Are you looking for the best places to visit in the Philippines? 11 ceck out some of the best tourist destination in the Philippines.
This tropical country offers a wide variety of exciting tourist destinations, ranging from stunning beaches and lush rainforests to bustling cities and ancient temples.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous trekking experience or just want to relax on a picturesque beach, solo travel in the Philippines, this country will provide you with a beautiful and immersive experience, so now is the best time to go to the Philippines
Here are some of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines that travelers should not miss out on:
1. Palawan
Palawan is often called “the last frontier” of the Philippines because it’s one of the least-explored regions in this archipelago nation.
The remote island features some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, with pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
And Palawan is also home to stunning caves, towering limestone cliffs, and unique wildlife. Popular activities here include snorkeling, island hopping, scuba diving, and kayaking.
So when traveling to the beaches in Palawan Philippines, be sure to bring those cameras and extra sun screen.
Here are some more popular areas in Palawan:
Puerto Princessa
Puerto Princessa is the capital of Palawan and one of the best places for travelers to explore. From underground rivers and waterfalls to historical sites and outdoor activities, there are plenty of attractions here.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park.
El Nido
El Nido is a small fishing village in Palawan that’s known for its idyllic white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
It’s the perfect spot for relaxation or adventure thanks to its numerous activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. So there are very many things to do in El Nido Philippines.
Coron
Coron is another popular spot in Palawan and is best known for its impressive limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and diverse aquatic life.
Here you can go island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, or scuba diving to explore the incredible marine life of the area.
Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon is a stunning lagoon located on the limestone cliffs of El Nido. This majestic spot is best known for its crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, making it one of the most scenic spots in Palawan.
Visitors can explore the area by kayaking or swimming in the shallow areas, or take a tour from a local guide who will show you around the best spots. With its vibrant wildlife and stunning views, Big Lagoon El Nido is definitely worth visiting when in Palawan.
How to Get to Palawan
The best way to get to Palawan is by plane. Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines all offer regular flights from Manila to the different airports located in Palawan.
2. Bohol
If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience in the Philippines, the island of Bohol is an excellent option.
This idyllic destination features beautiful beaches ideal for lounging in the sun and swimming in warm waters.
Bohol is also home to some of the country’s best attractions, including Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River Cruise, and many more.
You can also explore the magnificent Loboc River, best known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning small waterfalls. Or take a jungle trek through the dense forests of the area to admire some of Bohol’s incredible biodiversity.
For history buffs, there are plenty of well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings in Bohol, which offer a glimpse into the island’s rich past.
How to get to Bohol
The best way to get to Bohol is by plane. There are several daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines directly to Tagbilaran City Airport in Bohol.
From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel or resort. If you’re coming from Cebu City, there are also ferry services available.
3. Siargao
Located off the southeastern coast of Mindanao, Siargao is known for its spectacular beaches and waves.
It’s best known for being a premier surfing destination in Southeast Asia and has become increasingly popular with travelers from all over the world.
While here, you can also explore Magpupungko Rock Pools, take part in island-hopping tours, and visit nearby waterfalls.
You can also explore the stunning Cloud 9 Boardwalk, a famous surf spot in Siargao. Here you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and cafes with fantastic views of the waves below.
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, Siargao is filled with activities such as kite surfing, stand-up paddling, and kayaking.
And if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of beaches to lounge on and explore with breathtaking views.
How to get to Siargao
The best way to reach Siargao is by plane. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia all offer regular flights from Manila and Cebu to the Sayak Airport in Siargao. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel or resort.
4. Cebu
Cebu Island is one of the best places to visit when traveling to the Philippines thanks to its diverse attractions and activities.
While traveling in Cebu, you’ll find everything from ancient churches and temples to luxurious beach resorts and vibrant nightlife spots.
Popular tourist attractions include Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, the Taoist Temple, and the best shopping malls in the country.
Cebu is also home to some of the best beaches in the Philippines, including Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island. Here you can sunbathe on white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore nearby coral reefs.
There are plenty of activities here as well such as island hopping, snorkeling, and diving to explore the incredible marine life of the area.
How to get to Cebu
The best way to get to Cebu is by plane. There are regular daily flights from Manila and other major cities in the Philippines directly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport located on the island. From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to your hotel or resort.
5. Boracay
Boracay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, and it’s easy to see why.
This tiny island paradise offers powdery white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
When traveling in Boracay, you can also enjoy various activities here such as windsurfing, parasailing, ATV rides, boat tours, and many more.
Boracay is also home to some of the best restaurants in the Philippines, offering everything from exquisite local seafood dishes to delicious international cuisine.
When evening falls, Boracay comes alive with an exciting nightlife scene complete with bars, clubs, and live music. There’s no shortage of activities here for those looking for a bit of adventure.
How to get to Boracay
The best way to reach Boracay is by flying from Manila or Cebu directly to the Caticlan Airport located on the island.
