10 Top Tourist Attractions in the

Philippines
Last updated on November 7, 2016 in Philippines 33 Comments

Located at the very eastern edge of Asia, the Philippines are home to more than
7,000 islands, which are inhabited by friendly locals and many indigenous tribes.
From pristine beaches and marvelous natural wonders to interesting historic sites
and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Philippines pack many exciting things to
see and do. Check out the following top tourist attractions in the Philippines.

ubbataha Reef

flickr/q phia

The Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a marine sanctuary protected as the
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is made up of two atolls, North
Atoll and South Atoll, separated by a deep channel of approximately 5 miles (8
km) wide. It has become one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines
because of its coral walls where the shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way
to great depths. The marine park is open to live-aboard diving excursions
between the months of April to June when the waves are most calm.

San Agustin Church, Manila

flickr/benjieordonez

Located in Manila, a visit to the San Agustin Church is a must see. Built in 1589,
this beautiful church has survived seven earthquakes and two fires over the
centuries and now remains as the oldest stone church in the Philippines. At the
main entrance, there are exquisite carvings on the wooden doors. Inside the
lovely, Mexican-influenced interior is designed in the shape of a Latin cross. The

gorgeous ceiling was painted in the 1800s by Italian artists, Giovanni Dibella and
Cesare Alberoni.

Mayon Volcano

flickr/Storm Crypt

Rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, Mayon Volcano is
significant for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visitors can enjoy a number
of activities here such as camping, climbing, hiking, bird watching and

photography. A picturesque spot in which to admire Mayon Volcano is from the

nearby Cagsawa ruins. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines,
having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years. The most destructive
eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814 bombarding the nearby towns
with volcanic rocks. The belfry and what is left of the baroque church that was
destroyed by the 1814 eruption can still be seen.

Malapascua Island

flickr/Charles Van den Broek

A small island made up of quiet fishing villages, Malapascua Island is popular for
its ideal diving spots and for being the only place in the world to see thresher
sharks on a regular basis as well as manta rays and hammerheads. The other
hidden gems here are the beautiful, sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters
bordered by coconut trees and colorful coral gardens.

Puerto Galera

flickr/Storm Crypt

Just south of Manila is the charming coastal town of Puerto Galera, well-favored
for its gorgeous beaches, excellent diving spots and wide diversity of marine
species. The most popular beaches are White Beach and Sabang Beach, which
also offer nearby shopping, dining, nightlife and hotel accommodation. Another
popular attraction is the natural harbor of Muelle Bay with its rows of shops,
restaurants and bars. Visitors can also go snorkeling to see some of Asias best
coral reefs or dive among old shipwrecks and hundreds of fish species.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

flickr/Storm Crypt

Located on the northern coast of the island of Palawa, Puerto Princesa is a

nature lovers paradise. Home to unspoiled landscapes rich in wildlife, this lovely
town also lays claim to one of the worlds most unique natural phenomena, an
underground river known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Protected

within a national park, this natural wonder is the worlds longest navigable
underground river. Guided paddle boat tours show intriguing rock formations and
fluttering bats.

Donsol

Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning

waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place
in the Philippines to see whale sharks. The oceans gentle giants can be seen
between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and
May. Tourists can also take a boat cruise along the Donsol River through
mangrove and palm trees, and watch the night light up with millions of sparkling
fireflies. If thats not enough, a traditional shrimp-catching expedition with
bamboos and nets, followed by a tasty dinner of the cooked catch is also
available.

Chocolate Hills

One of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, The Chocolate Hills are
unusual geological formations that consists of at least 1,268 individual mounds
scattered throughout the interior of the island of Bohol. The almost symmetrical
and same-sized formations range from 98 to 164 feet (30 to 50 meters) high and
are covered in green grass. During the dry season the grass turns brow, hence
the name. There is no consensus on how these giant mole hills were formed.
One theory holds that the Chocolate Hills are the weathered rock formations of a
kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.

Boracay

Boracay may be a small island, but it packs great features such as awardwinning beaches, beautiful resorts and great adventures like cliff diving,
parasailing, motorbiking, horse riding, snorkeling, kite surfing and scuba diving. If
that is not enough, boat tours allow visitors to watch stunning sunsets, explore
volcanic caves and remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When the sun sets,
Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drinks
and fun until dawn.

