21 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful tropical country in South East Asia. Composed of over 7,000 islands, it is rich in history and culture and has many gorgeous and unspoiled beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and falls.

There are so many things to do in the Philippines. It could take you months or even years to fully explore the country. Since you probably only have a few days or weeks to explore the country, what then are the best places to visit in the Philippines?

Well, you’re in the right place. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have the answer to the question, “What are the best places to visit in the Philippines?”

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What are the best places to visit in the Philippines?

With the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines, it isn’t easy to choose just 21. But I tried my best!

I was born and raised in the Philippines and have been blessed with the opportunity to visit 34 of the country’s 82 provinces over the years. Based on my experience and what’s remaining on my Philippine travel bucket list, let me share with you what I think are the best places to visit in the Philippines.

1. El Nido

El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan and is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. If you love unspoiled white sand beaches, awe-inspiring rock formations, and turquoise waters, then I invite you to visit this part of Palawan.

Best things to do in El Nido

Here are the four (4) most popular island hopping tours in El Nido:

✔️ Tour A will take you to the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach.
✔️ Tour B will take you to Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, and Entalula Beach. It also offers cave exploration of Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave.
✔️ Tour C will take you to Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach, and the Hidden Beach.
✔️ Tour D will take you to Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, and Bukal Beach.

💡 Pro Tip: Check the rates of the tours your accommodation offers vs. the prices of similar packages from GetYourGuide, Viator, or Klook (very popular in Asia) – so you can get the best prices! 

Where to stay in El Nido, Palawan

👉🏼 Budget Option: Spin Designer Hostel is a hip hostel highly rated by travelers because of its top-notch service and location. It offers bunk beds in mixed male and female dormitory rooms (shared bathrooms). If you’re looking for more privacy, they also offer a private single room with a private bathroom.

👉🏼 Luxury Option: Vellago Resort is in Las Cabanas, El Nido. Staying at Vellago Resort will let you experience breathtaking sunsets in El Nido. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay on this beautiful island, book your stay with Vellago Resort.

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2. Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is a gorgeous coastal city and is the capital city of the province of Palawan. If you want to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, then you should include Puerto Princesa in your Philippine travel itinerary.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations, you can travel from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton in San Vicente or the remote but beautiful Balabac Island – all in Palawan.

Best things to do in Puerto Princesa

✔️ Island hopping and snorkeling at Honda Bay
✔️ Explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
✔️ Swim with the whale sharks

Where to stay in Puerto Princesa

👉🏼 Budget Option: Mojo Boutique Hostel is a newly opened hostel in Puerto Princesa. Located near the airport, guests love staying here because of its stylish and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and delicious food and beverages from the hostel bar.

👉🏼 Mid-range Option: Guests love staying at Balai Princesa for its beautiful, large, clean rooms, jacuzzi and sauna, in-house restaurant, and outstanding customer service.

👉🏼 Luxury Option: Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa is in Sabang Beach in Puerto Princesa. Guests love staying here because of the private beach, cleanliness, amenities (including hotel restaurant, pool, spa and wellness packages, etc.), and top-notch customer service.

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3. Coron

Coron is another popular destination in the beautiful province of Palawan. Famous for its World War II wreck diving spots, clear blue waters, breathtaking lagoons, and stunning rock formations, travelers head to Coron for an unforgettable adventure and memorable experience.

Best things to do in Coron

So, what can you do in Coron? Well, you can –

✔️ See barracuda fish skeletons at the Barracuda Lake
✔️ Snorkel or dive at Siete Pecados and Malcapuya Island
✔️ Swim at Kayangan Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines
✔️ Hike Mt. Tapyas during sunrise or sunset
✔️ Take a dip at Maquinit Hot Spring

⏳ Short on time? Book this island-hopping tour that will take you to Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, Skeleton Wreck, Banul Beach, and CYC Beach.

Where to stay in Coron

👉🏼 Budget Option: Outpost Hostel Coron is located in Coron Town Proper. Guests love their rooftop pool, accommodating staff, and the friendly hostel vibe.

👉🏼 Mid-range Option: Guests love staying at La Natura Resort for their superb customer service, clean rooms, delicious food served at their in-house restaurant, and the resort’s swimming pool.

👉🏼 Luxury Option: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort is a secluded 5-star beachfront resort located in Bulalacao, Coron. Guests love staying here because of attentive staff, fantastic massage and spa experience, and incredible snorkeling near the property.

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4. Boracay

Boracay is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines. With a 4-km stretch of white and powdery sand beach, you can spend a few days here getting sunkissed and enjoying the island’s offerings.

