best places to visit in the philippines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

View more travel tips in:   Singapore ,  ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on:  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Tiktok ,  Pinterest .

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

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Siargao Land Tour (Daily) – Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Maasin River

Siargao Surfing Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Siargao travel tips

Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

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

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

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

El Nido Travel Essentials

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

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

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

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

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

See more : El Nido travel tips

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

Philippines Travel Essentials

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

Where to stay in The Philippines:

Book here Compare rates

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

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

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Cebu Ocean Park Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

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

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

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

Coron Travel Essentials

Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour

Coron-Busuanga Airport Shuttle – Shared and Private Transfers

Coron Ultimate Tour

See more : Coron travel tips

Marcos at Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu

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

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

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

Cebu Travel Essentials

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

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

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Cebu travel tips

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

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

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

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

Boracay Travel Essentials

Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay

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

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Boracay Island & Aklan travel tips

The Standouts

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

Onuk Island – Roughton Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sicsican Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Sicsican Island

Canabungan Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Canabungan Island

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

Batanes, Philippines. Photo by Rexy Quieta .

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

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

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

Batanes Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Batanes-Basco Airport Shuttle – BSO Private Transfers

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

2 Day North Batan and South Batan Tour

Pongas Falls in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

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

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

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

Sagada Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

See more : Sagada travel tips

Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

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

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

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

Banaue Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Banaue, Ifugao travel tips

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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

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

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

Vigan Travel Essentials

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

See more : Vigan travel tips

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

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

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

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

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

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

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

See more : Iligan travel tips

Popular & Easy To Visit

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

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

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

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

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

Manila Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Manila travel tips

Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

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

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

Bohol Travel Essentials

Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Bohol Private Car Charter

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 Michelle Simtoco Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

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

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

Baclayon Church, Bohol

See more : Bohol travel tips

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

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

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

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

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

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

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

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

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

See more : Puerto Princesa travel tips

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

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

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

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

Iloilo Travel Essentials

Bacolod-Iloilo OceanJet Ferry Ticket

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

Gigantes Islands Day Tour from Iloilo City

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Iloilo & Guimaras travel tips

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

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

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

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

Clark Travel Essentials

Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket

Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark

Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket

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

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

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

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

See more : Clark & Pampanga travel tips

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

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

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

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

Davao Travel Essentials

Davao (DVO) Airport to Hotel/City Private Transfer

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

Davao COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

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

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

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

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

See more : Davao travel tips

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

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

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

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

Cagayan de Oro Travel Essentials

Seven Seas Waterpark Ticket in Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

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

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

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines White Island, Camiguin

See more : Cagayan de Oro & beyond travel tips

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

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

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

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

Dumaguete Travel Essentials

Manjuyod Sandbar and Twin Lakes Tour

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip

Twin Lakes Natural Park with Dumaguete City Tour

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

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

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

See more : Dumaguete & Negros Oriental travel tips

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

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

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

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

Legazpi Travel Essentials

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

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

See more : Legazpi, Bicol & Mayon Volcano travel tips

San Juanico Bridge in Leyte-Samar, Philippines

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

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

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

Tacloban Travel Essentials

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

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

MacArthur Park in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines MacArthur Park

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

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines Kalanggaman Island

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

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines Sambawan Island

See more : Tacloban, Leyte travel tips

Wright Park in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

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

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

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

Baguio Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

See more : Baguio & Benguet travel tips

Subic Bay beachfront, near Olongapo City, Zambales

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

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

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

Subic Bay Travel Essentials

Zoobic Safari Admission Ticket in Subic

Ocean Adventure Admission Ticket in Subic Bay

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass

See more : Subic Bay travel tips

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

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

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

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

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

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

Paradizoo Admission Ticket in Tagaytay

Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila

See More of the Philippines

Lily Flower Blooms in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

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

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

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

Lake Sebu Travel Essentials

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

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

See more : Lake Sebu travel tips

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

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

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

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

Laoag Travel Essentials

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

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

Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Bangui Windmills

See more : Laoag & Ilocos Norte travel tips

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, Philippines

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

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

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

Siquijor Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Philippines Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Lazi Church in Siquijor, Philippines Lazi Church, Siquijor

See more : Siquijor travel tips

Bato Ni Ning Ning in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

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

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

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

San Vicente Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caramoan Travel Essentials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Philippines

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

Agoda Booking.com

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

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August 20, 2015 at 7:12 pm

Thank you for Iligan :) will share!

August 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 7:20 am

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

August 21, 2015 at 8:24 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Should include Batanes in your bucketlist.. ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:22 pm

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

August 22, 2015 at 1:02 pm

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

February 4, 2016 at 5:27 pm

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

January 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 1:48 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 5:17 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm

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

August 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm

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

August 22, 2015 at 12:45 am

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

August 22, 2015 at 1:49 am

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

August 22, 2015 at 4:53 am

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

March 1, 2017 at 11:49 am

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

August 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

August 22, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Nice compilation and awesome pictures! ;)

August 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm

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

August 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm

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

August 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm

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

August 28, 2015 at 9:39 pm

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

September 3, 2015 at 12:19 pm

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

September 12, 2015 at 10:11 am

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

September 12, 2015 at 5:50 pm

How about syquijor marcos?

September 14, 2015 at 5:01 am

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

October 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm

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

Please visit Cagayan Valley,too.

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

November 21, 2015 at 10:05 am

Hey Marcos,

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

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

Happy trails, Gregg

November 21, 2015 at 11:40 am

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

November 23, 2015 at 1:17 pm

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

November 30, 2015 at 7:24 am

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

February 16, 2016 at 3:53 am

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

February 16, 2016 at 11:49 am

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

February 25, 2016 at 2:23 am

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

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

February 25, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Rhoody ^_^

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

March 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

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

Have fun travelling! Maria

April 19, 2016 at 2:44 pm

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

April 28, 2016 at 4:55 am

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

May 1, 2016 at 4:02 am

Please visit Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

May 1, 2016 at 8:49 am

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

May 2, 2016 at 10:59 pm

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

May 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

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

May 27, 2016 at 11:20 am

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

June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm

Hello there,

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

June 27, 2016 at 10:52 am

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

August 16, 2016 at 10:02 pm

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

August 17, 2016 at 6:47 am

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

September 7, 2016 at 2:43 pm

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

September 24, 2016 at 2:50 am

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

September 10, 2016 at 9:43 am

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

September 24, 2016 at 2:48 am

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

November 21, 2016 at 11:06 pm

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

November 29, 2016 at 2:32 pm

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

January 7, 2017 at 1:52 pm

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

January 8, 2017 at 6:43 am

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

May 20, 2017 at 8:25 am

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

May 29, 2017 at 11:31 am

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

May 29, 2017 at 10:59 pm

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

June 8, 2017 at 2:11 am

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

June 8, 2017 at 2:52 am

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

June 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Love Philippines!!

June 17, 2017 at 3:30 pm

I like this side. I want to visit .

June 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

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

June 27, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Glad you like my photo Sean :)

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

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

November 6, 2017 at 3:19 am

Wat would be the cost for solo trip for 5 days

November 17, 2017 at 10:19 pm

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

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

November 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

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

November 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm

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

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

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

November 24, 2017 at 4:36 am

How many days do you suggest to visit Philippines?

November 24, 2017 at 7:18 am

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

May 1, 2018 at 5:37 pm

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

May 3, 2018 at 12:08 am

Hi Sweet, I recommend that you go to Palawan!

September 8, 2018 at 4:51 pm

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

September 19, 2018 at 1:53 am

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

September 11, 2018 at 11:59 pm

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

September 19, 2018 at 2:08 am

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

December 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

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

January 17, 2019 at 2:49 am

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

January 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

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

January 24, 2019 at 1:31 am

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

January 24, 2019 at 4:00 am

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

February 26, 2019 at 3:58 pm

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

March 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm

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

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

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

Enjoy the Philippines!

April 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm

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

April 26, 2019 at 11:49 am

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

June 30, 2019 at 1:02 pm

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

July 3, 2019 at 11:09 am

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

July 4, 2019 at 11:18 pm

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

August 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Its nice have a safe trip always! share more adventures

August 24, 2019 at 2:50 pm

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

August 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm

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

December 3, 2019 at 5:36 pm

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

January 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

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

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

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

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

thoughts please? :)

February 1, 2020 at 9:56 pm

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

December 7, 2019 at 8:59 pm

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

December 30, 2019 at 6:37 pm

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

December 31, 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi Terry. It’s definitely doable :)

January 24, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Hello Marcos,

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

February 1, 2020 at 10:00 pm

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

Here’s a route you can take:

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

February 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm

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

February 12, 2020 at 5:05 am

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

March 31, 2020 at 4:52 am

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

April 1, 2020 at 4:00 am

Thanks for giving the great response

March 19, 2020 at 1:52 pm

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

March 26, 2020 at 8:42 pm

thanks for sharing

April 3, 2020 at 4:46 pm

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

April 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm

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

May 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm

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

June 14, 2020 at 4:48 pm

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

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

June 19, 2020 at 4:19 pm

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

July 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm

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

October 3, 2020 at 1:34 am

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

December 10, 2020 at 6:50 pm

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

February 27, 2021 at 7:44 am

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

Thanks Nicki

March 25, 2021 at 6:28 am

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

April 22, 2021 at 8:54 pm

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

May 20, 2021 at 11:56 pm

February 10, 2023 at 4:25 pm

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

February 14, 2023 at 5:37 pm

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

50 Most Beautiful Tourist Spots in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Top 25 best tourist spots in the philippines.

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Boracay

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

Where to stay in Boracay

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

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

How to get there

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

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Palawan

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

Where to stay in Palawan

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

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

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

Top things to do in Cebu

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

Where to stay in Cebu

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Bohol

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

Where to stay in Bohol

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

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

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

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

Related: The Fascinating History of Baguio’s Iconic Lion

Top things to do in Baguio

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

Where to stay in Baguio

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

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

Ideal for: Surf enthusiasts, beach bums, backpackers

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

Top things to do in Siargao

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

Where to stay in Siargao

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Davao

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

Related: 14 Bizarre And Fascinating Philippine Festivals

Where to stay in Davao

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

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

8. Banaue Rice Terraces

Ideal for: Backpackers, couples, nature lovers

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

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

Top things to do in Banaue

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

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

Where to stay in Banaue

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

9. Intramuros

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

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

Related: The Lost Tunnels Buried Deep Beneath Intramuros

Top things to do in and around Intramuros

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

Where to stay in Intramuros

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

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

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

Top things to do in Vigan

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

Where to stay in Vigan

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

11. Mayon Volcano

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

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

Top things to do near Mayon Volcano

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

Where to stay near Mayon Volcano

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

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

12. Tagaytay

Ideal for: Couples, families, foodies

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

Top things to do in Tagaytay

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

Where to stay in Tagaytay

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

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

13. Mt. Pulag

Ideal for: Backpackers, adventure seekers, nature lovers

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

Top things to do in Mt. Pulag

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

Where to stay near Mt. Pulag

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

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

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

Ideal for: Solo travelers, backpackers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Sagada

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

Where to stay in Sagada

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

15. Puerto Galera

Ideal for: Beach bums, backpackers, families, barkadas

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

Top things to do in Puerto Galera

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

Where to stay in Puerto Galera

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Subic

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

Where to stay in Subic

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

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

17. Batangas

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

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

Top things to do in Batangas

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

Where to stay in Batangas

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Iloilo

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

Where to stay in Iloilo

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

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

19. Batanes

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

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

Top things to do in Batanes

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

Where to stay in Batanes

• Nathaniel’s Lodge
• Baletin Hometel
• Amboys Hometel

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

20. Camiguin

Ideal for: Beach bums, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Camiguin

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

Where to stay in Camiguin

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Bataan

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

Where to stay in Bataan

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

22. Antipolo

Ideal for: Art enthusiasts, nature lovers, foodies

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

Top things to do in Antipolo

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

Where to stay in Antipolo

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

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

23. Bacolod

Ideal for: Families, barkadas , foodies, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in and around Bacolod

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

Where to stay in Bacolod

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

24. Dumaguete

Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Dumaguete

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

Where to stay in Dumaguete

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

25. Cagayan de Oro

Ideal for:  Adventure seekers, barkadas , families

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

Top things to do in Cagayan de Oro

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

Where to stay in Cagayan de Oro

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

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

Top 20 Hidden and Underrated Tourist Spots in the Philippines

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

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

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

Ideal for: Backpackers, solo travelers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Abra

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

Where to stay in Abra

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

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

Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Bontoc

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

Where to stay in Bontoc

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

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

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

Top things to do in Quirino

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

Where to stay in Quirino

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

4. Jomalig Island

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

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

Top things to do on Jomalig Island

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

Where to stay on Jomalig Island

• JoJomalig Beach Resort
• Apple Beach Resort

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

5. Caramoan Islands

Ideal for: Beach bums, nature lovers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Caramoan

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

Where to stay in Caramoan

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

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

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

Top things to do in Romblon

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

Where to stay in Romblon

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

Ideal for: Beach bums, nature lovers

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

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

Top things to do in Masbate

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

Where to stay in Masbate

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

Take a direct flight from Manila to Masbate City.

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

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

Top things to do in Antique

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

Where to stay in Antique

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

9. Guimaras

Ideal for: Beach bums, history buffs, foodies

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

Top things to do in Guimaras

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

Where to stay in Guimaras

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

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

10. Danjugan Island

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

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

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

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

Top things to do on Danjugan Island

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

Where to stay on and near Danjugan Island

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

Best Sipalay resorts near Danjugan:

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

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

11. Biliran

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

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

Top things to do in Biliran

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

Where to stay in Biliran

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

12. Kalanggaman Island

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

Top things to do on Kalanggaman Island

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

Where to stay near Kalanggaman Island

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

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

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

13. Siquijor

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

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

Top things to do in Siquijo

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

Where to stay in Siquijor

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

14. Bukidnon

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

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

Top things to do in Bukidnon

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

Where to stay in Bukidnon

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

15. Mati, Davao Oriental

Ideal for: Backpackers, adventure seekers, beach bums

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

Top things to do in Mati

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

Where to stay in Mati

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

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

16. Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, adventure seekers

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

Top things to do in Maragusan

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

Where to stay in Maragusan

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

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

17. General Santos

Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, foodies

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

Top things to do in General Santos

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

Where to stay in General Santos

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

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

18. Glan, Sarangani

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

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

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

Top things to do in and around Glan

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

Where to stay in Glan, Sarangani

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

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

19. Sultan Kudarat

Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, beach bums

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

Top things to do in Sultan Kudarat

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

Where to stay in Sultan Kudarat

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

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

20. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, nature lovers

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

Top things to do in Lake Sebu

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

Where to stay in Lake Sebu

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

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

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

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

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

1. Mount Bulaylay

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

2. Candon City Ecotourism Zone

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

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

3. Santiago Cove

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

4. Pinsal Falls

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

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

5. Hinatuan Enchanted River

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

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

Tips and Warning

1. never lose your temper when dealing with locals.

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

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

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

2. Pack light and loose clothing

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

3. Respect local culture and tradition

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

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

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

4. Respect the environment

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

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

5. Beware of tourist scams

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is the philippines safe to visit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. How do you get around in the Philippines?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Can I fly a drone in the Philippines?

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

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

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

• Boracay still among ‘most Instagrammable’ places in the world: travel website (2023) ABS-CBN News . Available at: https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/02/23/boracay-among-most-instagrammable-places-in-the-world (Accessed: 30 August 2023).
• Talbot, L. (2016). Palawan, the Philippines: The Most Beautiful Island in the World. Retrieved 6 November 2019, from https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-07-13/visiting-the-most-beautiful-island-in-the-world-palawan-philippines
• Smith, J. (2019). 10 of the world’s most beautiful islands. Retrieved 6 November 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-most-beautiful-islands/index.html
• Bologna, C. (2020). 50 Awesome Solo Travel Destinations To Visit In 2020. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/solo-travel-destinations-2020_l_5e13ccebe4b0843d361788c4
• Adel, R. (2023) Bohol named the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark , philSTAR.com . Available at: https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/2023/05/25/2268942/bohol-named-philippines-first-unesco-global-geopark (Accessed: 30 August 2023).
• Bremner, J. (2013). World’s 50 best surf spots. Retrieved 6 November 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html
• Springer, K. (2019). 13 of Asia’s most picturesque towns. Retrieved 6 November 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-beautiful-towns/index.html
• Purnell, K. (2023) Bacolod ranked least expensive tourist destination in the Philippines — study , philSTAR.com . Available at: https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/2023/04/05/2257110/bacolod-ranked-least-expensive-tourist-destination-philippines-study (Accessed: 30 August 2023).
• ‘Very friendly’ Dumaguete named top retirement spot in PH. (2018). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/08/13/18/very-friendly-dumaguete-named-top-retirement-spot-in-ph
• Fuentes, A. (2018). The search for the next Boracay: Carabao Island, Romblon. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/multimedia/slideshow/05/29/18/the-search-for-the-next-boracay-carabao-island-romblon
• Dagooc, E. (2019). Siquijor tourist arrivals hit record high in 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2019/05/10/1916636/siquijor-tourist-arrivals-hit-record-high-2018
• Corrales, N. (2019). Duterte declares 4 new PH tourist destination sites. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1158790/duterte-declares-4-new-ph-tourist-destination-sites
• Perez, A., & Villaruel, J. (2019). Chinese woman to face charges over viral ‘taho’ tantrum at MRT. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/09/19/chinese-woman-to-face-charges-over-viral-taho-tantrum-at-mrt
• Burgos, N. (2019). Taiwanese tourist fined in Boracay for wearing just a ‘string’. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1176343/taiwanese-tourist-fined-in-boracay-for-wearing-just-a-s

Written by Venus Zoleta

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Last Updated August 30, 2023 05:43 PM

Venus Zoleta

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

Browse all articles written by Venus Zoleta

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30 Absolutely Spectacular Places to Visit in the Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Northern philippines/luzon.

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

Ifugao Rice Terraces

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taal Volcano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catanduanes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corregidor Island & Bataan

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

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

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

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

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

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

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

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

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

Visayas/Central Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern Philippines

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

Legazpi City

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

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

Langun-Gobingob Caves

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

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

Palawan/Western Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Puerto Princesa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tubbataha Reef

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

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

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

Southern Philippines/Mindanao

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

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

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

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

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

Zamboanga City

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Philippines Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

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

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

What to Pack for the Philippines

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

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

Getting Around the Philippines

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

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

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

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

Best Places to Travel in the Philippines: Read Next

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

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

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

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The Most Beautiful Places To See In The Philippines

Uncover the most beautiful places in the philippines, from pristine beaches to its lush jungles — your tropical paradise awaits..

By: Shubhanjana Das Published: Nov 09, 2023 05:00 PM UTC

The tropical haven of the Philippines is blessed with some of the world’s most enchanting destinations and is an unparalleled tropical paradise worth experiencing for every beach bum. From the sun-kissed beaches of Boracay to the renowned beauty of Palawan, this archipelago is a canvas painted with nature’s finest strokes.

Here, turquoise waters caress sandy shores, inviting you to explore vibrant coral realms beneath. Yet, beyond the coastal charm lies a tapestry woven with cultural threads and echoes of a storied past. Wander through Spanish-influenced streets, traverse emerald rice terraces, and savour the symphony of flavours in Filipino cuisine. Explore some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines — an odyssey that promises not just a visit but a lasting connection to this tropical paradise .

Best time to visit scenic & beautiful places in The Philippines

The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.

Read our ultimate Philippines guide here .

Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in The Philippines

Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines, beckons with its stunning archipelago. Renowned as one of the world’s best islands, Palawan boasts white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and towering limestone cliffs spread across 1,700 pristine islands and islets scattered in its three main destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron. El Nido, with its mesmerising rock formations and caves, stands out as a must-visit.

