10 Places to Visit in The Philippines
Where to go in The Philippines? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Philippines tourist spots, attractions & more.
When I finished my university studies and the chance to achieve my travel goals started to become a reality, exploring as much of the Philippines was at the top of my bucketlist. I did that for a while and got to visit my home country’s top tourist spots and amazing off-the-beaten-path destinations. Then, I ventured farther to visit more places in Asia & beyond.
After my trips abroad, I still traveled around the Philippines. Many of my later trips was a re-visit of places that inspired wanderlust the most in my early years of travel. In the process, I gained a wider perspective on places that truly made my country stand out from the rest of Asia.
Here are my top picks for first-time travelers who want to start discovering beautiful destinations in the Philippines.
Most of these places are easy to reach from Manila, Cebu and other major airports. I also included a few remote, yet extraordinary spots for those seeking off-beat adventures. If you want to discover more spots, check out the best beaches in the Philippines and the Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls as well.
- Palawan
If you have the unfortunate dilemma of choosing only one place to visit in the Philippines, Palawan should be at the top of your list. You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and islands. You are going to experience the best in Palawan!
Where to stayTours + discounts
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines
Most travelers arrive in Palawan by way of Puerto Princesa. Known as the “City in a Forest,” Puerto Princesa is not only the island’s busiest gateway, it’s home to many remarkable attractions. Don’t miss the Puerto Princesa Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the longest navigable underground river in the World), island hopping trips to Honda Bay, and a tour around the city.
How to go — Touchdown at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). Major airlines including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines & AirAsia serve direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo & Clark. Travel time from Manila to Puerto Princesa is around 1h30m by plane.
Where to stayTours + discounts
El Nido
Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan
This is one of my favorite places to go in the Philippines for dramatic “over the water” views. El Nido is blessed with gorgeous off-shore islands, soaring limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and secret lagoons. The “SEAnery” here rivals popular destinations in Asia like Ha Long Bay and the Phi Phi islands.
How to go — Most travelers arrive in El Nido by flying to Puerto Princesa Airport and traveling by land to El Nido. Travel time is around 5-6 hours. If you want to skip the long land journey, you can also fly directly to El Nido Airport.
Where to stayTours + discounts
Coron
Coron in Palawan, Philippines
Located farther north of El Nido, Coron is also popular for pristine lagoons and white-sand beaches. The views underwater are just a beautiful too! Go here for shipwreck diving, sprawling coral gardens, and great snorkeling.
How to go — Touchdown at Coron-Busuanga Airport, which serves direct flights from Cebu, Clark, and Manila.
Where to stay
Off-beat island hopping in Balabac, San Vicente/Port Barton, Taytay, and Quezon (Tabon Caves).
Remote island chains and great diving unchartered by tourist crowds in Tubattaha reefs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cagayancillo), Linapacan, Cuyo, and Spratly’s Islands (Kalayaan Islands).
Luxury island resorts including Amanpulo, El Nido Resorts, and Dos Palmas Resort.
- Cebu
Marcos at Osmeña Peak, Cebu
Cebu is the Philippines #1 most visited tourist destination thanks to its strategic location in Central Philippines, well-connected flight/ferry network and diverse set of attractions. When in Cebu, visit the old Spanish-colonial heritages sites, beaches and waterfalls scattered throughout the province and nearby islands. Don’t leave without getting a taste of the local cuisine, starting with the prized Cebu Lechon!
How to go — Cebu-Mactan International Airport serves direct flights from all major cities in the Philippines as well as international flights from Asia and North America.
Where to stayTours + discounts
Easy-to-reach luxury beach resorts in Mactan Island.
Centuries-old churches and heritage sites.
Among the Philippines’ best white-sand beaches and diving in Malapascua, Bantayan, Moalboal, and Camotes Islands.
Waterfalls & hiking in Badian (Osmena Peak), Samboan, Ginatilan, Badian, Oslob, Barili, and Cebu City’s highlands.
Badian-Kawasan Canyoneering
- Bohol
Sunrise at Bohol Chocolate Hills
Looking for a place to visit near Cebu? Bohol is one of the best destinations to add to your bucketlist! This island is famous for its heritage sites and natural attractions, including the iconic Chocolate Hills. Bohol is also where you can meet the cute Tarsiers, one of the World’s smallest primates. If that’s not enough, beautiful beaches, diving sites, and dolphin encounters await in Panglao Island.
How to go — Bohol International Airport is 1 hour south of Manila by plane. You can also go by ferry from Cebu. Sea crossing takes around 1h30m hours.
Where to stayTours + discounts
- Dumaguete & Negros Oriental
Siliman University, Dumaguete City
Extremely chill Dumaguete is the jump-off point to Apo Island and Siquijor. It’s also a good base to explore the many waterfalls, lakes, and mountain resorts of Negros Oriental province.
