15 of the Most Beautiful Places In The Philippines

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”!

The 10 Biggest Beaches in the World

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There’s nothing quite like a beautiful beach to soothe the senses and feel at one with nature. It also provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with a loved one.

As it turns out, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are also the biggest. Whether you’re looking for the perfect meditation spot or a remote tropical getaway, this is one geography lesson you won’t want to skip.

Stockton Beach, Australia (20 miles)

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It’s no secret that Australia is home to some of the best beaches on earth, but Stockton Beach has the double honor of being one of the largest. About two hours north of Sydney, this beach is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Muizenberg, South Africa (25 miles)

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For those who love a social beach vacation, it’s tough to top Muizenberg, South Africa. In addition to being gorgeous, this massive beach offers interesting sightseeing destinations, remarkable wildlife (including penguins), and an authentic taste of South African living.

Long Beach, United States (28 miles)

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On the northwestern coast of the U.S., Long Beach in Washington State claims to be the world’s longest contiguous beach. While this may not be technically accurate, we’re willing to give it credit for being one of the coolest sites for whale watching.

Virginia Beach, United States (35 miles)

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The U.S. mainland is home to three of the biggest beaches in the world, and Virginia Beach is one of our favorites. This destination is best paired with local clams and a glass of white wine.

Ninety Mile Beach, New Zealand (55 miles)

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A misleading counterpart to its Australian neighbor with the same name, New Zealand’s Ninety Mile Beach is actually only about 55 miles in length. It is, however, a gorgeous destination for lovers of sunsets and surf breaks.

Playa Novillero, Mexico (56 miles)

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We’re in love with the natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere of Playa Novillero, a stunning beach along the Pacific coast of Nayarit, Mexico.

Padre Island National Seashore, United States (70 miles)

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Everything is bigger in Texas, and that extends to the beaches as well. Padre Island National Seashore is one of the longest beaches in the world and extends 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (75 miles)

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Now is the time to visit this massive beach on the western coast of Bangladesh—Cox’s Bazar, the largest uninterrupted natural sand beach on earth, has seen extensive development in recent years.

Ninety Mile Beach, Australia (90 miles)

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True to its name, Ninety Mile Beach is about 90 miles long. With a signature stretch of golden Australian sand and the vivid blue waters of the Tasman Sea, this gorgeous beach is one of the most beautiful places on Earth for a getaway.

Praia do Cassino Beach, Brazil (150 miles)

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Stretching from the Rio Grande to Brazil’s southern border, Praia do Cassino is the largest beach in the world. The beach is popular among locals and international travelers and a favorite Brazilian surf spot.

top 10 beautiful countries in the world,

10. Switzerland

OkSwitzerland is a lovely country with breathtaking scenery and natural environment. From the cosmopolitan Zurich to Geneva Old Town and the lakeside towns of Montreux and Vevey. The mountains and lakes of the country deserve the share of international attention. You can enjoy the pristine wilderness of Switzerland from the mountain trains or when hiking the Eiger. As a peaceful and friendly state, Switzerland welcomes millions of tourists from across the world every

9. New Zealand

It is no shock that New Zealand is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world; the country is endowed with towering mountains, breathtaking landscapes, turquoise lakes, and over 9,000 miles of shores. New Zealand’s beauty is showcased from the spectacular fields of purple and pink lupins along Lake Tekapo to the mountainous fjord of Milford Sound. The splendor extends to the Waitomo glowworm caves and the summits of the Humboldt Range. Cities including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton gives an urban test to the otherwise wild country.

8. South Africa

South Africa is among the best safari destinations in Africa. The country office access to the “Big Five” in many of its national parks including the Kruger National Park. Boulder’s Beach is the only place on the continent with penguins. The landscape is even more diverse than the wildlife ranging from the soaring Drakensberg Mountains to the flowerlands of Namaqualand and the Blyde River Canyon. The cities of Cape Town and Durban are a must visit for tourists.

7. China

China is the fourth largest country in the world, and for sure, size comes with diversity. The country is endowed with a diverse natural environment from the Wulingyuan Scenic Area to the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Recent technological advancement in the country has given rise to marvelous architectural designs. Tall artistic buildings characterize the cities of China. The peaks of the state include Mt Huangshan, Mt Taishan, Mt Hengshan, and Mt Everest.

6. Brazil

Brazil is an extensive country with diverse natural beauty and culture. The Amazon is incomparable. The baroque architecture of the northeast creates a soulful atmosphere while the cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offer an opportunity to witness the ancient and contemporary culture of the state. The sight of people playing along the Atlantic coast creates a feeling of peace and friendliness.

5. Italy

Few countries match the beauty of Italy. From the mountains of Trentino, the sparkling coast of Amalfi, to the rolling vineyards of Chianti. The ruins of the Romans scatter the countryside creating a connection between the country and its past. Cities such as Venice, Florence, and Rome throb with romance while rooftop villages create a sense of the history. Italian food is excellent, and a visit to the country is not complete without tasting the bottarga and lasagna dishes.

4. Ireland

Ireland is not the first choice tourist destination for many people due to its mild and moist climate. However, the climate contributes to the Irish countryside’s green fields and vibrant moss plants. The outdoor experience is unmatched, with hilltop walks and quiet lakes that clear the “cobwebs” from the foggiest mind. Ireland is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coastlines. The cities of Dublin and Cork present the state’s ancient culture, so does the local cuisine.

3. India

India’s magnificent terrain ranges from the breathtaking stretch of the peaks of the Himalayas to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. The national parks of the country provide a habitat for various species of wild animals and birds including the endangered Bengal tigers, Asian lions, and Asian elephants. The slope of the Himalayas is blanketed by alpine forests that stretch for hundreds of miles. The country also has deserts, plateaus, long rivers, and a great diversity of cultures. All this and more attract tourists to India from far and wide.

