Philippines

15 Best Things to Visit in The Philippines

Over 7,000 islands make up the fascinating nation of the Philippines. It is a nation with a rapidly expanding population and a wide range of natural hazards to deal with. The islands are home to 20 active volcanoes, and the region is vulnerable to typhoons and other severe weather events. Despite these issues, there is a truly beautiful country to explore here, with many natural wonders to be seen. Take a look at the 25 finest things to do in the Philippines if you’re seeking a place unlike any other.

Relax In Boracay

Chill Out For A Few Days In Boracay
Boracay

Because of its stunning white beaches, the Philippine island of Boracay has gained worldwide fame. Although the island is barely 7 km long and 500 m wide at its narrowest point, visitors swarm to it because of its breathtaking beauty. White Beach, a 4-kilometer strip of white sand flanked by restaurants, hotels, and dive shops, is the primary draw. On the island, there is always a party going on with fire shows and live music, providing the crowd with nonstop entertainment. Although the island has continued to develop over the years, there are still many spots to unwind and have a great time.

See The Active Mayon Volcano

See The Active Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano, commonly referred to as Mount Mayon, is a live volcano on the island of Luzon. The volcano’s symmetrical cone shape has earned it the moniker “Perfect Cone.” The volcano frequently erupts, forcing extensive evacuations of the nearby communities as ash and muck shower down on the populace below. Over 1200 people perished in the most deadly eruption in recorded history in 1814. While you are in the Philippines, you should definitely visit the national park that includes the volcano and its surroundings.

Santo Nino Basilica

Santo Nino Basilica
Arnold Carl SancoverCC BY 4.0

The Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, popularly known as the Santo Nino Basilica, was completed in 1965 and is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the nation. The Santo Nino de Cebu, a statue of the infant Jesus, was found by the Spanish, who then erected this church nearby. After viewing the basilica, you should visit the museum in the basilica complex, which chronicles the development of Christianity in Cebu.

Rizal Park

Take Some Time To Relax In Rizal Park
PeterParker22, CC BY-SA 4.0

named in honor of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. There are numerous ponds, strolling trails, and attractive gardens in this 60-hectare park in Manila. Of course, there is a statue of Jose Rizal in the park, which is patrolled by sentries and has a 46-meter flagpole in front of it. The heads of numerous Filipino heroes are buried in a lagoon in the middle of the park. Additionally, there are free outdoor concerts held every Sunday night, a fountain that illuminates when night falls, and numerous locals who practice t’ai chi every morning.

Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

A visit to this national park will give you the impression that you have just witnessed something wonderful, especially if you are hoping to see something a little bit unique. The region is protected and contains a very intricate cave network. There is a river that travels 8.2 kilometers through the caves before emptying into the sea. One of the Seven Wonders of Nature is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. You may take a paddle boat ride, which is a great opportunity to observe the river and see the rock formations and numerous bats that call it home.

Malapascua Island

© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/CC BY 4.0

Malapascua Island is one that you shouldn’t miss out on, despite the fact that there are 7,107 islands in the Philippines and that it may be nearly impossible to visit them all. This is a modest beach paradise where you can find solitude and take a few days off from the rest of the world to unwind. You can stop for a few days while mingling with the residents and their community by renting a tiny beach cottage. While compared to a western country, life on the island is still rather basic; you may experience daily power outages and need to use bottled water, but when on vacation, these inconveniences all add to the true atmosphere of your stay.

Chocolate Hills

Enjoy The Unusual Chocolate Hills
Chocolate hills

The Philippines’ Bohol Province is home to the extraordinary and interesting Chocolate Hills. At least 1,260 hills are scattered about over an area of about 20 square miles. The little hills are covered in grass, which changes color as the dry season goes on, from green to brown, and eventually takes on a chocolate-like appearance. The hills range in height from 30 to 50 meters and are undoubtedly a recognized landmark of the nation. Without visiting the hills, no travel throughout the nation is comprehensive.

San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church
Ricardo C. EusebioCC BY-SA 3.0

The magnificent San Agustin Church, which was constructed during the Spanish Colonial Period, is situated in Manila. The first and second churches, which were both constructed of wood and destroyed by fire, have both been replaced by the current one. The structure is currently composed of stone and has survived seven significant earthquakes. Many people go great distances to view this magnificent church and to learn about its amazing past.

Go Island Hopping From Your Base At Mactan Island

Mactan Island
LsjCC BY-SA 3.0

Mactan Island may be the ideal destination for those who want to get away from any of the cities and simply unwind on a stunning beach. You may participate in a variety of water sports on this lovely island, and the area’s dive spots offer stunning views of the local marine life. Due to its proximity to Cebu, Mactan Island is a great place to start your island hopping. The lodging options on the islands are inexpensive for all price ranges, ranging from modest guesthouses to the luxurious Shangri-La Resort.

Fort Santiago

The Spanish constructed Manila’s Fort Santiago as a citadel within the city’s protective walls. The fort has an interesting history and is quite well-liked by tourists. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, was detained inside the fort until his execution in 1896. You can examine the bronze footsteps that have been buried in the earth to denote the prisoners’ last steps before being put to death while touring the fort.

See The Banaue Rice Terraces

See The Beauty Of The Banaue Rice Terraces
Larsjepp, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Banaue Rice Terraces are frequently referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and it is simple to understand why once you start to take in their sheer majesty. With only a few tools, the Lfugao mountains were sculpted into terraces that date back 2,000 years. Since the terraces are naturally watered by the nearby rainforests, the residents continue to use them to grow their vegetables and grains.

Visit the lakes at Coron Island

Coron Island
Ray in ManilaCC BY 2.0

Coron Island, an island that is easily accessible from Coron Town and is well-known for its two lakes, is only a short trip away. You must be ready for a ten-minute climb up difficult terrain to reach the first lake, which is guaranteed to leave you a little out of breath. You will have reached Lake Kayangan, a lake with crystal-clear water that is tucked into the mountainside. The lake offers swimming opportunities, and a small wooden platform is available for storing your goods. You may visit the second lake, Barracuda, where the water can become as hot as 38 degrees Celsius, by scrambling over some sharp rocks that will plunge you right into the water.

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene

In Manila, there is a Roman Catholic church called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene Shrine at the church helped make it renowned. A statue of Jesus Christ called the Black Nazarene is reputed to possess miraculous abilities. Local and foreign visitors alike throng the basilica to view the Black Nazarene and give him hugs, kisses, and handkerchiefs. The statue leaves the church each year in January for the Feast of the Black Nazarene and is carried through the streets in a procession.

Volcano Island

Volcano Island
TheCoffee (Mike Gonzalez)CC BY-SA 3.0

On the island of Luzon, the Taal Volcano is an active volcano that has erupted at least 33 times in the past. Because of the volcano’s position, prior eruptions have resulted in significant human casualties. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has labeled the entire island a Permanent Danger Zone, making it impossible to reside on Volcano Island at this time. Crater Lake the Island is the largest island on a lake in the world, making the trek here well worth it.

Go For A Dive At Tubbataha Reef

If you enjoy diving, you must take a dive at Tubbataha Reef! Divers first came across this magnificent dive site in the 1970s, and it has since gained notoriety for having amazing coral reefs. The journey would have been worthwhile after you experienced the underwater scenery and large marine life, but the site is extremely remote, so you would need to take a live-aboard boat to get there. Make sure to visit between the middle of March and the middle of June as the diving season is only a few weeks long here.