The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and is the perfect getaway to experience a mix of nature, culture, and fun. The geographical features of the Philippines ensure that there are natural attractions wherever you go. Whether you’re headed to Luzon tourist spots, Visayas tourist spots, or Mindanao tourist spots, expect beautiful sights, unique attractions, friendly locals, and memorable experiences.
The best beaches in the Philippines, idyllic islands in turquoise waters, the world’s most perfect cone volcano, the second smallest primate, world-class surfing spots, and centuries-old Spanish fortresses—these are but some of the attractions awaiting you on your Philippine holiday.
El Nido
El Nido in Palawan is most famous for its paradise-like islands and lagoons, but a 45-minute ride from its main town takes you to another idyllic destination: Nacpan Beach.
Island hopping escapades in El Nido, including a visit to El Nido Big Lagoon and other top Palawan beaches should not be missed. But after a jam-packed day of visiting coves, white-sand beaches in El Nido, limestone cliffs, and other El Nido Palawan tourist spots, a trip to relaxing Nacpan Beach is highly recommended.
The main attraction is its 4-kilometer shoreline with golden sand and endless palm trees lining up, perfect for just bumming around. Calitang Beach sits on the other side, and the two beaches form what is now popularly known as the Twin Beaches of El Nido.
Visitors are not advised to swim far away from shore in Nacpan as currents tend to become strong and rough with little warning.
Mayon Volcano, Albay, Bicol
As soon as your flight lands at the airport in Bicol International Airport of Albay province, the world’s most perfect volcanic cone and the most active volcano in the Philippines greets you with its majesty. Mayon Volcano is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines and is a top attraction in any Bicol tour.
Its sheer beauty (the name Mayon comes from the Bicolano word ‘magayon,’ which means beautiful) hides a violent core, with past eruptions that flattened several towns.
One of the top natural landmarks in the Philippines and one of the most-visited tourist spots in Albay, it is already a wonderful experience seeing the volcano from afar. But if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can soak up all its beauty while gliding through a zipline in Lignon Hill or going on a Mayon Volcano tour via a Mayon ATV ride in Bicol. Visit the Cagsawa Ruins for another unique and historic viewing point of the Mayon Volcano.
As a bonus, from Legazpi, you can take a side trip to Donsol, where you can enjoy swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Manila
Take a stroll through history lane within the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, one of the top landmarks in the Philippines. This 64-hectare Spanish fortress was erected by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and was destroyed by the end of World War II.
However, the ruins remain today and are some of the top Instagrammable places in Manila. The area can be explored via Intramuros tours or a Manila bike tour. The area has become home to several universities and establishments. Here, you can find centuries-old churches, which are architectural landmarks in the Philippines, and historical places in Manila like the grand Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, the oldest church in the Philippines, making the area a great place for a Philippines staycation.
Another Intramuros attraction is Fort Santiago, a citadel that served as headquarters for armies and foreign powers. It is a historically significant site where the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was imprisoned before his execution.
You can learn more about its history when you go on trips to Fort Santiago. You can also go on a guided bamboo bike tour or ride a horse-drawn carriage to explore Intramuros’ historic walls.
Cap off your trip with a meal or drink at some of the finest Filipino restaurants inside Intramuros. One popular establishment is Barbara’s, where you can enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine buffet-style while being treated to a cultural show.
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
If you like jumping into or swimming in cool cascading waters, Kawasan Falls in Cebu hits the sweet spot. It is a multi-layered waterfall in the town of Badian and is best known for its turquoise waters.
With a height of 40 meters, the first cascade is where most visitors stay, swim, and enjoy a natural water massage on board a bamboo raft. A 10-minute trek takes you up to the quieter second cascade.
Kawasan Falls is also the endpoint of the popular adventure activity, Kawasan Falls canyoneering. This tour starts in Kanlaob River in the town of Alegria. You’ll make your way to Kawasan, swimming along streams, rappelling through natural rock walls, and finally jumping off mini-waterfalls.
Nearby is the town of Moalboal, famous for its sardine run experience, where you swim with millions of sardines just offshore.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Hand-chiseled some 2,000 years ago, the Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue of Ifugao, North Luzon, is a remarkable destination and is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and regarded as one of the Philippines’ iconic landmarks.
Sit in a colorful jeepney as it cruises along winding roads in Banaue, and views of dramatic mud-walled rice terraces leave you in awe.
The Ifugao people were highly skilled in carving both wood and mountainsides. The Banaue Rice Terraces is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers spectacular views of emerald hues during the rice-growing seasons of April-May and October-November.
Banaue and its many natural attractions may pack a lot of tourists so you can make your way further to quieter Batad Rice Terraces and take a quick dip at its mighty Tappiya waterfalls. You can also explore nearby Baguio City or pick fresh strawberries in La Trinidad, Benguet.
-guidetothephilippines
