Located at the very eastern edge of Asia, the Philippines are home to more than 7,000 islands, which are inhabited by friendly locals and many indigenous tribes. From pristine beaches and marvelous natural wonders to interesting historic sites and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Philippines pack many exciting things to see and do. Check out the following top tourist attractions in the Philippines.
10. Tubbataha Reef[SEE MAP]
The Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a marine sanctuary protected as the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is made up of two atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll, separated by a deep channel of approximately 5 miles (8 km) wide. It has become one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines because of its coral walls where the shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way to great depths. The marine park is open to live-aboard diving excursions between the months of April to June when the waves are most calm.
9. San Agustin Church, Manila[SEE MAP]
Located in Manila, a visit to the San Agustin Church is a must see. Built in 1589, this beautiful church has survived seven earthquakes and two fires over the centuries and now remains as the oldest stone church in the Philippines. At the main entrance, there are exquisite carvings on the wooden doors. Inside the lovely, Mexican-influenced interior is designed in the shape of a Latin cross. The gorgeous ceiling was painted in the 1800s by Italian artists, Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni.
8. Mayon Volcano[SEE MAP]
Rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, Mayon Volcano is significant for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities here such as camping, climbing, hiking, bird watching and photography. A picturesque spot in which to admire Mayon Volcano is from the nearby Cagsawa ruins. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years. The most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814 bombarding the nearby towns with volcanic rocks. The belfry and what is left of the baroque church that was destroyed by the 1814 eruption can still be seen.
7. Malapascua Island[SEE MAP]
A small island made up of quiet fishing villages, Malapascua Island is popular for its ideal diving spots and for being the only place in the world to see thresher sharks on a regular basis as well as manta rays and hammerheads. The other hidden gems here are the beautiful, sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters bordered by coconut trees and colorful coral gardens.
6. Puerto Galera[SEE MAP]
Just south of Manila is the charming coastal town of Puerto Galera, well-favored for its gorgeous beaches, excellent diving spots and wide diversity of marine species. The most popular beaches are White Beach and Sabang Beach, which also offer nearby shopping, dining, nightlife and hotel accommodation. Another popular attraction is the natural harbor of Muelle Bay with its rows of shops, restaurants and bars. Visitors can also go snorkeling to see some of Asia’s best coral reefs or dive among old shipwrecks and hundreds of fish species.
5. Puerto Princesa Underground River[SEE MAP]
Located on the northern coast of the island of Palawa, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to unspoiled landscapes rich in wildlife, this lovely town also lays claim to one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena, an underground river known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Protected within a national park, this natural wonder is the world’s longest navigable underground river. Guided paddle boat tours show intriguing rock formations and fluttering bats.
4. Donsol[SEE MAP]
Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. The ocean’s gentle giants can be seen between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and May. Tourists can also take a boat cruise along the Donsol River through mangrove and palm trees, and watch the night light up with millions of sparkling fireflies. If that’s not enough, a traditional shrimp-catching expedition with bamboos and nets, followed by a tasty dinner of the cooked catch is also available.
3. Chocolate Hills[SEE MAP]
One of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, The Chocolate Hills are unusual geological formations that consists of at least 1,268 individual mounds scattered throughout the interior of the island of Bohol. The almost symmetrical and same-sized formations range from 98 to 164 feet (30 to 50 meters) high and are covered in green grass. During the dry season the grass turns brow, hence the name. There is no consensus on how these giant mole hills were formed. One theory holds that the Chocolate Hills are the weathered rock formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.
2. Boracay[SEE MAP]
Boracay may be a small island, but it packs great features such as award-winning beaches, beautiful resorts and great adventures like cliff diving, parasailing, motorbiking, horse riding, snorkeling, kite surfing and scuba diving. If that is not enough, boat tours allow visitors to watch stunning sunsets, explore volcanic caves and remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When the sun sets, Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.
1. Banaue Rice Terraces[SEE MAP]
No trip to the Philippines could be complete without seeing the spectacular Banaue Rice Terraces. Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces, although more and more younger Ifugaos do not find farming appealing and emigrate to the cities.
Why the Batanes were not mentioned as tourist spot of the Philippines. You know the Batanes is one of the most wonderful place in the Philippines where you can relax, enjoy and has a peaceful and hidden beauty.
To all the people that look and read these lists, I grew up in the philippines but I lived now in California I go back to Philippines often. I must say and I’ll repeat it again I must say that there’s a hundred hidden gems in the Philippines that most people don’t know you have to know someone that know where to go and I guarantee you, you will be amazed, guaranteed.
Batanes is not included? El Nido and Batanes are tied at no. 1 spot!!
Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Philippines. This may I will be in Donsol to experience whale shark watching. This is so exciting.
Been to 6 out 10 places . Haven’t been to ‘Malapascua, Tubataha, , Chocolate Hills and Rice Terraces. I agree with some of the comments here, Coron Island should be included. The places not miss there are the following, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake (fresh hot and cold water), you can see the thermocline. Mount tapyas (hill with hundreds of stairs to view sunset). Hot spring (need to pay), and of course Wreck Diving . I have a diving license so this is the place to be. Donsol with Whale shark is also a must see and experience.
Ive been to 6 out of 10 tourist spots in this list..
But EL NIDO, SAGADA, and GUIMARAS… Are my favorite.
Nice to see all the beautiful and irresistible places in the Philippines. .Mambukal in Negros Occidental must be here..with its stunning and unforgetable water dripping down..
Hi guys, thank you very much for sharing all these beautiful tourist spots in our beloved country The Philippines. But you should go and visit Iloilo and Guimaras island too, the beaches there are superb, like Boracay it is also a fine white sands. It is very safe place clean and not polluted. People there are very warm,friendly and sweet. And foods and accommodations there are cheap and really good too, specially fruits and seafoods. You must try to go there because it’s gonna be an unforgettable experience and you would want to go back, for sure.
the philippines is really blessed.. beaches,natural parks.. WOW! i hope more Filipinos will visit them someday.
