tourist spot 2022 philippines

32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots

After visiting 69 of 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve had countless beautiful experiences in this archipelagic country of over 7,600 islands. If you’re looking for places to add to your Philippines Itinerary, then this guide is for you!

Let’s start with a list of top destinations that are both easy to reach and exceptionally beautiful. If you’re traveling to the Philippines for the first time, these are the highlights you don’t want to miss. You fit  all these places into a two-week itinerary.

Next, I’m going to share the stand-outs. They may not be as easy to get to, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re adventurous and want to see places that truly stand out.

Lastly, I’ve included a long list of popular and interesting destinations in the Philippines so you can enjoy a virtual tour of what my home country has to offer. Consider visiting if you have an extended trip planned in the Philippines or if you’re a fellow Pinoy looking for places to go on your next holiday.”

The Philippines Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in The Philippines? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in The Philippines for your bucketlist/itinerary.

5. Boracay Island & Aklan

6. balabac islands, 7. batanes islands, 9. banaue, ifugao, 14. puerto princesa, 15. iloilo & guimaras, 16. clark & pampanga, 18. cagayan de oro & beyond, 19. dumaguete & negros oriental, 20. legazpi, bicol & mayon volcano, 21. tacloban, leyte, 22. baguio & benguet, 23. subic bay, 24. tagaytay & taal volcano, 25. lake sebu, 26. laoag & ilocos norte, 27. siquijor, 28. port barton & san vicente, 29. caramoan, 30. calaguas, 31. biri islands, samar, 32. enchanted river & surigao del sur.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in:   Singapore ,  ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on:  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Tiktok ,  Pinterest .

Top Spots For First-Timers

Cloud 9 Boardwalk sunset in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao made its first claim to fame as the Philippines’ surfing capital, and recently as the “Best Island in the World” (awarded by Condé Nast readers for 2018).This paradise has been on my favorites list ever since my first trip to the island a decade ago. What impressed me the most were the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder that’s well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach. The main island is filled with pristine natural spots as well, including white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools & more.If you want to enjoy a laidback island lifestyle, Siargao is one of the best places that tourists can go to. You’ll find a mix of “foreign” and “local” here. It is remote yet accessible, and not too crowded despite the coming of new developments in recent years.

Location  — Surigao del Norte province, Caraga Region, Northeast Mindanao. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Located along the eastern coast of the Philippines (facing the Pacific Ocean), Siargao is best reached by air. Fly direct to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao Island from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Flight duration is 2 hours from Manila or 1 hour from Cebu. From the airport, the land trip to Cloud 9 beach, the main tourist area, takes around 45 minutes. You can also reach Siargao by taking a flight to Surigao Airport (SUG), found in mainland Mindanao. Then, hop on a 1.5-hour fastcraft ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

Siargao Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

Siargao Surfing Lessons

Siargao Island Hopping (Daily) – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Marcos at Magpupungko Rock Formation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Magpupungko Rock Formation, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 surfing, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Beach in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 beach, Siargao Island

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton Lagoons near Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Boardwalk surfers in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

See more : Siargao travel tips

Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and island views. El Nido in Palawan province will not disappoint. In terms of spectacular “over-the-water” sea views, El Nido is my favorite in the Philippines. Imagine hidden lagoons, uninhabited white sand beaches, and massive forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical waters. The “SEAnery” here rivals popular destinations in Asia like Phi Phi/Krabi Islands (Thailand) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).The experience of spending a whole day out on the islands is nothing short of incredible. The area of Bacuit Bay is spread over a large area, so spend at least two full days for the island hopping tours (Tour A & Tour C are the best).

Location  — Northern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Most travelers arrive in El Nido on a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), followed by a 5 to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town proper. If you want to skip the long land journey, fly directly to El Nido from Manila (1 hour), Cebu or Boracay-Caticlan. This is the fastest but more expensive way.

El Nido Travel Essentials

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Secret Lagoon Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan

Calitang Beach, at Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beaches, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Calitang Beach, El Nido

Overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands of El Nido from Taraw Peak, in Palawan, Philippines Overlooking El Nido from Taraw Peak

Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido

See more : El Nido travel tips

Pro-tip:  To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Philippines Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Where to stay in The Philippines:

Book here Compare rates

Recommended The Philippines Hotels:

Travel tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab up to 5% OFF your next booking on the Klook app. Tap below to book & compare rates with other booking apps.

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Island Hopping in Boracay

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Cebu Ocean Park Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Photo by David Köhler .

In contrast to El Nido’s amazing “over water” views, go to Coron for spectacular underwater views. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, pristine waters, lots of marine life, and even sunken WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Don’t get me wrong, Coron can hold its own when it comes to scenic views over the water as well. This paradise is home to hidden emerald/blue lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. There’s no shortage of incredibly beautiful fine white sand beaches in Coron either.

How to go —  Coron Airport is located on the north side of Busuanga Island. Travel time by plane is around 1 hour from Manila. For adventurous travelers who want to maximize their trip in Palawan, you can travel by ferry between Coron and El Nido (mainland Palawan). Travel time is around 4 hours by fastcraft (high-speed ferry).

Coron Travel Essentials

Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour

Coron-Busuanga Airport Shuttle – Shared and Private Transfers

Coron Ultimate Tour

See more : Coron travel tips

Marcos at Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu

Cebu is the country’s #1 most visited tourist destination, and for good reason. It is unrivaled in offering the widest range of things to do and attractions. Cebu is like the “Jack of all trades” among tourist spots in the Philippines.You can enjoy scenic natural sites (waterfalls, beaches, mountain views etc.), have exciting wildlife encounters, join a colonial heritage tour, shop at some of the World’s largest malls, or indulge yourself in local food including the prized Cebu Lechon! You can do all of these easily while staying at a luxury resort in Mactan Island, centrally located hotel/airbnb in the city, or a peaceful beachfront resort in the countryside. Your choice!If that’s not enough, you can easily hop to nearby islands like Bohol, Negros (Dumaguete) or other major cities. Take full advantage of Cebu’s strategic location in Central Philippines and well-connected flight/ferry network.

Location  — Central Visayas (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Cebu-Mactan International Airport in Mactan Island serves direct flights from all major cities in the Philippines as well as international flights from Asia and North America. Flight duration is 1h30m from Manila, 3h 40m from Singapore and 2h50m from Hong Kong. From the airport, the ride to Cebu City center usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour (or more, depending on traffic conditions).

Cebu Travel Essentials

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Cebu Airport Private Transfers – for Cebu City, Mactan & more

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

Shangri-la Mactan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Shangri-la Mactan Resort, Cebu

The Heritage of Cebu Monument in Cebu City, Philippines The Heritage of Cebu Monument

Canyoneering near Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu, Philippines Kawasan-Badian Canyoneering in Cebu

Santiago Bay Beach in Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines

Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu City, Philippines Sirao Flower Garden, Cebu City

See more : Cebu travel tips

Marcos at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise. Taking center stage is 4-kilometer White Beach, prized for its incredibly inviting blue waters, fine white sand, and perfect sunsets. This island is the place to go if you want to take it easy and you’re looking forward to enjoying a tropical resort experience. As you can expect, Boracay caters to a more upscale crowd, but don’t fret, there are many budget-friendly options available.Boracay is small but packs a lot of attractions. Here you can find excellent dining, a wide variety of places to stay, souvenir shopping, and lots of fun water activities, and some nightlife all in one sandy stretch.Boracay’s White Beach is a class of its own when it comes to how fine and white the sand is. From my extensive travels in the country, there’s only one lengthy beach that has sand whiter and finer than White Beach. You can find it in the group of islands featured next on this list.

Location  — Aklan province, Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at either Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLO). From Caticlan, the ferry to Boracay only takes less than 20 minutes. Most travelers transit via Kalibo because the airport serves more airlines/flights/destinations and airfares are usually lower. The land trip from Kalibo to Caticlan tales around 1 hour.

Boracay Travel Essentials

Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay

Caticlan Airport-Boracay Hotel Shared Transfers – Shuttle+Ferry Ticket

Sunset at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Sunset view from Boracay Island

White Beach in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines White Beach, Boracay

View from Mt. Luho facing White Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Mt. Luho view

Kite surfing at Bulabog Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Boracay kite surfing

Ati-atihan Festival warriors in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan

See more : Boracay Island & Aklan travel tips

The Standouts

These places take more time to visit but are well worth the journey if you’re up for an adventure.

Onuk Island – Roughton Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

If you’re looking for the best beaches & most vibrant waters in the Philippines, look nowhere else. Balabac is worth a spot at the VERY TOP of your bucketlist.Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan. It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds. These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Yes, the sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue! The best spots you shouldn’t miss in Balabac are (1) Onuk Island & its crystal blue waters sprawling as far as the eye can see; (2) Bugsuk Island, home to the most powdery, whitest sand beach in the Philippines; and (3) the pink sand beach at Camiaran Island.

Location  — Southern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines)

How to go —  The most convenient jump-off point to the Balabac Islands is Buliluyan Port, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Palawan. From Puerto Princesa Airport (the nearest commercial airport), the land trip to Buliluyan Port takes around 5-6 hours. For a hassle-free trip, arrange your Balabac tour well ahead (before your trip) with a local tour operator. See the list and detailed travel tips at the  Balabac Travel Guide .

Punta Sebaring Beach in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Punta Sebaring Beach, Bugsuk Island, Balabac

Camiaran “Pink” Island, in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Camiaran “Pink” Island, Balabac

Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato

Sicsican Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Sicsican Island

Canabungan Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Canabungan Island

Balabac is remote and not easy to reach, which is why I don’t readily recommend the place to first-timers. You must really want to visit this place. It takes time to visit and you’ll have to let go of touristic conveniences.

Batanes, Philippines. Photo by Rexy Quieta .

Previously, many readers have asked me why I did not include Batanes as one of the best places to go in the Philippines. The answer is simple: I haven’t been there yet. It’s still on my bucketlist! But due to popular demand, I am including Batanes now. So, comment below if you have a place in mind that you think should be included! I might have to add it to my bucketlist too.Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. These remote islands are shaped by volcanic forces and strong typhoons. The natural landscape of Batanes is distinct from other parts of the Philippines. Here, you’ll find vibrant green rolling hills, grazing cows, steep seaside cliffs, sparkling clear blue waters, traditional stone houses, and iconic lighthouses.Travelers often describe its Batanes’ beauty as wild, overwhelming, and incredibly scenic. Looking at pictures and vlogs, I can see why it’s a popular choice among adventure seekers.

Location  — Cagayan Valley region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Basco Airport, located on Batan, the main island of Batanes. Travel time by plane is 2 hours from Manila or 1h40m from Clark. Airlines that fly to Batanes include Philippine Airlines and Skyjet. Flights to Batanes are a lot more expensive compared to other destinations in the Philippines. Expect regular roundtrip fares to cost upwards of P10,000.

Batanes Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Batanes-Basco Airport Shuttle – BSO Private Transfers

3 Day North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour

2 Day North Batan and South Batan Tour

Pongas Falls in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

The Philippines isn’t just all about postcard-perfect beaches. It has cool highland destinations too! If you want to be close to nature and the Philippines’ mountain culture, venture north of Manila and visit Sagada. You can find this small town high in the mist-covered Cordillera (mountain range) of Northern Luzon.Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, Sagada is most-known for the bizarre hanging coffins, a burial tradition that has survived for over 2,000 years. When in town, don’t miss the cave connection tour (Sumaging-Lumiang Cave), sunrise view from above a sea of clouds at Kiltepan Peak, the local coffee (best in PH) & hike to the many waterfalls in the area including Bomod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls.

Location  — Sagada, Mountain Province, Cordillera region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus trip to Sagada from Manila takes around 12 hours. Buses usually depart at 9pm (onwards) from Cubao, Quezon City. You can also catch a bus to Sagada from Baguio. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5-6 hours by bus.

Sagada Travel Essentials

Sumaguing Cave, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Marcos at Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

Hanging coffins at Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Sagada hanging coffins, Mountain Province

Kapay-aw Rice Terraces in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Kapay-aw Rice Terraces, Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines 041 Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada-150211-082531

See more : Sagada travel tips

Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Banaue is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, another must-see attraction in the Cordillera region. Hand-carved by the Ifugao people some 2,000 years ago, these extraordinary rice paddies are terraced like staircases for giants and follows the contours of entire mountainsides. Banaue is also the gateway to the Ifugao Rice Terraces, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.Have a memorable local experience by spending the night at a homestay in one of the small villages like Batad or Banga-an. Get immersed in the culture of the Ifugao people, wake-up to a view of the rice terraces with a hot cup of local coffee, and go on the breathtaking hike to Tappiya Waterfalls.

Location  — Ifugao province, Cordillera Region. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus journey to Banaue from Manila takes around 8-9 hours. Bus departures from Manila are in the late evening hours (8pm to 10pm). So, expect to arrive early morning. You can also reach Banaue easily from other destinations in the Cordillera region. The land journey to Banaue takes around 3 hours from Sagada and 6 hours from Baguio

Banaue Travel Essentials

Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces

Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum, in Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum

Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue in Ifugao, Philippines Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue, Ifugao

Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Bangaan Rice Terraces near Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint, in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

See more : Banaue, Ifugao travel tips

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Vigan is the best-preserved Spanish-colonial town in Asia. If you’re a lover of old cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time (to 16th-century Philippines) as you explore Vigan. This heritage city is filled with cobblestone paths, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old churches, and buildings. Get the ultimate Vigan experience by booking your room at one of the old Spanish-colonial homes.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Ilocos region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Vigan is Laoag Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila. This journey takes around 2 hours (1-hour flight duration PLUS 2-hour land trip). You can also reach Vigan by bus. The land trip takes around 8-9 hours from Manila.

Vigan Travel Essentials

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines Calle Crisologo, Vigan

See more : Vigan travel tips

Marcos at Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Iligan the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” deserves a spot on your bucketlist if you’re a lover of waterfalls (like me). This city in Northern Mindanao is home to many of the  Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls . My favorites in Iligan include (1) Tinago Falls with its incredibly enchanting blue-green pool surrounded by the rainforest, (2) Maria Cristina Falls (massive twin waterfall), and the remote (3) Limunsudan Falls (the highest two-tiered waterfall in the Philippines).

Location  — Lanao del Norte province, Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Iligan City takes around 1.5 hours.

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Limunsudan Falls, Iligan

Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City

See more : Iligan travel tips

Popular & Easy To Visit

Sharing these major flight gateways and popular tourist destinations. All of these places have their own special set of bucketlist-worthy attractions. This just goes to show that you can find beautiful spots all over the Philippines and how incredibly difficult it is to select just a few, to make this list of best places to visit. The destinations mentioned below are not listed by rank.

Marcos at Fort Santiago, in Intramuros, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila offers many attractions for travelers. Historic Intramuros is a good place to start. This walled city is filled with Spanish-era architecture including the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Meanwhile, Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are the best places to go to experience the nightlife, hip food scene, and the modern side of the city. Beat the tropical heat & shop at Manila’s massive malls. Metro Manila is home to many of the World’s largest malls including the ever-expanding Mall of Asia. Looking for a place to go near the airport? Visit the entertainment districts such as Newport City, City of Dreams, Solaire Resort, and Okada Manila.

Location  — Metro Manila capital region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway and domestic flight hub of the Philippines. The Manila-NAIA Airport is located in the cities of Pasay and Paranaque (among the 16 cities that comprise the Metro Manila area). Manila does not have a very good public transport system. For safe and easy rides around the metro, use a ride-hailing app like Grab.

Manila Travel Essentials

Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more

National Museum of Natural History in Manila City, Philippines National Museum of Natural History, Manila

Intramuros Walled City in Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines Intramuros Walled City, Manila

San Sebastian Cathedral interiors, in Metro Manila, Philippines San Sebastian Cathedral

Dusk view of Makati's skyline, from Top of the Citi by Chef jessie (rooftop bar), in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Makati Skyline at Dusk

Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines Bonifacio High Street

See more : Manila travel tips

Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is home to two of the Philippines’ most iconic attractions, often shown on tourism ads: The Chocolate Hills, and the bug-eyed Tarsier, one of the World’s smallest primates. This island in Central Philippines (near Cebu) offers so much more.In Panglao, you can stay at a nice hotel at one of the island’s many white-sand beach areas, go island hopping, enjoy diving, join an island hopping tour, and possibly have a dolphin encounter. If that’s not enough, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the pristine Loboc River, see the old Spanish-colonial heritage churches, Can-umantad waterfalls, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, and remote Anda White Beach.If you plan to visit Cebu, then Bohol should be on your bucketlist too as you can easily see most of Bohol’s major tourist spots on a one-day tour from Cebu City.

How to go —  Touchdown at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which serves direct flights from Manila, Clark, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Travel time from Manila to Bohol is 1 hour by plane. You can also go by ferry from Cebu. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is around 2 hours by fastcraft ferry.

Bohol Travel Essentials

Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Bohol Private Car Charter

Cebu-Bohol Supercat Ferry Ticket (One Way or Round Trip)

Dumaluan Beach in Bolod, Panglao Island, Philippines Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by Michelle Simtoco Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

Doljo Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Can-Umantad Falls in Candijay, Bohol, Philippines Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

See more : Bohol travel tips

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa is the capital and major flight gateway in Palawan. If you’re visiting El Nido, then Puerto Princesa, “The City in the Forest,” is worth a stopover. Start with a trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River, the 2nd longest navigable underground river in the world, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and New7Wonders of Nature. Then, spend a day beach bumming and snorkeling on an island hopping tour around Honda Bay. Don’t leave without going on the city tour and feasting on fresh seafood.

Location  — Central Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Puerto Princesa is 1.5 hours southwest of Manila by plane. Princesa International Airport serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Clark, and Davao. You can also go by ferry from Manila or Iloilo (on the RORO ferry-bus).

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Philippines Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River

Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa

Kinabuch's Seafood dinner, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philipines Kinabuch's, Puerto Princesa City

See more : Puerto Princesa travel tips

Journey to Heaven, at Garin Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo

This is my home, Iloilo! Located at the country’s geographical center, Iloilo is also known as the “Heart of the Philippines.” It is famous for its well-preserved heritage sites, distinct native cuisine, cheap seafood, and pristine natural sites.Bustling yet relaxed Iloilo City is one of the most livable cities in the country. A highly urbanized city that’s keen on preserving its cultural and natural heritage. Within an hour’s travel from the city center, you can find yourself along a peaceful beach in Guimaras Island, home to the World’s sweetest mangoes. Head to the islands of Gigantes, Sicogon, and Concepcion to see the stunning seascapes of Northern Iloilo. A drive to the south takes you to centuries-old Spanish-colonial churches including the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Iloilo, you can also go on a land trip to other provinces in Panay Island — Antique, Capiz (Roxas City), and Aklan (Boracay).

Location  — Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Iloilo Airport, which serves direct flights from/to major airports in the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore. Travel time to Iloilo by plane is 1h15m from Manila and 50m from Cebu. The airport also serves direct flights from/to Davao, Clark, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Iloilo Travel Essentials

Bacolod-Iloilo OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Iloilo Airport-Iloilo City Hotel Shuttle – ILO Private and Shared Transfers

Gigantes Islands Day Tour from Iloilo City

Calle Real in Iloilo City, Philippines Calle Real in Iloilo City

Tangke Lagoon in Gigantes Sur Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Tangke Lagoon, Gigantes, Iloilo

Tatlong Pulo Beach in Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines Tatlong Pulo, Guimaras

Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines Miagao Church, Iloilo

Balvan View in Tubungan, Iloilo, Philippines Balvan View, Tubungan, Iloilo

See more : Iloilo & Guimaras travel tips

Puning Hot Springs in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Located within a 2-3 hour drive north of Manila, Clark Airport is a major flight hub and alternative international gateway to the Philippines. Clark is a rapidly developing tourist destination and economic zone. It’s home to Aqua Planet Waterpark, PH’s largest waterpark, and other themed attractions such as Dinosaur Island. From Clark, you can enjoy a heritage tour of nearby Angeles City and sample the famous food of Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.Clark is also a popular jump-off point to explore the Central Luzon provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. The best things to do in this region include the (1) offroad adventure to Puning Hot Springs, (2) Mount Pinatubo summit crater trek, (3) Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar heritage resort, (4) Zambales’ scenic beaches, (5) Subic Bay, and the (6) surfing town of Baler.

Location  — Clark Freeport, Pampanga region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Clark Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Because of its location near Manila, it often serves as an alternative to congested Manila-NAIA Airport. Travel time from Manila to Clark is around 2-3 hours. Clark Airport is located within Clark Freeport Zone, which occupies part of Angeles City, Pampanga. The drive between Clark Airport & Angeles City center takes around 20 minutes.

Clark Travel Essentials

Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket

Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark

Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket

Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy

Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City, Pampanga

Aqua Planet in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines Aqua Planet, Clark

Marcos at Mount Pinatubo crater lake in Central Luzon, Philippines Mount Pinatubo crater lake, Philippines

See more : Clark & Pampanga travel tips

Isla Reta beachfront in Talucud Island, Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Considering a trip to Southern Philippines? Start with Davao City, the largest urban center in Mindanao. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the PH’s tallest mountain, this sprawling metropolis is where you can meet the great Philippine Eagle, get a taste of the infamous Durian fruit, and enjoy day trips to refreshing natural sites like Eden Nature Park and Samal Island. Of course, it is also the gateway to beautiful spots in Davao region and Mindanao.Samal Island is easily reached by ferry from Davao City. Enjoy a luxury stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, famous for its waterfront stilt cottages, or wander to the peaceful beaches of Talikud Island.

Location  — Davao region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Davao Airport is the busiest airport in Mindanao. Travel time by plane from Manila to Davao is 2 hours. From Davao Airport, it typically takes 30 minutes to get to Davao City center.

