Picture this: You’ve landed in a country of over 7,000 islands with pristine beaches, gorgeous mountains, and some of the friendliest people in the world.
The Philippines is also affordable and easy to travel through, with the majority of locals speaking English. While some of the best places to visit in the Philippines are more well-trodden, there are still so many hidden gems, too! Incorporating both into this list, these are 15 of the most beautiful places in the Philippines:
1. Bohol / Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are one of the most iconic locations and natural phenomenons in the Philippines. The geological formation of the chocolate hills will leave you in awe, even more so at sunrise or sunset! With over 1,260 hills rolling into the horizon, they are covered with lush greens except during the dry season where the grass turns brown and gives the hills their name. This has to be one of the most unique landscapes in the Philippines and maybe even the world!
What to do:
- Trek the Chocolate hills, located 2km North of Tagbilaran city center by tricycle.
- Search for the smallest primate in the World, the tarsier.
- Visit Hinagdanan caves en route to the hills and take a dip in the pools where hanging stalagmites reflect in the crystal clear water below.
2. Batad
The most mountainous region of the Philippines is Luzon. While most visit this region for the UNESCO famed Banaue rice fields, further North and roughly 30 minutes from the tourist information centre at Banaue lies Batad rice terraces, worthy of any UNESCO title in its own right! Perched dramatically against the backdrop of leafy lawns, visitors can walk and talk the rice fields, visit an impressive waterfall, and trek high to the viewpoint for sensational views overlooking the terraces.
What to do:
- Visit and swim in Tappiya Falls, a short and steep 15-minute walk from the Batad rice terraces.
- Trek to the viewpoint along the trail from Batad Junction that overlooks the entire panorama of the rice terraces.
- Eat Balut, (a developing bird embryo encased in a shell) the local delicacy which is sold along most trails in the local villages that stand on stilts proudly overlooking the rice terraces.
3. Mt. Pulag
Relatively overlooked but undoubtedly one of the best adventures in the Philippines, no trip to Luzon is complete without visiting its highest peak, Mount Pulag! Jump into a Jeepney at Baguio city and cruise to 2,400m above sea level to reach the starting point, a small local mountain village that offers trekkers the chance to stay with a local family, before waking up at 2am to begin the 4-6 hour trek. The destination is the ‘sky of clouds’, Pulag’s Peak. Sink in the first light of the day and enjoy the highest point in the Philippines as the sun rises magnificently above the sky of clouds that dissipate below. The trek back down to the village is equally as breathtaking with rolling hills, flora and fauna and fresh mountain air.
What to do:
- Enjoy riding the local way by jumping into a jeepney at Baguio city and ride to Kabayan, the foot of Mount Pulag.
- For the best views, set off at 2am which should see you make the summit, “the sea of clouds” in time for sensational sunrise views
- Take some time to explore the mountain village of Kabayan where you can sample local food, visit the market stalls and speak with the villagers
4. Boracay
A 4km stretch of white sand that was once voted “the best beach in the World”, the aptly named white beach on Boracay island is an absolute must for beach lovers searching for turquiose seas, white powder sands and a slice of the good life. Arriving at Caticlan jetty, visitors to Boracay can get on a boat that ferries passengers from 5am and 9pm to the island. Breakfast on the beach, water sports across the ocean, cliff jumping, inflateable playgrounds, bar crawls and golden sunsets are the order of the day!
What to do:
- Cliff jumping at Ariels point with 5 cliff jumps ranging from 3 metres to 13 metres.
- Sunsets don’t come more orange and hazy than in Boracay. Grab a beer and get set to enjoy simply some of the best sunsets the Philippines has to offer!
- Kite surf on Bulabog beach where winds allow for optimal conditions!
5. Coron
Coron is known as the shipwreck diving capital of the Philippines, if not the World and the town itself is quaint, cute and a haven for visitors looking to get their diving fix. The town is awash with diving outlets, tour companies and travelers looking to explore both above and below the Sulu sea. Coron must have some of the bluest water in the world, with rock formations that pierce the surface and penetrate the skies.
