In this list, you will find the best places to visit in the Philippines, whether you’re looking to explore nature, learn about the country’s history, or simply relax on the beach.

Boracay

Boracay is undeniably one of the most popular islands in the Philippines. Its white sandy beaches, incredible marine life, and fantastic nightlife – a visit to Boracay is a must when travelling around the Philippines.

During the day, you can go snorkeling, diving, or book a boat tour. At night, walk through Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3, which faces the west. This is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset while sipping some tasty cold drinks at an affordable price.

If you want to explore more of the island itself, Puka Beach is a beautiful spot at the northernmost point of the island. You can also go to Cujo’s Keyhole, next to Oceanway Beach. At the same time, Bolabog Beach (directly across Station 2) is known for kite surfing and is the perfect photo-op spot for the Leaning Coconut Tree. 

Bohol

Bohol is known for many things and offers so much to its visitors. This is where you will find one of the Philippines Natural Wonders – Chocolate Hills. There are 1,500 hills over a 50-square-kilometre area. It’s name was driven by how these hills turn like “chocolate-colour” during the dry season (December to February). The event that caused these hills was a movement of tectonic plates over 2 million years ago. Today, it is one of the most visited spots in Bohol.

Apart from the Chocolate Hills, around Bohol, you can also go on island hopping boat tours, such as Pamilacan Island, where you can see dolphins and turtles. Speaking of wild animals in their natural habitat, you must go to Tarsier Sanctuary, where you will find this cute round-eyed primate that you can only find in Southeast Asia (specifically the Philippines, Indonesia, and Borneo).

Panglao

The island of Panglao is also just a short distance from Bohol, where you can find the Turtle Sanctuary, and a 3-metre wall down to 45 45-metre reef is popular amongst professional divers. On the island itself, you can visit the lively Alona Beach or the fascinating Hinagdanan Cave.

Getting to Bohol and Panglao is quite easy. Fly into Panglao-Bohol International Airport, and from there, you can travel to Bohol by land since there’s a bridge connecting both islands, or you can simply stay in Panglao while you explore both islands.

Cebu

Cebu is the second most populous city in the Philippines. It’s an island in Visayas, near Bohol. It’s the gateway to understanding how the colonization of Spain arrived in the Philippines together with Christianity.

Mactan Cebu is where you will find historical spots highlighting Magellan’s Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines and the eventual war between the local hero Lapu-Lapu. Specifically the historical treasures like Magellan’sMagellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro, reflecting Cebu’s colonial past.

Cebu is also a place for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. You might have to travel down south for those activities and head to Moalboal and Oslob. But for those looking to jump down some waterfall and do canyoneering, go to the beautiful Kawasan Falls. 

You can fly into Cebu from Manila and travel around by land. From Cebu, you can also get to many islands in the Philippines either by air or sea as it’s known as the hub in the Visayas region.

Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu

Palawan

Palawan is located southwest of the Philippines and is usually compared to southern Thailand for its towering karst limestone scattered around the water. It’s an amazing destination for boat tours, snorkelling, and diving. 

This is where you will find the stunning Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Nacpan Beach, and popular areas such as El Nido and Coron. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the most visited spot in Palawan. It’s an 8.3-km long underground river, although only a kilometre is open to the public. You can book a boat tour and explore some parts of the cave with a local tour guide.

You can get to Palawan by air from many parts of the Philippines. There are airports in El Nido, Coron, and also Puerto Princesa.

Siargao

Siargao is probably the newest discovered gem of the Philippines. In fact, it’s even been called the “Bali of the Philippines”. It’s a known location for locals as an exciting surfing destination. Visit Cloud 9, which is also the main area when it comes to accommodations, restaurants, and activities to enjoy while on the island.

Even though it has become one of the best places in the Philippines, there are still a lot of minimally explored areas. This means that you can find serene beaches such as Doot Beach, Algeria Beach, and Daku Island Beach for a boat day tour.

Baguio

If you’re looking to hike or explore the northern region of the Philippines, Baguio is the place to go. It’s where you will find the iconic Batad Rice Terraces (a.k.a rice paddies) – which is a unique way to plant and harvest rice around Indochina. 

It is also loved for the cooler climate since Baguio sits 1,500 m above sea level. It’s a great place to retreat an escape the usual hot weather.

Sagada

Head to Sagada, which is a hiking destination that is loved by locals. While there, you can visit the Hanging Coffins. It’s a spiritual way for the indigenous peoples of Kankanaey to place their loved ones in a higher location as the final resting place. The higher the coffin, the closer it is to heaven and sacred ancestors. Another must-hike place near Baguio or Sagada is Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in the Luzon region. If you’re looking for the best way to explore Sagada and its area, check out our Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces 4-Day Tour Package. 

Sagada

Legazpi

Legazpi is located in the eastern region of the Philippines, about 467 km from Manila. It takes 12 hours or more to get here by land, so booking an hour flight is better to save time. Legazpi is the town near the perfect-coned shape mountain Mayon Volcano – another Natural Wonders of the Philippines.

It is 2,464 metres and is an active volcano, but hiking is possible. It takes a few days to reach different camps, and careful planning is required. However, if you only want to enjoy the view, there are many spots around Legazpi where you can go, such as Green Lava, Cagsawan Ruins, and Aura’s Overlook.

Manila

Some people might say that Manila is just a hub. The place where you land in the Philippines to get to other better parts of the country. But that’s just not true. When you arrive, don’t miss out on exploring this city. Here, you can visit the Old City of Intramuros, which was built by the Spaniards. For those who want to try the local street food, head down to Binondo, which is the oldest Chinatown in the world (from 1590).

Both Manila and Makati (part of greater Manila, aka Metro Manila) are known for the nightlife if that’s something you’re interested in doing there are many bars, clubs, and live events happening all week.

Your flight will most likely land in Manila, and your flight back home will probably take off from here, too. Now, you can plan to spend 2 days here, either at the beginning of your visit or at the end. From Manila, you can get anywhere in the Philippines, whether by air, land, or sea.

Deciding where to go can be a challenge because there are so many best places to visit in the Philippines!

But first, list what activities you want to do. If you enjoy water activities, head down to the islands. If you want hiking, the northern and eastern regions are ideal.

There are many islands here, making your travel plans a bit more demanding. But naturally, if you start in the Philippines, including major parts such as Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and Siargao – it should be easy to put your itinerary together.