20 FAMOUS LANDMARKS IN PHILIPPINES

By Sarah Holmes- September 10, 2020

Taking its name from Philip II, King of Spain during the Spanish colonisation of the area during the 16th
century, the Philippines became an independent state in the early 1900s. Following 333 years of Spanish
rule, the Spanish influences on their culture left a unique legacy, from ancient buildings to words used to
describe certain areas to historic landmarks in the Philippines.

The Philippines is an island country consisting of around 7000 island and islets. The landscapes are
beautiful and dangerous, with some of the most active volcanoes in the world on its islands. Filled with a
vast and varying history, and beautiful hidden treasure natural landmarks, the Philippines is an
incredible country to explore. Here are 20 Philippines landmarks you must visit when exploring this
amazing country.

Contents [show]

20 LANDMARKS IN THE PHILIPPINES

NATURAL LANDMARKS IN THE PHILIPPINES

1- CHOCOLATE HILLS

bohol landmarks

Bohol’s Chocolate Hills are stunning natural landmarks of the Philippines.

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol Province number at least 1260 almost symmetrical hills. Their name derives
from their appearance following dry spells, where the green grass turns brown.

The hills, of which there are believed to be as many as 1776, are spread across an area of roughly 50
square kilometres.
The hills vary in height and size, but their rounded dome peaks make them appear from a distance
identical.

Legend has it that the hills were made following a feud between two giants.

The giants threw rocks, boulders and sand at each other, and what was left on the landscape became
the Chocolate Hills.

2- BANAUE RICE TERRACES

famous landmarks in philippines

Banaue Rice Terrance is a beautiful Philippines landmark to see.

On the island of Luzon, the Banaue Rice Terraces are in the Cordilleras area.

The fields have been of great importance to the Ifuago (wet-rice growers) since around the 1st century
when they began to build the terraces.

The terraces resemble steps which have been carved into the side of the mountains.

The steps form part of an elaborate irrigation system, allowing the rice to grow in precisely the right
environment.
The terraces themselves cover approximately 4000 square miles of land and make for a spectacular
landscape to visit.

3- MAYON VOLCANO

Mayon Volcano, or Mount Mayon, is in the province of Albay in Bicol Region of the island of Luzon.

The volcano is famous for its perfect cone top and almost symmetrical shape and is still active, last
erupting in 2019.

Despite this, people flock to Mayon from all over the world to get a glimpse of this powerful volcano.

Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and is feared by locals for its destructive
powers.

The last major eruption in 1993 left many dead and homeless in its wake.

The volcano stands at 2462 meters high, and its crater consists of a gigantic chamber filled with molten
rocks.

For more Philippines travel see:

20 Landmarks In the Philippines

15 Things To Do In Manila

Philippine Airlines Business Class

Philippines Itinerary (2 Weeks)

Marinduque Tourist Spots

4- PUERTO PRINCESA’S SUBTERRANEAN RIVER

philippines landmarks

Puerta Princessa underground river is one of the unique landmarks in the Philippines.

Within the Puerto Princesa park lies a hidden river, which flows underground and much of the park’s
landscape sits on a limestone bed.

The river runs through the limestone and directly into the sea, making parts of this subterranean river
tidal.

Due to its location, the river and surrounding parkland are part of a diverse ecosystem which
encompasses both the mountains and the sea, giving it some of the most important forestry systems in
Asia.

Boat tours take tourists through the subterranean river where they can see underground waterfalls and
crystal-lined caves.

5- TAAL LAKE AND VOLCANO

landmarks in philippines

This volcano is another of the most stunning natural landmarks in the Philippines.

Taal Lake and Volcano is in the province of Batangas.

The Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines, after Mayon, and has recorded 34
historical eruptions.

Taal Lake is freshwater and was formed from a volcanic eruption between 500,000 and 100,000 years
ago.

The lake is the third-largest lake in the country, and its waters can range from deep blues to greens,
making it a spectacular sight to see.
As the volcano sits in the middle of the lake, part of the lake covers the Taal Caldera, filling it with water.

6- TUBBATAHA REEFS

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers an area of approximately 100,000 hectares of marine habitats.

The reef is in the Sulu Sea and lies 50km southwest of the mainland, making it an excellent area for
conservation.

Due to its sheer size, the marine park offers many diverse habitats including reefs, deep-sea trenches,
and islets where nesting birds and turtles head.

