where to travel in philippines 2022

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

15 Things to do in Siargao + Tourist Spots

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

21 Things to do in El Nido + Tourist Spots

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.

12 Things to do in Palawan + Tourist Spots

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

9 Places To Visit in Sagada & Mountain Province

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

11 Things to do in Vigan + Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots

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

10 Places To Visit in Iligan & Lanao del Norte

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

16 Things to do in Manila + Tourist Spots

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

Cebu-Bohol Supercat Ferry Ticket (One Way or Round Trip)

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

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by <a href='https://pixabay.com/photos/rain-forest-bohol-philippines-river-352582/' rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target='_blank'>Michelle Simtoco</a>

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

22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots

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

21 Things to do in Iloilo + Tourist Spots

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

11 Must-Visit Spots in CLARK & Pampanga for your 2024 Bucketlist

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

14 Things to do in Davao + Tourist Spots

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 .

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

12 Things to do in Cagayan de Oro + Northern Mindanao Tourist Spots

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

11 Things to do in Dumaguete + Negros Oriental Tourist Spots

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

12 Things to do in Legazpi + Albay Tourist Spots

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

9 Things to do in Tacloban + Leyte Tourist Spots

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

18 Things to do in Baguio + Benguet Tourist Spots

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

18 Things to do in Laoag + Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots

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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10 Best Travel Destinations in the Philippines for 2022

In Year 2020, when the travel ban has become the “new normal” for the world, a lot of tourist destinations have closed. Months or even years have passed, and travel is still slowly getting back on track as people are trying to compromise and find ways to enjoy the activity again without the risk of putting their health on the line.

Tourism within the country is starting to grow again. A lot of Filipinos and even foreigners are starting to travel around the Philippines again and enjoy its astonishing beauty. While following the health protocols and the tourism rules, people are again allowed to explore the mesmerizing islands of the Philippines.

The Philippines is known for its rich natural tourist attractions that are not only awe-inspiring for the locals but also for foreign travelers. A lot of tourists who have visited the country are just mesmerized by its natural beauty, which no manpower can make. Right from its beaches, lakes, caves, mountains, hills, aquatic diversity, and many more, the Philippines surely has some of the “Heaven on Earth” spots that no one would want to miss.

From hundreds of travel destinations that one can surely enjoy in the Philippines, we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best travel destinations that will surely satisfy every traveler. Let us dive into the best travel destinations in the Philippines for 2022 that every tourist should never miss.

1. Batanes

Peaceful, serene, quiet, simple, and laidback. That is how travelers described their experience after visiting Batanes. Every tourist who visited this place felt revitalized and rejuvenated, as Batanes is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying your favorite vacation activities. Mountains, oceans, rolling hills, rock formations, famous landmarks, and great food; Batanes has it all. Located in the northernmost part of the country, this province in the Philippines is composed of several small islands, with only 3 of them inhabited. Travelers are allowed to visit Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang islands in Batanes, and among these three, you can easily appreciate and enjoy the totality of the beauty of Batanes. Even if Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippines, with only 230km total land area, this travel destination can surely satisfy, or even exceed the expectations of its visitors. Some tourists stated that Batanes is like New Zealand, as they can witness cows and wild horses freely roaming in vast pastureland within the lush green hills.

Batan is the main island of Batanes, where the Basco airport and many famous Batanes landmarks, accommodations, and tourist spots are located. On the other hand, Sabtang is mountainous, less populated than Batan, has steep cliffs, and has preserved stone houses with cogon roofs. Lastly, Itbayat is the largest island among the three. This island is known for its grasslands, rolling hills, and mesmerizing coastline with steep cliffs. Within your Batanes stay, you can visit their famous tourist spots, including the Basco Lighthouse, Valugan Boulder Beach, Vayang Rolling Hills, Tukon Chapel, Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, Marlboro Country, Tayid Lighthouse, House of Dakay, Homoron Blue Lagoon, Diura Fishing Village, San Jose de Ivana Church, Honesty Coffee Shop, Sabtang Light House, Ivatan’s Stone Houses, Morong Beach, Mt. Karoboban, Torongan Cave, Torongan Hills, Rapang Cliffs, Small Lagoon, Mt. Iraya, and many more.

Other than the tourist destinations, you can also enjoy the unique Ivatan dishes and experience a back-to-basics lifestyle in Batanes. With the province’s distance, size, and small population, the beauty of Batanes is preserved, as well as the beautiful and peaceful lifestyle of its people. Pay a visit to the “Home of the Wind”, Batanes, and indulge in a quiet, peaceful, and serene stay within this magical province in the Philippines.

How to get to Batanes?

The best way to go to Batanes is through flying. Book your flight in the airports of different provinces, and go to Basco, Batanes airport. For accommodations, there are homestays, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses available in Batanes. You can go around the place through tricycle, motorbikes, vans, jeepneys, cars, bicycles, and boats.

2. Bantayan Island

If you are a beach lover and love doing water-related activities, Bantayan Island is a place you should pay a visit. Bantayan Island, located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. On this island, one can enjoy swimming, sightseeing, island hopping, different beach activities, and many more, without the hassle of too many crowds. Furthermore, Bantayan Island is a fishing community, in which the famous dried fish, danggit, is made locally here. With that, one can expect a lot of seafood feasts made from freshly caught seafood. The crystal-clear water and turquoise sea will surely tempt and catch your attention to swim and do other activities on the beach.

You can easily explore Bantayan Island by driving along the coastline and visiting the various tourist destinations on the island. You can enjoy the beaches scattered around Santa Fe, including Paradise Beach and Kota Beach, with their long white sandbars. Other than the beaches, you can also enjoy exploring the Hilantagaan and Virgin Islands for some snorkeling, swimming, fish feeding, and seeing the fish diversity within the oceans. One can also be mesmerized by some inland attractions like the Ogtong Cave, Sto. Nino Cave, and Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park. Furthermore, there are also cliff-jumping and skydiving activities that you can enjoy at some spots on Bantayan Island. Enjoy a full day of activities, adrenaline, and beach trips to Bantayan Island, a must-visit place in the Philippines for its beautiful white sand beaches and hidden attractions.

How to get to Bantayan Island?

If you are from other parts of the country other than Cebu, you can take a flight going to Cebu City and make your way from there. You can take a bus form Cebu City to Hagnaya Port, or you can go to Palompon and take a ferry to Bogo City, and then a bus going to Hagnaya Port. From Hagnaya Port, you can ride a ferry going to Santa Fe. For accommodations, you can book at the many hotels, resorts, hostels, and vacation home rentals in Bantayan Island. You can travel around the island through a rented motorcycle or bicycle, pedicab, habal-habal, or jeepney.

3. Bohol

For many years now, Bohol has been one of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines. This province has one main island and 75 small islands surrounding it, making Bohol quite special. From natural land attractions to beautiful beaches, Bohol is like an explosion of all possible natural beauties that every traveler can witness and savor. This destination has the famous Chocolate Hills, which are grass-covered hills that turn brown during the summer. The Chocolate Hills are comprised of around 1,800 hills, and this natural wonder has been declared as one of Visayas’ top tourist spots. The mesmerizing beauty and the unique formation of Chocolate Hills are enough to keep Bohol as a top tourist destination, but Bohol has more to offer. Bohol has a lot of diverse attractions, not only for their tourist spots but also for the diversity of land and water animals that you can see in this province. Bohol is the home of tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates. Other than that, you can see the aquatic animals’ diversity by diving and snorkeling on some of Bohol’s beaches. Talking about beaches, you can pay a visit to Panglao island, Aloha beach, the beaches of Anda, and Damaluan beach if you want to enjoy the beauty of unspoiled beaches with white sands and crystal-clear waters, and do some water activities that will let you appreciate the beauty of Bohol. In addition, you can go island hopping in the Pamilacan and Balicasag Islands and explore the Hinagdanan Cave.

For land exploration, you can go to Danao Adventure Park for some extreme activities like caving, zip-lining, rappelling, root climbing, bungee jumping, and many more. You can also go to the Bilar Man-Made Forest for some Instagram-worthy photos by standing alone on the road with mahogany trees around you. Other than that, you can also visit the Baclayon Church Ruins and check out the tarsiers up close. Lastly, you can end your trip by enjoying a boat river cruise in Loboc, and enjoy the locals’ serenade and their buffets, which will surely satisfy you and complete your trip.

How to get to Bohol?

You can fly from Manila to Bohol directly, or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. If you are from Cebu, Dumaguete or Siquijor, you can also take the ferry in order to go to Bohol. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Bohol. You can travel the province and their islands through jeepneys, tricycles, buses, motorbikes, vans, or car rentals.

4. Boracay, Aklan

One of the top travel destinations in the Philippines is Boracay. This white sand beach is popular not only among the Filipinos but also with tourists from around the world. The world-class resort experience that is being offered in Boracay is a lingering magic that keeps every visitor wanting to go back for more. This island is not really for a completely peaceful stay, but rather for a full-of-activities beach vacation that you can surely enjoy, together with the different establishments around the island. The magical sunset that you can perfectly witness by Paraw Sailing and the crystal-clear and azure waters are just some of the things that you will surely enjoy during your stay in Boracay. Within the Boracay island are the Boracay white beach, Diniwid beach, unique rock formations, numerous nearby islands, Ariel’s point, Ilig-Iligan beach, Crocodile Island, and many more. You can enjoy a variety of beach activities in Boracay Island, including swimming, island hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, parties, dining, banana boat riding, skiing, paddleboarding, helmet diving, riding a zip line, cable car, kayaking, and many more.

How to get to Boracay, Aklan?

You can fly from Manila to Caticlan Airport directly, or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. From Caticlan Airport, you can ride a tricycle going to Caticlan Jetty Port. Other than planes, you can also go to Boracay by a ferry. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Boracay. You can rent at any stays within the Boracay stations, and still enjoy the whole island. You can travel the island through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, or shared private tours.

5. Coron Palawan

Coron Island is one of the magical travel destinations that every tourist enjoys in the Philippines. This tropical island is known for its rock formations and wrecks from World War II and different limestone karst landscapes that go well with the crystal-clear water of the lakes. One dip in the waters and you’ll see the beautiful coral reef diversity and different small sea creatures. This island is separated from the long island of Palawan, and it is definitely a must-visit if you ever travel to the Philippines. If you visit Coron, Palawan, you will be astonished by one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, the Kayangan lake. Other activities include swimming in Barracuda Lake, island hopping to Malcapuya and Ditayan islands, visiting the Calauit game refuge and wildlife sanctuary, being mesmerized by the panoramic views of coastal cliffs, scuba or wreck diving, beach camping, hiking up Mt. Tapyas, swimming in the Maquinit Hot Spring, or simply relaxing in the fine white sands and watching the sunset. One can enjoy the beauty of Coron, Palawan, with its equally beautiful scenery, fun activities, and a quiet and peaceful stay. Enjoy a laidback and magical vacation in Coron, Palawan.

How to get to Coron, Palawan?

You can fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport directly, or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. Other than planes, you can also go to Coron by a ferry. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Coron, Palawan and near islands. You can travel the island through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, or shared private tours.

6. El Nido Palawan

Another one of the best places to visit in Palawan is El Nido. El Nido is one of the top places visited by tourists in the Philippines. This destination gives the perfect representation of “heaven on Earth” with its picture-perfect beauty and magical scenery. El Nido has beautiful fine white sand beaches and islands, together with its turquoise crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and mesmerizing limestone cliffs. El Nido has 45 islands, both big and small, which allows visitors to enjoy island hopping activities. Some of the island hopping activities in El Nido take its tourists to the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking; Secret Lagoon, in which one of the limestone cliffs has a hole, showing a natural water pool inside; Secret Beach, which is a white sand beach hidden inside limestone cliffs; Shimzu Island, Seven Commandos Beach, Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan island, Matinloc shrine, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral cave, Helicopter island, Popolkan Island, Tapiutan island, Paradise Beach, and Pasandigan beach. For divers, they can visit South Miniloc, North Rock, Dilumacad Island, Entalula Island, Nat-Nat Beach, and many more diving sites that tourists can enjoy to get the adrenaline rush and see the beauty of underwater diversity. Other than beach activities, one can also enjoy land tours in El Nido, in which they can visit the Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calitang, Nagkalit-kalit falls, Lascabanas Beach, and hike the Taraw Cliff. El Nido is a very beautiful and magical place to visit, to fully submerge in the beauty of nature. Visit this astonishing destination in the Philippines, and enjoy a relaxing, mesmerizing, and surely memorable stay at El Nido Palawan.

How to get to El Nido, Palawan?

You can fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa directly or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. After that, you need to ride a bus or van from the airport to El Nido. Other than planes, you can also go to El Nido by a ferry. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in El Nido, Palawan. You can travel the around El Nido through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, or shared private tours.

7. Oslob and Moalboal Cebu

Oslob and Moalboal are small coastal towns located in Cebu. These places are famous for their rich aquatic animal diversity, which you can see once you dive into their oceans. Oslob is a coastal town famous for swimming with the rare underwater giants, whale sharks, locally known as butanding or tuki. Locals are feeding the whale sharks in order to lure them to certain areas of the Oslob seas in order for tourists to see them. Other than swimming with the whale sharks, one can also enjoy the beautiful sandbars of Oslob, magical horsetail waterfalls, diverse and colorful coral reefs, secret caves, and different heritage sites with Spanish ruins. After exploring the beauty of Oslob, one can travel from there to Moalboal. Moalboal is also a small coastal town packed with bountiful waters. This destination has some of the best white-sand beaches and the most diverse underwater creatures that tourists can enjoy during their stay. This destination is famous for its seas being inhabited by millions of sardines that you can swim with when you take a dip in the ocean. This coastal town is perfect for a laidback vacation, being not too remote but also not too busy. Aside from the sardine run, one can also visit Pescador Island, go turtle watching, relax on the white beaches, and be captivated by the Kawasan falls in Moalboal. During your visit as well as in these coastal towns, you can also time your travel during the Sinulog festival in Cebu to enjoy the grand celebration with street dancing, fun activities, and many more.

How to get to Oslob and Moalboal, Cebu?

You can fly from Manila to Mactan Cebu directly or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. After that, you need to ride a bus going to SM City Cebu, or take a bus going to your hotel. Other than planes, you can also go to Cebu by a ferry. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Cebu City, Oslob and Moalboal. You can travel the around Oslob and Moalboal through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, boats or shared private tours.

8. Sagada and Banaue

Sagada and Banaue are a few of the destinations in the Philippines with majestic natural landscapes. These destinations are famous for their mountains, which people can hike, perfect sunny but chilly weather, beautiful rice fields, astonishing waterfalls, and cliffs with a sea of clouds. These peaceful, quiet, and serene tourist destinations are surely a few of the must-visit places in the country. The places that you can explore and the activities that you can do in Sagada are spelunking at Samaguing cave, sea cloud sighting and camping at Kiltepan Peak and Marlboro Hills, peaceful walks at Lumiang Burial Cave, beautiful mornings at Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces, history learning at Ganduyan Museum, mesmerizing sunsets at Blue Soil Hills, and many more. On the other hand, Banaue is a mountainous province in Luzon. This destination is known for its rich and beautiful culture, perfect weather, majestic mountain ranges, awe-inspiring rice terraces, and kind and charming people. The places you can visit and activities you can do in Banaue are the following: sightseeing of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces; experiencing a back-to-basics lifestyle through living the provincial life at Batad; indulging in the Ifugao culture at Tam-An Village; hiking and swimming to Tappiyah and Chappah Falls; learning about the Cordillera in the Cordillera Sculpture Museum; and many more. Sagada and Banaue are surely must-visit tourist destinations that you should never miss. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city through these provinces, and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet vacation.

How to get to Sagada and Banaue?

From Manila, you take a direct bus to Banaue and Sagada from Cubao which will take approximately 12 hours. This bus takes the Banaue route but if you want to pass by Baguio, you can also take a Victory Liner or a Joy Bus from Manila. Then from Baguio City, you can take another bus to Sagada which takes 6 hours. For accommodations, there are a lot of hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Sagada. You can travel the around Sagada and Banaue through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, or shared private tours.

9. Siquijor

One of the smallest provinces in the Philippines is Siquijor. This island is famous for its mystic falls, caves, and beautiful beaches. If you are up for some majestic exploration, this province will surely satisfy your travel needs. With the province being quite small, it is not too difficult to travel around the whole island, even just for a day. The tours that you can experience in Siquijor are the coastal tour and the mountain tour. Taking the coastal tour will lead you to witness and experience the beauty of Salagdoong beach, Kagusuan beach, Cambugahay falls, Lazi Church and Convent, Siquijor church, Enchanted Balete Tree, Paliton beach, and Guiwanon Spring Park. On the other hand, the mountain tour will let you hike and explore the Cantabon Cave and Mt. Bandilaan Park. Siquijor is surely a must-visit travel destination in the Philippines. Explore and immerse yourself in its natural beauty, as well as the mystic talks about Siquijor.

How to get to Siquijor:

The closest jump-off point to Siquijor is Dumaguete City and Sibulan which are just a boat ride away. So if you want to go to Siquijor, you can fly to Sibulan and board a ferry to Siquijor or you can take a ferry from Dumaguete City to Siquijor. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Siquijor. You can travel the around Siquijor through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, boats or shared private tours.

10. Siargao

A list of the best travel destinations in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without Siargao. Siargao is an island located in Mindanao. This island is very popular among surfers around the world because of its massive waves that are quite ideal for surfing. With that, Siargao is named as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. The natural beauty of this island is out of this world, and every traveler who has visited Siargao is just mesmerized and wants to come back for more. More than it’s natural, what makes visitors stay longer on this island are the locals and the activities that tourists can do in Siargao. Some of the activities and spots that tourists can enjoy on this teardrop-shaped island are surfing at Cloud 9, a surf spot in General Luna; swimming at Magpupungko Rock Pools; island hopping on Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island; jumping off at Sugba Lagoon; swimming with stingless jellyfish in Sohoton Cove; diving in Blue Cathedral; and enjoying the Tayangban Cave Pools. Siargao is definitely one of the best travel destinations in the Philippines and is definitely a spot you should never miss. Enjoy the activities on the island and get captivated by its natural beauty and magic.

How to get to Siargao?

You can fly from Manila to Sayak Airport directly or through other travel hubs in the Philippines. After that, you need to ride a van or bus going to your accommodation house. Other than planes, you can also go to Siargao by a ferry. For accommodations, there are a lot of resorts, hotels, vacation home rentals, hostels, and many more that you can rent in Siargao. You can travel the around Siargao through walking, tricycles, motorbikes, boats or shared private tours.

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15 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Sep 16, 2022

The Philippines is a destination that is easy to visit multiple times due to its more than 7,000 islands. The most difficult decision you make as a traveler, is figuring out which places to visit first. The Philippines is divided into the three main island groups of Luzon , Visayas, and Mindanao , representing different regions in the country.

The scenery in each region of the Philippines ranges from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan. You can enjoy a day of walking the historical colonial streets of the capital city of Manila or catch a rare glimpse of tiny tarsier monkeys at a private sanctuary on the island of Bohol . The steep, plush mountains provide unforgettable hiking experiences.

Since you are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, it's not surprising the Philippines has some of the best beaches in Asia , and the scuba diving opportunities are outstanding.

Plan your travels around this tropical island nation with our list of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

7. Davao City

9. coron island, 11. puerto princesa, 13. apo island, 14. el nido, 15. siargao, map of places to visit in the philippines.

There is a reason that Boracay Island is considered the beach capital of the Philippines because there are more than 12 beaches. This tiny island in the west Visayas region is ideal for beach-goers who are after simple relaxation in the sun or water activities. White Beach , on the west side of the island, is one of the best beaches in the Philippines .

Puka Shell Beach is on the tip of the island and is a favorite spot for shell collectors. Cagban Beach is a quiet spot with nearby caves that are rumored to still contain treasure chests. Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach at the north end of White Beach that has the best view of the island from a platform rock located there.

