We all need a break once in a while to relieve the stress caused by work or day-to-day activities. If you are racking your brain to decide the spot for your vacation, the Philippines can be an excellent tourist destination. It would be an understatement to say that this beautiful country is a lover’s destination. It is a traveller’s delight as the entire country is spread across 7000+ islands, each with its unique beauty. The islands of the Philippines offer an ultimate island getaway from transparent emerald seas to white-sand beaches.
This article presents you with a curated list of some of the best Philippine tourist spots you must add to your itinerary covering varied places. Read on!
Best Places to Visit in the Philippines:
The islands of the Philippines allow you to explore the beautiful picturesque resort towns, best beaches, and verdant jungles, making it a once in a lifetime experience for tourists. So let us go through this article to know all those places you must visit.
1. Manila:
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is considered the soul and heart of the country. Amid the concrete buzz of the City, there are gleaming skyscrapers rise across the Asian metropolis. Manila is the best place to visit in the Philippines, with modern parks, malls, and hotels with the best hospitality. This thriving metropolis has a colonial history and is surrounded by centuries-old churches making it exciting and vibrant. There are walking, biking, or tours offered by coaches. In addition, you can find Intramuros tourist spot that has significant tourist attractions, which is the oldest district.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Manila is connected with airlines of almost 30 countries. The international airport in the Philippines is about 7 km distance from the central city, and the domestic airport is one km away.
Best Time to Visit: January to April.
Tourist Spots in Manila: Pinto art museum, Ayala museum, Fort Santiago, National Museum of the Philippines, San Augustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Zoo and Malate Church.
Things to Do: Explore Rizal park, Visit the Manila Baywalk, Shopping at the SM Mall of Asia, and Treat yourself at the Pasay seafood market.
2. Boracay:
Although there is no shortage of beaches in the Philippines, white beach is one of the active beach scenes located on the tiny Island of Boracay. It provides the best water activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, Flyfish, snorkeling, and popular western Visayas tourist spots. You can relax and enjoy the pure white sand as there are plenty of chairs and hammocks beneath the palm trees.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Visitors must fly to either Caticlan or Kalibo airports since there are no direct flights into Boracay. From the airport, take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty port, and then you can reach Boracay with a 10 to 20-minute boat ride.
Best Time to Visit: November to December.
Boracay Tourist Spots: White beach, Ariel’s point, Yapak Beach, Willy’s Rock, Diniwind beach, Dmall, Llig lligan beach, Crystal cove island, Montag living museum, Mount Luho, Crocodile island.
Things to Do: Watersports, Scuba diving, Relaxing time on the beach, Island hopping.
3. Bohol:
The Island of Bohol, also called Chocolate hills, is a unique natural phenomenon. Although these hills look green during the year, they look like chocolate mounds, especially when they turn brown in the dry season, which is considered a geological wonder. It is regarded as one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines as these 1200 hills draw crowds in large amounts. The thick jungle with a meandering river covering the rest of Bohol is a perfect location for Kayaking.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are international flights to reach Cebu city from where you can take a ferry to Tagbilaran city. You can also reach Bohol airport by flying from Manila or Cebu city.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Places to Visit in Bohol: Philippine tarsier sanctuary, Rice museum, Chocolate hills, San Pedro church, Lamanok Island, Blood compact monument and Bilar Man Made Forest.
Things to Do: Visiting the chocolate factory, Bamboo hanging bridge, Tarsier Conservatory, River paddle boarding, Cathedral of San hose, Mahogany forest, and Tumalog Waterfalls
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4. Puerto Princesa:
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, and you can experience the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Philippines by taking a river tour of the underground subterranean river. The area has incredible underground caves and limestone karst mountain landscapes, and the area is a UNESCO world heritage site. You can experience the majestic five-mile river that runs below ground by taking boat tours, and you get to see the vertical limestone cliffs through an intricate cave system.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are few daily flights from Manila to reach Puerto Princesa that will take 1 hour 20 minutes.
- By Ferry: There is a Superferry, a weekly boat you can take from Manila to reach Puerto Princesa.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
Puerto Princesa Tourist Spots: Palawan Museum, Puerto Princesa underground river park, Palawan heritage center, Nagtabon beach, Palawan butterfly eco-garden, and tribal village.
Things to Do: Cowrie island, Nagtabon beach, Puerto Princesa underground river, Sabang beach, Firefly watching.
5. Banaue:
Banaue rice terraces are a must-see attraction in the Cordillera region Banaue. These extraordinary rice paddies are terraced like staircases for giants and follow the contours of the entire mountainsides, and they were hand-carved by the Ifugao people about 2000 years ago. Included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, Banaue is also the gateway to the Ifugao rice terraces. So if you want to capture the compelling images of Philippine agriculture, you must visit the Batas rice terraces.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: You can also take a flight to Baguio. Then take a bus from there to Banaue.
- By Bus: It takes about 9 hours by bus for the journey from Manila to Banaue.
Best Time to Visit: April to May and October to November.
