Picking the best places to visit in the Philippines feels like trying to choose between 7,641 perfect islands – each one special in its own way. This country is a treasure chest of natural wonders, from hidden beaches with the clearest water you’ve ever seen to rice terraces that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. The Philippines has it all: lazy beach towns where time seems to stop, busy cities full of history, and little villages where you’ll find the warmest smiles in Southeast Asia.
We’ve done our best to narrow it down to 21 places that show off what makes the Philippines so unique. We looked at everything – from famous spots that everyone talks about to secret corners that most tourists haven’t discovered yet. Our list covers different islands and regions, so you can see how varied this country really is, from north to south.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, these 21 places capture the heart and soul of the Philippines. Some might be familiar favorites, while others could be new additions to your travel wishlist – but each one has a story worth telling and a place worth visiting.
Palawan
Many travelers come to Palawan for El Nido’s limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, but this Philippine paradise offers much more than just beach adventures. The island province features the longest underground river system in Asia at Puerto Princesa, where visitors can paddle through caves filled with interesting rock formations. Whether you’re diving with sea turtles in Tubbataha Reef, island hopping around Coron’s crystal-clear lakes, or exploring the local food scene in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan provides endless opportunities for discovery. While peak season brings perfect weather between December and March, the island’s natural wonders and friendly locals make it worth visiting any time of the year.
Boracay Island
I first visited Boracay back in 2015, when this tiny island was already making waves as the Philippines’ crown jewel of beach destinations. Nestled off the coast of Panay Island in the Western Visayas, Boracay stretches just 7 kilometers long and is home to the famous White Beach, where powdery white sand meets crystal-clear waters. Local restaurants and small beach bars line the shore, while traditional paraws – Filipino sailing boats with distinct orange sails – drift across the horizon. The island really comes alive at Station 2, the bustling center where visitors can find everything from fresh seafood spots to craft markets, though the quieter corners of Puka Beach in the north offer a more laid-back slice of paradise.
Siargao Island
Ever heard of a teardrop-shaped island where surfing is practically a religion? That’s Siargao, a laid-back paradise about 800km southeast of Manila, where palm trees line empty beaches and waves roll in like clockwork. Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Cloud 9 beach draws wave riders from around the globe who come to tackle its famous right-hand barrel. But you don’t need to be a surfer to fall for this place – the island’s crystal-clear lagoons, hidden caves, and untouched mangrove forests make it perfect for island hopping and exploring. Hop on a motorbike and wind through coconut groves to find secret beaches, or take a boat to the nearby Sohoton Cove, where you can swim in jellyfish-free waters and paddle through limestone caves.
Cebu
Cebu holds a special place in my heart as the perfect introduction to island life in the Philippines. This long, narrow island combines the buzz of a major urban center with quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches that make you forget about the modern world. From swimming with whale sharks in Oslob to exploring Spanish colonial sites in Cebu City, there’s an experience here for every type of traveler. It’s not just another beach destination – the mix of history, culture, and natural wonders makes Cebu stand out among the country’s 7,000+ islands. Whether you’re diving into the clear waters of Moalboal or sampling the famous lechon (roasted pig), the island offers a taste of everything that makes the Philippines special.
Bohol
Just a short ferry ride from Cebu lies the island province of Bohol. Like other places in the Philippines, Bohol offers pristine beaches and rich marine life for snorkeling and diving. But what sets it apart are the peculiar Chocolate Hills – over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn brown during dry season, resembling endless rows of chocolate drops. Beyond these geological wonders, you’ll find the bright-eyed tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates, hiding in the island’s forest sanctuaries. Thanks to its Spanish colonial past, Bohol is dotted with centuries-old churches and watchtowers, while the Loboc River winds through the landscape offering peaceful cruises where you can enjoy local music and Filipino cuisine.
El Nido
Have you ever imagined swimming through crystal-clear waters alongside schools of tropical fish? That’s just another day in El Nido, a coastal paradise tucked away in the northern tip of Palawan. This former fishing village has become one of the Philippines’ most sought-after destinations, where limestone cliffs tower over hidden lagoons and secluded beaches wait to be discovered. Island-hopping tours take you through the Bacuit Archipelago’s maze of islands, where you can snorkel in protected coves, kayak through secret passages, and spot sea turtles gliding beneath the surface. The town itself offers a laid-back vibe with beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood caught by local fishermen that morning.
