Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

The 7,641 islands in the Philippines entice tourists to visit the country multiple times. Each spot is distinct and has their own story to tell. The most difficult decision for a traveler to make is to figure out which place to visit first.

The scenery in each region varies from metropolitan to mountainous and tropical; modern or laid back. Walk the colonial street of Vigan, catch a glimpse of the Tarsier monkey in Bohol, get wet in Siargao, trek the hills in Batanes, and eat to your hearts delight in Manila.

We prepared a list of the best places to visit in the Philippines to aid in your selection process.

Vigan

Vigan is the capital city of the province of Ilocos Sur and the go-to place for people who love to travel back in time. The place preserved the remnant of the Spanish era with magnificent ancestral houses left and right. Travel along the stone streets atop a kalesa, horse-drawn carriage, with old-fashioned street lamps hovering above. Have a tête-à-tête in hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serves exquisite local food that will make your tummy rumble in delight. Walk down memory lane as you traverse the calles, streets, where you will be able to dig up pages and pages of Vigan history from the antique and curio shops dotted all over the city.

Boracay Island

Boracay Island is the ultimate beach destination with over 12 beaches, one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, and synonymous with a beach party. The resort, famous worldwide, lures travel junkies from all parts of the globe with its brilliant sunset, stunning waters, and silky white sands. However, the government shut down the island for 6 months to undergo a rehabilitation program starting April 26, 2018. It has been battered by local and international tourists resulting in a garbage pile-up. Entrepreneurs who are concerned with only the $s that tourists bring in violated the disposal system and illegally built structures. Perhaps, a quick restoration will permit a soft opening before the 6th month comes up.

Coron Island

Coron Island is found in the province of Palawan, a spectacular tropical heaven that will wow you in many ways. The pristine white-sand beaches and crystalline waters make it perfect for snorkeling, deep sea fishing and diving, and beach activities. The place is famous for its World War II wreck diving. Satisfy your thirst for the ultimate open-air experience by means of jungle treks with beautiful vegetation as background, horseback tours along the mountains, and island camping which makes you closer to the sights.

Baguio

Baguio is a city in the province of Benguet, it is called the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. It is unique to other destinations because it is surrounded by trees, mostly pine, the high altitude makes Baguio cooler by 8˚ compared to any Philippine lowlands. Enjoy some of the flora and fauna at Mines View and Burnham parks, traverse Session Road and get a slice of local life.

Bohol

The island of Bohol is a province and is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. It is home to the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, there are at least 1,260 hills spread over an area of over 50 square kilometers. The green grass turns brown, the color of chocolate, during the country’s dry season. Get an up-close experience with the amazing Philippine Tarsier, view the man-made Mahogany Forget, and never leave without visiting the Butterfly garden.

Batanes

Batanes is the smallest province in land area and the least populated region in the Philippines. The far distance from Manila, profligate flights and abrupt climate changes make the travel very challenging. Those who overcame experienced an escape to a different world, an elusive paradise. Europeans who visited liken the place to countries in Europe like Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland. As far as things to do there’s not much but that’s why you’re here because you want to touch base with nature and a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Siargao

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Siargao is an island in the province of Surigao del Norte and is considered as the top surf spot in the Philippines. It is home to Cloud 9, one of the best-known surfing waves in Siargao with a reputation for thick, hollow tubes. The Siargao Cup is held here every year, a domestic and international surfing competition supported by the local government of Surigao del Norte. The island is a beautiful paradise marked with successions of reefs, white sandy beaches, and pristine water.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe experience in your travel to the terrific tourist destinations in the Philippines – Maligayang Paglakbay (Happy Journey).

Sources and citations:

http://www.explorephilippines.org/home

https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph

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Expats in the Philipppines

Expat.com.ph is a platform that aims to help Expats living and working in the Philippines and expats-to-be. It provides free information and also encourages them to share their experiences. Let's help making life in Philippines that much more fun!