Discover beautiful tourist destinations in the Philippines. Explore the country’s natural wonders and historic and cultural attractions.

the top Tourist destinations in the Philippines

The country is made up of about 7000 islands and has a diverse culture. An awe-inspiring scenery and cultural attractions can be found all around the archipelago for everyone to explore. There are places for all sorts of adventures, such as scuba diving, hiking, and trekking, as well as places for leisure and light activities, such as beach resorts, nature, and ecotourism sites, cruises, yachts, and even shopping malls.

The country is recognized for its many festivals that provide a distinct celebration of cultures where anyone is invited to join in the fun.

The Philippines is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multi-ethnic country. There are many diverse spots to visit due to the country’s enormous number of islands. These are some of the most popular vacation destinations in the country.

MANILA

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The city serves as the country’s economic, political, social, and cultural center. It is a popular hub for visiting the country’s beautiful beaches, magnificent islands, and unique natural beauties. However, simply visiting Manila will provide you with a variety of tourist attractions. Manila is known for its Spanish-era structures, such as Intramuros, which served as the Spanish governmental and military headquarters in Asia. The fort at the bayside end of Intramuros’ Walled City is known as Fort Santiago. During the Spanish Empire and World War II, several lives were lost in its jails. José Rizal, one of the Philippines’ national heroes, was imprisoned here. Other well-known tourist attractions in Manila are Rizal Park, Quiapo Church, San Agustin Church and Museum, National Museum of the Philippines, Money Museum, Manila Ocean Park, Dessert Museum, San Agustin Church, Manila Baywalk, Escolata, and Baluarte De San Diego.

PALAWAN

Palawan is the Philippines’ greatest slice of paradise, with over 1,000 islands, 70 percent of which are natural Marine Protected Areas. Palawan is a popular destination for tourists seeking clean beaches and unspoiled beauty because it has the Philippines’ most diversified environment. If you want to experience nature, stunning beaches, and fascinating culture, Palawan is the place to be.

BOHOL

Bohol is a tropical paradise abounding in natural beauty. The most prominent sight in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills, which are made up of almost 1,000 symmetrical conical and dome-shaped hills. The Chocolate Hills got their name from the fact that they turn a dark chocolate color in the summer. The grass that carpets the hills during the wet season gives them a velvety and lush appearance. Tarsiers can also be found in Bohol. Tarsiers are tree-dwelling, nocturnal, insectivorous primates. They have large eyes, a long tufted tail, and very long hindlimbs.

DAVAO

It is the most populous city in Mindanao and the Philippines’ third-largest metropolitan. Davao City, one of the most important economies on the island and the third most important metropolitan hub in the Philippines, is known for its busy economic activities, urban development, and modern facilities. In Davao, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned tourist destination. It is also worthwhile to visit Samal Island, Aliwagwag Falls, Cape San Agustin, Lake Carolina, Dahican Beach, Crocodile Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Mt. Apo, and San Victor Island.

BORACAY

Boracay is a small island located off the northwest coast of the island of Panay in the Philippines’ Western Visayas region. It’s around 7 kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point, having a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers. White sand beaches, palm palms, and crystal clear water characterize the island. Boracay is a renowned tourist resort in the Philippines. It’s recognized for its white-sand beaches, a diverse selection of lodging options, and dining that spans Western to local fare.

SIARGAO

Siargao is undoubtedly one of Asia’s top surfing destinations, with year-round waves. Cloud 9 is the most famous of the island’s several surf breakers, attracting professional surfers from all over the world. It has enormous right-hand waves that break over a shallow reef. Siargao also has the largest mangrove forests in the Philippines. The mangroves of Siargao Island occupy an area of 8,620 hectares. In maritime, wetland, and terrestrial environments, this mangrove forest is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. There are various pristine areas where you may easily connect with nature with virtually no one around if you like to unwind.

TAGAYTAY

Because of its beautiful scenery, Tagaytay is one of the most visited areas in Manila’s south. From here, you can see Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. The region is noted for its abundance of spectacular natural views and a diverse range of economic facilities, in addition to its milder environment. Tagaytay is not just a great weekend getaway, but it’s also one of the greatest places in the Philippines to retire.

CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Because of the volcanic eruptions that built the province, Camiguin is known as the “island born of fire.” Camiguin has only five municipalities (Catarman, Guinisiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay), yet seven volcanoes (Mount Vulcan Daan, Mount Mambajao, Mount Karling, Mount Uhay, Guinisiliban Peak, Tres Marias Mountain, and Mount Hibok-Hibok). Camiguin Island offers some of the best waterfalls in the Philippines, among other prominent water features. With falls varying in height from more than 200 feet to 50 feet, it’s possible to spend an entire day waterfall hopping.

ILOILO

The province encompasses the southeastern portion of Panay Island, with the island province of Guimaras located directly across the water. Because of its central location in the Philippine archipelago, it is known as “the Heart of the Philippines.” The landmark Church of Tomas de Villanueva, also known as Miagao Church, is located in Iloilo and is one of the city’s most beautiful and historic churches. This massive church is one of the Philippines’ four UNESCO World Heritage-listed baroque churches. This butter-colored church, composed of limestone and adobe, took ten years to finish in 1787. Iloilo is also entrenched in Spanish colonial history as one of the commerce routes into the Visayas. This is why they can welcome tourists and provide attractions while keeping their culture, making Iloilo excellent for everyone visiting and enjoying the town.

CAGAYAN

Cagayan is known for its magnificent rolling hills, tall mountains, wonderful beaches, and amazing caves. The word “karayan” means “river” in Ilocano, and it refers to the Rio Grande de Cagayan. In terms of water discharge volume, this is the Philippines’ longest and largest river. For centuries, it has been the region’s source of livelihood, providing irrigation to vast swathes of land and becoming a rich source of marine life, transforming it into the country’s food basket.

CEBU

Cebu is a bustling port and one of the country’s largest cities. Cebu is known as the “Secret Paradise” of the Philippines. Cebu and its surroundings provide a wide range of vacation activities, from diving and snorkeling to trekking, world-class shopping, and historical monuments. It is also recognized for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. Divers visit Pescador Island and Moalboal for the sardine run and turtle point, then travel to Oslob for a whale shark swim. Because of its stunning natural beauty, quick accessibility, and high customer satisfaction, Cebu is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

PUERTO GALERA

It’s also a popular snorkeling and scuba diving spot, and a preferred destination for serious divers, because of its unique underwater coral reefs. The majority of dive sites are approximately a 5-minute drive from Sabang’s beach. The Paris-based organization Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde awarded Puerto Galera the World’s Most Beautiful Bay in 2005.  Colorful marine life, such as nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, sea anemones, moray eels, and sea horses, can be found in interesting rock formations and coral gardens.

BANTAYAN ISLAND

Bantayan Island is a Philippine island located in the Visayan Sea. It is located to the west of Cebu Island’s northern tip. Because of its crystal blue ocean waves and exceptionally clean shoreline of powdered white beaches, it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

SIQUIJOR

Siquijor is the smallest of Central Visayas’ four provinces. The island of Siquijor is famed for its mysterious and mystical stories. But it’s also known for its many clean beaches, stunning waterfalls, and historic landmarks.

ZAMBOANGA

Zamboanga City is located in the Philippines’ Mindanao region. Zamboanga is known as the “City of Flowers”. Its name comes from the Malay word jambangan, which means “flower garden.”. It is currently one of the Philippines’ most important and busiest port cities. We can see a combination of Western, Spanish, and indigenous characteristics in its architecture and people. It is known for having the most noticeable Spanish influence in the country, as seen by the language, cuisine, and culture.

LEGAZPI

Legazpi City was once a sleepy agricultural and fishing community, but it is today a bustling metropolis and one of the Philippines’ most popular adventure tourism destinations. It is home to the world-famous Mayon Volcano, which is located in the province of Albay in the Bicol area. Cagsawa Ruins Park, Mayon Volcano National Park, Vera Falls, Japanese Tunnels, Albay Park and Wildlife, Albay Capitol Atrium Art Gallery, Pacific Mall, Lignon Hill Nature Park, Bar 101, Quitinday Underground River, Daraga Church, and Legazpi Boulevard are among the most popular tourist attractions in Legazpi.