Best things to do in Boracay

If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation and watch stunning sunsets, then I’m sure you’d love Boracay. Aside from lounging by the beach, having drinks while watching the beautiful Boracay sunset, and getting a massage from one of the local masseurs, here are other activities that you can experience in Boracay:

✔️ Boracay Sunset Cruise
✔️ Boracay Parasailing Experience
✔️ Boracay Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour
✔️ Discover Scuba Diving in Boracay
✔️ Learn Kitesurfing in Boracay
✔️ Boracay Paraw Sailing

💡 Pro Tip: Check the rates of the tours your accommodation offers vs. the prices of similar packages from Viator, GetYourGuide, or Klook (very popular in Asia) – so you can get the best prices! 

Where to stay in Boracay

👉🏼 Budget Option: Happiness Hostel Boracay is a highly-rated hostel in Boracay. It offers bunk beds in mixed and female dormitory rooms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms—all with private bathrooms.

👉🏼 Mid-range Option: Sea Wind Resort – I stayed here with a group of friends (with kids), and we all enjoyed it! They have a pool, massage area, restaurant, and bar. Plus, it’s beachfront, so we watched the beautiful Boracay sunset every day! We loved staying here so much that we barely left Sea Wind!

👉🏼 Luxury Option: Shangri-La Boracay is a luxury hotel in Boracay with a 9.4 rating on Booking.com. It has an in-house spa, restaurant, and bars. If you are looking for a luxurious vacation on the beautiful island of Boracay, book your stay here.

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5. Cebu

Having been to Cebu several times over the past few years, I can confidently say that Cebu is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

💡 Pro Tip: Schedule your visit in January and attend the Sinulog Festival, the biggest festival in Cebu!

Best things to do in Cebu

Home to beautiful beaches, diving spots, and rich history and culture, Cebu offers plenty of things to do even if you stay for weeks!

✔️ Dive with the thresher sharks in Malapascua.
✔️ Immerse yourself in the province’s history, culture, vibrant nightlife, and culinary offerings in Cebu City.
✔️ Enjoy experiencing sardine run in Moalboal.

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6. Bohol

Home to the world-renowned natural wonder, the Chocolate Hills, one of the world’s smallest primates, the endangered Philippine Tarsiers, and some of the most paradisiacal beaches, it’s no surprise that Bohol is known to be one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

Best things to do in Bohol

I first visited Bohol, not to swim at the beaches of Panglao but to visit the Eskaya tribe, an indigenous group in Duero, Bohol. But whether you’re interested in history and culture, looking for an adventure, or would just want to lounge at the beaches of Panglao, Bohol has something to offer you.

Here are some of the best things that you can do in Bohol:

✔️ See the world-famous Chocolate Hills
✔️ Swim at the gorgeous beaches of Panglao
✔️ Meet the endangered Philippine tarsiers in their natural habitat
✔️ See the marine species of Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary up close
✔️ Discover Freediving in Bohol

I’ve written a separate post about the best things to do in Bohol to help you plan your Philippine travel itinerary.

⏳ Short on time? Book this Bohol tour to see the Chocolate Hills, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Shrine, Bilar Man-Made Forest, and Loboc River Cruise) – all in one day!

Where to stay in Bohol

👉🏼 Budget Option: Canna Boutique Hostel
👉🏼 Mid-range Option: The Bellevue Resort
👉🏼 Luxury Option: Amorita Resort

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7. Camiguin

Because of volcanic eruptions that shaped the province, Camiguin got the nickname “island born of fire.”

Camiguin has seven (7) volcanoes, including the ASEAN Heritage Park Mts. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, and is home to hot, cold, and soda springs, unspoiled waterfalls, and white sand beaches.

I visited Camiguin a few years back. While it was only for a weekend, I enjoyed taking a dip at Katibawasan Falls (at the foot of Mt. Timpoong, the most active volcano in Camiguin), the Ardent Hot Springs (whose waters come from Mt. Hibok-Hibok, another volcano in Camiguin), and Sto. Nino Cold Springs. I also got sunkissed at the famous White Island Sandbar and visited other tourist spots in Camiguin, like the Old Vulcan and Walkway, the Sunken Cemetery, and the Old Gui-ob Church Ruins.

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8. Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is rarely mentioned when discussing the best places to visit in the country, and understandably so. Traffic is horrible, and if you’re vacationing in the Philippines for the beach, you’d have to travel by land for hours to get to the nearest one.

But Manila has a unique charm to offer its visitors, too. As someone born, raised, and living in Manila, I think staying here for a couple of nights would still be worth your time, especially if you’d like to learn more about the country’s history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.

Things to do in Manila

✔️ Explore the diverse street foods of Manila.
✔️ Ride a traditional bamboo bike as you explore the historic Intramuros.
✔️ Experience Manila nightlife.

Where to stay in Manila

As I mentioned, the traffic situation in Manila is horrible. So, it is imperative to book accommodation near the places you’d like to visit in the city. If you’re staying for a night or two, I recommend staying at BGC, Makati, or Pasay. 