Banaue Rice Terraces

flickr/IRRI Images

No trip to the Philippines could be complete without seeing the spectacular

Banaue Rice Terraces. Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago
without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces
resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and

vegetables on the terraces, although more and more younger Ifugaos do not find
farming appealing and emigrate to the cities.
El Nido, Palawan

The view at the Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Named as the most beautiful island beaches in the world by Cond Nast Traveller
magazine in 2015, El Nido is one of the must-visit and must-return places in the
Philippines in 2016. When in El Nido, experience different island hopping tours to white
sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, and crystal clear waters, where you can swim,
snorkel, do kayaking, or just relax and embrace the hidden beauty of Mother Nature.

Batanes Islands, Batanes

Batanes Highlands. Photo by Lailani Salaguinto-Jabonete

Batanes is one of the most wanted tourist destinations in the Philippines. A trip to the
province will give you the most unique sceneries of the country, which include unspoiled
islands that will satisfy nature lovers, livestock freely roaming above endless green hills,
massive cliffs overlooking oceans under the blue skies, rocky shores and white sand
beaches, and the rich cultural heritage of the Ivatans.

4. Camiguin Island, Camiguin

Camiguin Island in the Philippines. Photo by Allan Donque via Flickr.

Camiguin province holds the record of having the most number of volcanoes per square
kilometer than any other island on the planet. But beyond volcanoes, the province also
boasts natural attractions, including an uninhabited white sandbar, hot and cold springs,
and waterfalls. Moreover, you can also witness the Lanzones festival in October, visit
centuries-old churches, old ancestral homes and the infamous sunken cemetery.

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Sunset on Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island. Photo by Htkava via Wiki Commons.

Along with Palawan and Boracay, the island of Cebu is also considered one of the top
20 best islands in the world by Cond Nast Traveller magazine. A month isnt enough to
explore the whole of Cebu, which is known for its white beaches, luxury resorts, and rich
history. Malapascua Island is one of the most popular destinations in Cebu. The small
island which can be walked around in two hours is home to lovely beaches and relaxing
breeze of air. Tourists visit the island for a once-in-a-life time diving experience with the
thresher sharks.
Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

The beautiful sandbar of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte.

The island of Kalanggaman in Palompon has one of the most beautiful sandbars in the
Philippines, and probably in the world. No wonder why international cruise ships made a
stopover on this dream island to bring hundreds of tourists from the different parts of the
world. Swimming in clear and translucent seawaters that glow at night, walking along a
white long sandbar, and gazing at a billion stars at clear night sky are only some of the
reasons why you should visit and return on this tiny island in 2016.
Also read: How to Get to Kalanggaman Island?

7. Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

The big waves at Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Philippines. Image by Paolo Marco Maalac via Flickr

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and home to the worldrenowned surfing wave called Cloud 9. So if you love surfing, this island must be in
your bucket list in 2016. However, Siargao is not only a perfect place for surfers but for
any type of tourists. Unknown to many, the island is also hiding pristine white sand
beaches, enchanting lagoons, natural pools, waterfalls, amazing caves, incredible rock
formations, and more.

8. Coron, Palawan

Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan. Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Flickr.

Coron is a tropical paradise in the province of Palawan. The postcard-perfect scenery of

Kayangan Lake with its towering limestone cliffs and crystalline waters is one of the
must-visit places in the Philippines. Visiting Coron will give you an opportunity to swim
at Kayangan Lake, dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. Coron is also one of the most
visited destinations for wreck diving in the country.

9. Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao Del Sur

The clear, clean and bluish Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Image by 2il org via Flickr.

If Surigao Del Norte is famous for its legendary Pacific waves in Siargao, Surigao Del
Sur is known for its Enchanted River in Hinatuan. The clear bluish waters of Hinatuans
Enchanted River can go as deep as 80 feet deep. A popular story among the locals tells
that fairies and mermaids swim and play in the waters, protect the river, and maintain its
cleanliness.
Taal Volcano and Tagaytay, Batangas and Cavite

Taal Volcano as seen from Tagaytay

Tagaytay City in Cavite is a popular holiday destination located south of Manila. Its an
ideal place for leisure and recreation activities, such as picnic, horseback riding, zipline
riding, and catching the picturesque view of Taal Volcano Island surrounded by Taal
Lake. For more adventure, tourists can head to Talisay, Batangas to cross Taal Lake on
a motorboat and reach Taal Volcano Island to trek to the crater of the smallest active
volcano in the world.

12. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Photo by Carrie Kellenberger via Flickr.

Palawan seems to never run dry of amazing destinations for tourists. The Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River National Park also called Puerto Princesa Underground
River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The
8.2 km long Underground River is said to be the longest navigable underground river in
the world. The cave system contains stalactites, stalagmites, small underground
waterfalls, and more river channels.