Coron
Ever spotted a monitor lizard sunbathing on limestone cliffs? That’s just another day in Coron, a cluster of islands two hours by plane from Manila. This corner of Palawan province brings together crystal-clear lagoons and World War II shipwrecks, making it a favorite among divers and island hoppers alike. You can kayak through hidden coves, soak in natural hot springs, or trek up Mount Tapyas for views that stretch across the Sulu Sea. The town is also home to several traditional Filipino guest houses, where you can wake up to the sound of waves lapping against wooden stilts.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Coron is home to some of World War II’s best-preserved shipwrecks, with over 12 Japanese vessels resting at diveable depths in its crystal-clear waters? These underwater time capsules attract divers from around the globe who can explore inside the ships’ cargo holds, engine rooms, and gun decks while swimming alongside schools of fish that have made these artificial reefs their home.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Located about 350 kilometers north of Manila sits one of humanity’s greatest agricultural achievements – the Banaue Rice Terraces. Hand-carved into the mountains of Ifugao province over 2,000 years ago, these ancient terraces snake up the slopes like giant green steps reaching toward the sky. But unlike other famous monuments, these terraces aren’t just for show – local farmers still cultivate rice here using traditional methods passed down through generations. The terraces showcase the ingenuity of the Ifugao people, who built this intricate irrigation system without modern tools. As you walk along the paths between paddies, you’ll spot farmers in traditional dress tending their crops, water buffalo wallowing in the mud, and tiny villages perched on the mountainsides, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Vigan City
I first wandered through Vigan City’s cobblestone streets back in 2018, and it felt like stepping into a living museum of Spanish colonial history. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits quietly in the northwestern Philippines, where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down Calle Crisologo, the city’s main thoroughfare. Well-preserved mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries line the streets, their dark wood balconies and red-tiled roofs telling stories of a bygone era. The afternoon light casts long shadows across the stone paths, where local artisans sell traditional crafts and the smell of empanadas wafts from small food carts. At night, the old street lamps cast a warm glow over the ancient walls, making it easy to imagine you’ve traveled back in time to Spanish colonial days.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines. Located in the heart of the island, these 1,268 conical hills spread across 50 square kilometers look exactly like giant Hershey’s Kisses dotting the landscape. During the dry season, their grass-covered slopes turn brown, giving them their sweet-inspired name that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Manila
The capital city of Manila is where old meets new in the Philippines. Like many Asian capitals, it’s packed with shopping malls, food spots, and busy streets – but Manila carries something extra special in its DNA. Walking through Intramuros, the old Spanish quarter, feels like stepping back 400 years, when colonial powers first settled here. The stone churches and fortress walls tell stories of the past, while nearby Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, keeps ancient traditions alive through its dim sum spots and herbal shops. Because of Manila’s position as a trading hub throughout history, you’ll find influences from China, Spain, and America woven into everything from the architecture to the food, creating a city that’s truly one-of-a-kind in Southeast Asia.
Batanes
If you dream of untouched landscapes and peaceful coastal living, you need to visit Batanes. Located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, this group of islands gives you rolling green hills that meet the sea, traditional stone houses dotting the countryside, and local communities that have preserved their way of life for generations. The islands feel like stepping into a different world – where lighthouse-topped cliffs overlook the waves, water buffalo graze freely on hillsides, and time seems to move at its own gentle pace.
Siquijor Island
Ever heard stories about an island where magic and mystery mix with white sand beaches? That’s Siquijor for you, a small island in the central Philippines where local healers still practice traditional medicine using herbs and ancient rituals. Just a quick ferry ride from Dumaguete City, this laid-back paradise lets you hop between waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls, where rope swings send you splashing into crystal-clear pools. The old Spanish churches and towering balete trees add to the island’s mystical charm, while snorkeling spots around Tubod Marine Sanctuary reveal colorful fish darting through coral gardens. If you time it right, you might catch the annual Folk Healing Festival, where traditional healers gather to prepare love potions and healing oils under the full moon.