Davao Travel Essentials

Davao (DVO) Airport to Hotel/City Private Transfer

Davao 24hr COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing

Davao COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

Philippine Eagle Center, Davao City, Philippines Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

Eden Nature Park city view, in Davao City, Philippines Davao City view from Eden Nature Park

Jack's Ridge in Davao City, Philippines Jack's Ridge, Davao City

Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines Monfort Bat Colony, Samal Island

See more : Davao travel tips

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Cagayan de Oro, the largest city in Northern Mindanao, is dubbed as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines”. This city is famous for its white water river rafting, river tubing, paragliding, nature parks. Cagayan de Oro is also a convenient hub for tourists visiting the majestic waterfalls of Iligan, scenic sites of Camiguin Island, and cool attractions of Bukidnon province.

Location  — Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Cagayan de Oro City takes around 1 hour.

Cagayan de Oro Travel Essentials

Seven Seas Waterpark Ticket in Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines High Ridge, Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon, Philippines Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines White Island, Camiguin

See more : Cagayan de Oro & beyond travel tips

Swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, in Dauin, Oriental Negros, Philippines

Extremely chill Dumaguete is the jump-off point to Apo Island. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucketlist, one of the best places to go is Apo Island, a protected marine sanctuary with sprawling coral gardens. From Dumaguete, you can also visit Siquijor Island and the many waterfalls, lakes & mountain resorts of Negros Oriental province.

Location  — Negros Oriental province, Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Dumaguete Airport is about an hour south of Manila by plane. You can also fly directly from Cebu. The flight only takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get to Dumaguete by bus+ferry from Cebu. The bus+ferry journey takes around 6 hours.

Dumaguete Travel Essentials

Manjuyod Sandbar and Twin Lakes Tour

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip

Twin Lakes Natural Park with Dumaguete City Tour

Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines Siliman University, Dumaguete City

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Oriental Negros Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

Dumaguete Boulevard at night, in Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros, Philippines Dumaguete Boulevard at night

See more : Dumaguete & Negros Oriental travel tips

Daraga Church & Mayon Volcano view from Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

Legazpi is perhaps the most photogenic city in the Philippines. Here, the skyline view is dominated by Mayon Volcano, recognized as the World’s “perfect” cone-shaped volcano.Legazpi serves as the gateway to Bicol, a region famous for the whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon, gorgeous islands of Caramoan (Camarines Sur), and Calaguas (Camarines Norte), Misibis Bay Resort, and of course, delicious Bicolano dishes (Bicol Express!).

Location  — Albay province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way to get to Legazpi is by air. Flight duration to Legazpi Airport is 1 hour from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can also reach Legazpi by bus from Manila. The land trip takes around 9 to 12 hours.

Legazpi Travel Essentials

Cagsawa Ruins & Mayon Volcano in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga

Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins, Albay

See more : Legazpi, Bicol & Mayon Volcano travel tips

San Juanico Bridge in Leyte-Samar, Philippines

Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, is home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines and as the site of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur’s landing, a monumental event during WWII.Eastern Visayas is a region blessed with many of the Philippines’ most awe-inspiring natural sights including Kalanggaman Island’s insanely beautiful sandbar, the incredible rock formations of Biri Island, majestic waterfalls of Samar and alluring Sambawan Island in Biliran province.

Location  — Leyte province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Tacloban-Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which serves direct flights from/to Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Travel time from Manila to Tacloban is 1.5 hours by flight. From Tacloban Airport, the ride to the downtown area takes 15 minutes only.

Tacloban Travel Essentials

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

MacArthur Park in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines MacArthur Park

Sohoton Caves National Park in Basey, Samar, Philippines Sohoton Caves National Park

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines Kalanggaman Island

Tinago Falls in Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines Tinago Falls, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines Sambawan Island

See more : Tacloban, Leyte travel tips

Wright Park in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Visit the Philippines’ summer capital. Baguio City offers a cool climate, urban comforts, pine-filled parks and an exciting food scene. There are a lot of fun day trips beyond the city as well such as the La Trinidad strawberry fields and flower farms in Benguet.

Location  — Benguet province, Cordillera region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Land travel to Baguio is approximately 5-6 hours from Manila, 6 hours from Banaue, and 5-6 hours from Sagada.

Baguio Travel Essentials

La Trinidad strawberry fields in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines La Trinidad strawberry fields near Baguio

Flower farms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines Atok flower farms, Benguet

Camp John Hay Golf Course in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Camp John Hay Golf Course, Baguio

Burnham Park Lake in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Burnham Park Lake, Baguio City

Bell Church in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Bell Church, Baguio City

See more : Baguio & Benguet travel tips

Subic Bay beachfront, near Olongapo City, Zambales

Subic Bay is a popular destination for themed attractions and natural sites. Subic’s top tourist spots include the Pamulaklakin Nature Park, Boardwalk Park, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Inflatable Island & duty-Free shopping malls.

Location  — Zambales province, Central Luzon region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The land trip to Subic takes around 2-4 hours from Manila or 1.5 hours from Clark. Aside from buses/shuttle that go directly to Subic, you can also get on buses bound for Olongapo (Zamables). Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a short 10-minute ride away from the bus terminal in Olongapo.

Subic Bay Travel Essentials

Zoobic Safari Admission Ticket in Subic

Ocean Adventure Admission Ticket in Subic Bay

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass

See more : Subic Bay travel tips

Taal Volcano view from Tagaytay Twin Lakes in Batangas-Cavite, Philippines

Tagaytay is a popular go-weekend vacation spot near Manila? Go on a 2-3 hour drive to Tagaytay, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and see the iconic view of the highly active Taal Volcano.Taal Volcano is famous for Vulcan Point, the world’s largest island within a lake (Crater Lake) that is situated on an island (Volcano Island/Taal Island) located in a lake (Lake Taal) within an island (Luzon) in the Pacific Ocean.

Location  — Cavite-Batangas provinces, Southern Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  You can find Tagataytay-bound buses at Cubao, Buendia or Pasay in Metro Manila. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours depending on the pace of traffic. Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle van from EGI Mall near the LRT Gil Puyat Station.

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

Sky Ranch Tagaytay Ride-All-You-Can Day Pass

Paradizoo Admission Ticket in Tagaytay

Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila

See More of the Philippines

Lily Flower Blooms in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

One of my favorite highland destinations in the Philippines is Lake Sebu, the homeland of the T’boli people. This peaceful town in Mindanao offers a cool mountain climate, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic lake views. When in Lake Sebu, do not miss the 7 Falls Zipline. It’s one of the tallest in Asia and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Sebu’s seven waterfalls. Enjoy an early morning canoe ride to see the fields of blooming lotus greet the sunrise.

Location  — South Cotabato province,Soccsksargen region, Mindanao Island (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  General Santos Airport is around two hours by plane from Manila or around 1 hour from Cebu or Iloilo. Land travel from General Santos to Lake Sebu takes 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, can book a flight to Davao Airport go on a 2 to 3-hour land trip to General Santos.

Lake Sebu Travel Essentials

Hikong Bente (2nd Falls) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Hikong Bente (2nd Falls), Lake Sebu

Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Punta Isla Lake Resort, Lake Sebu

See more : Lake Sebu travel tips

Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Ilocos Norte and its capital city, Laoag, is one of the Philippines’ top heritage destinations. See the Paoay Church, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and many other exquisite Spanish-colonial churches. Go farther north to find the iconic windmills, beautiful beaches, surfing, and coastal landscapes in Pagudpud and Burgos.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to Ilocos Norte. Laoag Airport is an hour north of Manila by plane. You can also reach Laoag by land from different areas in Luzon. The land trip to Laoag is around 9 hours from Manila.

Laoag Travel Essentials

Kapurpurawan White Rock in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Kapurpurawan White Rock

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Bangui Windmills

See more : Laoag & Ilocos Norte travel tips

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, Philippines

Hop on a ferry from Dumaguete & wander around the mystical island of Siquijor. This island province is famous for its stunning beach coves, waterfalls, and as a home of mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers/Filipino witches).

Location  — Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila and Cebu. From Dumaguete Pier, ride one of the frequent ferries to Siquijor. Travel time by fastcraft (high-speed ferry) is 50 minutes. You can also reach Siquijor on a direct ferry from Cebu or Bohol.

Siquijor Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Philippines Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Lazi Church in Siquijor, Philippines Lazi Church, Siquijor

See more : Siquijor travel tips

Bato Ni Ning Ning in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

Port Barton is a quiet beachside village in the town of San Vicente. It is popular among backpackers and travelers who want to experience a relaxed rural atmosphere. Here, you can go about and explore many pristine offshore islands and venture to Long Beach in San Vicente Town Proper, reputedly the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. San Vicente/Port Barton is located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, in mainland Palawan.

Location  — San Vicente, Northern Palawan province, Palawan province, MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way is by flying directly to the new San Vicente Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From San Vicente Airport / Poblacion, you can charter a boat to get to Port Barton. Travel time by boat takes around 1 hour. You can also go by land from other spots in Palawan Island. Travel time to San Vincente takes around 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa, 2.5-3 hours from El Nido or 1-1.5 hours from Roxas Bus Terminal.

San Vicente Travel Essentials

Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour)

Port Barton Beach at dusk, in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Port Barton Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Maxima Island in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Maxima Island, San Vicente, Palawan

San Vicente Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines San Vicente Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Marcos at Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines

Caramoan rose to fame when the islands became the location of TV reality show “Survivor.” It was featured multiple times not only by Survivor US, but also various international editions of the franchise. After you’ve seen Caramoan, it’s not hard to see why. The islands are blessed with towering limestone cliffs that serve as the perfect backdrop of hidden lagoons and crowdless white sand beaches.

Location  — Camarines Sur province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur province is the jump-off point to Caramoan. Travel time to Sabang Port by car is 1 hour from Naga City (Naga-Pili Airport) or 3 hours from Legazpi City (Legazpi-Bicol Airport). From Sabang Port, ride a local ferry to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Guijalo, the land trip to Caramoan town proper takes around 30 minutes. From Caramoan town proper, the islands are accessible on whole day island hopping tours.

Caramoan Travel Essentials

Caramoan Islands view from Matudak Island in Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

Lahos Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Lahos Island, Camarines Sur

Tayak Beach in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Tayak Beach, Camarines Sur

Caramoan Church (St. Micheal de Archangel Parish Church) in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Church, Camarines Sur

Mahabang Buhang Beach in Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island is perhaps the only beach in Northern Philippines that can rival the likes of Boracay and the best beaches in Palawan when it comes to powdery fine white sand. Despite its remote location in Camarines Norte, it has risen as one of the top places to visit among beach campers and adventure-seeking tourists. The beachfront is shy of one kilometer in length and has a sprawling view of unbelievably turquoise blue and crystal clear waters.

Location  — Vinzons, Camarines Norte province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The main jump-off points to Calaguas Island is are the towns of Paracale and Vinzons in Camarines Norte province. From Manila, the land journey to Paracale/Vinzons takes around 8-9 hours. Paracale is the nearer gateway to Calaguas Island. Travel time by ferry from Paracale to Calaguas is around 2 hours. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Naga-Pili Airport (WNP), which is a 2-hour drive away from Paracale/Vinzons.

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines

Biri is one of my all-time favorite “off the beaten path” adventures in the Philippines. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this remote island is home to awe-inspiring rock formations carved over time by nature. Scramble up to one of the peaks for an awe-inspiring view of raging sea waves crashing over the rugged landscape.

Location  — Northern Samar province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Biri is Catarman Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From Catarman Airport, you’ll first need to go on a 1-hour land trip to Lavezares Port, the main jump-off point to Biri Islands. From Lavezares Port, hop on a ferry to Biri. The sea crossing takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, it’s possible to reach Biri from Calbayog Airport or Tacloban Airport. Travel time by land from Tacloban to Lavezares is 6 hours.

Bel-at Rock Formation sunset view, in Biri, Samar, Philippines Bel-at Rock Formations, Biri

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines Magasang Rock Formation, Biri

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Endless stretches of white-sand beaches, not your only image of a perfect island getaway? Surigao del Sur province has many extraordinary sights for the off-beat traveler. See the majestic Tinuy-an Falls and bizarre Hinatuan Enchanted River, a magically clear, deep blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

Location  — Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province, Caraga region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The Enchanted River is located in the coastal town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The nearest airports are Butuan Airport and Davao Airport. Travel time by bus to Hinatuan is around 4 hours from Butuan and 5 hours from Davao. From Hinatuan town proper, the trip to the Enchanted River takes around 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Philippines

Click below & search recommended Philippines hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Puerto Princesa
• General Santos
• Iloilo City
• Gigantes Islands
• Southeast Asia

Find more posts about:

• Best Travel
• Best Places
• Best Things To Do

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

August 20, 2015 at 7:12 pm

Thank you for Iligan :) will share!

August 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm

Waterfalls are my weakness. Plus points for the likes of Tinago, where you can enjoy the swimming in the natural pool, and not just appreciate them from a distance. Thanks for dropping by Rain!

August 21, 2015 at 7:20 am

Thank You for featuring Iloilo! The food. The ambiance. It’s a sanctuary! ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:24 pm

My pleasure Jae. More people should discover and explore Iloilo.

August 21, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Should include Batanes in your bucketlist.. ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:22 pm

It already is! I would have included Batanes on this list if I had gone there already. For the next update, I think I’ll be needing help from my travel buddies to convince people why Batanes is worth a go.

August 22, 2015 at 1:02 pm

I definitely agree about Batanes! This may help do some convincing – http://theroadtoneverland.com/the-batanes-great-spaces-list/ :)

February 4, 2016 at 5:27 pm

I’ve been dreaming of going to Batanes too =)

January 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

I agree. Batanes should be included. Its the most serene and lovely place to go that if you want a peaceful day away from all office tension this is the right place. Not much for food though but the place and people – I’m all thumbs up! Highly recommended!

August 21, 2015 at 1:48 pm

Thanks for featuring Surigao ? You have to visit Turtle Island too in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, with its white beaches, clear sea water, cave, smaller islets around it and its beautiful scenery at the top of it. Brittania beach is so cool too .

August 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm

I love Surigao. Can’t get enough of surfing in Siargao and the lagoons of Sohoton. Thanks for the suggestions. I really want to visit more places in the eastern coast of mainland Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

August 21, 2015 at 5:17 pm

Boracay Island? i know its not that much of a paradise anymore but i think it does deserve to be on this list

August 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm

I will be including Boracay on the next update. Boracay is a rare beauty not only in the PH, but across the globe.

August 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm

Thanks much for including my hometown SAGADA… Have you been to Bumod-ok Falls? ??? Good luck and God bless!

August 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm

Yes, Bumod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls. I <3 Sagada. Thanks Gamay!

August 22, 2015 at 12:45 am

Hello, Best post I have read from browsing FB today! Have gone visited half, obviously there are still more! Keep on traveling and sharing! It really is more fun in the Phils! :) -kathy

August 22, 2015 at 1:49 am

Love your article. Grew up in Baguio City. Was hoping to see Baguio as one of the list. I guess the City had lost its charm.

August 22, 2015 at 4:53 am

You haven’t been to Antique(san jose, antique. In there we have beaches such as malalison beach. We call the virgin island. Malumpati beach, sira an spring in anini-y antique and many more.

March 1, 2017 at 11:49 am

Nice place Antique.. Mauli gid ako sa Antique Ma’am

August 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

August 22, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Nice compilation and awesome pictures! ;)

August 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm

I had an opportunity to visit the Philippines and I only had a week to stay. I chose Boracay. I had the most wonderful and transformative experience there. Not only was it beyond beautiful with countless experiences to be had, the people were some of the friendliest I’ve experienced in my world travels. I have befriended some and keep contact even now. I’d like to thank Marcos for this glimpse at some of what the country has to offer and beautiful photos. I personally now consider the Philippines to be a home away from home and thank the people there for embracing me. Everything is better in the Philippines. ^_^

August 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm

This is a beautifully presented blog. I have traveled the Philippines quite extensively back in the day but obviously, there’s a whole lot more to see, pick up souvenirs and create memories.

August 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm

thank you for bicol:) i think you should also visit calaguas islands in camarines norte its so beautiful.

August 28, 2015 at 9:39 pm

My pleasure Michelle. I’ve been to Calaguas and it’s way up my list of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches :)

September 3, 2015 at 12:19 pm

I have been to CDO a lot but didn’t make time for Ma. Cristina falls and Tinago falls. Regret! Should make time next time :)

September 12, 2015 at 10:11 am

Good Job, Marcos… nice one. i love it. Thanks…

September 12, 2015 at 5:50 pm

How about syquijor marcos?

September 14, 2015 at 5:01 am

5 down 6 more to go! Gigantes sur Island is sexy!!! Im gonna share this to all of my friends around the world, it’s more fun in the Philippines indeed!! Thanks for the great post sir!

October 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm

So fascinated with the places you’ve pinned on your blog. Visited four places out of eleven.

Please visit Cagayan Valley,too.

We have plenty of waterfalls, lagoon and jaw-dropping cave esp the Bluewater Cave.

November 21, 2015 at 10:05 am

Hey Marcos,

Greetings from the USA. I am a solo traveler going back into the Philippines February 2k16 for a couple of months. I will be visiting: Cebu, Camotes, Bantanyan, Apo, Palawan and then I will head into Thailand (4 my 4th time there).

Do you have any information on the conditions in Camotes and Bantanyan? I have been scouring the blogs but cannot find out current conditions of these islands. Have they recuperated from the typhoons?

Happy trails, Gregg

November 21, 2015 at 11:40 am

I actually visited Bantayan in Cebu earlier this year. The island is a good place as any to visit. The resorts have recovered from any (recent) typhoons. I haven’t gone to Camotes yet, but I’d go out on a limb and say that the resorts there are operating normally, too.

November 23, 2015 at 1:17 pm

What was the Overall Cost of all trips? Or separately cost of each destination? I just want to see what an estimate of the cost would be for all 11. Thank you!

November 30, 2015 at 7:24 am

If you are near the Romblon Province… you are welcome on Sibuyan Island…the Galapagos of Asia Enjoy 100% pure nature…

February 16, 2016 at 3:53 am

Batanes should be on this list! Much more so than the other places in this list! It’s so weird that it was not included. I had to re-read the list to make sure I just didn’t miss it.

February 16, 2016 at 11:49 am

Pangasinan is also an easy to go for first timers. We have lots of beaches there and tourist spots including Hundred Islands. ?

February 25, 2016 at 2:23 am

Very nice to see Dumaguete in the list :-) Kind Regards

PS: I like your picture plug-in for the small images. would you mid sharing which one you use?

February 25, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Rhoody ^_^

It’s a premium plug-in called is “Justified Image Grid.’

March 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

Awesome and really helpful article you wrote. Came across your article while searching for Gigantes island. You basically gave me so many ideas on where to take my family when we get there in the next few months! P.S. You should check out Sipalay, Negros Occidental out too and try and head over to Danugan Island Sanctuary – http://www.danjuganisland.ph/ – yes it’s not waterfalls but on the way to Sipalay, you can make a stop over at Mag-aso Falls somewhere in Kabankalan City

Have fun travelling! Maria

April 19, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for sharing this ideas, last yr we visited Calaguas..3 days are not enough to explore all the breathtaking scenery from that place. love it and its really a good place to hideaway and relax. thank u my khush also

April 28, 2016 at 4:55 am

Lovely places.. thanks for listing them. i’m going to visit the Philippines by the end of this year with my better half. i think this is perfect guide.

May 1, 2016 at 4:02 am

Please visit Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

May 1, 2016 at 8:49 am

I’ve already been to Aliwagwag! It was very beautiful. I’ve included it on my list of must-visit waterfalls in the Philippines .

May 2, 2016 at 10:59 pm

Can you suggest a 4 days tour in bangkok thailand beside visiting the temples,floating market.thanks

May 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Hey Jessica :) You can find my Thailand blogs, guides, and travel tips on this link: https://www.detourista.com/x/search/network/?q=thailand

May 27, 2016 at 11:20 am

Thanks for spending your time traveling around our country and giving people ideas what we can offer here it will helps our tourism industry and most of all thanks for featuring my home city Iloilo.

June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm

Hello there,

How long did you spend on each island and in the Phillipines in total?

June 27, 2016 at 10:52 am

I live in the Philippines and I visited these places on different trips. Visiting the highlights on each stop on the list should take 3-5 days. Many of these places are located in the same (big) islands like Luzon and Mindanao :)

August 16, 2016 at 10:02 pm

Been to awesome Palawan… next is Bicol… Good article man…

August 17, 2016 at 6:47 am

Thanks Armando! Bicol is beautiful, make sure to visit Calaguas or Caramoan Islands if you want to visit beaches. Of course, don’t miss the view of Mayon Volcano and enjoy the delicious food in Bicol.

September 7, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Great tips. Traveling in June 2017 with 4 adult kids. A lot of the activities esp in Palawan and Cebu are for divers. We aren’t divers but my adult kids are active and me not so much due to aches and pains. Will we find a happy medium in going to Coron, El Nido, Bohol? We enjoy good food and wouldn’t mind some time for pampering.

September 24, 2016 at 2:50 am

Cool Theresa! You can enjoy a lot in those places even if you are not divers. In Coron, for example, you can already see the rich marine life just on a snorkeling/island hopping tour. There are also a lot of amazing places to see & experience above water.

September 10, 2016 at 9:43 am

Hi there i am in cebu now. What would be the best circuit to go for flow here to see some of these cool place ? I wanna surf to buy at present no swell so thought if start a citcuit for a couple of weeks then hit the surf island Should i start with palawan? Or would there be an easy flow direction from cebu? Cheers Prem

September 24, 2016 at 2:48 am

Hello Prim! If you want the best surfing, go to Siargao. There’s a direct Cebu-Siargao flight by Cebu Pacific. To go to Palawan, you need to go back to Cebu by plane & take another flight to Puerto Princesa. If it were me, I would visit Siargao first & then do a more chill trip in Palawan.

November 21, 2016 at 11:06 pm

Thanks for sharing these places! Palawan looks beautiful. And Illocos looks very interesting! Ive written them down for when i go to the Philippines x

November 29, 2016 at 2:32 pm

Thanks for the comment Stephanie. Have fun on your future trips in PH!

January 7, 2017 at 1:52 pm

I’m glad South Cotabato and Northern Mindanao are featured in your list. As someone who’s living here in Mindanao, we’re proud of our tourist spots and beautiful natural resources.