This island is known for its many resorts, so finding a place to stay is easy. For a panoramic view of the island, take a day trip to Mount Luho , its highest point.

The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it's a destination that showcases the country's natural beauty. One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen . This UNESCO -protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses.

Bohol is home to a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny tarsier primate, known for its large engaging eyes. For a small fee, you can take an intimate walk through the grounds, and stand inches away from the small nocturnal mammal.

The top draw of Bohol is the beach. Panglao Island features some of the best beaches in Bohol: Alona Beach and Danao Beach , which have fantastic diving; Dao Beach and Bingag Beach , which are popular resort areas; Bolod Beach, which has a large stretch of shoreline; and Doljo Beach , which is fairly remote but fantastic for finding seashells.

The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Some of the most spectacular scenery from the water near Cebu are the sea caves that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique diving and snorkeling sites. The Sudlon National Park , located approximately an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking park to explore and hike.

While Cebu's greatest draw is its water, Cebu City is a metropolitan area, with tourist attractions like museums and cathedrals that will interest history buffs.

The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most striking things to see in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural wonder in this area. Some of the terraces are estimated to have been hand-carved into the mountainside more than 2,000 years ago.

The Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces are protected UNESCO World Heritage sites .

For a deeper taste of this region, take a stroll through the Banaue Ethnic Village or the Hiwang Village to mingle with the Indigenous people who farm the rice terraces.

Your most impressive view of the terraces is at sunrise, when clouds and fog lift off the mountain to reveal the intricate landscape of the terraces. You can base yourself in the town of Banaue and hike or drive to the Batad rice terraces, or arrange a stay in a native hut of the Ifugao people for a more authentic experience.

The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture is a fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences originating from settlers to the area.

Take a ride in a horse-drawn kalesa through the streets and admire the colonial architecture, courtesy of the Spanish who colonized the area in the 18th century. Vigan is a city with many nuances to explore.

The best view of the area is from the Bantay Bell Tower , which is also a noted landmark in the area. The Calle Crisologo historic district is a walkable district, where you will encounter many local craftsman and see historical architecture.

A visit to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is breathtaking and a perfect spot to sit and people-watch as you take in the local culture.

Jeepney in front of the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila

The Philippines capital of Manila, on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with non-stop activity. Hop on board one of the colorful jeepneys, the main form of public transportation, to get a taste of local life while you visit Manila's top attractions .

Usually over-packed with locals, the bumpy ride through the streets on the iconic and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Plan stops to the main park in the city, Rizal Park , and the San Agustin Church , which was built in the 16th century. Buy local fruits and handmade gifts at the public market at Quiapo Church , where you are likely to see several thousand people show up on Fridays for worship.

For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area. Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao .

Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park , Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea.

One of the best places to visit in Davao City is Mount Apo , the highest mountain in the Philippines. Davao City is a prime location for shopping, as there are several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall . For a peek into Davao City history and culture, the tiny Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit.

One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada. Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor.

This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast. The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure. Hiking is popular in Sagada, particularly to Mount Ampaco , which has the highest peak in the region or through Echo Valley , which has steep and rugged terrain.

One of the best places to visit in this region of the Philippines is the hanging coffins that hide deep in the mountains . It is best to connect with a local guide to take you to this incredible site because this is not a tourist area, but rather an authentic tribal region hiding an experience worthy of bragging rights.

One of the top diving destinations in the world , Coron Island is a tropical paradise, with electric blue and green water that almost seems unreal. The mountainous island sits on the tip of the Palawan island region, the western-most section of islands in the Philippines.

The island is popular for diving because of the numerous wrecks here. Many of the preserved shipwrecks are located in depths ranging from shallow water at just three meters to deep water at 42 meters.

Some of the wrecks require more than one dive to explore due to their size, but you can easily spend a week diving in this area. For non-shipwreck diving, check out Barracuda Lake, a former volcano with many unusual rock formations and fish.

Baguio is a city tucked away in a mountainous region on Luzon Island. Though it is a city, Baguio is intimate and reminiscent of a cottage-type environment. Baguio is called the City of Pines for the rich pine forests and cooler temperatures that surround it.

You can explore one of the many hiking and biking trails or take in a round of golf at one of the resorts in the area. Baguio is unique to other destinations in the Philippines because the city is surrounded by trees and not water.

Parks like Mines View and Burnham let you enjoy some of the flora and fauna that are special to this region. Be sure to spend some time along Session Road , which is the main drag through Baguio, where you can take in a slice of local life.

The rock islands, caves, and natural parks of Palawan Island are the hidden paradise of the Philippines. The coastal city of Puerto Princesa is where you should base yourself in order to explore some of these natural gems of the country.

The Subterranean River National Park is a great first stop to see a five-mile underground river and impressive limestone caves. The UNESCO World Heritage site has boat tours that take you through the national park.

Other must-see spots in Puerto Princesa are Honda Bay , which is popular for snorkeling, and Ugong Rock , where you can try ziplining and caving.

On Samal Island, also called Garden City of Samal, hiking, diving, and kayaking are a way of life. One of the top things to do on Samal Island, besides relaxing at the beach, is visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary , which is home to millions of bats in the caves.

An enjoyable day trip away from the beach is to Hagimit Falls , where you can walk on the nature trails and cool off in one of the pools below the tropical waterfalls. Samal Island is a short distance away from Davao City, which makes a great change of pace when you want a more metropolitan scene or a broader range of dining.

If a swim with sea turtles sounds like the experience of a lifetime then you will want to head to Apo Island in the Philippines. The reason this location lends itself to swimming with turtles and other sea life is because of the protected marine sanctuary. The Apo Island Marine Reserve is where you can take guided trips to see the sea turtles up close and snorkel at the coral reefs.

The island is an eco-traveler's dream. The protected landscape is some of the most untouched in the country. For great views of the island and the water go to the Apo Island View Deck . To get a sense of life on the island for the locals take a stroll on the Lagoon Trail through the Apo Village to see the local flora and fauna and engage with those who live on the island.

Aerial view of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

El Nido is a stunning place to visit in the Philippines for its clear water lagoons, marine life, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. You can even take part in cliff climbing excursions, or go to Taraw Peak to experience a canopy walk with the best views of the landscape.

El Nido is also known for its pristine beaches, like Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach , and as the launch point for island-hopping adventures. Island hopping excursions to places like El Nido Big Lagoon or Snake Island to experience the cliffs and caves from the water are a memorable way to experience El Nido.

Wooden walkway for surfers to access the Cloud 9 surf break on Siargao Island

Travelers that enjoy making an itinerary up as they go should put Siargao Island on the agenda. The small island is big with experiences, from sought-after surfing waves to unusual rock formations and stunning waterfalls.

Surfing is what Siargao is most known for. The famous Cloud 9 break is here, but there are many coastline spots that bring in large waves. So, even if you do not surf, watching some of the championship surfers that come to the island is a fun activity.

Deep sea fishing is popular out of Siargao as anglers try year-round for sailfish and mahi-mahi. Another trip option when you visit Siargao is to do a bit of island hopping to places like Bucas Grande , where you can see the Sohoton Caves and the non-sting jellyfish.

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Philippines

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smoldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.

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Attractions, must-see attractions.

Coron Island

This island, only a 20-minute bangka ride from Coron town, has an imposing, mysterious skyline that wouldn’t be out of place in a King Kong film. Flying…

Nacpan Beach

For an easy day trip out of El Nido, head north by tricycle or motorbike to this incredible, golden-hued, 3km-long beach. Development has arrived in…

This incredibly beautiful, jungle-backed, stretch of golden sand toward the northern tip of mainland Palawan is the centre of El Nido's surfing community…

Mestizo District

The Mestizo District, or Kasanglayan ('where the Chinese live'), is a grid of streets hemmed in between Plaza Burgos and Liberation Blvd and bisected by…

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

In Canapnapan, a barangay of Corella, you can see saucer-eyed tarsiers in the wild at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Over 100 of these territorial…

Fort Santiago

Guarding the entrance to the Pasig River is Intramuros' premier tourist attraction: Fort Santiago. Within the fort grounds is an oasis of lovely manicured…

People praying at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu, Philippines.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

San Agustin Church

The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church…

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Philippines Travel Requirements: Open Destinations for Leisure Tourism and Restrictions

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Occidental Mindoro Province

Oriental mindoro province, pampanga province, pangasinan province, puerto galera, puerto princesa, palawan island, quirino province, quezon province, rizal province, san vicente, palawan island, sorsogon province, subic, zambales, tarlac province, zambales province, other visayas destinations open for travelers, aklan province, antique province, bacolod city, biliran island, capiz province, dumaguete city, eastern samar province, guimaras island, iloilo city, iloilo province, leyte province, negros occidental province, negros oriental province, northern samar province, romblon province, siquijor island, tacloban city, other mindanao destinations open for travelers, bukidnon province, butuan city, cagayan de oro city, camiguin island.

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Surigao del Sur Province

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Last updated: July 31, 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heavily affected the tourism industry. Leisure tourism has opened up in the Philippines, but travel restrictions have been put in place to control the further spread of the virus.

For those who want to travel to the re-opened destinations and top tourist spots in the Philippines , we’ve collected the information you need to plan your vacation in the new normal. Read on to find out which Philippine destinations are open for leisure travel, what their travel requirements are, and other restrictions and guidelines imposed by the national and local government units.

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International travelers: Yes, the Philippines is open to all international tourists. Foreigners from visa-required countries will not need an exemption document to enter the country but will still need to follow the immigration rules set by the government.

All inbound travelers will also be required to register via the eTravel Portal, which replaces the One Health Pass requirement. Travelers may register within 72 hours from their arrival in the Philippines or upon arrival. The pre-registration form may be accessed at etravel.gov.ph . For travelers who were not able to pre-register, there will be special lanes set up for arriving passengers to comply with the eTravel registration.

Domestic travelers: Yes (to re-opened destinations only and with restrictions)

Traveling within the Philippines is allowed for tourists but is limited to select destinations and with restrictions.

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Yes, the Philippines is open to international tourists. Foreigners from visa-required countries will still need to follow the immigration and visa procedures set by the government.

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All travelers from outside the Philippines are required to register via the eTravel Portal. This replaces the One Health Pass requirement. Travelers may access the registration form at etravel.gov.ph . The form can be filled out within 72 hours from arrival in the Philippines. For travelers who were not able to pre-register, there will be special lanes set up for arriving passengers to comply with the eTravel registration.

Foreigners are allowed to enter the Philippines. All foreigners are also required to register with the eTravel Portal, which replaces the One Health Pass requirement. The registration form may be accessed at etravel.gov.ph . Travelers can pre-register within 72 hours from their arrival in the Philippines or comply upon arrival. For travelers who were not able to pre-register, there will be special lanes set up for arriving passengers to comply with the eTravel registration.

In terms of health, the national government and the local government units have safety guidelines in place to lessen the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing and the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result and/or a vaccination card or certificate when crossing local borders. Following these rules will reduce your chances of contracting the disease.

Mask-wearing and the presentation of proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are no longer mandatory in tourist spots. For your own safety, it is still encouraged to wear a mask in crowded places.

Tourist spots are generally safe, but it’s always best to be alert, make sure all your belongings are secure, and be cautious when interacting with strangers.

Yes, because the United States of America is one of the non-visa required countries . But note that like all foreign visitors, US citizens must follow the other requirements set by the government.

Below are the following requirements for foreigners traveling to the Philippines:

Foreign nationals of non-visa required countries

Registration via etravel.gov.ph . This must be filled out within 72 hours from their arrival or travelers can comply upon arrival at the special lanes for eTravel registration.

A ticket back to the port of origin or the next port of destination outside the Philippines scheduled within 30 from arrival. An Entry Exemption Document (EED) must be secured for those staying beyond 30 days.

Read our article on travel insurance in the Philippines

Must come from a non-visa required country under EO 408

Those traveling with their Filipino spouses and parents need to provide proof of filiation

Foreign nationals with valid and existing visas

Valid visa and/or ACR I-Card

A ticket back to the port of origin or the next port of destination outside the Philippines scheduled within the allowed maximum stay in the Philippines.

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter the Philippines, but it may be required when crossing local borders. An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) is accepted as proof of a traveler’s fully vaccinated status, but other documents may also be accepted in its place. These include a VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate or a national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.

How to get an ICV

ICVs are issued by the country where you got the vaccine. If you got your vaccines in the Philippines, you can get your ICV by booking an appointment via icv.boq.ph . It costs PHP300, and a PHP70 convenience fee will also be charged. Alternatively, you can apply for a vaccination certificate via vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove your fully vaccinated status when entering the Philippines.

After you land in the Philippines, you need to follow the guidelines set by the IATF.

A quarantine is not required for international travelers entering the Philippines, but a seven-day self-monitoring period is highly encouraged.

Airlines Flying to the Philippines

These airlines have flights to the Philippines:

Philippine Airlines - The flag carrier currently has flights from Australia, Canada (including Vancouver (YVR) to Manila), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and the USA, including Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila, San Francisco (SFO) to Manila, Hawaii (HNL) to Manila, and New York (JFK) to Manila routes.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) - The airline has flights from Japan.

AirAsia - The airline has flights from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Aseana Airlines -The airline has flights from South Korea.

Cebu Pacific - The airline has flights from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates.

China Airlines - The airline has flights from Taiwan.

Emirates - The airline has flights from the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Airways - The airline has flights from the United Arab Emirates.

Japan Airlines - The airline has flights from Japan and the USA.

JetStar - The airline has flights from Singapore.

Korean Air - The airline has flights from South Korea and the USA.

Malaysia Airlines - The airline has flights from Malaysia.

Qatar Airways - The airline has flights from Qatar.

Singapore Airlines - The airline has flights from Singapore.

Thai Airways - The airline has flights from Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Sweden, and Thailand.

Turkish Airlines - The airline has flights from Turkey.

There are currently 8 COVID-19 vaccines which have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here is the list:

Pfizer-BioNTech

AstraZeneca

Sinovac-Coronavac

Sputnik V

Janssen

Which Philippine destinations don't have an RT-PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers?

Yes, fully vaccinated travel is available in the Philippines, but not for all destinations. Several destinations in the Philippines have opened to fully vaccinated tourists, exempting them from the requirement of obtaining a negative RT-PCR or rapid COVID test for travel.

Here is the list of destinations fully vaccinated travelers may visit without having to undergo a COVID-19 test :

Destinations in Luzon without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:

Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Ilocos Sur (including Vigan)

Nueva Ecija

Nueva Vizcaya

Occidental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Princesa

Subic Bay Freeport Area

Destinations in Visayas without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:

Eastern Samar

Negros Occidental

Negros Oriental

Destinations in Mindanao without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:

Davao de Oro

Davao del Norte

Davao del Sur

Davao Oriental

Misamis Occidental

Sultan Kudarat

Surigao Del Norte

Surigao Del Sur

Zamboanga del Norte

Yes. Some destinations in the Philippines only require travelers to present a government-issued ID to enter, but others still have a negative RT-PCR test or antigen test result as part of the requirements before you can board a domestic flight in the Philippines. Some destinations also require a mandatory quarantine for travelers, as well as a negative test result after a number of days in the destination.

Here is a list of the top destinations in the Philippines that are now accepting travelers including fully vaccinated individuals. Take note of their travel requirements for entry:

Baguio, located in Benguet of Northern Luzon, is a popular weekend getaway because of its cold climate. Also known as The City of Pines, it is home to family-friendly parks, cultural villages , and outdoor recreational sites like Camp John Hay .

Baguio City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Baguio travel guide for the travel requirements

*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who has more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine

Batangas is a popular destination near Manila famous for Batangas mountains and heritage sites like Taal Volcano and Taal Heritage Town. Some of the best Batangas tourist spots are the Batangas beaches and islands like Fortune Island and Laiya Beach.

Batangas Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Booking confirmation at Batangas resorts or hotels

Some municipalities may have additional requirements, so check with the LGU of your destination prior to your travel.

Check our Batangas guide for the travel requirements

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Bohol is an island province in the Central Visayas region famous for its natural attractions , such as the geological formations of Chocolate Hills , which you can explore on one of the countryside tours .

Bohol Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should instead present a Vaccination Certificate generated from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph . On October 30, it was announced that the province will also be temporarily accepting vaccination cards in lieu of the vaccination certificate. It will continue to do so until the DOH website ( vaxcert.doh.gov.ph ) is fully operational.

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated, a negative RT-PCR or saliva RT-PCR test result taken 3 days prior to travel. Children aged 11 and below are exempted from this requirement.

Asymptomatic individuals are exempted from presenting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

Read our Bohol travel guide for the travel requirements

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

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Boracay Island is known for being home to one of the best beaches in the Philippines and the world. Its powdery white sands and clear blue waters in the 4-KM White Beach is a popular destination for both local and international travelers. Here you can enjoy banana boat riding , paraw sailing , and helmet diving .

Boracay Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Valid ID with proof of Philippine residency or a passport for foreigners and OFWs

Pre-booking at DOT-accredited hotels and resorts in Boracay

Read our Boracay travel guide for the travel requirements
Check out our Boracay island hopping guide
Browse our list of some of the best hotels in B oracay including hotels in Boracay for family

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Also known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is believed to be the oldest city in the country and is home to historical and cultural tourist attractions including Magellan’s Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. It is also where the famous Sinulog Festival takes place.

Cebu City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card with a QR code that verifies their vaccination status or a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph .

Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival or a negative saliva test result taken within 48 hours before arrival.

Read our Cebu travel guide for the travel requirements

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Cebu

The island province of Cebu is well-known for its cultural and natural landmarks, pristine beaches , and unique experiences like Monad Shoal thresher shark diving in Malapascua , Badian canyoneering to Kawasan Falls , and sardine run in Moalboal .

Cebu Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They must instead present a vaccination card or certificate that shows their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers are encouraged to get a negative antigen test result 24 hours before their departure for Cebu. They can also get tested for free upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Read our Cebu travel guide for the travel requirements

Lapu-Lapu City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Lapu-Lapu City

Mandaue City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment or a Certificate of Quarantine Completion showing the holder’s vaccination status.

Negative RT-PCR swab test result taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative Antigen Test Result taken within 48 hours before arrival

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Mandaue City

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While Coron is separated from mainland Palawan, it has the same natural wonders the province is famous for, like stunning beaches, beautiful islands , and breathtaking limestone cliffs. It’s also known for its clear freshwater lakes and wreck diving spots.

Coron, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Pre-booking in any of the DOT-accredited Coron hotels and resorts

Read our Coron travel guide for the travel requirements

Read our Coron island hopping guide and our Coron diving guide

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Thanks to its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs, El Nido is known as one of the best island destinations in the world. A popular activity among travelers is exploring its islands and lagoons via an island-hopping tour .

El Nido, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our El Nido guide for travel requirements

Check out our El Nido island hopping guide

Metro Manila is the National Capital Region of the country. In Manila, the capital city, you’ll find Rizal Park (commonly known as Luneta) and the walled district of Intramuros .

Metro Manila travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Manila guide for travel requirements

Best hotels in Manila

Best beach resorts near Manila

Where Kids are Allowed in and Near Manila

Best mountain resorts near Manila

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Surigao del Norte is famous for Siargao Island, a tear-drop-shaped island that is known for being one of the top Philippines surfing spots . You can find here white sand beaches with turquoise waters and big waves in surf spots like Cloud 9. Its surrounding islands are best explored via a Siargao island hopping tour .

Surigao del Norte Province and Siargao travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test and must instead present a vaccination certificate issued by the Department of Health or a domestic COVID-19 vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccination establishment.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours from arrival or a negative antigen test result taken 24 hours prior to arrival.

Children 17 years and below are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test.