Coron, part of Busuanga and Calamian Islands, offers snorkelling and picturesque landscapes, including the pristine Kayangan Lake. Puerto Princesa, the capital, boasts the UNESCO-listed subterranean river, once voted as one of the seven wonders, with underground caves and limestone karst mountains. Palawan is a paradise for island-hopping and exploration, making it one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Puerto Princesa International Airport is the nearest airport, 89.3 km away

Best places to stay: Frangipani El Nido, Maligaya Beach Bungalows, NoaNoa Island

Best time to explore: February to March

Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Booking.com

Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Agoda.com

Boracay, a gem in the Philippines, ranks among the country’s top destinations. Famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife, Boracay captivates with its spectacular sunsets. Despite its modest size — approximately 7 km long — the island boasts one of Asia’s finest beaches — The White Beach. This popular tourist spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and offers a spectrum of water activities, from jet skiing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Boracay, a top among the beautiful places in the Philippines, is a must-visit for those seeking absolute tropical paradise pleasure in the country.

How to reach: By air: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport is the nearest airport, 6.5 km away

Best places to stay: Shangri-La Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay

Best time to explore: March to May

Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Booking.com

Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Agoda.com

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Banaue rice terraces.

Nestled in the Ifugaos mountains, the Banaue Rice Terraces, a Philippine National Cultural Treasure, boast a 2,000-year legacy. Likely hand-carved, these terraces were ingeniously crafted to address the challenge of cultivating rice on steep terrain.

Towering at 1500 m above sea level, their remote Luzon location requires a trek, dissuading conventional tourists. Serving as both a scenic marvel and crucial farmland, these terraces are vital to locals. The Sunrise Viewpoint, a popular spot offers a picturesque view amid scarlet wildflowers and vibrant rice plantings, making Banaue one of the unmissable and most beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Cauayan City Airport is the nearest airport, 131 km away

Best places to stay: Hiwang Native House Inn & Viewdeck

Best time to explore: April to July

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Spread across a 20-square-mile (51.79 square kilometres) region in central Bohol, the Chocolate Hills, numbering around 1,700 mounds, captivate with lush greenery in the rainy season and transform to chocolate brown in the dry months, earning their name. These iconic hills are a must-see in the country, displaying a magical transition of hues between wet and dry periods.

Recognised for historical significance, the Chocolate Hills charm with rolling landscapes is a testament to nature’s artistry. Adorned with jungles and rivers suitable for kayaking , Bohol emerges as a diverse destination for nature enthusiasts, one of the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. Bohol, beyond the hills, shelters endangered tarsiers, adding to its allure.

How to reach: By air: Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the nearest airport, 85.7 km away

Best places to stay: Solea Mactan Resort, The Bellevue Resort

Best time to explore: March to June

Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Agoda.com

Also Read – Things You Need To Know About The Philippines Before Visiting

Pangasinan, a hidden gem just a 3-4 hour drive from Manila, falls among the (yet) undiscovered beautiful places in the Philippines. It boasts pristine cream-coloured beaches, islets with encircling sandbars, magnificent waterfalls, caves, heritage towns, and a rich gastronomic culture. Named “place of salt,” it’s a major salt producer, known for its unique local products like bagoong (shrimp paste) and alamang (krill). While many visit the famed Hundred Islands National Park, comprising 123 limestone islets, the province’s untouched beauty unfolds in deserted Salomague beaches. Snorkelling unveils a vibrant giant clam population, a result of ongoing conservation efforts.

How to reach: By air: Clark International Airport is the nearest airport, 105 km away

Best places to stay: Sirom Beach House, Oldwoods by the Sea Eco Resort

Best time to explore: December to May

Book your stay at Oldwoods By The Sea Nature Resort - Pangasinan via Booking.com

Book your stay at Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort via Agoda.com

Nestled at Luzon’s southern tip, Bicol, with provinces like Camarines Norte and Masbate, offers an adventurous escape. From January to May, encounter and swim with majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Bicol’s dynamic landscape features active volcanoes, led by the iconic Mount Mayon, secluded beaches, and off-grid bays.

Delight in the region’s spicy cuisine, highlighting coconut and chillies in dishes like Bicol Express and Laing. Explore pristine beaches, island-hop on a bangka, and immerse in vibrant local festivals. With such beautiful places in Bicol, Philippines, this region unfolds as a lesser-explored haven, inviting travellers to discover its natural wonders and unique cultural flavours.

How to reach: By air: Naga Airport is the nearest airport, 27.4 km away

Best places to stay: Residencia Del Hamor, Misibis Bay Resort

Best time to explore: January to May

Book your stay at Misibis Bay via Booking.com

Book your stay at Misibis Bay Resort via Agoda.com

Discover the diverse wonders of Calabarzon, offering historical sites, scenic landscapes, and world-class dive spots, all among some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Tagaytay, a charming town, serves as a gateway to Corregidor Island’s panoramic views. Laguna beckons with hot springs and waterfalls, perfect for canoeing or hiking. Heritage-rich Batangas is also a diver’s paradise and gives visitors a peek into the Verde Island Passage’s biodiversity. Also worth visiting are Taal Volcano, and Fortune Island, as well as the many scenic hikes Calabarzon offers. Unwind on white-sand beaches or Laguna’s famous hot springs. Calabarzon emerges as an eco-tourism haven, emphasising sustainable nature resorts.

How to reach: By air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the nearest airport, 67.2 km away

Best places to stay: Escala Tagaytay, Tierra Verde

Best time to explore: November to March

Book your stay at Escala Tagaytay via Agoda.com

Zamboanga City, the “City of Flowers,” is a vibrant port city with a rich cultural tapestry. Derived from the Malay word “Jambangan,” meaning “flower garden,” it’s also dubbed “ Asia ‘s Latin City” due to Hispanic influences seen in colonial structures. Chavacano, the main language, is a Spanish-based Creole. The landscape boasts wetlands and forests, inviting motorcycle exploration. Nature enthusiasts flock for bird-watching and encounters with giant bats. In Zamboanga del Sur, Santa Cruz Islands offer eco-friendly initiatives and interactions with the Sama-Bangingi community. Embark on a lagoon tour to marvel at diverse bird species.

How to reach: By air:  Zamboanga International Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp

Book your stay at Garden Orchid Hotel via Booking.com

Also Read – Discover the Unexplored Philippines’ Tropical Island Paradise of MIMAROPA

Nestled at the northern frontier of the Philippines, Batanes is the smallest province, both by land area and population. Aptly named the “Home of the Winds”, Batanes Island offers a secluded escape from the bustle, embraced by rolling hills and azure seas. Here, a tranquil atmosphere prevails, complemented by the amiable nature of the locals and an exceptional safety record. This hidden gem, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, caters to diverse travellers with mountains, sea, and delectable local cuisine. Batanes promises a retreat to simplicity — an idyllic haven where peace, quiet, and a back-to-basic lifestyle await, making it one of the hidden beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air:  Basco Airport is the busiest airport on the Island

Best places to stay: Residencia du Basco, Fundacion Pacita

Best time to explore: January to April, December

Vigan, a UNESCO Heritage Site, stands as a meticulously preserved testament to 16th-century Spanish colonial planning in Asia. Its architecture, a fusion of Filipino, Chinese, and European influences, creates a unique townscape unmatched in East and Southeast Asia . This historical gem captivates not only with its ranking among the Philippines’ top 20 tourist destinations but also as a paradise for history enthusiasts. Delight in the Spanish cultural tapestry woven into Vigan’s cuisine and architecture. The stone streets echo with the clop of kalesas, horse-drawn carriages, passing beneath old-fashioned street lamps, guiding visitors to colonial houses-turned-museums. Truly, Vigan epitomises the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Vigan Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, Le Casa Blanca Hotel Vigan City

Best time to explore: January to May, November and December

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(Hero image credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock, feature image credit: DmitrySerbin/Shutterstock)

Related: Explore The Pearl Of The Orient: Things To Do In Manila, Philippines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What makes Palawan, specifically El Nido and Coron, so special? Palawan’s El Nido and Coron boast pristine beaches and captivating landscapes.

– Why is Boracay considered one of the most picturesque beach destinations in the world? Boracay charms with powdery white sands and breathtaking sunsets worldwide.

– What is unique about the Banaue Rice Terraces, and why are they a scenic attraction? Banaue Rice Terraces amaze with ancient hand-carved agricultural marvels.

– What can visitors expect to see at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol? Chocolate Hills in Bohol offers iconic rolling landscapes, changing their lush green colours to brown with the change of seasons.

– Is Mayon Volcano safe to visit, given its volcanic activity? Mayon Volcano’s safety depends on its current volcanic activity status.

– Are there hidden gems in the Philippines for travellers seeking scenic beauty? Zamboanga, Batanes, Bicol, Pangasinan, among others.

– When is the best time to visit these scenic destinations in the Philippines? The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.

-Are these scenic places suitable for families and travellers of all ages? Most beaches are accessible to families and travellers of all ages, but it is advised to double-check the access and health conditions of the visitors beforehand.

• Philippines
• Philippines travel guide
• Travel Guide

Shubhanjana Das

An English Major, Shubhanjana is an independent culture and lifestyle journalist with extensive experience in fashion and travel writing. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue, Vice, FirstPost, and Mint Lounge, among others. She is a wannabe wine-taster and given the chance, wants to travel for a living and treats true crime podcasts like her lullaby. .. Read More An avid reader, Shubhanjana loves reading magic realism and surrealism literature. Read Less

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The best Philippines islands: a local’s guide to the 10 prettiest islands

By Hannah Tan-Gillies

Referred to as the Pearl of the Orient by those who've visited and loved the Philippines , this archipelago in Southeast Asia has so much to offer to those looking to find a slice of tropical escapism. This rich, biodiverse country is made up of 7,641 islands (depending on the tide) – and to our minds, is one of the most alluring destinations on the planet. 

1. Boracay, Aklan

Boracay Island is hailed as having the best beach in the world across countless reader polls – this is the Philippines’ most famous island for a reason. Famous though it may be, the caster-sugar beaches, crystal waters and vivid sunsets make it well worth a stop-off. Unlike some of the smaller, more off-grid isles, Boracay has some sensational places to stay, too – ranging from rustic boltholes to grand spots from the likes of Shangri-La .

While the best-known White Beach may be a tad overcrowded for some, check out the island’s less-hyped beaches for an experience away from the hordes. Bolabog Beach is set on a quieter side of the coast and is well-loved by Boracay’s kitesurfing community. Here, you can watch hundreds of colourful kites light up the sky – all the better while sipping a Pineapple Mint shake at the Banana Bay , Bolabog’s best-kept boutique hotel .

2. Siargao, Surigao del Norte

The once sleepy surf town of Siargao has grown in popularity over recent years and, in 2019, was voted as the best island in the world by Condé Nast Traveller readers. With giant barrel-shaped waves, Siargao is the Philippines’ surf capital – but there’s plenty to occupy those who aren’t taking to the waves, too. This tear-shaped island is dotted with hidden lagoons, magical rock pools, gigantic national parks and protected dive sites.

Naked Island, Guyam Island and Daku Island are three of the immaculate islets you can visit in Siargao. Naked Island is a completely uninhabited sand bar that disappears with the tide, while Guyam Island is a small tropical atoll covered by a handful of palm trees that you can cross in 50 steps. Daku Island, meanwhile, is our favourite for the handful of delicious seafood restaurants run by locals. Siargao also has a reputation as one of the Philippines’ most notorious party islands, with wild, joyful raves a nightly occurrence in many of the local bars .

3. El Nido, Palawan

Comprising 45 islands, El Nido is one of the most biodiverse archipelagos in the Philippines. Characterised by limestone formations and aquamarine lagoons, the landscape is as close as possible to what comes to mind when one conjures up images of the Philippines.

El Nido Resorts , which has three outstanding hotels in Miniloc, Lagen and Pangalusian Islands, is your best bet for a truly superb stay – charter private ‘bangkas’, or wooden boats, to visit El Nido’s many natural sites such as the picturesque Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and Snake Island.

4. Coron, Palawan

Coron blends perfect white sand beaches with clear freshwater lakes and marine-life-rich lagoons. Kayangan Lake is one of the most beautiful natural sites here, and is known as one of the cleanest bodies of water in the Philippines. To stay, Two Seasons Coron , which occupies the tip of a snake-shaped corner of the island, is a classically-Filipino style resort that maximises the best of Coron’s gorgeous natural surroundings while offering the world-renowned hospitality of the Filipino people.

5. Pamalican Island, Palawan

Known as one of the Philippines’ most luxurious private islands , Amanpulo certainly lives up to its impeccable reputation. Occupying the beautiful Pamalican Island in the Cuyo Archipelago of Northern Palawan, it offers the ultimate in smart tropical living. Guests can choose to stay in the Casitas, which are built on the island’s lush forest canopies or the Villas, which each include its secluded beachfront. Surrounded by pristine reefs, verdant jungles, and offering plenty of water sports and activities — there are plenty of reasons to splash out on a stint here.

6. Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Within driving distance from the capital of Metro Manila, Calaguas is an uninhabited group of islands perfect for those looking for a more rustic island experience. ‘Mahabang Buhangin’, which translates to ‘long sand’, is the most popular atoll and is known for its two-mile stretch of pristine beach. With not a single hotel on these islands, camping under the stars is your only choice for accommodation, which may discourage travellers from looking for familiar creature comforts. However, for those willing to brave the wilderness and total lack of any amenities, a visit to this wild, untouched island is well worth the discomfort.

7. Balesin, Quezon

Balesin Island Club is a 500-hectare private resort that is just a 25-minute flight from Metro Manila . This members’ club even has an airport – with guests often arriving in their jets and helicopters. Balesin has seven sumptuous environments that were inspired by the world’s most iconic summer destinations. The Balesin, Phuket , Mykonos , St. Tropez , Costa del Sol and Toscana villages each reflect the same architectural touches and gastronomic delights as their namesake destinations — and do so with plenty of gusto.

8. Sorsogon, Bicol

In many ways, Sorsogon is the best place to discover the Philippines’ vibrant wildlife – one of the richest in the world. It is perfect for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their Philippines sojourn. Here, you can swim with manta rays and giant ‘Butandings’ (whale sharks), hike the Bulusan Volcano National Park or sail along the Donsol River. A relatively-unknown spot, the Donsol River is a wonderfully ethereal boating experience, as its idyllic rural landscape gets transformed by hundreds of thousands of fireflies that illuminate the riverbank once night falls.

Lily Bonesso

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Sophie Heawood

Monica Mendal

9. San Juan, La Union

San Juan is another surfing paradise in the province of La Union in Luzon, the Philippines’ largest landmass. Just a few hours’ drive away from Metro Manila, San Juan has become a popular weekend getaway for locals looking for a sun-soaked escape from the busy capital. This laidback town has plenty to offer those looking for a more relaxed stay, with a string of quirky cafés and hidden gastronomic gems. Beyond all the incredible surf spots that San Juan has to offer, visitors can head to Tangadan Falls for cliff-diving, bask in the infinitely blue views of the Luna Pebble Beach or visit the wonderfully eccentric, sculptural museum-cum-ancestral home ‘Bahay na Bato,’ which translates to House of Rock.

10. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Yet another Palawan spot on the list, Puerto Princesa is home to many of the Philippines’ indigenous flora and fauna. The Subterranean River Natural Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is a magical albeit eerie place that is an absolute must-see. Here, you can explore the vast, cavernous limestone caves with a boat tour and enter the dark echoing depths of the Saint Paul Mountain Range.

Elsewhere in Puerto Princesa, you can meet monkeys and monitor lizards at the wildlife reserve or go on an island-hopping excursion from Honda Bay. From here, you can sail to the nearby Starfish, Luli and Cowrie islets whose names reveal exactly what you will find in each of these small pockets of paradise. For an excellent home-cooked meal, drop by the Purple Fountain, whose menu is as colourful as this quirky hotel’s joyfully-painted walls.

A travel & food blog

21 BEST Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines is composed of over 7000 islands. If it’s your first time visiting the country, you might feel overwhelmed about which places to include in your itinerary. Here I’ve compiled the best places to visit in the Philippines! And if you’re a local tourist, this list is also a good guide in exploring your local neighborhood.

This guide is based on my experience and knowledge of traveling in the Philippines. In writing this guide, I have considered not only the beauty of the places but also activities, ease of access & travel, and other factors that are important for first-time visitors.

1. El Nido, Palawan

2. coron, palawan, 3. siargao, surigao del sur, 4. batad, ifugao, 5. sorsogon, 6. badian, cebu, 7. boracay island, aklan, 8. camiguin, 10. kalinga, mountain province, 11. apo island, negros oriental, 12. balabac, palawan, 13. zamboanga city, 14. roxas city, capiz, 15. tibiao, antique, 16. moalboal, cebu, 17. malapascua island, cebu, 18. tawi-tawi, 19. biliran, 20. siquijor, 21. kalanggaman island, leyte, what to read next:.

If there is one place you should visit in the Philippines, it’s the province of Palawan . This boasts the best nature spots — particularly El Nido and Coron.

El Nido is located at the northern tip of the province. It’s known for its gorgeous turquoise waters surrounded by karst cliffs. Here you can go on a boat tour to explore white-sand beaches, kayak in Small Lagoon or Big Lagoon, or snorkel in Matinloc Shrine or Shimizu Island. You can also book a dive in its numerous coral reef sites.

At the end of the day, enjoy a dinner in one of the restaurants along El Nido Bay.

Coron is another tourist spot in Palawan. Its features bear similarities with that in El Nido, but it also has unique spots.

The best way to explore Coron is by chartering a private boat or joining a boat tour. You can go to Kayangan Lake and take a selfie in its viewdeck featuring the iconic Coron Bay, snorkel in WWII shipwrecks and coral reef spots, and swim in Malcapuya Island and other white-sand beaches. To relax after a day of activities, head to a hot spring to soothe your muscles.

Coron is the perfect blend of urban and rural living. Up to this day, the tourist attractions in Coron are managed and preserved by the Tagbanua tribe.

One of the best places to visit in the Philippines that you should add to your itinerary is Siargao — a laid-back tropical island where you can surf, swim, and enjoy the good life.

Siargao is located in Surigao del Sur. It is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. It has over 20 surf breaks with varying difficulties, which are ideal for new or pro surfers. Every year, it also hosts an annual surfing competition that attracts hundreds of surfers from all over the world.

Aside from surfing, you can explore the island with a motorbike or with a local tour. Some of the places you should see are Magpupungko Pool, Maasin River, and the three islands: Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island . You can also visit the nearby Sohoton Cove, which is an amazing nature park with white shores, underwater caves, and lush islets.

Siargao is the kind of place that’s so endearing you won’t mind visiting it again and again.

Batad is one of the best places to see rice terraces in the Philippines. It’s considered a UNESCO World Heritage site . The Batad Rice Terraces was hand-carved by the locals 2000 years ago and to this day it’s being tended to by local villagers.

Here you can relax in a homestay overlooking the rice terraces. You can also explore the village and trek to Tappiya Fals or Awa View Deck.

Batad requires lots of trekking. It’s ideal for adventurers or tourists who are looking for an authentic cultural experience in a small village in the Philippines.

Sorsogon is an underrated province in the Bicol Region. There’s so many places to see and things to do in Sorsogon that you’ll need several days to explore it properly!

You can start your itinerary in Matnog where you can go on an island hopping tour to see the Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary and the pinkish-sand beaches of Subic Beach and Tikling Beach. Then head to Bulusan National Park to kayak around the emerald-green lake located at the foot of Mount Bulusan. Afterwards, head to Gubat for surfing and Irosin for its hot spring resorts!

Another place you can visit in Sorsogon is Donsol. The main activity here is whale shark watching . The whale sharks visit the area to feed and breed on selected months, so you can safely see them in their natural habitat.

Just several minutes from Moalboal is the town of Badian, Cebu. This is the home of Kawasan Falls, one of the most recognizable attractions in the country.