January 8, 2017 at 6:43 am

Thanks for the comment Ana. I love visiting these places :) I had gone to more places in South Cotabato and North Mindanao recently. There are a lot more places to visit in the area :D

May 20, 2017 at 8:25 am

After our tour in iloilo city and Boracay , other towns in Panay island would be another bests. See a real MUMMY in Casanayan for the first time, swim in Dayhagan beach, see the biggest bell in Asia, be amazed of the tallest Marian image in Asia found in Pilar, the very high statue of sacred heart and seafood in Roxas city, the Kawa bath in Antique, the caves and super big acacia trees and waterfalls in Pilar, Sicogon island and Gigantes island . all of these are in Panay island ,3 hour bus ride from iloilo city..

May 29, 2017 at 11:31 am

What about Borocay? How does it compare to the places listed above?

May 29, 2017 at 10:59 pm

Boracay is beautiful & one of the top spots in the Philippines. It’s one of the best places to visit for vacationers. You might want to check out this list of the best beaches in the Philippines to compare with other island destinations in the country.

June 8, 2017 at 2:11 am

Why didn’t you include Batanes? Its so beautiful to miss it?

June 8, 2017 at 2:52 am

Check out this list! https://www.detourista.com/guide/philippines-best-beaches/

June 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Love Philippines!!

June 17, 2017 at 3:30 pm

I like this side. I want to visit .

June 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

awesome blog! Just wanna ask what camera and lenses you used on those lovely photos.

June 27, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Glad you like my photo Sean :)

They were taken on different trips over the last decade or so, haha. I’ve used different cameras (& lenses) but mainly these: Nikon D5000 Panasonic Lumix DSLM Sony A6000

Many photos on my blog are also taken with a mobile phone: Huawei P9

November 6, 2017 at 3:19 am

Wat would be the cost for solo trip for 5 days

November 17, 2017 at 10:19 pm

It depends on what places you want to visit, activities & hotel rates. Generally, a backpacker-friendly budget in the Philippines is around USD 20-50 or PHP 1000-2500 per day.

Check out these posts to get an idea of the costs of traveling in the Philippines: El Nido Travel Guide Blog Boracay Travel Guide Blog

November 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

Interesting list but I would have to say that my first reaction when I was browsing through the places on the list was to disagree. However upon reading the article thats when I noticed that the list would Be for first time travelers who would like to start discovering beautiful places in the Philippines. I guess A more descriptive title would be better for this article. But interesting list.

November 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm

Thank you Blanne. The Philippines has so many beautiful spots to offer beyond these places listed. They are definitely worth seeking.

You’re right, I wrote this article keeping the ease of traveling to & around these spots in mind.

If you have destinations that you think should be on the article, I and my readers would appreciate including them on your next comment :)

November 24, 2017 at 4:36 am

How many days do you suggest to visit Philippines?

November 24, 2017 at 7:18 am

Depends on how many places you want to visit. Two to four week will be enough to visit the highlights. Or, at least 2 to 5 days per destination.

May 1, 2018 at 5:37 pm

Sir whats better to visit in Kalibo, cebu,davao or puerto princesa or legaspi?I went to corn boracay dumaguete and bohol already

May 3, 2018 at 12:08 am

Hi Sweet, I recommend that you go to Palawan!

September 8, 2018 at 4:51 pm

Hi… Can I asked what hotel in Baguio city and in palawan most expensive and worth it to stay..thank you

September 19, 2018 at 1:53 am

Hey Rosie. You can check the list of hotels here . Just enter your travel dates, sort the results by the highest guest reviews, and use the price/star rating filter.

September 11, 2018 at 11:59 pm

Hi, when having to choose to add days somewhere to stay longer you would go with Cebu/Bohol are or Palawan? :)

September 19, 2018 at 2:08 am

It depends on what kind of places you want to visit. For the best beaches & islands, go for Palawan (esp. El Nido and Coron). Explore more of Palawan if you want to visit more off-beat beaches and islands. If you want to have a more diverse experience, extend your trip in Cebu/Bohol (food, waterfalls, heritage sites, urban comforts etc.)

December 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

Totally agree with your list. Having Cebu and Bohol on your top 3 list is indeed the right thing. Palawan is the most popular to me in terms of local and foreign tourists that visits the place and Cebu as the second best places in your list is indeed correct, for me, and I also agree with your number 3. All in all, I agree with your list. These are indeed the best places in Philippines that every tourists shouldn’t miss

January 17, 2019 at 2:49 am

Thank you for this information I’ve enjoyed reading all your advise . We are a couple in our 50’s hoping to spend 3 weeks in the Philippines soon thinking of port Barton, El I do , Bohol what do you think ? Than you

January 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Yes, those are good choices! From El Nido, you can take the ferry to Coron as well. From Bohol, you can continue your trip to Dumaguete & Siquijor Island.

January 24, 2019 at 1:31 am

If I have one week to visit the Philipines, what places do you recommend me to go?

January 24, 2019 at 4:00 am

You can maybe limit to one, two or three places on the list. A good combination would be, Cebu & Palawan.

February 26, 2019 at 3:58 pm

What a fantastic, informative post with beautiful pictures! I am considering an 8 day visit in April and am trying to figure out where to go so this is very helpful. I’d love to see beautiful beaches and the whale shark, maybe the Tarsiers too. Any suggestions on where I could go and the order to go in? Thank you!!

March 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm

With 8 days, I recommend that you limit the no. destinations to 2 or 3 spots. I suggest Palawan and Cebu.

In Palawan, you can either go to Coron… or do the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route.

From Cebu, you can base at Cebu City and visit Bohol / South Cebu on day trips.

Enjoy the Philippines!

April 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Marcos, i just want to thank you for the awesome info you’ve provided through your pages. I’m heading to the Philippines in a few weeks for fourteen nights, i’m still quite confused regarding where to spend my time but i’m sure that once i look closer at all you have shared that i will be able to make my destination choices and thoroughly enjoy my time!

April 26, 2019 at 11:49 am

Hi Jason, you can start planning by including Palawan (El Nido and/or Coron) and then add more places that pique your interest. Enjoy the Philippines!

June 30, 2019 at 1:02 pm

Wow, that’s an awesome compilation of the best things to do in the Philippines! I’ll definitely share it as a reference with our readers, both travelers and local organizers. Thanks!

July 3, 2019 at 11:09 am

I’ve been to these places especially in most part of Mindanao and it’s such a rare beauty. That’s why whenever my friends would invite me to visit nearby countries in asia, I always tell them to finish exploring the Philippines first because there are literally thousands of places to visit and enjoy. It’s more fun in the Philippines, indeed :)

July 4, 2019 at 11:18 pm

I am so looking forward to reading this in more depth and checking out all the links, before my first trip to the Philippines at Christmas time

August 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Its nice have a safe trip always! share more adventures

August 24, 2019 at 2:50 pm

why have’nt you included Leyte or Southern Leyte two of the most interesting historic areas of the phlippines with tons of interesting stories from the second world war and the adventures of Marco Polo

August 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm

Actually, Phillipines is one of the places in my Bucket list which I have not explored yet. I love the city of Phillipines and the places you shared are so beautiful and so amazing. I really wish that someday I will visit this city as soon as possible. I just fall in love with these places. Thank you so much for this great post.

December 3, 2019 at 5:36 pm

From your article stating Palawan and Puerto Princesa at the very top of your best of list of the Philippines, we went extra to these two places to start our trip. What a shame and a big waste of money! Why not mention that Puerto Princesa, Palawan and particularly El Nido are overpriced tourist traps? How about giving a clear account of the greediness of the hotels, guesthouse and restaurants owners for such a low quality of service and infrastructure? (compared to over places in Asia). You do give an extensive list of nicer places in your article but saying that Palawan is the must destination is a big lie. If you want to be honest and help travelers, then weight your arguments, tell that what is special on Palawan is the island hoping and lagoons, for which the boat tours have a cost as well. And if you want to boost these places for some hidden interest of yours, at least be honest and give a realistic account of the prices and quality of services for each place you present. Thank you

January 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

Hi Elodie! That is exactly my difficulty choosing where to go.. I am going for the first time to Philippines and i am really excited. However i only have 8 days this time as I am going to do a yoga teaching for a month right after.

my question is: If you are first time travelling to Philippines and have only 8 days should I do 1. Port Barton and el Nido or 2. Siargao ?

I am a lot into exploring and ideally less crowded more paradise like. I dont need any ‘luxury’ and I am going by my self end of Feb. any suggestions?

I know El Nido/Coron is like ‘THE’ place but i am not sure about how busy and tourity it might feel nowdays. In the other side Siargao seems really nice but not sure if the beauty would compare to el Nido.

thoughts please? :)

February 1, 2020 at 9:56 pm

Siargao is beautiful too. You can visit Sohoton Lagoons/Bucas Grande Island, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in the Philippines.

December 7, 2019 at 8:59 pm

Thanks for a great article. The Philippines is such an underrated country! I fell in love with the place on my first visit in 2014. I even met my wife in Manila.

December 30, 2019 at 6:37 pm

Amazing info! Question – how wheelchair friendly is Palawan, Manila & Cebu? My fiancé is quite mobile – he can around easily but he’s still in a wheelchair. I know it’s hard to say but is difficult yet do-able or completely forget it and don’t go?

December 31, 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi Terry. It’s definitely doable :)

January 24, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Hello Marcos,

Loved your article! I have two weeks in Philippines and I am flying in to Manila from Bali and onward to Hong Kong. I have only booked tickets from A-B-C .. and not inter city flights. I am planning to do Palawan -el nido, coron, Cebu and Bohol in central and sagada and rice fields in north. so my question- it a best option to come back to manila to catch flight to Hong kong or do you suggest to fly out from any other destination? .Thank you

February 1, 2020 at 10:00 pm

You can consider the direct flights to Hong Kong from Cebu or Puerto Princesa (Palawan) as well.

Here’s a route you can take:

Manila (+Sagada/Banaue) Clark to Palawan (Coron or Puerto Princesa) Flight Palawan to Cebu flight Cebu to Hong Kong flight

February 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm

Wishing to see the true natural beauty of Northern Mindanao;) Extremely loving places just like the article.

February 12, 2020 at 5:05 am

Wow! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures in your truly beautiful country. We are planning a trip for March 2020 and would love your advise on our itinerary if you are happy to give us some guidance :)

March 31, 2020 at 4:52 am

Amazing…Lovely the natural travel adventure.I love travelling the World and i read the article of the your adventure liked it.

April 1, 2020 at 4:00 am

Thanks for giving the great response

March 19, 2020 at 1:52 pm

It is true that one of the places in the Philippines that you must visit is Ilo-ilo. They have lots of beautiful tourist spots that you must see and experience. If you are the type person who loves sea or island hopping then I suggest that you try Islas de Gigantes. I recommend that you book your stay at Solina Beach & Nature Resort Iloilo because they are near the island plus they can arrange and accommodate everything for you. They will provide transportation going to the port, the boat that will take you to the islands, food, water, towels and someone who will be your guide.

March 26, 2020 at 8:42 pm

thanks for sharing

April 3, 2020 at 4:46 pm

I will really go to Palawan and Siargao after this COVID-19! I miss the view and breeze of beach!

April 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm

The Philippines is a wonderful country no doubt and the pics which you have shared, its outstanding and now I would like to see all these places. but would like to know these places are far from each other or they are close enough that you can explore these places at the same day.

May 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm

Maybe you should add Bacolod too, there are lots of great things to do there and neighboring areas like Talisay City, the Lakawon island, and more.

June 14, 2020 at 4:48 pm

I hope one day, you would be able to feature the following:

1. Sta. Cruz Island (Pink Sand) of Zamboanga City 2. Onces Islas of Zamboanga City 3. Malamawi Beach of the Province of Basilan 4. All beaches in the Province of Tawi-Tawi 5. Dakak Resort in Dapitan 6. Balut island in the Province of Sarangani

June 19, 2020 at 4:19 pm

Hello. Thank you for sharing this beautiful places in the Philippines. 😍 I used some of your photos as a model and i paint it for my Art vlogs. Thank youu ❤️

July 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Mayon Volcano is such a beauty. Its perfect cone is surreal! Imagining myself back in Bicol after this pandemic. Love this post!

October 3, 2020 at 1:34 am

thank you for the sharing of the post and informative Data in the post that is helpfull for me

December 10, 2020 at 6:50 pm

I want to thanks for your time for this wonderful Article!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

February 27, 2021 at 7:44 am

Most of my friends tell me that the Philippines is one of the best places to travel during summer. For me, traveling is tied in with looking for new experiences. Furthermore, these experiences become considerably more fun when you can share them with an old buddy. Come and visit my article on Top 7 Destinations to Visit During Summer I hope this will guide you as well.

Thanks Nicki

March 25, 2021 at 6:28 am

This article is very informative. It is a valuable piece of information. I wish to now make a travel plan to the Philippines after reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

April 22, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Thank you for such a broad overview of the sights in the Philippines. This is the best place not only in your country, but in the whole world. Friends went and were very pleased. Hopefully, the quarantine will end a hundred and we will also come to visit you.

May 20, 2021 at 11:56 pm

February 10, 2023 at 4:25 pm

Very informative. Thank you for sharing. I love the Ube Jam from Good Shepherd and the beautiful view in Mines View Park. Baguio is one of the top tourist spot in the Philippines. I will definitely go back there.

February 14, 2023 at 5:37 pm

Hi Loved this artical and learned a lot I’m coming over with my GF from June 3rd till the 17th thinking of landing in Manila and heading towards Cebu would really love if someone could suggest the best places to hit as I’ve never been before and don’t know the Philippines

The Philippines tourist spots you simply cannot miss

Recently updated on July 12th, 2022 at 03:30 pm

The Philippines is one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, famed for its clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, lush mountains, and amazing wildlife. It’s one of the best countries on the planet for diving, snorkelling, hiking, and connecting with beautiful nature. But with over 7,000 islands, where do you begin? We’ve got you covered, with seven of the best Philippines tourist spots to add to your bucket list.

Palawan is a group of islands and one of the Philippines’ most incredible tourist spots. The area is home to some of the best beaches in the country, with white sandy shores, lush jungles, rocky cliffs, and clear turquoise water. 

Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan province, with the nearby Subterranean River National Park where you’ll find towering karst formations and an underground river.

One of the most popular spots in Palawan is El Nido, a little town set between soaring limestone karsts and the gorgeous Bacuit archipelago. It’s home to clear waters, sandy islands, and excellent snorkelling spots. For incredible diving, head to Coron Island, where you’ll find electric blue water and many shipwrecks from World War II.

RELATED CONTENT: 11 hidden gems and secret paradises you never knew existed in Asia

The island of Bohol in the Visayas region is one of the best places to visit for a first time Philippines trip because it has everything from natural beauty to wildlife to historical and cultural sites. The most famous spot in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, a geological wonder where hundreds of dome-like formations scatter across the landscape. The greenery coating the hills turns brown in the dry season, making them look like chocolate kisses. They’re particularly beautiful at sunrise when the sun rays light up the hills. 

If you’re a wildlife lover, you’ll want to see the amazing Tarsiers that live in this area. They’re the world’s smallest primate with huge orange eyes and tiny fingers and you can visit a primate sanctuary in Bohol to see them up close. 

Of course, there’s plenty of water activities in Bohol. With dozens of gorgeous beaches and nearby marine reserves off the Panglao and Pamalican islands, you can spend days snorkelling and diving ‘til your heart’s content. You can take a boat up the Loboc River to see waterfalls or head over to Hinagdanan Cave. Or take a boat to Balicasag to see wild turtles and vibrant coral. And if you ever get tired of all the natural wonders, there’s also a number of historical sites and Spanish colonial architecture to explore.

RELATED CONTENT: Why everyone needs a bucket list trip to Asia at least once in their lives

Located in the west Visayas region, Boracay is one of the most popular stops on any Philippines tour… And for good reason. It’s an incredible beach and water sports destination with dozens of soft white sandy beaches and bright blue water. You can go scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking, and more. And if you love to party, Boracay is famed for its buzzing nightlife scene.  

For the best beaches, head to Puka Shell Beach where you’ll find gorgeous shells. Or explore Cagban Beach with nearby caves rumoured to hold treasure chests! There’s also the central White Beach that has amazing views of the island and is close to lots of shopping, food and party spots. If you get tired of all the stunning beaches, take a day trip to the highest point of Boracay – Mount Luho.

GET INSPIRED BY: Treasures of Thailand with Phuket

Surigao del Norte

If you’re looking for surfing, swimming and serenity, head to Surigao del Norte in the Caraga region of Mindanao. You’ll find some excellent surfing conditions and beautiful islands and lagoons. 

Siargao is one of the most incredible islands, famed for its surfing waves, gorgeous waterfalls, and unique rock formations. The Cloud 9 break is the best surfing spot, but there’s plenty of other great surfing spots around the island. And if you don’t surf, you can snorkel in the coral lagoons, lounge on the white sandy beaches, or indulge in the freshest seafood. You can also hop over to Bucas Grande to see the beautiful Sohoton Caves. Or spend the day at the picturesque Guyam Island.

If you’ve still got time, you can head down to nearby Surigao del Sur. It’s about a four-hour drive and you can swing by a quieter lagoon with stingless jellyfish and explore unspoiled islands. There’s also the Tinuy-an Falls, which is 95-metres wide and flows down three spectacular tiers.

RELATED CONTENT: Every Asia packing list should include these 8 essential items

The island province of Cebu in the Visayas region is one of the Philippines top tourist spots. Home to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country, this is the place to explore islands, coral reefs and sea caves. You can even spot whale sharks and sea turtles here!

One of the best dive sites is Matcan, just a short drive from the international airport in Cebu. If you have the time, you could also head to Malapascua, said to be the best dive site in the Philippines. It’s a four-hour drive from the airport and a boat ride, but it’s an extraordinary place. You can also go hiking and exploring in the beautiful nature of Sudlon National Park, just an hour from Cebu city. Kawasan Falls is another spectacular spot.

While the water and nature is the main drawcard of Cebu, you can’t miss exploring Cebu City. It’s the second-largest city in the Philippines, with several incredible cultural and historical sites. Put the Lapu Monument, Casa Gorordo, Fort San Pedro, and Magellan’s Cross on your sightseeing list. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 ways you can make your travels matter in Asia with Trafalgar

The Cordilleras

The Philippines is famous for its beaches… But did you know it’s also home to some remarkable mountains? The Cordilleras is a stunning area on Luzon Island with lush green mountains, waterfalls and rice terraces to explore. You can spend your days hiking up mountains for spectacular views, exploring caves, and visiting local communities across popular spots like Baguio, Banaue, and Sagada. 

You’ll find some of the best emerald rice terraces in Banaue. The Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces are UNESCO World Heritage Sites , and you’ll be amazed by the intricate landscaping of the terraces. Built around 2,000 years ago, these agricultural wonders have been passed down through the generations. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered

As the capital of the country, Manila is one of the most common Philippines tourist spots. Your trip will likely start or end in Manila and it’s worth spending a few days exploring the city before you head off to the islands. Start with the National Museum of the Philippines to learn about the country’s history. Then check out the cultural and historic sites like the walled city of Intramuros. Here you’ll find highlights like the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, Plaza de Roma, and San Agustin Church. 

If you want to relax in some greenery, head to Rizal Park. You’ll find ornamental gardens, wooded areas, and historic monuments. If you want to do some shopping, you’ll find handmade gifts at the public market at Quiapo Church, or head to the Makati area for luxury shopping malls. And if you get hungry, you’ll find everything from mouth-watering street food to high-end restaurants. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 scenic movies set in Asia to get you inspired for your next trip

Have you ever been on a Philippines trip? Or are you dreaming of a Philippines travel experience? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to hear more from us?

Sign up to receive inspiring travel articles, offers & news

" * " indicates required fields

Privacy Overview

Top 20 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines 2023

Travel is slowly coming back and one of the best places to visit in the world is the Philippines. Since the country is still recovering, there are still a few tourists coming in and the country is ready for them. You’ll still be able to visit one of the best islands in the world without the influx of tourists from different countries. Although COVID restrictions are still in place, the country has finally opened its doors to travel and tourism.

Table of Contents

Related Read: How to Travel from El Nido to Coron

With extra precautions, we can finally say that 2023 is the year to resume our postponed travel plans. In fact, if you are looking for places to visit in the Philippines, here are the best places to visit in 2023.

Related Read : How to Plan your Trip to the Philippines: The Best Philippines Travel Guide

To make it easier for you to choose the places to visit, we have also divided these places to the 3 major groups of islands in the country so you can find a specific place to visit in the Philippines easily.

Have you got any questions about traveling to the Philippines? Join our  Philippines Travel Planning FB Page  to get your answers.

Don’t know how to start planning your Philippines trip? You can  start here .

Located in the northernmost province in the Philippines, Batanes is composed of 10 small islands. However, only 3 of its biggest islands, Batan, Itbayat, and Sabtang, are inhabited. Its lush green hills will surely give us “Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit” vibes. Others would also say it reminds them of New Zealand. Who would have thought that the smallest province in the country possesses a lot of beautiful tourist attractions like the Basco Lighthouse, Morong Beach, Vayang Rolling Hills, Valugan Border Beach, and so much more? And since it is the topmost province in the Philippines (facing Taiwan), Batanes has a cool and windy climate. In fact, it is hailed as the “Home of the Wind” because of this. 

Related Read: Why Visit the Philippines? 10 Reasons Why You Must!

Getting to:

Batanes is a very remote place and before it became a Philippines must-see destination, it was once inaccessible from Manila. However, with its growing popularity, there are now flights to Basco , it’s capital town. 

Top Attraction:

Basco Lighthouse

Top Place to Stay:

Nathaniel’s Lodge

Coron, Palawan

Coron remains to be one of the top Philippines must-see places for consecutive years already. Aside from its clear water, It is known for its beautiful rock formations and historical WWII Shipwreck diving spots. There are several diving spots in Coron and each varies in depth. While some require diving skills to explore, there are also some sites that can be seen through your snorkel equipment. Prepare a lot of swimwear since most of the activities here are water activities. However, if you want to take a break from the water, you can also explore the wildlife in Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary or watch the sunset in Mt. Tapyas. 