Within the reef itself, more than 600 species of tropical fish, 50% of all coral species in the world, tiger
sharks and endangered species such as green sea turtles can be found.

Journeying to the reef should only be attempted between March and June, however, the 10-12 hour
boat journey does make for spectacular diving opportunities.

7- TINUY-AN FALLS

A hidden treasure of the Philippines, Tinuy-an Falls cascades over three levels from heights of 55 meters.

The falls are popular with swimmers, who take advantage of the cool waters on particularly humid days.

Rafts are available to take tourists closer to the falls.

The name Tinuy-an translates to ‘intentional act’ in the local dialect and is linked to folklore.
It is said that tribesmen from Agusan captured people living on the Magdiwata Mountain and enslaved
them.

They were forced to make small boats and then row their masters along the river.

The slaves used this as an opportunity to guide the boats to the falls, and push their masters over the
edge.

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HISTORICAL PHILIPPINES LANDMARKS

8- LEYTE LANDING MONUMENT

One of the Philippines many monuments commemorating moments during WWII, Leyte Landing
Monument represents a fulfilled promise.

In 1942, when Japanese forces occupied the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur from the US Armed
Forces infamously said “I shall return”, meaning he would return to the country and free the people
from Japanese occupation.

In 1944, MacArthur landed back on the Philippines by boat and fought to regain control of the country,
by pushing the Japanese out.

The site where he returned is marked by statues of American soldiers, and General MacArthur, standing
in a shallow pool of water.

Two commemorative plaques have also been laid, retelling the story.

9- FORT SAN PEDRO

Now partly ruined, Fort San Pedro was built in 1565 upon the orders of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who
conquered the Philippines during the 1500s.

The fort served for many years as an army garrison, prison camp and even acted as the cities zoo for a
time.

What is left of the fort dates to the 18th century and features a decorated arched gateway and small
ramparts.

Within its walls, a walled garden has been built, allowing locals and tourists a place to escape the hustle
and bustle in Cebu.

10- BASILICA DEL SANTO NINO

In Cebu stands the Basilica del Santo Nino, the oldest basilica in the Philippines.

The building was constructed in the 1700s and was built with the intention of being able to survive
earthquakes.

The façade is simple in its design, taking influences from Muslim, Romanesque and Neoclassical
architectural styles.

Inside, ceilings are decorated with elaborate paintings depicting biblical scenes.

It is however the holy relic of Santo Nino that draws people to this beautiful basilica.

The relic is a gem-festooned statue of the holy infant Jesus and was a gift for Queen Juana for her
baptism in 1521.

It is said that during a fire that destroyed much of Cebu, and indeed the church itself, the relic remained
undamaged.

11- CAGSAWA RUINS

historic landmarks philippines

Another interesting historical landmark in the Phillipines is the Cagsawa Ruins.

Cagsawa Ruins in Albay, with views over Mayon Volcano, are the centrepiece of a park with the same
name.

The ruins are of a church built in 1724 by Franciscan friars and was originally built to replace a church
that had been destroyed by Dutch pirates.
Cagsawa was however sadly buried, along with the town and surrounding landscape during an eruption
of nearby Mayon Volcano in 1814.

Townsfolk fled to the church for protection, but sadly around 1200 of those who sought refuge from the
volcano here died.

Today only the church’s belfry remains and has stood stable despite other natural disasters hitting the
country.

12- AGUINALDO SHRINE

One of the most important historical landmarks in the Philippines is Aguinaldo Shrine.

The shrine is in Kawit and is where the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1898 was
signed.

The shrine is actually a house and was built from wood and thatch in 1845.

Within the shrine is a dedicated museum containing important artefacts from the first President
including car plates, chess pieces and epaulettes.

The shrine has many secrets housed within its walls.

From furniture with hidden compartments to secret tunnels leading away from the shrine to the church,
there is a lot to explore.

13- FORT DRUM

Fort Drum is a heavily fortified island in Manila Bay.

The sea fort, built from reinforced concrete is shaped like a battleship and was built by the American
Armed Forces during 1909 to bolster harbour defences.

The fort is now abandoned, however rusting guns are still in place around the concrete structure.

Following the Spanish-American War, the American military wanted to have a strong defence system in
place in Manila Bay.

By levelling El Fraile Island, and building a fortress designed to look like a battleship, the island appeared
intimidating.