Read our Siargao guide for the complete travel requirements

Because of its stunning views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake coupled with its cool weather and endless options for Tagaytay hotels , Tagaytay City in Cavite province is a popular weekend destination for those living in nearby areas.

Tagaytay City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Tagaytay guide for the travel requirements

Read our articles on the best hotels in Tagaytay and the best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its Spanish colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets. You can learn more about the city's history and culture when you join Vigan tours . You may also head north to enjoy the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte to add to your Ilocos itinerary .

Vigan, Ilocos Sur travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed to enter for leisure purposes. They must present a valid vaccination card that shows their fully vaccinated status.

Pre-booking at DOT-accredited hotel in Vigan or with a DOT-accredited travel agent. Tourists are not allowed to stay in the private residences of their friends or family.

Read our Vigan travel guide for the travel requirements

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Check out some of the other re-opened Luzon tourist spots in this list to explore beyond the popular destinations:

Abra is a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is famous for its waterfalls, caves, and other natural sites like the 206 KM Abra River.

Abra Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They must instead present a vaccination card that proves their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours before arrival or a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Albay , a province in Bicol, is the home of Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano known for its perfect cone shape. This province is also home to natural sites, churches, islands and beaches, and more.

Albay Province (including Legazpi City ) travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Legazpi guide for the travel requirements

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Baler is a popular surfing town in the Philippines. Aside from being home to the surf spot called Sabang Beach, you can also find here the biggest Balete tree in Asia at the Balete Park and Millenium Tree.

Baler travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed to enter Baler for leisure purposes. They need to show a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a valid vaccination card.

For those coming from areas under Alert Level 3, a negative antigen test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Baler is required. Valid ID

Pre-booking at any of the DOT-accredited Baler hotels and resorts

Children aged 12 and below may present a medical certificate instead of a vaccination card or certificate

Banaue is a municipality in the province of Ifugao. It is most famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces and Batad Rice Terraces, the latter being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Banaue travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* individuals aged 12 and above are allowed entry. They must show a valid vaccination card or certificate that proves their vaccination status.

Registration with the Banaue Municipal Tourism Office Facebook Page . You need a printout or electronic copy of your approved travel booking confirmation.

Pre-booking at Banaue hotels and resorts

Payment of the PhP50 environmental fee

The same requirements apply to minors aged 5 to 17. Children below 4 years old are strongly discouraged from traveling to Banaue.

Read our Banaue guide for the travel requirements .

Bataan Province is rich in historical, cultural, and natural attractions. This destination is home to World War II sites, bird watching sites, turtle sanctuaries, waterfalls, mountains, and more. It is the location of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the first heritage resort in the Philippines.

Bataan Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test. They instead must present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to show their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in the province.

Pre-booking at Bataan hotels and resorts

Read the Bataan travel requirements here

Batanes is the the smallest and northernmost province in the Philippines. It boasts quaint lighthouses, rolling hills beautiful beaches, and stone houses.

Batanes Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed to enter the province for tourism purposes. They must present a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove their vaccination status.

Those ineligible for vaccination need to present proof of ineligibility like a medical certification or a birth certificate for those below 5 years old.

Pre-booking at any of the DOT-accredited Batanes hotels or resorts

Read our Batanes travel guide for the travel requirements

Read about Batanes tourist spots

Apart from Baguio City, Benguet is also home to Mount Pulag and its capital La Trinidad, which is famous for its strawberries and colorful hillside houses.

Benguet Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed entry into the province and are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test. They instead must present a vaccination card to show their fully vaccinated status.

For unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17, a negative RT-PCR test result must be submitted.

Children aged 11 and below are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test.

Cagayan province is known for its natural attractions, including Palaui Island and Callao Cave. It is locted in the most northeastern area of the Luzon mainland.

Cagayan Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They instead need to show a valid vaccination card that proves their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must show a negative antigen result

Fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 17 are allowed entry into the province but they must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult at all times.

Camarines Norte in the Bicol region is a province known for its pristine beaches, islands, and waterfalls. It is home to Calaguas Islands, a group of islands and islets featuring powdery white sand and clear waters.

Camarines Norte Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals may just present their vaccination card or certificate to be allowed entry into the province

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals must report to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of the LGU of their destination.

Camarines Sur in the Bicol region is a province known for its island-hopping destinations and watersports. Caramoan Islands, which is famous for its secluded white sand beaches and coves, is located in this province.

Camarines Sur Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter the province. They need to present their vaccinated card which proves their fully vaccinated status.

Cavite is a province in the Calabarzon Region known for its historical and cultural attractions. It is home to the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum, where the Philippine Declaration of Independence was declared.

Cavite Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Check out our article on the best resorts in Cavite

Clark, Pampanga is located in Central Luzon, Philippines. Aside from being home to Clark International Airport, it is home to well-known cultural landscapes and natural attractions like the Clark Museum and Puning Hot Spring.

Clark Freeport Zone travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Ilocos Norte is home to Laoag and Pagudpud, two must-visit places in the province. A trip to Ilocos Norte will allow you to check out Laoag tourist spots , which include historical spots like the Paoay Church, as well as the natural attractions of Pagudpud including Saud Beach. You may also visit Vigan in Ilocos Sur province with an Ilocos itinerary . Check our our list of the best Ilocos Norte Laoag hotels that you can stay in for your trip.

Ilocos Norte Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative RT-PCR test result. They instead need to show a valid vaccination card that validates their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must show a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 60 hours from arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival.

Children below 12 years old are not required to undergo testing provided that the parent or guardian they are traveling with is fully vaccinated.

Isabela is known for its Spanish-era churches, but it is also home to natural attractions, including Dicotcotan Beach and Dibulo Falls

Isabela Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

La Union, also known as the Surfing Capital of the North, is famous for being a laid-back surfing destination. Aside from Urbiztondo Beach, where numerous surfing activities and lessons are held, the province also offers a diverse set of attractions like Tangadan Falls and Poro Point & Lighthouse.

La Union travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals from Alert Levels 1 and 2 are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They must instead present their vaccination card that shows their fully vaccinated status

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals and those coming from Alert Level 3, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 3 days prior to arrival

Registration via NAPANAM

Children aged 11 and below are exempted from the testing requirements

Pre-booked arrangement from a DOT-accredited tour operator or La Union hotels and resorts

Check out our articles on the best resorts in La Union and top tourist spots in La Union

The province of Laguna is known for Pagsanjan Falls and Mount Makiling, but it also has heritage sites like the town of Pila. It’s located around 40KM south of Manila.

Laguna Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our articles on the best resorts in Laguna and top tourist spots in Laguna

The province of Masbate is home to stunning natural attractions like Ticao Island, Catandayagan Falls, and Palani White Beach.

Masbate Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test. They only need to present their vaccination card or vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph .

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals, a negative antigen test result is required

Children aged 12 and above must take a rapid antigen test upon arrival

Nueva Ecija Province

Located in the Central Luzon region, the province of Nueva Ecija is home to Minalungao National Park and Pantabangan Lake.

Nueva Ecija Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from showing a negative COVID-19 test result and instead need to present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative antigen test result.

Nueva Vizcaya Province

The landlocked province of Nueva Vizcaya shares Mount Pulag with Benguet and Ifugao. The province is also known for its Ammungan Festival.

Nueva Vizcaya Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated individuals* are allowed to enter the province for leisure purposes. They need to present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment.

Occidental Mindoro is located in the western half of the island of Mindoro. Apo Reef, the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef, can be found in the waters of the province.

Occidental Mindoro Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* domestic tourists are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated domestic tourists need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival

Foreign tourists need to provide proof of their fully vaccinated status and a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours before arrival in the province. They also need to provide outbound tickets to their next destination and a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

Booking with a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment

When booking tours, book with DOT-accredited tour operators or coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office of your destination. DIY tours are not allowed.

Oriental Mindoro is located in the eastern section of Mindoro Island. The province is famous for its pristine beaches and beautiful waterfalls. The province also serves as the jump-off point for those who want to visit the majestic Mt. Halcon.

Oriental Mindoro Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in the province.

Children aged 11 and below may enter the province if they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.

Symptomatic individuals will not be allowed to cross the border and enter the province

Pampanga in Central Luzon is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. One of the most famous Filipino foods that originated in Pampanga is sisig, which is made from chopped pork liver, cheeks, and ears. Pampanga is also known for its colorful festival called the Giant Lantern Festival held during Christmas season.

Pampanga Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Check out our article on the best Pampanga resorts and hotels with pools

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Pampanga

Pangasinan is located in the Ilocos Region of Luzon and is famous for its Hundred Islands, which is made up of 124 beautiful islets dotting Lingayen Gulf. The province has several beaches, too, as well as waterfalls and caves.

Pangasinan Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Should the LGU of destination require a negative COVID-19 test result, fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from this requirement. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment or a Certificate of Quarantine Completion showing the holder’s vaccination status.

Some LGUs may require unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers to present a negative RT-PCR test result or a negative rapid antigen test result taken 48 hours prior to arrival.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers from areas under Alert Level 3 are not allowed to enter the province. The LGU of destination may also impose additional requirements on those coming from these areas.

Registration with pangasinan.tarana.ph

Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is famous for its white-sand beaches and unique dive sites. Visitors can also visit Tamaraw Falls, twin falls that are about 3 floors high.

Puerto Galera travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Registration via registration.amazingpuertogalera.com

Pre-booking with any of the accredited Puerto Galera hotels and resorts

Tourists who are symptomatic upon arrival will not be allowed entry

Read our Puerto Galera travel guide for the travel requirements

Read our guide to diving in Puerto Galera

Puerto Princesa is most known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or the Underground River. The river is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Puerto Princesa travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Puerto Princesa guide for the travel requirements

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Puerto Princesa

A landlocked province in Cagayan Valley, Quirino is known for its many waterfalls and caves including Maddela Falls and Aglipay Caves.

Quirino Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They must instead present a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before arriving in the province.

Quezon Province is known for its colorful Pahiyas Festival. Travelers also frequent it for its beaches and mountains including Borawan Beach and Mt. Banahaw, the highest mountain in the region.

Quezon Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Selected areas and Quezon Province resorts are open to domestic and foreign tourists. Check this post for the full list of open destinations in Quezon Province and their requirements.

Rizal is one of the go-to destinations for those in the nearby destinations looking for a quick getaway. Here you can explore the Masungi Georeserve and the Pinto Art Museum.

Rizal Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Check out our articles on the best hotels and resorts in Antipolo Rizal and the top tourist spots in Rizal

Sagada has continued to attract travelers thanks to its many unique tourist attractions, which include its Hanging Coffins and Mount Kiltepan’s sea of clouds.

Sagada travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They instead need to present a vaccination card or certificate showing their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival in Sagada

Children aged 11 years old and below are exempted from the above requirements provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Pre-booking of at least one night at any of the DOT-accredited and LGU-certified Sagada hotels or resorts

Registration with umali-kayo.sagada.gov.ph at least two days before arrival

Read our Sagada travel guide for the travel requirements

San Vicente is located in the northwestern area of Palawan and is known for Long Beach. At 14.7KM, it is the longest beach in the Philippines and the second-longest in Southeast Asia.

San Vicente, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They instead need to present a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals coming from outside the province need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to arrival.

Fully vaccinated individuals coming from Palawan are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They must instead show a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals coming from Palawan need to present a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours prior to their arrival.

Read our San Vicente guide for travel requirements

The southernmost province in mainland Luzon, Sorsogon boasts of many natural wonders including Subic Beach. Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to Bulusan Volcano Natural Park.

Sorsogon Province requirements for leisure travelers:

Registration with StaySafe.ph

Subic is a municipality of Zambales and lies northwest of Manila. Many travelers go to the Subic Bay Freeport Area where they can visit a zoo, an aquarium, and a forest trail.

Subic Bay Freeport Area travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Those who are coming from a higher quarantine status or alert level and are over 65 years of age, have comorbidities, or are pregnant must be fully vaccinated*. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment or a Certificate of Quarantine Completion showing the holder’s vaccination status.

Read our article on the best resorts and hotels in Subic

This landlocked province in Central Luzon is known for Mt. Pinatubo , parts of which you can explore with the help of 4x4 vehicles.

Tarlac Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Registration with pgtravelpass.com

Medical Certificate

Located in the Central Luzon region, Zambales is known for its many coves and beaches, including Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and Capones Island.

Zambales Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They must present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel.

Children aged 17 and below who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians are exempted from the vaccination and testing requirements.

Pre-booking with DOT-accredited Zambales resorts or hotels

Check out other must-see Visayas tourist spots in these re-opened destinations:

Aklan, a province in the Western Visayas Region, is famous for Boracay Island, a vacation spot among locals and international travelers. The province is also known for its cultural and natural attractions, as well as its annual Ati-Atihan Festival.

Aklan Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Antique, a province in the Western Visayas Region, is blessed with natural resources. It is famous for its weaving sites, forests, mountains, beaches, and the Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao.

Antique Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed to enter Antique for leisure purposes. They must present their COVID-19 vaccination card or vaccination certificate to prove their fully vaccinated status.

Those who are ineligible for a COVID-19 vaccine may enter, provided they can present a medical certificate to prove their non-eligibility.

Pre-booking at DOT-accredited hotels and resorts in Antique

Bacolod , a city located in Negros Occidental, is popular for its cultural attractions, local cuisine, and ancestral homes. Also known as the City of Smiles, it is home to the colorful festival in the Philippines called MassKara Festival.

Bacolod City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They must instead present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card.

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers, a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before their arrival is required.

Browse our list of some of the best hotels in Bacolod City

The island province of Biliran is located in the Eastern Visayas region and is known for its natural attractions including the Sampao Rice Terraces and Napusoan Falls.

Biliran Island requirements for leisure travelers:

Only fully vaccinated* asymptomatic travelers are allowed to enter Biliran Island. They need to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card issued by their LGU to prove their fully vaccinated status.

A Biliran QR code from register.securebiliran.net

The province of Capiz is known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, thanks to its 80-KM coastline. Its capital Roxas City is home to the Manuel Roxas Shrine and the Roxas Cathedral.

Capiz travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Dumaguete , The City of Gentle People, is a laid-back destination in Negros Oriental. The city is not only rich in history, but also in marine life as it is the gateway to Apo Island, a 24-hectare marine sanctuary, which is one of the most famous Dumaguete tourist spots .

Dumaguete City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Read our Dumaguete travel guide for the travel requirements

Eastern Samar is known for Homonhon Island, where the explorer Ferdinand Magellan is thought to have first landed. Tourists also visit it for its nature parks and surf spots.

Eastern Samar Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

This island province located in the Western Visayas region is known for its beautiful beaches and its religious sites which include Navalas Church and Balaan Bukid Shrine.

Guimaras Island Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Asymptomatic travelers are exempted from presenting proof of their vaccination and health declaration forms, but they may be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival if deemed necessary by the LGU.

The capital of Iloilo Province, Iloilo City is known for its Dinagyang Festival, which happens every January. You can also visit other tourist attractions, including Molo Church and the Iloilo River Esplanade

Iloilo City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test, but they must present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card issued by their LGU. Those vaccinated abroad must present a vaccination card issued by a competent foreign authority.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need to provide a negative RT-PCR test result issued not later than 72 hours before the date of travel.

Read our Iloilo guide for the travel requirements

Iloilo , a province located in the Western Visayas Region, is well-known for its heritage churches, pilgrimage sites, delicious cuisine, and natural tourist spots . It is also home to a popular island-hopping destination called Islas de Gigantes.

Iloilo Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should instead present a vaccination certificate to prove their fully vaccinated status.

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival is required. They also need to secure a Notice of Coordination from the city or municipality of their destination. Children 5 years old and below are exempted from this requirement.

Read our Iloilo island hopping guide

Leyte is located in the Eastern Visayas Region, and many travelers flock to it for its tourist spots which include Kalanggaman Island and Lake Danao National Park.

Leyte Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Negros Occidental is known as the Sugarbowl of the Philippines as it produces over half of the country’s sugar. In Talisay City, you’ll find The Ruins, the remains of an ancestral mansion of the family of a sugarcane baron.

Negros Occidental Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test. They only need to present their vaccination card with certification issued by the local vaccination center or vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph .

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals, a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before arrival is required. Travelers arriving via the province’s seaports and airport can also avail of the free antigen test upon arrival at the province.

Negros Oriental is located in the Central Visayas region. Apart from its capital, the city of Dumaguete, the province is also known for Apo Island, a protected marine reserve that has become a popular diving and snorkeling spot.

Negros Oriental Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Northern Samar is known for the geologic rock formations that can be found in Biri Island as well as the pink sand beach of Sila Island.

Northern Samar Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Those coming from abroad, regardless of their vaccination status, need to provide proof of facility-based quarantine, a medical certificate, and a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours prior to departure.

This port city in Leyte in Eastern Visayas is the province’s largest. One of its most popular attractions is Lake Danao, a lake that is shaped like a guitar and is volcanic in origin.

Ormoc City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative antigen certification by a licensed medical professional

Romblon is known as the Marble Capital of the Philippines as it is one of the biggest producers of marble in the country. Tourists often visit the province to see its stunning unspoiled beaches, including Bon Bon Beach and Tiamban Beach.

Romblon province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative RT-PCR test result provided they can present a complete COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must secure a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before their arrival.

Siquijor is an island province located in Central Visayas. Many people believe the island to be enchanted and one of its top attractions is a centuries-old Balete tree and the natural spring that flows beneath it.

Siquijor Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Located in Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City is home to the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, where you can see artworks and artifacts dating back from the Marcos era.

Tacloban City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

There are a lot of Mindanao tourist spots to explore. Check out these destinations that are also open to domestic tourists:

Known as the food basket of Mindanao, Bukidnon is a major producer of rice and sugarcane. It is famous for its natural attractions, including Mount Kitanglad and Mindamora Falls.

Bukidnon Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test provided they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.

Butuan is an urbanized city in the CARAGA region of the Philippines. It is home to multiple heritage sites, mountains, eco-parks, and natural attractions like Agusan River and Bunawan Eco Park.

Butuan City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Cagayan de Oro is the capital of Misamis Oriental province. It is also known as “The City of Golden Friendship” and is home to some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country, one of the best rainy season activities in the Philippines .

Cagayan de Oro City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Pre-booking with any of the Cagayan de Oro hotels or resorts

Registration with s-pass.ph , OPcoorS , and staysafe.ph

Camiguin Island is located in the Northern Mindanao region which is famous for its many natural attractions, including White Island, Mantigue Island, and Tuasan Falls. It’s also known for its Lanzones, and every October, the province holds the Lanzones Festival.

Camiguin Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. Instead, a vaccination card or certificate showing the traveler’s fully vaccinated status is needed.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need to present a negative RT-PCR test result valid within 24 hours prior to their departure.

All minors must be accompanied by fully vaccinated adults. Children aged 12 to 17 years old must also be fully vaccinated, while children aged 5 to 11 must at least have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Visit cleancamiguinqr.com , fill out the Health Declaration Form, and upload the other requirements. You will be given an ID with a QR code that you need to print out.

Read our Camiguin travel guide for the travel requirements

Cotabato City

Cotabato City, located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is full of waterfalls, lakes, and other natural attractions.

Cotabato City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Compliance with the Triage Procedure upon arrival at Cotabato Airport

Davao City is the most populous city in Mindanao and is home to Eden Nature Park and the Philippine Eagle Center.

Davao City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

No documents are needed to enter Davao City except for those that will be needed for security checks, such as a valid ID. This is valid for all travelers regardless of their vaccination status.

Check out our list of some of the best Davao City hotels

Davao , the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, is blessed with natural attractions. It is the home to the Philippine Eagle Center (sanctuary of the National Bird of the Philippines) the pristine Samal Island, and Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.

Davao de Oro travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Davao del Norte travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Those visiting Samal Island need to be fully vaccinated* and must be able to present a vaccination card to prove their fully vaccinated status.