The overall vibe of the island attracts a lot of tourists who want to enjoy a laid back vacation. For sure, you will never regret visiting Coron for an authentic island experience.

The most popular way of getting to Coron is by flying to Busuanga Airport where top airlines in the Philippines are serving domestic flights to and from Manila, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa. Tourists can also take a ferry to the seaport of Coron most especially those who are coming from El Nido.

Kayangan Lake (The Blue Lagoon)

The Funny Lion – Check rates here

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, aside from Coron, is also one of the best places to visit in Palawan. It has also been catching attention from the tourism industry for consecutive years now because of its picture-perfect beauty. You surely don’t want to miss this “Heaven on Earth” and its 45 islands and islets. Because of that, the top activity while in El Nido is island hopping. There are four island hopping packages you can choose from but if you’re staying longer, why not choose all? Each of these packages features different activities. In summary, Tour A takes you to the popular attractions in El Nido, Tour B takes you to different caves and sandbars, Tour C takes you to the beautiful beaches in El Nido, and if you can’t get enough of these beaches, Tour D takes you to more beaches. Aside from island hopping, there are also other activities in El Nido like diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.

You can take a flight to Puerto Princesa and take a 4-hour ride bus or van to El Nido. On the other hand, if you’re coming from Coron, you can take a ferry to get to El Nido .

Nacpan Beach

El Nido Resorts, Miniloc Island – check here

Tagaytay is the best escape from city life in Manila. With a travel time of only 1 hour to 1.5 hours, you can already enjoy the refreshingly cool climate along with the picturesque view of Taal or the exciting rides in the Sky Ranch. You can also enjoy hilltop picnics in Tagaytay Picnic Grove and maybe spend some time in this funky museum called the Puzzle Mansion.

If taking a bus, you can ride the bus bound to Nasugbu or Calatagan in Pasay Terminal or bus to Tagaytay , Mendez or Nasugbu in Coastal Mall, Paranaque. You can also take the van bound for Lemery or Calatagan from Starmall EDSA, Alabang, or Metropoint Mall. 

Taal Volcano

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay – check here

The Philippines also has its own popular windmills and it is located in Pagudpud. The Bangui Windmills which plays an important role in supplying 40% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity, also stands as one of the most popular landmarks in the city. In total there are 20 units of wind turbines and pictured together with the sunset in the West Philippine Sea makes a really great photo. Aside from these windmills, Saud Beach is also popular in Ilocos Norte. From afar, you can also see the windmills peeking.

Pagudpud is accessible by land and air. There are flights available from Manila, Cebu, and Davao to Laoag City which is just a bus ride away from Pagudpud. Check here

If traveling by land, there are direct buses from Manila and Tuguegarao to Pagudpud and a series of bus transfers from Clark. Check here

Bangui Windmills

Pannzian Beach – check here

The preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture in Vigan makes it to the list of best places to visit in the Philippines. Aside from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is also one of the New7Wonders Cities. If you are planning to visit, be sure to stop by these popular attractions in the city: Calle Crisologo, Syquia Mansion, Ilocos Sur Dancing Fountain, and Balurate Zoo. All these are best experienced during the dry season so be sure to plan your trip during the dry and summer season which is from November to May.

There are two ways to get to Vigan from Manila. One is via a coach bus which offers day trips and overnight trips (takes at most 11 hours). The second one is by flying to Laoag City then taking a coach bus to Vigan (takes 4 to 5 hours).

Calle Crisologo

Regency Hotel de Vigan – check here

Sagada and Banaue

Sagada is such a beautiful place to unwind, relax or even ponder about the beauty of nature. Indeed, whose heart would not heal after watching the breathtaking sea of clouds in Kiltepan Peak? The remote and simple lifestyle in Sagada paired with its beautiful view will surely warm your heart and make you appreciate life even more. Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave is also a must-try in Sagada. If you can’t get enough of the 2-hour experience in Sumaguing, you can continue your journey to Lumiang Burial Cave which will take another 2-3 hours of caving. There’s definitely a lot of nature activities awaiting you in Sagada. At the end of the day, don’t forget to stop by the popular Lemon Pie House and Gaia Cafe for some authentic Mountain Province treats.

From Manila, you take a direct bus to Banaue and Sagada from Cubao which will take approximately 12 hours. This bus takes the Banaue route but if you want to pass by Baguio, you can also take a Victory Liner or a Joy Bus from Manila. Then from Baguio City, you can take another bus to Sagada which takes 6 hours.

Sumaguing Cave

Coffee Heritage House and Hostel – check here

Baguio City

After your Sagada trip, you can also spend a few more days in Baguio City where you can explore the different city attractions and chill– like literally chill because of Baguio’s low temperature. Attractions like Mines View Park, Burnham Park, Philippine Military Academy, and the Baguio Botanical Garden are the typical Baguio itinerary but if you are into outdoor activities like hiking, you can also schedule a hike to Mt. Pulag. 

Baguio is only 4-6 hours away from Manila. The most popular buses to Baguio are Victory Liner and Joy Bus which have terminals in Pasay, Cubao, Caloocan, Sampaloc, and Avenida. – check here or here

Read: How to Get from PITX to Baguio

The Manor at Camp John Hay

Boracay, Aklan

Of course, if you plan a trip to the Philippines, you will always list down Boracay in your bucket list. Tourists from all over the world just can’t help coming back for more white sand and world-class resort experience in Boracay. Now that the island is back to its natural state, a lot of people are even more excited to spend a vacation here. 

The easiest way to get to Boracay is by flying to Caticlan Airport . Then from Caticlan Airport, you can ride a ferry in Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay.

White Beach

Shangri-La Boracay – check here

Malapascua, Cebu

One of the diving centers in the Northern part of Cebu, Malapascua Island offers a handful of water activities both underwater and above water. Malapascua is just one of the attractions in the Philippines where it seems like there are more foreign tourists than locals. Most of these are international divers who are eyeing to spot a Thresher Shark and other marine life in Monad Shoal.

Aside from scuba diving, snorkeling and island hopping is also popular on the island. There are even packages which offer island hopping to its neighbor island, the Kalanggaman Island in Palompon Leyte. Don’t forget to save some energy for the happy hour in some bars and restaurants which usually starts from late afternoon until late at night.

From Cebu City, take a Ceres bus bound for Maya Port. Travel time usually takes 4 hours. Once in the port, take a boat to Malapascua Island. You can go to Ceres Bus terminal or Cebu Northern bus terminal to take the bus.

Bounty Beach

Tepanee Beach Resort

Oslob and Moalboal Cebu

Cebu City is one of the best places to see in the Philippines in 2021 because every 3rd Sunday of January, the city celebrates the Sinulog festival. People from all over the world come to take part in the grand celebration through street dancing while several establishments also hold fun activities and events during this season. On the other hand, a lot of tourists also start their Cebu itinerary in Cebu City before heading to the Northernmost or the Southernmost part of the province. 

Related Read: Cebu Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Costs and How to Get Around

You can find a lot of flights to Mactan Cebu International Airport served by the top airline companies in the Philippines such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines. There are also direct international flights by Emirates, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, EVA Air, and more. From the airport, you can ride the airport bus to SM City Cebu or take a taxi to your hotel in Cebu City.

Kawasan Falls

Bayfront Hotel Cebu – Check here

Camotes, Cebu

If you are looking for a budget friendly island getaway in Cebu, Camotes Island is the perfect choice. It offers a combination of white-sand beaches, and mysterious caves without hurting your budget. In the evening, if you happen to stay somewhere along Santiago Bay, be sure to stop by the food stations by the beach and you will be treated with some reggae music.

Aside from the beautiful beach in Santiago, be sure to try cliff jumping in Buho Rock too. You can also get a nice sunset from here. Lastly, don’t forget to bring waterproof bags when exploring the caves in Camotes. 

There are 3 options to get to Camotes Island. First is by taking an Oceanjet fastcraft from Cebu Port, Pier 1 , second is by taking the Jomalia Roro from Danao City Port , and third is by taking the Jomalia Fastcraft in Mactan Wharf.

Santiago Bay Beach

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort – check here

In 2021, plan a trip to the Philippines and make sure that you won’t be missing Bohol in your vacation. It is popular for its immaculate beaches, world-class resorts, and country-side tour where you can visit the world renowned Chocolate Hills. A typical itinerary in Bohol would be to take the countryside tour on the first day which comprises the Blood Compact Shrine, Loboc River Cruise, Chocolate Hills, Tigbao Hanging Bridge, Bilar Man-made forest, and Bohol Tarsier. If you’re spending a few days more, you can visit Alona Beach and Doljo Beach in Panglao or stay in Anda Beach and maybe explore the Cabagnow Cave.

The best thing about visiting Bohol is that you can find a lot of tour packages or you can also rent a car and explore the island at your own pace.

You can fly directly to Bohol from Manila or other travel hubs in the Philippines. You can also take a ferry if you’re coming from Cebu, Siquijor, or Dumaguete. Getting from Cebu to Bohol is the best and easiest way to get to the island. Check here

Chocolate Hills

Eskaya Beach Resort – check here

Siquijor, also called the “Mystic Island”, is the third smallest province in the Philippines and because of its size, you can explore everything you have to see in the island in just a day. This will be a great side trip if you plan a trip to the Philippines. If you are visiting with a  small group, you can take the Tricycle tour to get around the island. For a bigger group, the multicab tour or the van tour is perfect for approximately 15 people. Solo travelers will also love it here as you can easily find motorcycle rentals. There are two types of tours in Siquijor– the first one is land tour and the other one is mountain tour. The land tour takes you to various attractions in Siquijor like the historical churches and beautiful beaches in the island. The Enchanted Balete tree is also a must-see. The mountain tour on the other hand lets you explore Mt. Bandilaan and Cantabon Cave. 

Since the coronavirus outbreak, Siquijor is one of the few provinces in the Philippines that does not have a high number of positive cases. 

The closest jump-off point to Siquijor is Dumaguete City and Sibulan which are just a boat ride away. So if you want to go to Siquijor, you can fly to Sibulan and board a ferry to Siquijor or you can take a ferry from Dumaguete City to Siquijor.  – You can also search here.

Top Attraction

Cambugahay Falls

Top Place to Stay

Infinity Heights Resort

Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City is known for it’s laid-back vibe. You can often find locals and tourists peacefully dining or enjoying a drink along Rizal Boulevard– where you can find a lot of food choices, by the way. To be honest, there’s not much to see in Dumaguete, the city itself, aside from Rizal Boulevard, Silliman University, and Campanario de Dumaguete. But if you are looking for good food, you can try the Sans Rival Bistro and of course,  Bacolod’s pride, the chicken inasal. Dumaguete City is a good starting point if you’re going to Manjuyod Sandbar and the Twin Lakes of Danao and Balinsasayao.

Despite being limited in tourist attractions, Dumaguete City still captures the heart of many tourists most especially millennials who want to take a break from the city life but don’t want to fully disconnect from what they’re used to– it’s more like a middle ground between the urban and rural living.

You can fly to Sibulan and take a bus to Dumaguete. There are also ferries from Tagbilaran, Santander, Dipolog, Siquijor, and Dapitan going to Dumaguete.  – Check the ferries here.

Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao

Hotel Essencia

Iloilo city is filled with rich and well-preserved heritage that you can see from the city’s festivals, cuisine, and top tourist attractions. This makes Iloilo one of the Philippines must-see destinations in Visayas. Although Iloilo can be enjoyed all throughout the year, it is best to come on dry season where you can spend a lot of time in Isla de Gigantes.

You might also want to take advantage of the festivity in January, the Dinagyang Festival, where you get to experience Iloilo in a more lively mood. If you want to dive deeper into tIloilo’s heritage, you can also visit churches and cathedrals like Miagao Church, Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral, and Guimbal Church. If you are looking for local foods, you can try La Paz Batchoy, a clear noodle soup with pork cracklings, chicken, beef, and round noodles. It is also Iloilo’s signature dish. You can also enjoy a platter of affordable seafoods in Isla de Gigantes. 

Iloilo has an international airport which hosts flights from various cities in the Philippines and abroad. Aside from that, Iloilo also has four seaports where ferries from Manila and other places in the country. – Check flights here.

Isla de Gigantes

Seda Atria – Check here

Bantayan Island

One of the most tempting islands to visit in the Visayas region is the Bantayan Island. Upon docking in Santa Fe, you will already want to take a dip in the water because of the crystal clear and turquoise sea that will welcome you upon disembarking the boat. Indeed, there’s no other way to welcome a tourist to this lovely paradise than giving you a glimpse of what the island has– and that is the beautiful beaches and all sorts of water activities.

All year round, Bantayan Island is swarmed by domestic and international tourists that is why you can find various restaurants and bars with different specialties anywhere you go. Island hopping is the main activity in the island but if you want to experience the island even more, you can also drive from Santa Fe to Madridejos and vice versa. The drive won’t even take half a day as the island is just small. 

The most popular route is by taking a bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port. Tourists from Palompon can also take a ferry to Bogo City and then take a bus to  Hagnaya Port. From Hagnaya Port, you can catch a public ferry to Santa Fe as early as 7AM. 

Virgin Island

Kota Beach Resort

Another island to visit in 2023 is Siargao Island.

Proudly located in Mindanao, Siargao has been very popular to surfers around the world because of its large waves that are ideal for this watersport. Beginners and even those with no experience also want to try this challenging activity as the highlight of their Siargao trip. But aside from that, there are a lot of activities you can do in Siargao that even some tourists prefer to stay for a month or two to get the most of the island life. The locals on the island are also very fun to be with. On some nights, there are parties held in the most popular hostels and resorts in Siargao so be sure to check with the locals.

Related Read: Siargao Travel Guide: Things to See, Do, Accommodation and Itinerary

You can also just drive at night to check where the crowd is. You will most likely know it because there are usually tricycles and motorcycles for hire waiting outside the venue. You can also find a variety of foods in Siargao. While you get the Instagrammable and expensive ones in resorts, there are also budget-friendly food choices along the road or sometimes outside these resorts. There is also a public market if you want to cook your own fresh seafood.

You can fly through Cebu Pacific to Sayak Airport.  And because this is just a small airport, only small planes can fly in and out of Siargao. Aside from flying, you can also take an overnight passenger boat from Cebu to Surigao City and take another ferry from Surigao to Siargao.

Cloud 9 Beach

Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa

This pearl in South Cotabato was hailed as a cultural landscape by UNESCO. Aside from that, Lake Sebu is also celebrated as the Land of the Dream Weavers because of its popular T’nalak tapestry which plays an important role in the social, cultural, and personal perspective of the T’bolis. There are a lot of places to visit in Lake Sebu and you can start your trip by exploring these three important lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton. Lake

Sebu is also known for the Seven Waterfalls where you can also ride a zipline that passes by these waterfalls. If you have fear of heights, you can hike to Hikong Bente instead. You surely don’t want to miss a trip to T’Boli museum too where you can see a collection of gongs, T’nalak, antiques, and other artifacts of T’boli culture. In total, you will need at least 2 days to get the most of your Lake Sebu trip.

If you are coming from Manila, Cebu or Iloilo, you can take a flight to General Santos . Then ride a taxi or a multicab to Bulaong Terminal where you can catch a van to Lake Sebu. If you are coming from Davao, you can take a bus from Davao Ecoland Terminal to Marbel in South Cotabato. Then from Marbel, you can take a van to Lake Sebu.

Seven Waterfalls

Punta Isla Lake Resort

Camiguin Island

Camiguin is the smallest island in Mindanao and the second smallest province in the country. However, this small island earned its fierce title as the Island Born of Fire because of the seven volcanoes that have been changing Camiguin’s landscape from time to time. Camiguin is also a combination of heritage sites and beaches. You can find ancestral homes, old churches, and other historical sites all over the island. Hidden in various corners of the island, you can also find waterfalls, natural springs, beaches and diving spots. The most popular of them is the Sunken Cemetery. 

Cebu Pacific has small planes flying directly to Camiguin. If you are looking for more flights, you can also fly to Cagayan de Oro or Butuan. From Cagayan airport, you can take the direct shuttle van to Camiguin or you can take the bus/van in Agora Terminal then take a ferry to Camiguin.  – Check flights here.

Top Attractions

Sunken Cemetery

Paras Beach Resort – Check here

We know it’s difficult to travel at this time, but planning you trip to the Philippines is always a good idea. You can dream of the places that you want to visit and know exactly where you will go.

Did we miss anything else? Let us know in the comments!

Angie is a travel consultant and blogger who has started by writing her travel memoirs on her blog and then got published  on international travel sites. She’s now focused on creating in-depth travel itinerary and articles about planning trips to the Philippines.

You Might Also Like

31 Best Things to Do in Bohol, Philippines

How to Plan Your Trip to the Philippines: The Best Philippines Travel Guide

6 Awesome Things to Do in Panglao Island, Bohol

• Start Planning
• TRAVEL GUIDES
• Destinations

10 Must-Visit Places in the Philippines in 2022

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 2 Comments
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

The Philippines has become one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia . In fact, from January to October 2019, the Philippines recorded a 15.04% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2018. The figure is based on the statistics released by the Department of Tourism earlier this month.

The Philippines welcomed 6.8 million visitors, mostly from South Korea, China, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, UK, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Incomparable hospitality, accessibility, pristine white sand beaches, and enchanting mountains and natural attractions are just some of the reasons why people from other countries visit the Philippines. It’s more than 7,000 islands is probably the biggest asset of the country why it has become a favorite destination for a lot of travelers.

The longer you stay in the Philippines, the more you find reasons to come back for another fun and adventure. Just make sure to always carry one of your best insulated water bottles to keep yourself hydrated as the temperature in the Philippines is quite hot.

Must-Visit Places in the Philippines in 2022

Whether you are looking for a nature trip or a thrilling adventure, our list of must-visit places in the Philippines below will provide you with insights where are the best attractions to explore in the country.

One of the must-visit places in the Philippines that you should never miss out on is Coron. It is recognized worldwide as one of the top scuba diving sites by Forbes Travel Magazine. Hike to Mount Tapyas, swim at the Twin Lagoon, and snorkel on the Japanese shipwreck are some of the countless activities you can do while in Coron .

Must visit tourist spots in Coron:

• Kayangan Lake
• Twin Lagoon
• Maquinit Hot Spring
• Malcapuya Island
• Calauit Safari Park
• Sunken Japanese Wrecks

Check out our CORON TRAVEL GUIDE to learn more about the island – how to get there, tourist attractions and sample itinerary and expenses.

Ranked as the 4 th in “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World” by Conde Nast Traveler list, foreign and local tourists always love to visit El Nido . It features almost 50 white sand beaches you can never find in other nearby provinces, 5 different forests such as mangrove forest, evergreen and over limestones, and 100 different species of corals.

If you’re looking for gorgeous must-visit places in the Philippines ideal for island hopping and beach bumming, it should be El Nido.

Must visit tourist spots in El Nido:

• Shimizu Island
• Nacpan Beach
• Seven Commandos Beach
• Taraw Cliff
• Big and Small Lagoon
• Secret Beach
• Pinagbuyutan Island
• Corong Corong Beach
• Cadlao Island

Our EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE can help you plan your travel itinerary so you can maximize your time and experience the best things to do on the island.

Aside from the iconic landmark of this province, which is the Chocolate Hills, Bohol boasts of fishing villages, rice fields, diving spots, and waterfalls. For the first time travelers in Bohol, some of the adventure activities you can do are:

• Paddle Boarding in Loboc River
• Swim in the deep waters of Hinagdanan Cave
• Face your fear of heights in Bamboo Hanging Bridge

Travelers eyeing to visit places in the Philippines away from the busy metro life always include Bohol in their travel itinerary.

Must visit tourist spots in Bohol:

• Bohol Chocolate Hills
• Loboc River
• Cambuyo Rice Terraces
• Panglao Island
• Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Danao Adventure Park

There are two main reasons why local travelers include Cebu as one of their must-visit places in the Philippines. It is dubbed as the “Lechon Capital of the World” where you can completely enjoy your gastronomic adventure with friends to try several sumptuous traditional dishes, and the existing historical sites that have been part and have helped to shape the past of the Philippines such as the following:

• Magellan’s Cross
• Fuerza de San Pedro
• The Ancestral Houses of Carcar

Foreign travelers flock to Cebu to experience its natural beauty. They usually would want to swim with the sardines in Moalboal, do canyoning in Kawasan, swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, and enjoy the beaches in Malapascua and Bantayan Islands.

Gone are the days when the only reason we know why people visit Sagada is when they are mending their broken hearts. In Sagada, there are activities you can do to maximize your holiday such as rappelling, nature hiking, and camping.

Sagada has become one of the must-visit places in the Philippines over the years, due to its natural attractions such as the following:

• Sumaguing Caves
• Marlboro Mountain
• Underground River
• Echo Valley
• Pongas Falls
• Bomod-ok Falls

At the foot of the majestic Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country lies Davao. It is the most progressive and urban city in Mindanao, which becomes successful in its efforts to preserve forests and farms. One of the popular places in Davao is Eden Nature Park and Resort. This place has a Flower Garden, Deer Park, a Butterfly Garden, a hiking trail, and a fresh lettuce greenhouse. The Malagos Garden Resort is another place to visit, with its butterfly sanctuary, bird feeding dome, Chocolate Museum, and a Chocolate Spa that uses tropical fruits, local oils, Citronella, and Cacao butter.

Must visit tourist spots in Davao:

• Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park
• Philippine Eagle Center
• Davao Crocodile Park
• People’s Park
• Eden Nature and Adventure Park
• Malagos Garden Resort
• Museo Dabawenyo
• Bankerohan Public Market
• Roxas Night Market

For a complete list of the places, you can explore in Davao City, see our list of 14 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Davao City .