👉🏼 Budget Option: Z Hostel
👉🏼 Mid-range Option: The Henry Hotel Manila
👉🏼 Luxury Option: Conrad Manila

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9. Buscalan

If you’d like to take a piece of the Philippines back to your country, one of the best places to visit in the Philippines would be Buscalan, where you can get a traditional tattoo from the 107-year-old Apo Whang-od, the oldest Kalinga traditional tattooist (mambabatok).

I visited Apo Whang-od back in 2012 when she wasn’t as popular as she is now (especially after being featured in Vogue). Back then, we stayed at her house, had a beautiful conversation with her (even if we spoke different languages), and we roamed around Buscalan Village and were able to freely mingle with the indigenous community – mainly because only my friend and I were their visitors back then.

Because of her popularity, more tourists (Filipinos and foreigners alike) hike up to Buscalan Tattoo Village to get tattooed by Apo Whang-od. 

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10. Ifugao

One of the best places to visit in the Philippines is Ifugao, where you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

Trek through the stunning terraces built over 2000 years ago by our ancestors with primitive tools, visit a local village and learn more about their lives and culture, and have a cup of Ifugao coffee while enjoying the view of the picturesque rice terraces.

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11. Sagada

Sagada is a beautiful destination and is one of the best places you can visit in the Philippines if you are looking for scenic mountain views, spelunking, and cave exploration, and if you’d like to see their traditional way of burying people, the hanging coffins.

You can spend a day or a few days in Sagada to visit the famous Hanging Coffins at Lumiang Cave, go spelunking and explore the Sumaguing Cave, walk along the stunning Kapay-aw Rice Terraces, take a dip at the refreshing Pongas Falls, and have a cup of Sagada brew. If you’d like to take home a piece of Sagada with you, drop by the Sagada Weaving Center for traditional Sagada weaves.

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12. La Union

Known as the Surfing Capital of the North, tourists head to La Union to catch the waves, see scenic sunsets, and enjoy a laid-back and relaxing beach vacation.

But La Union is more than its surfing spots. It also has centuries-old churches (like the Namacpacan Church, built in 1690), natural attractions (like Tangadan Falls and the beautiful Immuki Island), heritage sites (like Poro Point Lighthouse and Baluarte Watchtower), a thriving art community, and hip bars and restaurants (like Flotsam and Jetsam Artists’ Hostel, Kabsat, and Kahel). 

Where to stay in La Union

👉🏼 Sunset Hour Elyu – if you’re traveling with your family or a group, I recommend staying at Sunset Hour Elyu (here’s why I love staying there). 

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13. Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is among the most popular destinations for local and international tourists. If you’re into history, culture, and heritage, you’d want to visit Ilocos Sur in the Philippines.

Travel back in time as you walk along the cobblestone streets of the Historic City of Vigan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the Crisologo Museum and Syquia, Burgos, and Arce Mansions, Ilocos Sur’s old churches, and other heritage sites. I recommend staying at a heritage house if you’re spending the night!

💡 Pro Tip: Remember to try their bagnet and Vigan empanada!

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14. Ilocos Norte

After visiting Ilocos Sur, head to the next province, Ilocos Norte. Stop by the Bangui Windmills, admire the beautiful Paoay Church, marvel at the views from Cape Bojeador, take a snap at the scenic Patapat Viaduct, see the Laoag’s sinking Bell Tower (built in the 1600s), have a thrill as you go sandboarding at the Paoay Sand Dunes, take a refreshing dip at the Kabigan Falls or on one of the beaches in the coastal town of Pagudpud.

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15. Baguio

One of the best places to visit in the Philippines is my favorite: Baguio. Located in the province of Benguet, Baguio is a mountainous town that offers cool weather, scenic mountain views, rich history and culture, a thriving art scene, and gastronomical delights.

Best things to do in Baguio

Immerse yourself in indigenous art and culture at Tam-awan Village, go forest bathing at Camp John Hay, or visit the BenCab Museum, owned by Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera. Read here for the 31 best things to do in Baguio + tourist spots.

Where to stay in Baguio

👉🏼 Budget Option: Peredo’s Lodging House is a quaint and cozy heritage house in Baguio, declared as an Important Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2015. I’ve stayed here a few times over the years and loved every experience. Here’s why I love staying at Peredo’s Lodging House.

👉🏼 Mid-range Option: Microtel by Wyndham Baguio is a no-frills 3-star hotel in Upper Session Road, Baguio City. I’ve stayed here a few times, too, and love their comfortable beds and attentiveness to the guests’ needs. Here’s my experience staying at Microtel by Wyndham Baguio.