Kawasan Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with bluish basin. It’s hugely popular so expect it to be crowded, even on weekdays. You can go here for a cool swim or you can sign up for a canyoneering activity upstream, where you need to cliff jump along a series of waterfalls along the canyon.

Boracay is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines. It’s a love-it or hate-it type: Some people avoid Boracay in favor of less-developed areas, while some visit here for the ease of vacation and stunning beaches.

The famous beach in Boracay is the White Beach. It stretches 3 kilometers long, with fine white sand that’s difficult to find elsewhere. White Beach is the main beach in the island and home to various resorts, restaurants, and other stores.

Boracay offers various activities including island hopping, helmet diving, parasailing, and other watersports. Another must-do activity here is sunset watching — it’s said to have one of the best sunsets in the Philippines.

Camiguin is one of the most underrated places in the Philippines, which is regrettable since if offers so much to see and do !

This idyllic island province is ideal for everyone — casual tourists who are looking for a relaxing vacation, adventure junkies, and even families with kids. Here you can take a boat trip to Mantigue Island for swimming and snorkeling or the Giant Clam Sanctuary to see giant clams up to 4 feet in length. You can also explore waterfalls, hot & cold springs, and white-sand beaches. Finally, you can challenge yourself by trekking to the summit of Mount Hibok-Hibok which is an active volcano.

Bohol is one of the places you should visit in the Philippines especially if it’s your first time. It’s home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills, a cluster of over a thousand hills covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during summer. Other places you can visit include old heritage churches, sanctuary where you can see the endangered species of tarsier, and white-sand beaches.

Bohol is a family-friendly destination. You can stay in an inland resort or book in Panglao Island, which is an ideal place for beach bumming, snorkeling, and diving.

Kalinga is a great place to visit if you like nature adventure and cultural immersion. Most people go here to visit Apo Whang-od or other mambabatoks to get a traditional hand-tapped tattoo.

From Manila, it’s possible to commute to Kalinga. Simply hop on a bus to Bontoc and then transfer to a jeep to Buscalan. From the drop-off point, you need to trek to Buscalan Village. You will be greeted by an amazing view of mountains and surrounding rice terraces along the way.

Once you get into the village, sign up in the queue list and check out the tattoo handbook for available designs. The designs are based on the tribe’s art and comes with special meanings. Apo Whang-Od is the oldest mambabatok in the area but the tradition has been passed down to other villagers as well, so you’re guaranteed to have your mark before you leave the mountain village.

Apo Island is a great place if you like snorkeling and diving.

This small volcanic island is located at the southern tip of Negros Oriental Province. Its surrounding marine area is considered a marine reserve and here you can see hundreds species of corals and fishes. It’s also home to sea turtles.

You can go on a day trip to visit the snorkeling areas in Apo Island and swim with the sea turtles in the island. The turtles are comfortable with the presence of humans, but of course you still have respect them and keep your distance! If you want to stay longer, there are dive resorts in Zamboanguita or Dauin, which is close to Apo Island by boat.

Balabac is a remote destination on the southern tip of Palawan Province. It isn’t as visited or developed as El Nido or Coron. In fact, it is mostly occupied by residential communities and there are limited accommodations such as a modest rooms, cottages, and tents.

Balabac is composed of several islands . Patawan Island has gorgeous white sands and turquoise water. Candaraman and Mansalangan have sand bars that look perfect in the camera. Lastly, Onuk Island is a private island surrounded by clear, pale-turquoise water — which some say is incomparable in the world.

To explore the islands in Balabac, you need to charter a private boat or join a group tour.

Zamboanga City is a great city to visit when you’re in Mindanao. Also known as Asia’s Latin City, this locals here speak Filipino and Chavacano which is a Spanish creole.

You can explore the city by foot to check its Spanish-era heritage buildings and century-old trees. You can also go on a day trip to the Great Sta. Cruz Island which is known as a pink-sand beach or island hop in Once Islas , an eco-cultural destination composed of 11 islands.

Another thing that you should do in Zamboanga is eat! It offers different cuisines , from typical Filipino favorites to Spanish, Malay/Indo, or regional dishes. Try out the famous curacha crab served in alavar sauce, latal plate, and knickerbocker for dessert.

There’s one reason you should visit Roxas City in Capiz — seafood! It’s the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. It has an 80 kilometer long coastline along with lands converted into fish ponds.

Here you can find various types of local fishes, crabs, prawns and shrimps, oysters, scallops, seaweed, and more. The best thing about it is that the abundance of seafood makes it cheap on the budget.

The best places to eat seafood in Roxas City are in Baybay Seafood Grills, Cafe Pubelo, and Palina Greenbelt Ecopark.

Tibiao is a rural town in Antique Province that offers eco-adventure activities for nature lovers.

One of the charms of Tibiao is its modest accommodations. You can book native cottages on the mountain or riverside, so you can relax and unwind. You can also trek to the Bugtong Bato Falls; head to Tibiao River to swim, kayak, or raft; or sign up for activities such as pottery making and lambaklad fishing. If you like trekking, you can explore the Antique Rice Terraces which covers different barangays. There you will the rice terraces and it cultivation up close, mingle with locals, and experience sleeping overnight in a homestay.

Moalboal is one of the best diving destinations in Cebu Province.

It has numerous dive spots where you can see corals, fishes, and various species of shark. There is also an island hopping tour which is a convenient option for day trippers: you can visit Pescador Island which is surrounded by shallow reef, Panagsama Reef, and Turtle Spot which is home to sea turtles.

You can also just snap your snorkels on and swim right off Panagsama Beach to see the famous sardine run. The sardine run a diver/freediver’s dream since you can get amazing underwater shots surrounded by or swimming across a ball of fishes.

Malapascua Island is another great diving destination in Cebu. Aside from its coral reef spots, the island is also 30-45 minutes away from Monad Shoal — one of the few places in the world where you are guaranteed to see thresher sharks.

Thresher sharks live deep in the ocean so they are not normally seen during dives. Monad Shoal is a cleaning station for the thresher sharks, so they go here everyday. Here you can see them up close. This is considered an advanced dive and only available for those with open water certification.

Tawi-Tawi is one of the least-visited provinces in the Philippines due to stigma. Few people know that it is actually safe!

The easiest way to get to Tawi-Tawi is via local flight from Zamboanga City to Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao. Once in Bonga, you can stay in a homestay or beachside resorts.

The great thing about Bongao is it’s a laid-back town. You don’t need an itinerary to explore this place. You can head to the market to buy local food and outrageously cheap seafood such as fishes, crabs, and squid. Or drop by the Badjao Village to buy traditional woven mats. You can also arrange a trip to Panglima Sugala and experience the barter between the Badjao and locals in the mainland.

Other activities you can do include trekking to Bud Bongao and island hopping .

Biliran is a small island in the Visayan Region. Despite its size, it has amazing spots you should visit.

Start your day in Biliran chasing waterfalls . You will discover the majestic Ulan-Ulan Falls which is tucked in the middle of a mountain forest and the more-known Tinago Falls.

The following day, go on an island hopping tour to see several islandsincluding Sambawan Island — one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. Sambawan Island has white-sand shores and a viewdeck that offers a lovely view of the whole island. You can beach bum, snorkel in the surrounding shore or book a dive tour, and do astrophotography at night.

Siquijor is one of the off-beaten places in the Philippines. Although it’s known by locals, few foreign tourists go here as it remains overshadowed by popular destinations in the region such as Bohol and Cebu.

You can rent a motorbike to explore the waterfalls in the island, including Cambugahay Falls. You can also visit several interesting spots such as Salagdoong Beach with its cliff diving spots and turquoise water, old churches, and the century-old balete tree. Interestingly, Siquijor is known as an island of witchcraft so you can still see stores selling love potions and locals offering traditional healing.

Siquijor is generally quiet and laid-back. It’s ideal for those who are looking for remote places to spend a few days in.

Kalanggaman Island is one of the top tourist attractions in Leyte. It’s a small, bird-shaped island with a long sand bar featuring whitish sand, surrounded by the gorgeous blue ocean.

You can pitch a camping tent here or stay in one of the modest cottages. Aside from swimming and taking endless selfies in the sand bar, you can also snorkel or do stand-up paddleboarding. Just be careful because the current here can be strong — there are designated areas for said activities.

Has this guide to the best places to visit in the Philippines been helpful to you? If you have further suggestions, let us know in the comments section below.

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Planning a trip to the Philippines? Check out these guides!

• First-Timers Guide to the Philippines
• Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
• Things You Need to Know Before Visiting the Philippines
• Is the Philippines Safe to Visit?
• Off-the-Beaten-Track Destinations in the Philippines
• Suggested 2 Weeks Itinerary in the Philippines
• Suggested 3 Weeks Itinerary in the Philippines
• Philippines Packing List
• Must-Try Food in the Philippines
• 21+ Top Adventures in the Philippines

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

I’ve always wanted to go to the Philippines and we’ll get there someday soon. Palawan especially is at the top of my list.

Frank (bbqboy)

Bryony Clapperton (travelsandmore)

The Philippines will be on my bucket list until the day I get to visit those incredible beaches. Coron is amazing, I’ve been reading so many blog posts about it recently. Major wanderlust!

Wow that Sounds and looks great! We are thinking about visiting the Philippines this year. Can you recommend a months/ season to go there? Thanks

Hi, Julia. I think that’ll be December to February. Personally I like January to February the best because it’s already high-peak season in December and accommodations and rates are much higher, but if you’re not on a budget then it’ll be fine.

For the best tropical weather, ideally the best time to visit the Philippines is during summer, from March to May. This coincides with school vacation, so mainstream tourist attractions especially beaches are often crowded. June to November is the rainy season. Personally I like to tour during this period because it’s also off-peak season but wouldn’t recommend it because there’s always a chance you’ll get stranded because of a typhoon.

Seasonal patterns always change in the country though and even vary among different regions, but December to February is the safe answer.

I also wrote a short guide here – https://www.taraletsanywhere.com/philippines-travel-guide/

This is an awesome list! Thank you for sharing! My honey and I will be traveling around SE Asia again and we never had the opportunity to visit the Philippines, so this article just bumped it up a notch on our bucket list. Coron looks especially amazing! 🙂

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines is an island nation located in the Western Pacific. The region boasts one of the world’s longest combined coastlines due to the nation’s seven thousand tropical islands. These islands have beautiful coral reefs and spectacular diving, wildlife like whale sharks and dugongs, and mountainous tropical rainforests.

Filipino people are smiling, warm, and generous. Flights can be found to Manila or Cebu, and interisland travel is easy to find via plane, car, train, or ferry. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in the Philippines :

10. Vigan [SEE MAP]

A visit to the Crisologo St region of this town is like a step back to colonial times. Horses pull carts along cobblestone streets, and dark-wood mansions flank the sides, as a reminder of the grand life that many enjoyed in this colonial Spanish trading post. At the time, many goods like beeswax and gold were traded to China for exotic Asian items.

Today, the main income for this port is tourism, though the splendor from its trading history remains. Vigan has two hearts, a shopping center in the North, and a business district in the South. Tourists will enjoy the museums that have been created from several mansions, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Mestizo district.

9. Bohol [SEE MAP]

The huge orange eyes and tiny fingers of the miniscule tarsier serve as the spokesmodel for the island of Bohol. Just a short trip from Cebu, this area is one of the few remaining homes for this tiny primate. The unique geologic oddity of the chocolate hills serves as the second draw for the non-divers to the region.

The mogul-like hills come with a legend of being formed by the rocks thrown by an angry giant. Most of the visitors to this region are, however, here to partake in the breathtaking dive opportunities that the region has to offer. It is the jumping off point for the marine reserves off of Pangalo and Pamlican islands.

8. Manila [SEE MAP]

This Asian megacity is the capital of the Philippines, the fly-in point for most tourists, and a bustling opportunity to appreciate bounds of culture new and old. From tall gleaming buildings on the skyscraper gazing tour to the turn-of-the century landmarks on the self-guided downtown tour, there is much to see in Manila.

Food, whether from a street cart or high cuisine restaurant, is excellent and diverse, representing much more than the blend of Spanish, indigenous, and Chinese heritages that have found their way to this island nation. There is never a bad time to go to Manila, as there are almost two-dozen annual festivals to keep the city celebrating.

7. Donsol [SEE MAP]

Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. They like tropical waters, which makes Donsol Bay a great habitat for them.

The protected species migrates through Donsol between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and May. This huge fish is not shy about approaching boats; indeed, some carry scars from encounters with propellers.

6. Tagaytay [SEE MAP]

The Taal volcano that sits majestically above the town of Tagaytay is a combination of active and extinct craters that create a beautiful tapestry of must-sees. Lake Taal is nestled inside the old Taal volcano crater, and the central island for the lake is the currently active volcano craters, which can be seen steaming on certain days.

Those who have never seen the pristine waters of a crater lake in person will be astonished at their pristine beauty. The long town of Tagaytay sits along this ridge, and is known for being clean, laid back, and a haven for foodies. Tourist attractions in town include the Punta de Santiago lighthouse, St Anne Shrine, and the large local flower farm.

5. Cebu [SEE MAP]

Cebu is an island province in the Philippines, consisting of the main island itself and 167 surrounding islands. Its capital, Cebu city, is the oldest in the Philippines, and home to the nation’s second international airport.

The city is a smaller but similarly busy version of Manila, with many of the same urban benefits of new, old, cutting edge and cultural. One advantage that Cebu has is Matcan island, featuring a premiere dive site that is a short drive from an international airport. Another diving gem, the island and resorts of Malapascua, is about a four hour drive to the port town of Maya, and then must be accessed by boat. It is well worth the trip, however, as it is often considered the number one dive site in the country.

4. Mindoro [SEE MAP]

Mindoro is an island that consists of two different regions, Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental, which are separated from one another by a high mountain range. The north of the region is mostly remote, and home to the primitive Mangayan tribe. This trip is well worth it for divers, however, as the town of Sablayan is the doorway to the island of Pangan and the pristine Apo Reef Marine Natural Park.

There is only one resort on the island, so reservations are recommended. In Mindoro Oriental, the main tourism location is the town of Puerto Galera. This is the ideal beach town, with resorts and white sand beaches for the water lovers, as well as jeep trips, orchid-filled rainforests, kayaking rivers and waterfalls for the trekkers in the group.

3. Banuae [SEE MAP]

The mud-walled rice terraces in Banuae are reason enough to take the bus trip from Manila to this unique indigenous town. The agricultural engineering system represented here was built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation.

Though the serene and impressive flats would be enough to make this a must-see, the spectacular wood-carved rice guardians make the trip even more worthwhile. The ancient, crude sculptures are reminiscent of tikis, and believed to protect the crops from harm.

Though tourism has brought the Western world to an ancient way of life and created a large tourist market here, there are opportunities to visit less touristy towns whose rice crops are still the main staple of their economy for those seeking a more authentic experience.

2. Boracay [SEE MAP]

Endless white sand beaches, colorful outrigger sailboat rides, and beautiful resorts grace this island that has been consistently in the top three beaches in the world by travel review sites. The most populous region of Boracay is the central part of White Beach, which has the most opportunities for food, adventure, shopping, and public merriment.

Moving further away, more remote options are available, but they come with reduced amenities. Lodging ranges from budget shacks to high-end full-service resorts, but the white sand beaches, turquoise water, and romantic ambiance are open to all.

1. Palawan [SEE MAP]

One of the best places to visit in the Philippines, Palawan is an island province that stretches from Mindoro to Borneo between the South China and Sulu seas. Puerto Princesa, which is close to large karst formations with an underground river, is the provincial capital.

Coron Reefs on Busuanga Island is a popular diving spot, drawing divers who want to explore Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. Another popular destination is El Nido, a town sandwiched between towering limestone karst cliffs and the beautiful Bacuit Bay.

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Reader interactions.

April 2, 2015 at 10:17 am

Interesting list. I know someone who just spent 6 months in the Philippines (Cebu), and she loved it so much that she’s returning very soon to live there. I’ve got to admit, it has kind of intrigued me to go there as well.

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Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best Time to Go to the Philippines

• January to March | Ideal Months to Travel in the Philippines
• April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines
• July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines
• November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

Geography of the Philippines

• Arriving at Manila Airport: What You Need to Know

How to Get Around the Philippines

Hotels in the philippines, best hotels and resorts in luzon, best hotels and resorts in visayas, best hotels and resorts in mindanao.

• Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

• Manila | The Capital of the Philippines
• Palawan | Gateway to the Best Islands in the Philippines
• Boracay Island | Tropical Paradise
• Cebu | Islands, Diving, Historical Sites, and More
• Bohol | Countryside and Island Tours
• What to Eat in the Philippines
• Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines
• Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Discover the treasures of the Philippines from beaches and islands, highlands, historical spots, and must-try food and fun activities. Find out the best time to visit and the best tourist spots. Learn how to get around from the Manila airport. Discover the best places to eat. Take inspiration from a 2-week itinerary that will take you around the best destinations in the country. Read this article for an introduction to traveling around the Philippines. 

It can be difficult to decide where to travel first in the Philippines. There are so many beautiful, postcard-worthy white sand beaches and pristine islands all over the Philippines, complete with crystal clear waters and rich and diverse marine life.

• Explore the widest collection of Philippine tours for your vacation
• Check out flights to the Philippines

Travelers who love swimming would find it hard to leave, as idyllic  beach trips , exciting  island-hopping adventures , and incredible  diving tours  are abundant here. The Philippines' beaches are among the best in the world as well, whether it's white sand, black volcanic sand, or even pink sand in some places. 

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

Boracay island hopping shared tour with lunch, kawa hot bath & snorkeling package, coron island hopping tour to kayangan lake & barracuda lake | palawan super ultimate package, shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers.

• Find the best Philippines vacation packages for a hassle-free trip
• See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

You can also take your pick from the Philippines' best festivals  that showcase the locals' culture and experience unique food trips that will get you craving for more Filipino food . 

If you're traveling to the Philippines soon, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip. 

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines .

The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas. While not all typhoons make landfall, the heavy rains may still affect your trip, so make sure to check weather forecasts. 

• Check out our  2-week Philippine itinerary packages

Note, though, that it doesn’t rain every day, nor does it rain the whole day during the wet season, unless there is a typhoon. It's still best to check the weather forecast for your Philippine destinations when planning a trip. Weather-wise, here’s what you can expect when traveling in the Philippines and where to go.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

January to march | ideal months to travel in the philippines.

January to March is usually the ideal period to travel to the Philippines. Even if there are bigger chances of precipitation, these are the months of the year when the temperature is cooler. The month of March also signals the upcoming festivals and the long weekend of Holy Week (Easter).

These months also highlight some of the biggest and grandest festivities:

The province of Aklan, where Boracay Island is located, commemorates the Ati-Atihan Festival in the second week of January. Check Boracay tours  and Boracay tour packages with hotel and airfare for your island getaway.

The highly anticipated annual Sinulog Festival   in the province of Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January. Check Cebu activities  and Cebu packages  for your trip.

Millions of devotees gather in Quiapo in  Manila City to join the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually every February or March. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac. Read our Philippine Hot Air Balloon 2024 guide to learn more.

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

3-day relaxing boracay package at feliz hotel with airfare from manila or clark & breakfast, hassle-free 4-day el nido palawan package at lime resort with airfare from manila or clark, incredible 4-day coron palawan package at two seasons coron bayside hotel with airfare & tours.

The Summer Capital, Baguio City , parades beautifully-adorned floats with flowers during the Panagbenga Festival in February. Check Baguio tours  and Baguio package deals with hotel  to make your trip more fun and hassle-free.

There are weeklong religious activities during Holy Week (Easter) in March or early April all over the country, but more specifically in Pampanga . Check Pampanga experiences  to make the most of your vacation.

April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines

During this time, the temperature and humidity levels are highest. This marks the summer season in the Philippines. Locals plan beach getaways or vacations in their hometowns. Expect that beach resorts will most likely be fully booked and have higher rates. 