If you have more time, you can also explore the Island Garden of Samal which is just across the city and enjoy its white-sand beaches. Check out our list of the Gorgeous Beaches in Samal to know which one soothes your soul.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is the paradise of surfers. It is known for huge waves throughout the year, proving its worth for the recognition as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” It has a number of surf breaks that beginners and professional surfers can enjoy. The most popular is Cloud 9 which offers spectacular viewing area and a boardwalk.

Authors note: Siargao was hit by Super Typhoon Rai on December 2021. The island is currently undergoing rehabilation so it may take a while for it to be ready again to accept visitors.

If you are not a surfer, don’t worry, because there are wonderful destinations that will satisfy your adventurous soul. For cliff jumping or exploring, head to Magpupungko Rock Pools, it boasts of coves, caves, and crystal blue water that displays amazing rocks during low tide. If you are into a one-of-a-kind experience, visit Tayangban Cave Pools to experience swimming and floating in darkness, with torches as the only source of illumination. As you swim, bats fly around and above, until you reach the open cave pool, which gives you an option to cliff jump into the 18-feet deep water below.

Must visit tourist spots in Siargao:

• Sugba Lagoon
• Magpupungko Tidal Pool
• Tayangban Cave Pool
• Guyam Island
• Daku Island
• Naked Island
• Taktak Falls

To learn more about Siargao Island – where to stay, how to get there, and more, check out our SIARGAO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE . It will surely help you plan your next adventure in this emerging tourist spot in the Philippines.

The summer capital of the Philippines is a year-round favorite destination of local and foreign tourists who love the cool climate, sweet strawberries, and beautiful sights. For a bit of nostalgia and history, visit the Camp John Hay and check out its Bell House, Bell Amphitheater, Secret Garden, History Trail, Cemetery of Negativism, and the thrilling Treetop Adventure. Another historic landmark is the Burnham Park Reservation, which features an artificial lake for a relaxing ride.

Must visit tourist spots in Baguio:

• Mines View Park
• Amburayan Valley
• La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
• Tam-Awan Village
• Baguio Cathedral
• Baguio Night Market

If you only have a weekend to spend, don’t worry we’ll help you plan your travel better. Check out our suggested BAGUIO WEEKEND ITINERARY which includes things to do, places to eat and recommended place to stay.

For the ultimate beach experience, Boracay is the best place to be. This awesome island in Aklan boasts of world-class resorts, powdery white-sand beaches, dazzling blue waters, and magnificent sunsets. It is one of the Philippines’ top destinations, with numerous recognition from local and international publications.

The top destination is White Beach, a prime area with lots of private resorts and restaurants. For snorkeling and picnic, go to Puka Shell Beach or Diniwid Beach, while Bulabog Beach will satisfy kitesurfers and windsurfers. Thrill-seekers enjoy Ariel’s Point with its 15-meter high “diving boards”, which is also perfect for snorkeling and kayaking activities.

Must visit tourist spots in Boracay:

• Crystal Cove
• Willy’s Rock
• Ariel’s Point
• White Beach
• Diniwid Beach
• Bulabog Beach

Legazpi City is the home of the picturesque Mayon Volcano. It is the regional hub of the Bicol region and prides itself on being “The City of Fun and Adventure.”

For a closer view of the world-renowned volcano, go to the Mayon Volcano National Park . You can avail of a jeepney tour, ride an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), or hike at its base. Another perfect place where you can marvel at its magnificence is the Cagsawa Ruins Park , which has its own stories to tell because it is one of the ravaged areas during the volcanic eruptions.

Must visit tourist spots in Legazpi and Albay:

• Quitinday Underground River
• Lignon Hill Nature Park
• Albay Park & Wildlife
• Albay Capitol
• Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

These 10 must-visit places in the Philippines in this list are just icing on the cake. Follow our blog and we’ll give more interesting places to explore and activities to experience in the Philippines.

If this blog has helped you in any way, consider following us on our Facebook Page or our Instagram account. You may also subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our recent videos.

escapemanila

This Post Has 2 Comments

Many choices to visit and we are still on the 1st quarter of the year. Thank you for sharing this blog.

Very informative blog. Thank you for sharing this. Siargao, definitely a must visit place.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Best Travel Apps
• Bus & Ferry Tickets
• Cheap Flights

Privacy Overview

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in the Philippines

Written by Lana Law , Michael Law , and Anietra Hamper Updated Mar 21, 2024

The Philippines is a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 7,000 islands that offer a natural playground for your inner explorer. Collectively, its landscapes feature an array of natural wonders, from volcanoes and rice terraces to underwater rivers and limestone caves, along with beautiful beaches .

Individually, the islands each offer something unique, whether you are looking for the best place to dive and snorkel or prefer to take in the historical sights in cities like Manila or Vigan .

Since the country is so spread out, a trip to the Philippines requires careful planning and some internal flights. Some destinations, like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol or the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, are remote, but getting there is well worth the effort. It's also important to consider the best time of year to visit the Philippines. The rainy season runs from June to November.

Plan your travels with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in the Philippines.

1. White Beach, Boracay

2. relax on the stunning beaches of palawan, 3. chocolate hills, bohol, 4. underground river tour, puerto princesa, 5. hanging coffins, sagada, 6. diving in coron, 7. batad rice terraces, banaue, 8. mayon volcano, albay, 9. island hopping, 10. manila historical sightseeing tour, 11. ride in a jeepney, 12. historic tour of corregidor island, 13. bird-watching, 14. pagsanjan falls, laguna, 15. tour colonial vigan, 16. taal volcano, talisay, 17. jungle training, subic bay, 18. hanging bridge, sevilla, 19. sugba lagoon, siargao, best time to visit the philippines.

There is no shortage of pristine beaches in the Philippines, but if you are looking for a more active beach scene, one of the best places to visit is White Beach in Boracay . This is the most populous beach on the island but where you will find ample opportunities for boating and other water sports. It's also one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia .

Plenty of chairs and hammocks are beneath the palm trees, so you can relax and enjoy the pure white sand. You can even book a beachside massage. Snorkeling is a popular activity at White Beach, but if you do not want to put in so much work, take a banana boat ride or book a trip on a glass-bottom boat.

At the northern tip of the Island of Palawan are some of the most scenic beaches in the Philippines, unlike anything else you will find in the country. This is not just stunning soft sand and warm calm waters like you find in other areas of the Philippines. Add to this, limestone cliffs jutting up from the ocean, secrete coves that you can paddle into, and beautiful offshore islands. Some of the islands are also home to boutique luxury resorts.

The main town here is El Nido . A variety of boat trips offer day tours from El Nido to secluded beaches, sandbars, and bays. This is the most popular activity here and something that almost everyone signs up for when visiting. But you do not need to even leave El Nido, you can find this beautiful setting from the beaches around town.

Northern Palawan is not overly developed. It has enough infrastructure to make things comfortable but it's not known for large resorts. If you are looking for luxury, it will be at small resorts and lodges. If you are looking for budget accommodation, you can find this as well in town but off the beach.

Palawan appeals to everyone from adventurous families to backpackers. A small airport in El Nido offers direct flights to Manila. The city of Puerto Princesa is also found on the island of Palawan, about a 5-hour drive from El Nido. If you want to see the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, you may want to fly into El Nido and out of Puerto Princesa or vice versa.

The geological wonder on the island of Bohol known as the Chocolate Hills is a unique natural phenomenon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a protected area that features more than 1,200 small mountains that emerged above the ground over several centuries.

The area was once under the ocean, and these unique hills expand in every direction. They are green during much of the year, but during the dry season, they turn to a chocolate-brown color, thus the name, chocolate hills.

A convenient path leads to the top of a lookout area, which provides the best view. Be sure to observe the many delicate flowers along the walkway that are unique to this area.

Taking a river tour of the Underground River near Puerto Princesa is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Philippines. The underground river on Palawan Island is inside the Subterranean River National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The boat tours take you to experience the majestic five-mile river that runs below ground. The trip takes you through an intricate cave system surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. You can see ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations, as well as bats flying overhead, as the coolness of the cave balances the tropical heat outside.

As you float through the dark caves on emerald water, your guide will identify points of interest and tropical wildlife that live along the river, which flows into the South China Sea .

You can take a tour from Puerto Princesa, which is a long day due to the drive time involved. A better alternative is to stay in Sabang (which is about an hour and a half from Puerto Princesa) and hop on a tour boat right from there. This way you can see the cave in a morning or an afternoon. Sabang also has a beautiful beach and decent accommodation and is a nice place to spend a day or two whether or not you are visiting the cave.

The hanging coffins in Sagada, located in the northern Cordillera Mountains , is one of the most unusual sights in the Philippines. The hanging coffins, some centuries old, are suspended from the cliffs of the Echo Valley . These ceremonial burials were reserved for the wealthy tribesmen.

Getting to the mountainous region requires some travel time. Although transportation to this area is now easier than it used to be, it still requires some physical endurance to hike the steep and narrow paths to the secluded coffins.

You will want sturdy shoes, and you may want to train before your trip to adapt more quickly to the high altitude. The reward is a sight you will never forget and well-earned bragging rights.

Coron Island in the Philippines, as well as other nearby islands, are popular diving locations in the country due to the abundance of coral reefs and shipwrecks.

The sunken ships to explore on Sangat Island in Coron are some of the best diving sites in the world. The wrecks are at varied depths that are suitable for both deep-water scuba divers and shallow-water snorkeling.

The shipwrecks, many from WWII , have become habitats for diverse fish species. The clear water makes for easy viewing of the shipwrecks and underwater wildlife. Many of the shipwrecks are from an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944. Deep divers will want to view the Akitsushima Maru warship, Irako Maru , and the Kyokuzan Maru .

The Coral Garden is a specific site with particularly accessible coral and fish species. Snorkeling and diving tours to the Coral Garden often encompass stops at nearby shipwrecks.

If you are unsure where to snorkel to see some of the best coral, taking an organized trip to the Coral Garden is an easy introduction to the sport. Guides are able to point out sea turtles and fish and offer information about what kinds of coral you are viewing underwater.

Viewing the Batad rice terraces at sunrise in Banaue is an unforgettable experience. This is especially recommended for landscape photographers who want to capture compelling images of Philippine agriculture. Some of these terraces are more than 2,000 years old and represent a common form of farming in the country.

The stacked terraces are carved by hand into the mountainside, creating vertical farming fields in a region void of flat land. Workers commonly plant rice and vegetables. You can walk some roads above the terraces that give you the best view by looking below. Early morning and dusk provide the best light to illuminate the electric green color of the fields.

The Mayon Volcano in the Albay province on Luzon Island is a must-see in the Philippines. It is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of more than 2,400 meters. The Mayon volcano has a perfect cone peak.

Most visitors will want to enjoy the volcano by viewing it from the ground. Nature trails in the national park grounds surround the volcano, where you can also see wildlife like parakeets and other birds.

Extreme hikers can apply for a permit to climb the volcano, but it is a difficult trek through forest, and dangerous gases are emitted near the peak, so caution is advised. The ideal time to visit is March through May, outside of the rainy season. You can take an organized trip from Manila to get here.

If you just cannot decide what to do or where to go in the Philippines, an island-hopping tour might offer just the right mix. You still have to whittle down choices, but an organized island-hopping tour allows you to see a collection of islands.

You can sample snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and dining on local food in multiple locations and eliminate the hassle of trying to plan it on your own. Many of the island hopping tours span several days. One of the most popular island-hopping tours is to the Caramoan Islands , which were made famous after being featured on the hit TV show Survivor.

Manila is an exciting and vibrant city that is a thriving metropolis surrounded by centuries-old churches and colonial history. It is easy to walk around Manila on your own, or take a guided sightseeing tour of the oldest district, the Intramuros or walled city, where you'll find some of the most significant tourist attractions and important landmarks and monuments.

This will give you a better appreciation for Manila. You can see the famous San Agustin Church and monuments at Rizal Park and Fort Santiago , each bearing a significant influence on Manila that is best shared by a guide. Some tours are offered by coach, and others are available as walking or biking tours around the city.

After your tour, stop by one of the local restaurants for lunch and enjoy modern-day Manila as you watch the colorful jeepneys flying by on the streets.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Manila

Taking a ride in a jeepney is a must-experience in the Philippines, even if you have no specific destination in mind. The jeepney is one of the main forms of transportation in the Philippines . They are vehicles originally made from post-World War II U.S. army jeeps that have been transformed into colorful and fun forms of transportation.

The jeepney has become synonymous with the Philippines; a national symbol of sorts. It is unique to the country. The decorations and colorful decor on the jeepneys are as chaotic as the traffic on the city streets in places like Manila. Taking a ride in one is a thrill, with the random stops to let people on and off and being truly immersed in the local culture as residents go about their daily lives. Try taking a jeepney to one of the tourist sites you plan to visit or to your dinner spot in the evening. It might just be the cheapest entertainment you find in the country, and it will definitely be one of the most memorable experiences.

A tour of Corregidor Island is a must-see for history buffs visiting the Philippines. The island played a significant role in World War II and was the location of several battles. The relics left behind from these battles include secret tunnels and bunkers used as hideouts during the war, as well as weapons, barracks, and historical artifacts.

Be sure to take some time at the Pacific War Memorial on-site. Regular guided tours leave from Manila to a ferry that takes you to the island. This requires a full day to visit, but it is well worth the time if you have an interest in WWII history.

The stunning natural landscapes and ecosystems throughout the Philippines lend themselves to diverse habitats for birds, meaning the bird-watching opportunities are plentiful. Even if you are not an avid birder, it is worth taking a pair of binoculars on your trip to get a glimpse of some unique species that you likely will not encounter in other parts of the world.

With more than 7,000 islands and 94 national parks in the Philippines, it can be tough to narrow down where to start to look for some of the 600 species of birds that either live in or migrate through the country, like the brown-throated sunbird or the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

Some of the best places to start are the locations that cater to bird-watching like La Mesa Eco Park , which is popular among avid birders looking for barred rails, little egrets, osprey, and migratory birds that regularly rest in the park. The Negros and Panay Islands provided habitat for the endangered Walden's hornbill.

In the Luzon region, the Angat Watershed Reserve is a good spot to find many species along the trails and in the nearby Angat Rainforest and Ecological Park . Another spot where you see many migratory birds is in the Candaba Wetlands in Pampanga for species like purple herons.

The only thing more exciting than admiring one of the most notable waterfalls in the Philippines is traversing it in a dugout canoe. The Pagsanjan Falls waterfall is part of the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park .

Your trip along the falls will take you upstream through tropical landscapes, where you will be able to swim in natural pools and pass through caves. Once you get used to the leisurely ride, prepare for the main event, as you head downstream at a fast pace through large rocks and churning water for what the locals call "shooting the rapids." It is an exhilarating outdoor adventure, and you can take day trips from Manila.

A fun place to visit with a terrific pre-colonial flair is the streets of Calle Crisologo of Vigan City, located in the Ilocos province. It stands out from other cities in the Philippines. The brick streets and traditional horse and carriage mode of transportation are reminiscent of the 16th-century trading hub that used to be for foreign traders coming through the area.

This is a fun city to spend a day or two on your trip. You can take an organized tour to learn about the city's history or stroll on your own to the small vendor shops and eateries along the main street. This is also a prime spot to find souvenirs, from bags to baskets and pottery, for a reasonable price.

Be advised that if you ask your calesa driver to take you to the best shopping area in the city, he or she might instead drop you off at a friend's shop in order to earn a kickback of your purchases. It's better to take a ride, then explore the city street shops on your own.

The Taal Volcano on the island of Luzon is one of the most active in the country. It is in the center of Taal Lake, so just getting to the crater is part of the adventure. The city of Talisay , where you will catch a boat to get to the crater, is less than an hour's drive from Manila. You will catch a boat to go across Taal Lake then hike to the rim of the crater.

There are a number of trails around the volcano. The Spanish Trail goes to the top of the volcano and has some of the most impressive views. The less popular Kenney Trail is a good option if you want to avoid potential crowds or if you think you might want to rest along the way.

This trail has quite a few shade trees. Due to the logistics involved in visiting Taal Volcano, you might want to consider an organized day tour.

When the United States Navy had an active base on Subic Bay, their Navy Seals received training by indigenous Aetas on how to survive the jungle. Now, you can visit the former base on Subic Bay and even take Jungle Environmental Survival Training from the natives.

You can take a tour of the former Subic Bay Naval Base and tour the converted complex, which has a number of activities on-site. Subic Bay is located on the island of Luzon, so it is an easy day trip from Manila, or you can stay in the region.

On the island of Bohol, a bridge made entirely of bamboo swings almost 40 meters in the air over the Loboc River . For those with a sense of adventure, or a desire to conquer a fear of heights, the hanging bridge walk will be a vacation experience you will never forget. The hanging bridge is in the town of Sevilla. It is easy to combine this experience with other excursions on Bohol Island.

Over the years, the bridge, which was originally made with woven bamboo, has received some safety reinforcements due to its popularity with tourists. Not to worry though, it still creeks and swings and gives you butterflies in your stomach as you look down at the rushing river below you.

There are so many iconic lagoons in the Philippines that have movie-set quality tranquil blue waters below a towering cliffside, but one of the most spectacular is Sugba Lagoon on the island of Siargao. The lagoon is perfect for just basking in the natural, peaceful surroundings, but there are plenty of activities, too, if you want a more adventurous day.

You can book a day-trip package to the Sugba Lagoon from a nearby city like Del Carmen or General Luna, but you can also go on your own. You must take a boat to the lagoon. If you have the nerves and are not afraid of heights, you can try cliff jumping from the designated area above the lagoon. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak, and take a more peaceful tour of the lagoon at your own pace.

The best time to go to the Philippines is during the dry season , which is between November and April , when you will have optimal weather conditions and the best opportunities for outdoor experiences throughout the country. This time of year has the least amount of rainfall, which means more favorable beach days , fewer chances of weather-impacted flight delays, and easier accessibility to remote regions and smaller islands.

The dry season is also the high tourist season and the most popular time to visit so you will have increased tourist activity and higher prices for airfare and lodging. During this popular time, the months of December, January and February are the coolest months to visit before the sweltering Asian heat kicks in starting in March. Keep in mind that high temperatures and humidity surge in April and May.

35 BAGUIO TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do

Baguio has always been one of the top destinations in the Philippines. Because of its chilly temperature, pine-dominated landscapes, and overall romantic atmosphere, this mountain city has attracted tourists especially in summer and the holidays like Christmas and New Year.

Although a highly urbanized city, Baguio retains its rustic charm in spots. From natural sites to modern ones, Baguio has something for each type of traveler and each age group. Moreover, the food culture and shopping districts have become attractions themselves.

Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in and near Baguio City. In this list, we are also including attractions in the neighboring municipalities like La Trinidad and Tuba .

Note: Baguio is geographically within Benguet but is not under the jurisdiction of the province. It has its own charter and administration.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

TOP BAGUIO TOURIST SPOTS & ACTIVITIES

Baguio is bursting with interesting places to visit and things to do. But here are some of our top recommendations!

Mirador Hill and Eco Park

JAPAN IN BAGUIO! Easily a highlight of our most recent trip, the Mirador Heritage and Eco-Spirituality Park is a rising tourist destination, boasting a combination of local and Japan-inspired attractions.

This 5-hectare property is scribbled with hiking trails leading to different sites including the Rock Gardens, the Pandemic Healing Memorial, the La Storta Garden, Ifugao Houses, and the Circular Seismic Chamber (closed when we visited). But perhaps the most popular is the iconic Mirador Peace Memorial, a red-painted torii gate atop the hill, overlooking the city and the surrounding hills. It is a favorite photo spot for many visitors.

Another crowd-drawer is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, perhaps named after the bamboo forest of Kyoto’s temple district. While the bamboo trunks are not as big or tall as those in the Japan site, it still makes for a refreshing resting and photo spot.

Aside from the park, Mirador Hill also harbors the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Kapilya ni Hesus at Maria, Café Iñigo, and the Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat House.

Address: Mirador Hill, Barangay Dominican Hill-Mirador, Baguio City Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P100 (Regular); FREE (Below 12 y/o)

Oh, by the way, if you’re interested in only the newest attractions, we have a video about that here:

Igorot Stone Kingdom

Launched to the public in the second half of 2021, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is Baguio’s newest attraction. So new that construction of some parts were still ongoing when we visited. The park showcases both modern and traditional Igorot culture as well as the values of the Cordillera Region.

The whole area covers about 6,000 square meters and is dominated by two massive structures facing each other — a modern-day castle and an old-school stone wall. Made of hollow blocks and cement, the modern-day castle is etched with walkways, punctuated by statues, photo spots and viewing decks. It also crowned by a food court, serving mostly Pinoy snacks.

The stone wall, on the other hand, resembles the rice terraces that feature the rock-laying skills of the Igorot people. As you climb, you get to see the Fertility Stone Tower, the Temple of Kabunyan, Bangan’s Dome, the Tower of Gatan, the Face in the Rock, and many more.

Other attractions are the Igorot Gold Mine, the Wishing Well, and the Igorot Golden Bridge. Soon, the park will also have life-size statues of prominent Igorots.

Address: #86 Long-long Benguet Road, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P100 (Regular); P80 (Senior & PWD with ID); P80 (Kids 4-12 y/o); FREE (3 y/o and below)

Tam-awan Village

Just a stone’s throw from Igorot Stone Kingdom lies Tam-Awan Village , nicknamed Garden in the Sky . It was commissioned by the Chanum Foundation in 1998 in order to create a model village showcasing reconstructed traditional Cordillera houses and make them accessible to more people.

The village highlights the indigenous craftsmanship and aesthetics of the region and its local artists. From three huts transported from Ifugao, the village now has nine traditional houses — seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. These structures were reconstructed using mostly the original materials.

If you want to immerse yourself more, you can also book your lodging here.

Address: 366-C Pinsao Proper, Long Long Benguet Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P60 (Adults); P40 (Students & Seniors); P30 (4-10 y/o); FREE (3 y/o and below)

Baguio Walking Tour

Thanks to its chilly weather, Baguio is one of those destinations that are great for a stroll! And while you can easily stumble upon pretty and curious finds, you can also pick up historical lessons or discover picturesque spots as you walk around, especially if you’re led by a local guide.

