Philippines: The Most Beautiful Destinations

Manila is not only the capital but also the cultural center of the country. The huge metropolis is certainly an interesting city with many sights, but it is by no means popular with all travelers. It shows you the stark contrast between rich and poor in the Philippines and is often loud and chaotic.

However, many vacationers come here for a few nights since most long-haul flights land in Manila. With a little preparation, you can make your stay eventful.

123 islands on an area of 1,884 hectares from the Hundred Islands National Park. Only the three islands Governor, Quezon, and Children's Island are developed for tourism. You can swim and explore the numerous islands or enjoy the coral reefs with their variety of fish while snorkeling. The park is 240 kilometers away from Manila.

The historical town of Vigan was built in the 16th century. It is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines.

Charming architecture, culture, and the fusion of past and present make Vigan a popular destination. 

Among the most famous places in this historic city is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the Archbishop's Residence, Piazza Salcedo, and Burgos. For a complete impression, it is worth visiting the Pagburnayan area, where the famous Vigan hand-crafted earthenware pots are made or walking along Calle Crisologo, one of the main streets of Vigan, the surface of which is paved with stones in the 16th-17 centuries.

Nature lovers must visit the small mountain town of Sagada. The Sumaguing cave system, the hanging coffins, and the Bomod-ok waterfalls are among the highlights. Hiking fans can have an experience that is one for the books exploring the surrounding area of the city on foot following one of the trails.

In Pagudpud, you can relax on the fine sand of Saud White Beach or take a day trip to one of the town’s breathtaking surrounding caves or bays .

Angeles City is located 26 kilometers from Pinatubo Volcano and does not enjoy a particularly good reputation due to its red-light nightlife. During the day you can go on an excursion to the hot springs of Puning, the cultural theme park Nayong Philipino Clark or the huge shopping mall SM City Clark.

In the province of Ilocos Norte, you will find the perfect mix of culture and nature. Occupying the northern tip of the Ilocos Region, it has a total area of 3,467.89 square kilometers. Enjoy some of the beautiful tourist destinations such as The Sinking Bell Tower, enjoy the Lapaz Sand Dune tour, and or relax at the  Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino.

Mountains, volcanoes, and rivers dominate the Cordillera region, which borders on Ilocos. A highlight is the lush green rice terraces of Banaue/Batad and inevitably provide an "Eat, Pray, Love" feeling. The rice terraces are 2000 years old and it is still cultivated today. Since 1995 they have been a world cultural heritage site and are one of the most popular sights of the Philippines.

Batanes, one of the dream places to visit in the Philippines, is a surreal paradise that promises to offer you a slice of heaven on earth. Famous for its natural beauty and distinctive landscapes, this remote wonderland leaves tourists in awe of its majestic cliffs, vast rolling hills, rock-lined shores, white sandy beaches, deep canyons, and quaint lighthouses. In addition, this idyllic place boasts a myriad of sturdy and historic Ivatan stone houses, as well as a peaceful, laid back vibe and having the kindest locals you’d ever meet.

Depending on the location you can reach Caramoan by bus, plane, or boat. The peninsula in the northeast of the province of Camarines Sur is still considered an insider tip due to the relatively complicated journey. Those who make the effort are rewarded with unspoiled nature, fantastic sunsets, and secluded beaches.

Legazpi is promoted as an "adventure and fun city" by the local tourism authority. The city of Albay province offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The Cagsawa Ruins Park impressively shows the natural power of the Mayon volcano, which destroyed the city of Cagsawa and its once-proud church by an eruption in 1814.

An icon due to the symmetry in its conical shape, the 2,462 meters high Mayon Volcano is still active today and even the most active volcano in the Philippines. On a tour, you will explore the fascinating volcanic landscape, enjoy different activities such as camping, climbing, nature walks, bird watching, and photography.

45 kilometers from Legazpi is the fishing village called Donsol. For lovers of diving or marine watching, this is the best place in the Philippines to see the great whale shark due to the responsible way the town handles tourism. The friendly and gentle giant can be seen especially between November and June with its number being greater from February to May. Tourists can also choose to take a boat cruise on the Donsol River, see the romantic sunset decorated by hundreds of dragonflies, or explore the paradisiacal beaches, amazing waterfalls, and unexplored caves this coastal village has to offer.

White sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal clear water attract beachgoers and divers to Masbate. The island, with an area of 3296 square kilometers, is one of the main islands of the province of the same name.

