1,780 islands and the capital city is Puerto Princesa. Tourists visit the city for the Underground River , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

RELATED: The 10 Most Endangered Rivers In The United States You Should See Now Before It's Too Late

It's truly a marvel of nature. Speaking of nature, people also visit the Crocodile Farm, enjoy a walking tour of the facility and see other animals native to the Palawan Islands. For beach fun, go to Honda Bay and the Tubbataha Reef in Cagayancillo.

Historically, it was a toss-up between Manila and Cebu as to where the Philippines' capital city would be. This is why the local people of Cebu, the Cebuanos, speak either Bisaya (local dialect) or English, and never Tagalog (local dialect of Manila). It's also why Cebu International Airport is one of the biggest and best airports in the country. Here's a rundown of the best tourist spots in Cebu: Mactan, Magellan's Cross, Oslob Beach (go swim with whale sharks), Field of LED Roses (go here when it's dark), Malapascua Island, Sumilon Island, White Beach, Osmeña Peak and three beautiful waterfalls (Kawasan, Aguinid, Tumalog). Don't go without trying the city's famous delicacies , Cebu Lechon and sutokil.

Our last stop in the Visayas is the city of Bohol. The self-proclaimed safest city in the Philippines, the annual crime rate in this city is close to nil. The locals are peaceful, friendly and uber-accommodating. This city offers a diverse nature immersion, starting with its iconic tourist spot the Chocolate Hills. Aptly named as they look like gigantic chocolate Kisses lined up on a vast plain. Then, check out one of the smallest marsupials in the world, the tarsier. These cute, googly-eyed creatures can only be found in a few countries in Southeast Asia . Then, have a floating meal on a tour of the Loboc River, complete with live homegrown Bohol music.

3 Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Norte is located in Mindanao, the southernmost main island of the country. This province is divided into two primary islands, Bucas Grande and Siargao. Siargao is a surfer island, all traveling surfers out there, check out the waves of Siargao Island and the natural beauty of the region. South of the island is calmer waves fit for children. For a luxurious stay in Siargao, go to Nay Palad on Dedon Island. Take a trip to Sohoton Cove National Park for close encounters with hundreds of jellyfish, Sugba Lagoon, and chill out on a cute islet called Basul Island.

2 Davao City

The last stop in Mindanao is Davao City. This city houses the country's highest peak, Mount Apo, located south of Davao. The towering mountain is home to an endangered species of eagle, the monkey-eating eagle or the Philippine Eagle. This majestic animal is native to Davao and can be seen, and even touched by visitors at the Philippine Eagle Center.

RELATED: 10 Smallest Beaches Across The World That Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Popular tourist attractions in the city are the Eden Nature Park and Resort where a guided tour is a must-do, plus a buffet meal at the end. The best beach resort in Davao is Pearl Farm, check into this world-class resort for a relaxing and pampered stay.

1 Palawan's Island Beach Resorts

The platinum islands and resorts in the Philippines are mostly located in Palawan. But in this article, we will only discuss four of them, Amanpulo, El Nido, Coron, and Busuanga. A stay on any of the islands would be worth the trip and the money as they are wondrous places; unbelievable white beaches, isolated and personalized resorts, all for your pleasure. Amanpulo is an exclusive resort in the Pamalican Islands, northeast of the Palawan main island. It's the go-to resort of famous celebrities and promises seclusion and total privacy. Busuanga and Coron are on the northernmost island of Palawan, Busuanga has a safari park with giraffes and Coron is just heavenly. The best way to experience El Nido is through El Nido Resorts.

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Four dream destinations to discover in the Philippines

Ease back into travel in an island paradise where natural spaces and “new normal” guidelines aim to ensure a safe experience for visitors.

The Philippines is nature made for adventure and fun. With 7,641 islands flanked by crystalline waters, the Pacific Ocean archipelago boasts a wealth of amazing activity options. Whether you dream of lounging on a secluded beach, diving among dazzling marine life, or experiencing natural wonders found nowhere else on the planet, you’ll discover what you’re looking for in these four postcard-perfect places.

Along with offering unforgettable experiences, all of the destinations have implemented “new normal” tourism guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Measures such as mandatory face masks, body temperature checks at hotel entrances, testing before travel, and reduced capacity in resorts and restaurants help to create as safe an environment as possible for rediscovering the joy of travel.