👉🏼 Luxury Option: Guests love staying at The Manor at Camp John Hay because of the ambiance, friendly staff, and the view. They also have an in-house restaurant, spa, and wellness studio.

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16. Legazpi, Albay

Albay is a province in the Bicol Region (composed of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate).

Home to one of the most famous tourist attractions of the Philippines, Mt. Mayon, and the unique destinations Cagsawa Ruins and Quitinday Hills, the falls Malinao and Malilipot), the black sand beaches of Santo Domingo and Bacacay, the white sand beaches of Misibis Bay Resort and Pinamutugan Beach, and the “Vanishing Island” of Malilipot, and the “Egg Yolk Island” (Corangan Shoal of Tiwi), Japanese caves, colonial houses, and historical landmarks.

💡 Pro Tip: Remember to taste their popular local dishes like Bicol Express and pinangat.

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17. Donsol

Recognized as the Whale Shark Capital of the World, Donsol is the best place to visit in the Philippines if you want to interact with whale sharks (or butandings in the local language).

We did this a few years back as part of a road trip to the different provinces in the Bicol Region.

We headed to the waters riding a boat and waited a couple of hours to see these gentle giants. We were about to decide to extend our visit for another day when our guide called us to jump. Some of our companions swam alongside the butandings, and we watched from near the boat. I was quite scared going deep in the water, but the experience was all the same so surreal for me. They were beautiful and friendly, as if doing a show for us!

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18. Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur is the largest province of the Bicol Region. Here, you’ll find the unspoiled Caramoan Islands (the location of a past season of Survivor), Mt. Iriga (an active volcano), historical churches and landmarks (like the Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia), stunning falls (like Malabsay Falls and Nalalata Falls), and Mt. Labo (where you can see the breathtaking views from its summit). 

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to taste its version of the Bicol Express, Kinalas, Sili Ice Cream, Laing, Pinangat, and Kandinga.

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19. Batanes

Batanes is on my bucket list. A province in the northernmost part of the Philippines, Batanes is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines for its rich cultural heritage (it’s the home of the province’s first settlers, the Ivatans), scenic rolling hills, and stunning coastlines. 

Walk around and meet the Ivatans, see traditional stone houses, ride a bike to see more of the many gorgeous views in Batanes, and drop by the Honesty Coffee Shop.

I’ve seen many of my blogger friends post photos of their visit to Batanes and I just know that I’ll visit it one day. 

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20. Siargao

Siargao, once a little-known island in Surigao del Norte in Mindanao, has become one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines over the years. Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, local and international travelers, especially adrenaline junkies and surf enthusiasts, head to Siargao to experience the relaxed island vibe.

While surfing or learning how to surf is one of the top things to do on the island, Siargao also offers other activities for non-surfers. You can go island hopping and visit Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands, take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Magpupungko Rock Pools, or explore the Bucas Grande Islands. You can also rent motorbikes and bicycles to explore the beautiful Island of Siargao.

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21. Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu isn’t on the typical list of best places to visit in the Philippines. A municipality in the highlands of South Cotabato in Mindanao, if you love adventure, nature, and indigenous culture and art, then I invite you to consider including Lake Sebu in your Philippine travel itinerary.

I visited Lake Sebu a few years back as part of our trip visiting indigenous communities in the Philippines. We stayed with a T’boli family, learned about T’boli indigenous culture and art, and met a couple of T’nalak dream weavers. I loved the experience so much that I still keep in touch with some of the people I’ve met in Lake Sebu.

In the municipality of Lake Sebu, you can also canoe through the lotus-filled Lake Sebu (one of three gorgeous lakes in the municipality), ride the Seven Falls Zipline (known to be the highest zipline in Southeast Asia), and take a dip at the seven (7) falls of Lake Sebu.

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Map of Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Here’s a map of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

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Philippines Travel Guide

Here’s what you need to know when you travel to the Philippines:

Best time to visit the Philippines

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to May. While you can still have a spectacular time during the rainy season, I recommend checking weather forecasts before your visit so you can plan (or adjust your plan) accordingly. Check here for more information about the best time to visit the Philippines.

Do you need a visa for the Philippines?

It depends on where you’re from. Nationals from many countries can enter the Philippines without visas for a stay of at most thirty (30) days. Click here to check if you need a visa to enter the Philippines.

Safety in the Philippines

The Philippines is generally safe for tourists. However, as a precaution, I recommend checking the travel advisories from your government and getting travel insurance for your peace of mind and protection. 

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FAQs: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in the Philippines:

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The Wrap-Up: Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country. I hope that our country’s rich history and culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique natural resources, gorgeous beaches, world-class diving spots, warm and friendly people, and this list of the best places to visit in the Philippines have convinced you that the Philippines is worth visiting and that you’ll start planning your trip to my beautiful country soon! 

Thank you for reading to this point. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to help!

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