There are more than 7 thousand small and large islets between the Philippine and Chinese Seas, bearing one beautiful name — the Philippines. These islands have always attracted the attention of tourists, and everyone found something to see in the Philippines based on their interests and preferences, be it nature, parks, palaces or entire islands. Incredible landscapes, comfortable beach holidays, original traditions and cuisine, excellent conditions for diving, ecotourism and even extreme mountaineering, as well as the unique sights of the Philippines scattered across different islands of the same state – all this makes the Philippines one of the most sought-after Asian countries in the field of tourism.
What to see in the Philippines first
When choosing where to go in the Philippines, everyone is faced with the need to choose, and sometimes this choice is complicated by the variety of places and the tight time frame of future travel. The top 30 below will allow you to briefly familiarize yourself with the main attractions and choose what to see in the Philippines in 1 day or any available time interval.
1. The city of Manila
The Spanish colonial architecture of the city of Manila against the background of modern skyscrapers
Traditionally, the rating is opened by the capital of the state — the city of Manila. This is one of the largest and most densely populated megacities in Asia, and as a rule, it is from here that the acquaintance with the Philippines begins. Modern times and antiquity, modern business centers and ancient historical buildings, luxury villas and poor neighborhoods coexist here. It is recommended to stay here for 1-2 days, take a sightseeing tour, get to the historic Intramuros district, Chinatown quarter, walk through the museums and Rizal Park, and finish the walk best at a local restaurant or bar with live music.
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2. The Intramuros area
Manila Cathedral in the Intramuros area
If you start your vacation from the capital, the guides in the Philippines will first take you to the historic district of Manila — Intramuros, which is located right on the banks of the Pasig River. The old city with an area of about 60 hectares, surrounded by fortified walls, was Manila until the 20th century, and after that it became only one of the districts of the city. Unlike the modern districts of Manila, Intramuros is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll and explore local historical sites such as Fort Santiago, St. Augustine’s Church, the Spanish Colonial era house Museum or the square with the monument to Carlos IV.
3. Palawan Island
Boat trips to Palawan Island
One of the largest islands of the Philippine archipelago with the province of the same name located here is Palawan Island, which is a large land area with untouched tropical forests, mangrove groves and mountains. This island is considered the safest corner of the Philippines, which is bypassed by the natural elements. There are no active volcanoes here, and therefore earthquakes and typhoons do not happen — all disasters bypass this place. The main wealth of the island is considered to be the El Nido Nature Reserve, as well as many wild beaches untouched by civilization. The coastal waters of Palawan are ideal for snorkeling.
4. Boracay Island
Beach with palm trees, bars and restaurants on Boracay Island
Despite its modest size, the Philippine island of Boracay is considered one of the best places for a beach holiday. The beach capital of the Philippines, which Boracay is secretly, was an unattainable dream of many adventurers back in the 20th century. A few decades ago, there was not even electricity on the island, and it was only since the 80s of the last century that the first hotels began to be built here. Today, hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year to go diving, surfing, peacefully bask on the sandy beach, and in the evening to taste cocktails in beach bars or recuperate in numerous spas.
5. White Beach
A 4-kilometer beach with snow-white coral sand
When choosing what to visit in the Philippines for a beach holiday, you should definitely choose the White Beach of Boracay Island. What makes it so remarkable? The white beach is about 5 kilometers of snow—white coral sand and flawless azure sea, where you can choose a vacation to your taste, since the beach is divided into 3 parts. The first part of the coast has a calm atmosphere, luxurious hotels and resorts. The second part is for fans of noisy entertainment, restaurants and bars. The third one is for fans of wild recreation, which has several cozy bungalows for quiet leisure.
Check out the wonderful views of the Philippines in this fascinating video!
6. Jose Rizal Park
The majestic Rizal Monument in Jose Rizal Park in the heart of Manila Maynard Rabanal
The historic Jose Rizal City Park in the center of Manila has its own centuries-old history. Back in the Middle Ages, a Tagalog settlement was located on this territory, and in the 18th century, during the era of Spanish colonization, a Spanish military hospital and some fortifications were located here, and next to it was a square in honor of the Spanish king, once known as the center of social life of the inhabitants of Manila. Today, the main attraction is the monument to Rizal, the Filipino educator, installed here in 1913, after whom this park was named.
7. Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park attracts many tourists from all over the world Ninjakeg
Not far from the old Intramuros district, there is another of the best attractions in the Philippines — Manila Ocean Park, a theme marine park where guests are invited to visit the aquarium and get to know the numerous inhabitants of the deep sea by walking through a huge 25-meter tunnel. The glass walls of the tunnel hang directly over your head, creating the maximum effect of presence. You can also visit other themed areas here: for example, feed penguins directly from your hands, admire exotic birds or chat with sea lions.