In the west of Luzon lies Mindoro, the seventh-largest island of the Philippines. Worth a visit are the two beaches Aroma and Laymon as well as the Tamaraw waterfalls and the diving island Pandan. The latter is the ideal starting point to reach the world-famous Apo reef by boat.

You will find peace and relaxation on one of the beaches of Puerto Galera located just south of the capital city of Manila. The municipality is located on the Isla Verde Strait and is one of the most popular places in the Philippines for its beautiful beaches, for being one of the world’s largest diving centers, and for the great variety of native marine fauna that it houses. The most famous beaches are Sabang and Playa Blanca (White beach), which also offer a shopping center, restaurants, and hotel accommodation. Another of the remarkable attractions of Puerto Galera is the Muelle Bay well-known for its bars and restaurants.

Water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers have been fascinated by the beauty of Boracay Island for decades. Without a doubt, it is the best beach destination and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Included in the list of the best islands in the world in 2020 by Conde Nast Traveler readers, this world-famous island attracts travelers from all corners of the earth with its breathtaking sunsets, splendid turquoise waters, and remarkable powdery white sands. Plus, the island boasts a vibrant nightlife that would give Ibiza, the party capital of the world, a run for its money.

South of Boracay is the relatively unknown province of Antique. Ideal for adventurers who are looking for originality far away from the typical tourist paths. Take an action-packed kayak tour on the Tibiao River or go on a hike to the multi-tiered waterfalls called the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls. On the way there you will see lush rice terraces.

After a 2.5 to 3-hour boat ride from Antique's mainland, you will reach the unspoiled island paradise of Seco. The tiny island features a varied underwater world and beaches of velvety white sand.

Rugged volcanic landscapes meet maritime beach feeling on the island of Negros. Negros is located at the Visaya Sea, which separates the island from the main island Luzon.

The third-largest island of the Philippines, it is a hotspot for divers in the south and a dream for hikers in the north. Mount Kanlaon, the highest point on the island, is embedded in the national park of the same name.

Seven kilometers from Negros' south coast lies the small island of Apo. Corals, fish, and sea turtles make the island a must-visit for avid divers and snorkelers.

Urban city culture awaits you in the relaxed university town of Dumaguete, located in the southeast of the island of Negros. Spend a few days in the city itself to stroll through the streets or the harbor promenade. Dumaguete is an excellent choice for day trips into the surrounding area of the island.

The Balinsasayo Twin Lakes Nature Park in the southeast of the island of Negros enchants by the two crater lakes Danao and Balinsasayo, which are lined by the surrounding rainforest.

If you ask the locals, the island of Siquijor is surrounded by a mysterious aura. The island at Negros' southern tip is also known as "Voodoo Island" where healers brew traditional medicine. 

This mystic island, however, will confirm that the Philippines is not only beaches and palm trees, so you just have to go there and see for yourself. Siquijor is surely a hit for your Philippine trip as this beautiful island offers white sandy beaches, caves, and incredible waterfalls.

The metropolis Cebu City is the cultural center of the Eastern Visayas and is located on the island of the same name. Since the Christian colonization began in Cebu, today buildings and architectural styles bear witness to the past. With Fuerza de San Pedro and the Basilica del Santo Niño, there are some of the oldest colonial buildings of the Philippines.

Malapascua is very popular among divers because it is one of the few places in the world where there is a regular sighting of the elusive thresher sharks. This little island, less than three kilometers long and one kilometer wide, is located in the northern part of Cebu, and if you don't know how to dive, Malapascua can be a good place to learn. Its crystal clear and calm waters make the site the perfect place for it. 
The prime diving spot in Malapascua is the Monad Shoal, used as the cleaning station of the thresher sharks as they come here for the local wrasse, brightly-colored bony fishes with thick lips and strong teeth, to remove parasites from their skin. Other interesting diving spots you wouldn’t want to miss on this tiny island include the Kimud Shoal, Gato Island, Lighthouse, and, of course, the Doña Marilyn wreck dive site.

This island in the Visayas offers a bit of everything - where you can combine beach, diving, and inland adventure. Here you will find the well-known unique spherical hills called the Chocolate Hills. There are 1268 almost identically formed, grassy hills in total. The brown color of the grass during the dry season is what gave this remarkable natural phenomenon the nickname Chocolate Hills. In addition to these distinctive hills, Bohol is also well-known for its eccentric wildlife (such as Philippine tarsiers), centuries-old churches, rivers, and impressive waterfalls.