Check out our list of the best Samal Island resorts

Davao del Sur travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Davao Occidental travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They instead need to present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need to present a negative RT-PCR or antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to travel.

Davao Oriental travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test but must be able to present a vaccination card to prove their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need to present a negative antigen result taken 72 hours prior to arrival in the province.

Children aged below 5 years old must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian

Read our Davao travel guide for the travel requirements

Located in the Soccsksargen Region, General Santos City is known for its tuna. You can visit the city’s Fish Port Complex for fresh tuna or even attend the Tuna Festival in September.

General Santos City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Lanao del Norte can be found in the Northern Mindanao region. It’s famous for its natural attractions, including Tinago Falls and Maria Cristina Falls.

Lanao del Norte Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Travel itinerary or booking confirmation

Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival if coming from a high-risk area based on the IATF declaration

Entry permit from the local municipal government if staying more than 7 days

Travelers may be denied entry if they have symptoms

Located in the Northern Mindanao region, Misamis Occidental is famous for its beaches, seafood, and one of the most popular tourist spots in the province, Sapang Dalaga Falls.

Misamis Occidental Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from showing a negative COVID-19 test result and instead need to present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative antigen test result taken 72 hours from their arrival.

Minors are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result if they are traveling with a parent or guardian who is fully vaccinated.

Misamis Oriental is famous for its many natural attractions including Mapawa Nature Park. Its capital Cagayan de Oro is known as “The City of Golden Friendship.”

Misamis Oriental Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Pre-booking with a local resort

The province of Sarangani is full of natural attractions including Gumasa Beach, Nalus Falls, and Pinol Cave.

Sarangani Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test result.

South Cotabato is located in Southern Mindanao and is known for its T’nalak Festival which is held in July to celebrate the anniversary of the province.

South Cotabato Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Travelers coming from areas under Alert Level 3 or higher are required to present a vaccination card proving their fully vaccinated* status. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

The province of Sultan Kudarat is located in the southwestern portion of Mindanao. It is known as one of the top producers of coffee in the Philippines and for its many caves that you can explore.

Sultan Kudarat Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are allowed to enter Sultan Kudarat province. They must present a vaccination card or certificate that proves their fully vaccinated status.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing System card

Sulu Province is part of the Sulu Archipelago in Mindanao and is home to Bangas Island and the Walled City in Jolo.

Sulu Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test and instead must present a vaccination card that proves their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to secure a negative RT-PCR test result.

Surigao del Sur Province

Surigao del Sur is home to many natural attractions including the Enchanted River and the Britania Group of Islands. You can also visit religious spots like San Agustin Parish Church and San Nicholas de Tolentino Cathedral.

Surigao del Sur Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours from arrival.

Tawi-Tawi is home to the longest sandbar in the Philippines, located in Panampangan Island. Tourists should also check out Bud Bongao Peak and the Sama Dilaut and Tausug Stilt Houses in Sitangkai.

Tawi-Tawi Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They must instead present their vaccination card that shows their fully vaccinated status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their arrival in the province. They must also undergo 10 days of quarantine, and partially vaccinated adults must complete their second dose in Tawi-Tawi.

Children below 12 years old are exempted from the testing requirement provided they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.

Known as the City of Flowers, Zamboanga City is host to what is arguably one of the biggest Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May, a flower festival) celebrations and the colorful Regatta de Zamboanga vinta race in the Philippines.

Zamboanga City travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Fully vaccinated* individuals need to present their vaccination card that shows their vaccination status.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken 5 days before arrival or a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours prior to arrival.

Read our Zamboanga City guide for the travel requirements

Zamboanga del Norte is known for Dakak Park and Beach Resort, which boasts of a white-sand beach 800 meters long.

Zamboanga del Norte travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative antigen test result taken within 5 days prior to arrival.

Children aged 11 years old and below are exempted from the testing requirement.

Visiting Zamboanga del Sur will give you the chance to visit its top tourist attractions which include Puting Balas Sandbar and Pulacan Falls.

Zamboanga del Sur travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Those coming from areas under Alert Level 3 must be fully vaccinated. They need to present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment and a negative antigen result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival or a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative antigen result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival or a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival.

The province of Zamboanga Sibugay is located in the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao and is known for tourist spots like Buluan Island and Malagandis Falls.

Zamboanga Sibugay travel requirements for leisure travelers:

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative antigen or RT-PCR test or result.

The national government in the Philippines, through the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), has imposed tiers of quarantine (community quarantine) per region which are also the basis for which industries and activities are allowed to open/operate.

Health and emergency frontline service personnel

Government officials and frontline personnel

Humanitarian assistance actors (HAA) with authorization

Persons traveling for medical/humanitarian reasons

Persons going to the airport for travel abroad

Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OF) returning to their residence

Other persons transported through the efforts of the national government.

Priests, Pastors, Imams, or other religious ministers conducting necrological services

Immediate family members of the deceased (from non-COVID causes) attending the wake

Individuals who are working in veterinary clinics

Individuals who are working as security personnel in operational industries

Persons who will report to work for industries that are allowed to operate

Persons who need emergency medical aid or assistance

Persons with quarantine passes who will get essentials like food and medicine

Persons who will get or buy essentials like food and medicine

People traveling within the country with a secured Travel Authority document

Individuals attending important gatherings with 10 or fewer people

Individuals traveling to places under GQC and areas not under quarantine, except for leisure purposes

Students going to school once face-to-face classes are allowed

Movement for people in areas under MGCQ with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Resumption of all work in the private and public sectors at full capacity with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Public transportation with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Use of private vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles

Resumption of all flights will resume with the enforcement of required minimum health standards.

Work operations in government offices with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Normal physical classes in schools with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Gatherings (including religious gatherings) of up to 10 people with the enforcement of required minimum health standards

Traveling during a pandemic can be challenging because of the travel requirements and restrictions imposed. Here are some helpful tips you can take note of when traveling in the Philippines during COVID-19:

1. Prepare your documents in advance based on the travel requirements of your destination's local government.

2. Pre-book your DOT-accredited hotel or resort or book Philippines package deals that include accommodations, flights, and transfers.

3. Not all local destinations have government-arranged transfers to/from the airport. You can book private transfers to/from the airport in advance.

4. Pre-book tours and activities with DOT-accredited tour operators only.

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The 14 Best Places to Visit in Philippines On Your Next Holiday

The Philippines is an incredibly diverse and exciting location to visit in Southeast Asia .

It is emerging as a popular holiday destination for travelers thanks to its natural beauty that includes white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, lush tropical rainforests, gorgeously tall limestone cliffs, and picturesque rice terraces!

You would fall in love with the paradise-like settings like Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, and Cebu and would want to come back again and again. More on these in the article below.

Made of more that 7000 islands, the Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. What that means is that you’d find best diving and snorkeling spots in the world , with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life including colorful fish, sea turtles, and whale sharks!

There is so much more to know about so many exciting tourist spots this country offers that I don’t want you wait to find out. So, without further adieu, let’s get going and get you the best places to visit in the Philippines as well as the must-dos for your next trip!

Also, before making any plans please check our travel guide for the best time to visit the Philippines .

Manila at Night – Photo Credit Casino Connection @ Flickr

Manila, the capital of Philippines, offers the best cultural diversity with influences from Spanish, American, Malay, Chinese and its indigenous Filipino cultures. It shows on its streets and in its diverse cuisine.

Its one of my favorite places to go for a night out and I’ve dedicated a complete travel guide for exploring Manila nightlife .

This city never sleeps and is full of bars, nightclubs, and night markets where you can go for a casual night or for some drinks.

If you are in Manila you don’t wanna miss the World’s First Chinatown or Ocean Park. Read more in our exclusive guide for the best things to do in Manila .

However long you are planning to stay in the Philippines, make sure you stop for a relaxing holiday in Boracay – one of the most incredible beach destinations in the Philippines!

Boracay’s main attraction is its four-kilometers long White Beach that supports clear and azure waters and is dotted with palm trees and luxury beach resorts. It is a paradise setting!

Imagine a long beach walk on the gorgeous powdery white sand beach to start your day or go kayaking and get some morning exercise. Get on a transparent body kayak boats that allows you to see the ocean under you.

You could also indulge in other watersport such as jet boating and para sailing.

The beautiful sunsets on the White beach are just so romantic. And once the sun goes down too, there is always something to see and do in Boracay , including live music and fire shows.

3. Cebu City

One of the major urban centers of Philippines, Cebu city is often referred to as the “Queen city of the South”.

Cebu city is famous for hosting on the 3rd Sunday of January, the annual Sinulog festival that is attended by more than 1 million people every year! It is a vibrant cultural event where you get to experience street parties and street processions where people perform religious dancing.

The city has Spanish colonial landscape with many historic forts, churches and museums that you could visit for free or for a small fee. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and Magellan’s cross are not to be missed!

With mountains in the backdrop and facing the ocean, Cebu city’s scenic coastline is dotted with beaches and quality beach resorts .

If you are a family with kids, The Cebu Ocean Park is surely something the kids will enjoy. It is the largest Oceanarium in the Philippines and offers marine-life experience and even something called Aquadining , a unique underwater dining experience if you are up for it!

A small beach town in Palawan, El Nido is identified by the limestone rock formations across it’s white sand beaches.

If you have been to the popular Halong Bay in Vietnam, you would find it very similar.

You could stay in a luxury beach resort or a normal beach facing resort as per your budget but you’d be pleased to find so many affordable beach facing eating joints in the town.

A very popular activity here is do go on private day tour for island hopping and visit many of the surrounding small islands.

On some of these islands you would find secret blue water lagoons for you to find your way into and take a dip in and enjoy some relaxed family water time!

The tours also allow you to go under water in the areas where you find plenty of beautiful coral reefs and marine life. Very exciting and yet affordable underwater adventure!

Baguio is a wonderful city in the Philippines’ Luzon island, part of the Benguet. There are way too many cool things to do here and I totally recommend a visit if you get to this part of the country.

Among the things to do include visiting the Mansion, horseback riding at Wright Park, boating at Burnham Park (see picture above), visiting Botanical Garden, Easter Weaving Room, and so much more.

If it happens to be in the capital city of the Philippines then you can take a bus from Manila to Baguio for just under $10.

Dubbed as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” Siargao is renowned for its world-class waves, particularly at Cloud 9 .

Aside from surfing, you could explore the island’s natural beauty, including mangrove forests, lagoons, and rock pools.

Located in northern Palawan , Coron Island is a short journey from nearby Coron Town. This island is famous for cool views from the beachfront resorts and its two lakes, which can be accessed by a short uphill climb.

The crystal clear waters here will leave you breathless, and you can enjoy swimming in its water. This is one of the Philippines ‘ most stunning natural wonders.

8. Davao City

Davao City is situated on the southern Philippines island of Mindanao.

With Mount Apo, the highest volcanic peak in the country in its far backdrop, the city is a major attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, who often climb Mount Apo for breathtaking ariel view of Davao city and the the surrounding landscapes.

If you love chocolates, then you would love the locally produced Malagos Chocolate, which is a specialty in this region. You could even visit the Malagos Chocolate Museum and Factory to see it being made.

9. Samal Island

Just next to Davao City is the island of Samal, a beautiful place full of beaches and resorts .

Besides the luxury resorts this island has so many things to offer to you – the beautiful beaches, water sports, adventure stuff and natural attractions!

Key natural attractions that you could go to:

The Monfort Bat Sanctuary , which houses one of the largest colonies of fruit bats in the world, and

The Hagimit Falls – a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation, is another popular attraction on the island that I am sure the nature lovers like me would definitely enjoy.

If you are a thrill seeker, your could do parasailing or jetski on its beaches or even do mountain biking on a 49km Samal Island trail.

10. Puerto Princesa

If you are looking for something a little bit different to do in Philippines while still being on a resort holiday so that you could mix rest with nature adventure, head out to Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Stay in a resort close to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The park features an underground river and cave system stretching over 8 kilometers. It is A UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a trip on a paddleboat through the caves while observing the bats that reside there.

How fun and unique is that!?

11. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol often rank at the top of must-see lists for visitors to the Philippines.

Covering an area of over 20 square miles the lush green grass-covered hills turn brown in the dry season (hence chocolate in their name!). A perfect area for hiking and enjoying time in nature during your trip.

12. Banaue Rice Terrace

Located in Ifugao in the north of the Philippines, The Banaue Rice Terraces are over one thousand years old and still used by locals today.

They are a little challenging to access, with the only direct option being an overnight bus from Manila to Ifugao. But it’s well worth the effort! Enjoy hiking around the stunning green mountains and enjoy some rejuvenating time in nature.

13. Malapascua Island

If you are looking to escape and enjoy a beach paradise, head to Malapascua Island . This small island offers you the chance to relax while getting to meet locals and immersing yourself in the local culture.

You may have to go off-grid for a few days here, but it’s worth it to be in this stunning place!

14. Taal Volcano

Located in the province of Batangas, Taal Volcano (filled by Taal Lake) is an incredible natural wonder which provides amazing views for visitors.

The volcano has erupted in the past and caused much disruption. It is still monitored continuously due to its proximity to the local population.

Visiting Batangas? Check the BEST Batangas Beach Resorts for an Unforgettable Holiday

Those are just a few of the hundreds of amazing sights and islands you can visit in the Philippines.

The Philippines is an incredibly diverse travel destination with cities, beaches, and breath-taking natural sites. Where would you most like to visit on your next trip?

Philippines Travel – Tips and Things to Consider

How long should i visit the philippines.

If you are dreaming of visiting the Philippines, we recommend you at least a three-week itinerary to enjoy this destination fully. As the Philippines consists of thousands of islands, naturally transportation around the country can be challenging at times.

If your trip is much shorter, you may find you are wasting days of your holiday moving around the country. Either choose only a couple of your top destinations to visit or try and allow as much time as possible for your trip.

What is the Most Beautiful Place in the Philippines?

There are so many beautiful places in the Philippines that it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite.

However, one of the consistently top places to visit in the Philippines is the beautiful island of Bohol. Among the best things to do in Bohol is visiting the Chocolate Hills with over 1,260 hills covered in beautiful green grass, the tarsier sanctuary, and the rice fields.

If you are more of a beach lover, Boracay Island could be your top choice, with its turquoise seas and white powdery sand. Accessed by ferry, the island is home to many water sports and four kilometers of beach.

What is the Most Beautiful Resort in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a travel destination that is suitable for all budgets. However, if you are looking for something a little more luxurious, consider splashing out on one of the many five-star resorts.

The world-renowned Shangri-La chain offers stunning resorts in Mactan and Boracay .

The Fairways and Bluewater Boracay resort is another great luxury option and has its own 18-hole golf course.

Check our guides for:

15 Best Beach Resorts in Coron, Palawan
Top 15 Best Beach Resorts Near Manila, Philippines
Best Beachfront Resorts and Hotels in Subic, Zambales

What is the Safest Place to Live in the Philippines?

Safety is always a concern wherever you are visiting in the world, and the Philippines is no exception to this. Filipinos are renowned for their warmth and welcoming hospitality. If you are in the Philippines for an extended stay, consider Davao City.

Davao City is one of the safest and most liveable cities in the world due to its low crime rates.

As with anywhere you may travel to, keep your wits about you when going out alone or at night. Make sure you keep your valuables hidden away and avoid getting any expensive gadgets out in public.

See also: Explore Negros Island, the 4th Largest Island in the Philippines

Whether it’s your first or hundredth trip to this southeast Asian country , there’s always something new to explore here. We hope you have an amazing time on your next planned trip to the Philippines! LIKE IT? PIN IT

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Top 20 Best Things to Do in the Philippines 2022

As we all know, the Philippines has a lot to offer to every kind of travelers. It’s not just the beautiful landscape that keeps the tourism sector alive. It is a combination of good food, rich culture, and friendly people that makes the overall experience worthwhile.

Table of Contents

Related Read: How to Plan Your Trip to the Philippines: The Best Guide

If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, here are the top 20 best things to do in the Philippines.

Best Things to Do in the Philippines

It can help travelers plan a trip to a country when they know some of the best things to do there. Some of these activities are very popular and some actually new ones.

Explore beautiful islands by Island hopping

The Philippines, as an archipelago, has a lot of beautiful islands to explore. That is why you can find a lot of island hopping packages in Luzon, Visayas, and even in Mindanao. Here are the top island hopping experiences in the Philippines:

Palawan – With Coron and El Nido located in Palawan, you will surely have this on top of your island hopping list. These popular tourist destinations offer a lot of island hopping packages to choose from. Check here for Coron Island Hopping tours.
Cebu – Cebu has a lot of islands that are a “Philippines must-see”. To name a few, there’s Pescador Island, Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, and Carnaza Island. You can even find an island-hopping package near the airport which consists of a trip to Gilutungan Island, Caohagan Island, Sulpa Island, and San Vicente Marine Sanctuary in Olango Island. Check here for the 3 island hopping tours for Olango Island.
Siargao – the Tri-Island experience in Siargao is another Philippines must-see. You get to experience swimming with the jellyfish in Bucas Grande, sunbathing in Naked Island, Instagram-worthy pictures in Daku Island, and sunset in Guyam Island. Check here for the Sohoton Island hopping day tour.

Why should I do island hopping in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a lot of beautiful islands not only recognized in Southeast Asia but also all over the world. Usually, dolphins and some of our marine friends make a surprise appearance or put on a show for the island goers while sailing in the middle of the sea. The seafood buffet is also one of the best parts of the experience as most tour operators are very generous in serving seafood to their guests.

Related Read: Top 20 Best Places to Visit in The Philippines

Chase Waterfalls

Waterfalls are stunning water bodies and luckily, the Philippines is highly-blessed with these. Here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines:

Maria Cristina Falls – For starters, Maria Christina Falls is highly recommended. Not only because it is the most popular waterfall in the Philippines but because it is also easily accessible. It is located in Iligan City, specifically near the border of Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un.
Hikong Bente – the amazing view of the falls from the Seven Falls Zipline is one of the reasons why a lot of tourists chase this waterfall. It is the second waterfall of the seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu.

Why should I chase waterfalls in the Philippines?

Although there are gigantic waterfalls in other countries, the waterfalls in the Philippines offer a different experience where you can actually swim near it and even cliff-dive in one of the levels. It also has the perfect temperature that won’t freeze your ass off. At the end of the day, the best waterfalls are the ones you can fully enjoy and experience.

If you can’t go to those 2 waterfalls, check the day tour to Kawasan Falls in Cebu

Scuba-dive and Discover the deep blue sea

The crystal clear and turquoise beaches that you can see in every travel photos in the Philippines has a lot more than meets the eye. In fact, a lot of free-divers and scuba divers come to the country to explore its rich marine life.

Where to scuba dive in the Philippines? Here are our suggestions:

Tubbataha Reef – This popular diving spot in Palawan is not just the best diving spot in the Philippines but also one of the most biodiverse diving spots in the world. You can find more than 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, and 13 species of dolphins and whales. Manta rays, barracuda, tuna, and even sea horses can be spotted here.
Anilao – If you are looking for the best macro photography destination in the country, this diving spot in Anilao, Batangas is perfect for your hobby. Check here to book for a diving experience in Anilao .
Moalboal Island – The sardine run in Panagsama Beach is the best place to go to witness this mind-blowing sardine bait ball. Whether you’re in your scuba-diving suit or just in your snorkeling equipment, you can see the sardine run. You can also book a private transfer from Cebu to Moalboal to get there easily.

Why should I try scuba diving in the Philippines?

If you are fond of discovering marine creatures, the diving spots in the country are a Philippines must-see. You can also find a variety of dive spots and choose according to your preference. The dive resorts in the country also have accommodating staff and budget-friendly prices. Check here for a Mactan Island Scuba diving trip .