The sun is the strongest from April to June, so precautions are needed when spending most of the time under the sun. Lather sunblock every two hours to avoid sunburn.

See our popular Island Hopping Tours

Boracay island hopping package private tour with lunch, snorkeling gear & kawa hot bath, palawan coron malcapuya, banana & bulog dos islands shared tour with lunch & transfers.

Some popular summer destinations in the Philippines include:

The natural, scenic, and hidden gems of Palawan. Check some Palawan activities  and learn more about the province in this Palawan travel guide . 

The white beaches, crystal clear waters, and extreme water sports of Boracay . 

The surfing paradise of La Union , Baler, Zambales, and Siargao. Check  Siargao adventures  and   learn more about Siargao in this guide . Book Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

The beaches and diving spots in Batangas . Explore the marine life of Batangas through an Anilao diving tour. Check other Batangas escapades .

• Check out our article on the Best Beaches to Visit in the Philippines

Aside from beaches and  island hopping tours in the Philippines, here are other summer season activities you can try:

Watch the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and how the people in Pampanga  celebrate the season during Holy Week. Check some activities in Marinduque and tours in Pampanga .

Taste the freshest catch in Dagupan City during Bangus Festival every April.

Head to Quezon Province and witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival, a thanksgiving festival held every 15th of May.

Witness the festivities and watch the beautiful women of the country all dressed up during Flores De Mayo.

Take part during the different pistang bayan (town fiestas) in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan. 

In June, take part in the combined Pintados-Kasadyaan festivals of Tacloban City that features a sailboat race, the Subiran Regatta, and the religious rite Balyuan. Join a Tacloban city tour to get the full experience.

Join the celebration of St. John the Baptist's feast day, where locals get doused with water on June 24th. It’s officially called the Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival in Filipino. It's usually celebrated in Batangas, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, to name a few.

July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines  

The volume of rainfall in the Philippines increases from July to August . These months are considered the wettest months, although it does not necessarily mean that it will rain all day long.

When typhoons hit, most of the islands in the country are affected, making trips around the country (depending on where the typhoon hits) difficult. Expect flight delays and even cancellations in some cases.

Philippine flights to different islands and beach resorts are cheaper during these months. Go to the beach, enjoy a food trip, or visit museums and historical places. Here are some other rainy season activities in the Philippines that you can try:

Go surfing and island hopping in Siargao . Browse our Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

Watch the dramatization of the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi in Bohol during the Sandugo Festival. Check some  Bohol activities  and Bohol package deals for your escapade.

Catch the colorful Pagoda Festival in Bulacan.

Witness the street parades and dances in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City . Check Davao activities to best experience the province.

Observe the Fluvial Parade of the Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia in Naga City.

Watch the elaborate and colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Check some Bacolod tours and learn more about the province in this Bacolod travel guide .

For Filipinos, Christmas or the holiday season starts as early as September or the beginning of the -ber months. Some establishments start to decorate their stores with Christmas ornaments as early as September 1st.

November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines   

November marks not only the beginning of the dry season but also the start of the long holiday celebration in the Philippines. These are the best months to visit Philippine cities because of the night markets, light and sound shows, and Christmas bazaars.

• Read our article on the Top Philippine Christmas holiday destinations

November to December are the best months to do your holiday shopping, as most malls are on sale and extended operating hours. However, there are other things you can do too:

Watch the Higantes Festival (giant paper effigies) in Rizal. 

Appreciate a grand Christmas experience in San Fernando, Pampanga, and its Giant Lantern Festival. 

Enjoy the cold weather and admire the views of Banaue Rice Terraces while sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee in Benguet . 

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines depends on what kind of activity you want to do. Come at different times to appreciate everything the country has to offer.

See our popular Sagada-Banaue Tour Packages

2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, private sagada tour to cultural & nature attractions with snacks & transfers from baguio, 2-week scenic adventure tour to highlands of north luzon package from manila.

The Philippines' geography  is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before planning a trip to the Philippines, it's important to know where your chosen destinations are. Your transportation, schedule, and budget will depend on the distances between each place. You can also book all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages that will take you around the top tourist spots in the country. 

If you're outside the Philippines, your first destination will most likely be Manila , the Philippine capital located in Luzon.  Most connecting flights to other destinations in the countries continue from  Manila Airport .

The Luzon island group also includes other big islands and island groups like Palawan, Batanes , Baguio, and Vigan . Top Luzon activities include city sightseeing, beach adventures, and some island-hopping trips. Check out the top Luzon tourist spots that you should visit. 

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

Budget-friendly 4-day coron palawan package at skylodge resort with flights from manila & tour, 5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, stress-free 5-day coron palawan package at bacau bay resort with flights from manila.

Visayas   is located   in the central part of the Philippines. Cebu is the main gateway to other Visayas destinations. Visayas is home to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Region, Leyte, and Siquijor. The top activities and best tourist spots in Visayas include idyllic beaches, island-hopping, outdoor adventures, and food tours.

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Davao City is the main gateway to other destinations in this island group, which includes Siargao, Camiguin, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro, to name a few. Top things to do and best tourist spots in Mindanao include outdoor adventures, beach escapades, and island-hopping.  Check out our Davao tourist spots itinerary if you're exploring Davao City and Samal Island .

• Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Given the number and variety of things to do here, filling your itinerary for a week or so when traveling in the Philippines won’t be a problem. 

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

Arriving at manila airport: what you need to know      .

Like any metropolitan city, Manila can be confusing for first-time visitors with flights to Manila , starting with arriving at the airport. Manila international airport, officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Manila Airport , has four terminals, which are not connected via airport rail link. Consider this when booking your flights, as inter-airline transfers may be complicated.

• Dubai to Manila flights
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However, there are now Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses that you can board to transfer airports in the Philippines , or you can book a taxi or Grab car via the Grab App (like Uber) if you have connecting flights. You can also book rent a car in Manila services. These transport options take public roads, so allot sufficient transfer time if you plan to transit between airlines. Here's a rundown of these four airport terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves all the international flights from and to Manila except for the ones operated by airlines in NAIA Terminal 2 and NAIA Terminal 3.

NAIA Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses the domestic and international flights of the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its affiliate PAL express. Starting July 2023, AirAsia and Royal Air domestic flights have been transferred to Terminal 2. This terminal is also known as the Centennial Terminal to commemorate the centennial declaration of Philippine independence.

NAIA Terminal 3

Terminal 3 caters to international flights operated by Cathay Pacific Air, AirAsia, Emirates Airline, Cebu Pacific Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Air, and Singapore Airlines, as well as all some domestic flights of Cebu Pacific Air. It has a transit lounge (airport hotel) and a massage place.

NAIA Terminal 4

Terminal 4, the smallest of the four, serves domestic flights from CebGo, AirSwift, and SkyJet.

See our popular Manila Transfers

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• Cebu to Manila flights
• Davao to Manila flights
• Tacloban to Manila flights
• Iloilo to Manila flights

Outside Manila: Clark International Airport

A secondary international airport nearest to Manila is Clark International Airport. It takes two to three hours to travel from Manila to Clark, which is 93 kilometers away. One transport option is through the Premium point-to-point (P2P) Bus Service. This bus service has a station at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which is ideal if you come from the southern part of Metro Manila. If you're coming from the northern part of Metro Manila, take the P2P bus from its North EDSA MRT / Trinoma Station in Quezon City.

You can also hire a car rental service from Clark to Manila  for a more comfortable and private transportation. Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines .

Currency Exchange and ATMs

All airport terminals have money changers open 24/7 in both the arrivals and departure areas. There are ATMs as well that accept foreign-issued cards though fees may apply. Read our guide about money exchange in the Philippines .

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Free SIM Card

Once you arrive in Manila airports, take advantage of the free SIM cards given by the Philippines' major telecommunications companies: Globe and Smart. You can top up your credit in convenience stores like 7-Eleven all over the country.

Transportation to and from the Manila airports

All Manila airports have taxi stands. You can get a coupon taxi (white) that’s dispatched by airport personnel and charged a fixed price or a yellow taxi that’s metered. Both are more expensive than regular white taxis but relatively safer to use.

There are also shuttle buses that will take you to the nearest metro station. However, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, taking this route is not as comfortable as taking either an airport taxi or booking an accredited taxi/cab, hire Manila car rental  services, or carpool through the Grab App .  If you are traveling in a big group and have a lot of luggage, booking a van rental in the Philippines  or a budget car rental in the Philippines may be advisable. 

For a hassle-free arrival or departure, check out our Manila airport transfers . 

The primary way of getting around the Philippines is by buses, planes, and ships/ferries. Boat rides are great for inter-island trips with short distances; for everywhere else, flights are recommended.

Depending on when you visit, you can find a lot of cheap flights in the Philippines . In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight than a ferry. The biggest flight carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia.   

Within small towns and cities, the primary modes of transport are bus, jeepney, or tricycle (like Thailand’s tuk-tuk or India’s auto-rickshaw, but smaller). In addition, major cities have taxi cabs and the Grab app. Only Manila has the metro system. If you want to go around the country in style, you may book an SUV rental in the Philippines or  luxury car rental in the Philippines .

You can also book self-drive car rentals in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines .

For inter-island transportation, sea transfers such as ferries are the best option. Secure your Philippines ferry ticket booking  in advance for a hassle-free trip. 

See our popular Sea Transfers & Ferries in the Philippines

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It is not hard to find accommodations in the Philippines . In top destinations, you would find various options, from 1- to 5-star hotels, ranging in price from budget to luxury. 

For budget travelers, there are numerous hostels, guesthouses, and homestays all over the country. Note that budget places are less likely to have a hot shower available, and in some places, there would be no Wifi.

It's highly recommended to book at least one night (or more) in advance, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera during peak season (e.g., summer and holidays).

Read our article guides on the best hotels and resorts in top destinations in the Philippines: 

• Best hotels in Manila
• Best serviced apartments in Metro Manila
• Best beach resorts near Manila
• Best hotels near Manila Airport
• Best glamping resorts near Manila
• Best hotels in BGC Taguig Metro Manila
• Best hotels in Makati City
• Best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in El Nido, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Coron, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in San Vicente, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Port Barton, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Antipolo
• Best hotels in Baguio
• Best resorts in Baler
• Best resorts in Batangas
• Best affordable Batangas resorts
• Best pet-friendly resorts in Batangas
• Best Batangas resorts with pool
• Best resorts in Bataan
• Best resorts in Bulacan
• Best resorts in Cavite
• Best resorts in Laguna
• Best hotels in Laoag Ilocos Norte
• Best resorts in La Union
• Best hotels in Legazpi City Albay
• Best resorts in Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Pampanga
• Best resorts in Pangasinan
• Best resorts in Puerto Galera
• Best resorts in Quezon Province
• Best hotels and resorts in Sorsogon
• Best hotels and resorts in Subic
• Best hotels in Tagaytay
• Best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake
• Best hotels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
• Best resorts in Zambales
• Best resorts and hotels in Boracay
• Best beachfront resorts in Boracay
• Best budget-friendly resorts in Boracay
• Best Boracay Station 1 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 2 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 3 resorts
• Best Boracay hotels and resorts for families
• Best Boracay workation resorts
• Best resorts in Bohol
• Best beachfront resorts in Bohol
• Best hotels in Bacolod City
• Best hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best beachfront resorts in Cebu
• Best luxury hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best budget-friendly hotels in Cebu City
• Best hotels near Cebu airport
• Best hotels in Iloilo City

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• Best hotels in Davao City
• Best resorts in Siargao
• Best beachfront resorts in Siargao
• Best Siargao hotels and resorts for groups
• Best Siargao budget hotels and resorts
• Best resorts in Samal Island

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• Best beach resorts in the Philippines
• Best spa and wellness resorts in the Philippines
• Best glamping resorts in the Philippines
• Best farm stays & resorts in the Philippines
• Best treehouse resorts in the Philippines
• Best pet-friendly hotels and resorts near Manila
• Best mountain resorts near Manila
• Best budget-friendly quality resorts near Manila
• Best private resorts near Manila
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• Best hot spring resorts in Laguna
• Best Bali-like resorts in the Philippines
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• Most unique hotels and resorts in the Philippines
• Best natural hot spring resorts in the Philippines
• Best historic hotels and houses in the Philippines
• Best honeymoon resorts in the Philippines
• Best luxury resorts and hotels in the Philippines
• Best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines
• Best PWD-friendly hotels and resorts in the Philippines

With over 7000 islands, you will definitely need to prioritize when deciding on the places to visit in the Philippines. Much depends, of course, on how long you will have in the country and what you are interested in doing. For starters, you can check out our article on the top tours in the Philippines .

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss out on: 

4-Day Fascinating Culture & Nature Tour Package to Cebu & Bohol with Accommodations & Transfers

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It has, for example, the old Spanish fortress in Intramuros  that provides you with a glimpse of what the city used to be under over three centuries of Spanish rule. Nowhere is the Spanish influence seen more clearly than in the Walled City, from the cobbled streets to the restored houses. Make sure to join Intramuros tours to get the full experience.

• Check   Manila activities  that you can add to your itinerary

Highlights in Intramuros include the old churches of San Agustin, built in 1587, and the Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1571 and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico. Outside Intramuros, there’s also the historic Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene every January attracts millions of devotees.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

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You can also try some of the trips around Binondo , the oldest Chinatown in the world. You can also watch one of the best sunsets in the Philippines along the Manila Bay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

When booking a hotel in Manila , we recommend booking accommodations either in Manila City or in Makati City . Both of these destinations have plush hotels, high-end shopping malls, and various bars and restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisines.

See our popular Binondo Tours

Palawan | gateway to the best islands in the philippines.

You’ll see beautiful powdery, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestones, hidden lagoons, and even a safari. 

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

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Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is often the first place that travelers go to, as it has frequent and affordable flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is home to the Underground River , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The city is the jump-off point for Honda Bay island hopping ,  Underground River tour , and several Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente.

• Learn more in our article on the top attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa

Coron is another popular destination in Palawan. There are direct flights and boats from Manila to Coron (via Busuanga Airport, an hour from Coron town proper), making it a possible first destination for the Palawan leg of your Philippine itinerary.

If you’re into water activities, Coron is the getaway you might be looking for. It is best known for wreck diving and snorkeling, island hopping to hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the iconic Kayangan Lake. Check out our Coron tour packages with airfare .

Google Coron, Palawan, and the first photo you'll see is of the view going to the freshwater lake. It's why Coron island-hopping  is popular with both locals and internationals.

See our popular Coron Tours and Activities

Coron is the best place for wreck diving because it has a handful of sunken ships hidden beneath its waters, some of which are big enough to be explored inside, while some are shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. If you're not a certified diver, dive shops in Coron have Discover Scuba activities too.

• Learn more in our article on the top activities and places to see in Coron

El Nido is another well-known destination in Palawan. Over the years, the town has transformed from one that doesn’t even have an ATM and 24-hour electricity into a popular holiday destination.

There are regular island-hopping trips in El Nido that take you to various islands and beaches such as the Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, among others.

• Read our guide on the top activities and attractions in El Nido  

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Boracay island | tropical paradise.

Boracay became a popular destination for local and international travelers because of its fine, white sandy beaches (led by the famous White Beach ), its combination of Boracay nightlife scene and family-friendly atmosphere, and its many accommodations across budgets.

Watching sunsets may be cliché to some, but the sunset in Boracay is definitely one of the best you’ll see in the country. The silhouette of sailboats, the shadows of people walking along the shore, and the sky turning from blue to a fiery red and into a faint orange is an image you won’t quickly forget.

• Browse our Boracay tour packages with airfare

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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Most Boracay hotels are lined up in White Beach grouped into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. However, you can easily visit the other beaches there during your stay. Puka Beach, for example, may not have sand as fine as White Beach, but if you go early enough, you can avoid the crowds and have a relaxing hour or two by the beach.

Bulabog Beach is becoming a popular destination for kitesurfers. The winds here are strong enough for those who want to try something new or improve their skill. There are several shops offering lessons and provide rental gear too. 

You’ll have plenty of options in Boracay when it comes to food, as there are markets, budget restaurants, Western food, buffets, and bars that cater to different kinds of tastes. Read our article on the best restaurants in Boracay  to learn more. There are fun activities like Boracay pub crawls too! Indeed, Boracay is the destination to be if you want a bit of everything in one place.

• Read our guide on the top things to see and do in Boracay

See our popular Boracay Tours and Activities

Cebu | islands, diving, historical sites, and more.

The province of Cebu is another popular place to visit because of the range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. 

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in the north are famous beach destinations because of their pristine beaches and sky-blue waters. Visitors usually combine a trip to these two destinations. Both islands provide a laid-back atmosphere if you want to just spend the whole day relaxing. 

See our popular Cebu Tours and Activities

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Malapascua is best known for its thresher sharks. It's the only place in the world where this species is consistently seen almost every day. 

Bantayan Island, on the other hand, is more for beach bumming and snorkeling. It has a healthy coral garden you can explore and a long coastline of white sandy beaches.

Make sure to go to the south of Cebu as well and include Moalboal in your Philippine itinerary. This is where you can experience the famous sardine run tour . Seeing the hundreds of thousands of sardines swimming beneath you (or above you if you choose to dive) is definitely an awesome experience unique to Cebu.

A must-try during your visit to Cebu is the fun canyoneering experience . It is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you jump into a pool of water from around 25 meters high. You’ll also get to trek and enjoy some moderate hiking activities and take the plunge at the azure waters of Kawasan Falls . 

See our popular Kawasan Falls Tours

Other places of interest in Cebu province include hiking Osmeña Peak, trekking to Tumalog Falls, lounging in Tingko Beach, Lambug Beach, and Basdaku Beach, just to name a few.

• Check our article on the  Top Tourist Spots in Cebu  

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province, is cosmopolitan and developed. You can join a historical tour in Cebu that will take you to sites like Magellan’s Cross, as well as old churches and museums, among others. There is a variety of restaurants offering local and international food, too.

If you’re a meat-eater, never miss the famous lechon (suckling pig) that Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever.” There are countless bars and shopping malls for entertainment as well.

The Queen City of the South has the second busiest airport in the Philippines located in Mactan , flying to 25 domestic and 22 international destinations. From here, the best beaches in Cebu are easily accessible by private transportation and public buses. 

You also have several options for accommodation, whether you want to splurge or stick to a tight budget.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

3-day cebu ultimate budget vacation package with hotel, transfers & add-on tours, bohol | countryside and island tours.

The island of Bohol is another must-include in your Philippine itinerary. There are endless tourist spots in Bohol that you can visit. You can do a countryside day tour of Bohol, but why spend only one day in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines?

Bohol has many beaches and activities for those who want to see more of the region. Make sure to explore Panglao Island to make your trip more fun and exciting! Start your trip by trying Alona Beach activities such as fly fish, UFO, parasailing, banana boat ride, and many more.

A trip to Bohol is incomplete without joining  Chocolate Hills tours . These green hills that turn brown during the summer months will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses, hence the name. The viewpoint was affected by the major earthquake in 2015, but it has since been restored.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

• See our guide on how to go to Chocolate Hills

Another must-see is the tarsier, a tiny primate (around 3.5 to 6 inches long) with huge eyes that can only be found in Southeast Asia. You can visit tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, where you can see these tiny and cute creatures (do not hold or touch them, though).

While in Bohol, try the Loboc River Cruise experience . It provides you with a relaxing and scenic way to see the countryside while feasting on Filipino cuisine and being serenaded by local performers.

Bohol also has relics of Spanish colonial times; you’ll see several old churches that provide you with a glimpse of the province’s historical and cultural heritage. While some of these churches were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, most of them have been restored, including Baclayon Church.

These destinations are only some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The country has plenty more to offer travelers with various budgets and preferences for their trip. 

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers, what to eat in the philippines  .

Filipino food is one of the most underrated in Asia. Most international visitors know what to expect from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese food but are usually totally clueless about the Philippines' local cuisine. 