Eco-friendly Panglao-Bohol International Airport is the gateway to Bohol , the island province famous for its conical Chocolate Hills . Golden brown in dry season and luxuriantly green much of the year, the grass-covered limestone domes dot nearly 20 square miles of pancake-flat plains. Climb up to the viewing platform for Instagram-worthy shots of the legendary, rounded mounds.

Close to the hills, catch a glimpse of one of nature’s most adorable creatures, the tiny Philippine tarsier. Weighing only up to five ounces, tarsiers are nocturnal primates with gigantic eyes. Rarely seen in the wild, these cool creatures can be spotted sleeping at the Tarsier Conservation Area.

White-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs beckon on Bohol’s Panglao Island, departure point for water adventures like dolphin and whale-watching tours and dive trips in Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Go into the deep to swim among the sanctuary’s sea turtles and explore colorful coral gardens and steep submarine cliffs.

Back on Bohol’s main island, kayak through mangrove tunnels, plunge into otherworldly cave pools, and wind along jungle waterways on a stand-up paddle board. For over-water views, cross the turquoise Sipatan River via the bamboo-and-steel Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge. As with all Bohol tourism establishments that have reopened, the bridge has earned the Ultimate Bohol Experience Seal of Excellence indicating strict adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Measuring only four square miles, pocket-sized Boracay is big on powdery sand and shimmering azure waters. Between the resorts dotting world-famous White Beach and off-the-beaten-path gems like Balinghai and Ilig Iligan, there’s no shortages of places to discover your perfect beach.

Protecting Boracay’s natural resources is a top priority. Recent shoreline restoration efforts; new sustainable tourism practices like limiting the number of daily visitors; and COVID-19 health and safety measures, such as a “no mask, no boarding” policy on local transport, make the island a better-than-ever choice for an idyllic sand and surf getaway.

Wind, waves, and paddle strokes power Boracay’s impressive lineup of watersport activities. Learn how to ride the wind at breezy Bulabog Beach, one of Asia’s premier kiteboarding and windsurfing destinations. At laid-back Puka Shell Beach on the north shore, go kayaking and stand-up paddling by day, then stay to watch the glowing sunset.

For a taste of traditional water travel, climb aboard a paraw , or double outrigger boat. Crafted from wood and bamboo and outfitted with signature blue sails, the boats cruise close to the coast—the perfect vantage point for photographing Boracay’s palm-fringed beaches.

While the beach scene in the Philippines is rightfully celebrated, one of the country’s coolest hotspots is Baguio City , perched high in the Cordillera mountains. Located at 4,500 feet above sea level in northern Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, lofty Baguio was built in the early 1900s as a colonial summer capital.

The historic city and surrounding countryside enjoy comfortable temperatures and misty conditions—ideal for exploring on foot. Hike through the woods on the winding Camp John Hay Eco Trail to soak up the pine-scented mountain air. Wherever you go in Baguio, use the new Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) platform to get coronavirus-related information, read QR coupons, and make contactless payments.

This high-elevation Cordillera Region is the ancestral homeland of indigenous peoples collectively known as Igorots, or “people of the mountain.” To preserve, support and showcase indigenous weaving traditions and other regional crafts, UNESCO named Baguio a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

The city regularly hosts festivals and exhibits celebrating the region’s multicultural artisan traditions. To shop for original hand-crafted works—including colorful textiles, silver jewelry, and carved wooden figurines—visit the Baguio public market and neighboring Maharlika Livelihood Center.

Extraordinarily emerald green and ringed by coral reefs, Palawan is an unspoiled archipelago province in the westernmost Philippines. Named for its largest island, Palawan ticks all the right boxes for a tropical paradise: hidden beaches and lagoons, lush jungle vegetation, low-key vibe, and crystalline seascapes teeming with marine life.

Palawan’s mind-boggling marine biodiversity is on full display in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible only by live-aboard boats, the pristine underwater world harbors at least 11 species of sharks and rays, 600 species of fish, and about half of all coral species in the world.

With 1,780 islands, Palawan is best experienced by water. At the northern tip of the Palawan mainland, snorkel and swim in El Nido’s enchanting lagoons, where otherworldly rock towers majestically rise from emerald waters.