Places to Visit: Banaue and Batad rice terraces, Banaue viewpoint, Banaue museum, Tam-An village, Hiwang village, Hanging bridge, Banaue arch.
Things to Do: Watch an Ifugao cultural show, Visit Banaue museum, Batad rice terraces, Take a dip at the Tappiya falls, Awan-Igid-Pula-Cambulo trek.
6. Coron Island:
Coron island is a base for access to nearby islands, making it one of the top Philippines holiday destinations for adventurers and part of the Busuanga and Calamian islands. At this pristine archipelago, you can do some activities such as Mangrove kayaking, motorbiking, island-hopping, jungle trekking. In addition, the thriving and abundant coral reefs of various species make it one of the famous diving and snorkeling locations. During these diving tours, you can have a view of the nearby shipwrecks.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Take a flight to Busuanga airport from Manila. You can take a jeepney from the Busuanga airport to reach Coron town, which takes about one hour.
- By Ferry: There is a Superferry that goes to Puerto Princesa once a week while stopping at Coron on the way.
Best Time to Visit: November.
Coron Island Tourist Spot: Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, Occam Occam beach, Barracuda lake, Aguila, Kayangan Lake, Mount Tapyas.
Things to Do: Coron bay, Underwater mountains in Barracuda lake, Kingfisher Park, Bulog Island, Banana Island, Wreck dive in Busuanga Island, Levine’s.
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7. Mactan:
Mactan Island is one of the most luxurious and relaxing philippine vacation spots, as it houses many resorts. It is also considered the best spot for couples. This Island is every honeymooner’s dream as it offers Island hopping tours, access to the shopping centers of Cebu city, and excellent diving spots. So, if you are looking for a luxurious couple’s trip, pay a visit to the Mactan island.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are several flights available to reach Mactan island.
- By Ferry: There are ferries available from Manila that take 24 hours to reach Mactan Island.
Best Time to Visit: December to May.
Places to Visit: Talima, Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Lapu-Lapu Monument, The Palace Casino Cebu, Carbon market.
Things to Do: Ocean dreamer Island tours, Scape Skydeck, Freediving, Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Lantaw native restaurant, Nalusuan Island marine sanctuary,
8. Cebu:
The central Visayas region of the Philippines includes more than 150 islands and islets that include Cebu. This Visayas tourist spot draws more than two million tourists every year and ranks among the best places to visit in the Philippines. Cebu has become the top tourist destination in the Philippines because ut has white beaches and superb diving spots.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are several flights available to the Mactan Cebu International airport. To reach central Cebu city, you can take a cab which would take approximately an hour.
- By Ferry: You can take a ferry to reach the Island of Cebu from Manila, Butuan city, Zamboanga.
Best Time to Visit: December to May.
Cebu Tourist Spot: Museo Sugbo, Fort san pedro, Casa gorodo museum, Basilica minore del santo nino.
Things to Do: Shopping at the SM mall, Historical tour at the Basilica del Santo Nino, Visit the Jumalon butterfly sanctuary and Visit the lanes of the heritage of Cebu monument.
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9. Baguio:
Located on the Philippines Luzon island, Baguio is a mountain town known for its resorts and universities. It has unusually cooler weather during the summers making it a top-rated tourist destination. This city is also called the “City of Pines” as it has pine forests in abundance. You can enjoy hiking or biking in these forests. Some of the tourist places that are located in this city include Burnham and mines view.
How to Reach:
- Since Baguio is a relatively small city, you can choose a private van for comfortable travel. But there are Grab taxis, regular taxis, and jeepneys can be your primary transportation choices if you don’t mind riding public transportation.
Best Time to Visit: January to April and November to December.
Places to Visit: Mt. Pulag national park, Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Tam-Awan village, Baguio city market, Baguio botanical garden, Bell church.
Things to Do: Bridal veil falls, Explore the Mt. Pulag national park, Lion’s head, Shop at the Baguio city market, Take a dip in the Asian hot springs, Emilio F. Aguinald museum, Take a sip at the Baguio craft brewery.
10. Vigan:
Vigan is a town in the Luzon region in the northern Philippines with a cultural blend of Chinese and Spanish influences. You can experience the streets with colonial architecture by riding in a horse-drawn kalesa, making it one of the best philippine places to visit. It is inscribed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites because of its charm, and you can experience the philippines’ delicious food, delicacies, and crafts.
How to Reach:
- You can take a plane to Laoag city from Manila. Then, you can ride a bus bound for Vigan from Manila. Depending on the traffic, the travel time will take about 8 to 10 hours.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.
Places to Visit: Calle crisologo, Dancing fountain, Bantay bell tower, Hidden garden, Baluarte, Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion, St Paul metropolitan cathedral, Banaoang bridge.
Things to Do: Shore excursions, Walking tours, Custom and private tours,
11. Batanes:
The northernmost Philippine province is the City of Batanes, one of the area’s best tourist attractions. Volcanic forces and strong typhoons shape these remote islands, and these stand distinct from the other parts of the Philippines because of the natural landscape of Batanes. Batanes city is known for its incredibly scenic, overwhelming, and wild beauty.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are direct flights to BatanesBasco airport. It takes 1 hour 40 minutes from Clark and 2 hours from Manila to reach the Island of Batanes by plane.