What to do:
- Dive the shipwrecks on a liveaboard boat.
- Hop on either tour A, B or C and boat around the most popular spots of Coron including Kayangan Lake, Skeleton Wreck (snorkel) and the twin lagoons.
- For a more private way to see the highlights of Coron, arrange a private charter at an affordable price and make your own itinerary for the ultimate day tour!
6. Sangat Island
For an off the beaten path adventure 20 mins from the hustle and bustle of Coron town, hop on a speedboat and arrange a jet ski tour through the lush mangroves and glassy blue waters on the South Eastern Cusp of Coron. Nestled amongst towering limestone cliffs, lush greenery and coconut palms, this is truly an exclusive and seclusive patch of paradise with an adrenaline fueled adventure awaiting anyone willing to make the short boat journey.
What to do:
- Jet ski through the mangroves on either a 1 or 2 hour tour with an optional stop at a waterfall.
- Take a dip in the natural hot springs.
- Sangat Island offers the best and most easy access to the wrecks that give Coron the title of “shipwreck capital of the World”.
7. Snake Island, El Nido
Snake Island is one of the busier destinations on the list but still more than worthy of note. El Nido is a traveler’s paradise with charming bars, restaurants and island hopping opportunities to explore the lagoons, caves and isolated beaches. Go diving, or visit one of the regions many iconic landmarks including secret lagoon, commando beach or snake island (pictured). For a more authentic way to explore rather than jumping on a tour boat, grab a kayak and row, row, row your boat to one of the many secret beaches bedded against the karst landscape.
What to do:
- Island hopping tours – snake island is a must on the itinerary!
- Rent a kayak from the town and head to some of the secluded lagoons and hidden beaches only a short row away.
- Climb Taraw Cliff using a local guide who will take you to the summit with sweeping panoramas of the town stretching as far as the eye can see.
8. Nacpan Beach
Just a 40 minute tricycle ride from El Nido lies Nacpan Beach, arguably one of the Philippines’ best and most easily accessible beaches. Bluer than blue waters, isolated patches of sand and palm trees that layer the entire sandy boulevard, complete paradise is the order of the day. Grab a coconut or three and soak up the sun!
What to do:
- Swim and snorkel any of the 4km stretch of ocean that lines Nacpan Beach.
- Walk to the tip of the beach where you will find panoramic views of the twin beaches and neighbouring Calitang beach
- Sip beers or coconuts at the resto bar
9. Bantayan Island
Way off the beaten path and still a hidden gem. Locals will welcome you into their guesthouses with open arms for you to explore powdery, undeveloped white sand beaches, local cafes, fish markets and yes, you guessed it, skydiving! Bantayan is the only way and indeed the only place in the Philippines to try skydiving, so why not mix an off the beaten path adventure with an adrenaline-fueled one too!? If you’d rather stick to the ground, cycling between the two main towns at opposite ends of the isle gives you some local culture plus plenty of beverage stops along the way. Simply get a bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port and jump on the ferry across to the island!
What to do:
- Skydive at Skydive Greater Cebu, the only skydiving centre in the Philippines!
- Cycle between the main towns of Santa Fe and Madridejos.
- Explore the sandbars located in Santa Fe and laze the day away.
10. Romblon
With stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, Romblon Island, Sibuyan Island, Carabao Island and Tablas Island are insanely beautiful. There you will find more locals than tourists on the secluded sands, viewpoints and off the beaten path waterfalls! Check out the sandbars of Bonbon beach and the slither of sand will leave you speechless as you walk and talk for as long as the tide allows!
What to do:
- Get lost on the sandbars of Bonbon beach.
- Libtong Falls located on Romblon Island offers an off the beaten path adventure with a local guide.
- Marakay Marakay cliff jumping can be located by boat where a tiny rock island houses a platform to send it in style!
