The Philippines are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean’s westernmost region. The country’s 7,000 tropical islands provide the region one of the longest coastlines in the world.
There is abundant marine life, including whale sharks and dugongs, and lush tropical vegetation on these islands where you may go hiking or camping.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Philippines
Filipinos are friendly, open, and generous people. There are flights to Manila and Cebu, and getting about the islands is simple by plane, car, train, or ferry. Some of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines are described below.
1. Vigan
Traveling to the Crisologo St. area of this city is like going back in time to the colonial era. As a reminder of the high society that flourished in this historic Spanish trading centre, horses still pull carts down the cobblestone lanes, and dark-wood homes line the sides.
Beeswax and gold were two of many commodities sent to China for rare and unusual Asian wares at the period. Although the port’s splendour from its commercial past has been preserved, tourism is now the primary source of revenue.
The commercial and financial centres of Vigan can be found near the city’s northern and southern poles, respectively. Many houses, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Mestizo neighbourhood have been transformed into museums that visitors can explore.
2. Bohol
The small tarsier, with its big orange eyes and tiny fingers, is the island of Bohol’s unofficial mascot. Located not far from Cebu, this region is home to a critically endangered species of little primate. The geological strangeness of the chocolate hills is a second draw for visitors who aren’t interested in scuba diving.
The mogul-shaped hills are supposedly formed by rocks hurled by a vengeful giant. Yet, most of the tourists in this area come to take advantage of the amazing diving opportunities. The marine reserves off of Pangalo and Pamlican islands can be reached from here.
3. Manila
This busy Asian metropolis is the seat of government in the Philippines, the primary entry point for foreign visitors, and a place where ancient and modern cultures collide. There is a wide variety of sights to see in Manila, from the tall, shiny skyscrapers on the skyscraper gazing tour to the turn-of-the-century icons on the self-guided downtown tour.
The island nation’s food is superb and varied, drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultures and traditions beyond the Spanish, indigenous, and Asian influences that have long been present. Manila’s nearly two-dozen major festivals ensure that the city is always in a festive mood.
4. Donsol
Donsol, a tiny fishing community in the province of Sorsogon, is the best site in the Philippines to encounter whale sharks because of its clean beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, and unknown caves. They thrive at Donsol Bay because of the tropical waters that are perfect for them.
From November through June, the protected species makes its way through Donsol, with the greatest concentration occurring between February and May. Several of these massive fish have scars on their bodies from coming into contact with boat propellers.
5. Tagaytay
Taal, the volcano that towers over the city of Tagaytay, combines active and dormant craters to form a stunning natural tapestry. Located within the former Taal volcanic crater, the steaming craters of the active volcano can be viewed as the lake’s central island.
Those who have never witnessed the stunning grandeur of a crater lake in person are in for a treat. Along this ridge can be found the long town of Tagaytay, a popular holiday spot and gourmet destination. The Punta de Santiago lighthouse, the St. Anne Shrine, and the sprawling local flower field are all popular tourist destinations in town.
6. Cebu
The Philippine province of Cebu consists of the major island of Cebu plus another 167 smaller islands. Cebu City is the Philippines’ second-largest and oldest international airport and the country’s oldest capital.
The city has many of the same advantages as Manila, including new and historic buildings, cutting-edge technology, and cultural traditions, although being much smaller. Matcan island, off the coast of Cebu, is home to a world-class diving destination and is only a short drive away from the island’s international airport.
Malapascua Island and its resorts are another scuba diver’s paradise, but getting there takes a four-hour drive to the port town of Maya and then a boat ride. Yet, the trek is well worth it because it is often regarded as the best diving location in the country.
7. Mindoro
The island of Mindoro is split in two by a mountain range: the eastern half, known as Mindoro Oriental, and the western half, known as Mindoro Occidental. The primitive Mangayan people live in the region’s far northern reaches.
Yet, the hamlet of Sablayan serves as the gateway to the island of Pangan and the beautiful Apo Reef Marine Natural Area, making the journey well worth it for divers. Because there is only one hotel on the island, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Puerto Galera is Mindoro Oriental’s most popular tourist destination. It’s the perfect seaside town, complete with resorts and white sand beaches for sunbathers and kayaking rivers and waterfalls for adventurers.
8. Banuae
Take the bus from Manila to Banuae, a special indigenous village known for its mud-walled rice terraces. This represents a system of agricultural engineering that was developed two thousand years ago and carried down through the family.
The amazing wood-carved rice guardians are an added bonus to the tranquil and stunning flats, which alone would make this a must-see. The ancient, primitive sculptures, which look like tikis, were installed to ward off evil spirits and protect the harvest.
Whilst tourism has introduced the Western world to an ancient way of life and developed a strong tourist business here, individuals looking for a more authentic experience can still visit less touristy communities where rice harvests are still the major staple of the economy.
9. Boracay
This island, with its seemingly endless white sand beaches, colourful outrigger sailboat rides, and gorgeous resorts, is regularly ranked among the top three beaches in the world by leading travel review websites. The centre section of White Beach is the busiest part of Boracay because it is where most of the island’s restaurants, bars, and shops are located.
As one moves further from the city, more rural housing alternatives become accessible, but with fewer conveniences. White sand beaches, blue water, and a charming atmosphere are accessible to anyone, regardless of one’s budget for lodging.
10. Palawan
Palawan, a province of the Philippines, is an island chain that runs from Mindoro to Borneo between the South China and Sulu seas and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. The provincial capital, Puerto Princesa, is located near some impressive karst formations, one of which contains a river that runs underneath.
Divers interested in exploring World War II-era Japanese wreckage flock to Coron Reefs on Busuanga Island. El Nido, a hamlet nestled between stunning limestone karst cliffs and Bacuit Bay, is another well-liked holiday spot.