Best Time to Visit: March to June.
Places to Visit: Morong beach, Mt. Carmel chapel, Chawa view deck, Vayang rolling hills, Rauch A payaman.
Things to Do: Discover Morong beach, Visit the Basco lighthouse, See the Vayang rolling hills, Hike to mount Iraya, Stroll in Valugan boulder beach, Discover Santang lighthouse, Visit the house of Dakay.
12. Tubbataha Reef:
Tubbataha reef is located in the Sulu Sea to the east of Palawan and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the healthiest and least exploited reef areas globally because of its remote location and challenging access. Divers will discover a wide array of pristine coral gardens mixed with steep walls dropping down into the deep blue sea throughout the 100,000 hectares of the spectacular reef system. This reef is divided into three main areas, and each site provides numerous scuba diving sites.
How to Reach:
- You can take a flight to Puerto Princesa from Manila. And from there, it takes ten hours to get to Tubbataha in boat.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-march to Mid-June.
Things to Do: Snorkelling, Deep sea diving,
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13. Mayon Volcano:
Located in the province of Albay in the Bicol region, on the Island of Luzon in the Philippines, Mount Mayon is an active stratovolcano. It is considered sacred in Philippine mythology and is a popular tourist spot as the mountain’s shape is a perfect cone. This ideal conical shape and natural beauty have inspired several art and legends, and it towers at a height of 8,077 feet above sea level.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: There are direct flights from Manila to get to Albay. The travel time is about 45 minutes.
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Manila to Legazpi to experience the trip via land. But make sure you book your tickets in advance.
- By Ferry: You can take the 12-15 hour trip through WG&A and Trans Asia shipping line-both departing from Masbate port to Legazpi, Albay, for visitors travelling from Leyte or Cebu.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning before 8 am.
Places to Visit: Sumlang lake, Cagsawa ruins, Quitinday green hills formation reserve, Albay park and wildlife, Lignon hill nature park,
Things to Do: Visit the Cagsawa ruins park and Cagsawa national museum, Mayon Skydrive ATV adventure, Visit Daraga church, visit Hoyop-Hoyopan cave.
14. Donsol:
If you are looking for the best place in the world to swim with whale sharks, Donsol, located in the Sorsogon province in the Philippines, is an excellent location. ‘Whale Shark capital of the world is the title given to Donsol, and by snorkeling, diving, or simply waiting for them in the areas where they come up to the surface, tourists interact with whale sharks.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Take a 50 min flight from Manila to Legaspi with Philippine Airlines or Cebu pacific. Then take a public van to your accommodation in Donsol from the Legaspi airport.
- By Bus: Several buses are travelling from Manila to Donsol daily.
Best Time to Visit: February to May.
Places to Visit: Jovellar underground river, Donsol whale shark interaction center, Firefly river tour, Tambac beach, Donsol bay.
Things to Do: Look at the interaction of the Donsol whale shark, Bicol dive center, and Donsol firefly tour.
15. Apo Island:
The rich marine life with over 650 documented species of fish and over 400 species of corals makes Apo island one of the best diving sites in the world. In addition, it is a popular Mindoro occidental tourist spot. This Island is located seven kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete in the Philippines. It is a volcanic island covering 74 hectares of land area. As per the Visayan languages, the name Apo means elder or respected ancestor.
How to Reach:
- Reach Dumaguete by booking a flight. Then, ride a jeepney going to Malatapay upon arrival in Dumaguete.
- From there, take a 30-minute journey in a motorized boat to Apo Island.
Best Time to Visit: October to early June.
Places to Visit: David’s trek, Apo island lighthouse, Steps of a thousand names, Apo island view deck, Apo Island marine reserve.
Things to Do: Snorkeling or diving, Lounge at the beach, Trekking, Visit the lighthouse, Swimming with the turtles.
The list of the Philippines tourist spots mentioned in this article is the best we could curate as the places to be visited on this Island in exhaustive. But if you are thinking of going on a trip to this beautiful country, familiarize yourself with the locations to use your time wisely. Also, don’t forget to share the information with your friends, and let us know if you found it helpful!
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is based on pure research, and the website claims no guarantee for the information and credit for the images. So, it is advised to confirm the details before planning a trip.
FAQ:
1. How long does it take to travel to the Philippines from India on a flight?
Ans: If you travel by air, it takes about 7 hours to reach the Philippines from India. However, you can get the air tickets that are the cheapest in June as this season has the lowest number of bookings.
2. Is it safe to visit the Philippines for vacation?
Ans: Most of the Philippines is usually safe to explore, although there is tension in a few pockets. However, in the league of the world’s safest countries, the rank of the Philippines is not good.
3. Is a trip to the Philippines expensive?
Ans: Some of the expensive hotspots of the Philippines are Manila and Cebu. However, if you are smart about it, you can easily spend a day within a budget of 2500 rupees in the rest of the Philippines.