11. Siargao Island
Now regarded as one of the best spots to catch waves and get your surfing fix, Siargao island is a myriad of adventure including island hopping to “Naked island”, rock pooling, caving in Tayangban, and beaches housing sunset piers and karaoke bars. There is enough to explore and experience to keep you busy for weeks and is worth a lengthy trip all by itself!
What to do:
- Sugba Lagoon is one of the Philippines most beautful sights with cobalt blue waters housing tiny mushroom islands including a diving board platform for those looking to take a more adventurous dip.
- Dubbed the surf capital of the Philippines, there are waves a plenty to catch for every level offering uncrowded surf areas and optimal conditions to either learn how to surf or send your best surf kicks.
- Just less than a 20km drive from General Luna lies one of the prettiest and most epic rope swings in the World and dubbed since 2017, the palm tree rope swing. Set amongst the lush palmy landscape, this rope swing nestled above a river.
12. Malapascua Island
A tiny islet situated 6.8km across a shallow strait of North Cebu lies scuba diving to rival some of the best dive sites in the World. Dive enthusiasts from around the globe come for the rare chance to eye thresher sharks and a vast array of marine life that leaves you in awe of life on this blue planet.
- Want to dive in the Philippines, look no further! Beautiful corals, tropical waters and the rare chance to dive with Thresher sharks await.
- Bounty Beach is the main beach on the island but you can kick back on any of the beaches across the island if you are willing to make the 1 and a half hour walk from one end to the other.
- Explore the lighthouse that awaits after a trek on the opposite side of the main strip housing the dive shops.
13. Kawasan Falls, Cebu
While many choose to visit Kawasan Falls due to it being one of the best waterfalls in The Philippines, for those looking for an alternative way to explore the higher parts of the falls ending in the lagoon at the bottom, look no further than canyoneering your way through valleys, enclaves and rock pools. This is Kawasan Falls with a twist! The jumps range from 2m to 12m and will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Be sure to save enough breath for the jaw dropping climax at the bottom of the falls after jumping your way through glassy blue rock pools housed within thick jungle vegetation.
What to do:
- Cliff Jumping tours can be arranged in advance or upon arriving in Cebu.
- Board a wooden raft at the foot of Kawasan Falls where locals will submerse you within and behind the falls.
- Located a 3- 6 hour trek from Kawasan Falls, trekkers can find a stunning peak overlooking Cebu, Osmena Peak, over 1,000m above sea level with 360 degree vistas against the backdrop of step cliffs.
14. Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is paradise in the Palawan province of the Philippines. While many use the coastal region as a gateway to El Nido, there are some serious secluded sandbars to roam in this Western part of the Philippines. Chalky white sands are married alongside lush greenery and a karst landscape awaits. We highly recommend that you also venture into what is largely recognized as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the subterranean underground river. Add plentiful options to dive with long-nosed dolphins into the mix of magic in Puerto Princesa and this makes for so much more than just a gateway into El Nido.
What to do:
- Get lost on one of Puerto Princessa’s many sandbars that snake their way along the coast in the West.
- Visit “the eighth wonder of the World”, the underground river at the UNESCO subterranean river national park.
- Island hop by traditional fishing boat to Honda Island on the eastern shores of Palawan.
15. Island hopping
Sailing in and around some of the smallest and most remote islets of the Philippines was truly awe-inspiring, island hopping at its finest. Finding places to get lost on, sandbar slices of paradise, camping on separated sands and snorkeling in some of the calmest, creamiest, clearest waters in the World were some of our favorite moments from the whole of our Philippines trip, not to mention singing Karaoke in a locals home with only the local villagers and rum to keep us company! Hop on an expedition boat for an insight into the Philippines at its most authentic, genuine and rawest form. You can read more here.
It’s tough to think of a more beautiful corner of the world than the Philippines. These 7,107 islands are regarded as some of the best in the World and for beauty and we now know why. Slices of silky sand, picturesque landscapes and adrenaline fueled adventure all to the tune of the unwavering welcome of the Filipino people make it clear, “It’s more fun in the Philippines”!
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