When it comes to diving, snorkling, and island hopping try Apo Island in Negros Oriental simpy the best:)
For me , the 1st one that i’ve seen from this 10 top tourist attractions is Puerto Gallera. Also one of the best that I have seen. Wonderful. We went for snorkeling, nice nice nice, want to visit more there…
There is a lot more unexplored places you can visit in the Philippines. Imagine having 7107 islands, for sure there will be some small place that you will miss out. One of which is CARABAO ISLAND. A very nice place to visit similar to BORACAY but without the bars. A perfect place for people who wants to have a quiet place to stay.
Yea. Philippines Rocks! and Boracay is the number 1! I know a tourist attraction in Cebu. They call it “The Sardine Run” and “The Diver’s Spot”. Its called Pescador Island.
elnido,coron and boracay are the best!
boracay and elnido are the best!
Awesome!!!!!!! Philippines is really amazing and has many beautiful places that you can visit! One of the best country in the world 😀 You may also visit: EL Nido, Coron Palawan, Siargao, Boracay, Kawasan Falls !!!!!!!! And many more beaches and falls.You can have Island Hopping also! Awww THE BEST! :))
For me?,boracay is the best, not just because it is a tourist destination, but also of white beach,and there are also many ita or negrito tribes.come on visit boracay and explore the beauty.
U must visit also mindanao part.esp surigao del sur.the tinuy an falls.enchanted river.etc.
One of the best tourist destination is El Nido and Coron, in Palawan. These 2 destinations are just a small town but what makes makes it unique and different from other places is its natural inviting crystal clear waters in diverse and full of marine life lagoons, caves, lakes and beaches. Priceless experience, tiring but worth it to be in these places.
Aurora is also one of the best and cheapest place to visit in the Philippines. Province of Senator Angara.
Hinatuan river in Surigao del Sur should be there too 😀
Thank you for featuring our country, the Philippines. The places included in the list are indeed beautiful, I’ve personally been to 6 of the 10 listed in here, but touring the Philippines need not be limited to these places alone as in almost every province there’s something to see (I haven’t been to every province but given that the Philippines is made up of 7107 islands, there’s bound to be different things to see :D).
As for Paul, the Philippines is not an expensive place to visit, especially if you want to visit the provinces (where most of the places listed are located). There are many decent accommodations that cost 10-15 usd or less (includes meals already). And if you want to slum it, the cost will definitely be cheaper. Most of these accommodations can be contacted via email or through their website, and you can also purchase via booking sites because sometimes they have promo prices. Hope this helps! Have fun!
Im thinking about going to the philippines but would like to know if its an exspensive destination to visit? Im not looking for glamorous accommodation but something decent, does anyone know what pricing is like? Thanks.
Wow. Nice list. These are the popular ones but a lot out there are still hidden or unknown to many such a Isla de Gigantes, Palui Island, Calaguas Group of Islands, etc. El Nido and Coron in Palawan ar also worth a mention.
would you believe that i am from ifugao and i never saw banaue rice terraces.. maybe someday somehow i’ll reach that place
I love the Philippines. been There 4 times. My favorite is palawan.
Absolutely right I’m so proud of our beautiful tourist spots at Philippines mostly Boracay u will be very enjoy the cool ambiance nd if ever u like some cold places u must visit the Bagio the Tagaytay nd others. You will love the veiws of Hundred Islands too! Try to visit also the Cebu, Davao, nd Palawan nd ofcourse the Manila where there’s a Museum ,MOA nd Cavite nd Laguna our historic places!!!!
CORON is the best! i’ve been there so many times, and planning to go back again… hmmn.., i wonder why it is not here??
I went to the Philippines in Oct 2012.El nido was stunning i must say,Bohol i thought was well overated.Anopther must see place if you like history is a visit to Corregidor Island,Fantastic Island off Manila,Im going back to El nido in Oct 2013.Might take in Coron this time too and Taal volcano.
El Nido should be on the list.. It’s a paradise! I’ve seen the chocolate hills but I really didn’t appreciate it.
Hi guys, Ive went to boracay. It was a blast. We went diving, Banana boat riding, ate fine seafoods and chilling in the bars at night. What makes it so nice is that filipinos and foreigners are so polite and happy being a part of such place. Day and night the place is so colorful and romantic as well. Hope you all can visit there.
i agree. the philippines has lots of tourists spots, especially beaches! 🙂
I think the best of Philippines was missed here. I believe that Coron, Palawan is the best to visit in the Philippines. A lot of white sand beaches, lagoon, the Kayangan Lake – the cleanest lake and sunken Japanese warships are great for diving. Here are great places to go in Coron:
Kayangan Lake , Barracuda Lake, Sunken Japanese Wrecks, Coral Garden, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Mt Tapyas, Banana Island, Siete Pecados, Malcapuya Island, Skeleton Reef, Black Island, Caluit Island (Animal Sanctuary), North & South Cay Island.
If you doubt, just google the place i mentioned and it will blow you away…
The Chocolate Hills are an example of karst topography. Over thousands of years, the limestone base was dissolved by carbonic acid that was formed by water (rainfall, surface water, underground water) mixed with carbon dioxide. This is also how other similarly awesome topography in the Philippines was formed, e.g., Hundred Islands in Lingayen Gulf, the limestone islets around El Nido, and the Underground River in Puerto Princesa.
Cheers from Manila!
Yeah, there are so many beautiful places in Philippines. Specially their beaches, I love Boracay white sands and pristine water.