Filipino cuisine is actually one of the most diverse in the world. Because of its colonial past, it has influences from the west as much as it has oriental roots. Note, though, that the cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarian or vegan guests traveling outside major cities may find it hard to look for restaurants that provide vegetarian or vegan options.

If you are a first-time visitor in the Philippines and don’t know what Filipino food to try, here are some of the best food in the Philippines that you should keep on the lookout for in your culinary and food trips .

See our popular Food Tours

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The name adobo was given by the Spanish due to the similarity to adobo or adobar, a cooking practice that also uses vinegar and soy sauce indigenous to Iberia. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines due to its popularity across all regions.

Sisig is a favorite pulutan (food eaten with alcohol) accompanied by a local beer. The dish is made of chopped parts of a pig’s head and liver. Onions, chopped chili peppers, eggs, and calamansi are added. It is normally served in sizzling plates.

This appetizing dish originated from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of sisig variations are available today, such as tuna, squid, tuna, milkfish, and mussels. If you are looking for a vegetarian version of Sisig, some restaurants serve mushrooms and tofu sisig. Read more about it on our travel guide to Pampanga .

3. Lechon 

The pig is roasted for hours with occasional basting. It is served with a local sauce in some regions. One of the most famous foods in the Philippines, lechon is a must-try for anyone coming to the country. The best lechon in the Philippines are from Cebu. Read our travel guide to Cebu to learn more about it.

4. Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory broth. A classic Filipino dish, sinigang is what most Filipino kids ask their moms for if they are sick. The sour taste is from the use of tamarind to flavor the broth.

This traditional food in the Philippines has evolved so much that several tamarind alternatives are being used these days. It includes guava, mango, kamias, santol, and even watermelon.

5. Caldereta

Caldereta is another classic Filipino dish and stew. This savory dish is cooked originally using goat meat, but beef, chicken, or pork can also be used these days.

Tomato sauce, liver spread, vegetables, bell peppers, and cheese are added to the meat. The name of the dish is derived from the Spanish word caldera or cauldron in English. 

6. Crispy Pata

Crispy pata or pork knuckles is a famous Filipino pork dish among Filipino family dinners.

This dish is made by boiling the entire pork knuckles with seasonings for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. It is then frozen overnight with another batch of seasonings and then deep-fried until the skin is crispy. 

7. Chicken Inasal

8. Dinuguan

The name dinuguan derives from the word “dugo” or blood; hence the word dinuguan means “to be stewed with blood.” It is made of pig’s blood and offal.

Dinuguan is similar to the Irish black pudding except that it is a stew instead of sausage. Aside from being eaten with rice, Filipinos also pair it with puto (steamed rice cake).

9. Fish Kinilaw

Fish kinilaw is the ceviche of the Philippines. Made of raw fish, this appetizing dish is denatured using vinegar as a primary ingredient. Onions, ginger, chili peppers, black peppers, and calamansi are added for flavoring.

Popular fish used for kinilaw includes yellowfin tuna, mackerels, and marlins. 

10. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a Filipino favorite snack or merienda . This cold snack and dessert consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as beans, jellies, tapioca pearls, mixed fruits, leche flan, purple yam, and even ice cream.

Halo-halo is extremely popular, especially during the summer months, to cool off from the heat. You can find a lot of food stands selling halo-halo in the local neighborhoods.

Taho (soy pudding) is a popular street food in the Philippines . This healthy snack is made of soft tofu, caramelized brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. It is comfort food that you can buy from street peddlers, usually in the morning. In local neighborhoods, local peddlers walk or bike around houses. When you hear a deep voice shouting "taho," just shout back "taho" to call the peddler's attention to buy a cup. 

For non-Filipinos, you might have heard of balut from your adventurous friends who keep telling you that you have never been to the Philippines if you haven’t tried this Filipino street food.

Balut is a boiled fertilized egg embryo that is eaten from a shell. Don’t let it scare you, though; balut tastes like an ordinary egg with a tasty soup. It's usually sold in the streets at night, with some vendors going around local neighborhoods at night shouting "balot."

Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines        

Creating an itinerary for a trip to the Philippines can be difficult, especially for a first-time visitor. This 2-week itinerary in the Philippines will give you an idea of how to maximize your time in the country.

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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Day 1: Manila

If you only have 2 weeks, a day tour in the capital city Manila is enough. If you're spending more time here, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Manila .

Things to do in Manila for 1 day:

Explore Intramuros . It used to be the center of government during Spanish times.

Visit Rizal Park. It’s a favorite leisure spot for the locals.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset along Roxas Boulevard.  

Go on a Binondo food tour and enjoy authentic Chinese food at the oldest Chinatown. 

Read our article on Manila layover activities for more ideas. 

Ride a night bus going to Baguio and travel to Banaue.

Day 2-3: Banaue 

The mountain province of Banaue is famous for its iconic rice terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at around 1500 meters above sea level, it uses an ancient irrigation system where water comes from the rainforest above it. 

Things to do in Banaue for 2 days:

Walk around the rice terraces.

Check out the local village and watch an Ifugao cultural show.

Trek to Batad and check out Tappiya Waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you can swim there, too.

If you have more time to spare, go to Buscalan in Kalinga and get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od . 

Take a night bus going back to Manila so you can arrive early the following day. 

Day 4: Layover in Manila + Fly to El Nido

If you have time to explore Manila before your flight, head to the bustling city of Makati , where you can explore shopping malls or parks, and treat yourself to a good meal or a bit of shopping. You can go to Poblacion Makati and have some drinks , get a relaxing massage , or join a game night in BGC .

Make sure to withdraw enough cash for El Nido, Palawan. The ATMs in El Nido don't always have enough cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards yet, so you might want to plan just in case.

Day 5-7: El Nido, Palawan

Things to do in El Nido for 3 days:

Join an El Nido island hopping trip  which runs for a full day. Each tour has a different itinerary, so it’s up to you to select which sites you would like to visit. You can allot 1 tour a day.

Do the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk and see the stunning view of the town and the islands. 

Drink beers or cocktails and watch the sunset of El Nido in Las Cabanas.

Day 8-9: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Things to do in Puerto Princesa for 2 days:

Explore the  tourist spots in Puerto Princesa  City or go island hopping in Honda Bay . 

Book a tour of the underground river for Day 9 (you should book this in advance). The whole tour will take 5-6 hours.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Day 10-12: Bohol

You can’t fly directly to Bohol from Puerto Princesa, but you can fly to Cebu and then take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol . The flight takes about an hour while the fast ferry takes about 2 hours.

Several fast ferries travel between Cebu and Bohol, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding transport to Bohol.

No advance booking is necessary. Just go to the ferry terminal in Pier 4 North Reclamation Area.

Things to do in Bohol for 2 days:

Do the  Bohol countryside tour  where you can visit most top Bohol attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Shrine. 

Join Bohol island hopping tours where you can have the chance to see dolphins and snorkel at the incredible Bohol diving sites like Balicasag Island . 

Explore Alona Beach in Panglao Island. There are several bars and restaurants there if you need a break from lounging in the beach.

For more adventurous activities, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is where you can experience the Plunge (canyon drop) as well as other exhilarating activities.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Countryside Private Tour with Transfers & Add-on Loboc River Cruise Lunch

Bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

Day 12-14: Cebu

Things to do in Cebu for 2 days:

When you arrive, go around Cebu City or book Cebu tour s and check out its top attractions, including the Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Moalboal, around 2 hours from the city, where you can go island hopping and swim with the sardines if you book Moalboal tours .

From Moalboal, head to Alegria and Badian for the canyoneering and the Kawasan Falls adventure .

There are several flights from Cebu to Manila , so going back to Manila on Day 14 won’t be a problem. Just make sure to check your flights and allot extra time for delays so you won’t miss your flight out of the country! An easier way to a multi-destination itinerary in the Philippines is by booking all-inclusive Philippine tour packages . 

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines 

Now that you know which destinations you should add to your trip to the Philippines take note of these helpful tips: 

Is it safe to visit the Philippines?

Generally, yes. But it's always best to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure at all times and be wary of strangers. If you're planning to do outdoor activities, check out our guide on travel insurance in the Philippines .

What are the Philippine citizens called?

We are called Filipinos (not Philippinos).

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. This makes it easier for travelers to get around since English is widely understood and spoken.

While Spanish was the country's official language in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only a very small percentage of the population speak or understand it now.

A lot of words, however, derive their origin from Spanish. All over the Philippines, around 180 languages (and dialects) are spoken, 12 of which are used by at least one million people.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines? 

Passports holders from any country except the following either don't need a visa or can pay for a visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Korea

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Taiwan (have to apply for an ETA online)

Timor-Leste

If unsure, double-check with your embassy.

Is Wifi widely available all over the country? 

Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in major cities would have Wifi connectivity, but the connection's quality varies widely, depending on location. You can use data but note that the signal can be weak to nonexistent in many islands. 

Can I use my credit card? 

Cash is still king in the Philippines. You can use credit cards in shopping malls and restaurants in major cities, but once you go out of the major cities, and especially in the islands, credit cards are not usually accepted.

Before leaving Manila or other major cities, make sure to acquire enough cash. A lot of destinations do have ATMs and money changers, but check before you leave.

Discover what the Philippines has to offer. With so many destinations to travel to, start planning your trip now!  Read our travel guides  to learn more and explore our collection of  Philippine tours and activities  for your trip. 

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Where to Go in The Philippines: The Perfect Itinerary

04/10/2023 by The Wanderlovers 65 Comments

It’s tough to think of a more beautiful corner of the world than the Philippines, with white sand beaches, bath-temperature water, and incredibly friendly locals.

These islands, 7,107 of them to be exact, are worth a departure from the typical banana pancake trail in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam! The beaches are regarded as some of the best in the world, as are the diving opportunities, and the welcoming nature of the Filipino people is unwavering.

But with so many islets to choose from offering up various culture, adventure and culinary delights, where do you even start to plan an itinerary and figure out where to go in the Philippines? Well luckily enough, Charlotte and I have spent roughly two months in the Philippines and have wrapped up our experiences into one neat little package below. Let’s get to planning your perfect Philippines itinerary:

It’s likely that you’ll begin your journey in the capital, Manila. A city bustling with people, Spanish colonial architecture, street vendors and Jeepneys.  Many travellers use Manila simply as a gateway to other destinations in the Philippines but we would recommend spending at least a day there in preparation for the rest of your adventure. It will also give you enough time to purchase your bus ticket to the North of Luzon, acclimatize, and sample street food like quack quack (battered quail egg) and caramelized bananas.

Quick Tip: Take a Jeepney ride for as little as 10PHP to a random destination in town. Just get off where you feel spontaneous!

Stay:  Book your Manila stay here .

North Luzon (Banaue / Batad Rice Terraces)

North Luzon is very much overlooked in the Philippines with travelers opting for pristine white beaches and crystal cobalt seas instead. However, we would highly recommend a trip into the mountainous region for a glimpse into the World of the local rice farmers and stunning craggy landscapes. The UNESCO Banaue rice terraces are a key highlight of any trip to the North.

Top Tip: Most travelers visit Banaue due to the UNESCO title stamped across its name, however just an hour up the road (or up the mountain) lie Batad rice terraces which are just as beautiful and have far fewer tourists.

An overnight stay will allow you to live like the locals in a traditional stilt house built into the terrace. A trek to a neighboring waterfall is also on the agenda here and highly recommended! Wear a bathing suit and take a dip!

How To Get There: Overnight buses such as Ohayami run from the Sampoloc area of Manila for $19, which can be purchased a day in advance or on the day of (subject to availability). They leave at 9pm.

Stay: Batad Transient House (traditional stilt house) for just $11 with a delicious breakfast!

Home to the infamous hanging coffins, the Igoret tribes of the North have long practiced burying their dead in coffins nailed against the side of cliffs, believing they will be closer to heaven.

This tradition is slowly dying out, so this is a rare chance for a deeper glimpse into traditional tribal life. You can hop off at Sagada on a return bus trip to Baguio from Banaue.

Quick Tip: Sagada has VERY limited ATMs and the one we did find had zero money, resulting in frantic phone calls home to wire money to Western Union Transfer! Take enough cash for your trip to Sagada.

Stay:  Book your Sagada stay here .

Baguio City (Mount Pulag)

No trip to North Luzon is complete without visiting its highest peak at 2,926m above sea level. If that sounds like too much trekking for some then do not fear! Most of the journey is done by Jeepney to a mountain village where you stay overnight in a local house before taking on the summit in the early hours. In total the trek takes approximately 4-6 hours after reaching the village with a couple of rest breaks before reaching “the sky of clouds”.

Quick Tip: Most tour operators will drop you back at Manila providing you advise that you want to be dropped off here INSTEAD of returning to Baguio. If you follow this itinerary chronologically, this is ideal as we’ll be flying down south next.

Go With:   Mount Pulag Adventures

Stay:  Book your Baguio City stay here .

Siargao must be one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, and it’s the country’s surf capital. This island has a super laidback vibe, great snorkeling options, and island hopping excursions including the famous Sugba Lagoon. Located in the Mindanao region of the Philippines, Siargao is a laid-back paradise that’s just starting to explode onto the traveler scene. Read more about all the best thing to do in Siargao here. 

How To Get There: Fly directly into Sayak Airport (IAO), or take a ferry from Surigao del Norte.

Stay:  Look at General Luna and Pacifico. Book hotels here .

Boracay 

A small island in central Philippines, Boracay is the top tourist draw of the Philippines, and for good reason! White beach takes center stage framing a 4km slice of paradise, once voted the best beach in the world! An array of restaurants, resort accommodation and bars feature heavily along the main beach stations, while the back beach offers perfect conditions for water sports. Bar crawls, cliff jumping and ATV tours are all on offer here!

Quick Tip: We recommend spending 3 or 4 nights in Boracay. Once you have partied your way through the island it will probably be time to move on anyway!

How To Get There: Fly or ferry. We took the overnight ferry to save on accommodation and boarded from Batangas (reachable by 2 hour air conditioned bus from Manila). Ferries should be booked a few days in advance with 2GO Travel and they depart from 9pm and sail overnight to the port of Caticlan for $19 arriving at 7am dependent on sea conditions. From here passengers take a 10 minute boat across to the island.

Stay: Hostel Avenue is the only beach front hostel in Boracay opened 2017 for $17, located on White Beach.

Romblon Island

For a more local island experience, we highly recommend checking out Romblon Island . The feature of the island includes Bon Bon Beach, a sandbar that appears during low tide, and several gorgeous beaches with some of the bluest waters you will see in all of the Philippines. You might be one of the very few foreign tourists on the island, and after a couple days, you will come to find that everyone now know your name. It’s a long journey getting to the island, but we promise it’s worth it!

How to get there : Fly from Manila to Tugdan Airport in Tablas (TBH) and taking a jeepney, trike, or van to San Agustin. Cebu Pacific operates this flight 3 days per week.

Stay : Tinaoog Beach Resort

Located in the province of Palawan, Coron is where you will find those Insta perfect dragon-esque landscape rock formations that penetrate the skies and inhabit turquoise lagoons below them. THIS is one of the reasons we first put the Philippines on our bucket list and trips to Barracuda Lake (fresh water lake), Kayangan Lake and the small and big lagoons are an absolute must on your visit here and can be booked one day in advance in the main town. Coron is also dubbed as the shipwreck capital of the World due to a large number of sunken Japanese vessels all within a 20-minute boat ride of the main town.

Quick Tip 2023: Coron town is quaint and buzzing with other travelers. To avoid the crowds and have an immersive, unique experience, join the Big Dream Boat Man Coron island life expedition , and spend 3 days venturing outside of the typical spots around Coron. It’s a truly unforgettable adventure we cannot recommend enough!

How To Get There: For approximately $90 we opted to fly from Caticlan (Boracay) to Coron and boy was it worth it! Boarding a small 12 seater Air Juan plane from Boracay you can swoop across the archipelago of the Philippines marveling at the tiny, Maldives like islets beneath you. A highly recommended way to see the Philippine landscape in all its glory!

Stay: Click here for a list of the best places to stay in Coron.

Sticking with Palawan, El Nido is the next obvious destination to go to in the Philippines to get your jaw dropping landscape fix! The town is a traveler’s paradise, housing an array of budget accommodation, charming restaurants and bars and also ample diving opportunities. Take an island hopping tour, inclusive of small and big lagoons, 7 Commandos Beach, Snake Island and Cudugnon Cave. Tours start from around $26 inclusive of three or four destinations, oh and lunch is included too. Sold!

Go With:   Big Dream Boat man runs 4D3N expeditions between Coron and El Nido.

Stay:  Click here for a list of the best places to stay in El Nido.

Our visit to Cebu was mainly focused around one sight in particular, Kawasan Falls. This picturesque waterfall that plummets into the turquoise lagoon below has quickly become an instagram favorite and when you see it, you’ll understand why! We would highly recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds.

The falls can be easily accessed from the main entrance. Take a tricycle from your guesthouse and they will already know where you want to go!

Quick Tip: For the more adventurous traveler and for an alternative way in to the falls, opt for a canyoneering experience where you will be thrilled with 2-10m cliff jumps into the azure waters below. Taking a dip in such mesmerizing waters is highly recommended in any case, but to do it all with a rush as you jump and jolt from the limestone cliffs above is all the more exhilarating! Your experience ends at Kawasan Falls; the perfect end to such an adventure.

How To Get There: Vans regularly leave from the town of El Nido to Puerto Princesa every hour directly to the airport. You can choose to either explore Puerto Princesa or fly directly to Cebu.

Go With: We opted to canyoneer with Highland Adventures and found them to be reliable with all safety measures and equipment in place.

Stay:  Book your Cebu stay here .

Swimming with whale sharks in a natural environment is a dream of many. In the Philippines, you can realize this dream in Oslob or Donsol. Based on our research and testimonials from people who have visited both places, Donsol makes a better choice, though it is still far from perfect. Be My Travel Muse generally does not support animal encounters that alter the animal’s natural behavior. As it was part of the writer’s experience in the Philippines, we felt remiss to leave this off of the itinerary. This article is here to provide information rather than encourage you to participate. 

Donsol, located in Luzon in the northern Philippines, is a protected area for whale sharks, and its eco-tourism has an ethical reputation with strict regulations monitored by WWF and marine experts. Visitors count on their luck to have an encounter with whales sharks, but there is a higher chance of spotting them during the whale shark season from November – February. No food or bait is used to lure the whale sharks, and according to the regulations stated, only 6 people are allowed in the water in the presence of 1 whale shark. That being said, Donsol is far from perfect. A common complaint from visitors is that they allow way more people in the water than stated, and a few people said that visitors were allowed to get closer to the whale sharks than advised.

First Name:

We swam with whale sharks in Oslob as part of a tour we were doing. Although we were not 100% happy to swim with whale sharks while they are being fed, they are indeed some of the most beautiful creatures we have ever laid eyes upon, as they graciously swoon in the waters collecting fish that are being served for them. We caved into the experience here as we justified the experienced based on the sharks being allowed to come and go as they please, but we do not recommend doing this in Oslob.

Tourism activities involving wild animals will never be perfect. However, the rise of eco-tourism in both Oslob and Donsol has successfully kept whale sharks from being killed by local fishermen, as live whale sharks now provide more money, opportunities and therefore a better life for the locals. Do your part, research carefully and make a conscious, respectful decision. As tourists, we vote with our dollars – our behavior could dictate the fate of the wild animals. More ethical alternatives where the sharks are not being fed include the Bay of Los Angeles in California, the Maldives , Mozambique , and many others depending on the season.

Often referred to as ‘Siquihorror,’ Siquijor in the Central Visayas Region is known as the mystical island. It’s a small island full of shamans, witches, and magic. Most tourists go for the dreamy waterfalls and the laid-back atmosphere, but locals will often pay a visit to Siqujor in search of love potions, or with the intention of casting a curse on someone, or getting one reversed if they fear one has been casted on them.

