The Philippines is an enormous archipelago of effectively over 7000 islands, so there’s little question that there are quite a lot of nice issues to do throughout this underrated Southeast Asian nation.
Recognized for its white-sand seashores, lovely lagoons and glorious dive websites, this can be a vacation spot the place you’ll be able to concurrently calm down and journey every single day of your journey.
You’ll be able to hike to the summit of energetic volcanoes, snorkel with big shoals of sardines, or take within the native historical past and tradition.
Discover Cebu for seashores and mountains, sit again on the seashores of Boracay or Bohol, or enterprise into the Rice Terraces of Banaue.
There are such a lot of nice issues to do within the Philippines, and to encourage your subsequent journey, listed here are the most effective of them!
Don’t go away residence with out: Lonely Planet Philippines (Nation Information)
21 Finest Issues to Do within the Philippines
1. Wander the Intramuros in Manila
Typically missed by vacationers making a fast beeline to the seashores and islands, it’s nonetheless inconceivable to flee the capital metropolis of the Philippines, Manila.
That is the admittedly chaotic and at instances the overwhelming coronary heart of the nation, however take the time to discover the historic district of Intramuros earlier than you escape.
Intramuros is the place the fashionable historical past of the Philippines begins as a result of that is the outdated walled Spanish metropolis, from the place the nation was dominated for greater than 300 years in the course of the colonial period.
Stroll alongside the ramparts, go to Manila Cathedral, trip across the cobbled streets in a rickshaw, and take in the heritage of Manila’s most historic space.
Take in the sights, uncover the historical past, and even trip alongside the partitions on this small-group bicycle tour with a distinction: bamboo bikes.
After selecting a method and measurement that fits you, tour websites together with Fort Santiago, Plaza Roma, and the Puerta del Parian gate, then end with some Filipino snacks.
2. Go to Coron
However you gained’t keep in Manila for too lengthy, and whenever you go away, take a brief flight or an extended in a single day ferry to Coron City, the hub for a small archipelago that has shortly develop into among the finest issues to do within the Philippines.
Barely recognized even only a decade in the past, Coron is now one of the vital in style locations within the nation, and for good motive.
That is the basic Philippines, nevertheless it’s but to be completely overrun by mass tourism. There are white sand seashores on far-flung, distant islands.
There are freshwater lagoons shrouded in native folklore and surrounded by tall limestone karsts. There are sizzling springs, shipwrecks, coral reefs and far, way more ready to be found in Coron.
Go to Coron and take this nice tour of all of the island’s highlights, together with snorkeling on the Siete Pecados Marine Park and Coral Eden, a ship cruise round Kayangan Lake, and swimming on the Twin Lagoons, plus a scrumptious seafood lunch on Calachuchi Seashore.
3. Uncover Palawan Island
Positioned to the south of Coron, Palawan was as soon as referred to as the final frontier of the Philippines.
It’s not fairly so untouched today, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an excellent mixture of rustic seashore locations and vacationer websites that make Palawan the proper place for a primary time journey to the Philippines.
Most vacationers will begin in Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s largest metropolis, the place you’re only a quick journey away from the attractive Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Website of subterranean rivers.
Journey north and also you’ll discover the occasion seashores of Nacpan or island-hopping adventures round El Nido.
Journey south and also you’ll discover a comparatively unexplored a part of the Philippines, with rustic seashore bungalows set alongside the remoted shoreline.
Go to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Nationwide Park, and paddle down the Puerto Princesa Underground River on this 8-hour tour. This underground river is among the longest underground rivers on this planet.
Board a ship on the mouth of the cave at Sabang Wharf, and cease on the Buenavista viewpoint for views of the Ulugan Bay.
You can even select to improve to incorporate a bunch or personal journey to a ziplining expertise at Ugong Rock Journey Zipline and Spelunking.
4. Climb Volcanoes
It is a nation set alongside main faultlines, which implies that among the finest issues to do within the Philippines is to discover the numerous, many volcanoes which might be discovered throughout the islands.
Simply south of Manila, you could find the epic Taal Volcano, the place you’ll see the curious pure phenomenon of a crater lake in a volcano, which is inside one other lake.
Head south, and in Bicol, you’ll be able to hike or trip quad bikes up the slopes of Mount Mayon, one of the vital energetic volcanoes within the nation.
Uncover the pure fantastic thing about Taal Volcano, one of many Philippines’ most energetic volcanoes, on this 8-hour tour.