2. United States

The United States is an enormous country with diverse natural features. It is the second most visited country in the world by foreign tourists. Unique, attractive infrastructures characterize the cities of the United States. The Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks are just but two of the parks that offer refuge to animals. Most foreigners are attracted by the American urban experience and therefore travel to major cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

1. Canada

Canada is a beautiful country that serves as a wild, urban, and romantic destination. The country’s beautiful scenery includes valleys, mountains, lakes, and forests. The national parks offer the opportunity to watch animals while the wilderness of Yukon offers a once in a lifetime outdoor experience. The country accounts for 60% of lakes in the world. Major cities including Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto have some of the best architecture in the world.

Top 10 Trending Technologies To Master In 2020

Change is the only constant. This applies to your professional life as well. Up-skilling yourself is a need nowadays, the reason is pretty simple, technology is evolving very quickly. I have listed the top 10 trending technologies, which are expected to acquire a huge market in 2020.

So, let’s make a new year resolution to master any one of the below technologies:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Blockchain
3. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
4. Cognitive Cloud Computing
5. Angular and React
6. DevOps
7. Internet of Things (IoT)
8. Intelligent Apps (I – Apps)
9. Big Data
10. RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

So, the countdown begins from here.

10) RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

RPA Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master RPA.

• Generally, any desk job in any industry involves tasks that are repetitive in nature and can be automated.
• RPA or Robotic Process Automation allows you to automate such routine and repetitive tasks. 
• You don’t need to write any code to automate repetitive tasks.

In 2020, the trend of bots and machine learning is only going to skyrocket, which means RPA will become an invaluable skill to have.

9) Big Data

Big Data and Hadoop Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master Big Data and Hadoop.

Big data refers to problems that are associated with processing and storing different types of data. Most of the companies today, rely on big data analytics to gain huge insight about their:

• customer,
• product research,
• marketing initiatives and many more.

For your surprise, big data led Germany to win the world cup.

Hadoop and Spark are the two most famous frameworks for solving Big Data problems.

If you already have some knowledge of Big Data, splendid! If not, now is the time to start.

8) Intelligent Apps (I – Apps)

• I-Apps are pieces of software written for mobile devices based on artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, aimed at making everyday tasks easier.
• This involves tasks like organizing and prioritizing emails, scheduling meetings, logging interactions, content, etc. Some familiar examples of I-Apps are Chatbots and virtual assistants.

As these applications become more popular, they will come with the promise of jobs and fat paychecks.

7) Internet of Things (IoT)

• Another buzzword that no longer remains a buzzword but has become a full-fledged technology ecosystem in itself.
• IoT essentially is connecting many devices and creating a virtual network where everything works seamlessly via a single monitoring center of sorts.
• IoT is a giant network of connected devices – all of which gather and share data about how they are used and the environments in which they are operated.

This includes everything from your:

• mobile phones,
• refrigerator,
• washing machines to almost everything that you can think of.

With IoT, we can have smart cities with optimized:

• traffic system,
• efficient waste management and
• energy use

6)  DevOps

DevOps Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master DevOps tools.

This is the odd one out in the list. It is not a technology, but a methodology. 

DevOps is a methodology that ensures that both the development and operations go hand in hand. DevOps cycle is picturized as an infinite loop representing the integration of developers and operation teams by:

• automating infrastructure,
• workflows and
• continuously measuring application performance.

It is basically the process of continual improvement, so why not start with yourself.

5) Angular and React

Angular and React Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master Angular and React.

OK, now we are getting into core tech.

• Angular and React are JavaScript based Frameworks for creating modern web applications. 
• Using React and Angular one can create a highly modular web app. So, you don’t need to go through a lot of changes in your code base for adding a new feature.
• Angular and React also allows you to create a native mobile application with the same JS, CSS & HTML knowledge.
• Best part – Open source library with highly active community support.

4) Cognitive Cloud Computing

AWS Solution Architect Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master AWS.

• Cognitive Cloud is an extended ecosystem of traditional Cloud and Cognitive Computing.
• It’s due to this, you can create Cognitive Computing applications and bring to the masses through cloud deployments. Cognitive computing is considered as the next big evolution in the IT industry.
• It converses in human language and helps experts in better decision making by understanding the complexities of Big Data. Its market size is expected to generate revenue of $13.8 billion by 2020 and is one of the top 10 trending technologies to consider this year.
• Big brands such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Cisco have already started implementing this next-gen tech to gear up for the upcoming market.

3) Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

• Virtual is real! VR and AR, the twin technologies that let you experience things in virtual, that are extremely close to real, are today being used by businesses of all sizes and shapes. But the underlying technology can be quite complex.
• Medical students use AR technology to practice surgery in a controlled environment.
• VR on the other hand, opens up newer avenues for gaming and interactive marketing.

Whatever your interest might be, AR and VR are must-have skills if you want to ride the virtual wave!

2) Blockchain

Blockchain Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master Blockchain.

• This is the tech that powers bitcoins, the whole new parallel currency that has taken over the world.
• Interestingly, blockchain as a technology has far-reaching potential in everything from healthcare to elections to real estate to law enforcement.

Understand how blockchain works and your career is as sorted as the secure ledger this tech is based on!

1) Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence Training – Explore the Curriculum to Master AI and Deep Learning.

• AI existed even before the internet was born, but it is now that the data processing and compute power backbone became strong enough to sustain an entire technology by itself.
• AI is everywhere today, from your smartphones to your cars to your home to your banking establishment.
• It is the new normal, something the world cannot do without