It’s often both thrilling and daunting to plan a trip to the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands, each offering a unique slice of paradise, deciding where to go is the biggest challenge for any traveler. Whether you dream of pristine white-sand beaches, world-class diving, or lush green rice terraces, this archipelago has it all.
This guide will help you navigate the vast beauty of the Philippines by curating the top 10 destinations. From famous island getaways to historical cities and hidden gems, this list is your perfect starting point for an unforgettable journey.
Travel Tips
To make your trip to the Philippines as smooth as possible, keep these tips in mind.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to April, is the ideal time to visit, with sunny skies and calm seas perfect for island hopping.
- Getting Around: Inter-island travel is done by a mix of domestic flights and ferries. Within cities and islands, you can use local tricycles, jeepneys, or ride-sharing apps like Grab.
Your Guide to the 10 Best Philippine Destinations
1. Palawan: The World’s Best Island
Often voted the “Most Beautiful Island in the World,” Palawan is a nature lover’s dream. It’s home to some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes, from breathtaking limestone cliffs to crystal-clear lagoons.
- What It’s Known For: Unparalleled natural beauty and iconic island-hopping tours.
- Key Highlights:
- El Nido: Famous for its stunning limestone karst formations, hidden lagoons (Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon), and pristine beaches like Nacpan Beach. Island-hopping tours A, B, C, and D are a must-do.
- Coron: A diver’s paradise with famous Japanese WWII shipwrecks. It also boasts beautiful volcanic lakes, including the stunning Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake.
- How to Get There: Fly directly to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron from Manila or Cebu.
2. Boracay: The Ultimate Beach Vibe
Boracay is synonymous with paradise. This small island, located in the Visayas, is famous for its powder-soft white sand and vibrant nightlife. After a major cleanup and rehabilitation, the island has returned to its pristine state.
- What It’s Known For: White Beach, vibrant nightlife, and water sports.
- Key Highlights:
- White Beach: Divided into three stations, this beach offers a mix of relaxation, dining, and parties.
- Water Sports: Go sailing on a Paraw boat, try windsurfing at Bulabog Beach, or even take a thrilling parasailing ride.
- Sunset: The sunset from White Beach is a defining and essential Boracay experience.
- How to Get There: Fly to Caticlan Airport (MPH), followed by a short ferry ride to the island.
3. Siargao: The Surfer’s Paradise
For a more laid-back and authentic island experience, head to Siargao. This teardrop-shaped island in the Mindanao region is known for its world-class surfing scene and chill vibe.
- What It’s Known For: Surfing, laid-back atmosphere, and natural pools.
- Key Highlights:
- Cloud 9: A famous surfing spot with a perfect right-hand barrel wave, attracting surfers from all over the world.
- Island Hopping: Explore nearby gems like Daku Island, Naked Island, and Guyam Island.
- Sugba Lagoon: A tranquil lagoon with turquoise water, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- How to Get There: Fly directly to Siargao’s Sayak Airport (IAO) from Manila or Cebu.
4. Cebu: The Gateway to Adventure
Cebu is a major hub in the central Philippines, offering a perfect blend of city life and thrilling outdoor adventures. It’s the ideal starting point for exploring the Visayas region.
- What It’s Known For: A diverse mix of urban life, historical sites, and extreme adventures.
- Key Highlights:
- Moalboal Sardine Run: Witness millions of sardines swimming together just a few meters from the shore.
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching: This encounter with the gentle giants is an experience of a lifetime.
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: A thrilling journey through stunning canyons and turquoise waterfalls.
- Historical Sites: Don’t miss the chance to see Magellan’s Cross and the Santo Niño Church in Cebu City.
- How to Get There: Fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), one of the country’s main international gateways.
5. Bohol: Home of the Chocolate Hills
Bohol is known for its blend of beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and natural marvels. It’s a fantastic destination for families and travelers seeking a mix of activities.
- What It’s Known For: The Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier.
- Key Highlights:
- Chocolate Hills: Over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn a chocolate-brown color during the dry season.
- Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary: Get up close with one of the world’s smallest primates.
- Panglao Island: Offers stunning beaches and diving spots just a short drive from the main island.
- How to Get There: Fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) from Manila or Cebu.
6. Manila: The Capital with a Rich Past
Manila, the bustling capital city, is the main entry point for most international flights. While often overlooked for its islands, it’s a city with a rich history and vibrant culture worth exploring.
- What It’s Known For: Historical sites, shopping, and food scene.
- Key Highlights:
- Intramuros: The walled city of Old Manila, with Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical churches.
- Rizal Park: A large urban park dedicated to the national hero, Jose Rizal.
- Makati: The modern business district with world-class shopping malls and upscale restaurants.
- How to Get There: Fly to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) (MNL).
7. Batanes: The Majestic Northern Islands
For a truly unique experience, head to the remote northern islands of Batanes. Known for its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and stone houses, it feels worlds away from the rest of the Philippines.
- What It’s Known For: Breathtaking landscapes, unique Ivatan culture, and tranquil atmosphere.
- Key Highlights:
- Traditional Stone Houses: Admire the sturdy, typhoon-resistant stone houses of the Ivatan people.
- Vayang Rolling Hills: Rolling green hills that meet the sea, offering postcard-perfect views.
- Marlboro Country: A vast pasture with stunning views of the coast.
- How to Get There: Fly to Basco Airport (BSO) from Manila.
8. Siquijor: The Mystic Island
Siquijor is a mystical island known for its beautiful waterfalls, quiet beaches, and ancient traditions. It offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than its more famous neighbors.
- What It’s Known For: Mystical traditions, waterfalls, and peaceful beaches.
- Key Highlights:
- Cambugahay Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall with a rope swing and crystal-clear blue pools.
- Salagdoong Beach: Famous for its natural rock formations and exhilarating cliff diving.
- How to Get There: Take a ferry from Dumaguete, a short flight from Manila.
9. Banaue Rice Terraces: Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World
Located in the Cordillera region of Luzon, the Banaue Rice Terraces are an engineering marvel built by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago.
- What It’s Known For: Ancient rice terraces and rich indigenous culture.
- Key Highlights:
- Batad Village: A charming village nestled within the amphitheater-like rice terraces.
- Hiking: Explore the terraces on foot, offering stunning views and a chance to meet the locals.
- How to Get There: An overnight bus from Manila is the most common way to get to Banaue.
10. Vigan: A Glimpse of Old-World Charm
Located in the northern Philippines, Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautifully preserved example of a Spanish colonial town.
- What It’s Known For: Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
- Key Highlights:
- Calle Crisologo: A street lined with beautiful old Spanish houses, perfect for a photo-op.
- Kalesa Ride: Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city to truly experience its old-world charm.
- How to Get There: Fly to Laoag International Airport (LAO) and take a bus to Vigan.
Which Destination is Right for You?
- For the Beach Lover: Boracay is the top choice for its perfect sand and party scene. Palawan is ideal for island hopping.
- For the Adventurer: Siargao is the go-to for surfing, while Cebu offers canyoneering and snorkeling.
- For a Cultural Experience: Manila and Vigan offer a glimpse into the country’s colonial past, while Banaue provides a deep dive into indigenous traditions.
- For a Quiet Escape: Siquijor offers a more peaceful vibe, while Batanes is for travelers seeking a unique, rugged landscape.
The Philippines is a country of endless beauty and adventure. No matter what you’re looking for, these top destinations will provide a truly unforgettable experience.