You’ll take a ship trip to the volcano island and admire the setting of the crater and surrounding Taal Lake on a horseback trip with a information.
5. Go Snorkeling and Diving
With a lot shoreline and ocean, among the finest issues to do within the Philippines is snorkeling and diving.
On each island, you’ll discover lovely spots the place you’ll be able to discover the wealthy biodiversity of the underwater world, and the truth that this is among the most cost-effective locations on this planet to dive makes issues even simpler.
Head to Coron to snorkel or dive shipwrecks, or journey to Moalboal the place you’ll be able to snorkel with big shoals of sardines only a few meters off the seashore.
Apo Reef is among the largest, but virtually unknown coral reef methods on the planet, whereas on Malapascua Island you’ll be able to dive with pleasant Thresher Sharks. The choices are fairly actually countless.
Uncover the underwater world of the Philippines’ Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary on a snorkeling tour from Cebu.
After touring by boat to succeed in the situation, you’ll have the possibility to swim over the tropical reef to search for fish and different marine life.
6. Swim with Whale Sharks
Probably the greatest causes to go to the Philippines although is for the Whale Sharks.
These majestic creatures – the world’s largest fish – are solely present in a choose few places, however within the Philippines, head to the appropriate place on the proper time of the 12 months and you may be virtually assured to identify them.
Now, don’t go to Oslob, the vacation spot in Cebu that’s finest recognized for whale sharks. The ethics listed here are doubtful, because the locals have been feeding the whale sharks for years to draw them to the coast.
Head as a substitute to Donsol, off the coast of Bicol, the place between November and April the Whale Sharks head by the world on their very own accord.
Go whale shark watching off the scenic coast of Oslob, Cebu on at the present time tour. Undoubtedly, one of the vital in style, speaking about worldwide recognition, vacationer points of interest in South Cebu!
7. See the Chocolate Hills
Probably the most famed issues to do within the Philippines is to go to the long-lasting Chocolate Hills.
Discovered on the island of Bohol, within the Visayas, the Chocolate Hills are so-called as a result of within the dry season this countless vary of distinct hilltops seems to be remarkably like chocolate.
You’ll be able to go to the Chocolate Hills viewing space, the place on elevated platforms you’ll have unbelievable views throughout the landscapes, the place Chocolate Hills actually stretch in the direction of the horizon.
Take pleasure in a full-day tour of Bohol Island from Tagbilaran, touring with an informative information across the gorgeous island.
Loosen up throughout a lunch cruise on the Loboc River, then take within the Chocolate Hills from a number of vantage factors. You’ll additionally see every day life in villages and farms for a complete island expertise.
8. Catch a Sundown in Panglao
Related to Bohol by a brief bridge, is the favored getaway island of Panglao. That is an island that may fulfill the cravings of any traveler as a result of there’s a lot to do right here.
You’ll find seashore resorts and high-end accommodations or rustic seashore bungalows and low-cost hostels. Go to Alona Seashore to calm down on the white sands or to occasion the evening away.
Take an island-hopping journey to discover turtle sanctuaries or distant dive websites. Discover caves, go snorkeling, or head to Bohol in quest of the fabled Chocolate Hills.
Spare your self the trouble and expense of self-drive and calm down as knowledgeable takes the wheel on this half-day door-to-door tour of gorgeous Panglao Island.
Moreover Instagram-worthy seashores, together with Alona Seashore, see the dramatic stalactites of Hinagdanan Cave, savor an natural ice cream on the Bohol Bee Farm, tour island church buildings, and go to the Nova Shells Museum.
9. Benefit from the Seashores in Boracay
Boracay has modified quite a bit because it was first ‘found’ by backpackers just a few a long time again. It was not too long ago closed for a large cleanup and overhaul, as customer numbers had been by the roof.
Today, it’s a extra relaxed and quiet place to go to and excellent in case you’re in search of a conventional seashore vacation, as there are many resorts and a great deal of nice eating places and bars.
Regardless of most individuals visiting to calm down on the seashore, there are many different issues to do in Boracay.
You don’t want scuba to expertise Boracay’s underwater world. In truth, you don’t even must get your face moist.
Uncover the tropical paradise that lies simply offshore from White Seashore with an Aquanaut helmet diving expertise.
Your information will equip you with a helmet, full with air hose, and lead you beneath the floor right into a world of colour and life.