Enjoy a Plate of Lechon

Lechon is a traditional pork dish in the Philippines and is usually present in every Filipino gatherings and celebrations. And because Cebu is known to have the tastiest lechon in the country, here are the best places you can eat lechon in Cebu:

Carcar – you can find rows of lechon stalls in Carcar Public Market . You can even get a free taste from each stall which makes it more difficult to decide. If you’re on your way South, you can stop by Carcar to grab a few kilos for lunch.

If you are staying in the heart of Cebu City and you don’t want to drive far to Carcar, you can also enjoy the lechon meals in these restaurants:

House of Lechon

Why should I eat lechon in the Philippines?

Lechon is very popular in the Philippines most especially in Cebu where you can find the tastiest kinds. It is already part of the Filipino tradition and if you want to experience Filipino traditional foods, Lechon is one of the highly-recommended foods.

Catch Waves in the Best Surfing Spots

There are a lot of watersports in the Philippines and surfing is not an exemption. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will surely find the perfect surfing spot for you to enjoy. Here’s a list of the best surfing places in the Philippines

Siargao – this island in Mindanao is the most popular surfing spot in the country. This is the reason why it is one of the Philippines must-see places if you’re visiting. It has around 13 surfing spots on the island and a lot of surfing resorts you can choose from. Check out surf and hotel packages in Siargao here.
La Union – the best thing about La Union is that it is easily accessible from Manila. Plus, it also has affordable surfing lessons which are perfect for beginners.
Zambales – If you want a closer surfing spot to Manila, Zambales is the perfect fit. It is just 3 hours from the capital and it has three main surfing spots. Surfing in Zambales is a “Philippines must-see” for beginners and intermediate surfers because the swell is not too large.

Related Read: Top 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Siargao

Why should I try surfing in the Philippines?

The Philippines has one of the best waves in the world. Not to mention, the laid-back vibe of the islands and its affordable resorts wraps up the overall charm. You can also find cheap flights to the top surfing destinations in the country like Siargao and La Union.

Don’t Miss Spelunking in Sagada

There is something fearful yet fun in caving that some tourists want to try in their vacations. May it be for social media purposes or you are just simply in awe to discover what’s hidden deep in these caves, you will surely find a lot of tours in the Philippines perfect for this. In this list, spelunking in Sagada remains to be on the top.

Sumaguing Cave – Sumaguing cave is popular among spelunkers because it connects with Lumiang Cave and features ancient stalagmites and steep descents. The most fun part of caving in Sumaguing Cave is identifying the rock formations inside. As many would say, this activity is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Why should I try spelunking in the Philippines?

There are more than 3000 caves in the Philippines while some are not even discovered yet. Out of these thousands of caves, you can find the best caves in the world. You can find different rock formations which some are too interesting to see. There are a lot of cheap tours in the country which includes caving in the itinerary. The tour guides are also very fun and accommodating.

Conquer Mountain Peaks

Aside from crystal clear beaches, you can also find a lot of mountains and mountain ranges in the Philippines. Beginners and advanced mountaineer will surely enjoy conquering peaks with these Philippines must-see peaks:

Mt. Apo – Mt. Apo is the highest point in the country at 2,954 meters high. Even though it is the easiest climb, the view from the peak will surely leave you breathless.
Pico de Loro – The view from Pico de Loro is also a treat. From above, you can see Batangas, the West Philippine Sea, and even Manila Bay.
Mt. Pulag – Located in the Northern part of the Philippines, Mount Pulag is popular because of the sea of clouds. If you’re lucky, you might experience this awesome view on your visit.
Mt. Pinatubo – Many Filipinos feared this volcano because of its deadly eruption in 1991. However, in present times, it has become one of the Philippines must-see peaks because of the white sand and turquoise water in its crater. The easiest way is to hire a private car to bring you to different parts of Manila.

Why should I trek in the Philippines?

Aside from the beautiful trails and peaks in the country, you should also not miss your chance of finding rare wildlife and plants. The Philippines is one of the world’s mega-diverse countries and who knows what you will find deep in the forest? You can also find a lot of locals that are very fond of trekking. This means that organized trekking tours with professional guides are easily available.

Explore Historical Sites

There are a lot of historialc sites in the Philippines where you can learn more about how the Philippines became an independent country after being conquered by Spain, America, and Japan, and also how these different cultures influenced the Filipinos until present times. You can find it in almost every city you visit.

Leyte Landing Memorial Park – also known as the McArthur Park, marks the site where General Douglas McArthur returned to the country to fulfill his promise in helping it gain freedom from the Japanese.
Sandugo Shrine – this historical site in Bohol is one of the best things to do in Bohol . This marks the site of the first treaty of friendship between Spain and the Philippines.
Tabon Cave – This cave became popular when a skull cap that was believed to be 20,000 years old was discovered. Other artifacts such as stone tools, animal bones, and human fossils were also discovered in this cave.
Basilica del Santo Nino – Whenever you visit Cebu , the Basilica is always a “Philippines must-see”. You will always find this swarmed by devotees most especially during Sinulog season.

Why should I visit historical sites in the Philippines?

The Philippines has one of the most interesting histories in the world. Aside from that, It is also a good to know a little background of the country we are visiting to be able to fully appreciate and understand the tradition and culture of the place.

Celebrate Local Festivals

Aside from visiting historical sites, participating in local festivals is a good idea while you’re in the Philippines. Filipinos are known to be very religious and outgoing people. How they celebrate their festivals is one good example of these traits. Here are the best festivals in the Philippines that you need to experience.

Sinulog Festival – Sinulog is very popular in the country. It is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January to show devotion to the Santo Nino, the Roman Catholic title of the child Jesus. While a lot of religious activities (mass and religious gathering) are held, the Cebuano also incorporate their creative side by hosting various events like street dancing, music and singing competitions, and a lot more.
MassKara Festival – Bacolod also has its own festival which seems like a giant masquerade party. Thousands of festival-goers wear colorful masks– some big, some small, and some are decorated with beads, feathers, flowers, and paint. Because of this, the city has been named the “City of Smiles”.

Why should I celebrate festivals in the Philippines?

It’s more fun in the Philippines, they say. And indeed it is true. Attending festivals in the Philippines will show you another beautiful charm of the country– which is its people. If you try to go to rural areas during a “fiesta”, you will most likely be invited for a meal in every house you pass by.

Watch the Sunset at the Sunken Cemetery

Watching the sunset is a beautiful therapy. Although the country has a lot of peaks and beaches to watch the beautiful golden hour, the one at the Sunken Cemetery is on top of the list.

Sunken Cemetery – This tourist attraction in Camiguin is a one of a kind and a Philippines must-see destination. It is an ancient cemetery which sank underwater due to a volcanic eruption. Along with this tragedy, the sunset at the Sunken Cemetery is a dramatic view. The silhouette of the cross against the golden sky is picture perfect. If you have a passion for sunset photography, you will fall in love with it.

Why should I watch sunsets in the Philippines?

Sunsets are a nice way to wrap off your day and according to experts, watching sunsets can give us a psychological benefit such as improving our emotional-well being. Whether you’re in the beach, camping, or just in your hotel room in the city, the beauty of a sunset will never fail you.

Get Inked by the legendary Whang Od

Whang Od is a Filipino traditional tattoo artist from Buscalan, Kalinga. She is known as the last and oldest “mambabatok”, a living-proof of the Kalinga tradition. She has been tattooing warriors and headhunters for protecting their village when they still existed. Now, Apo Whang Od is one of the most popular tattoo artist in the Philippines by just using a thorn, soot, and a bamboo hammer.

Buscalan, Kalinga – the long and challenging road to Whang Od’s village is one that many tourists take and endure just to get a tatto from this legend. Some tourists may even have to stay for a few days in the village while waiting for their turn.

Why should I get a tattoo from Whang Od in the Philippines?

Whang Od is one of the most respected women not just in Kalinga but in the country. As the last living “mambabatuk”, getting a tattoo from her is a once in a lifetime experience. It also brings so much pride knowing that you have been inked by Whang Od who once tattooed the bravest warriors in their village.

Face your Fear and Cliff-dive

Surfing, scuba diving, and hiking– why don’t you add cliff-diving in your list of best things to do in the Philippines? If you are an adrenaline junkie, here are the Philippines must see cliff diving spots:

Buho Rock – This attraction in Camotes Island has a cliff which stands 10 meters high and 20-30 meters high. You can warm up by taking the 10 meters cliff before taking the much higher 30 meters cliff.
Magpupungko – the cliff diving spot from this site is not that high which is perfect for those who are not into cliff diving but want to give it a try. Looking down from the cliff, the turquoise sea is also tempting enough to make you jump. It is located in Siargao.
Ariel’s Point – this is the most popular cliff-jumping destination in Boracay because it is just 40 minutes away from the mainland– definitely a quick fix for adrenaline rush. The diving spot has a 5 meter dive and 15 meter dive.

Why should I try cliff diving in the Philippines?

There are a lot of cliff diving spots in the Philippines which adrenaline junkies cannot resist. If you are not just looking for beautiful scenery but also thrill-inducing adventures, cliff diving in the Philippines is a must try.

Visit Amusement Parks

The Philippines has a lot of parks, amusement parks, water parks and themed parks most especially when you’re in the top cities and travel hubs of the country like Manila. Among the best parks in the Philippines are:

Sky Ranch – located in Tagaytay, Sky Ranch is a notable theme park known for its massive ferris wheel, the Sky Eye. From the ferris wheel, you will also be treated with the beautiful view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
Enchanted Kingdom – the most popular amusement park in the country. It offers a world of imagination, magic, and creativity best suited for all ages. Check here to pre-book your tickets to Enchanted Kingdom .
Anjo World Theme Park – this theme park in Cebu is the largest in the Visayas Region. It offers fun rides inspired by these four continents: Asia, Africa, Europe, and America. However, the most popular part of the park is the Snow World which brings ice sculptures, ice slides, and snow in the tropical island of Cebu.

Why should I spend a day at the park in the Philippines?

If you need a quick break in your itinerary and you just want to spend the day out or maybe play, visiting parks and amusement parks in the Philippines is a good ice-breaker. You can do it on the remaining days in yor itinerary or when things go out of plan.

Stroll through the World’s Oldest Chinatown

Yes, the world’s oldest Chinatown is in the Philippines and it is located in Binondo, Manila. There is a long history how this Chinatown was built but at present, this town which was once just a settlement for Chinese immigrants is now a giant commercial center in Manila.

Binondo Chinatown – located in Binondo, Manila, this Chinatown was hailed as the oldest in the world. It was established in the 1590s by the Spaniards for the Catholic Chinese.

Why should I visit the world’s oldest Chinatown in the Philippines?

If you are looking for a place to enjoy good food and delectable cuisine, Binondo is the right place to go. You can find Chinese foods like dumplings, siopao, and lumpia from various restaurants. You can also visit Ongpin Street for cheap finds like charms, jewelries, gold, herbal medicines, etc.

Experience the Sea of Clouds

Aside from sunsets, the sea of clouds is also a sought after phenomenon. The magical view on top of the peak will surely ease away the stress of waking up early and hiking to the peak.

Here are the best places to experience the sea of clouds in the country:

Mount Pulag in Benguet
Kiltepan in Sagada
Mt. Amuyao in Barlig Mountain Province
Mount Kemalugong in Laur, Nueva Ecija
Mt. Apo in Davao
Mount Binacayan in Rodriguez, Rizal
Mount Puntaas in Dagohoy, Bohol

Why should I catch a sea of clouds in the Philippines?

Don’t miss an opportunity to take Instagram-worthy pictures with the sea of clouds, most especially with the sunrise in Kiltepan. However, not all venture to see the sea of clouds will be fruitful since there are other factors such as the weather condition on the time of the hike.

Visit and get to know the Ivatans

Ivatans are the indigenous people of Batanes. They have lived in isolation for many generations and because Batanes is not easily accessible, the Ivatan culture remained to be alive even with the modernization. The most interesting part about the Ivatans is that there’s not much information of their origin. This mystery makes them even more interesting.

Why should I visit the Ivatans in the Philippines?

The Ivatans have an interesting culture and if you want to know more of the different cultures in the Philippines, a visit to the Ivatans is a good idea. Batanes is also filled with lots of beautiful scenery that you should not miss. Since it is not easy to travel to Batanes, stories from different tourists who have visited sparked interest in the international audience.

Pay respect to the Hanging Coffins

Another interesting culture to visit is the Igorot in Mountain Province. Part of their culture is this unique burial ritual where they carve their own coffin on a hallowed log. If they die, their bodies are brought to the cave for burial but instead of burying the coffin to the ground, it’ll be hanged inside the cave or near the coffins of their ancestors (on the face of the cliff). The Igorots believed that the higher the dead were palced, the higher chance they get to reach the afterlife.

Why should I visit the hanging coffins in the Philippines?

The hanging coffins have been a tradition for generations already and it is interesting to know that such tradition exists in the Philippines. The way to the hanging coffin is also an easy 15-20 minute hike and from afar, you can already see the coffins. This is a good activity if you want to get warmed up from the cool climate in the Mountain Province.

Try Local Cuisines

You can find a lot of interesting local cuisines in the Philippines that has been influenced from the Chinese, Spanish, and even our neighbor countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Here are the highly recommended foods that you should try in the Philippines:

La Paz Batchoy
Chicken Inasal

You can find these in native restaurants all over the country. Some cities even specialize these foods like Cebu where you can find lechon, Iloilo where you can find the original La Paz Batchoy, and Bacolod for the best tasting Chicken Inasal.

Why should I try local cuisines in the Philippines?

Although burgers and western foods are available in the Philippines, trying what Filipinos eat in their homes is also a nice experience. For sure, you will not regret trying out these Filipino foods and they might even remind you of foods you have tried from other countries. Trying out local cuisines in the Philippines is truly a feast.

Indulge yourself in a Seafood Buffet

Of course, seafoods deserve a special spot in this list. This is one of the perks of visiting The Philippines where you can easily buy fresh seafoods from the market or while you’re in an island hopping. There are also a lot of seafood restaurants almost everywhere in the country.

Roxas City – Roxas City is dubbed as the Seafood Capital of The Philippines. It exports seafood products to other countries like Taiwan, United States, and Japan.

Why should I try the seafoods in the Philippines?

There are a lot of fresh seafoods meals you should not miss while in the country. Aside from its taste, you can also buy them for cheap. A few of them are: Adobong Pusit, Kinilaw na Isda, Sinigang na Hipon, and Ginataang Alimango.

Take a Day Trip to the Pink Beach

The pink beach in Zamboanga belonged to the world’s best pink beaches together with the popular pink beaches in Greece and Bahamas.

Great Santa Cruz Island – The Great Santa Cruz island in Zamboanga is where you can find the popular pink beach in the country. There are no resorts or camping sites in the island since it is only accessible during the day. To get there, visitors also need to coordinate with the local tourism.

Why should I visit the pink beach in the Philippines?

A trip to the pink beach in Zamboanga is an unusual experience because most of the top beaches in the Philippines are famous for its white sand. There are only a few pink beaches in the country compared to the number of white beaches which makes it one of the Philippines must see destinations.

Did we miss anything else? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t know how to start planning your Philippines trip? You can start here .

Angie is a travel consultant and blogger who has started by writing her travel memoirs on her blog and then got published on international travel sites. She’s now focused on creating in-depth travel itinerary and articles about planning trips to the Philippines.

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Travel Requirements for Foreign Tourists Entering the Philippines

Post author: escapemanila
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Post last modified: June 12, 2023

The Philippines will open its doors to fully vaccinated foreign tourists starting 10 February 2022. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has set the requirements and protocols for arriving foreign leisure travelers listed below.

Don’t know where to go? Check out our list of 10 Must-Visit Places in the Philippines in 2022 !

Based on the IATF –EID Resolution 160-B , all arriving visitors must be able to present the following:

Acceptable proof of vaccination
Negative RT-PCR Test Taken within forty –eight hours (48 hours) before the date and time of departure from the country of origin / first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs for their return journey
Valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than thirty (30) days from date of arrival in the Philippines
Passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months at the time of their arrival to the Philipiines
Travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs from reputed insurers, with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines

As of now, The Philippines is only open to fully vaccinated leisure travelers from countries whose nationals do not need a visa to enter the country .

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What are you looking for?

7 best places to visit in the philippines in 2024.

We LOVE the Philippines and it's rapidly becoming one of the world’s hottest destinations for backpackers and travellers, both young and old.

Because it is possibly the most beautiful country in the world!

I’ve said a few times now how magnificent the waters are in the Philippines, and this makes for some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities on the planet.

But there are so many other things to do in The Philippines that make it such a great place to visit; including meeting friendly locals, eating great food, drinking cheap booze and discovering scenic waterfalls.

There’s a lot (LOT) more as well, but we’re not here to talk about how much I love the Philippines.

We’re here instead to talk about the best places to visit in the Philippines and which islands you should consider adding to your own Philippines itinerary .

Well, after 4 weeks spent discovering numerous islands, I’ve whittled my personal Philippines bucket list down to these 7 places.

I’ve left out a few stops that I don’t think stacked up; and by visiting each of these 7 Philippines destinations, you will have ample chance to see all of the country’s best sights and to uncover your own love for this nation made up of more than 7,000 islands.

So, in reverse order, here’s what I believe to be the 7 best places to visit in the Philippines this year...

Travellerspoint

7. Port Barton

Based on our experience backpacking this amazing country, it seems, though Port Barton is quite up and coming, it is still one of the most undiscovered beautiful places in The Philippines.

Despite being just a few hours south of El Nido , it has remained for years a relatively unknown spot.

I’m not sure why it’s suddenly started getting more popular, perhaps new roads have recently been built which have made it accessible.

Either way, there are new resorts, and homestays cropping up every month in order to cope with the sudden growth in tourists.

Getting 24 hour electricity at the end of 2018 may have also increased its popularity, though WiFi is still far from stable (even by Philippines standards!)

Here, you’ll discover a quaint little town, filled mostly with small wood-built houses and a gorgeous beach area; perfect for swimming, relaxing and enjoying sunsets.

Port Barton is perfectly situated, close to a number of sand bars, small islands and coral reefs, meaning it offers wonderful day trips.

What we loved about Port Barton compared to other places in Palawan is how relatively less busy it is and how much more pristine the reefs are.

You also have the chance to swim with turtles!

Update*** Unlike during our visit back in 2019, Port Barton do have a few ATM machines now although we'd still recommend bringing plenty of cash with you as many establishments don't take card (well they certainly didn't during our trip).

Read Also: Our Ultimate Palawan Itinerary

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Port Barton?

Swimming with turtles - tours like this island-hopping boat trip offer the perfect opportunity to spot and swim with sea turtles
Getting amazing coffee at Milano Cafe (honestly go there if you love coffee like us!)
Enjoying a sunset meal on the beach

Where should you stay in Port Barton?

As Port Barton is still very much up and coming, new accommodation is constantly being built and you’ll find plenty of new homestays and resorts to stay at each and every month.

We stayed at Eashanti's Place and I would highly recommend it, as it was clean, well-priced and the staff were very friendly.

It’s just a very short walk into town and the air conditioning is decent.

Aside from this, Airbnb and Booking.com are good places to start your search for accommodation in Port Barton.

6. Badian, Cebu

Though Badian is small, it is one of the best cities to visit in The Philippines and is well situated close to a number of the best things to see and do on Cebu.

In particular, a whole string of incredible waterfalls, with the pinnacle being Kawasan Falls (just be aware that this wonder shuts at 6 pm).

These are some of the nicest falls anywhere in The Philippines and truly are Instagram-worthy with their pure blue pool at the base.

However, all around the area you’ll find other lovely waterfalls and the most popular tours here are canyoneering tours where a guide takes you further and further down through a string of waterfalls and allows you to climb and jump in a number of them.

The second best reason to visit Badian is to head to nearby Moalboal where you can participate in The Sardine Run .

For some reason it is here, just off the coast, that hundreds of thousands of sardines gather in great shoals.