Camiguin
Off the northern coast of Mindanao lies Camiguin, a tiny volcanic island I discovered during my Philippine adventures in 2018. Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin packs seven volcanoes into its modest 92-square-mile territory, making it one of the most unique islands in the region. The island’s coastline is dotted with black and white sand beaches, while its interior features hidden waterfalls and natural springs that bubble up from the volcanic earth. The White Island sandbar, a pristine C-shaped strip of white sand sitting in crystal-clear waters, offers unmatched views of Mount Hibok-Hibok’s imposing silhouette. Locals still tell stories of the old capital that now lies submerged offshore, marked only by a large cross rising from the water – a haunting reminder of the island’s volcanic past.
Puerto Galera
Escape to Puerto Galera, where clear blue waters and white sand beaches await just a few hours from Manila. This coastal paradise offers some of the best diving spots in the Philippines, with over 40 dive sites featuring colorful coral reefs and marine life. Head to White Beach for swimming and sunbathing, or try your hand at water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. When you’re ready to unwind, visit one of the beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold drinks while you watch the sunset over the ocean.
Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island caught my eye during my first Philippine adventure in 2018. This tiny paradise sits just off the northern tip of Cebu, making it feel like a secret waiting to be discovered. White sand beaches and sleepy fishing communities dot the coastline, while dive shops and modest beach resorts blend naturally into the landscape. The island’s claim to fame? It’s one of the few places in the world where you can reliably spot thresher sharks – those mysterious creatures with uniquely long tails that show up like clockwork at Monad Shoal. Beyond the underwater action, the island’s sunset beach walks and local seafood barbecues make it feel like you’ve stumbled upon the Philippines of decades past.
Sagada
Many visitors trek to Sagada for its famous hanging coffins, an ancient burial tradition of the indigenous Igorot people, but this mountain town offers much more than its well-known cultural sites. Nestled in the Cordillera Mountains, Sagada’s limestone cliffs and caves create perfect spots for adventure activities like rock climbing and spelunking. The town’s cool climate and high altitude make it ideal for growing Arabica coffee, and you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes serving locally sourced beans. While the peak season brings crowds during Holy Week, Sagada’s laid-back atmosphere and outdoor activities – from waterfall hikes to rice terrace walks – make it worth visiting any time of the year.
Zambales
Adventurers head to Zambales for its long stretch of coastline and peaceful beaches, but this province offers much more than just seaside relaxation. The region features hidden coves, rolling mountains, and dense forests that make it perfect for both beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While most visitors come for the clear waters of Crystal Beach and Magalawa Island, the area’s ancient rainforests and the towering Zambales Mountains provide excellent opportunities for trekking and camping. The province comes alive during the Mango Festival in March, celebrating its famous sweet fruit, but Zambales maintains its laid-back charm throughout the year with its mix of surf spots, traditional fishing villages, and untouched natural wonders.
Davao
Davao holds a special place in my heart as one of the Philippines’ most welcoming cities. This coastal hub on Mindanao Island combines the comforts of city living with easy access to natural wonders like Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. The streets here buzz with energy from dawn markets selling the sweetest durian fruit to evening food parks where locals gather for barbecue and cold San Miguel beer. It’s not just another big city – Davao’s charm lies in how it lets you experience both urban conveniences and outdoor adventures without choosing between the two. Whether you’re looking to spot Philippine eagles at the conservation center or sample fresh tuna at the fishing port, the city serves as an ideal base for exploring the lesser-known side of the Philippines.
Hundred Islands
Just a few hours north of Manila lies the Hundred Islands National Park, where 124 mushroom-shaped islands dot the waters of Lingayen Gulf. Unlike many island destinations in the Philippines, these limestone formations offer a unique twist – they’re small enough that you can explore several in a single day. As you hop from one island to another by boat, you’ll notice how each has its own character, some with hidden caves perfect for swimming, others with white sandy beaches ideal for picnics. Because of its location in Pangasinan province, the area draws mostly local tourists, giving you a chance to experience Filipino hospitality away from the usual tourist crowds. And if you time your visit right, you might catch local fishermen heading out in their traditional boats, their nets stretched wide as they’ve done for generations.
Tagaytay
Have you ever watched clouds roll over a volcano while sipping fresh coffee? That’s just another morning in Tagaytay, a cool mountain city just two hours south of Manila. Perched high in the hills, this laid-back escape offers front-row views of Taal Volcano, sitting pretty in the middle of a lake. It’s where Manila locals head on weekends to trade the city’s heat for misty mornings and afternoon picnics in flower gardens. You can spend your days visiting cozy cafes, picking fresh strawberries at local farms, or taking a boat ride across Taal Lake to get closer to one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes.