10. Tour Round Cebu
Cebu is one other basic Filipino journey vacation spot, and in case you’ve solely acquired a short while within the nation it’s an excellent place to get an actual really feel for what the Philippines has to supply.
Snorkel with shoals of sardines at Moalboal, go to the crashing waterfalls and delightful canyons of Kawasan Falls and discover countless seashores and islands alongside the coast.
The Queen Metropolis of the South is wealthy in historical past and tradition, however exploring by yourself could be a trouble and expensive. Find out about Cebu’s heritage on this straightforward and cheap shared tour of 12 individuals or much less.
Highlights embody Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Colon Avenue, Philippine Taoist Temple, and the Heritage of Cebu Monument.
11. Go to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada
If you happen to’re trying to escape the warmth and humidity of the coast, then make a journey to Sagada, among the finest issues to do within the Philippines.
This charming mountain city is discovered at pretty excessive altitude, making certain that it’s a lot cooler than a lot of the lowlands.
Discovered within the Cordilleras of Luzon, Sagada is residence to great mountaineering and trekking alternatives, nevertheless it’s maybe finest recognized for its Hanging Coffins.
This uncommon customized sees the locals hanging their deceased in coffins from the cliffs.
12. Hike the Rice Terraces of Banaue
Additionally positioned within the Cordillera Mountains of central Luzon, are the spectacular Rice Terraces of Banaue.
This is among the finest locations to go to within the Philippines as a result of few locations in Asia can match these rice terraces for his or her magnificence.
For hundreds of years, the locals have been shaping the steep hillsides into terraces, the place they proceed to develop rice and to farm to at the present time.
You’ll be able to hike by the countless terraces or just watch ut throughout the mountains from the excessive viewpoints above.
The 2000-year-old Banaue rice terraces are among the many largest and most lovely terraced fields on this planet, and also you’ll see them up shut on this four-day trek. However, they’re only one spotlight of the Ifugao area.
Trek by mountains, forests, native communities, and previous waterfalls. Keep in a single day in a village, the place you’ll be able to chat with locals and study their life and tradition
13. Go Browsing in Siargao
Discovered within the south of the Philippines, Siargao has grown for an unknown and distant island into the Philippines’ premier browsing and Instagram spot.
Recognized for its huge breaks and waves, that is the place to go to in case you’re into your browsing. It’s additionally undeniably lovely, and it’s attracting larger and larger backpacking crowds annually.
There are nice seashores and accommodations, great, distant islands and lagoons, and loads of snorkeling spots throughout Siargao and the encircling space.
Siargao seems to be set to be one of many fastest-growing vacationer locations within the Philippines, so get in fast earlier than issues change an excessive amount of and the country enchantment is misplaced.
Go to Normal Luna, Bare Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island on a tour of the Siargao Island space from Manila.
Study concerning the tradition, historical past, and ecosystem of every distinct island by guided commentary as you journey.
14. Study Concerning the Witchdoctors of Siquijor
Siquijor is considerably of a deal with for vacationers, as a result of not solely do you discover unbelievable seashores and waterfalls throughout the island, however the vacation spot is residence to a novel tradition.
Siquijor is finest referred to as the Witchdoctor Island as a result of the centuries-old pursuit of shamanism nonetheless persists right here.
You’ll be able to lounge on seashores, go cliff leaping or snorkeling, after which study and see first hand the numerous native cults and rituals to discover a distinct aspect of the Philippines to only the surroundings.
15. Take a Jeepney Journey
The Philippines has an enormous array of whacky public transport choices, however essentially the most distinctive of all of them is the Jeepney.
This iconic truck/bus can hint its origins again to the tip of World Warfare II when the USA left hundreds of military vans behind.
Resourceful locals kitted them out to be buses, a convention that also continues in the present day. Probably the greatest issues to do within the Philippines is to trip like an area and take a Jeepney trip.
16. Swim in Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake on the island of Coron is essentially the most photographed and among the many most well-known locations in the entire nation. This makes it among the finest issues to do within the Philippines.
Not solely is that this place lovely, however additionally it is a option to stand up shut with the lands that belong to the native Tagbanua individuals. They occupy and personal all the island of Coron and to at the present time, preserve the legendary standing of Kayangan Lake.
Fortunately for us, they nonetheless permit guests to see and swim within the lake. Personally, it’s a incredible place to snorkel and free dive. The topography underwater is otherworldly.
17. Island Hop the Calamianes
The Philippines has quite a lot of lovely locations, don’t get me flawed, however the untouched islands of the Calamianes Archipelago are what desires are fabricated from.