El Nido is the launch pad for island-hopping in the stunning Bacuit Bay archipelago. Small, eco-friendly outrigger boats called bangkas ferry passengers around the watery dreamscape without disturbing shallow coral reefs or wildlife. Book an outrigger tour to visit deserted white-sand beaches, explore cathedral-like caves, and photograph Bacuit Bay’s fantastical limestone formations. As part of Palawan’s enhanced cleanliness and hygiene standards, the El Nido Resorts have implemented strict guest protocols, such as requiring a negative COVID-19 test result before arrival and undergoing a sanitation procedure (including a temperature check and foot bath) before taking the boat transfer to the resort.

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Know before you go: the Philippines

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Three new Asian destinations for trendsetting travelers

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26 April 2024

6 under-the-radar places to visit in the philippines.

A nation of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a place where it’s easy to hop off the beaten track in search of its hidden wonders. Here’s where to visit…

Main image: Hulugan Falls (Shutterstock)

Most visitors to the Philippines only head to the same handful of islands – meaning that with a little imagination, you can craft an itinerary that’s completely unique. From secret beaches to Spanish forts, these are the places where you’ll carve out your own slice of paradise...

1. Fort San Andres, Romblon

The gardens of Fort San Andres (Shutterstock)

Romblon Island has beaches and scenery to rival its busy neighbour Boracay, yet receives a fraction of the visitors. From Manila, fly to Tugdan Airport on Tablas Island, then catch a tricycle to San Agustin and take a pumpboat to Romblon. The first sight that greets you as you approach Romblon is the imposing silhouette of Fort San Andres, watching over the island just as it did when it was completed in 1650. Together with Fort Santiago, it was built by Spanish colonists to guard against Dutch pirates. Fort San Andres is the only one of the twin forts that now survives; walk here from the town centre to see the well-preserved turrets, Spanish-era cannon, and views over the bay. Explore Romblon further by hiring an e-bike, which can be charged quickly and cheaply at plentiful stations around the island.

2. Hulugan Falls, Laguna

The cascade of Hulugan Falls is 72m high (Shutterstock)

The province of Laguna wraps around Laguna de Bay, the Philippines’ largest lake. From the province, countless waterfalls tumble into the rivers that feed the lake; of these, perhaps the most picturesque is Hulugan Falls. From a height of 72 metres, water cascades into the river in silvery sheets, churning up a dramatic spray that shrouds everything in a veil of mist (a waterproof camera is recommended). Most visitors travel from Manila to the trailhead in San Salvador, which takes around three hours. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk to the falls. Many travellers combine Hulugan with two other nearby waterfalls: Talay Falls and Hidden Falls, for a total one-way hike of one-and-a-half hours. Cool off on the way by swimming in the opalescent river, basking on the rocks and feeling the spray on your skin. Though not well-known internationally, the falls are locally popular; avoid crowds by visiting during the week.

3. Carbin Reef, Negros Occidental

Clownfish are among the vibrant marine life you can spot in Carbin Reef (Shutterstock)

International travellers on the Visayas tourist trail typically skip Negros Occidental, flying straight from Boracay to Cebu. That’s their loss – you’ll get those sugar-white beaches and marine sanctuaries to yourself. Popular among the local Negrense is Carbin Reef, a golden, S-shaped sandbar surrounded by an impossibly blue sea. Bring your snorkel – the reef around the sandbar is rich and unspoiled, abundant with clownfish, giant clams and much more. You’ll also need to bring food – there are shaded picnic tables on the sandbar, but no food vendors. Boats leave for the reef from the town of Sagay: a 90-minute drive (or three hours by bus) from Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental. Bacolod is the home of the famous Filipino dish, chicken inasal ; as well as the riotous Masskara festival, which takes place every October. The San Sebastian Cathedral, built using coral stone from Guimaras Island, is also worth a look.

4. Hermit's Cove, Cebu

Cliff houses on Hermit’s Cove (Cebu Provincial Tourism Office)

Some beaches are worth the journey – Hermit’s Cove is one of them. From Cebu City, head west across the island – 90 minutes by car or 2-3 hours by minibus – to the Farmhouse in the small town of Aloguinsan, where you’ll need to register as a visitor. Pick up Filipino street food from the carinderias (food stalls) at Aloguinsan Public Market, before catching a habal-habal (motorcycle) to the beach. There, you’ll see where Hermit’s Cove gets its name: the palm forest wraps around the beach, seeming to cut off the world around you. You’re not totally isolated, though: hire boats are available to take you to the reef, where you can snorkel among corals, anemones and sea turtles. On a clear day, you’ll see the indigo silhouette of the Mt Kanlaon volcano across the Tañon Strait. Combine a trip to Hermit’s Cove with a cruise along the nearby Bojo River, marvelling at the mangrove forests and diverse bird species.

