Destination and Travel

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Manila - The busy city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is an exciting and energetic metropolis. Hop on board any of the colorful and kitschy jeepneys to get from one place to another around town. The iconic buses that usually pack in more people than they can hold are the main form of transportation and worth at least one ride during your visit, just for the experience.

Kalanggaman Island Beach - Kalanggaman Island in Palompon in the Leyte Province is an isolated island in the Philippines surrounded by coral reefs. As stunning as the white sands and turquoise waters are around the island, its true treasure lies beneath the surface. The island draws day-trippers who want to feel secluded but it is a gem for anyone who enjoys snorkeling and diving because of the reefs and sea life that exist just beyond the jagged sandy edges.

Subic Beach - Imagine waking up from an afternoon nap in a traditional Filipino nipa hut with the soft breeze blowing in from the beachside and pink sand waiting just outside your doorway. This is how the day starts on Subic Beach in Matnog Sorsogon in the Bicol region. It is not as popular as other beaches in the Philippines but it is usually a stop on island-hopping tours in the region.

Siargao Beach - You may not have heard of Siargao Beach before, but if you know anything about surfing, you have likely heard of Cloud Nine waves. The Cloud Nine waves are famous for their iconic tube-like appearance, giving hard-core surfers the ultimate challenge. But, even non-surfers can enjoy the scene at this beach on Siargao Island that is an ideal location for sun, swimming, and definitely, surf.

Honda Bay - Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island is a popular beach for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing by the water. Island hopping tours are popular out of Honda Bay and a great way to experience several beaches while dining on local fare. The beach has plenty of water sports, like jet skiing and wakeboarding.

Paradise Beach - For a classic beach experience, with exotic flowers and tropical fish, Paradise Beach on Bantayan Island is a top pick. It is a small stretch of beach but well worth the visit to rest beneath the palms. The secluded and clear-water paradise is somewhat remote but considered a hidden and romantic gem.

Puerto Galera Bay - A few hours south of all the attractions in Manila is the UNESCO-protected area of Puerto Galera and the unforgettable Puerto Galera Bay. The unique ecosystem that exists in the bay makes it a gem for scientists and a treat for tourists.

Anguib Beach - To experience the untouched natural beauty of the Philippines, Anguib Beach in the Santa Ana region fits the bill. The white-sand beach is beautiful, but the mangrove trees that surround it add a tropical ambiance.

Pearl Farm Beach - Samal Island is made up of resorts with their own private beachfronts, but Pearl Farm Beach is one of the most desired because of the pink hue of the sand. The deep blue water and reefs in the area make it an iconic beach experience.

Saud Beach - Most of the idyllic beaches of the Philippines are found in the southern islands, but Saud Beach in the north, on the island of Luzon, stands on its own. The dark blue water, pristine beach lined with coconut trees, and clean sand make it the perfect beach.

Buena Suerte Beach - One of the most picturesque beaches in the Philippines and in the world, is Buena Suerte Beach in El Nido on the island of Palawan. It requires a flight to get here, but since the entire country is made up of islands, you will require flights to most of the items on your agenda.

White Beach - There are several beaches in the Philippines with the name of White Beach, but the one located on Boracay Island is the one that gets all the attention, and rightly so. The calm, blue-water and white-sand beach is an easy draw for visitors, but the natural cave formations that surround it add a colorful backdrop.

Alona Beach - Bohol is still a relatively primitive island that is not overrun with tourists, which is why Alona Beach is so charming. It sits on the southwest part of the island and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving along the reef.

Kayangan Lake - One of the most stunning and memorable beaches in all of the Philippines is at Kayangan Lake on the island of Coron. For the most well-rounded aquatic experience, from swimming to scenery to cliff diving, this is your beach.

Siargao - Travelers that enjoy making an itinerary up as they go should put Siargao Island on the agenda. The small island is big with experiences, from sought-after surfing waves to unusual rock formations and stunning waterfalls.

Apo Island - If a swim with sea turtles sounds like the experience of a lifetime then you will want to head to Apo Island in the Philippines. The reason this location lends itself to swimming with turtles and other sea life is because of the protected marine sanctuary. The Apo Island Marine Reserve is where you can take guided trips to see the sea turtles up close and snorkel at the coral reefs

Samal - On Samal Island, also called Garden City of Samal, hiking, diving, and kayaking are a way of life. One of the top things to do on Samal Island, besides relaxing at the beach, is visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, which is home to millions of bats in the caves.

Puerto Princesa - The rock islands, caves, and natural parks of Palawan Island are the hidden paradise of the Philippines. The coastal city of Puerto Princesa is where you should base yourself in order to explore some of these natural gems of the country. The Subterranean River National Park is a great first stop to see a five-mile underground river and impressive limestone caves.

Baguio - Baguio is a city tucked away in a mountainous region on Luzon Island. Though it is a city, Baguio is intimate and reminiscent of a cottage-type environment. Baguio is called the City of Pines for the rich pine forests and cooler temperatures that surround it. You can explore one of the many hiking and biking trails or take in a round of golf at one of the resorts in the area.

Coron Island - One of the top diving destinations in the world, Coron Island is a tropical paradise, with electric blue and green water that almost seems unreal. The mountainous island sits on the tip of the Palawan island region, the western-most section of islands in the Philippines. The island is popular for diving because of the numerous wrecks here.

Sagada - One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada. Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor. This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast. The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure.

Davao City - For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area. Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao. Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea.

Manila - The Philippines capital of Manila, on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with non-stop activity. Hop on board one of the colorful jeepneys, the main form of public transportation, to get a taste of local life while you visit the city's top attractions. Usually over-packed with locals, the bumpy ride through the streets on the iconic and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Vigan - The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture is a fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences originating from settlers to the area. Take a ride in a horse-drawn kalesa through the streets and admire the colonial architecture, courtesy of the Spanish who colonized the area in the 18th century.

Banaue - The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most striking things to see in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural wonder in this area. Your most impressive view of the terraces is at sunrise, when clouds and fog lift off the mountain to reveal the intricate landscape of the terraces.

Cebu - The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Bohol - The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it's a destination that showcases the country's natural beauty. One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen. This UNESCO-protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses.

Boracay - There is a reason that Boracay Island is considered the beach capital of the Philippines because there are more than 12 beaches. This tiny island in the west Visayas region is ideal for beach-goers who are after simple relaxation in the sun or water activities. White Beach, on the west side of the island, is one of the best beaches in the Philippines.