Philippines, an island country in Southeast Asia is dubbed as one of the most beautiful and rich in natural wonders. Its beautiful islands are the best places to visit in the Philippines. According to Forbes, it is predicted to be one of the countries to become major tourist destinations.
The archipelagic country has more than 7,500 islands, a lot to explore right? Surely it has something to offer to every taste of tourists and travellers. It is known to have the best and finest beaches in the world, natural landscapes and very rich culture. To add, it is one of the English speaking countries in the world. If you are up for some adventure and wanting to explore natural diversity, it is the best country for you.
Here are the best places to visit in the Philippines.
Boracay
On top of the list of the best places to visit in the Philippines is Boracay Island. Long been hailed as one of the best beaches in the world, it has maintained its reputation because of the long stretch of fine white powdery sand and clear turquoise waters. Never miss the Boracay sunset everyday, the most gorgeous and breathtaking planet on the planet. The island has everything to offer- from budget to most luxurious accommodations, activities and tours, water sports and a vibrant night life. You’ll never get bored and will never run out of things to do when you visit Boracay.
Boracay is in the central part of the Philippines, part of the Visayas region. It is serviced by 2 major airports, Kalibo and Caticlan, the latter being the closest to the island. Ferry travel is also available from Manila and Cebu to Dumaguit Port lasting approximately 15-17hours. From Kalibo, you can travel by bus or mini-van to Caticlan jetty port. Travel time is approximately 1.5hrs. From Caticlan, it will take a 5-minute tricycle ride to the jetty port. On arrival at jetty port, an outrigger boat will take you to one of the boat stations (1, 2, 3) in 15minutes.
The busiest times are during the summer holiday period and exceptionally busy in Easter Week, Christmas and New Year and the week of Chinese New Year.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Boracay via, Klook!
Palawan
Second of the list of the best places to visit in the Philippines is the archipelagic province of Palawan. Famous for its beaches and natural wonders, this province composed of a group of islands is home to the renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido and Coron.
Coron, usually compared to El Nido because of almost the same characteristics, it boasts crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling, powdery white sandy beaches, and inescapable picture perfect landscapes. Coron is one of the most popular tourist destinations, making it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa, the capital of the province is the gateway to the UNESCO Heritage Natural Site, the Underground River. It is the world’s longest navigable underground river. Cruise through scenic limestone cliffs as it makes its way through the 1.5-kilometer underground river cave. This city is ranked as one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
El Nido is known for gorgeous rock formations, pristine beaches, and clear aquamarine waters. Very popular among foreign tourists, and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Palawan via, Klook!
Bohol
Third on the list of the the best places to visit in the Philippines is Bohol, famous for the Chocolate Hills, another UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, a wonder of unique landscapes of cone-shaped hills that turn chocolatey brown during the dry season. Bohol is one of the top must visit places in the Philippines because of its beaches. Unique activities you can try are river cruise, Dolphin watching, snorkeling in natural parks and diving to swim with different schools of fishes.
The wonderful island of Bohol is in the Central Visayas region. From exciting countryside adventures to a relaxing afternoon by the pristine beaches, you can never go wrong in Bohol.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Bohol via, Klook!
Manila
The capital of the Philippines, Manila a bustling city is home to the historical sites in the country and seat of government. This city should not be missed among the best places to visit in the Philippines. Go back in the colonization years of the Spaniards in the Intramuros, the walled city that played an important role in the country’s history. You can trace the past with its cobblestone streets and conserved building, ruins and architecture. The city is also home to the National Museum, the Rizal Park and the oldest ChinaTown in the world, Binondo.
Combining colonial past with the eagerness of a developing country, Manila will leave you longing for more as you sashay along the historical heritage of the city. First Spanish, then American, then Japanese. The history of Manila couldn’t be more colorful. Nowadays, the Philippines capital is independent and continues to prove itself a strong city which is rapidly developing into one of the most influential business centers in the world.
Manila is easy to travel to, another reason to be on the list of the best places to visit in the Philippines. If you want true Asia while still being able to communicate with locals and find recognition in the way they lead their everyday lives, this former colony with Western influences might just be what you’re looking for. As a trace of colonial heritage, English is widely spoken across the country.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Manila via, Klook!
Siargao
Another best place to visit in the Philippines is the island of Siargao. Popular for surfing and dubbed as one of the best spots in the world. It has become one of the most favorite destinations and playgrounds for travelers not just because of surfing, but the natural beauty of the island. Experience a laid back respite and slowness of time when you spend your days here. Enjoy the island’s rock pools, waterfalls and lagoons where you can swim with thousands of non-sting jellyfish.
Siargao is located 800 kilometers southeast of Philippines’ capital Manila. It belongs to the province of Surigao del Norte, situated at the northeastern tip of Mindanao.
Mayon Volcano
Pride of the Filipinos, this best place to visit in the Philippines is situated in the city of Legazpi in the Bicol Region, Mayon Volcano’s beauty is comparable to Mount Fuji in Japan. Known to have a perfect- cone shape, it is an active volcano, in fact, the most active in the Philippines. The flawless conical shape captivates anyone and a sensational sight to see.
Vigan
Included in the list of the best places to visit in the Philippines is Vigan, a historical site famous for the district to walk and see historical architecture during the colonial Spanish era. It is full of many local craftsmen. Located in the northern part of the Philippines, immerse with its rich cultural fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences. You can also visit the oldest catholic churches in the world. A city steeped in history, Vigan is like a page out of a history book. Its cobblestone streets paired with restored ancestral homes make it a must-visit in the Philippines.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Pride of the northern region of the Philippines, this place brags the 2,000 years old rice terraces that were manually made by the ancestors of the indigenous people, the reason it is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. A mountainous area, the picturesque terraces are still used by the locals to this day, being farmed and tilted.
Getting to there is not exactly a smooth trip, but once you get there, you will be blown away. It is at 1500 meter above sea level. The terraces were originally build to solve the problem of growing rice on land prone to erosion. Even today, the terraces are still fed by an ancient irrigation system.
Cebu
Dubbed as the queen city of the south, is another best place to visit in the Philippines. This island in the central Visayas Region of the Philippines, is a haven for best diving and snorkeling sites. Popular to underwater enthusiasts, Cebu is the place to get up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles. It is also home to beautiful beaches and islands. If you want an adrenaline rush, explore natural wonders of the island through jumping into or swimming in cool cascading waters of Kawasan Falls, a multi-layered waterfalls best known for its turquoise waters.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Cebu via, Klook!
Davao
Located in the southern part of the country, this best place to visit in the Philippines features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park and Philippine Eagle Center. Never miss visiting Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. It is the gateway to Samal Island, known for its beaches, hiking, diving, and kayaking spots.
Travel Guide: Book different fun activities to try in Davao via, Klook!
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