We’re visited this space 3 times and every time we have now the pleasure of visiting a distinct number of islands. Whereas some have develop into tremendous in style, like Go Island and Malcapuya (pictured above), there are lots that see no vacationers to get pleasure from too.
That is what makes exploring this space among the finest issues to do within the Philippines. This space is mostly visited by reserving one of many numerous island-hopping day journeys from Coron City.
Nonetheless, the easiest way to see this a part of the nation is on a multi-day kayaking and tenting journey. We’ve accomplished it each methods however we actually desire the journey and exclusivity of the later.
18. Take a Coron to El Nido Expedition
If you happen to crave a real journey, then look no additional than the basic sea enterprise from Coron to El Nido, or vice versa.
Plying the waters between North and South Palawan will discover you on uninhabited islands, distant seashores and tenting beneath the celebrities. You’ll be able to’t actually go flawed, irrespective of the place the expedition weighs anchor every day.
We’ve accomplished this expedition twice and may extremely suggest it for somebody that seeks journey and doesn’t thoughts roughing it a bit. You’ll see some unbelievable, pristine locations that are greater than sufficient of a trade-off.
19. Go to Sabang Seashore in Puerto Galera
Sabang Seashore in Puerto Galera is residence to a few of the finest scuba diving within the Philippines. It options numerous dive websites and numerous marine life, together with being a primary spot for recognizing nudibranchs.
Above water, there are some spectacular white sand seashores to calm down on. As a small neighborhood, the world can also be well-developed for tourism providing choices for backpackers to all-inclusive beachside resorts.
20. Get Off the Overwhelmed Observe in Busuanga
Even if the continuously visited Coron City is positioned on the island of Busuanga, only a few vacationers truly discover this forgotten paradise.
Often known as the final frontier within the Philippines, you’ll be able to anticipate finding small native villages, pristine seashores, lush forests and secluded reefs to discover.
That is the rationale that we fell head over heels for Busuanga the primary time we visited the Philippines and have continued to go to this island. We’ve discovered the mountaineering and kayaking right here to be a few of the finest on this planet.
You can even head to the far north the place you’ll discover the Calauit Safari Park, a spot the place African animals roam free.
21. Uncover the Leper Historical past on Culion
Persevering with on our theme of undiscovered locations, studying concerning the historical past of leprosy on Culion Island is among the most unusual issues to do within the Philippines.
The island sees little or no tourism, but is each lovely and interesting. We’ve been 3 times in our Philippines travels and proceed to suggest it for extra intrepid explorers.
The city stays intact from the times when medical employees lived on one aspect and the contaminated sufferers on the opposite. The gate between the 2 sides nonetheless stands, in addition to many medical buildings.
The city presents an intriguing museum and a strolling tour to study concerning the historical past of leprosy on the island. While you’re accomplished with that, the snorkeling off the coast of Culion is a few of the finest to be discovered within the nation.
| Really useful Excursions | ||
| Philippines Palawan Journey 9 Days Manila to Puerto Princesa Journey Sort: Small Group 12-16 Individuals |
Northern Philippines and Palawan Journey 16 Days Manila to Puerto Princesa Journey Sort: Small Group 12-16 Individuals |
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| Examine Worth | Examine Worth | Examine Worth |
Extra on the Philippines:
- 30 Should-Go to Vacationer Spots within the Philippines
- 20 Stunning Locations within the Philippines for Your Bucket Record
- 15 Unbelievable Islands in Coron You MUST Go to
- Finest Time to Go to the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown
- 25 Superb Drone Photographs of the Philippines
- 15 Superior Issues to Do in Manila (For First Timers!)
- Coron Palawan: Finest Issues to Do & Itinerary
- Kayangan Lake in Coron: The Philippines Most Well-known Picture Spot
- Culion Island Palawan: Is This the Subsequent Philippines Scorching Spot?
- Busuanga Island Palawan: Final Information to the Final Frontier
- Calauit Safari Park: African Animals Roam Free within the Philippines?
- 15 Beautiful Issues to Do in Palawan, Philippines
- Final Puerto Galera Information: Diving & Seashores
- The right way to Get From Manila to Puerto Galera
- 24 Bohol Vacationer Spots & Issues to Do That You Can’t Miss
- Backpacking the Philippines: 4 Week Recap & Journey Ideas
- 30 Philippines Photos To Encourage Your Subsequent Trip
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