Explore the most popular things to do in Philippines

Various tourist sites in the Philippines are known for their natural beauty, especially beautiful islands and beaches. However, there are also a number of historical locations that you can visit here. Here are 30 of the best tourist attractions in the Philippines that we recommend!

• Banaue Rice Terrace

You will see a green landscape as far as the eye can see when you arrive here. This rice fields with a height of 1,500 meters above sea level have existed since 2,000 years ago, built by the Batad Tribe. Now, this place has been designated as one of the UNESCO World Heritage.

• Chocolate Hills

This place is a hilly area in the Philippines which is named "Chocolate Hills" because the hills will turn brown in the dry season. This happens because the grass that covers the hills dries up in this season.

• Mount Mayon

At over 200 meters high, this mountain is one of the top attractions in the Philippines. When viewed from afar, this mountain is even similar to the famous Mount Fuji in Japan. To climb, you need to apply for a permit to the government first.

• Boracay

When looking for tourist attractions in the Philippines, you are sure to find Boracay on almost any internet search. This is because Boracay is a beautiful island that is 315 km from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and has many beaches with clean sand and sea water. What is famous here is White Beach which is named so because of the white and broad sand along the coast. Besides being able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while relaxing, you can also try various fun activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more!

• Tubbataha Reef

Another UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines: Tubbataha Reef. This place is very rich in corals and other marine life. In fact, 75% of the total coral species in the world live in this area! For those of you who like to dive, this place is perfect for you because of its underwater beauty that is second to none.

• Coron Island

Coron Island is a tourist attraction in the Philippines with good natural scenery. Here, you will see the sea water which is still clear and clean until you can see the bottom without having to dive. The favorite activities of tourists here are snorkeling and also watching the sunset at Tapas Hill.

• Mactan Island

Mactan Island is located in Cebu Province and is inhabited by approximately 430,000 people. What makes this island one of the favorite tourist attractions in the Philippines is the production of musical instruments as souvenirs. Call it guitar, ukulele, and so on. In addition, there is also a 5-star resort on the island that you can choose as accommodation while enjoying your tourist moments here.

• Maria Cristina Falls

This 98 meter high waterfall is not only beautiful, but also has a legend. It is said that there used to be 2 angels, Maria and Cristina, who both fell in love with humans and got married here. Now, apart from hearing stories and enjoying the scenery, visitors can also swim, especially around March and April (dry season) when the water is not too heavy.

• Manila Ocean Park

Located in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, this marine park is home to approximately 14,000 marine life. Besides being able to see the amazing marine animals, you can also see land animals, watch interesting animal shows, and take cool photos.

• The Heritage City of Vigan

The Heritage City of Vigan is an old city from the Spanish colonial era. You will find many buildings with European, Chinese and Filipino architectural styles.

• National Museum of the Philippines

For historical attractions, you can visit the National Museum of the Philippines. There are many collections of historical items here, ranging from collections in the fields of archeology, anthropology, to geology. One of the collections that you must see in person is San Diego, a merchant ship that has sailed from Manila to Acapulco, Mexico. When found, the artifacts and other collections in this ship were still intact and in good condition.

• El Nido Beach

El Nido is often considered the second paradise in the Philippines after Boracay. With towering limestone cliffs and clean and clear sea water, it's no wonder this beach is one of the favorite destinations for tourists. Here, apart from enjoying the scenery, you can also try kayaking or sailing.

• Siargao Island

This island is famous for its big waves so it is popular with surfers. But, you can also enjoy this place by snorkeling or swimming by the beach. Apart from its clear sea water and clean beaches, there are also luxury resorts here.

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Along this river, you will enter a cave which has stalactites and stalagmites with interesting shapes. Some are round so they are called mushrooms, some are similar to the hull of a ship so they are called Titanic, and many more.

• Osmeña Peak, Mantalongon Dalaguete, Cebu

Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu and is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise from above. You can see the view of the hills against the blue sea background here.

• Pulau Sumilon, Cebu

You can snorkel, relax on the beach, or swim by the beach while visiting here. Apart from the beautiful scenery, there is a plain of white sand here that disappears at high tide and appears again at low tide.

• The Hinatuan Enchanted River

This river in Mindanao flows into the Pacific Ocean. The water is still clear, you can even see the bottom directly. You can also swim to enjoy the freshness of the water.

• Sohotan Cave

With a boat that is not too big, you can explore the caves in this area, each of which has naturally formed rock formations with a unique shape. Besides that, you can also swim in a place that is not too crowded with tourists.

• Balicasag Island

For diving spots that offer beautiful underwater views but are not yet crowded with tourists, you can go to Balicasag Island. When diving, you can see first hand various species of marine animals swimming to and fro.

• Manjuyod Sandbar

Manjuyod Sandbar is often referred to as the Maldives of the Philippines because it also has rental houses above the sea. You can stay here, swim around the beach, and relax while enjoying the view of the starry night sky.

• Cambugahay Falls

This waterfall in Siquijor is famous because it has 3 levels of waterfalls with a gentle flow and a pool below that is available for swimming. In addition, there is also a swing near the waterfall that you can use to jump into the pool.

• Mount Tapyas

By climbing 721 steps, you can reach the top of Mount Typas to see the beautiful natural scenery below. You can also watch the sunset view here.

• San Agustin Church

This magnificent church in Manila was built during the Spanish colonial era and was intended to replace the two previous churches in the same location but was burnt down because they were made of wood. This one is now made of stone and stands firm despite the many earthquakes it went through.

• Rizal Park

This park gets its name from Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. Here, there are ponds, ornamental gardens and walking areas for visitors. You can enjoy the fresh air while taking a leisurely walk here.

• Basilica del Santo Nino

Built in 1739, it is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. You can also find out more about the history of Christianity in Cebu within this church complex.

• Burnham Park

Burnham Park is a recreational park that is suitable for you and your family. You can rent a bicycle to cycle in the provided area, rent a boat to explore the water park, play ice skating on the existing skating rink, or even play ball on the soccer field.

• Cebu Taoist Temple

When you arrive here, you can immediately see the splendor of the architecture, including the front wall which resembles the Great Wall of China. This temple was once built by a number of ethnic Chinese residents who lived nearby. As the name implies, this temple is a place of worship for followers of Taoist beliefs.

• Pasanjan Falls

You can reach this 91 meter high waterfall by traveling through the river by boat. Once there, you can enjoy the freshness as well as take pictures.

• Mount Apo

Mount Apo, located in Davao, is the highest mountain in the Philippines which is also a volcano. With a height of 2,954 meters above sea level, you can climb this mountain to its peak in 1-3 days. However, you need to get permission and be accompanied by a guide.

• The Hundred Islands National Park

As the name suggests, in this national park, you can rent a boat and do island hopping to the many islands in the area. Even some islands also provide lodging. All of course with a very beautiful natural view!