It’s a friendly place that you can see most of within just a few days. Read more about it here.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach Siquijor is to fly into Dumaguete and then take a ferry over to Siquijor. Ferries leave multiple times per day and only cost a few dollars.

Stay: Coco Grove

Bantayan Island

An off the beaten path island that is often overlooked by many taking the main tourist trail but conveniently located north east of Cebu. Still a hidden gem, locals will welcome you into their guesthouses with open arms for you to explore powdery, undeveloped white sand beaches, local cafes, fish markets and of course skydiving! Yes, you read that correctly, Bantayan island is home to the only place to skydive in the Philippines and of course we had to try it!

Quick Tip: Although we were there largely to skydive, Bantayan ended up one of our favorite destinations in the Philippines due to the untouched landscape, local food, secluded sands, and of course the friendly Filipino people. Take a bike ride between Santa Fe and the neighboring village and stop off at the local cafes (which are essentially villages houses) and take in the local life sipping on cheap, cold beer. You can thank us later!

How To Get There: Take a taxi to Cebu North bus terminal. Board a bus to Hagnaya (3 and a half hour from Cebu City for $3.62). At the Hagnaya terminal boats to Bantayan island leave every hour up until 4pm and cost $3.85.

Stay:  Book your Batayan Island stay here .

Visa Requirements

Always check your visa requirements before entering the country but for most, you can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, providing you have evidence of onward travel.

Extending your visa is a simple enough procedure however. You can apply to do so at the Bureau of immigration to allow 59 days. We would recommend not doing this in Manila and opt to extend on one of the smaller islands such as Boracay as the procedure is much more simple and a lot quicker.

Getting around: Luckily, travel in and around the Philippines is relatively inexpensive, though may require some forward planning.

Buses: Many destinations within provinces can be reached by bus, especially in the North and at short notice too should there be availability. All are air conditioned, cheap and some even provide a snack! We recommend an overnight bus as the perfect way to save on accommodation while getting from A to B. What’s not to love!

Jeepneys: Do take a Jeepney when possible! Not only is a good way to sample local transport in a pimped out American armored vehicle but it is also cheap too.

Boats / Ferries: Given the Philippines has some 7,000+ islands, this should be no surprise. Many online agents provide bookings in advance (1 or two days is sufficient) and overnight ferries in particular are comfortable and air conditioned depending on class. You can also buy tickets directly at the port to save on fees, but during holidays expect to have to wait a few days to be able to book!

Flights: Flying between provinces isn’t actually as expensive as it first sounds, should you fly at the right times and between the right destinations. It also allows you to see the archipelago from above too! We think that’s worth the money all by itself.

Taxis: Many city provinces such as Manila and Cebu have taxis, however the cheaper alternative is a tricycle (motorbike with side cart). Tricycles are a great way to zip around and are also considerably cheaper than taxis. Always ask to journey on the meter and it is always worth researching how much they should charge per km to avoid overpricing.

So have you fallen in love with the Philippines yet? These secluded white slices of sand, the clearest waters in the world, the culinary local delights, and the spirit of the Filipino people all make this country one of our favorites in the world. All this, coupled with the relative  cheapness  to many other similarly beachy destinations and ghe ease of getting around makes it an absolute must visit!

We hope this helped you put together an itinerary and figure out where to go in the Philippines, but please feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments below. About the Authors:  Charlie and Charlotte are the wanderlusting couple behind The Wanderlovers. They have swapped their city life in London for an action packed journey across the globe. Hand in hand, they’re taking on one country at a time and creating a life they don’t wish to escape from! Through their couple’s travel and lifestyle blog they hope to inspire future travellers that anything is possible if you just buy that one way ticket … Go Live!

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06/22/2018 at 3:11 am

You missed Legazpi and the Mayon Volcano in Albay.

Kristin says

06/22/2018 at 7:20 am

Good to know! I need to go back 🙂

Michelle says

06/22/2018 at 2:39 pm

I was wondering whether this is all in order?

I’m planning to follow your itinerary but would skip Manila and Boracay

06/22/2018 at 10:15 pm

We’ve moved from north downwards, but generally to access most of these you’ll go somewhere bigger then ferry or fly over to the other spots. Manila and Coron will be the most major hubs 🙂

Darrell says

08/28/2019 at 10:07 am

Boracay is nice but a little crowded nowadays. I wonder if the Spider House is still open.

daniel says

06/27/2018 at 6:33 am

im planing to go to the philippines next year for around 22days. how can i plan it? i was thinking, that when i arrive in manila, i wanted to go to luzon, mt pulag. best way by bus? and at night? any thoughts? and than i wanted to go palawan, boracay. and other places. can you help? thanks.

06/27/2018 at 6:55 am

I’d do a combo of buses, flights, and ferries.

07/16/2018 at 5:49 pm

Hi there! May I know how much did you roughly spend for 2 pax for this entire trip? Also what month/s did you go?

07/17/2018 at 1:00 am

I’ve been there twice, usually I can keep my spend under $1500/month there not including flights. I have a budget here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/cost-of-traveling-in-philippines/

09/06/2018 at 11:09 pm

If you had only 3 days to spend in the Philippines (I know it’s too short but this is just a stop on my way home from a business trip D:), what would you say the most efficient way to spend it? All of it just looks so cool!!!

09/07/2018 at 2:01 pm

I’d pick one place and enjoy it as much as possible! Perhaps Cebu? It’s got a major airport and some beautiful things to see on the island.

05/30/2019 at 8:23 am

dont spend just 3 day. the trek is really long from canda/us and the time change is too much for just 3 days

Kimi Soni says

10/28/2018 at 11:25 pm

Thank you so much for this!

Gilbert says

12/13/2018 at 11:17 am

To add Chocolate Hills in Bohol 🙂

Kim Hollingshead says

01/07/2019 at 6:14 am

II’m disappointed you are including the whale shark swimming at Oslob. While the post acknowledges that the whale sharks are fed there, it doesn’t make it sound as serious as it is. Feeding the whale sharks is harmful for their nutritional needs and disrupts their migratory patterns. I hope you consider changing this post to discourage people from doing this activity there!

03/25/2019 at 2:31 am

Drama queen

Olivia says

12/21/2019 at 10:56 pm

think about the livelihood of these animals and dont call Kim a drama queen.

shaylee says

01/30/2019 at 12:22 am

Hi, i’m travelling a short trip to Philippines in March2019 for 4days 3 nights, from Thursday to Sunday. I will be in Manila on Thursday night and Friday. Planning to travel outskirt on Sat and back Sunday as flying off on Sunday evening… Please advise how should I plan my itinerary. Any recommend? thank you.

nestor dofredo says

10/28/2019 at 5:28 am

such a short time but really, after arriving in Manila , you should arrange or get a flight right into Palawan, Puerto Princessa (is the capital)., from there straight to El Nido it will be a 5 hours drive but scenic view, you can fly straight to El nido from Manila pricey , it is a private airport and airplane to save precious time. .Spend a night and two days for Island hoping, snorkeling and enjoy the old town of El Nido, it is the foothill of granite mountain/ volcanic rock amazing place. White sand, Clear blue water beaches. Enjoy..

02/03/2019 at 7:16 am

How many days did you spend in the Philippines? or how many days would you recommend to be able to follow this itinerary if we were miss a couple of the islands out? we probably would be in the Philippines for no longer than 30 days, would this be enough?

02/05/2019 at 8:33 pm

I would say about 30 to do this itinerary though it would feel a bit rushed if you didn’t cut one or two things out.

Denise says

03/11/2019 at 9:28 am

Hey! Thank you for this helpful blog. I will be there in April for 2,5 (16 days) weeks. Firstly, we fly to Cebu. But afterwards, we can’t decide. We have several places on our favorite list: El Nido or Coron, Boracay, Bantayan Island and Siargao. Beside spending the last 2-3 days in Cebu, which ones would you say is a must do?

03/13/2019 at 11:47 am

Siargao and coron I think 🙂

03/12/2019 at 1:20 pm

hi I’m planning to go to philipin,me as single women and my 16 year old doughtier pls advise the itinerary u give above is safe for as?, and do we base in manila and go to all this place or book different places pls advice best things for me and my 16 year can do. thank you

03/13/2019 at 12:04 pm

This is still a great itinerary! You can start in Manila but these are all different places so you’ll need to move from island to island.

Manuel says

03/25/2019 at 1:15 am

Hello Kristin,

I’m trying to book the Coron to El Nido 4 day tour with Buhay Isla expeditions as you recommended above but I’m having trouble contacting them. I called, emailed and FB messaged them but no response. I’m wondering how you booked your excursion with them. Any suggestions would be helpful.

03/27/2019 at 11:09 am

Strange! How long has it been?

04/19/2019 at 3:33 pm

Im truly disappointed that this itinerary includes the whale shark swim at Oslob while it is scientifically proven the negative impact of this tourist activity on these gentle giants. I always thought BeMyTravelMuse was about sustainable tourism. Please please take that bit out of this text.

04/20/2019 at 3:32 am

I agree actually, we’d debated if we should include this because I don’t like that they’re fed either. I know that there are other opportunities in the Phils to swim with them but I haven’t done them. Have you? I’d like to replace this with something more sustainable. If anyone has ideas and/or has tried another spot LMK!

04/22/2019 at 3:04 pm

I’m actually kind of relieved that you agree. I was ready to bring more reasons on how them being fed affects their diet and affects their migratory behaviour which in turn has an adverse impact on the ocean’s eco-system. But I will refrain from those now! 🙂 I know there are opportunities to do the whale shark swim in Donsol. The closest access point will be Legazpi. I haven’t done this since there was just not enough time during our trip to philippines. I used to dream about swimming with them and passing on the opportunity to swim with them in Cebu was one of the hardest decisions we made. We will swim with them one day and I will see how giant these gentles are. But I want that day to be eco-friendly and for us not to harm our Planet.

04/23/2019 at 6:46 pm

I asked a friend and he also said Donsol! I’m going to do some research and replace Oslob with Donsol – give me a few weeks I’m on the road in the PH now and the internet isn’t always the best!

Anonymous says

06/03/2019 at 4:24 pm

Did you read the part where the locals no longer kill the Whale Sharks now because of the tourists? Better they feed them than feed on them.

04/24/2019 at 3:58 am

Sure thing! Thanks Kristin! Enjoy PH! 🙂

05/25/2019 at 2:09 am

I m planning 5 to 7 days trip for 2 people. And all i want to cover is cebu and palwan. Can both places be covered in 7days? And what will be the approximate expense?

05/25/2019 at 11:28 am

I wouldn’t say all of Palawan is doable in 3-4 days but maybe just El Nido or just Coron, and price totally depends on what kind of accommodation you choose, how you choose to travel between places and what you spend on activities.

Jose and Rachel says

06/23/2019 at 5:22 am

Hi we are planning to travel in August to the Philippines as a family 2 adults 2 children (12 and 6 yrs). Not any ideas yet, but enjoyed reading your blog. Just wondering which places (preferably beach) are good for families? Thank you 🙂

06/23/2019 at 9:44 am

Hi guys, I think anywhere can be great for families, it just depends on how many tourist amenities you want and what you wish to do in each place. I’ve seen families in quite secluded spots and the touristy spots.

08/07/2019 at 5:11 am

We plan a 10 day trip to philippines between 23 oct – 2 nov 2019 from HK. In order to plan itinerary considering rain season we decided to stay in western islands. As we have already experienced bali and not very excited with whale sharks we skipped cebu/bohol and we have decided for puerto princesa (via manila)-el nido-coron-boracay and back to HK. How does it sound for that season? And how should be the split of total planning in nights: manila 1-pp 1 for river- el nido 3- coron 2- boracay 3 is our plan in mind?

Thanks in advance.

08/07/2019 at 7:18 am

That looks pretty good! I would give Coron more than El Nido, though. I just liked it more. https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/coron-vs-el-nido/

08/14/2019 at 7:26 am

Hey, thanks for your tips, they’re very helpful. Can you recommend any motorbikes places/companies to move through Philippines? I heard it is better to rent a scooter than drive a car

08/14/2019 at 9:36 am

Since it’s an archipelago I rented one at each island and there are plenty of places, often at your guesthouse, where you can rent once you get there.

Eric Younger says

08/15/2019 at 11:08 am

Love the post, and all the ideas on where to visit. I am of Filipino heritage, but have never been. AAMOF, my Mother is from Manila, and has not been back since I was born, almost 60 years. And I would love to bring my wife, daughters (they are in their 30’s), and Mom. My question is this, how long of a trip should we plan? Somehow I feel that even two weeks may not enough. Thanks again…

08/15/2019 at 11:22 am

Gosh that’s hard to gauge. Give it as much time as you can is what I’d suggest. There are so many islands, and depending on which currency you’re traveling on, it’s not too expensive, either!

Ankita Sharma says

08/25/2019 at 6:02 pm

Hi I’m planning a trip with my sister from around 10th Dec for 10 days to Philippines, request you to suggest itenary. We want to cover beaches & also have a good night life throughout.

09/02/2019 at 10:05 am

This itinerary!

Magdalena Olszanska says

10/22/2019 at 7:12 am

Thank you so much guys for sharing your amazing trip and all of the useful info. Your videos are awsome and after 7 years together you still look very much in love. I wonder how did you manage to get some much time off from the every day life for that amazing trip 🙂 My boyfriend and I would love to follow your footsteps, the only worry we have is the weather. Do you guys know if from 30/11 till 14/12 it should be all dry or still big chance of rain please? Thanks a lot, Magdalena and Neil

12/14/2019 at 1:24 pm

It’s not the rainy season, but it’s the tropics so rain can definitely happen any time.

Steven says

10/30/2019 at 7:44 am

Wow this blog is great. Almost all the places we would like to visit…. Even though we have family over there I’m a bit confused where to start first. We have 23 days to travel around…

The places we would like to see are:

-Arrival in Manila – Maybe overnight stay but then move on -Baguio City (maybe we need to skip this?) -Hundred Island (maybe we need to skip this?) -Rice terrace (maybe we need to skip this?) -Samar – to visit family 3-4 days (MUST) -Surigao + Siargao to visit family 3-4 days (MUST) -Cebu – Kawasan Fall and others? (MUST) -Bohol – Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey (MUST) -Palawan (MUST) -Boracay to relax 3-4 days (MUST) -Back to Manila and fly back to Europe

We would like to fly or to take the quickest way – is it the best to start from up do down? how many days would you recommend to stay in each place to see the most important things?

Thank you so much for your help.

10/30/2019 at 3:02 pm

Hi Steven, gosh how long you stay is so subjective. You could cut out all but the musts and have a more relaxed journey. Remember that travel days can be long in the Philippines and delays are common. The order looks fine to me!

10/31/2019 at 2:28 am

we’ll definitely cut the north.. yes true, loosing time to go from A to B We’ve been to phil. many times before but only to visit family and never visited the tourist spots. but maybe we’ll need to plan some places for another year :):) thx a lot

12/08/2019 at 10:16 am

We replaced the suggestion with one that doesn’t feed the whale sharks. I didn’t personally do the diving, this was a guest post. I think it’s important to talk about the most popular whale shark encounters so that people can make informed decisions, no?

Leaving rude comments on the internet without reading the whole post…shame on you 😉

RAHI GANDHI says

12/23/2019 at 12:47 am

Hi If I want to do a 7 day travel, where all should I go? And what would he my budget? I’m coming from India… So should I got to Manila or cebu or somewhere else first?

12/23/2019 at 10:05 am

Cebu is a good starting point since you’d be close to Moalboal and some nice waterfalls. 7 days is short to try to island hop much. Transport can be a bit tough there.

Hannah says

02/10/2020 at 7:16 am

Hi there, I am planning a 10ish day trip to the Philippines and I had originally planned to do about half in Coron and half in El Nido. Would you reccommend this, or would you say these places are too similar and it would be better to explore other areas of the country? If the latter, is there anywhere close to either that you would reccommend instead?

02/10/2020 at 8:41 am

I think they’re both worth visiting! The PH can be tough to travel around and travel days can be long with lots of delays so I think fewer spots is better.

Natalia says

04/03/2020 at 5:30 pm

Hola! Soy Natalia. Tu blog esta muy bien explicado!!!! Quiero ir de vacaciones el año que viene a Filipinas. Quiero estar en: Siargao, Boracay, Coron, El Nido y Cebú. Por cual me conviene empezar para seguir geográficamente el itinerario de viaje desde Manila? Podrías decirme el orden en el que debo hacer el recorrido? Gracias.

04/04/2020 at 9:03 am

El Nido and Coron, then Boracay, Cebu, and Siargao probably makes the most sense 🙂

Jasmin Royena says

01/14/2021 at 4:56 am

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful about Philippines it is so appreciated! The country has a slogan “its More Fun inthe Philippines”, because whatever type of travel adventure you’re looking for, you’re bound to discover a fun experience in the Philippines. Thank you again for sharing info’s and your experience would like to travel and experience it! You always have good humor in your post/blog. So much fun and easy to read!

01/14/2021 at 8:59 am

So glad you enjoyed it!

Daniel says

05/01/2021 at 1:11 am

First of all, thank you for this detailed information about the Philippines. Keep it up!

What do you think about this itinerary, was planning to visit next year.

Day 1: Arriving in Manila in the morning, and than take afternoon flight to Coron. 2-3- Coron 4-7- El Nido 8-10- Boracay 11- Cebu, Kawasan Falls 12-15- Siargao 16-18- Bohol 19- Manila, overnight bus to Banaue 20- Banaue – Batad 21- Batad – Sagada 22-23- Sagada 24- Manila- Flight back home.

05/01/2021 at 8:29 am

Seems really quick to me! Sometimes ferries can be very delayed and transit takes a while, Just something to consider. There’s not much breathing room in that itinerary.

05/05/2021 at 10:55 pm

Thank you. Where can I add a day or two? Or which one of them can I take off? Any help..

05/07/2021 at 4:19 pm

that would really be more of a personal choice! I would base it on which place you would prefer to spend more time.

Martha Spicer says

09/29/2021 at 11:38 am

Hi! Love, love all your information. I do have some questions that you might help us with. PLEASE! We are group of four traveling. Ages 62, 63, 64 and 67. We are all adventuresome. However my husband that is 76 has Parkinson’s disease. He struggles to walk but tries like hell to. We will be coming from Vietnam to the Philippines. Origination from the US. Could you recommend an itinerary for a two week trip? Pretend we are your parents 🙂 We will land in Manila but would just like to pass and head out. We are struggling to minimize travel an d plan a route that limits travel time because of my sick husband. Where to start and where to end. Our flight home will be out of Manila. Our travel dates are approx April 12 to 27. Love nature, scooter rides, kayaking. Thanks you soooooo much and travel safe. Martha, Jeff, Caroline and Marc

10/11/2021 at 1:28 pm

I’d pick what looks best to you on this list and do some research into the accessibility. Sorry I can’t be more help, it’s not something I’ve looked into before. I’m thinking a tour operator might be your best bet.

15 Ridiculously Beautiful Places to Visit in the Philippines

by Julie Sep 3, 2023 Philippines , Travel

Are you trying to decide where to go in the Philippines?

You’ve probably heard of the more famous destinations like Boracay, El Nido, and Coron.

But you’re not sure what other stops to add to your itinerary. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the 15 most beautiful and amazing places to visit in the Philippines.

I’ve divided these 15 places into 5 categories based on the geography of the Philippines. Just jump to the area you’re most interested in or read all the way straight through.

• North – North Luzon
• West – Palawan
• Center – The Visayas
• South – Mindanao
• East – Southeast Luzon

For all of my guides to this ridiculously beautiful country, visit my Philippines travel guide .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

THE NORTH: NORTHERN LUZON

Let’s start with the north.

Not many foreign travelers go to this part of the Philippines.

But they should.

Northern Luzon is the ideal place for those looking for culture, natural beauty, history, architecture, and adventure .