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.
Where to stayTours + discounts
Apo Island
Swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island
If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucketlist, the best places to go is Apo Island, a protected marine sanctuary with sprawling coral gardens.
Tours + discounts
Siquijor
Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor
Hop on a ferry from Dumaguete & wander around Siquijor Island. Visit the stunning beach coves, waterfalls and experience the idyllic island lifestyle.
Where to stayTours + discounts
- Surigao
Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
Endless stretches of white-sand beaches, not your only image of a perfect island getaway? Surigao has many extraordinary sights for the off-beat traveler. See the bizarre Enchanted River. Enjoy the island hopping in Siargao, Dinagat Islands, and Britania Islands.
Where to stay
Siargao & Sohoton lagoons
Cloud 9 in Siargao Island
Cloud 9 in Siargao Island considered as the Philippines’ best surf spot. When in Siargao, don’t miss a trip to the exotic Sohoton lagoons in Bucas Grande Island and see the rare non-sting jellyfish.
Where to stay
- Cordillera Region
The Philippines isn’t just all about postcard-perfect beaches. It has cool highlands and rich mountain cultures too! Go here for scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, summit treks, and of course, the famous rice terraces.
Banaue & Ifugao
Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint
See the Banaue Rice Terraces, a top tourist spot in the Philippines featured on the P1,000 bill. Banaue village is an excellent base to explore the Ifugao Rice Terraces (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and immerse in the well-preserved culture of the Igorot mountain people.
Where to stay
Sagada
Sumaguing Cave in Sagada
The bizarre hanging coffins draw many travelers to Sagada. This popular backpacking hub is also popular for cave spelunking, beautiful waterfalls, village treks & sunrise viewpoints.
Where to stay
Baguio
La Trinidad strawberry fields near Baguio
This is the Philippines’ summer capital. Baguio City offers a cool climate, urban comforts and fun day trips beyond the city including La Trinidad strawberry fields.
How to go — Land travel from Manila is approximately 5-6 hours to Baguio, 8 hours to Banaue, and 12 hours to Sagada. Cut the travel time by arriving at more relaxed Clark Airport.
Where to stay
- Ilocos
Visit historical and relaxed Ilocos Region in Northern Philippines.
Beautiful destinations + where to go
Vigan
Calle Crisologo in Vigan
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.
Where to stay
Laoag & Ilocos Norte
Paoay Church near Vigan
Ilocos Norte is one of the Philippines’ best heritage destinations as well. From Laoag, visit the Spanish-colonial churches of the province including Paoay Church (included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites). Go farther north to find the beautiful beaches, surfing, and coastal landscapes in Pagudpud and Burgos.
How to go — Laoag Airport is an hour north of Manila by plane. You can also arrive at Clark Airport and travel to Laoag or Vigan by land.
Where to stay
- Bicol
Legazpi City
Mayon Volcano sunrise view from Legazpi City
Legazpi is the gateway to Bicol Region. This city is perhaps the most most picturesque in the Philippines! Here, you can enjoy majestic views of Mayon Volcano, recognized as the World’s “perfect” cone-shaped volcano.
Where to stay
Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur
Swim with whale sharks at Donsol (Sorsogon).
Go off-the-beaten-path to Calaguas Island and Caramoan.
Get a taste of the Bicol Express and other local Bicolano cuisine.
- Central Luzon
Central Luzon is a new addition to this list thanks to easy access from Clark Airport, the fastest growing flight hub in the Philippines. In case you find yourself transiting via Clark, there are plenty of places in Central Luzon that’s worth a stopover.
Clark & Pampanga
Puning Hot Springs in Pampanga
This former US air base, located in the greater metropolitan area of Angeles City, is developing as a major international and domestic flight hub, and will soon rise as the country’s first smart city. Clark and Angeles City is an excellent jump-off point to explore Pampanga province, a culinary and heritage destination in the Philippines, and other interesting spots nearby including Puning Hot Springs.
Where to stayTours + discounts
Subic Bay
Subic Bay beachfront in Zambales
An hour’s drive from Clark takes you to coastal Subic Bay, 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.
Where to stayTours + discounts
More reasons to visit Central Luzon
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan
Enjoy an off-road adventure and hike to the crater lake of Mount Pinatubo
Visit the scenic beaches and islands of Zambales
Wander around the heritage sites in Bataan
- Davao
Philippine Eagle Center, Davao City
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 get a taste of Durian, meet the great Philippine Eagle, 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 beyond.
Where to stayTours + discounts
Top discounts
Davao Sightseeing Private Car Charter – Eden/Malagos
Davao City Private Car Charter
Davao (DVO) Airport to Davao City Center Private Transfers
Destinations + attractions
Samal Island
Talucud Island in Samal, near Davao
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.
Where to stayTours + discounts
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