If you want to know more information about the places you want to visit, you can join one of the guided walking tours offered in Baguio. Choose the one that suits your interest or if you want to try more than one guided tour, go for it! Here are your options:

✅ BAGUIO HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR: Check Rates or Reserve Here!

✅ BAGUIO CREATIVE WALKING TOUR: Check Rates or Reserve Here!

✅ BAGUIO INSTAGRAM WALKING TOUR: Check Rates or Reserve Here!

Diplomat Hotel

Officially named the Dominican Hill Retreat House but popularly referred to as the Diplomat Hotel , the 17-hectare property is sprawled atop the Dominican Hill. It was originally built as a retreat house for the Dominican priests and nuns in the first half of the 20th century until World War II, when the Japanese took over and turned it into a military garrison and war prison.

After restorations and remodeling, the Diplomat Hotel was launched and operated between the 1970s and the 1980s. Given its history, especially the atrocities of WWII, it gained notoriety for paranormal activities, consistently putting it on the list of most haunted places in the Philippines.

Today, the whole hill area is declared a heritage and historical site by the local government of Baguio and was named Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park. The property is undergoing rehabilitation and development for tourism and is open to photoshoots, filmmaking, wedding receptions, and other events and functions.

Address: Dominican Hill, Diplomat Road, Baguio City. The best way to get there is to take a cab from the city center. Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P10 (adult), P5 (kids)

Bencab Museum, Tuba

Just a short drive from Baguio is the BenCab Museum in the town of Tuba. The private museum is founded and managed by the artist himself, Benedicto Reyes Cabrera (BenCab), a Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts.

The museum was launched to the public in February 2009 and showcases BenCab’s own masterpieces along with other works by other distinguished artists and emerging contemporary artists. Aside from promoting the arts, it also aims to highlight environmental conservation and cultural preservation of the Cordilleras heritage. The museum has a café, an organic farm, and a mini forest.

For more info, here’s our BenCab Museum Guide !

Address: Kilometer 91, #6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday). Note that last entry is at 5:30 PM. CLOSED on Mondays, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Entrance Fee: P150 (General Admission); P120 (Students); P100 (Senior Citizens and PWDs); FREE (Children below 42″ height)

Before we share more attractions that await you in Baguio… Have you thought about your budget for this trip? When traveling, it’s often difficult to keep track of the expenses. Thankfully, one handy app can help you watch your spending so you won’t run into some unexpected moolah troubles! And we’re talking about LISTA ! This app was originally meant for small businesses (like stores), but it’s so flexible that travelers can use it to take note of expenses! You can enter the budget you have for this trip and then type in the cost of items that you spend on along the way. This way, you know exactly just how much wiggle room you still have, money-wise. The app works offline, so you don’t have to have an internet connection to use it.

Another key feature is the SAVINGS CHALLENGE! Using the LISTA app, you can set a target amount, the target date and the frequency you’re comfortable with so you know the exact amount to save per day, week or month to turn your Baguio goals into reality. May next travel ka na ba? I-LISTA mo na! ✅ DOWNLOAD LISTA HERE!

CAMP JOHN HAY Tourist Spots

Yellow trail.

The Yellow Trail , also called Forest Bathing Trail , meanders about 1.5 kilometers across the pine-covered Camp John Hay.

The walking path links Le Monet and Tree Top Adventure — the two jumping-off points. From the Tree Top Adventure, the trail goes further to Scout Hill, the final stop.

If you want to challenge yourself, take the uphill route that starts at Le Monet Hotel and ends at Scout Hill. If you just want to enjoy nature the easy way, take the reverse downhill route — starting at Scout Hill and ending at Le Monet Hotel.

The team took the easier path and thoroughly enjoyed basking in nature.

Address: Camp John Hay (Scout Hill or Le Monet Hotel), Baguio City Opening Hours: The trail is open 24/7, but it is advisable to hike during the day. Entrance Fee: FREE

Tree Top Adventure

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then Tree Top Adventure inside Camp John Hay is your playground! This adventure park offers thrilling activities that will make your heart race.

The most popular attractions are the Superman Ride (zipline), Canopy Ride, and Tree Drop (harnessed free fall). If you have companions that are not really into extreme activities, they can still use the consumable entrance fee of P100 for trekking or ride the cable cars/seats to a viewpoint. Each ride/attraction will incur additional payment, but the 100-peso entrance fee will be deducted since it’s consumable.

Here are the rates:

• Superman Ride: P300
• Silver Surfer Ride: P200
• Canopy Ride: P250
• Skywalk + Trekking: P150
• Tree Drop: P150

There are also combo packages offered. Here are the rates:

• Canopy Ride + Silver Surfer: P400
• Canopy Ride + Superman Ride: P500
• Canopy Ride + Silver Surfer + Superman Ride: P700
• All activities: P900

Note: You can customize the package to your liking; the rate will vary depending on your choices.

Address: Scout Hill Dr, Camp John Hay, Baguio City Opening Hours: The usual daily schedule is from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The schedule may change depending on the weather. When we last visited (first week of March 2022), the property was CLOSED. Dress Code: A pair of shorts are allowed but make sure that it will be no shorter than two inches above the knee.

Also located within the perimeter of Camp John Hay and not far from Tree Top Adventure is the Bell House , named after General J Franklin Bell.

This former official holiday residence of the Commanding General of the Philippines has been converted into a museum. The well-preserved building reflects the American colonial architectural style. It features an amphitheater that also functions as a garden.

Address: Historical Core, Camp John Hay, Baguio City Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P75 (Historical Core Entrance Fee). This fee also allows entrance to the Cemetery of Negativism.

Cemetery of Negativism

Located on a hill’s slope between Bell House and Camp John Hay Picnic Area, the Cemetery of Negativism (also called the Lost Cemetery) was commissioned in the early 1980s by the base’s commanding general John Hightower.

But this cemetery is not the usual site for burying human bodies but rather a symbolic place for burying negativities. The tombstones were inscribed with witty and punny “eulogies” which may sometimes require a dash of sarcasm to understand.

One tombstone reads “Itz Not Possible”, conceived November 11, 1905 but “still not born”. Another one has “Know Dam Way” engraved on it, then below it, “Conceived New Years Eve 1910. Didn’t work out.”

If you are looking for something unique, funny, and inspiring at the same time, head over here and scare the bad vibes away.

Address: Historical Core, Camp John Hay, Baguio City Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P75. This fee also allows entrance to the Bell House.

Picnic at Camp John Hay

The cool temperature of Baguio makes outdoor activities like having a picnic with your friends or family attractive to visitors. Bring your own food and ready the things you will need for a fun bonding with your loved ones while admiring the natural scenery.

You can spread out a mat on a chosen spot or find a picnic table. Camp John Hay has a picnic spot dotted with picnic tables for rent. The rate is P200 for the first three hours and P300 if you go beyond that.

You can also do it at Burnham Park. Wherever you choose to do it, please don’t forget to clean up your mess after.

LA TRINIDAD Tourist Spots

La trinidad strawberry farm.

Situated about 30 minutes north of Baguio is the most popular Strawberry Farm in the area. It’s often associated with Baguio City but is actually part of La Trinidad .

Buying strawberries here will cost you P250-P300 per kilo. If you want to experience picking your own strawberries, which is the main draw of this place, you have to pay an additional P200. The strawberry-picking season is from November to May .

The farm also has a pasalubong center, composed of several souvenir stores. Don’t forget to try strawberry taho and strawberry ice cream ! Aside from strawberry products, the farm also offers fresh produce and plants.

The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm is managed and owned by Benguet State University.

Address: Barangay Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE. The rate for Strawberry-Picking Group Experience is P600. This rate is good for five (5) people already. If you will buy strawberries, the price is P360/kilo for small strawberries and P400/kilo for large strawberries.

Colors of StoBoSa, La Trinidad

The Colors of StoBoSa is another popular tourist attraction in La Trinidad. Officially named StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork , it was the brainchild of the DOT-CAR in collaboration with the Tam-Awan Village group which came up with several design proposals and over 500 residents/volunteers.

The vast mural encompasses the hillside houses of three sitios in Barangay Balili namely Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap, hence the term “StoBoSa”. The Colors of StoBoSa was launched to the public in 2016.

Address: Barangay Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

Bell Church, La Trinidad

Also located in Barangay Balili near StoBoSa and the border of Baguio and La Trinidad, the Bell Church is a temple founded by Chinese immigrants from Canton (Guangzhou) in 1960.

The serene atmosphere and the view while strolling around the courtyard attract a lot of tourists to the temple, making it a major tourist destination. It also features a small lily pond.

Address: FA 347 Bell Church Road, La Trinidad, Benguet Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Note that it closes at lunch time between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Fees: P20/head (Entrance Fee); P20 (Parking Fee)

DOWNTOWN BAGUIO Tourist Spots

Baguio night market.

The concept of night markets in the Philippines might not be as grand, but it is slowly weaving itself through the fabric of market consciousness.

Baguio is developing a strong night market culture, drawing tourists to the area along Harrison Road in the Central Business District. This is perfect for those who want to score bargain items or fill their tummies without digging deeper into their pockets.

Whether going here to shop or to eat, always keep an eye on your belongings.

Address: Harrison Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting.

Sky Ranch Baguio

Sky Ranch is not unique to Baguio, as similar theme parks are also present in Tagaytay and Pampanga, offering pretty much the same rides and experience. But if you haven’t been to one yet, then you may add Sky Ranch Baguio to your itinerary.

Here are the prices of tickets to some of the most popular attractions inside:

• Baguio Eye: P150
• Super Viking: P100
• Sky Cruiser: P100
• Drop Tower: P100
• Double-Decker Carousel: P50

If you plan on trying multiple rides, consider getting a RIDE-ALL-YOU-CAN DAY PASS! It will give you access to the amusement park’s 11 best attractions at a lower rate.

✅ RESERVE A DISCOUNTED PASS HERE!

Burnham Park

Located at the heart of Baguio, Burnham Park is the most famous attraction in the city. It is dominated by Burnham Lake (or Lagoon) and dotted with other interesting spots like the Rose Garden , a recreational park with a skating rink, the Orchidarium, the Children’s Park, and the Melvin Jones Grandstand.

The park is bustling with lots of fun activities such as renting paddle boats (swan boats), biking, and go-karting. If you get hungry while enjoying the activities around the park or if you just want to go food tripping in the area, food stalls and street food vendors abound so you and your tummy are pretty much covered.

Address: Burnham Park, Jose Abad Santos Drive, Baguio City Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE Rental Rates: P75/30 mins (Chopper/Big Bike); P50/30 mins (Go Kart); P125/30 mins (Grand Tour); P100/30 mins (Boat, good for 5 pax) + P50 if you want to hire a rower

Baguio Museum

Just a short walk from Burnham Park stands the Baguio Museum . It is not hard to find as it’s surrounded by prominent landmarks like the University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City National High School, and SM Baguio.

The museum’s collections tell the history of the city and showcase the culture of the Cordillera region. The four floors host all the collections classified into categories — Baguio Gallery, Cordillera Gallery, and the Alternative Gallery.

The building also has a training floor and a multi-purpose hall. The museum started rehabilitation and renovation in 2017 and is targeted to finish in 2020.

Address: Dot-PTA Complex, Gov. Pack Rd, Baguio City Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); CLOSED (Mondays). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P40 (Regular); P10-20 (Student Discount)

Baguio Cathedral

Baguio Cathedral , officially named Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral , is a hilltop cathedral overlooking Session Road and the busy downtown streets. It was launched in 1936 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

It follows a neo-Romanesque architectural style that features twin belfries/spires, a rose window (facade), and stained glass windows. It is one of the prominent landmarks in Baguio and is located beside Saint Louis University.

To access it from Session Road, visitors have to climb several steps, leading to the courtyard and the cathedral. Alternatively, you can go to Porta Vaga Shopping Mall and use the escalator leading to the cathedral’s courtyard.

Address: Our Lady Of Atonement Cathedral, Session Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: Tourists are welcome anytime but please be considerate when mass is ongoing. You can check the mass schedule on the official Facebook page. Entrance Fee: FREE

Ukay-Ukay Stores

Baguio won’t be Baguio without “SM” — Segunda Mano stores. These second-hand stores, locally called wagwagan but popularly called by tourists ukay-ukay , littered the busy streets and corners of downtown Baguio. Tourists will find themselves easily getting lost in the mountains of options for pre-loved items. The pieces vary — clothing, bags, shoes, belts, scarves, and others.

Honestly, the wide range of choices can get really overwhelming. But if you have the patience and the stamina (haha), you might dig up some vintage and rare items. The popular ukay-ukay areas are Skyworld (Session Road), Hilltop (at the back of Baguio City Market), and Bayanihan (near Burnham Park). You’ll also find some, well, good finds, at the night market!

Happy bargain hunting!

Session Road Nightlife

One of the city’s major arteries, Session Road is the most famous street in Baguio. It is abuzz with locals and tourists going about their business during the day, but it becomes livelier at night as bars and hangout places pulsate with good music and great conversations.

If you want to have dinner first before losing yourself in music and booze with friends and maybe new acquaintances, Session Road hosts numerous international restaurants and fast-food restaurants.

But if you want to try the local offerings, it is also home to several homegrown restaurants including Sizzling Plate, Ocha Asian Restaurant, Vizco’s Restaurant, Volante, Oh My Gulay, and Drop Out, among others.

Baguio Public Market

For pasalubong, make your way to the Baguio Public Market, which houses countless stalls selling products that are synonymous with the region — fresh strawberries and Sagada oranges, strawberry and ube jams, peanut brittle, fresh vegetables, and souvenirs!

And of course, grab a walis tambo!

There’s something about Baguio’s walis tambo that makes it consistently land in the top items of pasalubong from the city. For some reason, my mom and aunts never fail to buy one when we’re in Baguio or request it from loved ones visiting Baguio. I asked my mom about it and she casually told me that the walis tambo from Baguio is sturdier and thicker.

LEONARD WOOD & MINES VIEW Tourist Spots

In this section are attractions situated northwest of the city center, usually reached by taking the Leonard Wood Road.

Baguio Botanical Garden

One of the many green spaces in the city, the Baguio Botanical Garden (renamed Centennial Park) is located between Wright Park and Teacher’s Camp, along Leonard Wood Road.

This is another popular attraction in the city where visitors can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the verdant surroundings. The extensive garden park is just a short drive from Baguio’s Central Business District. It has many walking paths where you can see many photo-worthy spots. It also harbors the Baguio Arts Guild and the Igorot Village.

Address: 37, Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE

Wright Park

Another vast greenery is the Wright Park , named after the former Governor-General Luke Edward Wright.

This is a favorite leisure spot for both locals and tourists. It’s a lush park that offers walking and jogging trails, biking paths, and rest spots. It features a long pond or pool that almost covers the whole stretch of concrete path linking the Wright Park Kiosk and The Mansion facade. It also has a pine tree-covered forest hill adjacent to the horse stable.

If you want to go horseback riding in Baguio, Wright Park provides quite a number of horses to choose from, plus it’s not too far from the city center.

Address: Wright Park, Pacdal Circle, Baguio City Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE Horseback Riding Rate: P200 for 7 rounds

The Mansion

Wright Park’s long concrete path with a pool leads to the gate of the Mansion House , popularly referred to as The Mansion. It was commissioned in 1908 to serve as the official residence of the US Governor-General in the Philippines. It underwent reconstruction in 1947 after sustaining huge damage during the Second World War.

Presently, it functions as the official summer palace of the President of the Philippines. It is also the site for other important state functions and international gatherings.

Address: The Mansion, Baguio-Bua-Itogon Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 24/7 (Mansion Gate). Most of the time, the Mansion is closed to the public, so visitors can only get a glimpse of the actual mansion from the entrance gate.

Mines View Park

Usually crowded with hordes of tourists, Mines View Park is definitely one of the most popular tourist spots. My local friends say that this is more like a tourist trap, but we’re tourists so go check it out still and see why it’s popular in the first place.

It features an observation deck that presents a panoramic view of the former gold and copper mines of Itogon town below and the mountains beyond. This is also one of the best spots for sunrise watching.

If you want to avoid the crowd, go there early in the morning. The place is peppered with numerous shops, stalls, and peddlers selling souvenir items, clothes, trinkets, food, and even plants! The entrance to the park is located along Gibraltar Road.

Plant sellers also abound in the area. Baguio’s chilly atmosphere makes it favorable for growing plants — flowering, herbs, and ornamental. The wide range of choices will make veteran and newbie plantitos and plantitas go gaga over these bloom and foliage babies.

Address: Mines View Park, Gibraltar Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: P10 (Adult); P5 (Children)

Good Shepherd Products

Not far from Mines View Park is a place where you can get the famous ube jam . It’s a quintessential pasalubong stop in Baguio where tourists willingly wait in line for the signature ube jam and other favorite products.

What makes buying from Good Shepherd special and fulfilling is its advocacy. Good Shepherd has built a good reputation for producing quality products for a cause. So where does your money go? Check the packaging (usually printed on the lid): “You help send us to college each time you buy our products”. The proceeds will be used to help send the Cordillera youth to college.

Other products are strawberry jam (seasonal), blueberry jam (seasonal), peanut cluster, cashew brittle, lengua , snowballs, angel cookies, choco flakes, alfajor cookies, banana chips, sampaloc candy, and more. There’s a strict ordering system — write down your orders first, queue, and hand over your order and payment to the attendant.

Also, don’t forget to try some of their Take Out Products which are basically snack/merienda items. Note that the lines can get too long during the peak season and there is an order limit per person. When they products are sold out, they close the site (like during our last visit).

Address: Good Shepherd Convent, 15 Gibraltar Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE

CULINARY ATTRACTIONS

Sample local dishes.

Baguio takes pride in its robust local culinary scene. Making the most of the abundance of ingredients, the locals came up with lots of innovative ways to create dishes and food products that embody the Cordillera region and neighboring Ilocos region, whose influence also seeps into the city.

Many of these dishes are available at various restaurants and eateries around Baguio. Some of the most well-known are pinikpikan (chicken soup), pinuneg (blood sausage) and kinuday (smoked meat), as well as dinakdakan (boiled, sliced and grilled pig’s head parts) and bagnet (deep-fried pork).

But if you want to sample a lot of delicacies at once, head over to The Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant , situated just next to Tam-awan Village. They serve mostly Cordilleran and Ilocano fare, prepared traditionally.

If you prefer a more modern twist, Cafe by the Ruins is an established name in the city’s food scene.

Local restaurants also add their Baguio twist to other Pinoy favorites. Mines View Park Hotel’s ZENZ Bar and Restaurant serves strawberry sinigang and strawberry adobo.

You can also go food tripping at the night market, Burnham Park, Ili-Likha, Good Shepherds, and Session Road, just to name a few.

Oh My Gulay Artist Cafe

You might be thinking, Oh My Gulay is a local restaurant. Why does it have its own entry? Well, if you’ve been to this art cafe, you know it deserves its own spot!

Nestled on the top floor of an old building along Session Road, I was not expecting anything for that day’s lunch stop. And to be honest, I was not too excited at first because I’m not really into vegetables. But when I took the last flight of stairs, boy was I blown away by the quirky interiors and decorations! It was like being transported into a secret, mystical world. And the indoor garden setting has its own small pond, too!

The restaurant has two-level dining areas. The upper level has two separate sections connected by a short wooden hanging bridge. The lower-level dining area has indoor seatings as well as veranda seatings with a view of the city. A collaboration of Oh My Gulay and Vocas, the place also features exhibit areas for local artists. As the name of the restaurant suggests, it serves affordable vegetarian and vegan meals.

Address: 108 Session Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday – Thursday); 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Friday – Sunday); CLOSED (Tuesdays). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting.

Ili-Likha Artist’s Wateringhole

Lying along Assumption Road is the very peculiar Ili-Likha Artist’s Wateringhole , also known as Ili-Likha Artist Village . It was built by artist and filmmaker Eric de Guia (Kidlat Tahimik), who transformed a vacant lot into this whimsical treehouse-themed food park in 2014.

The place highlights the importance of preserving nature and culture through arts and food. It is an evolving work of art with several interesting corners and iconic features like the mosaic-covered staircase.

The homegrown restaurants serve healthy, preservative-free, and organic food. Some of the restaurants are Balbacua, Leandro’s Bistro, Yomichee, Ibana, Little Milkyway Vegan Café, Oh My Gulay, Café Cueva, Kape Kullaaw, Waynu, Scout Burrows, and Natengan Ed Ili.

It also houses arts and crafts shops and hosts different events and workshops. The whole place is photo-worthy and visitors will enjoy the relaxing and creative atmosphere.

Address: Ili-Likha Artists Village, 32 Assumption Road, Baguio City Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). The opening hours might change, so please check the official website or Facebook page before visiting. Entrance Fee: FREE

Baguio’s International Restaurants

Aside from the homegrown restaurants, Baguio also offers diverse international cuisines — Korean, Japanese, American, Chinese, and Vietnamese, to name a few. We will write a separate article about it with more details soon so watch out for that.

Baguio Craft Brewery and Craft 1945

Enough about food! How about some drinks? And by drinks, we mean beer!

If you are the type who likes hunting for local craft beers or you just want to have a chill dinner-and-beer type of night in Baguio, there are good watering holes in the city where you can quench your thirst for beer.

Baguio Craft Brewery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It offers a wide selection of craft beers, including its signature craft beers named after Ifugao’s mythic characters.

Craft 1945 , partly managed by Baguio Craft Brewery, is a Spanish-themed restaurant serving premium craft beers, tapas and other Spanish dishes.

Here are their addresses and operating hours.

Baguio Craft Brewery 4 Ben Palispis Highway, KM 4, Baguio City 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Monday – Friday) 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturdays & Sundays)

Craft 1945 9 Outlook Drive S, Baguio City 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Daily)

Reminder: The opening hours might change, so please check the official websites or Facebook pages before visiting.