The three top destinations here are…

• the rice terraces in Ifugao province
• Sagada and its hanging coffins
• colonial city of Vigan

I suggest adding at least one of these places to your Philippines itinerary . Any of them will make for a nice change of pace from the islands to the south.

1. Rice Terrace of Ifugao Province

You will never forget your visit to the rice terraces in Ifugao province. Located along the slopes of the Cordillera Mountains, these terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago .

There are rice terraces sprinkled throughout the province. Some can be done on your own while others require guides .

Banaue is the easiest rice terrace to get to, but Batad, Bagaan, Mayoyao, Hungduan , and Nagacadan are UNESCO World Heritage sites .

You can visit several rice terraces in one trip by hiking from one to the other.

If you’re into photography and hiking , then making the 9-hour bus ride from Manila will be worth it.

This next must-visit place in the Philippines is BOTH very weird BUT ALSO quite wonderful . It’s the backpacker haven of Sagada.

Located about 13 hours by bus from Manila , this rather eerie destination is famous for its creepy hanging coffins, thrilling caves, and beautiful waterfalls . It’s ideal for those with more adventurous spirits or those seeking a bit of traditional Filipino culture.

The most important stop in Sagada is the Echo Valley Hanging Coffins . For those who like adventure, do the Cave Connection , an underground passage that connects Sumaging Cave with Lumiang Cave (more creepy coffins). You can also hike to Bomod-ok Falls , Mt. Sipitan , Mt. Kiltepan , or Marlboro Hill .

Sagada is one of the top destinations in the Philippines for those who want to get off the beaten track.

Vigan is one of the best places in the Philippines for those of you who love history and architecture . Being one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with fairy-tale-like old colonial houses that mix Spanish and Chinese architectural styles.

Vigan’s heritage still exists because it’s one of the few places in the Philippines that wasn’t destroyed during World War II.

You can get from Manila to this northwestern coastal town by taking a 9-hour bus ride . A long ride, but well worth it!

Spend most of your time wandering around the Mestizo District , the heritage area of Vigan, exploring the unique and beautiful architecture from the Spanish colonial era. Walk down pedestrian-only Crisologo Street especially at dusk when the sky is not quite dark yet but the lamps and lights in the shops and cafes are turned on. You can also tour the interior of some of the old mansions like Quema House and Syquia Mansion .

Vigan is another one of the top destinations in the Philippines for those who want to get off the usual backpacker trail .

THE WEST: PALAWAN. 

Palawan has become one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines in recent years.

And it truly deserves it. These islands have more to offer travelers than any other part of the Philippines. 

These are the 3 must-stop destinations in Palawan:

• Island hopping cruise from El Nido to Coron

Palawan has 4 more stops that I won’t cover here but are worth checking out:   Port Barton, Puerto Princesa, Balabac, and Sibaltan. 

Located in the northern part of Palawan, Coron is part of a group of islands called the Calamian Islands. Everyone calls the whole area Coron.

The whole area is a diver’s paradise . There are over 20 Japanese shipwrecks in the waters around the islands.

For everyone else, the area is just simply drop-dead gorgeous . Like everywhere in the Philippines, you’ll find white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. But you’ll also find these unique craggy rock formations and these stunning hidden lakes with water as clear as glass .

You’ll have a boatload of island-hopping tours to choose from when you’re in Coron.

The popular places to visit on these tours are Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Sand Bar , and Coconut Beach . You can also customize your own tour by hiring your own private boat.

Kayaking around the islands and Coron Bay is also popular.

Don’t miss out on climbing up Mt. Tapyas at sunset for stunning views of the bay and then finishing your evening with a stop at Maquinit Hot Springs .

As you can see there are countless reasons why you should add Coron to your Philippines itinerary .

There is a reason why El Nido has become one of the top travel destinations in the Philippines over the last few years. The limestone islands dotting Bacuit Bay are blindingly gorgeous . The bay is similar to the limestone islands of Halong Bay in Vietnam and the limestone hills of Lijiang in China.

When in El Nido, you should go on at least one island-hopping tour that’ll take you to Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Hidden Beach, Seven Commando’s Beach, Helicopter Island , or Snake Island . Make sure to schedule some time for relaxing on the area’s beautiful beaches like Nacpan , Las Cabanas , and Lio .

You can get a detailed and easy-to-follow itinerary guide for El Nido here .

PRO TIP:  Here's a list of essential items to pack for all of your island-hopping tours while in the Philippines:

• Dry bag - Your stuff will get wet while on island hopping tours so a dry bag is ESSENTIAL for the Philippines.
• Waterproof bag or pouch for your cell phone especially for your visit to such places as the Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon in El Nido and island hopping in Port Barton.
• Water shoes - It's important to have a pair because sometimes you'll need to be walking on rocks to get to your destination. You'll thank me later for bringing them.
• Sunscreen - You buy sunscreen in the Philippines, too, but it's pricey (500 - 700 pesos depending on the store--shop around!)
• Mask and snorkel -  I recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. If you're new to snorkeling, start with the full face mask and snorkel . That's what I did.

6. An Island-Hopping Cruise from El Nido to Coron

Everyone who’s taken one of the island-hopping cruises from El Nido to Coron has said that it is the best thing they’ve done in the Philippines.

These cruises are expensive (over US$300 -$500) but well worth it . Just be warned that once you do one of these multi-day tours, any other island-hopping tour after that just won’t cut it.

The most famous and the most highly-reviewed tour company is Tao Expeditions . They have both 3-day and 5-day tours through the remote Linapacan and Culian Islands . Other companies do similar routes.

You don’t necessarily have to book before arriving in the Philippines. I met people who booked theirs after getting to El Nido.

With most tours, you get to sleep on the beach . Some provide tents, while others provide rustic wooden structures. You’ll spend your days sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, drinking, eating, and well, you get the picture.

Read More Articles on the Philippines:

• First-Timer's Guide to Getting Around Manila
• El Nido Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later!
• Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

THE CENTER: THE VISAYAS

The center of the Philippines is dominated by the Visayas: a group of islands that are jampacked with paradise-like destinations.

The Visayas contain the largest number of destinations on this list of must-see places to visit in the Philippines.

If you’ve got 2 weeks, you can easily and satisfyingly limit your stay to this part of the Philippines.

7. Bantayan Island

When people ask themselves where to go in the Philippines, rarely does Bantayan come up. It’s not as famous as Boracay or Palawan. 

However, it should be. Located off the coast of Cebu, Bantayan has some of the BEST beaches with the whitest and softest sand in the Philippines. It’s perfect for being incredibly lazy and not doing much of anything. Plus, it’s not anywhere near as touristy as its more famous cousins. 

The best beaches on the island are Paradise Beach —a long white sand beach with crystal clear water and not many other tourists. Along with Santa Fe Beach , it’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

You can go on an island-hopping tour to Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island . Make sure to add St. Peter and Paul church to your Philippines itinerary . The outside isn’t that great, but the inside makes it the most interesting Spanish colonial church to visit in the Philippines.

Unlike Bantayan, Bohol is one island that travelers do automatically think of when they’re planning where to go in the Philippines.

It’s not surprising, though. Bohol has so much going for it. It’s got not ONLY white sandy beaches and crystal clear water , but it also has lots of opportunities to spot wild animals , swim in waterfalls , view unique scenery like rice terraces and the Chocolate Hills , standup paddleboard down jungle-clad rivers, and kayak through mangroves buzzing with fireflies . 

Another added bonus is that it’s just a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu City.

Bohol is also a premier diving and snorkeling destination with its colorful and healthy coral reefs and abundant sea turtles. You can go on some fun island-hopping tours to the Balicasag or Pamilacan Islands .

The best beaches in Bohol are Dumaluan Beach , White Beach , and the beaches in Anda .

Check out this detailed and comprehensive travel guide for Bohol.

PRO TIP: Make sure to buy water shoes for your trip to the Philippines. The bottom of the ocean and beach can be full of sharp and painful rocks or even glass . They’re also good to wear to prevent your feet from getting hookworms . I met a traveler in Malapascua who got a hookworm in his foot from walking barefoot on the beach. Unfortunately, he was having a hard time finding the necessary medicine in the pharmacies around Malapascua.  

Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. 

Located off the coast of Panay Island, Boracay is a thin (500 meters) and long (7 km) island. People go to this island for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

White Beach with its killer sunsets is probably the best beach in the Philippines. Popular activities include sailing trips, island-hopping tours, and kitesurfing.

Boracay has a tumultuous history as a tourist destination. It got so popular several years ago that the island became an environmental disaster. The government forced the island to shut the island down for six months in order to clean it up.

They then put in new laws to prevent tourism from destroying the island again . This was right before the pandemic. 

PRO TIP: Download these apps onto your phone for your trip to any country in Asia. They will make your life so much easier!

• Grab: - Grab is the ride-sharing service that people use in Southeast Asia. It's a must-have for getting around Manila, Hanoi, Singapore etc. It's not so necessary on the smaller islands.
• Klook - Klook is a tour-booking website used by lots of travelers in Asia. You're more likely to book with an honest tour company through Klook than through anyone else.
• WhatsApp : What's App is the best service to use for getting in touch with other travelers, tour guides, and businesses in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.
• Booking.com: I think Booking.com is the best website to use for booking accommodations in Asia.
• MAPS.ME & Google Maps: I have both of these apps on my phone. Sometimes MAPS.ME works better than Google Maps and vice versa. Make sure to download your maps to your phone before you start your adventure so you can view them offline. If you switch SIM cards, you might lose your downloaded maps.

10.  Malapascua + Kalanggaman

Malapascua is one of the premier diving spots in the Philippines. It is THE place to dive with thresher sharks !

However, I didn’t go to Malapascua to dive. Instead, I went in search of the PERFECT island . This would be the tiny spec of an island called Kalanggaman –a short boat ride from Malapascua.

I can attest that Kalanggaman Island was probably the most beautiful island I’d been to with the most beautiful sand bar I’d ever seen. I have just one huge regret—I didn’t camp overnight on the island .

There are other things to do around Malapascua as well. You can rent a private boat that’ll take you to some great snorkeling spots, spend the day on the nearly empty and beautiful North Beach , and end the evening with a meal of fresh and affordable seafood from the local market.

Check out this detailed travel guide on how to visit both Malapascua and Kalanggaman !

11. Moalboal

One of the most unforgettable things I saw in the Philippines was at Moalboal. It was seeing a sardine run up close. Not only can you experience a wall of a million sardines swimming by you by diving but you can also see it by snorkeling a few hundred meters off a beach in Moalboal.

Another reason Moalboal is one of the top places to visit in the Philippines is that some of the BEST waterfalls in Southeast Asia can be found nearby

A popular activity in Moalboal is to go canyoneering off (jumping) of Kawasan Waterfalls . You can also grab a scooter or motorcycle and search for other waterfalls like Dao Falls, Binalayan Falls , and Aguinid Falls .

PRO TIP: When you arrive in the Philippines, you can buy a SIM card at the airport . There are 2 companies used throughout the Philippines: Globe and Smart . Each of them gives you 10 or 12 GB of memory for 30 days for 1,000 pesos (US$20). I used 2 GB in 30 days.

If you have to "add load" (add minutes or data) for some reason, you can do it at a convenience store around the Philippines. Tell them you want to "add load". You need to give the clerk your phone # to complete the transaction (I usually store my SIM card # in my Contact List).

BUT that's not it. You then need to register your phone . If you have Globe, dial *143#. I usually have the store clerk or someone at my hostel or hotel help me complete the registration. If you don't register after every time you add data to your phone, the minutes and data disappear.

12. Siquijor + Apo Island

A small island located between Negros, Cebu, and Bohol islands, Siquijor (pronounced seekeehor) is a mysterious island famous for its shamans and sorcerers .

Another unique feature of the island is its marine sanctuaries which are filled with healthy coral and teeming with fish. Getting to these reefs is super easy . Just walk right off the beach and into the water. You can also take a boat to Apo Island and snorkel or dive with giant and friendly sea turtles the size of a dining room table.

The most popular place to visit in Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls —a waterfall with multiple levels of pools.

Its two best beaches are Paliton Beach and Tubod Beach . Because of Siquijior’s placid waters and healthy coral, it’s a great place to go snorkeling . You can also go cliff diving, hiking, and spelunking.

You can read my comprehensive and detailed itinerary guide for Siquijor here. 

THE SOUTH: MINDANAO

Now we’re heading further south to the island of Mindanao. Here the Philippines is becoming harder to get to. As a result, Siargao and Camiguin weren’t on the travelers’ radar as much as those destinations in the Visayas until now.

13. Siargao

When I was last in the Philippines, it seemed that every backpacker I spoke to was on their way to or on their way from Siargao. It seemed to be on everyone’s itinerary. 

Siargao is famous for its surfing , but if you’re not a surfer, there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit stunning lagoons , nearby islands with gorgeous powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and unique Instagram-worthy spots like Bending Palm Tree and Palm Tree Road .

There are a few really good island-hopping tours you can go on. These include one to Sugba Lagoon (bring your drone if you have one), Sohoton Cove , and Naked, Daku , and Guyan islands .

If visiting Magpupungko Rock Pools (and you should!), make sure you check whether the tide is in or out.

14. Camiguin

Located off the northern coast of Mindanao, under-the-radar Camiguin is an adventurer’s dream island .

Having more volcanos than any other island in the world, Camiguin looks more like Hawaii than the Philippines.

The island is littered with hiking trails, hot springs (and cold), and waterfalls . If you’re looking for an island destination with lots of adventure and great diving but without the hordes of tourists like in Palawan and Boracay, then add this island to your Philippines itinerary .

Visit Katibawan Falls , where you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Climb up Hibok Hibok Volcano for panoramic views of the island and then once you’ve climbed down, stop at Ardent Hot Springs to soak your tired muscles.

Because Camiguin is a volcanic island, the sand is dark brown. But not to worry. You can find the white powdery stuff on White Island .

Camiguin also has some unique snorkeling opportunities where you can snorkel in a giant clam sanctuary .

THE EAST: SOUTHEASTERN LUZON

Are you looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path destination in the Philippines?

Southeastern Luzon is about as under the international tourism radar as you can get in this country. There are a few good places to visit here, but I’m going to add one place to this list of the 15 best places to visit in the Philippines, and that is Mt. Mayon, an active volcano near the city of Legazpi .

15. Legazpi + Mount Mayon

Located either by a short plane ride from Manila or a 15-hour bus ride, Legazpi is famous for being at the foot of the most perfectly cone-shaped volcano in the world : Mount Mayon . Take that Mt. Fuji! If you’re looking for stunning scenery, this is an ideal stop for your Philippines vacation.

Legazpi is a typical noisy and busy Filipino City. However, the Albay District is a great place to escape its hustle and bustle. Walk up Lignon Hill or Sleeping Lion Hill to views of Mount Mayon.

But spend most of your time outside of Legazpi hiking up or part-way up Mt. Mayon , checking out the Cagsawa ruins , and driving an ATV to the foothills of Mt. Mayon .

Mount Mayon might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to go in the Philippines, but it should be!

Looking for more off-the-beaten-path destinations?

• Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Philippines

What to Pack for the Philippines

Full face snorkel mask.

Waterproof Dry Bag

Water Shoes

Final Thoughts

So these are what I think to be the best places in the Philippines to visit. Now if I had only 2 or 3 weeks in this country, my top 5 (I’m having a hard time cutting it down to 5) would be the rice terraces of Ifugao province, El Nido, Boracay, Bohol, and Siargao.

What do you think?

Have you been to the Philippines? What were your favorite places?

If you’re planning to go sometime in the future, which of these Philippines destinations would you most want to visit?

If you have questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below!

And if you like this post, please share the LOVE on social media!

More Travel Guides for the Philippines:

• Learn how to take public transportation and a Grab and taxi around Manila -  First-Timers Guide to Getting Around Manila
• Manila Itinerary: 2 Days Exploring the Culture and History of Manila  - In this guide, you'll get a detailed step-by-step itinerary for seeing the sights in Manila.
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton  - Find out how to discover the most beautiful beach in the Philippines.
• One of my favorite experiences in the Philippines was an island-hopping tour of Sibaltan. Get the details here:  Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• El Nido Itinerary: An Adventure of a Lifetime - Learn where to go, what to eat, where to see, and of course, what to do in El Nido.
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonder of the Philippines will tell you exactly what to see and do in Bohol, how to get there, where to stay, and much, much more!
• Siquijor Itinerary: Exploring the Island of Fire will give you the skinny on everything you need to know to travel to Siquijor.
• Malapascua Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later! will help you plan your trip to Malapascua and Kalanggaman Islands.
• Find out what my 15 favorite places to visit in the Philippines are.
• Solo Travel Guide for the Philippines will give you some pointers on how to best travel solo in the Philippines cheaply and safely and still have a kick-ass time!

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10 Best Places To Visit In The Philippines

The Philippines are filled to the brim with beautiful locations just begging to be discovered. Here are 10 fantastic places to visit.

The southeastern country called the Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands. It's three main islands are Luzon (where the capital city is), Visayas, and Mindanao. The best places to visit in the country are mostly beaches, some tourist-friendly like Boracay, and some that a tourist would have to travel more for that slice of heaven on the white sand. If you are looking for beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, you will certainly find it here. But the Philippines is a favorite vacation spot of the most secretive, and richest personalities in the world. These are 10 places a tourist should try to visit when vacationing in the Philippine islands.

Although Manila is the capital city, it's crowded and there's really not much to enjoy there except for history and culture and some cool landmarks. Let's dive right into the good stuff and travel to the northernmost part of the country. The topmost islands of the Philippines have beaches that are beyond amazing.

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Take Batanes for example, it's one of the islands that's not thick with tourists, even local tourists because it's not easy to get there. One of the best beaches in Batanes is the Morong Beach on Sabtang Island, and watch out for that beautiful sunrise.... and sunset!

9 Mountain Province

The Mountain Province is a region in the northern part of Luzon Island. Hikers and backpackers are welcome here, and the locals will be sure to take care of you. Find the town of Sagada and check out the following places: Sumaguing Cave, Kankanaey Hanging Coffins (hanging off the side of a cliff!), take unlimited pictures with the clouds at the Kiltepan Peak, Bomod-Ok Falls, and the mystical Blue Soil Hills. Then travel south about 51 miles to get to the Ifugao Province to check out the amazing Banaue Rice Terraces and the UNESCO World Heritage site Hapao Rice Terraces.

From the Ifugao Province, we'll cross Manila and go south to the Bicol Region where a lot of tourist sites await. The best one is the volcano that people say has the most perfect cone shape, the Mayon Volcano . Located in the town of Albay, Mayon is the pride of the Bicolanos (locals of Bicol). For some water sports fun and hip accommodations, check out the CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex) in Camarines Sur. It's a resort and wakeboarding facility that caters to beginners and expert wakeboarders alike. Looking for beaches in Bicol, head to Caramoan (car-ra-mow-ann) and find the once-virgin Gota Beach, Matukad, and other breathtaking islands in the Caramoan peninsula.

7 Kalibo, Aklan

We proudly present the revitalized Boracay Beach . Once the pride and glory of the Kalibo province of Aklan in Western Visayas, Boracay was so perfect in the early nineties up to the early 2000s, but the small island town could contend with the fast-rising tourism and the government finally had to shut down the whole beach for environmental reasons for about six months. Boracay Island is famous for its long and wide shoreline, white sand, and calm, kid-friendly waters. The beach is divided into stations, where Station 1 has the most luxurious beach resorts and Station 3 is the station of choice of budget-conscious visitors.

6 Puerto Princesa

If there is a province or region that could claim the highest tourist count in all of the Philippines, it would be Palawan. Palawan is that island on the right side of the country that looks like a peg leg. This province has 1,780 islands and the capital city is Puerto Princesa. Tourists visit the city for the Underground River , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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It's truly a marvel of nature. Speaking of nature, people also visit the Crocodile Farm, enjoy a walking tour of the facility and see other animals native to the Palawan Islands. For beach fun, go to Honda Bay and the Tubbataha Reef in Cagayancillo.