5. Binurong Point, Catanduanes

The wild peninsula of Binurong Point (Shutterstock)

Bicol – a peninsula that juts south from the island of Luzon – is known for spectacle. The northeastern “amihan” trade winds and numerous volcanoes have carved up a thrilling landscape of jagged coastline, steep hills and deep, sandy coves. The island of Catanduanes is the epitome of Bicol drama, with several landmarks of note. The peaceful beaches of Virac province contrast with the sculptural formations of Luyang Cave – with its underground river – and the churning Maribina Falls. There are man-made wonders too: the Vatican-inspired Church of the Immaculate Conception in Virac, and the Bote Lighthouse in San Andres. But perhaps the most arresting view is the one from Binurong Point, where thundering waves crash against black cliffs and pillars of stone; behind you, green hills roll into the distance. It’s worth setting off early to catch the sunrise – and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

6. Cresta de Gallo, Romblon

The idyllic island of Cresta de Gallo (Shutterstock)

How far would you go for paradise? Cresta de Gallo – so called as its shape resembles a cockscomb – is two tiny islands connected by a brilliant sandbar, marooned in a sea so vivid that one YouTuber described it as 'Gatorade blue'. The journey there is complex, requiring a flight to Tugdan airport on Tablas, a cross-island trip to San Agustin Port, then a ferry to Magdiwang Port on Sibuyan Island. From there, you’ll need to catch a jeepney to San Fernando, then charter a pump boat to take you to Cresta de Gallo. Got all that? Good – you’ll be rewarded by a truly pristine beach, a sunset shot through with pink and purple, and a reef where starfish and rays hide among the corals. Given how long it takes to get here, it’s best to combine Cresta de Gallo with a more thorough exploration of Tablas and Sibuyan islands.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines

It’s quite interesting to see different posts in the Philippines and see how popular this country has been for travelers and bloggers lately. I have been to this beautiful country 9 times and will be there again this winter. The Philippines is a beautiful country and perfect for the traveler who is on a budget . Most days you can buy food for as cheap at $2-3 per meal. There are about 7000 islands in the Philippines which can make your choices difficult when finding the best places to visit in the Philippines. Some of the top 10 places to visit in the Philippines are in the Northern and Central areas such as Manila, Cebu , Bohol , and El Nido which are more west and I wanted to write about some of my favorite places to visit in the Philippines. In addition, I wanted to write my post on my favorite places to visit in the Southern Philippines.

RELATED: Travel tips for the Philippines

The Philippines is great to visit any time of the year since it is usually hot and humid all year long, the only thing to consider would be Monsoon season. Additionally, if you find this post interesting check out  top 10 places to visit in the Philippines  for some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. If you are looking for other places to visit in the Philippines and a detailed Itinerary, be sure to check out Our 21st Century Odyssey’s  The Ultimate 20-Day Philippines Itinerary .

RELATED:   Philippines Itinerary

The Southern part of the Philippines is known to have a bad rap for being unsafe, it is typically the road less traveled and has less known tourist spot in the Philippines. It can be a dangerous location for tourists especially in the most southern tip of Mindanao, so please proceed with caution. Currently, in Mindanao the government has placed a Martial Law requiring everyone residing in Mindanao to be inside and at home by 8 pm.

RELATED: South Cebu Tourist Spots

Mindanao hasn’t been a destination for many tourists but I still think it is a place to write about.  I visit every year to see my family who resides in Mindanao and I have traveled all over this beautiful island. From Davao to Camiguin there are tons of great places to visit in including tourist spots in the Southern Philippines. Hopefully, this post can be helpful to those who are daring to try these places or people who live there locally that may want to visit and see other beautiful locations near them. These are my favorite places to visit in the Southern Philippines.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 1. Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island is probably one of the most popular places to visit in the Southern Philippines and one of the well-known spots to many Filipinos as a beautiful island.  It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. The island, however, is made up of broken white coral from the ocean so the sand isn’t very soft.  You can take a boat out to this private little island to lay out, swim in the ocean and just relax.  There are some vendors out there that can feed you out on the beach, but one of my recommendations, if you want to try it, is fresh Sea Urchin.  Many of the men will go out into the ocean fetching fresh sea urchin and will cut them in front of you and drizzle it with a salty soy sauce and vinegar like sauce.