All you need is a snorkel and fins and you can head a dozen metres out and swim among this great hoard of sardines. ‍

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Badian, Cebu?

The Sardine Run in Moalboal - the best time to see this phenomenon is between November and May
Swimming in Kawasan Falls - this canyoneering and cliff jumping tour at Kawasan Falls is perfect for adventure lovers!
Diving into Cambais Falls - the falls typically shut at 5 pm

Where should you stay in Badian, Cebu?

Most travellers seem to stay in Moalboal, which is a lot better developed than the Badian region and has more choices.

However, what makes Badian nice is that it’s far less crowded and you are much closer to Kawasan Falls, which you should get to nice and early.

We stayed at “TGH” The Guest House Badian and I would highly recommend them.

There is little other choice for accommodation nearby and these guys had clean rooms, very good WiFi and great food!

They also helped us out by hiring a moped and sorting our transport across to Cebu City.

Of course, if you’re looking for a livelier area and the chance to meet more people, then Moalboal would be a better shout.

For other accommodation options in Moalboal, try out Booking.com or Airbnb .

Read Also: Getting Around The Philippines: Everything Explained!

El Nido has been a popular place to visit in the Philippines for a long time, perhaps the MOST popular tourist spot in the country.

For this reason you’ll discover a well developed tourist industry, with the main attraction being a selection of day long island hopping tours ( like this one ).

You have the chance to sail deep into the ocean, discovering snorkel points, wide canyons and truly breathtaking surroundings.

In the port, there are literally dozens of boats that go out every day and tours are all still relatively cheap.

You also get to enjoy a freshly made Philippino BBQ for lunch.

There really are so many great things to do in El Nido , including visiting Nacpan Beach, believed by many to be the best beach in Asia.

The only issue I had with El Nido is that there doesn’t seem to be very much to care for the corals, much less so than in Port Barton or Coron.

They senselessly let their anchors drag along the corals, and with dozens of ships doing this constantly every day, you can see that at many of the points, corals are all but dead near the shores.

Read Also: 3 Day El Nido Itinerary

What are my 3 favourite things to do in El Nido?

A sunset walk along Nacpan Beach
Volleyball on Seven Commado’s Beach
Snorkelling on an Island hopping tour - This full-day island hopping tour will take you to some beautiful spots including Bacuit Bay and the Secret Lagoon

Where should you stay in El Nido?

We stayed in 2 places in El Nido, and as we left it late for choosing accommodation, we were very limited in choice.

That being said, the first place we stayed in, Mountain Side Inn , was superb!

They had fast WiFi (fast enough to stream the final season of Game of Thrones), really friendly staff and nice rooms.

It’s nothing fancy but is very affordable and well located close to town.

If you’re booking further in advance, then you will be able to find a much wider variety of hotels and other accommodation on Booking.com .

El Nido has long been one of the Philippines most popular places to visit so there’s plenty of options to choose from.

Read Also: Our Epic 4 Week Philippines Itinerary

4. Siquijor

Siquijor is the furthest south of theses places to visit in the Philippines and a destination that you really can’t miss!

It is a relatively small island, meaning you can drive it and see many of Siquijor’s best attractions in less than a day.

Which is perfect, as it gives you plenty of time to slow down, relax and enjoy the stunning beaches.

Many people who visit go snorkeling and diving off the coast, however, by far the best attraction in Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls.

These are now my favorite waterfalls from anywhere in the world, and are a series of beautiful milky blue pools in sequence.

Gorgeous falls flow into each one, but what makes Cambugahay so unique is that the locals have built bungee rope swings into them!

In the main pool there are 2 large swings, and I had hours of fun doing flips and tricks into them.

It is basically a massive playground and you will also see perhaps a dozen local children playing there every day.

On the island, you’ll also find some other nice waterfalls, though if you visit in the dry season (like we did) a lot of these will be dried up!

My other favourite thing to do in Siquijor is to go diving in the ocean from platforms built into the rocks at Lugnason Falls.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Siquijor?

Rope swinging at Cambugahay Falls (check out my full guide)
Diving in the ocean at Salagdoong Beach
The hidden springs at Lugnason Falls

Where should you stay in Siquijor?

Once again, we were very happy with where we stayed in Siquijor and AMK Traveller’s Hub ended up being well-located, offering great rooms and with very friendly owners.

It also backs onto a local playground/community area where you can play basketball with the locals.

Siquijor is apparently still growing in popularity and new choices are cropping up every year.

We met an Italian guy while we were there who was staying a few months and looking for land upon which to build his own hostel.

You’ll find loads of affordable accommodation in Siquijor through Booking.com .

Read Also: Our 3 day Siquijor itinerary

Compared to El Nido, Coron is still relatively new, despite being just a short ferry ride around.

Perhaps it was because we stayed on Paolyn Houseboats (more on that below), but I really fell in love with Coron.

It is home to a number of beautiful snorkelling spots and lakes, with nearby Kayangan Lake supposedly the clearest and cleanest of any lake in the world.

To visit these, you go on a day long island hopping tour ( like this one ).

During the middle of the day, a number of these spots get very busy, so it’s good to go on a tour that leaves early and allows you to escape the hordes (again, more on this below).

Once again, you get to enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch on a pristine beach and there are endless chances to swim and enjoy the beauty of Coron.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Coron?

Staying on board Paolyn Houseboats - Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places we've ever stayed, with a stunning location
Snorkelling over pristine reefs - This Coron boat tour offers plenty of snorkeling opportunities, as you'll visit five popular destinations
Kayaking to hidden beaches

Where should you stay in Coron?

100%, the best place to stay in Coron has to be Paolyn Houseboats .

Simply put, nowhere else ever has the chance to compare, as Paolyn Houseboats is entirely unique and one of a kind.

They are the only place that has the legal right to offer accommodation on the water so close to Coron Island, as the island and surrounding water is owned by the indigenous tribes that occupy it.

Here, you have the opportunity to completely escape the masses and stay in a secluded, paradise-like cove complete with your own private snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities.

Also, it’s perfectly located next to many of the best things to do in Coron , so you get to all of the busiest spots before tourists do.

It also helps that they are able to offer tours starting at least 2 hours earlier than those from Coron town.

Of course, it is a bit pricey and not everyone can afford it; if not then we found that the best way to find half decent and affordable places in Coron town was through Airbnb.

Read Also: Our In-Depth Review of Paolyn Houseboats

So, my second favourite place to visit in the Philippines is Bohol.

This fairly large island needs at least a few days spent there if you wish to get out of the main touristy area of Panglao.

Here, inland you will discover a strange phenomenon known as the Chocolate Hills.

Literally hundreds of large brown hills that cover the landscape in all directions.

As well as this, you have all the other things you’ve come to know and love in the Philippines, including white sandy beaches, hidden waterfalls, rice terraces, gorgeous rivers and day trips to other islands.

You also have the chance to see dolphins, swim in cave pools, have lunch sailing down Loboc River and possibly even swim with sardines!

It’s too much to talk about right now, but I recommend you check out my guide on the best things to do in Bohol to learn more about why I loved this place so much!

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Bohol?

Exploring secret waterfalls with a local guide
Driving through the Chocolate Hills - there's also a cool adventure park located here, where you can enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, ziplining and more!
Getting lost near Loboc River - this awesome full-day tour includes a paddle boarding activity along the scenic Loboc River

Where should you stay in Bohol?

In Bohol, the majority of people stay in the southwest of the island in an area called Panglao.

We stayed for 3 nights in Palm Rise Resort and it was a great choice, away from the hectic nature of town and with modern rooms and an awesome swimming pool.

All around this area, Booking.com has loads of great hostel and hotel deals .

However, if you read my 3 day Bohol itinerary post , you’ll see that I think the best way to visit Bohol is to stay in a few different locations across the island.

This saves you a lot of time driving and gives you a better chance to experience all that it has to offer.

That being said, if you are there to party and meet lots of young people, then yes staying solely in Panglao would be your better choice.

Okay, it was pretty tough choosing my number one favourite place in the Philippines, but Siargao just squeaked the victory!

For a few reasons.

Number one is that it is home to some of the world’s best surf locations.

Located on the far western edge of The Philippines, you have the chance to surf here at locations suited for beginners right through to expert surfers.

They even host professional surf competitions here every year because the waves get big enough.

I really enjoyed our island hopping day trip here as well, because the islands nearby are simply stunning, as are the snorkelling spots.

Plus, I think the 6 or 7 rum and limes we had on the boat probably helped!

Back on Siargao, you have the chance to do a number of day trips around the island, where you’ll find untouched beaches, snorkel spots and endless bamboo forests.

There are some cool clubs in the main town area, as well as restaurants and bars, making this a cool spot to party and meet people as well.

With so many adventurous and exciting things to do, Siargao really does have it all (almost!).

Check out my guide on island hopping in Siargao to book the perfect tour.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Siargao?

Surfing incredible waves
An island hopping tour to paradise islands
A day trip to the mangroves

Where should you stay in Siargao?

Once again, there is a particular area in Siargao that everyone stays, and this is called General Luna.

As Siargao is a relatively small island, you can easily do a day trip of the entire island without being on a moped for hours on end.

So it’s best to find somewhere to stay here.

We spent 2 nights in KC’s Place 1 (which was an Airbnb but looks to have since been taken down) and then 3 nights in Nine Clouds Homestyle Accommodation .

The latter of which I would recommend more as it’s much closer to the action and still in a fairly secluded and beautiful part of the island.

What’s great is that there's a “fixed” rate for taxis around town, so getting to clubs, bars and restaurants is pretty cheap no matter where in town you stay.

As we booked so late, it was hard finding a big array of accommodation, so I would recommend booking far in advance and having a good look on Booking.com or Airbnb .

Bonus tip! There is a shortage of mopeds and helmets in Siargao, so I advise booking at least a couple weeks in advance and then messaging your chosen property and asking them to reserve you a moped and helmet.

Read Also: Our 4 Day Siargao Itinerary

Planning where to visit in The Philippines, what next?

Luckily for you, Cazzy and I have gone ahead and put together some awesome, in-depth guides on all of the best places to visit in the Philippines for couples, families and solo travellers alike.

In each one, we offer up the best things to do, as well as added tips like itineraries and how to get there.

They are as follows:

Coron --> Best Things To Do In Coron: Island Tour Packages & More!
El Nido --> Best Things To Do In El Nido (Philippines)
Siargao --> Epic Siargao Itinerary: The Best Things To Do In Siargao
Bohol --> Best Things To Do In Bohol {+ Ideal 3 Day Itinerary}
Siquijor --> Awesome Things To Do In Siquijor: A 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary

And for planning the rest of your Philippines adventure, make sure you check out Our Ultimate 4 Week Philippines Itinerary and our complete guide to getting around The Philippines .

If you have any more questions with planning where to go in The Philippines, just drop a comment below and I will help however I can.

Similarly, if you’ve visited The Philippines and think I’ve missed anywhere then let me know.

We will definitely be returning one day and I’d be happy to find more places to visit.

Need help planning your trip ?

Our Philippines backpacking guide will help!

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Philippines travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Philippines travel in 2024 with official Philippines travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions can vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: February 21, 2024. Originally published: October 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *

February 2024: “Our main requirement for travel to the Philippines was completing an online form within 72 hours of arriving. Our airline reminded us to do the same process before departing the Philippines as well. The form asks for flight info, countries visited in the last 30 days, and whether you have been sick or exposed to someone ‘known to have communicable/infectious disease’ in the past 30 days. We then received a QR code to show at the airport. We did not need to show the QR code upon arrival or departure (airline staff told me it’s actually for Philippine passport holders only). At immigration they had no questions for us on arrival or departure.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers, American digital nomads

Photo credit: Anwar Y January 2024: “I visited the Philippines for 3 weeks in January with visits to places on 4 major islands across the country [Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan]. Overall tourism was open and accessible within the country, flights between islands were the easiest, with long overland travel times (due to local-roads / lack of highways). We did not experience any travel restrictions while within the country. There is a pre-arrival form that must be filled out that is used for tracing but really we didn’t find it used much beyond immigration. There were requirements for providing hotels for contact tracing but it was haphazardly enforced, such as only 1 bus company asked for this information. Access to all services is open, we did notice that for many services employees were masked but there was no requirement for tourists to mask. We found covid tests readily accessible and often in vending machines such as in the airport. One thing of note is that people did appear to be sick. My entire group ended up sick (non-covid) but the sinus cold did impede our ability to do some activities (scuba diving).” – Anwar Y of Beyond My Door , American traveler

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Philippines so you can get a true sense of what to expect. We’re thankful to one of our team members from the Philippines for co-creating this post with us!

Table of Contents

Is the Philippines open for travel? Can I travel to the Philippines right now?

Effective July 2023 , all travelers are allowed entry in the Philippines without restrictions. The following are no longer required to enter the Philippines:

Proof of Vaccination
Proof of negative Covid test (for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers)
Travel insurance

However, travelers must still meet the following requirements:

As of April 2023, all travelers, including children. are required to register via the Electronic Travel Declaration System no earlier than 72 hours from the intended arrival.
Passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of arrival.
Have booked a return or outbound ticket (affiliate link).

U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines for 30 days.

See the list of visa exempt countries here.

Philippines travel restrictions have changed over time, please check back for updates.

Quarantine rules in the Philippines: What happens if I get Covid?

All travelers arriving in the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Foreign tourists who test positive for Covid while in the Philippines must continue to isolate and undergo quarantine.

For cases with moderate to severe symptoms or belonging to the immunocompromised category, isolation of 10 days from onset of signs and symptoms is required. Patient may be required to be admitted to a health care facility based on the advice of the attending physician.

For severe cases and immunocompromised cases , isolation is required and may end only upon the advice of their health care provider.

Patients with mild symptoms or asymptomatic are advised to isolate at home for five days or until fever-free for at least 24 hours without using antipyretics such as paracetamol, whichever is earlier.

Foreign tourists may be required to cover the costs of quarantine accommodations or hospitalization.

Recommended Quarantine Hotels in the Philippines:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila – Located at the heart of Manila, near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and US Embassy, Bayview Park Hotel has modern and cozy rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, personal safe, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and coffee shop with local and international dishes. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $748-$997. Book this hotel >

Hotel Durban – Hotel Durban is located in Makati, Manila. The hotel features air conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, and free Wifi. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $471-$871. Book this hotel >

Somerset Millennium Makati – Somerset Millennium is a high-end hotel conveniently located in the vibrant business district of Makati City, 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wifi, air conditioning, and flat screen TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, and swimming pool. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1657-$1888. Book this hotel >

Radissan Blu Cebu – The Radissan Blue is one of Cebu’s top rated five star hotels. It has swimming pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and airport transfers. Rooms come with air conditioning, Wifi, and a fantastic breakfast. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1022-$1498. Book this hotel >

Can I travel to the Philippines in May 2024? Can I travel to Philippines this Summer?

The Philippines is open to tourists in May. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Manila MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport right now? Philippine Airlines reports p assengers are no longer required to wear face masks, though it is still recommended.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to the Philippines? No. Only travelers who test positive will need to quarantine. See details above.

Does Philippines check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Travelers undergo a passive thermal scan upon arrival in the airport. Hats must be removed, otherwise just walk through.

Does Philippines require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. As of July 2023, a negative test is no longer required for travelers to enter the Philippines.

Do I have to undergo a Covid test upon arrival in the Philippines? No. Covid test upon arrival is no longer required.

Does Philippines require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No. A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Quarantine and negative Covid test is no longer required for travelers.

Is a booster shot required for travel to the Philippines? At this time, booster shots are not required in the Philippines. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights in the Philippines? Most destinations within the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights.

However, local authorities may have specific requirements. It is recommended to check with the destination’s local government unit (LGU) through their official website or Facebook page for the latest rules and guidelines.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in the Philippines who get the virus? Philippine hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors can get PCR or antigen test at  the Philippines Department Of Health accredited testing centers .

Foreign visitors who get the virus would pay out of pocket for medical services. The medical expenses for the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the hospital where the patient is admitted, confinement duration, and other factors.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in the Philippines? Markets and groceries, which are considered essential businesses, remained open throughout the duration of the community quarantine in the Philippines.

Restaurants are permitted to accept dine-ins. Malls, personal care services, and entertainment establishments are also back in business following health and safety protocols.

More hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments are allowed to operate under different community quarantine classifications and cater to local travelers.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter or stay at hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments in the Philippines? Most accommodation establishments in the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

It is advisable to visit the hotel website or official social media pages to know their latest guidelines. Additionally, contacting the establishment directly is recommended for any clarifications.

What public gatherings are allowed in Philippines? Public gatherings are allowed but must follow health and safety protocols.

Are face masks required in the Philippines? As of July 2023 , wearing of face masks is no longer required in the Philippines.

Are buses running in the Philippines? Yes. Public transportation is available in the Philippines, including buses, jeepneys, trains, tricycles, and vans.

Will the Philippines impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, the Philippines has imposed nationwide as well as localized COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted the Philippines?

The first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in the Philippines January 30, 2020 and the country was placed under a State of Public Health Emergency on March 8, 2020.

As a measure to limit the spread of the virus, lockdowns or community quarantines have been imposed since March 15, 2020. Despite implementing strict lockdowns, the country still experienced surges in cases, reporting more confirmed cases and deaths than any other Southeast Asian country.

The onslaught of the virus put the country into recession with mass unemployment. The restriction on travel also affected tourism, which is a large industry in the country.

Over two thirds of the population has been vaccinated in the Philippines.

In July 2023, the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted throughout the Philippines. All restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect.

For the current situation in the Philippines, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in the Philippines; and COVID-19 testing in the Philippines, please see the Philippines Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in the Philippines?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are optional but recommended in crowded areas. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization. NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Philippine locals and recent travelers say about visiting the Philippines now?

What is it like to visit the Philippines right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

November 2023 – Gladis of Happiness on the Way , Filipina citizen: “I flew from Frankfurt to Clark International Airport (Philippines) in September and was surprised by the low number of tourists. I’ve traveled around Clark and Manila for a month and most of the businesses like cafes, restaurants and even tours are all back – I love how I was able to see famous spots with less tourists!

Healthcare, testing, and local attractions are fully operational in most cities and touristy towns. Hotels and restaurants provide sanitizers, and staff are vaccinated with open-air setups. Airports in the Philippines have synchronized e-travel for smoother lines. Most popular destinations have maximum tourists now, so booking ahead is advisable to secure your spot.”

June 2023 – Liza of Always in Spain : “I’m in the Philippines for one month (May to June 2023) to visit family and travel around the country.

Tourism in the Philippines is thriving again! Tourist attractions are open without restrictions, tour operators are offering services again, and transportation (air & land) look fully open for domestic travel so it’s easy to get around the country.

Aside from having to complete a declaration upon arrival, things are back to normal in the Philippines. Some people still prefer to mask up (especially indoors) but it’s not obligatory.

Pharmacies are plentiful in the large cities so you have easy access to home testing kits and over-the-counter medication if you need it. If you’re traveling to more remote areas, it’s a good idea to have your own emergency medical kit just in case.”

February 2023 – Kieren of Wales Guidebook , UK traveler: “My girlfriend and I visited the Philippines for 10 days in February 2023 with a return trip from Bali. Tourism in the Philippines is mostly back to normal. Aside from being asked to wear masks at airports and onboard with some airlines, there were no other Covid requirements or restrictions and I can highly recommend visiting at this time.

Although signage regarding Covid restrictions (such as mask wearing) are still on display across the country, these are rarely enforced. You may still see staff wearing masks in supermarkets and shopping malls. Pharmacies are readily available in most areas frequented by tourists and the level of English is usually enough to get any medicine you need. Chain pharmacies, such as Watsons, are more likely to speak a good level of English.”

October 2022 – Jennifer Terri, Philippines:

September 2022 – Elizabeth, visitor from UK: “I visited the Philippines for a 3-week trip to explore its top destinations. The locals are still wearing masks, however, it’s a bit more relaxed, especially in the open public area. When you enter an establishment, you will be asked or expected to put on the mask.