From there, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to your hotel or resort. You can also take an international flight directly into Kalibo International Airport and then transfer via bus to the port in Caticlan before taking a ferry over to Boracay.
6. Batanes
The northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes is best known for its stunning natural beauty.
This remote destination is home to some of the best views in the country, with lush green hills, vast blue seas, and stunning rock formations.
Visitors can explore ancient villages and lighthouses, take part in windsurfing or kayaking activities, or simply soak up the unique beauty of this island province.
Batanes is also home to some of the best seafood in the Philippines with huge catches of tuna, crabs, and shellfish often found here. There are plenty of restaurants where visitors can enjoy these fresh catches while admiring the breathtaking views.
The locals here are known for their hospitality, making Batanes one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for an authentic Philippine experience.
How to get to Batanes
The best way to get to Batanes is by taking a flight from Manila or Cebu directly into Basco Airport located on the island.
From there, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to your hotel or resort. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Vigan, Ilocos Sur to the island.
7. Banaue
Located in the Mountain Province of Luzon Island, Banaue is best known for its remarkable rice terraces which have been carved out over thousands of years.
These incredible terraces are a sight to behold and best experienced by taking one of the many hiking trails that pass through them.
Other attractions here include hanging bridges, centuries-old churches, waterfalls, and more.
Banaue is also home to some of the best views in the Philippines with stunning vistas that stretch out for miles. You can also find traditional villages here that have maintained their traditions for centuries.
The best thing about Banaue is its proximity to Manila, making it one of the best weekend getaways you can find in the Philippines.
How to get to Banaue
The best way to get to Banaue is by taking a bus from Manila directly to the town of Bontoc, which is located in Mountain Province.
From there, you can take a jeepney to Banaue. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Manila to the town of Lagawe and then switch to a jeepney for the remainder of your journey.
8. Dumaguete
Located on the southeastern coast of Negros Island, Dumaguete City is best known as a university town.
But there are lots to explore here too, from sandy beaches and lush green forests to fascinating cultural attractions like Bell Tower, Silliman University, and Casaroro Falls.
Other popular activities include island-hopping tours and whale-watching expeditions.
Dumaguete is also known for its buzzing nightlife scene complete with bars, clubs, and live music. There’s no shortage of restaurants here, serving up a mix of Filipino and international dishes.
How to get to Dumaguete
The best way to get to Dumaguete is by taking a ferry from Manila to Bacolod City, followed by a bus or jeepney ride from there.
Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from Manila to Sibulan Airport located just outside of Dumaguete. From there, you can take a taxi or tricycle to your hotel.
9. Sagada
Sagada is another must-visit destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Philippines. This small mountain village features cool temperatures year round and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes.
Popular activities here include trekking, spelunking in the Sumaguing Cave, and visiting the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley.
The best time to visit Sagada is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, you can experience all the best sights and activities while avoiding the rain.
When you’re done exploring, there are plenty of restaurants in town serving up delicious Filipino dishes.
How to get to Sagada
The best way to get to Sagada is by taking a bus from Manila to Banaue and then switching to a jeepney for the remaining journey.
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Manila that goes directly to the town of Sagada. From there, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to your hotel.
10. Tagaytay
Located just outside Manila, Tagaytay is best known for its spectacular views of Taal Lake and Volcano.
This popular destination offers a wealth of activities from horseback riding to hot air balloon rides and more. Other attractions include People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, Taal Vista Lodge, Ponderosa Golf Club, and Puzzle Mansion.
Tagaytay is also home to a variety of restaurants serving up all kinds of Filipino and international dishes. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels and resorts here that provide a luxurious experience.
Overall there are many things to do in Tagaytay Philippines, so be sure to add this beautiful places to your bucket list.
How to get to Tagaytay
The best way to get to Tagaytay is by taking a bus from Manila’s Cubao Terminal. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Manila to Tagaytay City. From there, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to your hotel.
With its picturesque views, adventure activities, and delicious culinary scene, Tagaytay is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a getaway.
11. Vigan
Located on the western coast of Luzon Island, Vigan City is best known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. It’s one of only two cities listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines.
Popular attractions include Vigan Plaza Salcedo, Calle Crisologo, and Bantay Bell Tower. You can also join a tricycle tour or explore nearby villages like Hidden Garden and Baluarte Zoological Park.
Regarding dining, Vigan has plenty of restaurants that serve a mix of Filipino and international dishes. And at night, you can visit Vigan Plaza Salcedo and Calle Crisologo to experience the vibrant nightlife.
How to get to Vigan
The best way to get to Vigan is by taking a bus from Manila or Laoag City. The journey takes about 10 hours, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive in Vigan, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to your hotel. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Vigan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Thoughts and Conclusion
No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, plenty of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines will meet your needs.
Whether you want to lounge on white-sand beaches or go exploring through lush rainforests, a trip to this beautiful nation will be truly unforgettable.
You can also check out 12 Top Beaches in the Philippines to Travel and Top Things to Do in the Philippines.