13. Langun Gobingob Caves, Samar

Langun Gobingob caves in Calbiga, Samar. Photo by Joni Abesamis Bonifacio

With hundreds of caves explored and mapped, the island of Samar is starting to be
recognized as the caving capital of the Philippines. Langun-Gobingob Caves, the
largest caving system in the country is also found in Samar, particularly in the town of
Calbiga. The cave system has a huge chamber that can easily fit three football fields.
So if you want a new spice of adventure, caving in Samar has to be included in your
bucket list of top things to do in 2016.
Mount Apo, Mindanao

Mount Apo in Mindanao is the highest mountain in the Philippines. Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Flckr.

If you want the best of the Philippines, why not aim for the tallest mountain in the
country? Mount Apo is the highest peak of the Philippines at 10,311 feet above sea
level. Mountaineers and adventurers will face a challenging journey to the peak of the
mountain traversing creeks, lakes, rivers, grasslands, and forests. The mountain is also
home to flora and fauna that are endemic to the area. Trekking to the top is not an easy
task but it rewards anyone with the most spectacular views and feelings that we rarely
experience in our lives.

17. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan

Tubbataha Reefs. Photo by q phia via Flickr.

If Mount Apo is for hikers, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a heaven for the scuba
divers. This wonderful underwater world near the middle of Sulu Sea is one of the best
dive sites on Earth. This protected sanctuary is home to pristine coral reefs, manta rays,
sea turtles, clownfish, lionfish, sharks, and the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. The
Natural Park which was also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is also a
sanctuary for a hundred bird species.

18. Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The Spanish period houses in Calle Crisologo, VIgan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by Adrian Enriquez via Pixabay.

There are many Spanish colonial period houses and mansions that are scattered in the
Philippines. But if you like to see an entire district that is exceptionally intact from its
Spanish period architecture and scenery, Vigan is the place to be. The historic town of
Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along Crisologo Street to experience an
ambience dating back to the 16th century.

19. Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila

The walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is abundant with historical and educational
attractions. The 400-year old historic walled city of Intramuros is home to Fort Santiago,
San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Manila Cathedral, Palacio del
Gobernador, Plaza de Roma, centuries-old canyons, cobblestones, and other buildings
and ruins from the Spanish period. A walking distance from Intramuros is Rizal Park, the
most famous park in the country and home to the iconic Rizal Monument, the countrys
tallest flag, KM Zero, and much more.
Also read: 10 Reasons Why Every Filipino Should Visit Rizal Park in Manila

20. National Museum of the Philippines, Manila

The huge painting, Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Another must-visit destination in Manila is the National Museum of the Philippines. If

you like to learn more and appreciate the national cultural and historical treasures of the
Filipinos, the museum is a place you shouldnt miss in 2016. See for yourself the giant
painting Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the Manunggul Jar and other prehistoric artifacts
dated back from 890 to 710 B.C., the treasures of Spanish Galleon San Diego, the
Balangay or Butuan boat, the different paintings and sculptures of various Filipino
national artists, and other stuff you have probably only seen in textbooks.

Sagada
If you are a hiker or a nature lover, Sagada will be your paradise. It takes roughly 15 hours from the
airport by car to reach this paradise, which is one of the newest tourist destinations in the
Philippines, and because it is located so far from Manila, few people visit. Trekking, caving, visiting
waterfalls, rock climbing, and nature tripping are all points of interest. Don't miss the hanging coffins
it is a local tradition to bury the dead in coffins nailed to cliff faces, high above the ground.

Sagada: Hanging coffins.

#2: Pagudpud
The first time I saw this beach, I was speechless. I can't measure the happiness I felt the when I saw
that crystal clear water and white sand. All I wanted to do was take off my clothes, jump in that water,
and never come out.
You can also enjoy many other sights in Pagudpud, like windmills, lighthouses, and waterfalls. I want
to go back there, if given the chance.

aguio City
Baguio City is one of the coolest places in the Philippines due to its high altitude. It is considered the
summer capital of the Philippines because the best time to go there is summer, when the
temperature in metro Manila reaches 37C/98.6F. Baguio City has many tourist spots: a botanical
garden, Mines View Park, Wright Park where you can ride a horse, Burnham Park where you can
ride a boat or a bike, and the mansion where the president of the Philippines stays when he visits.
You can also try mountain climbing (Baguio is surrounded by beautiful mountains), and don't forget
to buy some souvenirs because this city is known for its beautiful wooden crafts.
By the way, this is where you'll find the best halayang ube or purple yam jam in the entire world. And
guess who makes it? Believe it or not, the nuns in Good Shepherd, a local convent, are the ones
who make the best jam ever. They are also famous for their very delicious and sweet strawberry
jam.