Most businesses related to tourism are open or in service such as airlines, hotels, and tour agencies. Locals seems to be getting back on travelling as well, but it seems like the airlines are not well-staffed resulting in long queues, although very little delay.”

July 2022 – Angeline of GoAroundPhilippines.com , resident: “All tourist destinations in the country are open and locals mostly enjoy them now. It is the best time to visit as there are still few tourists around and you can easily get cheaper rates for hotels and tours as companies need tourists.

The islands and beaches have gone through a bit of a break so they’ve become more vibrant and marine animals are plenty. There are still no long lines or crowds either.”

March 2022 – Camille, resident of the Philippines: “Things are finally the closest it’s been to “back to normal” after two long years of strict quarantine rules. Everything feels much more relaxed and people are happy to go out, dine out, party, and travel. Even though it feels like back to normal, most people still comply with wearing masks almost everywhere so this is something foreigners should expect and be sensitive in following.

Many places still are at limited capacity though, so lines are long and crowds can be packed. As much as possible, we appreciate it when tourists are understanding of any delays or mishaps. There’s a period of adjustment since it’s only been recently that things are as they were before. Many workers have been affected and are now happy to get back to work, so patience and tips are appreciated. At the end of the day, tourism has always played a big part in our economy so you’ll definitely feel welcome.”

July 2021 – Ailene, resident of Manila: “The Philippines does not currently allow tourists to enter the country. Majority of the residents are hesitant to the reopening of the borders to foreign tourists because of the fear that our healthcare system would collapse if there will be a surge in Covid cases. In Metro Manila, people (except children and senior citizens) are free to move within the city as long as the curfew, social distancing, face mask, and face shield rules are observed. Traveling to other places outside Metro Manila is also possible. Travel restrictions are generally being followed. However, there were some instances when people were caught violating the rules such as faking their Covid results, partying, and not following the curfew. Access to healthcare is a little difficult. In some hospitals and clinics, patients without an appointment will not be allowed to enter. But virtual consultation is also available. Getting tested for Covid is easier. People have an option to get tested at clinics, hospitals, drive through testing centers, or at home. Access to local attractions is possible as long as the needed requirements are provided. A negative Covid test is required in some destinations, while a health certificate is enough for some. Right now, the safest and preferred places to travel to are private resorts and outdoor open areas like parks and beaches where interaction with other people can be avoided as much as possible. Restaurants, groceries, and other food service can be accessed easily. Although public transportation is available for travelers, it is safer to travel in private vehicles.”

June 2021 – Tina of https://iwentanyways.com , resident of Philippines: “Many provinces in the country are not yet open to tourism, and those that are already open have requirements that need to be followed. Locals have varying reaction to their place opening up to tourists. Some support the opening due to financial reasons, while those that are not in favor are concerned that these tourists might spread the virus in their place. Travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors, but I’ve heard of stories of some people who do not follow it but are able to get away with it. As for the healthcare and testing, most of the hospitals and testing centers are available in the capital cities. Some provinces that have opened for tourism require visitors to register in an app and wait for the approval of their visit before they could travel. This is required for contact tracing purposes.”

Even if you can’t go to the Philippines right now, you can still get started planning your Philippines trip for the future.

Check out our other Philippines travel resources: – Best Places to Visit in the Philippines on a Budget

If you have questions or updates about travel to the Philippines during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below. *Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information provided above. We recommend working with a professional travel agent if you need assistance particular to your trip.

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What travelers need to know about current Philippines travel restrictions, health and safety, and recent trip reports, updated regularly | Intentional Travelers

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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84 Comments

We have booked a trip to the Philippines next month. We have not been vaccinated for covid19, Earlier it was mentioned that we had to take a corona test to enter the philippines. Last weekend all corona measures in the Philippines were scrapped, see source: https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-lifts-state-of-public-health-emergency-throughout-ph-due-to-covid-19/

I don’t want any surprises, Can you please confirm to me if we need to take a corona test to fly to the Philippines (from Madrid) or if it is therefore not necessary anymore now. In addition, I am also asking for more clarity on the inernal movements.

Hello Falko. Since the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted in the Philippines, all rules and restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect. This means that you are no longer required to present a negative Covid test to enter the Philippines. For traveling within the Philippines, restrictions are also no longer in effect. However, it is still advisable to check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines. You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through this websites: https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

Hello, I’m a little confused on one issue. I’m a US citizen unvaccinated and would like to fly to the Philippines. I know what tests, etc I need to actually fly to the philippines, but what is not clear to me based on conflicting information is will I be required to take another covid test on arrival if the 24 hour one taken before flight was negative? One thing I don’t want to happen is discover I have to have another one when I arrive as I really hate them since they are so unnecessarily intrusive, and I’ve read some places that you will need a second one on arrival regardless of the results of the preflight test. I would be flying to Cebu. Thank you for your time.

Hello Sam, thank you for visiting our blog. According to the current entry rules , unvaccinated or partially vaccinated “travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport.” Therefore, if you can provide a valid and negative pre-departure Covid test when you arrive in the Philippines, then you will no longer have to test upon arrival at the airport.

Thank you for answering my question, that is good news. Just one other question please. Where do I look to find what remotely supervised covid tests are accepted by Philippines government on arrival since I don’t want to take a test in a clinic?

Hello Sam. Unfortunately, we cannot find updated information about remotely supervised tests accepted by the Philippines. It seems like no updates have been published but we’ll let you know if we find updated information regarding this. You may also contact the Philippine Department of Tourism official Facebook page or a Philippine embassy near you to get information about remotely supervised tests.

Is a negative COVID test result required for return travel from the Philippines to the United States?

Hi. Regardless of departure point, test results are not required going to the US, and as of this month (May 2023), noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated either.

I will be on vacation soon in the Philippines and resorts (specifically at Pico de Loro, Batangas and Los Banos, Laguna) still require a certified negative covid-test for stay. Where can I get this certified covid-19 rapid antigen test?

Hello Yeen. Thank you for visiting our blog. You can see the list of licensed Covid 19 testing facilities in the Philippines here: Philippine Department of Health Licensed Covid-19 Testing Laboratories

I am traveling to the Philippines in July 2023. I see that the Philippines currently still requires a negative Antigen Test for entry. Once a traveler has entered the country and wants to travel to different locations (such as Tacloban, Cebu City, Bohol, etc.) does a traveler have to provide a clean test at every domestic airport in the Philippines to board the plane if I stayed at each different location for 3-5 days? I need clarification as the domestic air carriers (Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, etc.) indicate that you need at least a negative Antigen Test to board on their websites. Any comments from recent travelers in the Philippines would be helpful. Thank you

Hi Greg. It is correct that the Philippines still require proof of a negative COVID test for entry if a traveler is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. For travel within the Philippines, most destination no longer require a negative test for domestic flights. However, please note that some destination may still require a negative test and other documents for domestic travel depending on the local authorities’ regulations. We recommend that you check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines and requirements.

You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through these websites: https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/travel-info/covid-travel-reminders/travel-document-requirements?lang=en-PH https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

We hope this helps and thank you for visiting our blog!

Hello, we are scheduled to go to the Philippines February 1st. We will be flying to japan January 27th and then from japan to Manila February 1st. Then from Manila to Boracay on the 2nd of February. We are American us citizens unvaccinated. What are the requirements and regulations for us? Will we be allowed to go with the new covid laws?

Hello Vee. Thanks for visiting our blog. Based on the current travel requirements and your status as an unvaccinated U.S. citizens, the following are the requirements you need:

For travel to Japan, you will need to provide a pre-travel COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country/region of origin. You may check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage or the U.S. Embassy in Japan webpage for details.

For travel to the Philippines, you will need the follwing: – negative Antigen test certificate from a clinic conducted within 24 hours of departure from the country of origin – complete a BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC), including children – passport valid for at least six months at the time of arrival – return or outbound ticket to your country of origin or next country of destination.

Once you’re in the Philippines, the requirements to travel to Boracay are the following: – Tourist Arrival Form – Confirmed Boracay Hotel Booking slip/voucher – Passport (for Foreigners)

You may also contact the Boracay/Aklan Tourism facebook page for more details.

Hello, we are Polish Filipino marrige and we are not vaccinated. We are planing to Visit Philipinnes in the middle of January 2024. Do you think it will be still required to do the PCR covid tests before travel? Since I read about Thailand, Laos, Vietnam is already fully open (no covid tests, no vaccinated etc). When they will fully open the Philippines? Regards

Thanks for visiting our blog. We don’t have any special information about the government’s future plans about travel restrictions, however, we will be sure to update this post when we see that anything changes.

Hello there, i am filipino-american citizen. I am unvaccinated and my vacation and my 4yo son to cebu by october. What are the restrictions for us since we don’t want to get vaccinated. From cebu international airport do we have to book a hotel for quaratines that are doh accredited and for how many days? Is it possible to choose our own place to stay while waiting for pcr test? And also does me and my son need a pcr test before we travel to Philippines? And also do we need return ticket or not needed? Hope to hear your response. Thank you

Hi Isabel. Thanks for visiting our blog! The current restriction states that foreign nationals (including Balikbayans) visiting the Philippines without a visa must be vaccinated. Unfortunately, you won’t be allowed entry into the Philippines based on the current rules. The same goes for your 4-year-old son since he will follow the rules that are applicable to you. However, if you will enter the Philippines with a visa or if you have double citizenship (Filipino and American) then it’s possible that you and your son may be allowed entry. We recommend that you contact or visit the Philippine Embassy in your area to see if there are any exemptions applicable to you that will allow you to visit the Philippines. Hope this helps.

Hello hoping to travel to the Philippines but I am unvaccinated are they open for unvaccinated foreign travelers yet?

Hi Mark. You’ll find the answer to that in our post and we’ll continue to update it as rules change.

Please note that on the PAL site ( https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/covid-19/arrivingintheph ) it states that valid return ticket(s) to the original port of origin or next port of destination for not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines is/are required. Since I want to go for 3 months can I assume this is now impossible? Please help

Hi Norman! Thanks for visiting our blog. Tourists entering the Philippines visa-free are allowed to stay for not more than 30 days. Thus, the need for a valid return ticket to your country of origin or your next destination dated not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines. If you want to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. You need to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate near you for information on how to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. I hope this helps.

I am a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport and vaccinated, I will be traveling with my family to Philippines – my husband american citizen fully vaccinated, but my 1.5 yrs old son also american citizen and not vaccinated. We are just planning to stay in the Philippines for 1 week just for my son to meet my parents. My question is, will he/we still need to be in quarantine? Thanks

Hi Camille. Thanks for visiting our blog. According to the Philippine’s quarantine rules, children below the age of 12 who cannot be vaccinated must follow the quarantine protocols of the parents traveling with them. Since you and your husband are fully vaccinated and do not need to quarantine, your son is not required to quarantine as well. You may also contact the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for more information regarding entry requirements.

I heard the quarantine laws recently changed. I am a US citizen fully vaccinated. I have two questions…

1) Do I still have to quarantine? 2) Will I be admitted with a work visa?

Thanks for visiting our blog. If you are traveling to the Philippines from the United States and fully vaccinated, you still need to quarantine at a government approved facility until the result of a RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day of quarantine is released. If the result is negative, you’ll be allowed to continue the quarantine at home until the 10th day. You can check the post for more details about quarantine rules in the Philippines. Regarding your work visa, if it is valid and existing, then you may be allowed to enter the Philippines. We advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area to get more information and before attempting travel.

Travel to the Philippines My legal wife is an ex-Philippine citizen having been “required” to give it up on becoming a Canadian citizen, more years ago than I’m “allowed to divulge”! I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen originally from the UK, a few years ago shall we say! Am I correct in believing my wife can travel “home” without a pre-authorized but will we granted a “tourist” visa on arrival, and that I may accompany her getting a “balikbyan” visa on arrival?

Vaccine “Combo” Canada considers us “fully” vaccinated against COVID-19 with 1st Dose Pfizer-BioNTech & 2nd Dose Moderna Mrna vaccines, but is this “combo” accepted by the Philippines?

Vaccination-Quarantine I understand that as we are “fully” vaccinated we will be required to “reside” at a hotel for 7 days with a PCR test on Day 5, and if the PCR test is clear we can then shorten the full 14-day period to 10 days? Can the hotel be “of our choice” if that hotel provides such facilities, or are their only “designated” hotels to choose from? At the hotel do we have full access to its facilities such as swimming pool etc if open, or are we “imprisioned” in our rooms for the duration?

Post-Quarantine Travel in the Locale Are there any restrictions for “ALL” in moving around the locale to say attend golf courses if open, and can we travel by public transport. Are there any “AGE” restrictions as we are seniors, although the exact ages are a “closely guarded secret”!

Travel to Provences On arrival into Manila can we “immediately” transfer to the domestic airport for travel to the Provences for quarantine, or do we have to quarantine in Manila before moving on?

Best wishes William & Lourdes

Hello, William and Lourdes, and thank you for visiting our blog. These are important questions you have, and travel restrictions can certainly be confusing, not to mention constantly changing. We are only able to track a limited set of scenarios, which we post for free on the blog. To answer specific questions beyond what’s in our post, we would recommend working with a travel agent to ensure your trip needs are met. We’ll also see where we can better clarify some of the information in our post in the coming days. Best regards.

I would like to get a visitor visa for the Philippines as I plan to marry my fiancé who is a Philippine resident in January 2022. Can you guide me to websites so that the visa process for the Philippines can be simplified if that is possible, or inexpensive visa service for the Philippines? Thank you for any help you can provide me. Anthony

Hi Anthony. Thank you for your question. As we do not have personal experience using a visa service ourselves, we can only recommend doing a web search for “philippines visa services” and checking for recent user reviews. Perhaps one of our other readers will be able to chime in with a suggestion in the future.

Hi – Is there a quarantine exception offered for emergency travel from the U.S. (fully vaccinated) such as caring for sick/dying family member?

Thanks for visiting our blog. We are not aware of emergency exceptions at this time. With the many changing rules, we have to focus on those that apply to the majority of travelers, so a travel agent or visa service that specializes in the Philippines may be more help for specific scenarios or exceptions.

Hi! Fully vaccinated foreign travellers who have been in a green list country for at least 14 days are allowed to enter the Philippines without any problems as long as they quarantine 7 days in an approved facility, right? So for me who live in Italy, the only way I can currently access the Philippines would be to travel to Albania (green list country) right after I get my second dose, stay there 2 weeks and then fly from Albania to the Philippines.

Hi Andrea, thank you for visiting our blog. That is a very good question. The Philippines’ green lane was created to lessen the quarantine period of fully vaccinated individuals who are allowed to enter in the Philippines. Therefore, it is important to determine first if you belong to any of the traveler categories who can enter the Philippines. For foreign citizens, you must have a valid and existing Philippine visa. If without a visa, you must be a former Filipino or a family member traveling with a former Filipino. You can check the complete details of who can enter the Philippines here .

If you are one of those travelers who are allowed to enter, fully vaccinated, and traveling from Albania or any of the countries in the Philippines’ green list, the quarantine period would only be 7 days.

Hi Ailene and thank you for your kind reply. I guess I will need a visa and probably an exemption document which I have now idea how to get and if there are any requirements I don’t think I meet them anyway since the purpose of the trip would be to visit my girlfriend hence why I am considered as a mere tourist.

I’m from Arizona currently looking for a way to travel to the Philippines ASAP to marry my fiance. I have my vaild US passport, however found myself needing a tourist visa with a possible certificate of entry as well..would you recommend going through a travel agency, a family member who is Filipino, or waiting for the covid travel restrictions to be lifted? Point me in the right direction or any vaild news will be greatly appreciated. Thanks & God bless.

Hi Chris. Without a valid and existing visa, you would need to wait for restrictions to change. We’ll be sure to update this post as we get more news. In general, we do recommend working with a travel agent who is familiar with Philippine visas to help navigate the ever-changing travel situation these days.

Chris You and so many others are in the same situation. I am looking into flying my Fiance to another country, (Mexico, Columbia or Costa Rica) Getting married there Then fly back together on a Balikbayan Visa.

Hi! We want to visit Philippines in February. If we are vaccinated with 2 doses do we still need to do a covid test? We need to fill out a form before entering the Philippines? but for Boracay? Thank you!

Hello Cristina! Based on the current Philippine travel rules, a booster is no longer required for entry, therefore, you no longer need to provide a negative Covid test. However, you need to register on the Philippines eTravel website and you can register up to three days in advance of your departure. For Boracay, a filled out tourist arrival form, hotel booking, and passport for foreign tourists are required. You can check details here or you may contact the Aklan government through their Facebook page for additional information.

Hi! I was just wondering, are fully vaccinated senior citizen (60 years and older) coming from Canada allowed to enter Philippines? Are there any travel restriction for their age group? Thanks a lot!

Thanks for visiting our blog. We’ve been focusing on requirements primarily for US citizens, as it can vary by country and it’s a challenge to track all the changes. I would double-check with the Canadian State Department and/or a travel agent for more specific guidance. It’s my understanding that the age group restrictions don’t apply for entering the country but rather for going out and about once there – so far this has only been relevant to Philippine residents and will likely change with local vaccination rates eventually.

Hi, thank you for a really good blog. I am fully vaccinated norwegian man, and I wonder if you know anything about when it will be possible to travel to the Philippines. Cebu is a possible destination. If you dont know, because I think no one can know for sure now, what will be your educated guess. I have a close friend I want to visit there.

I’m glad you’ve found our blog helpful. I wish we had more insight as to when things will open up more. Some countries in Southeast Asia have indicated that they may wait until a majority of their own population is vaccinated, so it really is uncertain. We’ll do our best to provide updates here as they come out.

I am a fully-vaccinated US citizen. Do I understand correctly that I can fly into Cebu with no quarantine requirements? What covid-related requirements would I be subjected to (e.g. tests, etc). Thank you!

Hi James. Thank you for visiting our blog. Travelers flying in directly to Cebu don’t have to quarantine at the hotel, provided that they receive a negative test result conducted immediately upon arrival at the airport. Please note that this is applicable only to permitted foreign nationals. We recommend that you contact the local government of Cebu or the Cebu-Mactan International Airport for complete details and requirements. Also, as of today, only US citizens with visa, US citizens who are former Filipinos, and US citizens who are family members and traveling with a Filipino citizen or former Filipino are allowed entry in the Philippines. Please see the Philippine Bureau of Immigration page for complete details. It is also advisable to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

My daughter was born in Manila in 2020. What do i need to do to get to the philippines? The philippines embassy in los angelas doesn’t replay to my emails and nobody picks up the phones. please help

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. If you’re not able to find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

I’m from Canada and I’m also a citizen here. I don’t understand why United States citizen foreigners are allowed in the Philippines but not Canadians when their country is much worse with the current situation with the covid virus. Or are Canadians allowed also? Thank you.

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. Because the majority of our blog readers are from the US and rules do vary by country and change frequently, we have chosen to focus on restrictions for Americans in this particular post. This does not mean other nationalities are excluded from entering the Philippines. I would suggest checking the Canadian State Department website for details that apply to your home country.

Thanks for all the info! Hoping to head to the Philippines December of this year, of course plans are put on hold until then.

I’m planning a trip in August. Do you think the borders will be reopened? If so, I want to go to Iloilo directly, can I quarantine there instead of Manilla even though I have a 1h change (stopover because of a direct flight with terminal as Iloilo) of plane there? Thank you

Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. We do our best to keep this post updated as things change, but we don’t have any special insight as to when changes will happen in the future. For advice on specific trip questions that you can’t find in our post, we recommend seeking a professional travel agent. Safe travels.