Benguet Coffee

Coffee is everywhere in Baguio, and it’s not hard to score Benguet coffee when in town. The city’s high altitude and cooler temperature make it one of the best places in the Philippines to grow coffee.

You can actually buy some at the public market or at cafés like Kape Umali , which is also the biggest coffee supplier in the province and other parts of northern Luzon. The café serves traditional brews as well as specialty brews like liquor coffee and gourmet coffee. Enjoy the music and appreciate artworks at the cafe’s gallery too! The three branches are located in Shangri-la Village, Mine’s View, and Baguio Market.

Ube and Strawberry Taho

Don’t you dare get out of Baguio without trying strawberry taho . They are everywhere, especially in the vicinity of popular tourist spots including Burnham Park, Session Road, and Mines View Park to name a few.

Taho is a distinct Filipino snack made of silken soybean curd (tofu), brown sugar syrup, and tapioca (sago pearls). It’s traditionally served or peddled in the morning but nowadays, it can be consumed any time of the day, depending on availability.

Since strawberries are plenty in Baguio, the locals made their own version by replacing brown sugar syrup with strawberry syrup. And boy did they own it!

If you feel like you’ve had enough of strawberries, ube taho is also available.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Still on the topic of putting a twist on regular snacks, the locals are really making the most of their strawberries by coming up with their own strawberry-flavored ice cream. Fine, strawberry ice cream is not new to the market BUT the ones in Baguio taste different. And we mean in a good way.

For us, the best that we’ve tried are those sold at La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. But if you are pressed for time, you can easily find it in downtown Baguio.

Top Baguio Hotels

Here are some of the many top hotels with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the Department of Tourism in Baguio.

• G1 Lodge . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• The Orchard Hotel Baguio. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• City Travel Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Citylight Hotel . Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Travelite Hotel Legarda . Check Rates & Photos! ✅

For more options, check out this post: LIST OF DOT-ACCREDITED HOTELS IN BAGUIO! ✅

Search for more Baguio Hotels!

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣•4️⃣•1️⃣4️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• The Bencab Museum: The Hottest Art Spot in Baguio City, Philippines
• La Trinidad Strawberry Farm: Heart-shaped Madness in Benguet, Philippines
• 8 Unusual Cemeteries in the Philippines
• 7 THINGS TO DO at CAMP JOHN HAY, BAGUIO CITY
• BAGUIO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• JOY BUS MANILA TO BAGUIO & BACK: Schedule & Fares (Cubao, Pasay, Avenida)
• BAGUIO CITY Full List of DOT-Accredited Hotels, Apartments & Homestays
• VICTORY LINER Bus Schedules for Manila, Baguio, Olongapo, Cagayan, Isabela, Pangasinan

• Recent Posts

• 2024 STILTS CALATAGAN Beach Resort Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget - 7 April 2024
• TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit! - 30 March 2024
• 37 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do (with Prices!) - 6 November 2023

Thanks for this blog.I really liked your topic.Last time I also visit to Baguio and I explore this amazing place and find lots of things to do.

This Blog really helps a lot for me and my girlfriend for our coming tour to Baguio. Its complete and so good to read.

Thanks for this blog…very informative. Big help sa family namin na nagpaplan for Lakwatsa sa Baguio.

Thank you for this! Very helfpul! Tuwang yuwa si hubby kase organized at magkakasunod yung places kaya hindi na daw sya mahihirapan mag ayos :)

great blog!!!! very helpful for first timers

Thanks a lot!

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

ads_banners

4 underrated tourist spots in the philippines you have to visit.

Dumaguete City

Siquijor Island

Iloilo City

Zamboanga City

If you haven’t visited any of these places yet, now is the best time to plan a trip and explore what these underrated destinations have to offer. book a holiday in these cities and islands before many other tourists discover their unique charms and attractions., follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 0 comments :, post a comment.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Department of tourism.

PST:   8:36:19

Tourism Demand Statistics

NOTE: If you are experiencing problems accessing the report, such as being prompted a username and password, this means that you are under a secure network or you are using a browser not supported by the reports . Our reports are easily accessible using Internet Explorer browser over public networks such as internet cafes, public wifi. If you are within a secure/proxy network, please coordinate with your IT department so you can connect to this site without the proxy. Thank you.

10 Best Antipolo Rizal Tourist Spots: Museums, Nature Parks, Churches

10. PACEM Eco Park

• 9. Nelly’s Mystical Cave
• 8. Casa Santa Museum
• 7. Boso-Boso Church
• 6. Hinulugang Taktak
• 5. Philip's Sanctuary
• 3. Mount Purro Nature Reserve
• 2. Antipolo Cathedral
• 1. Pinto Art Museum

Antipolo City, located 13 KM east of the Philippine capital city of Manila , is the capital of Rizal province and a popular destination for weekend getaways among local travelers. 

• Find the best hotels in Metro Manila for your vacation
• Read about the best  spa and wellness resorts in the Philippines

Antipolo is just a few hours away from Manila and sits at the foot of the longest mountain range in the country called the Sierra Madre. The tallest part of Antipolo stands at an elevation of 137 M, giving its surrounding areas a cooler climate and a great vantage point for enjoying a panoramic view of the Manila skyline best experienced at Antipolo restaurants and Antipolo coffee shops . 

See our popular Rizal Tours and Activities

Scenic 2-day treasure mountain rizal camping package with daranak falls side trip & transfers, rizal treasure mountain day pass with breakfast, obstacle course, giant seesaw & bosay falls trek, breathtaking 2-day treasure mountain rizal camping package with breakfast.

The Antipolo Church is a famous Catholic pilgrimage site and attracts many visitors to its centuries-old Marian shrine. The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and delicious local delicacies like suman, a rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. It also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors from all walks of life.

If you’re planning on joining  Rizal tours , take a look at some of the best Antipolo tourist spots and resorts to include on your Rizal tour package.   

PACEM, a portmanteau that stands for Peace and Care for Earth Ministry, is an ecological park situated inside the Assumption campus, a Catholic school in Antipolo. It is roughly 30 KM from Manila and can be reached by land via the Sumulong Highway or Ortigas Ave. 

• Book Rizal tour packages

The park was built to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the natural environment. It features a few rare zoo animals, a butterfly sanctuary, an organic herb garden, a tree house, an aviary, a pond, and a field house museum surrounded by a verdant forest filled with many species of plants and animals. 

See our popular Eco Tours

Shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers, bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, manila intramuros historical express 90-minute tour in eco-friendly bamboo bike + optional upgrades.

Upon entering the park, a well-lit museum displaying a wide variety of butterfly species greets visitors. The collection contains samples from different parts of the Philippines and Asia, while the lower part of the museum shows off various local sea shells from different parts of the country’s coastal areas. 

The spacious aviary is home to many bird species that include parrots, owls, peacocks, ducks, turkeys, as well as a rare bird called a cassowary. Other animals like monkeys and deer are also in the eco park’s care. After seeing the zoo animals, follow the winding path and walk through a wooden bridge to see more of the jungle-like surroundings until you reach a tree house surrounded by an organic farm.

Visitors are free to harvest their own farm produce and purchase vegetables like papaya or cabbages from the garden. Nearby is a butterfly sanctuary and an herb garden for you to explore, while a picnic area may be used to relax and take in all the greenery. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy nature, the PACEM eco park is a great place to visit.  

9. Nelly’s Mystical Cave

Antipolo’s reputation as a pilgrimage site extends beyond the shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage with the existence of Nelly’s Mystical Cave, an Antipolo tourist spot located in Sitio Boso-boso, Barangay San Jose. Just like the famous statue of the Virgin Mary at the Antipolo church, the cave is believed to be a place with religious significance, and the story of its discovery is as enchanting as a fairytale.  

See our popular Cave Tours

Bohol countryside tour with loboc river cruise lunch & panglao island tour, siargao land tour to magpupungko rock pools, cloud 9, coconut mountain view & more with transfers, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour b with lunch & transfers | snake island, cudognon cave.

According to its owner Inday Nelly, she was 7 years old when she awoke from a dream that left her with visions of a mysterious cave. A sense of duty compelled her to leave her home town in Iloilo to travel the country in search of the natural underground chamber. Eventually, she found it in Antipolo. Using a makeshift explosive, she to blew up a tiny coin-sized opening into an entrance that led to her mystical cave. Inside she found intricate limestone formations that were shaped like biblical events and religious formations. 

Today, the site may be reached through a steep set of stairs. Upon entry, you will be greeted by huge stalactites and stalagmites and a natural basin that collects dripping water from the rock formations. The water is believed to have healing properties, while the entire cave is up to 8 stories deep, with only the first floor open to tourists.

There are lighting fixtures everywhere that allow visitors to see interesting sights like glittering white walls in various corners, bell-shaped formations, and popular figures like the “Eagle Pride” and “Sheep of Humility”.

If you don’t mind hiking up a rocky cliff for roughly 15 minutes, then follow a local guide to bring you to the top of a hill located outside the cave. Upon reaching the summit marked by a life-sized wooden cross, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Rizal province and Laguna Lake.

8. Casa Santa Museum 

The Christmas season is the most popular holiday in the Philippines, and no other place exemplifies its significance more than the Casa Santa Museum, a place devoted to all things related to the Season of Giving. 

Casa Santa Museum is located inside Jardin de Miramar Events Venue in San Isidro Antipolo City. It features more than 3,700 Santa and Christmas themed items collected from different parts of the world, highlighting various Christmas traditions and stories from other cultures. The museum is divided among 5 various attractions, namely Santa’s Toy Factory, Balay Belen, The Grinch, Christmas Village, and Lego Wall.

Santa’s Toy Factory is a replica of where Santa’s elves are hard at work making Christmas gifts for children. It displays statues of elves creating toys from different time frames worldwide, with wall clocks reminding them to stay on schedule, while another section shows a replica of a kitchen where elves have their meals during their breaks. 

Next is the Balay Belen, a section that highlights nativity sets from various places worldwide that show different versions of the Christmas narrative. It is a collection built up through the years and collected with care for everyone to enjoy. After a heartwarming section comes an area dedicated to the popular Christmas-hating Dr. Seuss character known as The Grinch, where a life-sized figure is displayed. 

The Christmas Village is home to a collection of Christmas themed items collected over the span of 5 years, and is arranged to look like a magical Christmas from a children’s storybook. Finally there’s the Lego Wall section which depicts different events and activities before Santa’s arrival in children’s houses.   

7. Boso-Boso Church 

Formally known as the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish Church, Boso-Boso Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Sitio Old Boso-Boso, Barangay San Jose. First established by Franciscan missionaries in the mid 15th century, the church is more than 400 years old, making it one of the oldest churches in the Rizal region, certainly older than the more famous Antipolo Cathedral. It lends a serene presence in its remote location, hidden as it were in a leafy area on a valley beneath the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, seemingly frozen in time. 

The ancient church is flanked by two majestic acacia trees and is surrounded by other leafy trees. There is a huge shaded courtyard in front of it while multi-colored San Francisco leaves stand beneath the trees. It has a sparse Romanesque architecture that has survived countless catastrophes, both man-made and otherwise, and therein lies its mysterious charm and ethereal beauty. 

The Jesuits took over the church in 1741 but had to leave when they were expelled from the Philippines in 1768. A secular order took charge when a devastating earthquake damaged most of the structure in 1880. It was never rebuilt and could have been lost forever in the 1930s when the residents were forced by the American administration to leave the place because a dam was supposed to be built. The proposed dam project was eventually abandoned. A fire burned down what was left of the church during the Japanese occupation, but it was rebuilt by the Camillian order in 1986, restoring it to its present-day condition.  

That the church is still around is a testament to the stability of its foundations and the unwavering faith of its Catholic devotees. 

6. Hinulugang Taktak 

For first time visitors making their rounds on various Rizal tourist spots, an Antipolo tour package wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Hinulugang Taktak, a popular tourist spot that provides the quintessential Antipolo tour experience: it has a verdant forest, a Marian shrine, and a natural waterfall with a name derived from local folklore. The traditional story goes that back in the 15th century, a bell was thrown into the waterfall because the local residents deemed it too loud. The root word “hulog” means “to fall” in Filipino, while “taktak” translates to a large bell. 

See our popular Waterfalls Tours

Cebu oslob whale shark watching, sumilon sandbar, tumalog falls tour with lunch & transfers, cebu oslob whale shark watching & kawasan canyoneering tour with safety gear, lunch & transfers, negros mambukal mountain resort day tour with transfers from bacolod city.

Hinulugang Taktak is located roughly 1.7 KM from another iconic Antipolo tourist spot, the Antipolo Cathedral, and is accessible via the Taktak Road. The falls is about 22 M tall and 26 meters wide. It is such an iconic destination that a local hymn of Antipolo that was composed back in 1929 mentions the park, indicating that it was already a famous tourist spot. It is now a protected landscape and the second most popular national park in the Philippines. 

It boasts of at least 11 species of trees in the surrounding area. Besides enjoying a view of the famous waterfall, the park has other recreational activities for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and even Marian devotees. These facilities include a public swimming pool, a hanging bridge built above a canopy of trees, a man-made spiderweb platform suspended over the waterfall, wall climbing facilities, and a meditation area with a statue of the Virgin Mary. 

5. Philip's Sanctuary 

Philip’s Sanctuary offers much more than a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living. It is also an eco-adventure mountain resort filled with exciting facilities and fun leisure activities perfect for large team-building events, family excursions, spiritual retreats, birthday parties, and as a workshop venue. It even has a chapel which is perfect for weddings and other gatherings for special occasions. 

Located in Sitio Panlilingan along Pestano Farm Road, this agro-forestry farm also hosts tree planting events to encourage the development of plants and flowers in the vicinity. It has a campsite where visitors can pitch a tent, enjoy the natural surroundings, and even build a bonfire at night. It has an aquaculture area with a pond and a river for farm-bred tilapia and pangasius fish, while an organic fruit farm is also nearby. They grow exotic tropical fruits like rambutan, guava, avocados, and dragon fruit.

The resort offers overnighters with simple huts and dorm-type places that can accommodate large groups. They offer food packages at the Breakfast Club that serves “silog” fare like longganisa with rice and a side of egg, which is much-needed fuel to help you navigate the grueling but fun obstacle courses available in the resort, which include activities involving ropes, water-based obstacle courses, and mud sliding through a huge piece of heavy-duty waterproof cloth. 

Kids and adults alike will enjoy catching their own farmed fish using fishing facilities available for rent, while those who have never seen an ostrich in the flesh will enjoy the sight of these flightless birds around the resort. Besides swimming both at the pool and the river, other fun activities include zip lining, kayaking, and riding a bike through the bike trails.  

4. Cloud 9 

Cloud 9 is famous for its panoramic view of Metro Manila, particularly in the evening when city's shimmering lightscome alive from one of the highest vantage points among Antipolo resorts  nearby. Nestled along Sumulong Highway, Cloud 9 sits at an elevation of approximately 221 M, which explains the chillier weather.

For brave visitors who are not afraid of heights, try getting up to the sky bridge to get a rare 360 view of the city. Aptly called the 360 Point View, this hanging bridge is suspended between two viewing decks. It provides an unobstructed view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and city skyline of both Antipolo and nearby areas. 

The exit from the 360 Point View leads to a stairway that displays various paintings, art installations, and wood carvings made by local artists. This extends toward an area called 7th Heaven, a leafy hanging bridge adorned with flowers, with a resident monkey greeting guests at the exit. 

While the view is the resort’s main attraction, it also offers other attractions that showcase the city’s thriving local art scene as well as the storied history of Antipolo and Rizal. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with an art exhibit that include a 29 foot long mural of the iconic image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage along with other pilgrimage sites in the area and a mosaic of the Philippine map decorating the ceramic floor. 

Cloud 9 is also a sought-after place for weddings, conventions, and other large gatherings, with an estate that houses 7 venue halls that can host anywhere from 30 people up to 400 guests per venue, while accommodations consist of 78 rooms. Resort facilities include 2 swimming pools, a zip line, sports and leisure club, and a restaurant with a viewing deck overlooking the city.

3. Mount Purro Nature Reserve 

Mount Purro Nature Reserve is a family-run eco-park located near the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, less than 45 km distance from Metro Manila by land. As an eco-park, this resort does not have a few standard modern amenities like television sets, air-conditioning, or free WIFI, and before you wonder why it’s no. 3 in our list of must-see Antipolo resorts , understand that this is precisely why people flock to this travel destination.

Mount Purro encourages guests to disconnect from a busy life, to go on a digital detox voluntarily, and engage with their surroundings. Far from being a major put-off, this ethos of environmental conservation is one of the main reasons for its popular tourist spot near Manila. It does have more than its fair share of fun outdoor activities such as forest hiking, river walking, putting up a bonfire, swimming at the pool, and tree planting.

Their cozy farm-style accommodations include cottages and cabins good for 2-4 persons, dorm room style rooms for up to 15 people, and areas to pitch a tent with shared toilets. Guests have access to facilities such as swimming pool, game room, cabanas and gazebos, and nature playscape. The resort has many open-air function areas surrounded by nature perfect for large gatherings, conventions, and team-building activities. 

It has a restaurant called Loli’s Kitchen that serves home-cooked plated meals specializing in Filipino dishes prepared from scratch, just like your typical Filipino comfort food. The dining area is located in a cozy “bahay kubo” or a nipa hut with bamboo tables and wooden furniture that sets the tone for a communal family-style dining experience. 

2. Antipolo Cathedral 

The Antipolo Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the Sierra Madre Mountains roughly 23 km east of Metro Manila. Also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish, the church’s major attraction is a 17th-century wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that is formally referred to as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Our Lady of Antipolo. 

The black madonna is one of the most highly venerated representations of the Immaculate Conception in the country, attracting millions of devotees both in the Philippines and abroad.

Its present location was the place where the image kept on turning up after mysteriously vanishing several times. The image would be found on a tree called a “tipolo”, prompting the townsfolk to take it as a divine sign to build the church on that exact location.

The statue is believed to be miraculous, and the claim appeared to be substantiated by several successful sea voyages across the Pacific Ocean during the Spanish colonial period at the height of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. The black madonna served as 6 other ship’s patron saint and protector on the journey from Manila to Mexico during the 1600s. 

Annual pilgrimages to the celebrated shrine reach the highest numbers in May, a month traditionally dedicated to the blessed virgin Mary. The most avid devotees can be seen going on an “alay lakad” or a “walk offering” by traveling from from Manila to the Antipolo parish on foot, just in time to hear mass at dawn. 

1. Pinto Art Museum 

Pinto Art Museum is located within a sprawling two-hectare estate designed by popular Filipino artist Antonio Leaño. The artworks seamlessly intermingle with the plants and flowers in the Silangan Garden, an arboretum filled with vibrant flora and fauna. The large complex is owned by art patron and neurologist, Dr. Joven Cuanang.

The exhibit space and art museum is home to a vast collection of local art he acquired through the years, his collection beginning in earnest in the late 1980’s when he championed a revolutionary art collective called The Salingpusa. His patronage of local art saw their full expression through dedicated connoisseurship and acquisions, which continues to this day.

The museum opened its doors to the public in 2010, it has become one of the 25 most Instagrammed museums in the world, belonging to a list that includes The Louvre in Paris and MoMa in New York City. Some of the distinguished names with rotating exhibitions at the museum include Elmer Borlongan, Rodel Tapaya, Marina Cruz, Joy Mallari, and Mark Justiniani. The museum houses a vast collection of contemporary art and primitive art such as statues or images from the Ifugao region in the Northern part of the Philippines.

A new wing called Gallery 7 was recently opened. It is a space that displays the latest Filipino artworks and installations. Inside there is a museum shop, a cafe called Cafe Rizal by Peppermill, and a tattoo shop for anyone interested to wear permanent markings on their skin.

Explore the Top Attractions of Antipolo

Whether you’re in the mood for a meditative pilgrimage, an exciting adventure or an art-inspired nature trip, you’ll find just the right place among the Antipolo tourist spots featured in this list. 

Antipolo is one of the best places to go for fun activities that highlight the surrounding area’s lush greenery. Visitors who prefer to wind down from a hectic day can try forest bathing, a relaxing Japanese phenomenon that encourages weary souls to spend a few hours outdoors under the canopy of trees.

• Book our Luljetta's Hanging Garden packages

Adventure-seekers looking for an exciting day in the great outdoors can have their fill of open landscapes, while art lovers can find countless places to appreciate beautiful paintings in museums or natural attractions around the city.

The verdant forests, rugged terrain, temperate weather, and mystical pilgrimage sites of Antipolo offer some of the best resorts or tours near Manila and provide weary city folks a quick getaway from the pressures of city living.

Popular articles

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing

11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan

15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol

10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers

Other interesting articles.

12 Best Halal Restaurants in Manila Philippines

Where to Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines

Top 12 Baguio Tours & Activities to Add to Your Travel Itinerary

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in the Philippines

Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines

Philippines Tour Packages

Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

15 BEST Pampanga Tourist Spots (Food, Heritage & Nature)

The beautiful province of Pampanga has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This is simply because everything it offers comes close to everyone’s hearts. From its breathtaking natural wonders to its rich history and culture, exciting entertainment hubs, booming economy, grand festivals and celebrations, and most importantly, heavenly selections of food!

Historically speaking, Pampanga has proved to be one of the most important provinces in the country ever since the Spanish Colony. It was the first-ever province created by the Spaniards and therefore became the richest throughout the 333-year reign of Spain. With that being said, you can almost guarantee that every bit of Pampanga’s culture and tradition has a huge Spanish influence. Pampanga is also home to some of the Philippines’ best-known natural landmarks including Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Arayat, and the mesmerizing Miyamit Falls!

Aside from its undoubtedly rich history, Pampanga is also one of the best-performing provinces in terms of economic success. Finally, Pampanga is also known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines” because several of our iconic Filipino cuisine dishes originated from the culinary genius of the Kapampangans. Heavenly dishes including Caldereta, Lengua Estofado , San Nicolas Cookies, Morcon, and most especially, the sinful Sisig all came from Pampanga. Some tourists from all over the world even visit the beautiful province just to taste the deliciously authentic dishes of Kapampangan Cuisine, I guess that just delivers the statement of how the Kapampangans mastered the art of cooking.