Official website: https://www.manilaoceanpark.com
8. The historic city of Wigan
One of the streets of the historic city of Wigan
In the western part of the Philippine island of Luzon, right on the coast, there is a historic city — Vigan. The history of the city begins in the 16th century, during the era of Spanish colonization, and its streets are an architectural mix of Spanish and Filipino structures. Among the most famous sights of the city are St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Residence, Salcedo and Burgos Squares. For a complete impression, it is worth visiting the Pagburnayan district, where the famous Vigan jugs are made, or walking along one of the main streets of Vigan – Mena Krizologo Street, whose pavement was paved with stones back in the 16th and 17th centuries.
9. The underground river of Puerto Princesa
Entrance to the cave of the underground river of Puerto Princesa
On the island of Palawan, near the city of Puerto Princesa, there is an underground river of the same name, recognized worldwide as one of the seven new wonders of the world. Its main feature is that its length is 8 kilometers, breaking world records among other underground rivers. This allows the reservoir to be used for navigation, but pleasure cruises are allowed here only for a distance of 1.2 kilometers deep, due to the lack of oxygen inside the cave. However, even after swimming a short distance, you can admire the views of stalactites and stalagmites. The cavity where the river flows is 80 meters high and 140 meters wide.
10. Chocolate Hills
Chocolate Hills against the background of the bright greenery of the surrounding forests
Excursions to the Philippines are rarely complete without visiting the island of Bohol, which is especially famous for the Chocolate Hills — small cone-shaped hills up to 120 meters high. In the dry season, the grass cover on them burns out, due to which these hills acquire a “chocolate” shade, which is where their name came from. To this day, scientists have not established exact versions of the origin of this miracle of nature, but there are three opinions: some say that the hills arose in the process of volcanic activity, the second claim that the hills appeared as a result of calcareous deposits of the ocean that existed on these lands, and according to the third, the hills are coral deposits that rose under the influence of various natural factors.
11. Taal Volcano
Amazing view of the lake and its surroundings
A special object of tourist interest is a volcanic island located in the middle of Lake Taal. The main attraction of the island is the smallest in the world, but at the same time one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Since its formation, for almost 450 years, the Taal volcano has erupted more than 30 times, destroying all life within a radius of tens of kilometers. Despite the danger of this place, the surrounding area of the volcano is still inhabited, and numerous tourists come here, joining an organized tour.
12. Mayon Volcano
The active Mayon volcano on the island of Luzon
Unlike Taal, the Mayon volcano, located on the island of Luzon, is active. Over the 4 centuries of Mayon’s existence, eruptions have occurred more than 50 times, including 4 times since the 1990s. Reviews indicate that the volcano is beautiful externally, it has regular symmetrical shapes. But at the same time, this beauty is very dangerous — the park surrounding the volcano closes when the slightest activity occurs. Especially brave tourists who want to conquer the volcano can climb up with a tent, it will take 2-3 days.
13. Rice terraces in the Philippine Cordillera
Amazing mountain landscapes of the Philippine Cordillera
The real crown of agricultural art on the slopes of the Cordillera is the rice terraces. They were created more than 2 millennia ago by the Ifugao tribes, who, resisting the invasion of foreigners for a long time, managed to preserve their special way of life. The terraces on the mountain slopes resemble a large staircase, where the upper face of each threshold is a plowed field planted with agricultural crops. Rice terraces are a vivid example of human diligence and the ability to adapt to life in any natural environment.
14. Baroque churches of the Philippines
Paoay Baroque Church in the north of the country in the province of Northern Ilocos
Churches built in the magnificent Baroque style have become the decoration of several Philippine cities — Manila, Miagao, Santa Maria and Paoia. The unique architectural structures still impress with their magnificent carved facades and luxurious interior decoration. All these architectural masterpieces, built by local and Chinese craftsmen, were included in the UNESCO Heritage List in the 90s of the last century. To this day, they are a vivid example of the skill of craftsmen who managed to interpret the traditional European style of architecture in their own way.
15. Pinatubo Volcano
The crater of the Pinatubo volcano filled with water
The following recommendations will relate to a dangerous, but even more attractive attraction on the island of Luzon — the active volcano Pinatubo, which was considered extinct for a long time. In 1993, the volcano, which had been “sleeping” for 6 centuries, recalled itself with the most powerful eruption of the 20th century. As a result, a crater appeared on the top, which is currently filled with water — this mountain lake, regularly replenished with rainwater, is now enjoying unprecedented tourist popularity. To this day, Pinatubo shakes the neighborhood with small tremors within a radius of about 20 kilometers.
16. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
The beauty of the underwater world of Tubbataha Reef
This national park is a large coral reef in the waters of Palawan Island. The age of the reef, which is about 15 million years old, deserves special admiration. The incredible underwater beauty of corals attracts divers from all over the world to this place. The total area of the reef is truly huge — about 10 thousand hectares, and there are simply countless marine life here: 5-6 hundred species of fish, several dozen species of waterfowl, as well as whales, sea turtles and dolphins. All this makes Tubbataha one of the most outstanding coral reefs on earth.
17. Taoist Temple in Cebu
Pagoda and Dragon sculpture at the Taoist Temple in Cebu
The incredibly bright, colorful, impressive temple on the island of Cebu will not leave any tourist indifferent. The temple building, located on a hill, is decorated in classic Chinese style and is surrounded by lush greenery, standing out vividly against the backdrop of Philippine landscapes. Its facade is decorated with multicolored ceramic tiles and decorated with various figurines. Visitors, in addition to the external beauty of the structure, are attracted here by fortune-telling, which is held here weekly, according to an ancient technique.
18. Apo Reef Nature Park
The Apo Reef Nature Park is a wonderful place for diving enthusiasts
Another of the best attractions in the Philippines is the protected water area on the territory of the Apo coral reefs, which occupy a huge area of more than 30 square kilometers. From December to the end of May, diving enthusiasts come here to see the most beautiful underwater world. In total, there are about 500 species of corals, hundreds of tropical fish, sharks, rays, invertebrates. There are several dive sites in the park, where the depth of coral ranges from 25 to as much as 900 meters.
Official website: https://whc.unesco.org
19. Mount Apo (volcano)
Panorama of the Apo National Park from the top of the Apo volcano Edwin Lee
The highest point in the Philippines is a mountain of volcanic origin — the potentially active volcano Apo. A trip to the volcano includes a visit to the national park, the territory of which is spread out in the vicinity, and the most extreme ones are visited
they can even climb to the top — it’s worth noting that this difficult path will take from 2 to 7-9 days. On the territory of the reserve, which covers an area of more than 50 thousand hectares, you can see evergreen forests with rare endemic plants. More than a hundred endemic bird species and the largest winged predator, the Philippine eagle, can also be found here.
20. Fort Santiago (Manila)
The entrance to Fort Santiago in the historic district of Manila Intramuros
In the western part of the old town of Intramuros there is the ancient fort of Santiago, the fortress walls of which have stood for almost 5 centuries, since the construction by the Spanish colonialists. During the Second World War, the building was significantly damaged, and only the reconstruction of the 1980s was able to rehabilitate it. What you can see today is just the result of that reconstruction. Today, within the walls of the fort, you can visit the museum, go down to the underground chamber in which the famous Filipino figure Jose Rizal once spent his imprisonment, as well as admire the magnificent panoramic view from the walls of the fortress.
21. Fort San Pedro
The oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines surrounded by a green park
The review continues with another defensive monument in Cebu city, erected by the Spanish colonialists – Fort San Pedro. For almost 2 centuries, starting from the middle of the 16th century, the fortifications were constantly being completed and strengthened. The fort bastion is very modest in size and covers an area of about 2 thousand square meters. meters. But despite its size, it was this fort that once saved the lives of thousands of people by repelling attacks by Muslim raiders. Later, the fort served as a barracks, hospital, school, military camp and even a zoo. Today, San Pedro is positioned as a historical park, on the territory of which there is a historical museum.
22. Magellan’s grave and Lapu-Lapu Monument
Lapu-Lapu Monument in Mactan Shryne Park Ipepot
The monuments to these two personalities, located next to each other on Mactan Island, surprise with their inconsistency, because in essence they are at the same time a tribute to the famous navigator Magellan, as well as to the leader Lapu-Lapu, who killed the pioneer. The fact is that Filipinos revere both of these outstanding people, but each for his own merits: Magellan – as the man who first discovered Christianity to Filipinos, and Lapu—Lapu – for the fight against colonization. Both relics are located in a park created in the 16th century on the site of the death of the discoverer.
Official website: https://www.publicartaroundtheworld.com
23. Magellan’s Cross (Cebu Island)
Magellan’s Cross in a brick chapel on Cebu Island
Cebu Island houses one of the most important religious attractions of the state — the Magellan Cross, a symbol of the Christian faith, to which the famous discoverer introduced the Filipinos. The Christian cross was brought by Spanish sailors on Magellan’s orders in the 16th century, at the time of arrival on the island. A chapel was built specifically to accommodate the revered shrine, in which the cross is kept to this day. Today, the ancient cross is placed in another, modern wooden cross, in order to protect the relic from time and increased tourist interest.