RELATED: A Local’s Complete Guide to Camiguin Island

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 2. Iligan City

Iligan City is known for all of their beautiful waterfalls.  There is Tinago Falls, Maria Cristina Falls, Dodiongan Falls and more. They have a beautiful water park near Iligan as well with a high dive and 40-foot water deep pool.  Iligan also a location that has a wooden carriage with a horse, pretty much a manual version of a tricycle/tuk-tuk. Iligan City has the most beautiful waterfalls which I find to be the most beautiful places in the Philippines to visit.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 3. Eriberta Cold Springs

Eribert Cold Springs is a beautiful place to visit.  The water is ice cold and filled with fresh water.  They have done a lot of improvements and additions to this cute little resort which they didn’t have in the past.  They have about 4 large areas filled with water.  Some have slides, others have waterfalls and steps. You can even rent a space to grill fish or food, have a picnic and sing karaoke.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 4. Tangub

Tangub is probably one of my favorite destinations to visit.  Every year around Christmas time, they fill little town up with lights, beautiful structures and create a town filled with Christmas lights and decorations.  They usually have a theme and my family usually visits every year. It is a little bit of our tradition during the holidays.  Tangub is one of my favorite places to visit in the Philippines during the holidays .

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 5. Pagadian

Pagadian is an interesting little place and you will notice that their Tricycles are different than most in the Philippines because of all of the hills.  The Tricycles are slanted to sit parallel when they are climbing up the hills.  One of my favorite places to visit and stay is at the Alindahaw Lake Resort in Lakewood. They have a gorgeous view and is fairly quiet and calm out on the lake.  You can go kayaking, ride a zip line or just hang out by the pool.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 6. Siargao Island

Siargao Island has received a lot of attention lately on social media. This island has the sea of jellyfish that don’t sting. The jellyfish are located in the jellyfish lake and many videos have arisen with people swimming with these beautiful creatures. This island is one of the must-see places in the Philippines.

RELATED: Surf Guide to Siargao

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 7. Dapitan

Dapitan has Gloria’s Fantasyland Tours which is a local amusement park in the Philippines. This amusement park is nothing more than carnival rides like the state fair or county fair in some states in the US.  It is a lot smaller with more of a carnival feel. There is also the Jose Rizal Park which is a park and shrine to the Philippines most praised hero Jose P. Rizal. If you are interested, you can read more about Jose Rizal the National Hero of the Philippines .

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 8. Davao

Davao is a large city located in the southern mainland of Mindinao.  This city is one of the most popular places to visit in the Southern Philippines. This city has so much to offer and similar but less crowded than Bohol.  Davao has many Philippine tourist attractions such as the  butterfly house , bee farm, and Eden Nature Park . Be sure to check out this little gem.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 9. Dipolog

Dipolog is a popular place to visit in the Southern Philippines and known for Linabo Peak.  There are some amazing beach views here that are worth checking out.

Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines | 10. Dakak Park and Beach Resort

Just outside of Dapitan is the beautiful Dakak Park and Beach Resort. This resort has a gorgeous pool, beautiful land and modern looking rooms. Ultimately, this is definitely a place to check out. This area would be the perfect place to visit in the Philippines for couples because if it’s exclusivity.

Have you been to the Philippines? What is your favorite part about the Philippines? Which Places to visit in the Southern Philippines were you favorite?  Leave your comments below. 

Finally, if you liked this post, see Top 10 Places to Visit in the Philippines . ALSO SEE: Top 10 Things to do in Bohol, Philippines and Bohol Man Made Forest

DISCLAIMER : Oftentimes you will find that I’ve included links to certain hotels / tours /products/services. If you purchase anything through these links, I’ll receive a commission. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it will help keep this blog up and running.