My American boyfriend planning to come and meet me this coming month of July. He should get a visa in US before coming here in the Philippines or he could get a visa when he landed here in the Philippines then? His destination will be in Kalibo, Aklan. Any idea about the protocols travelling to Kalibo, Aklan? And if he need to be quarantine for 14 days? He’s already fully vaccinated with Moderna vaccine. He is also tested in Covid and had a negative results. Thank you.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic so he would need to arrange a visa before traveling. You can find details on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page . Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information we already provide above. If you’re not able to find answers for your particular trip in our post, we recommend working with a professional travel agent to ensure your personal trip needs are met.

I’M TRYING TO TRAVEL IN JULY IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO VISIT MY FAMILY. I’M AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BUT FORMERLY FILIPINO CITIZEN. FULLY VACCINATED AND JUST GOT SWAB FOR COVID 4 TIMES ALREADY. THANK YOU

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. I hope you’ll find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above. If you need further assistance, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

i don’t know how accurate your info is as i work with a filipino here in the US and he watches Philip news online and told me that if you fly into Cebu which is where i go not Manila that you get a temp check at the airport and only have to quarantine for 1 day not 14 like u said, also can you answer this question. I being a American and traveling with a passport the bureau of philippines website said if your traveling to the PI for less then 30 days you don]t need a tourist visa just your passport…any truth to that?? Thanks

Hi Will. As a general rule, a mandatory quarantine of 7-14 days is required for persons traveling to the Philippines. In the Province of Cebu, it is true that quarantine is no longer a requirement as of March 31, 2021. However, this is only for repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and returning non-OFWs. You can visit the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office page for more information about this.

About traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic. Please check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page for information and updates on who are allowed entry into the Philippines at this time.

Thank you so much for the information, that helps a lot….can’t wait to be there, but I know it may get delayed again. Just as long as everyone is safe and protected I can wait. I love the Philippine people, such beautiful souls.

I have rescheduled my trip from USA Arizona to Lapu-Lapu city where I will be staying with my friend who lives there this coming August….4th time rebooking since COVID. I will be there for 3 weeks. I have my COVID vaccination already and got a Hepatitis A vaccine. Do you know what other vaccines are required? Also, will I need to get a Visa since I am on a limited stay? Been trying to get there since last May, but want to be safe for everyone there. I am so looking forward to being with my friend this has been 2 years in the making. Thank you for any information you can give.

Hi Kenneth. I hope your trip will finally come to fruition. As you know, it’s still a difficult time to plan travel and the situation continues to change month to month. According to the State Department, U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter the Philippines for all travel purposes. The best place to find vaccination requirements and recommendations would be through the CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

I am a Physician in Mexico with a Philippine wife. She is returning there on May 2. I am wondering what I need to travel only to Manilla in June or July only to accompany her back to Mexico. I would have no problem staying at motel around Manila for the approximately 30 days that I will be there. Any help on this ?

Hello and thanks for visiting the blog. Your ability to enter the Philippines as the spouse of a Filippino citizen in June/July will depend on whether the suspension is lifted for foreign nationals. We will do our best to update this post as the situation changes. Please refer to our post for other protocols and recommended hotels for quarantine in Manila. For further assistance, you may wish to work with a travel agent.

Planning to come home to the Philippines on May from a very long time (1982) since I left PI.. I am now a Us Passport holder, am I qualified as a Philippine balikbayan? Do I need to get a Philippine visa? Is my husband the same?

Hi Nimfa. Thanks for visiting our blog! Under the Philippines Balikbayan Program , you are considered a “balikbayan”. You can visit the Philippines and stay for 1 year without a visa. Your husband can also get the same privilege as long as he is traveling with you.

However, please take note that traveling to the Philippines has been recently suspended until April 19, 2021. Check our blog for updates on who will be allowed entry in May. We also advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

With vaccines starting to arrive in PI and some places starting to make roll out plans- Any idea when tourist visas will start to be processed again and citizens will be able to take a trips out of PI?

Hi Dan. Thank you for your question, but I’m afraid we don’t have any special insight about when the Philippines will make changes to travel protocols.

i am now in the us, i left manila last march and coming back in april, do i still need to book a hotel for quarantine? most articles i see are for ofw’s and balikbayans.

also, do you know kung sino sasagot ng food ng magku-quarantine? coz hindi makakalabas yun tao to buy food and water. just wondering.

Hi Cher. Yes, you still need a confirmed booking at any accredited quarantine hotel in Metro Manila for at least 7 days (or 6 nights) from the date of your arrival. This is to accommodate the schedule of your RT-PCR test (which will be on the 5th day) and the release of the result. Your food during your stay at the hotel will be at your own expense. You may also have food from outside the hotel delivered to your room, but you need to check with the rules and regulations of the hotel first if it is allowed.

You may check the Philippine Airlines or the Philippines Travel website for the complete guidelines. I hope this helps.

Hello Is there a list of the hotels like in Manila or Subic that might be quarantine hotels and what the costs would be for the 14 day duration. .

Hi Bob. The current list of accredited hotels by the Bureau of Quarantine can be found here: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-18-2021/ You would need to look up the costs for individual hotels that interest you.

What is the best website to get Current travel updates for traveling to the Philippines this spring if possible.

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. We are doing our best to update this post on a weekly basis with current information about travel to the Philippines. Your home country’s State Department website is probably the most reliable source. To get an official answer for your Spring travel, you can contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if in the United States).

The Philippine Airlines website is the most up to date regarding travel restrictions.

If one has had a coronavirus vaccine in the US, can one come to the Philippines without the need to quarantine and have the Covid test? I should have my second round of the Moderna vaccine on March 4th. Could I travel to the Philippines shortly after that time if I have a card proving that I had the vaccine?

That is a good question and I think many are wondering the same thing about other destinations as well. We can’t predict when the Philippines will reopen to travelers, nor what they will choose to require in terms of vaccines. From what I’ve read, I would guess that most destinations will continue to require a Covid test regardless of the vaccine since the timeline for immunity after vaccination is still uncertain.

I look forward to the country opening again. It is certainly one of my favorites!

Can I book myself on June or July to go to manila since they ( Department of Tourism ) mencioned that they will reopen the country for international tourism around June so ????

Hi Ricardo. We cannot predict if you’ll be able to fly into Manila at that time. What we personally are doing is making sure any flight we book is fully refundable, or can at least be changed to a later date without change fees if travel is not allowed for our original flight date. This will depend on the particular airline’s terms and conditions.

Do you know when is the date or anything that the Philippine government is gonna let foreigners for tourism cause I’ve been planning this trip for a year and its getting the people so angry that we cant go to the Philippines and nobody can give me a straight up answer.

Hi Clint. Thanks for your question. We know how frustrating it can be to have travel plans up in the air. Unfortunately, most countries do not have set dates for opening tourism yet because so much depends on ever-changing situations, both domestically and internationally.

Covid is spreading rapidly and nobody is vaccinated there stay home and keep you and the Philippines safer

The Philippines has no intention of opening up to tourism any time soon. The president has said that when the country is between 70 to 80 percent vaccinated it will reopen the country it currently is at 19%. So if you want to take a vacation start thinking of an alternative destination or your going to be waiting for at least a year.

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From the stunning beaches of Palawan to the historic streets of Vigan, the Philippines offers budget-friendly adventures for travelers.
Experience dramatic sunset views in San Juan and explore the vibrant marine life in Puerto Galera without breaking the bank.
Discover the Spanish colonial charm of Intramuros in Manila and the surfing paradise of Siargao on a budget-friendly trip to the Philippines.

The Philippines is composed of more than 7,600 islands; hence, there is a lot to explore, and tourists should plan their trip around the many things the Philippines has to offer. It's one of the ideal destinations for travelers on a budget, and it features a wide range of choices for a budget-friendly vacation. It's also one of the destinations where US dollars go extra far and is also one of the countries that are the nicest to American tourists (despite being an American colony for more than 40 years).

The country has diverse tourism featuring various mountains, cascading waterfalls, glistening rivers and lakes, enchanting caves, rich marine resources, rich history and culture, and, of course, tropical and pristine beaches! From the windswept shores and emerald-blue waters of Palawan to the gorgeous waves of Siargao, the Philippines is a crowning jewel in Southeast Asia!

To further explore the country, listed below are some of the cheapest places to visit in the beautiful country of the Philippines.

UPDATE: 2024/05/04 10:25 EST BY CORES GRACE MALAAY

With so much to see, there's no shortage of budget-friendly spots to visit in the Philippines. All accommodations mentioned were chosen due to several factors, chief among them being a minimum rating of 7.0 and a budget-friendly price for travelers, with embedded maps, more vibrant photos, and the best attractions to see.

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Coron, palawan, known for its turquoise waters and a rich marine ecosystem.

The Island of Palawan, the Philippines' last frontier , is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, and by that, it means hidden beaches and water caves. Its white-sand beaches and turquoise-clear waters are surrounded by lush green forests and amazing rock formations. Coron offers a more adventurous experience than other beaches on the Island of Palawan.

It is indeed a haven, especially for honeymooners, because it’s like the Maldives but cheaper and more secluded. A private boat ride only costs a starting price of $37 per person with a delicious picnic buffet lunch with seasonal fruits. Tourists can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking on this tour.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Known for its preserved spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic mansions.

One of the most iconic travel destinations in the Philippines is the historic city of Vigan, a UNESCO-listed site . The city is highly historical because the Spaniards settled in the city during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for more than 300 years. The city truly gives a Spanish colonial vibe. The Liberation Boulevard is a perfect accommodation place for travelers on a budget, featuring comfortable transient rooms to stay in.

Vigan is a perfect spot for history buffs, given its long history with the Spaniards. Visiting historical sites is one of the great activities for an amazing summer holiday in the Philippines , including a visit to Calle Crisologo in Vigan, known as the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, rustic mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and malecón.

This tour will take tourists to Old Town Vigan to sample local cuisine, visit historic spots, and try sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag.

San Juan, Siquijor Island

Known for its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and caves.

The mysterious Island of Siquijor, also known as “Isla del Fuego” , is one of the most underrated travel spots in the Philippines and one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia . When people visit Siquijor, most of them will stay in the town of San Juan because it offers gorgeous, dramatic sunset views, which visitors love the most.

Another reason to stay in San Juan is the highly affordable hotels and resorts, which start at $14 per night. Most of these are beachfront or located near the coastline. The best tourist attractions here are Cambugahay Falls, Paliton Beach, Butterfly Sanctuary, Salagdoong Cliff Jump, and many more beautiful waterfalls, enchanting caves, and pristine beaches without breaking the bank.

Iloilo City, Iloilo Province

Gleaming with spanish colonial churches and old houses.

This vibrant city offers a range of wallet-friendly accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels. Street food stalls tempt travelers with delectable local dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Exploring the city's rich heritage, including the Molo Church and historic Calle Real, provides an enriching cultural experience without straining one's travel budget.

Apart from the city, the province of Iloilo is also dotted with picturesque attractions for tourists, where they can ditch urban Manila for the Philippines' most scenic towns , including Carles in Iloilo, where the now-popular Islas de Gigantes is located. Nearby Guimaras Island, renowned for its sweet mangoes, is easily accessible for budget-conscious adventurers.

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Known as one of the 'world's most beautiful bays' for its diverse marine life.

The Philippines is home to beautiful islands , including the Island of Mindoro, where the coastal town of Puerto Galera is tucked away. The Muelle Bay of Puerto Galera was awarded the "Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World" in 2005 by the Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde , a Paris-based organization.

Its rich and diverse marine life and natural beauty have put this beautiful coastal town on the map. Puerto Galera is a haven for divers with its splendid diving spots, as well as beautiful snorkeling spots and pristine pocket beaches. The most popular beach destination in town is White Beach; the most affordable accommodation place here starts at $20 per night.

Island hopping is also a popular and relatively inexpensive activity for visitors. Visitors can also hike to Tamaraw Falls, a twin waterfall that flows through the human-made swimming pools.

Tagaytay City, Cavite

Close to metro manila and is known for the sweeping views of taal volcano.

Tagaytay is also a go-to place for the people in the metropolis to unwind because of its proximity to urban Manila. A day trip to Tagaytay gives a calm feeling to its visitors because of the nature and fresh air in the city. It's one of the exciting things to do in the Philippines' bustling capital city , given its proximity and easy access.

The cheapest thing to do here is to see the active Taal Volcano, which features a beautiful sunrise—a free experience and a free therapy for some. Aside from the Taal Volcano, other popular attractions here are the Sky Ranch, People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, and many more. Hotels in Tagaytay only cost $20 per night, which is perfect for travelers on a budget and who want to commune with nature but not too far away from the metropolis.

Baguio City, Luzon

Known as the 'summer capital of the philippines'.

Nicknamed the "City of Pines", Baguio City is known for its beautiful pines forests in the Philippines with a cool climate and is particularly visited throughout the summer season—hence its popular moniker, 'The Summer Capital of the Philippines'. Located about 4,800 feet above sea level, this beautiful mountain town is known for its popular attractions that are usually free to enter. All the visitors need is accommodation, bus fare, and food.

For only $60, a person can already have an excellent yet quick vacation. Baguio is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines, and it provides numerous picturesque views of various attractions. Things to enjoy here include Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Baguio Botanical Garden, Bell Church, Kenon Road, museums, and more. The cheapest comfortable accommodation place costs $10 per night.

Intramuros, Manila

A historic walled area known for its spanish-era landmarks.

Intramuros, the Spanish Colonial fortified center of the Philippines , is one of the numerous historic places one can visit in the Philippines on a budget, especially since it's free to enter. Also known as the Walled City, Intramuros is located in the capital city of the Philippines and is endowed with hundreds of years of Spanish history. During the exploration of this historic area, one will be met with old churches, beautiful stone fortresses, impressive cathedrals, and museums rich with artifacts ranging from cultural to artistic, musical, and historic.

Many of these attractions have surprisingly low price tags and 30-minute Kasela rides cost less than $10. Thus, one can easily drive around and have a wonderful time without straining one's pockets. As with many other parts of the country, food, water, and transportation are budget-friendly in Intramuros.

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Cebu city, cebu, known as the 'queen city of the south'—the oldest city in the philippines.

Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines and the country's top tourist destination . It's the most populated city in Visayas, one of the three major islands in the Philippines, and has a population of around one million people. It's the hub from which the Visayas revolve and enjoys a booming tourist industry. Around two million foreigners flock to Cebu annually.

Prime attractions of the city include its proximity to white-sand beaches and spectacular diving spots. Plus, it's dotted with lively bars and emerging eateries, all of which are budget-friendly. Cebu City is the urban embodiment of tourism in the Philippines. As the oldest city in the country, it is nicknamed the Queen City of the South .

The best time to visit Cebu is in January when the whole province celebrates the biggest festival in the Philippines, the Sinulog Festival, which is one of the best festivals in the Philippines that exude color and culture .

Panglao Island, Bohol

Known for its pristine white-sand beaches and amazing diving spots.

Located in Bohol, one of the must-visit places in the Philippines for first-timers , Panglao Island is known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Panglao offers budget-friendly beachfront accommodations and delectable street food. Adventurers can explore the famed Alona Beach, go island hopping to uninhabited islets, or snorkel at Danao Beach on a shoestring budget.

A visit to the Hinagdanan Cave and the historic Baclayon Church adds cultural depth without denting one's wallet. Panglao Island, where thrifty dreams meet tropical paradise. Also, it's only less than two hours away from the UNESCO-listed Chocolate Hills, which are considered the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' .

When touring in Bohol and you see some Philippine Tarsiers , please do not touch them and keep your distance. They are harmless small creatures that are often shy and nervous and are already endangered. They don't live well in captivity, so please let them stay in the wild, as they only feed on insects. Turn off your camera flashes when taking photos of them. They get stressed easily, and they commit suicide by hitting their heads on hard objects.

Boracay, Aklan

An award-winning resort island in western visayas with unparalleled sunsets.

A resort island in Western Visayas, Boracay is a world-class travel destination. It has been awarded as one of the "Best Islands in the World" by prominent international travel magazines Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. This tropical haven offers wallet-friendly accommodations in Station 3 and Bulabog Beach, allowing visitors to relish the island's natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Boracay has some of the most unique affordable resorts in the Philippines for a budget-friendly holiday . Budget adventurers can indulge in local street food, embark on island-hopping adventures, and partake in exciting water sports. Boracay's famed White Beach is a cost-free paradise, while sunsets at Willy's Rock are priceless.

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Siargao island, surigao del norte, known as the 'surfing capital of the philippines'.

One of the most visited islands in the Philippines, Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island known for its unforgiving surfing spots, hence the tagline 'The Surfing Capital of the Philippines'. This tropical paradise offers a myriad of budget-friendly accommodations, including beachfront hostels and cozy guesthouses in General Luna.

Street food stalls serve mouthwatering local flavors at modest prices. Adventurers can chase waves at Cloud 9 and explore tidal pools and lagoons without splurging. The island paradise also has a vibrant nightlife, with live music prevalent. Its budget requirements are among the lowest that travelers can encounter in the Philippines.

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Philippines places 69 th in WEF’s travel and tourism index

The Philippines inched up a spot to 69th out of 119 economies in the 2024 edition of Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The TTDI measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the travel and tourism (T&T) sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country. With an overall TTDI score of 3.84 (7 is best), the Philippines was one of the laggards in the region.

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32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots
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).
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11. Donsol. Source: Maxpixel.net. Known as the best spot to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, Donsol has firmly established itself on the tourist map of the country. To go swimming with whale sharks here, the easiest way is to book guided tours with recognised dive centres in the area.
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From hundreds of travel destinations that one can surely enjoy in the Philippines, we've narrowed it down to the 10 best travel destinations that will surely satisfy every traveler. Let us dive into the best travel destinations in the Philippines for 2022 that every tourist should never miss. 1. Batanes. Peaceful, serene, quiet, simple, and ...
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Updated Sep 16, 2022. The Philippines is a destination that is easy to visit multiple times due to its more than 7,000 islands. The most difficult decision you make as a traveler, is figuring out which places to visit first. The Philippines is divided into the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas, ...
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11. Casa Gorordo Museum. 622. Speciality Museums. Casa Gorordo is a house museum located in the historic Parian district of Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines. Built in the 1850's, it lived through several important social changes that shaped modern Filipino identity.
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6. Siargao. Dubbed as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," Siargao is renowned for its world-class waves, particularly at Cloud 9. Aside from surfing, you could explore the island's natural beauty, including mangrove forests, lagoons, and rock pools.
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El Nido, Palawan. El Nido, aside from Coron, is also one of the best places to visit in Palawan. It has also been catching attention from the tourism industry for consecutive years now because of its picture-perfect beauty. You surely don't want to miss this "Heaven on Earth" and its 45 islands and islets.
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Sandugo Shrine - this historical site in Bohol is one of the best things to do in Bohol. This marks the site of the first treaty of friendship between Spain and the Philippines. Tabon Cave - This cave became popular when a skull cap that was believed to be 20,000 years old was discovered.
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Eden Nature and Adventure Park. Malagos Garden Resort. Museo Dabawenyo. Bankerohan Public Market. Roxas Night Market. For a complete list of the places, you can explore in Davao City, see our list of 14 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Davao City.
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4. Donsol. It is not what is on land in Donsol, but what is underwater that makes it one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines that you should visit. Donsol is a small fishing village by the coast with around 40,000 people living in the area, and it is home to the mighty beasts of the sea, the whale sharks.
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5. El Nido. El Nido has been a popular place to visit in the Philippines for a long time, perhaps the MOST popular tourist spot in the country. For this reason you'll discover a well developed tourist industry, with the main attraction being a selection of day long island hopping tours (like this one).
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The best tourist attractions here are Cambugahay Falls, Paliton Beach, Butterfly Sanctuary, Salagdoong Cliff Jump, and many more beautiful waterfalls, enchanting caves, and pristine beaches without breaking the bank. Recommended Tour: Siquijor: Island Tours & Packages. Duration: 3 days.
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