An island republic, the Philippines is situated in the Western Pacific Ocean Due to the country’s seven thousand tropical islands, the area has one of the world’s longest combined coasts. Some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world are found on these islands, as well as whale sharks, dugongs, and tropical jungle.
People in the Philippines are kind, warm, and hospitable. Both Manila and Cebu may be easily reached by air, car or train, and cross-island transit is also available. We’ve put up a list of some of our favourite sites to visit in this country:
10. Vigan
This town’s Crisologo St region is like stepping back in time. As a reminder of the opulent lifestyle lived by many in this historic Spanish trade centre, horses pull carts along cobblestone walkways, and dark-wood homes line the sides. Beeswax and gold were among the various commodities sent to China at the period in exchange for exotic Asian wares.
Tourism is now the port’s primary source of revenue, although the port’s former glory can still be seen. A retail district in the north and a commercial sector in the south make up Vigan’s two distinct areas. St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Mestizo area and various house museums are also popular attractions for visitors.
9. Bohol
With its enormous orange eyes and tiny finger-sized claws, the island of Bohol has a new face. This location, only a short drive from Cebu, is one of the last refuges for this elusive monkey species. The second reason non-divers flock to the area is the chocolate hills, an unusual geological formation.
A vengeful giant is said to have hurled rocks to create the mogul-like slopes. This location, however, attracts a large number of tourists who come to take advantage of its stunning diving chances. The Pangalo and Pamlican Islands’ marine reserves may be reached from here.
8. Manila
The Philippines’ main city, Manila, is a hive of activity that attracts a wide range of visitors from all over the world. The skyscraper gazing tour and the self-guided city tour are just two of the many options available in Manila.
There is a wide range of cuisines available, from street food vendors to fine dining establishments, that reflect the country’s unique mix of Spanish, indigenous, and Chinese heritages. Since there are over two dozen yearly festivals, there is never a poor time to visit Manila.
7. Donsol
Donsol, a tiny fishing village in the province of Sorsogon, is the best site in the Philippines to observe whale sharks, thanks to its clean beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, and untouched caverns. Due to its location in Donsol Bay’s tropical waters, they thrive here.
Between November and June, the protected species migrates through Donsol, with the highest numbers occurring between February and May.
6. Tagaytay
You can view the active and extinct craters of the Taal volcano from the town of Tagaytay, which stands magnificently above the town. The lake’s centre island is the now active volcanic crater, which may be seen steaming on clear days, which is tucked within the ancient Taal volcano crater.
It is awe-inspiring to observe the pure waters of a crater lake up close and personal. There is a long town in the Philippines called Tagaytay that lies on a hill and is recognised for its cleanliness, laid-back atmosphere, and excellent cuisine. The Punta de Santiago lighthouse, the St. Anne Shrine, and a big local flower garden are all popular stops for visitors.
5. Cebu
Philippines’ Cebu province includes the main island as well as 167 outlying islands. As the Philippines’ second-largest city, Cebu is also the country’s oldest and most populous.
Many of the city’s advantages are comparable to those found in Manila but it is a smaller and more manageable version of the metropolis. Matcan Island, which boasts a world-class diving site and is within a short drive from Cebu’s international airport, is one of Cebu’s advantages. Malapascua, the island and resorts of which can only be accessible by boat, is a four-hour journey from the port town of Maya. It is, nevertheless, well worth the journey, since it is often regarded as the country’s top diving location.
4. Mindoro
The island of Mindoro is divided into two halves by a mountain range: the Mindoro Oriental and the Mindoro Occidental. The far north of the area is home to the Mangayan tribe, a primitive people. For divers, the village of Sablayan is the gateway to the island of Pangan and the Apo Reef Marine Natural Park, making this journey worthwhile.
Reservations are needed since there is just one hotel on the island. The town of Puerto Galera serves as the primary tourist destination in Mindoro Oriental. If you’re a beach bum, there are resorts and white-sand beaches here. If you’re more of a hiker, there are jungles filled with orchids and rivers and waterfalls to kayak down in this town.
3. Banuae
Banuae’s mud-walled rice terraces are motivation enough to catch the bus from Manila to this fascinating indigenous village. As you can see, the agricultural engineering method shown here has been handed down through the ages.
Even if it weren’t for the amazing wood-carved rice guardians, this place would be a must-see for anybody visiting Kyoto. Crops are said to be guarded by these old, primitive sculptures, which evoke images of tikis.
Tourists from the West have been drawn to an old way of life and a major tourist industry in this country, but those wanting a more genuine experience may still visit less touristic areas where rice harvests are still the primary source of income.
2. Boracay
On this island, which has routinely ranked among the world’s top three beaches, you’ll find endless stretches of white sand, vibrant outrigger sailboat excursions, and luxurious resorts. Boracay’s most populated area is White Beach’s centre section, which offers the most in the way of dining, entertainment, shopping, and general good times.
As you go farther out from the city, you’ll find more isolated choices, but they come with less conveniences. The white sand beaches, turquoise ocean, and romantic environment are accessible to visitors of all budgets, from basic shacks to luxurious full-service resorts.
1. Palawan
Palawan is an island province in the South China and Sulu seas that runs from Mindoro to Borneo. It is one of the greatest locations to visit in the Philippines. The provincial capital is Puerto Princesa, which is located between massive karst formations and an underground river.
Divers interested in exploring World War II Japanese wreckage go to Busuanga Island’s Coron Reefs. It’s hard to miss El Nido, which sits perched on the edge of Bacuit Bay, surrounded by a series of towering limestone karst cliffs.