Hey, I'm NieNie, also known as Stephanie – a California native of hapa heritage (an American with a mix of Korean and German) with an enduring love for travel. Transitioning from my expat life in South Korea to embracing the experience of living in Germany, while also frequenting visits to my family in the Philippines, I'm documenting my adventure as a plus-size woman immersing herself in diverse cultures. Join me on Adventures with NieNie for travel tips, cultural insights, and inspiring stories from South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. Let's embark on this adventure together!

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13 Comments

Looks like you had a lot of fun! love your bathing suit 🙂 very pretty! Those waterfalls look heavenly. Could us a nice swim right about now as we are on the verge of getting snow!

These are destinations I wouldn’t have thought of visiting, but this makes me want to definitely give them a try! I especially love all the waterfalls of Illigan City! Love that you can stand under the one!

I’ve been to Boracay and Malapascua (the latter for my honeymoon). A lot of people were like ‘but is it safe??’ when we told them we were going to the Philippines for our honeymoon. It made me quite sad that everyone now thinks it’s some super unsafe place when the vast majority of the country is still very safe, I believe. Prior to reading this post, I’d have just stayed away from southern Philippines altogether. It’s interesting to see what the area has to offer!

Yea there is a pretty big stigma about the safety in the Southern Part of the Philippines, but that does not apply to all of the Philippines. Most of the time you just need to be aware of your surroundings. Also, if you feel as if your driver is sketch, then he probably is, just trust your gut. But most of the people in the South are friendly and I haven’t felt unsafe when traveling there.

I love waterfalls. And that resort looks so lush green and luxurious. There is so much to do in Philippines. I have been meaning to visit the country for years. Loved your pictures and post.

❥ tanvii.com

Great list! I have been to some of these places as my family is from Cebu. Beautiful spots on that list – some I’ve been dying to go like Siargao!!

Great guide! You are right, I feel like I’ve seen several articles lately on the Philippines. Thank you for writing about the not-so-safe area of the country as well. It is important to know about these things before heading to the country.

Great list of places to visit! I have several friends from the southern parts of the Philippines who’ve suggested similarly. Pagadian and the falls in Illigan City look so scenic!

These photos are all so beautiful!!! I’ve been dying to add the Philippines to my list but just haven’t been able to as of yet. But the islands that you’ve posted have me ready to book the next flight there! Especially the waterfalls on Camiguin Island… to die for! Simply gorgeous!

I loved your list. Places are not crowded and naturally so beautiful. I am so eager to visit these places. Saved your post for my future reference.

Philippines looks total fun! I have been waiting to visit all these places in Philippines since long! it looks more cool from your camera lens! Thanks for sharing this amazing piece! loved reading this! Cheers!

Wow Stephanie. The Philippines are inspired. I have never visited save a 12 hour layover in Manila but look forward to seeing the place. As for safety, most places are fine. Use common sense, follow local laws and hey, enjoy your time out before any curfew or late night hours. Most of the negative headlines are pure rubbish. I lived in Turkey 6 days after the coup and in Thailand during a coup. No issues at all. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Ryan, I totally agree it is a stigma. Yes, you need to be aware of your surroundings (that should be for any country you travel to), but the South has always had government warning signs, so a lot of people are afraid to travel there with the kidnappings and attacks. I have been over 7 times and never felt threatened and will be there this December. The Southern part is like I said under martial law at the moment not allowing people to be out after 8pm which is a new law, since the Philippines government is having an issue with the attacks. I wrote this post to provide awareness to the situation so that my readers know what is going on and why these places are high on the safety list. But, I also want to show the beauty and off the beaten path locations compared to the major tourist spots in the Philippines such as Manila, Palawan, Borocay and Cebu, which are located in the North and West. Everyone typically travels in the North because of this stigma, but I wanted to show that the South has a lot to offer as well.

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The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024

Posted: April 29, 2024 | Last updated: April 29, 2024

When it comes to beaches, you simply can’t talk about paradise without mentioning the Philippines.

Made up of over 7,641 islands with seemingly endless shorelines, the Philippines truly is a beach lover’s dream.

From the famous white-sand beauty of Boracay to the hidden coves and bays waiting to be discovered, the country has some of the most stunning beaches not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!!

In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal list of 15 must-visit beaches that should not be missed when you travel to the Philippines.

These beaches have stood out to me as some of the best for clear waters, soft powdery sand, lush backdrops, and overall natural beauty and vibrancy.