24. Maskhid al-Dahab
The huge golden dome of Maskhid al-Dahab or the Golden Mosque KisekiLacroix
Let’s pay attention to another religious landmark — the main mosque of Manila, Maskhid al-Dahab. Its opening more than 40 years ago was timed to coincide with the visit to the Philippines of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who arrived on the island for peacekeeping purposes. Today, this mosque is a sacred place for Muslims living in some areas of the capital. It is worth noting that since the Spanish colonization, Christianity has been the dominant religion in the Philippines.
25. The Basilica of Santo Nino
Beautiful square in front of the Basilica of Santo Nino
The main attractions of the Philippines are briefly completed by a unique historical and religious monument – the country’s oldest Catholic church of Santo Nino, located in Cebu city on the island of the same name. There is a legend that after the invasion of Cebu city by one of the Spanish conquistadors in 1565 and a devastating fire, the participants of the Magellan expedition, who arrived there later, found a statue of the baby Jesus in the ashes of one of the burned houses. To the amazement of those who arrived, the statue was not damaged, it was not at all affected by the fire. It was at this place that the temple was erected, which at first looked like a modest wooden building, and only in the 18th century was it thoroughly rebuilt from stone.
Sights of the Philippines: what else to visit in the Philippines
The above—mentioned sights of the Philippines, photos with names and descriptions, are perhaps a very extensive list of places for future travel, but far from exhaustive. After getting acquainted with the main finds of the archipelago, travelers who are fascinated by the beauty of the Philippines will always find something else to see here.
26. Coconut Palace
The courtyard of the Coconut Palace with tropical vegetation by Paul Shaffner
Another unusual attraction of the capital of the Philippines is the Coconut Palace. This is an amazing structure, consisting entirely of various types of Filipino wood and coconut shells. The palace was created by order of the spendthrift wife of the Philippine dictator, Imelda Marcos, and amazed with its wealth and splendor. The construction of the palace was timed to coincide with the arrival of the Pope, who, by the way, did not appreciate the splendor and wealth of this gift and refused to be housed there, explaining that he considered it wrong to live in a luxurious palace when the whole country was suffering from poverty.
27. Tabon Caves
Archaeological excavations in the Tabon caves on the island of Palawan Rosino
On the island of Palawan there is an amazing geological find — the Tabon caves, which are a whole complex of 3 dozen caves, but only 3 of them are accessible to the public. This place became widely known thanks to the remains of an ancient Filipino man found here — so, during excavations, a skull was discovered, the age of which is presumably about 24 thousand years old. In addition, traces of ancient human activity were found in the caves — clay products, jewelry, stone tools.
Official website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph
28. The Lobok River
River cruises on the picturesque Lobok River
The variety of interesting places in the Philippines is complemented by the picturesque winding Loboc River on the island of Bohol. This reservoir is also known for the fact that cruises are regularly organized on the river, during which you can serenely contemplate the beautiful shores framed by palm trees, and in between — dine in floating restaurants and listen to songs performed by Filipinos. The river tour takes about 45 minutes, ending at the small Busai waterfalls.
29. Kawasan Waterfalls
Kawasan Waterfalls among the dense tropical greenery of the jungle
Another natural jewel of the Philippines on the island of Cebu is the Kawasan Waterfalls, which includes three waterfalls. The first of them is the most remarkable: there is no rampant water element, but this place is famous for its crystal clear turquoise water, which from the waterfall falls directly into the lake at its foot. It takes a quarter of an hour to climb up to the second waterfall, but it’s worth it: there are fewer visitors here, and you can fully enjoy the beauty in silence. The third level of the waterfall is considered the most inaccessible and least remarkable, so only a few people get here.
Official website: https://kawasancanyoneering.com.ph
30. The center of the Tarsiers on the island of Bohol
Tarsiers in natural conditions in the park on the island of Bohol Majuro (talk)
One of the interesting representatives of the fauna of the Philippines is a cute animal — a tiny tarsier monkey, no bigger than the palm of your hand. The highlight of their appearance is their long tenacious fingers, soft fluffy fur and, of course, huge expressive eyes. These gentle animals do not tolerate captivity, so the local population creates special reserves for the maintenance and protection of this species. One of these places is the Tarsiers Center, where you can hear a whole lecture about the life, habits and characteristics of tarsiers, feed the animals with your hands and take a photo with them.
Official website: https://philippine-tarsier-sanctuary.business.site
The island state of the Philippines is a land of endless sea and sun. No matter which part of the Philippine archipelago you are in, the seaside will always be no further than 2 hours away. That is why beach lovers and entertainers often come here, and coastal hotels in the Philippines offer a wide range of services. But the sea is far from the only thing the Philippines is famous for. Centuries—old sights, rich history, amazing nature, interesting archaeological finds, friendly people – all this you will meet in the Philippines and you will certainly want to return here more than once.
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