The beaches in Bohol may not boast the same white powdery sand in Boracay but there are rugged cliffs, bays, and spectacular coral reef systems you will find in Balicasag Island located in the southwest of Panglao Island, Bohol. In Panglao, you can also visit Hinagdanan Cave and end the day with a sunset on one of the beaches. What we liked the most about Bohol is getting lost inside and escaping from the most touristy areas.  

Camiguin, aptly labeled the “Island Born of Fire,” is a charming island-province filled with volcanoes that include Mount Guinsiliban, Mount Uhay, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Vulcan, and Mount Mambajao. Did you know that Camiguin holds the record for the island with the most volcanoes per square kilometer in the world?

Make no mistake, however. There's more to this tiny Philippine province than its volcanic riches - it's a secluded destination that features a host of natural wonders such as refreshing waterfalls, cold and hot springs, and a gorgeous sandbar called the White Island. In addition, it has many other interesting attractions to offer its visitors, including the infamous sunken cemetery, well-preserved ancestral homes, and centuries-old churches.

An ascent of 2,954 meters high, Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is a special experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain is located in the province of Cotabato and is part of the surrounding Mount Apo National Park that stretches to an area of 64,053 hectares. The park offers hot springs, waterfalls, and a variety of animals and plants. In addition, six indigenous tribes live in the national park area.

In the center of Mindanao lies Mount Dulang-Dulang, which is the second-largest mountain in the Philippines with an altitude of 2,938 meters.

In the middle of the rainforest and mountain landscape lies the Sebu Lake. There you can experience action during ziplining or explore the area and surrounding villages on a hike. One of the most underrated places to visit in the Philippines, Lake Sebu is also home to a group of stunning waterfalls and remarkably crystal clear, clean lakes.

In recent years, the country’s “surfing capital,” Siargao has gained more and more popularity, and rightly so. The island, strategically located along the east coast of the country, receives strong winds and currents that constantly flow from the Pacific Ocean. To the delight of surfers, this gives the island solid waves that they can enjoy, including the popular Cloud 9.

Puerto Princesa, the capital of the Palawan region, is located in the middle of the island of Palawan. Puerto Princesa itself is not a must-see. But the city is a popular starting point for tours.

Northwest of the island capital Puerto Princesa is the 7-kilometer-long Underground River, which is part of the Subterranean River National Park and a World Heritage Site.

The relaxed village of Port Barton is located on the northwest coast of Palawan Island and is a popular backpacker destination. Tourist masses are just as out of place here as cultural highlights. But you can swim, dive, snorkel or enjoy the sun. Similar activities as in El Nido you can do here for a much lower price.

If you're looking for the perfect destination to wind down and chill, the relaxed Cacnipa Island off Port Barton is the place to be. It is still considered an insider tip. Visit the beautiful islands around the town in an island hopping, cross paths until you discover the beautiful White Beach, take a dip in the town's waterfall, and discover a stunning beach that nobody goes to.

The fishing and port city El Nido is located in the north of Palawan. There you will encounter picturesque coastal landscapes, incredible lagoons and can relax on some of the most beautiful beach destinations in the country. This part of the country is a popular tourist destination and is home to many bars, restaurants, and resorts.

In the north of the province of Palawan lies the island of Coron. In contrast to El Nido, you will find a more untouched nature here. You can go on a trekking tour through the jungle or view the landscape from a kayak.

Between the islands, Busuanga and Coron lie Coron Bay, which is a popular destination for wreck divers. At the bottom of the sea are 10 Japanese shipwrecks, making it one of the most important places in the world to dive and be able to see mesmerizing wrecks from World War II. 

In addition to the spectacular diving spots, in the town, you can visit the hot springs, see the sunrise after climbing the 720 steps that lead to the stunning viewpoint of Mount Tapyas, and enjoy an island-hopping organized in tours A, B, C, and D for a perfect tropical getaway.   

In the heart of the Sulu Sea is the Tubbataha Reef, which consists of a group of islands. Divers rave about the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is currently only accessible by liveaboard. Tubbataha is located between the islands of Palawan and Mindanao, 160 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa. 

The total area of ​​the reef is really huge: around 10,000 hectares, and there is simply no way to count the marine life here: hundreds of different species of fish, several dozen species of waterfowl, as well as whales, sea turtles, and dolphins.