Pampanga is a complete package for those who want to explore a huge part of the Philippines’ history, culture, and natural beauty. There are several beautiful and exciting options to choose from and you will never run out of them when you’re in Pampanga. So, if you’re planning to visit the iconic province anytime soon then I’ve got your back! Here are the 15 Best Things to do in Pampanga!

1. Mt. Pinatubo

Credit: CNN Philippines

What was once one of the most deadly and chilling natural catastrophes in the history of mankind is now a breathtaking natural tourist destination. This just shows how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. I’m talking about the story of Mt. Pinatubo.

Despite still being active after its deadly eruption in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo has been relatively quiet all these years. This allowed people to freely explore around the majestic volcano and the ruins it left behind. To this date, tourists have countless activities to choose from such as hiking, trekking, 4×4 rides along the routes of lahar flow, and visiting the famous Pinatubo Spa Town!

The best time to visit Mt. Pinatubo is during the summer so tourists can clearly witness how beautiful the mountain truly is. So don’t miss the chance! CHECK PINATUBO TOUR HERE

2. Clark Museum and 4D Theatre

Next up on the list is the newly renovated Clark Museum and 4D Theatre. The museum has been one of the most exciting and educational attractions in Pampanga for it was able to perfectly incorporate modern technology into the depiction of the province’s history and culture.

This huge museum is composed of 4 galleries consisting of extensive collections of historical and cultural artifacts such as samples from Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Arayat, Kapampangan handicrafts, colonial remnants, depiction of grand festivals , and many more! It also consists of a 48-seater 4D Theatre which features a documentary film named “Risen from the Ashes”. This is about the iconic 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in a 4D experience. This film aims to let the world understand and experience the deadly eruption and how hard the Kapampangans fought to overcome it. CHECK THE BEST HOTELS IN CLARK HERE

Creativity at its finest.

All in all, the Clark Museum and 4D Theatre are suitable for everyone. It is important that appreciate the rich culture and history our country has so make sure to visit the museum with your family and friends! CHECK CLARK TOUR HERE

3. Nayong Pilipino

All of these and a lot more, a visit to Nayong Pilipino will surely be able to let you enjoy our culture and at the same time learn more about it!

Read the Blog Post: Clark Pampanga Tourist Spots 

4. Sandbox Pampanga

Credit: Spot.ph

Oh, so are you ready for an adrenaline-pumping and breathtaking adventure? Alright, you better be because our next destination will be wild and exciting! Sandbox Pampanga is one of the newest attractions in the province that captured the hearts of many!

Sandbox is a haven of outdoor attraction that provides countless outdoor activities for tourists of all ages! The adventure park covers a wide area of 2 hectares where exciting experiences await everyone! Feel free to choose from the Giant Swing, Rappel Wall, Free Fall, Aerial Walk, and the iconic Roller Coaster Zipline which is the first-ever in Asia! How cool is that?

Certainly, you won’t come out of Sandbox Pampanga without satisfying your cravings for daredevil activities! CHECK SANDBOX TOUR HERE

5. Mt. Arayat National Park

Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

Another attraction in Pampanga that allows us to be closer to nature is no other than Mt. Arayat National Park. It is considered to be one of the most accessible national parks from the metro where you can appreciate the beautiful creation of nature even more.

Tourists are welcome to try and hike the twin peaks of Mt. Arayat where one has an elevation of more than 1,000 meters. On top of the mountain, you can see the mesmerizing volcanic crater of Arayat and see tons of beautiful species of flora and fauna. Don’t worry though because Mt. Arayat is already extinct so it no longer imposes any danger.

With 3,715 hectares of nature producing peace and serenity to anyone who enters it, Mt. Arayat National Park is certainly one of the most exciting and at the same time relaxing attractions in Pampanga.

6. Aling Lucing’s Sisig

Credit: Roamaholic 

Finally! A trip to Pampanga will never be complete without tasting one of the province’s iconic dishes, the Sizzling Sisig! Sure, there are a ton of restaurants in the province that serve a heavenly dish of Sisig, but nothing quite compares to the iconic Aling Lucing’s Sisig, home of the original Sisig in Pampanga.

Of course, there’s no better way to taste the sinful deliciousness of Sisig than having one from the famous Sisig Queen herself, Aling Lucing Cunanan. She established her restaurant in 1974 which now has several branches across the province. Her “reinvention” of the Sisig dish enabled Angeles City to earn the title of “Sisig Capital of the Philippines”.

Up to this date, the masterful version of Aling Lucing to the iconic Sisig remains undefeated and you definitely have to try it from one of her very own restaurants in Angeles!

7. Sky Ranch Pampanga

Credit: Sunstar 

Are you ready for even more adventures? Well, then you’re in for a treat because our next destination is no other than Sky Ranch Pampanga! We all know that Sky Ranch is a big network of amusement parks in the Philippines currently with three (3) branches all in Luzon: Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Sky Ranch Baguio, and Sky Ranch Pampanga.

Sky Ranch Pampanga is a popular tourist attraction especially for children because the amusement park features a total of 23 fun and exciting rides such as the loop roller coaster, space shuttle, express train, and of course, the Super Viking that everybody loves!

Of course, nobody should miss the iconic ride and landmark of Sky Ranch Pampanga, the Pampanga Eye. Standing at 213 feet and allowing tourists to witness a breathtaking sight of the Luzon Archipelago, the Pampanga Eye is considered to be the tallest Ferris wheel in the country and you shouldn’t miss it! CHECK SKY RANCH TOUR HERE

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Tourist Spots in the Philippines

8. Aqua Planet

I sure hope you’re not yet tired because our next destination is yet again overflowing with fun and exciting activities! I’m talking about Aqua Planet, the largest waterpark in the entire country with a huge area spanning over 10 hectares.

The water theme park has an astounding capacity of 5,000 people with over 38 water slides and other attractions that everyone can use. Aqua Planet also features two (2) wave pools, one for adults and another one for children. No matter what your age is, you will surely have the time of your life here at Aqua Planet! CHECK AQUAPLANET TOUR HERE

9. Zoocobia Fun Zoo

Credit: Rammmpa

Yep, we’re still in for a lot more adventures and I doubt we’ll ever stop! Another family-friendly destination that every tourist should visit is Zoocobia Fun Zoo. This zoo theme park aims to promote the awareness and protection of our lovely animals. The park also wants to combine education and entertainment so kids would be able to enjoy but still learn a lot from their experience.

Some of the highly-anticipated attractions in Zoocobia Fun Zoo are The Barn, Birds of Paradise, Zooc Ride, and the must-try Camel Ride which of course allows you to ride on an actual camel! You don’t always get a chance to do that so I’d say go for it! Don’t worry because you’ll always be accompanied by a professional trainer so, all good!

10. Pradera Verde

Credit: Praderaverde 

So far all we’re talking about are the countless adventures that you should try when in Pampanga. Now, let’s move on to this world-class accommodation facility which is still jam-packed with fun and exciting activities! I’m talking about the one and only Pradera Verde!

Nestled in the wonderful municipality of Lubao, Pradera Verde has long been one of the premier destinations for those who want to maximize their trip to Pampanga in a grand and exciting way. Apart from their top-tier facilities and amenities, the rooms in Pradera Verde also offer the highest degree of comfort and convenience to all its guests.

Moreover, the one-stop-shop resort also offers many leisurely fun activities such as the Golf Park, Water Park, and its famous Wake Park, which is hailed as one of the top destinations for wakeboarding enthusiasts!

11. Bale Dutung Restaurant

Credit: Bale Dutung FB Page 

Well, well, well. After all those fun, exciting, and exhausting adventures, I believe it’s time for another munching of good food! That’s what we’ll get when we visit the famous Bale Dutung Restaurant of Angeles City. The name of the restaurant itself translates to “House of Wood” which became the signature of the beautiful restaurant.

Bale Dutung Restaurant is one of the highly-acclaimed restaurants in Asia and was once even visited by the man himself, the great Anthony Bourdain. The goal of the restaurant is to enable tourists to appreciate Filipino Food at its best and finest state. The restaurant spans a wide area where it features three (3) different venues and a gallery.

Well, the reputation of Bale Dutung Restaurant already speaks for itself and I think you already know that you have to visit it at least once in your life!

12. Dinosaurs Island

Credit: Manila Millenial

Hmm, who’s in to meet dinosaurs? Well, I don’t know about you but I certainly am! No matter how old we are, we can’t deny the fact we were once fascinated by dinosaurs, right? After all, the iconic film Jurassic Park was aired in our era so we can’t help it. Anyway, our next destination will allow us to relive those childhood memories and spend them with our kids!

Dinosaurs Island in Mabalacat is an animatronic theme park and museum that allows visitors to have a fun and interactive learning experience about dinosaurs! The park is open for people of all ages where you can meet life-sized dinosaurs, rides, tours, and many more! Some of the most anticipated attractions in Dinosaurs Island are the Jurassic Jungle Safari, Dino Trail, Dino Adventure Ride, and the 7D Superscreen. Oh no, that wasn’t a typo at all, it’s really 7D!

Dropping by Dinosaurs Island will certainly be the highlight of your trip especially when you have fun little kids with you. So I suggest that you give it a try! CHECK DINOSAUR ISLAND TOUR HERE

13. Pamintuan Mansion (Angeles City)

Credit: Miss Woman 

Up next is another destination that allows us to appreciate and look back to Pampanga’s rich culture and history. I’m talking about the iconic Pamintuan Mansion of Angeles City! This historical mansion was built by the wealthy Pamintuan family and it was used by Katipuneros during the Philippine-American War.

To this date, the mansion still stands and serves as a social science museum. It is currently the site of the Museum of Philippine Social History. The museum focuses more on the traditional and cultural social life of Filipinos featuring their clothes, games, music, products, and many more! CHECK THE BEST HOTELS IN ANGELES HERE

14. San Fernando Train Station

Ah, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a visit to one of the country’s iconic and historical landmarks, the San Fernando Train Station. This old train station became historically significant because of its participation in the famous Bataan Death March where it served as a stopping place for participating Filipino and American soldiers.

Up to this date, the building is perfectly preserved to honor the courage and sacrifice of our Filipino soldiers during the war. The building has a historical ambiance that makes it a perfect place to capture your fun adventure in the province. CHECK THE BEST HOTELS IN SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA HERE

15. Museo Ning Angeles

READ: RAZON’S OF GUAGUA MENU with Branches & Delivery

Finally, the Museo Ning Angeles is one of the most important landmarks in Pampanga that preserves its rich culture and history. The museum currently stands at a former site of a Spanish colonial-era courthouse.

Museo Ning Angeles is a 1920’s museum housing an extensive collection of provinces history including dioramas of the Kapampangan’s traditional life and culture. It also displays a huge collection of the works of the famous Patis Pamintuan-Tesoro who is considered to be the Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion. Moreover, the museum also hosts a specific section called the Culinarium which depicts the wide array of Filipino cuisine that the province of Pampanga is known for.

The Museo Ning Angeles is a recognized cultural property by the National Museum of the Philippines, so visiting would both be a fun and exciting learning opportunity about the overall history of Pampanga and the Philippines!

FAQ: Best Pampanga Tourist Spots

1. What are some must-visit tourist spots in Pampanga? Pampanga boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant attractions. Must-visit spots include Mount Arayat National Park, Nayong Pilipino Clark, San Guillermo Church, and the historic Santa Ana Church.

2. How do I get to Pampanga’s tourist destinations? Pampanga is easily accessible by air through Clark International Airport. Major roads and highways also connect the province to neighboring areas, making it convenient to travel by car or bus.

3. What is Pampanga known for? Pampanga is renowned for its delectable cuisine, often referred to as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” It’s also known for its intricate religious festivals, vibrant parades, and impressive colonial-era churches.

4. Are there family-friendly attractions in Pampanga? Absolutely! Pampanga offers family-friendly attractions like Aqua Planet, an expansive water park, and Zoocobia Fun Zoo, which features interactive animal encounters and thrilling rides.

5. What historical sites can I explore in Pampanga? Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Pampanga Provincial Capitol, Museo ning Angeles, and the Camalig Restaurant, a heritage site turned into a dining establishment.

6. What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Pampanga? Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Mount Pinatubo, explore the Sacobia River, or go horseback riding at El Kabayo Stables. Hot air balloon festivals are also a popular attraction.

7. When is the best time to visit Pampanga? The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant for exploring outdoor attractions and enjoying festivities.

8. How can I experience Pampanga’s culinary delights? Indulge in Pampanga’s culinary treasures by trying local dishes at renowned restaurants or exploring food markets like Susie’s Cuisine and Pampanga’s Best.

9. Can I experience traditional festivals in Pampanga? Absolutely! Pampanga hosts vibrant festivals like the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) and the Sinukwan Festival, celebrating local culture through music, dance, and colorful displays.

10. Where can I find accommodations in Pampanga? Pampanga offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like Widus Hotel and Casino to budget-friendly options and cozy bed-and-breakfasts.

11. Are there any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path spots in Pampanga? Yes, Pampanga has hidden gems like Betis Church, known for its stunning ceiling murals, and the Lahar-Covered Church, which showcases the resilience of the locals against the Mount Pinatubo eruption.

12. Is Pampanga suitable for a day trip from Manila? A12: Yes, Pampanga is an ideal destination for a day trip from Manila due to its proximity. You can explore key attractions and savor its unique culture in a single day.

13. Can I book guided tours of Pampanga’s tourist spots? Certainly! Many tour operators offer guided tours of Pampanga, providing informative insights into the history, culture, and attractions of the region.

14. Is Pampanga safe for tourists? Pampanga is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to practice common safety measures, such as staying in well-lit areas and securing your belongings.

15. How can I support local communities while visiting Pampanga? Support local communities by purchasing handicrafts, souvenirs, and products made by local artisans. Patronizing local eateries and participating in community-based tours also contribute to sustainable tourism.

More Pampanga Blog Posts 

• 10 Best Resorts in Pampanga 
• Lantern Festival in Pampanga
• Best Hotels in San Fernando, Pampanga
• 15 BEST HOTELS IN CLARK, Pampanga
• Yami Bulgogi Restaurant in Pampanga
• Sinukwan Festival Pampanga

 previous

15 BEST Tagaytay Tourist Spots 2024 (2-3 Hours from Manila)

newer 

How to CASH IN with GCASH (Exploring Convenient Methods)

You might also like.

Giant Lantern at Heroes Park, San Fernando, Pampanga

SINUKWAN FESTIVAL: Showcasing the Colorful Kapampangan Culture

Clark Pampanga Tourist Spots and Attractions

Leave a reply cancel reply, privacy overview.

Check out Latest Tacloban Travel and Tourist Spot Guide for 2022

With  BiyaheFinder Tacloban Travel Information , you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip. This brief Travel Info contains all the information you need to know about amazing Tacloban, Leyte, from flight availability and promos, to where to stay and what attractions you can’t miss. So if you’re looking for information for your trip to Tacloban, look no further than Tacloban Travel Guide by BiyaheFinder !

Tacloban Travel Requirements

• Travel Requirements for Tacloban
• Philippine Airlines Travel Requirements for Tacloban
• Cebu Pacific Travel Requirements for Tacloban
• AirAsia Travel Requirements for Tacloban

Getting to Tacloban

Tacloban city flights schedule.

Flights from Manila with Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia Philippines typically take about an hour. Flights depart from Cebu on Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Flights to/from Davao may still be suspended as of this writing.

The flight schedule shown above was updated on November 1, 2022, for the Month of November 2022. Airlines frequently change their schedule without notice, so it is best always to check out the airlines’ official websites.

Blank cells mean there are no flights for that particular route to and from Tacloban.

Tacloban Travel Airfare Promos and Seat Sales

Check out the latest promos to and from Tacloban, Leyte. Blank cells mean the particular airline does not have any promos going to or coming from Tacloban.

For the latest promos appearing above, please click on the respective links below for more information like booking and travel periods:

• Ending November 10, 2022: Cheapest Cebu Pacific Promo Tickets for 2022-2023 Travel For as Low as P88 One Way Base Fare
• Ending November 10, 2022: Cebu Pacific Ticket Promo for Asian Destinations, Dubai, or Sydney for as Low as P1299 One-Way Base Fare!

To and From Tacloban Ferry Services

There are no passenger ferries to or from Tacloban, but there are buses and vans that will take you to Ormoc, Baybay, or Naval ports before transferring you to Cebu City .

Best Time for Tacloban Travel

Tacloban’s most popular month for tourism is April , followed by February and March. The cost of hotels and flights will be at its highest during these months, but you may save money if you book ahead of time. In October, it is unlikely that tourists will visit Tacloban. Visitors who are prepared to visit then will almost certainly discover it to be the least expensive month.

Tacloban Travel: Best Hotels

Check out the best hotels in Tacloban as guest-rated on Agoda.com. The best Tacloban Travel hotels rated on the platform are categorized according to value or budget (one to two stars) and mid-high end (three to five stars) hotels. Click on the link to check out the hotel photos, amenities, nightly rate, and room availability.

Tacloban Travel: Transfers and Transportation

To and from tacloban land transport services, tacloban travel: tours, attractions, and activities.

• Tacloban City Private Half-Day Tour

Top 10 Tacloban Tourist Spot Guide for Visitors

1. santo niño shrine and heritage museum.

The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum is one of the 20 presidential rest houses constructed by late former President Ferdinand Marcos for his wife Imelda, who was from Tacloban. The exquisite building served as a chapel, museum, and guest house with 21 rooms.

In 1979, a religious monument was erected in honor of Sto. Niño, Tacloban City’s patron saint and subsequently taken over by the Presidential Commission on Good Government in 1986. It is said, though, that Imelda only stayed in the home once. It is now well-known among tourists owing to its connection with the Marcos family.

2. San Juanico Bridge

The San Juanico Bridge is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway and connects Samar to Leyte in the Philippines. Its longest length is a steel girder viaduct over reinforced concrete piers, and its main span is an arch-shaped truss design. It was built under the Marcos administration and has a length of 2.16 kilometers —the Philippines’ second-longest bridge spanning a body of sea water.

The Tacloban Bridge is one of the Philippines’ most-visited attractions, according to the national government. The San Juanico Bridge is a key link between Samar and Leyte Islands, connecting them economically and tourism-wise.

3. Price Mansion

The Price Mansion is an example of a nineteenth-century American colonial home constructed in the Philippines. It was General Douglas MacArthur’s official home and headquarters during the Liberation of the Philippines era in 1944. The structure previously served as the residence of Walter Scott Price, his wife Simeona Kalingag, and their children. It has now been renamed as the CAP Building, which is located on Romualdez Street near Supreme Court.

4. Leyte Provincial Capitol

The Leyte Provincial Capitol , which was erected in 1907, is a neoclassical structure. The “Kapitolyo,” the seat of the provincial government of Leyte, is located at the junction of Sen. Enage Street and Magsaysay Boulevard. The Philippine Commonwealth Government’s legislative chamber was also here during President Sergio Osmeña’s arrival with WWII Liberation Forces in 1944. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan damaged the Capitol.

5. MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park

The MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park , also known as the Leyte Landing Memorial Park and MacArthur Park, is a protected area of the Philippines that remembers General Douglas MacArthur’s historic landing in the Leyte Gulf during the campaign to recapture and liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation in 1944.

The park’s most distinguishing feature is the enormous bronze statues, which are twice the size of a regular person. There are seven bronze sculptures depicting the people who led the historic walk onto the beach that day. Two of the persons depicted by the statues are General Douglas MacArthur and then Philippine president in exile, Sergio Osmena.

The war memorial is located in the municipality of Palo on Leyte island in Eastern Visayas and is one of the region’s major tourist attractions.

6. M/V Eva Jocelyn Memorial

The name “ M/V Eva Jocelyn ” refers to a ship that was wrecked in the coastal barangay of Anibong during Yolanda and wiped out numerous homes, killing many individuals. The monument is dedicated to storm victims.

“On November 8, 2013 at 7 a.m. M/V Eva Jocelyn, which was anchored in the city harbor, ran aground and killed residents of Barangay Anibong. It was pushed by a 7-meter high storm surge caused by winds in excess of 370km/h brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda,” read the marker on the memorial.

It never left its spot, as the city government turned the bow of the ship into a tourist attraction.

7. Korean Veteran Memorial Park

The Korean Veteran Memorial Park is located near McArthur park, at the junction. The Koreans were given the land for their involvement in Yolanda and subsequently erected a memorial in honor of Filipinos who assisted them during the Korean War. The park is architecturally beautiful with some fascinating exhibits and statues. It’s worth seeing.

8. Paruparong Bukid Nature and Conservation Center

The Paruparong Bukid Nature Conservation Center is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quieter and more colorful butterfly experience in Leyte. It’s where nature lovers and people of all ages get caught up in the wonders of insects and other wildlife. The conservation center is located in Barangay Lukay, Babatngon, Leyte, about 30 minutes or 30 kilometers from Tacloban City.

9. Madonna of Japan

The Madonna of Japan is a monument that symbolizes the close friendship between the Japanese and Filipinos. It can be found on Kanhuraw Hill, facing Kankabato Bay, near City Hall. During World War II, it became a campground for Japanese soldiers.

10. Santo Niño de Tacloban Church

The Santo Niño Parish in Tacloban City is a notable historical structure in the city. The image, it is claimed, halted an epidemic in the area in the 19th century and has since been housed at this church. It was handed over to the Archdiocese of Palo in 1990. During the recent coronavirus pandemic, it has been designated as an archdiocesan shrine.

Other Travel Guides

Ozamiz Travel Information: Flights, Requirements, Hotels, Top Tourist Spots

San Jose Travel Information: Flights, Requirements, Hotels, Top Tourist Spots

Check out Latest Coron Palawan Travel Guide and Tourist Spots for 2022

Check out Latest Dipolog Tourist Spots and Travel Guide for 2022

Check out the Latest Naga Tourist Spots and Travel Guide for 2022

Check Out Davao Travel Information and Guide for 2022