Historically, it was a toss-up between Manila and Cebu as to where the Philippines' capital city would be. This is why the local people of Cebu, the Cebuanos, speak either Bisaya (local dialect) or English, and never Tagalog (local dialect of Manila). It's also why Cebu International Airport is one of the biggest and best airports in the country. Here's a rundown of the best tourist spots in Cebu: Mactan, Magellan's Cross, Oslob Beach (go swim with whale sharks), Field of LED Roses (go here when it's dark), Malapascua Island, Sumilon Island, White Beach, Osmeña Peak and three beautiful waterfalls (Kawasan, Aguinid, Tumalog). Don't go without trying the city's famous delicacies , Cebu Lechon and sutokil.

Our last stop in the Visayas is the city of Bohol. The self-proclaimed safest city in the Philippines, the annual crime rate in this city is close to nil. The locals are peaceful, friendly and uber-accommodating. This city offers a diverse nature immersion, starting with its iconic tourist spot the Chocolate Hills. Aptly named as they look like gigantic chocolate Kisses lined up on a vast plain. Then, check out one of the smallest marsupials in the world, the tarsier. These cute, googly-eyed creatures can only be found in a few countries in Southeast Asia . Then, have a floating meal on a tour of the Loboc River, complete with live homegrown Bohol music.

3 Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Norte is located in Mindanao, the southernmost main island of the country. This province is divided into two primary islands, Bucas Grande and Siargao. Siargao is a surfer island, all traveling surfers out there, check out the waves of Siargao Island and the natural beauty of the region. South of the island is calmer waves fit for children. For a luxurious stay in Siargao, go to Nay Palad on Dedon Island. Take a trip to Sohoton Cove National Park for close encounters with hundreds of jellyfish, Sugba Lagoon, and chill out on a cute islet called Basul Island.

2 Davao City

The last stop in Mindanao is Davao City. This city houses the country's highest peak, Mount Apo, located south of Davao. The towering mountain is home to an endangered species of eagle, the monkey-eating eagle or the Philippine Eagle. This majestic animal is native to Davao and can be seen, and even touched by visitors at the Philippine Eagle Center.

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Popular tourist attractions in the city are the Eden Nature Park and Resort where a guided tour is a must-do, plus a buffet meal at the end. The best beach resort in Davao is Pearl Farm, check into this world-class resort for a relaxing and pampered stay.

1 Palawan's Island Beach Resorts

The platinum islands and resorts in the Philippines are mostly located in Palawan. But in this article, we will only discuss four of them, Amanpulo, El Nido, Coron, and Busuanga. A stay on any of the islands would be worth the trip and the money as they are wondrous places; unbelievable white beaches, isolated and personalized resorts, all for your pleasure. Amanpulo is an exclusive resort in the Pamalican Islands, northeast of the Palawan main island. It's the go-to resort of famous celebrities and promises seclusion and total privacy. Busuanga and Coron are on the northernmost island of Palawan, Busuanga has a safari park with giraffes and Coron is just heavenly. The best way to experience El Nido is through El Nido Resorts.

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12 Best Places In The Philippines To Visit

The Philippines is a stunning country to explore that’s filled with thousands of tropical islands, stunning beaches and a heap of amazing cities. And that’s the thing, with so many islands you’re almost guaranteed to find some of the best places in the Philippines to explore.

Now, I have no hesitation in saying that you won’t be able to see the whole of the Philippines on one trip. Heck, I doubt you’ll even see it all if you spent a decade here. That’s why, when we visited , we had to prioritise some of the sites we knew we’d love.

From the stunning bays of El Nido to the beautiful island of Bohol, there’s a little slice of the Philippines that I’m sure you’ll love.

Take a look, below, at some of the best places in the Philippines to visit. You’ll have a great time visiting the Philippines. 

1.) Palawan

Perched in the region of Mimaropa, the islands of Palawan are one of the best places in the Philippines to explore.

With the lost Crystal clear turquoise water I’ve seen, and a history spanning over 50,000 years, it’s an idyllic place to explore on your trip.

Whilst in Palawan, make sure to visit El Nido which is perched on the most easterly part of the main island.

Once here, make sure to wander around El Nido town and hire your boat (whilst making sure to barter) to visit the stunning Bacuit archipelago.

Each island in the Bacuit archipelago features the most imposing karst cliffs and clear waters that I’ve ever seen. There are also ample spots for snorkelling too.

Now, to get here, either take one of the larger planes from Manila (or Bohol etc) to Puerto Princesa and then drive around 5-6 hours (depending on how crazily fast your driver goes) to get to El Nido itself.

Alternatively, fly straight to El Nido on a smaller plane with Air Swift that flies from Manila.

Alternatively, if El Nido doesn’t take your fancy, pop over to the Palawanese island of Coron that’s around 60-80km from El Nido.

Now, it’s best to get to Coron via the ferry or with Air Swift (which only takes 25 minutes).

Home to beach resorts and dive sites to boot the island of Cebu is an outdoor lovers playground. It is one of the best places in the Philippines if you’re a bit of a water baby.

Now, we didn’t go snorkelling with Whale Sharks whilst here as we’d heard some stories about how the Whale Sharks are fed on the tours themselves.

This means that the Whale Sharks don’t leave the area (which they naturally do) and end up not reproducing. This all means that numbers dwindle as the whale sharks become used to being fed by humans.

Keep this in mind when thinking of going on a tour and ask as many questions as you need to. Reckless feeding ends up killing the long-term survival of the species.

Now, in the southwest of Cebu is the stunning Kawasan Falls, which is honestly one of the best places in the Philippines to see.

Just make sure to take some waterproof shoes you can wear for a swim, the area can get rocky and quite slippy.

Right down near the southern tip of Cebu, Tumalog waterfall is another great spot to visit if you’re in the south of the island. Just make sure to take some pesos for entrance fees.

3.) South Cotabato 

South Cotabato is known by the locals as the “land of the dream weavers and is a great stop-off before venturing off to the more remote islands. It is one of the best places in the Philippines to visit during a festival week, too. These run on multiple dates throughout the year and celebrate culture, music and island life. All with lots of street food and plenty of energy.

Also, don’t forget to visit Lake Sebu, too. Explore the lake edges on foot, hop aboard a boat or fly above it on a zip line through the sky. Head to Seven Falls viewpoint to admire the waterfalls and jump on board the zip line.

To sample the best of the local seafood make sure you head to Gusteau’s Crab Hauz for dinner. You’ll have to be rolled out after all the food!

With loads of white-sand beaches, crumbling caves and epic waterfalls, the region of Bicol is one of the best places in the Philippines to explore.

That being said, the biggest attraction is the nearby Catanduanes Mountains, these beautiful formations rise from the ground and break into the sky, creating an iconic landscape. Especially around the Mayon Volcano.

Oh and for a good cup of coffee, head to Pallet House just off Bicol’s Rizal Street.

5.) Boracay

Boracay is a relatively small island but has quickly become one of the best places in the Philippines to visit. That being said, recently, the government had to shut the island off from all visitors for over 6 months due rebuild the infrastructure on the island. Thankfully, the island has now reopened but there are a number of measures that are now in place to manage visitor numbers more sustainably.

Once here, make sure to visit Willy’s Rock , and relax at White Beach and Nonie’s for one of the best bites to eat on the island.

If you’re travelling on a long-haul flight to the Philippines, you’ll likely first fly into the capital city, Manila. Now, Manila is a thriving (and pretty huge) metropolis that’s got everything from shiny skyscrapers, quirky Dessert Museums and plenty of history.

Whilst you’re here, make sure you visit the lush gardens of Fort Santiago, ride a jeepney and pop into Jollibee’s for some spicy chicken. It’s not fancy in the slightest but I swear the chicken is addictive.

If you want to stay in the more shiny part of Manila, book a hotel in Makati. We stayed at the Fairmont Makati which was ideal!

7.) Siargao & Guyam Island

Siagro Island is home to some of the best swell in the world so, naturally, surfing is a big deal here. However, If you’re not a surfer, fear not, as the island has plenty of white sand beaches and coral lagoons to explore, snorkel or just laze about in.

Alternatively, hire a boat and spend the day at Guyam Island which almost looks too perfect. It is paradise and one of the best places in the Philippines to see.

Plus, Siargao Island has some of the freshest seafood around. Head to La Carinderia and order the grilled prawns, you won’t be disappointed.

8.) Bohol & Panglao Island

Bohol was an island I’d always wanted to visit and I’m so glad we got to spend 6 days here on our last trip to the Philippines.

Once here, make sure to spend some time at the Chocolate Hills (which formed from dead coral, millions of years ago). Pop over to Hinagdanan Cave which is stunning to see (just make sure to take your swimming trunks) and hire a boat to take you to Balicasag to see the wild turtles and amazing coral.

We also rented our own boat (and captain) to ride up the Loboc River. Now, you can join a larger boat with food onboard but we really wanted to pop on a smaller boat to ourselves.

9.) Panay Island

If you’re wanting to learn more about Spanish colonial history, then Iloilo City (on Panay) is one of the best places in the Philippines to explore. Perched on Panay Island, make sure to explore the Jaro Cathedral and Nelly’s Garden, too.

There’s also a budding nightlife, and you can spend your evening enjoying the warm Philippino evenings right at the seafront.

For a fancier affair head to Straight Up Bar, a rooftop bar with excellent views over the city. Oh, and try and time your visit around the Dinagyang festival, too… it’s amazing!

If that’s not your thing, pop over to Guimaras Island (that’s about 2km from the city).

10.) Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island is post-card perfect and one of the most pristine and best places in the Philippines to see.

Hike up to a volcano, trek through the jungle or scuba dive off the coast, all before retiring to the beach to watch the sunset over the horizon.

When it comes to dining, head to Casa Roca Inn and enjoy hearty portions of pan-Asian cuisine.

11.) Batanes

Batanes is a small province in the very north of the Philippines that looks more like it belongs on the south coast of England (it almost reminds me of the Jurassic Coast).

The rolling off-green hills and extensive cliffs make for great walking, especially around Chamantad Tiñan Cove (on Sabtang island).

Make sure you visit the Honesty Coffee Shop while in town, it has some epic Philippino coffee.

12.) Luzon Island 

Based further north from Manila, is the stunning Cordillera Rice Terraces that are stunning to see. UNESCO World Heritage protected, this stunning area of Luzon is one of the best places in the Philippines to explore.

Now, there are quite a few spots that are included in this protected list, so make sure to visit these.

Places like; Batad Rice Terraces (in Banaue, Ifugao), Mayoyao Rice Terraces (in Mayoyao, Ifugao), Nagacadan Rice Terraces (in Kiangan, Ifugao), Hungduan Rice Terraces (in Hungduan, Ifugao) and Bangaan Rice Terraces (in Banaue, Ifugao) are all stunning examples.

Though, don’t fret if you can’t see these. There are about 30-40 more that aren’t on the list.

Alternatively, pop over to Vigan City that is on the northwest coast of Luzon. It’s a city that’s filled with cobbled streets, Spanish and Philippino architecture and Plaza Burgos which has the best street food.

 Read more: The best beaches in the Philippines

8 Best Beaches In The Philippines To Visit

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The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

When it comes to beaches, you simply can’t talk about paradise without mentioning the Philippines.

Made up of over 7,641 islands with seemingly endless shorelines, the Philippines truly is a beach lover’s dream.

From the famous white-sand beauty of Boracay to the hidden coves and bays waiting to be discovered, the country has some of the most stunning beaches not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!!

In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal list of 15 must-visit beaches that should not be missed when you travel to the Philippines.

These beaches have stood out to me as some of the best for clear waters, soft powdery sand, lush backdrops, and overall natural beauty and vibrancy.

Let’s get right to it and I’ll tell you why each of these spots is a true tropical paradise found.

15. Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu​​

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.

This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.

It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.

14. Alegria Beach, Siargao

Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.

What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.

The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.

13. Subic Beach, Sorsogon​

Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.

The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.

Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.

12. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands​​

Bitaog Beach, nestled on an island within Basilisa Municipality of the Dinagat Islands, stands out as one of the region’s finest.

This beach is a picturesque blend of white sandy shores, waters that meld shades of blue and green and rows of coconut trees framed by impressive limestone cliffs similar to those in El Nido and Coron, Palawan.

It’s a haven for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, thanks to its natural beauty. The beach is accessible and most enjoyable from December to May when the sea is calm, perfect for island hopping tours.

For the adventurous souls, Bitaog Beach also offers rock climbing, trekking, and the option for overnight camping.

11. Puka Beach, Boracay​

Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.

The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.

10. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever witness.

Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.

9. Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting.

Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience.

8. Paliton Beach, Siquijor

Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.

This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.

7. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan​​

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.

This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful!

6. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.

Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.

Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and cold beers.

This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.

Dahican is an active community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals here is sure to make your experience even more special.

This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte has captured the hearts of campers and backpackers alike.

Known for its expansive stretch of powdery white sand that reminds many of Boracay, this beach is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long beach.” It’s a place for those seeking adventures in and out of the water, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Because the area is still relatively untouched, visitors should remember to bring their own food and camping gear since the amenities are quite basic.

Despite its growing popularity, the beach retains its peaceful and pristine nature, boasting some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Philippines against a backdrop of dense greenery — a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plus, the weak cell phone signal offers a perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity.

This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, presitine white sand, shimmering waters in shades of green and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream.

Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.

Hidden Beach isn’t just an ordinary “beach”, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines through, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.

3. Malcapuya Beach, Coron​​, Palawan

Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan.

Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water.

Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron.

Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.

2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness. Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.

1. White Beach, Boracay

As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, “This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” … which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words.

White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty, romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.

The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.

Along the shoreline, you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste.

The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.

Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life.

This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.

Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more. 

Until then, happy travels! 🌴

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The world is full of gorgeous beaches, but you don’t have to travel out of the United States to visit some of them! Read more for the best beaches US Citizens can visit without a passport.

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If you are heading to Barbados on a cruise, you’ll want to read this list of beaches near the cruise port. Read more here .

Disney Cruise Line Rainforest Room

The Rainforest Room on Disney Cruise lines is an indulgent spa experience. Is it worth the high price tag? You can read here to find out .

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Don’t over-pack for your cruise or show up without everything you need. This is the ultimate Mediterranean Cruise Packing List .

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Packing for a Caribbean Cruise can be overwhelming! You can read more here for a printable packing list for your cruise.

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• Philippines Weather in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

June marks the beginning of the truly wet season in the Philippines. Popular destinations like Boracay, Luzon, and even Palawan receive high levels of rainfall, while others like Cebu, Bohol, and the capital city of Manila remain relatively drier. As for the average temperatures in the country during June, highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F) can be expected.

June is the low season for tourism in the Philippines. It's wetter than it has been at the beginning of the year, and most schools are back in session by the time June rolls around, thereby resulting in a further decline in domestic tourism. All of this results in far fewer crowds of tourists in most parts of the country, and generally favorable prices for everything from accommodation to entertainment.

Since June is the beginning of the rainy season in the Philippines, make sure you pack a light raincoat you trust, an umbrella you can have with you at all times, and a poncho that will help you keep your backpack dry. Other items that should make their way to your June packing list for a trip to the Philippines should include plenty of linen or cotton tops and shorts, dresses, sturdy footwear including sandals and shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, reef shoes, sunscreen, a sunhat, mosquito repellent, and a couple of scarves that will come in handy in covering your shoulder and legs for when you visit temples and churches.

To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of June, continue reading below.

• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

The Philippines Weather in June: Overview

• Average temperature range: 24°C (75°F) – 32°C (90°F)
• Rainfall: 95 mm (3.5 inches) in Manila; 105 mm (4 inches) in Palawan; 70 mm (3 inches) in Cebu; 305 mm (12 inches) in Boracay.
• Rainy days: 14 in Manila; 19 in Palawan; 15 in Cebu; 21 in Boracay.

It's rainy in the Philippines during June but some areas get more rain than others, as is highlighted in the chart below. June also marks the beginning of the typhoon season in the country and these typhoons have only been becoming more and more unpredictable in timing and intensity due to climate change. It's especially important during this time to check local weather reports and forecasts to know what conditions are like where you are and where you're headed.

Average temperatures also differ from region to region in the Philippines during the month of June. The average maximum temperature in the metropolitan area of the capital, Manila, is around 32°C (90°F), 30°C (86°F) in Palawan, 30°C (86°F) in Cebu, and 32°C (90°F) in Boracay. The average minimum is around 26°C (79°F) in Manila, 26°C (79°F) in Palawan, 26°C (79°F) in Cebu, and 25°C (77°F) in Boracay.

While it certainly does rain during June, you can plan your itinerary to focus on traveling to just those places that don't get poured on and stay relatively dry. If you don't mind a little rain here and there, this will result in a laid-back beach holiday, and plenty to see without the massive high-season crowds.

Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in June

Best places to visit in the philippines in june.

Cebu remains largely sheltered from the worst of the rains that occur during June. It's also one of the best places in the country if you're looking to snorkel, dive, or explore some of the nearby islands. If you're looking to spend some time outside and in the world-famous Filipino waters, Cebu is a must-visit.

Just be sure to ask a lot of questions of the tour companies and do your fair share of research if you're looking to partake in the ever-popular activity of swimming with Whale Sharks. We suggest this as there have been reports of tour companies and individuals overfeeding the animals to prevent them from migrating, as is their natural behavior, and an action that could negatively affect the long-term prospects of the species.

Bohol also remains largely dry during June, especially when compared with some other parts of the Philippines. The island isn't just home to some pristine beaches, it's also where the Chocolate Hills are located. These hills were formed thousands of years ago from dead corals, and they get their name because of the color they assume over the preceding dry months of the year. If you're looking for a place where you can spend time on the beach, swim, but also get some hiking in, Bohol is a great bet!

Palawan makes this list even despite the rains it receives during June. The main reason for this is that when compared to some other islands on the list, this island's white sand beaches don't get quite as wet as some of the others in the country. It will rain in Palawan in June, yes, but it's never for large periods or torrential in nature. So, if you don't mind the odd rain here and there, and are in the mood to spend time in one of the Philippines' top-rated beach destinations, Palawan is certain not to disappoint.

June Crowds and Costs

June is the low season for tourism in the Philippines. Most foreign tourists don't want to risk traveling in the wet season and most Filipino schools are back in session by the time June rolls around, so domestic tourism is also not rampant during this month.

All of this results in fewer crowds when sightseeing or hanging out at the beach, and favorable prices for most things including accommodation, entertainment, and transportation.

June Events in the Philippines

Pintados-Kasadyaan: Celebrated on June 29th every year in Tacloban, Pintados-Kasadyaan is a festival commemorating the well-preserved, indigenous, tradition of body art and tattooing that was adorned by the local, pre-colonial, chieftains and warriors, or pintados . Thoroughly interesting celebrations in the form of parades, dances, and body paintings by participants wearing decorative costumes and colorful masks can be seen today.

What to Wear in the Philippines in June

June marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Philippines. You should make sure you bring a raincoat you trust, an umbrella you can easily always carry with you, and a poncho to keep your backpack dry.

The rains will also result in an increase in humidity in most parts of the country and this, couple with the steady rise in summer temperatures, means you should pack plenty of clothes made of soft, breathable, fabrics like linen and cotton. Opt for lighter colors as these will help keep you cool and comfortable.

A comprehensive packing list for a trip to the Philippines during June should include plenty of shorts and tops, sturdy sandals, comfortable shoes, dresses, swimwear, reef shoes for when you go swimming, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a couple of scarves that will help you cover your shoulder and legs for trips to churches and temples.

Explore the Philippines with Global Highlights

If you're thinking of planning a trip to the Philippines, you've landed at the right page! Our team of travel experts at Global Highlights takes immense pride in making sure you have as memorable a trip to the Philippines as possible, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and enjoy the journey!

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