The Philippines, at the far eastern end of Asia, are home to more than 7,000 islands populated by warm-hearted inhabitants and several indigenous groups. The Philippines is jam-packed with amazing attractions and activities, from beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes to fascinating museums and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Here are some of the best sights to see in the Philippines.
10. Tubbataha Reef
A stunning image of schooling jacks swimming over a beautiful reef in Tubbataha, Philippines. Image source: AlexRoseShoots/Shutterstock.com
A marine sanctuary, Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is part of the protected Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. North Atoll and South Atoll are the two main islands that make up the reef, separated by a deep canal that is about 5 miles (8 km) wide. Because of its coral walls, a place where the shallow coral reef stops and enormous depths begin, it has quickly become one of the Philippines’ most popular diving destinations. In the months of April through June, when the waters are at their calmest, visitors on live-aboard diving trips can explore the marine park.
9. San Agustin Church, Manila
A beautiful view of the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Manila, Philippines. Image source: Richie Chan/Shutterstock.com
The San Agustin Church in Manila is an important religious site. The oldest stone church in the Philippines was built in 1589, and despite seven earthquakes and two fires throughout the ages, it still stands. The main doors of the building are adorned with intricate wood carvings. The attractive interior, which is inspired by Mexican style, is shaped like a Latin cross. In the 1800s, Italian painters Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni created the stunning mural that still adorns the ceiling.
8. Mayon Volcano
A captivating view of the Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay in the Philippines. Image source: Puripat Lertpunyaroj/Shutterstock.com
Mayon Volcano is notable for its symmetrical cone form, rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Camping, climbing, hiking, bird viewing, and photography are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed by visitors. Cagsawa Ruins, located close by, are a beautiful vantage point for viewing Mayon Volcano. Over the previous 400 years, Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano, has erupted more than 49 times. On February 1, 1814, Mayon had its most devastating eruption, hurling volcanic boulders towards nearby towns. The belfry and some of the walls of the baroque church that was destroyed in the 1814 eruption are still standing.
7. Malapascua Island
A breathtaking view of Malapascua Island’s crystal clear waters in the Visayan Sea, Philippines. Image source: photosounds/Shutterstock.com
Malapascua Island is famous for its excellent diving areas and for being the only place in the world to regularly witness thresher sharks, manta rays, and hammerheads. The area’s pristine white beaches, clear waters lined by coconut trees, and vibrant coral reefs are some of its other undiscovered treasures.
6. Puerto Galera
A stunning view of Talipanan Beach in Puerto-Galero, Philippines. Image source: Hlib Shabashnyi/Shutterstock.com
Puerto Galera is a picturesque coastal town just to the south of Manila, renowned for its beautiful beaches, top-notch diving sites, and rich marine life. White Beach and Sabang Beach are the most frequented beaches because of the abundance of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops in the area. Muelle Bay, a natural harbor with several stores, restaurants, and bars, is another major draw. Divers can explore sunken ships and hundreds of fish species while snorkeling or diving amid some of Asia’s best coral reefs.
5. Puerto Princesa Underground River
A mesmerizing view of the underground river in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Image source: View Apart/Shutterstock.com
Northern Palawa Island is home to Puerto Princesa, a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Beautiful Puerto Princesa is home to pristine ecosystems teeming with species, and it also has one of the world’s most unusual natural phenomena: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. This natural marvel is the longest underground river in the world, and it is safely enclosed inside a national park. Attractive rock formations and flying bats are among the sights on offer during guided paddle boat cruises.
4. Donsol
A woman swimming side by side with a massive whale shark in the clear blue waters of the Philippines. Image source: David Evison/Shutterstock.com
Donsol, a sleepy fishing village in the province of Sorsogon, is the best site in the Philippines to watch whale sharks due to its proximity to many undiscovered beaches, waterfalls, and caverns. The best time to watch these peaceful giants of the sea is between February and May; however, they can be seen at any time from November to June. To see the millions of twinkling fireflies that light up the night along the Donsol River and the mangrove and palm trees, visitors can take a boat tour. If that isn’t enough, you may also go on a traditional shrimp-catching trip using bamboo nets and have a delicious meal made from your catch.
3. Chocolate Hills
A panoramic view of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island, Philippines. Image source: Eva Mont/Shutterstock.com
The Chocolate Hills are a group of remarkable geological formations on the island of Bohol in the Philippines, consisting of at least 1,268 distinct mounds spread over the interior. The formations are covered in green grass and range in height from 98 feet (30 meters) to 164 feet (50 meters). When the rain stops, the grass turns brown, hence the name. These enormous mole hills have no agreed-upon origin story. Marine limestone above an impervious clay layer is a proposed explanation for the Chocolate Hills’ worn appearance.
2. Boracay
A stunning view of Boracay Island’s famous white sand beach and clear blue waters. Image source: ARTYOORAN/Shutterstock.com
Despite its small size, Boracay is home to a wide variety of exciting activities and attractions, including world-class beaches, luxurious hotels, thrilling watersports like cliff diving and parasailing, and unique experiences like horseback riding, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and scuba diving. And if that’s not enough, travelers can also embark on boat cruises to see breathtaking sunsets, discover hidden volcanic caverns, and swim in secluded turquoise lagoons. Boracay’s nightlife comes alive after dark, with many restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a lively atmosphere that lasts well into the morning.
1. Banaue Rice Terraces
A beautiful view of the rice terraces in Batad, Banaue, Philippines. Image source: Frolova_Elena/Shutterstock.com
The breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces should be a must-stop on any visit to the Philippines. The Ifugao people, without the aid of modern technology, hewn these exquisite agricultural terraces out of the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago. Even though newer generations of Ifugaos are abandoning farming for the cities, the terraces are still used to grow food.