BATAAN

Bataan is noted for its historical landmarks. The Battle of Bataan is remembered as one of the last stands of American and Filipino troops before being defeated by Japanese forces during World War II. The Bataan World War II Museum in Balanga City is dedicated to displaying the events of the war, particularly the Death March. Natural delights abound throughout Bataan, including magnificent beaches, majestic mountains, and massive waterfalls.

BANAUE

Ifugao’s Banaue Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has thousands of stair-like rice paddies that are supposed to have been constructed thousands of years ago. The Ifugao people developed the Banaue rice terraces, a system of irrigated rice terraces in the highlands of north-central Luzon, Philippines, more than 2,000 years ago. The structures’ original builders used stone and mud walls to carve and construct terraces that could accommodate flooded pond fields for rice production. They also constructed a system for watering the plots by collecting rainwater from mountaintop trees.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

General Santos City, sometimes known as “GenSan,” is located in the Philippines’ province of South Cotabato. It is a highly developed city in the southern part of South Cotabato. It is known as the n”The Tuna Capital of the Philippines”.

ILOCOS SUR

One of the country’s most historically significant locales, mixing vivid Ilocano culture with colonial Spanish heritage. Ilocos Sur, known for its centuries-old architecture, is ideal for history enthusiasts and interested travelers.

ILOCOS NORTE

The province of Ilocos Norte is located in the Philippines’ northern area. The Paoay Church in Laoag City is a magnificent blend of local and medieval architecture. Pagudpud is known for its beaches, such as Blue Lagoon, as well as the bell-shaped Timmangtang Rock and the tall Kabigan Falls, which are located on the province’s northern border.  The spectacular Kapurpurwan Rock Formation, as well as the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, which is located further north, offer panoramic ocean views. 

BAGUIO

With its temperate climate, this is a great place to get away from the bustle of Manila. The city is also known for its tropical pine trees, earning it the title “City of Pines. It is the highest significant Philippine city in terms of elevation. Baguio is renowned as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” due to its nice climate with an average temperature of 22°C. Tourists flock to this mountain city in the summer and during holidays such as Christmas and New Year. Among the popular tourist destinations are Baguio Cathedral, Baguio Night Market, Bell Church, BenCab Museum, Botanical Garden, Burnham Park, Good Shepherd Convent, Mines View Park, Strawberry Farms in La Trinidad, Tam-Awan Village, The Mansion, Tree Top Adventure in Camp John Hay, Valley of Colors, Wright Park, Asin Hot Springs, and Philippine Military Academy.

SUBIC

Subic Bay is a popular holiday location due to its proximity to Metro Manila, with a travel duration of 3 to 4 hours. Its coastlines were formerly the site of a large U.S. Navy facility which is now an industrial and commercial region known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the supervision of SBMA or Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Subic Bay has been transformed into a beach town. The magnificent beaches are by far the most compelling reason to visit this region. Subic Bay is one of the most protected bodies of water in the country. Its rich marine life and crystal-clear waters make it a great diving and surf destination. The world-class amenities and tourist spots such as Tabby Wreck, Inflatable Island, Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, Subic Bay, El Kabayo Falls, Tree Top Adventure, Subic Boardwalk, and Lighthouse Marina, beautiful resort hotels, restaurants, and shops make this a destination ideal for both relaxation and adventure. It is great to stay at one of the best beach resorts in Subic Bay after a day of adventure.

MINDANAO

Mindanao is a tropical island brimming with natural beauty and wonderful tourist attractions. There’s a lot to do and see here. Tourists from all over the world visit Mindanao tourist spots every year because of its beautiful scenery as well as its rich culture and tradition. You may not have heard of these magnificent Mindanao tourist locations, which are great for people wishing to get off the beaten path.

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