Let’s get right to it and I’ll tell you why each of these spots is a true tropical paradise found.

15. Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu​​

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.

This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.

It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.

14. Alegria Beach, Siargao

Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.

What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.

The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.

13. Subic Beach, Sorsogon​

Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.

The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.

Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.

12. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands​​

Bitaog Beach, nestled on an island within Basilisa Municipality of the Dinagat Islands, stands out as one of the region’s finest.

This beach is a picturesque blend of white sandy shores, waters that meld shades of blue and green and rows of coconut trees framed by impressive limestone cliffs similar to those in El Nido and Coron, Palawan.

It’s a haven for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, thanks to its natural beauty. The beach is accessible and most enjoyable from December to May when the sea is calm, perfect for island hopping tours.

For the adventurous souls, Bitaog Beach also offers rock climbing, trekking, and the option for overnight camping.

11. Puka Beach, Boracay​

Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.

The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.

10. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever witness.

Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.

9. Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting.

Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience.

8. Paliton Beach, Siquijor

Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.

This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.

7. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan​​

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.

This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful!

6. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.

Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.

Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and cold beers.

This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.

Dahican is an active community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals here is sure to make your experience even more special.

This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte has captured the hearts of campers and backpackers alike.

Known for its expansive stretch of powdery white sand that reminds many of Boracay, this beach is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long beach.” It’s a place for those seeking adventures in and out of the water, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Because the area is still relatively untouched, visitors should remember to bring their own food and camping gear since the amenities are quite basic.

Despite its growing popularity, the beach retains its peaceful and pristine nature, boasting some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Philippines against a backdrop of dense greenery — a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plus, the weak cell phone signal offers a perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity.

This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, presitine white sand, shimmering waters in shades of green and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream.

Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.

Hidden Beach isn’t just an ordinary “beach”, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines through, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.

3. Malcapuya Beach, Coron​​, Palawan

Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan.

Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water.

Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron.

Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.

2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness. Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.

1. White Beach, Boracay

As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, “This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” … which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words.

White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty, romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.

The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.

Along the shoreline, you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste.

The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.

Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life.

This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.

Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more. 

Until then, happy travels! 🌴

More best places in the Philippines

• 5 Amazing Things to Do in Cavite Philippines
• 10 Dreamy Locations in the Philippines Perfect for Couples

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Philippines Back at Arabian Travel Market 2024

The Philippines returns to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 on 6 – 9 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Center. As the Middle East’s leading global travel event, ATM is a crucial platform for nations to spotlight their tourism offerings and foster invaluable partnerships within the global travel industry.

Under the theme “Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship,” the Philippines will underscore its commitment to innovation and sustainability in tourism by leveraging opportunities such as contactless engagement devices, prominent advertisements on the exhibitor portal, and promoting the Travel Philippines app.

For 2024, the country’s participation aims to exceed last year’s success in the Arabian Travel Market. The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, who organized the country’s participation, secured a larger booth space at 90-square-meter compared to last year and invited 16 seller companies who will showcase diverse tourism offerings to garner interest as a preferred Asian destination among attendees.

“There’s been a remarkable surge in outbound tourism from the Middle East, particularly from GCC countries. Based on the data, we see a growing appetite for international travel among GCC citizens, especially after the pandemic, and we see this trend continuing to rise in the coming years. This is one of the major reasons why we are doubling down on our efforts to maintain and enhance our presence in the Middle East. With our continued participation at the ATM, we aim to position the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination in Asia,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Leading the delegation will be Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Christina Garcia Frasco, with Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakr, Assistant Secretaries Verna Buensuceso and Rica Bueno, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, and select members from the House of Representatives.

This year, the Philippine booth will feature 16 private sector co-exhibitors from hotels, tour operators, and DMCs such as Annset Holidays, Inc., Ark Travel Express, Biyaheko.ph, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours, CTph Tours, Rajah Travel Corporation, VIA Philippines Travel Corporation, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Bellevue Hotel, El Nido Resorts, The Farm at San Benito, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Lihim Resorts, El Nido by Araw Hospitality Group, The Manila Hotel, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, and Okada Manila.

In 2023, ATM broke its records in terms of attendance, reaching more than 40,000 visitors across the 4-day event. It also drew 2,109 exhibiting companies from 156 countries, generating over US$3B in sales.

Staff Report

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