The fort was abandoned after WWII but makes for a stark reminder of the conflict for those visiting.

14- CORREGIDOR ISLAND

Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, Corregidor Island is strategically placed as a military fortress.

The island itself is comprised of many abandoned military buildings.

The oldest building on Corregidor is the lighthouse, which dates back to 1853.

Below ground is a series of tunnels that were used to move munitions and soldiers around the fortress.

The tunnels are rumoured to be haunted by Japanese soldiers who took their own lives before being
defeated by Americans and Filipino soldiers.

The island now serves as a war memorial to all soldiers who fought and lost their lives there.
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LANDMARKS IN MANILA

15- FORT SANTIAGO

landmarks in manila

Intramuros is a one of the top landmarks in Manila for your bucket list.

Now a national landmark of the Philippines and shrine to the freedom of the country, the 16th century
Fort Santiago is a must-see landmark in Manila.

The fort is a stone structure designed in an Italian-Spanish architectural style and reflects key moments
in the countries history.

The fort once served as a prison for the hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal before he was executed in
1896.

Now, a museum has been built to share his legacy with visitors.

Look out for Rizal’s footsteps in bronze on the floor, which marks the route he took from his cell to the
firing squad that would end his life.
16- SAN JUAN DEL MONTE BRIDGE

The San Juan Del Monte Bridge played a key role during the Spanish and American colonisation of the
Philippines.

The bridge spans 40 meters and forms the boundaries between San Juan and Santa Mesa in Manila.

San Juan Del Monte was a key battleground in both the revolution against the Spanish and the Filipino-
American War.

The bridge was where the first shot of the revolution was fired. An American soldier shot at a Filipino
soldier, leading to the Battle of Manila.

17- RIZAL MONUMENTS

manila landmarks

Rizal’s monuments are historic landmarks in Manila.

Within the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape, sometimes called Rizal Park, are many important
statues commemorating Jose Rizal.

The park stretches over 60 hectares and is gilled with lush lawns, ponds, wooded areas and ornamental
gardens.

It is however the statues of Filipino heroes that are the gardens biggest draw.

The park is where Jose Rizal was executed by Spanish colonial authorities, and so has great historical
importance within the countries culture.

That’s why the Rizal Monument is a must-visit landmark when in the park.
Within the monument are the remains of Jose Rizal, a national hero. Sentries in full regalia stand guard.

18- SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

manila landmark

This beautiful architectural monument is a stunnin landmark in Manila.

San Agustin Church in Manila is a landmark to tick off your list when visiting the city.

A simple, Italian-style facade greets visitors as they approach the church inside the walled area of
Intramuros.

The church was completed in 1607 and is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.

In 1993 the church was given UNESCO World Heritage status.

The church itself has a tumultuous history.

In 1762 during the Seven Years War, the church was looted by British forces and was the only public
building left standing after a strong earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1863.

19- BINONDO

Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, is the oldest Chinatown in the world and was established in the late 16th
century.

The name Binondo comes from a Tagalog word meaning ‘mountainous’, due to its hilly landscape.

Within Binondo are many historical places of worship, all richly decorated in bright colours, gilded
carvings and traditional Chinese architecture.
The area was designated as a settlement for Catholic Chinese people during the Spanish colonial period.
Today, Binondo is a centre of commerce for Manilla which attracts locals and tourists alike.

20- MALACANAN PALACE

The official residence of the Present of the Philippines, Malacanan Palace is a must-visit landmark in
Manila.

The palace has been owned by the government for nearly 200 years, during which the buildings have
been remodelled and added to numerous times.

The palace was originally owned by a Spaniard involved in the Galleon trade, who built the palace with a
bathhouse on the river and lush gardens.

Inside the palace are grand and lavishly decorated rooms, each telling unique stories and encapsulating
important moments in the countries history.

Sarah Holmes

Sarah Holmes is a travel and fashion writer living in the heart of England. From family adventures in
numerous parts of the UK and Europe to exploring cities as an adult, Sarah has a wide knowledge of the
best areas, sights and local tips that the UK and the neighbouring continent can offer. Sarah grew up in
the North East of England, with incredible sights and landmarks only a short drive away. Her favourite
places to visit include Seaham Beach, the Lake District and Alnwick Castle. Sarah has written for a range
of fashion and travel blogs and print publications.

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