The Best Places to Visit in Philippines
Philippines is a unique destination, especially for backpackers. Since the country is just endless islands, you could spend ages here. It’s definitely not over-touristy or saturated, like some may say Thailand or Vietnam is, and I’d even argue sometimes that it’s even off the beaten path, at least for Southeast Asia terms. There’s still a strong backpacker flow here, and the places you can go are genuinely gorgeous, thanks to the mountains, beaches, jungles, just whatever. I think it’s pretty underrated and definitely more raw in travel terms.
Capital: Manila
Currency: Philippine Peso
Language: Filipino / Tagalog
When to visit: December to May
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1) Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and for a lot of people, it’ll be the starting point to your travels here which is why it’s first on my list. It’s a massive city scale and population wise, so it get’s very very busy, in fact it is maybe the most chaotic capital in Southeast Asia. It’s basically a big metropolis with Spanish and Asian influence.
Things to do:
For things to do in Manila, start in Intramuros, the old Spanish colonial part of the city. The main attraction there is Fort Santiago, where you can walk through the old fortress walls, gardens, and riverside paths, plus right nearby is San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Just outside the walls is Rizal Park, one of the most famous public spaces in the country and especially busy around sunset. If you want skyline views and nightlife, head toward Poblacion and Makati where you’ll find rooftop bars and busy streets going late into the night. Around the waterfront, Manila Bay is the classic sunset spot, and if you want something less chaotic for a while, the National Museum Complex is actually really worth visiting for Filipino history, art, and culture.
How to get there:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) direct international flights into Manila from major cities all across Asia. There is also flights from all around (to and from) the Philippines.
2) El Nido
Now, we’re moving over to Palawan which is home to some of the most beautiful spots in the country. El Nido is one of the most famous places here, simply cause of how gorgeous it is. It sits right around the limestone cliffs, and the whole region has a bunch of islands to explore. The town is also big amongst backpackers.
Things to do:
The main thing is definitely the island hopping around Bacuit Bay because that’s the reason most people come here in the first place. The different boat tours take you out to hidden lagoons, tiny beaches, snorkeling spots, and huge limestone cliffs rising straight out of the water. Places like the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are the most famous stops, I’d say. Back in the town, Las Cabañas Beach is the most popular, but you can also rent a scooter and drive north to beaches like Nacpan Beach.
How to get there:
From one of Philippines main cities like Manila or Cebu, you can fly domestically to El Nido Airport (ENI).
You can also take a bus or ferry from other places on Palawan like Puerto Princesa or Coron.
3) Coron
Coron is a bit north of El Nido, still in Palawan which is obvious because again, the scenery is beautiful. Coron (the town) is just one part of the region, but there is places like Coron Island off the coast.
Things to do:
For things to do in Coron, the town itself is pretty small, but you should definitely hike up Mount Tapyas for sunset because the views over the bay and islands are unreal once the light starts fading. Just outside town, Maquinit Hot Springs is another popular spot, but the real highlights though are around the surrounding islands. Kayangan Lake is the most famous place in Coron with insanely clear water surrounded by limestone cliffs, and nearby Barracuda Lake is another huge stop known for its deep blue water and dramatic underwater rock walls. Most people spend their days island hopping between places like Twin Lagoon, and other diving spots and coral reefs. And if you do dive, Coron is one of the best places in Southeast Asia because of the World War II shipwrecks underwater around the bay.
How to get there:
Either fly domestically to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), or take a ferry from El Nido.
4) Siargao
Siargao is one of the most loved islands in the Philippines, especially with backpackers and surfers. The island has a really laid-back atmosphere so it is awesome to spend a good length of time here, even if you don’t know how to surf (you could learn though).
Things to do:
For things to do in Siargao, most people stay around General Luna since that’s where everything happens. The biggest attraction is Cloud 9, the famous surf break where people either surf or just hang out on the boardwalk watching sunset. A lot of the island is best explored by scooter, especially the palm tree roads running through the middle of Siargao. You can stop at places like Magpupungko Rock Pools during low tide, then keep driving around the coast to quieter beaches and little roadside spots. Island hopping is another huge part of Siargao, especially trips to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, where you basically spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on tiny tropical islands. Inland, Sugba Lagoon is one of the best spots for kayaking and other water stuff.
How to get there:
There are flights from most places around Philippines into Sayak Airport (IAO), the best option being from Cebu.
5) Cebu
Cebu is one of the main travel hubs in the Philippines, and a lot of backpackers end up passing through it because it connects so easily with the rest of the country. What makes Cebu good though is that it’s not just a transit point though, the island has a huge mix of everything nature wise.
Things to do:
For things to do in Cebu, most people start in Cebu City, where you can see places like Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, and the viewpoint at Temple of Leah overlooking the city. From there, most backpackers head south to Moalboal, which is an iconic spot in Cebu, because of the swimming opportunities. It’s like the Filipino Maldives. Nearby, Kawasan Falls is one of the biggest highlights on the island, especially for canyoning through the bright blue waterfalls and jungle river. Further south again, Oslob is known for whale shark tours, while northern Cebu is more about quieter beaches and ferries out to islands like Malapascua and Bantayan. I’d say just go through the island and explore all the spots. You can spend a lot of time here.
How to get there:
Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) is a big airport in the country so you have lots of connection.
Buses and vans go around the whole country pretty nicely.
6) Bohol
Bohol is the big round island to the east of Cebu, and it is very authentic and looks like paradise. You can actually do a lot activity wise on Bohol, and although it’s touristy it is still lots of fun.
Things to do:
For things to do in Bohol, most people base themselves on Panglao Island, especially around Alona Beach, which is the main backpacker hub. From there, the big inland highlight is the Chocolate Hills, where you get those unreal rolling green hills stretching across the landscape, usually visited as a scooter or tour day trip. On the way or nearby, most people also stop at the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the tiny tarsiers in the forest (an animal most people haven’t heard of to be fair). My last recommendation is to just get out on a scooter and explore the greenery of the island.
How to get there:
Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG) has direct domestic flights, otherwise you can take a ferry from Cebu City.
7) Boracay
Boracay is a tiny little island smack bang in the middle of the Philippines, but you have to admire it because of the stunning white sand beaches which have some of the clearest water in the country. For an island this small, it is definitely a must visit and it’s very developed.
Things to do:
White Beach is the main beach in Boracay and if you wanna stay here, stay anywhere close to this beach. It’s split into Station 1, 2, and 3, with Station 2 being the most social and central. You can just spend a lot of time here, because that’s what Boracay is, just a beautiful beach destination. Puka Shell Beach up north is the main alternative and feels much more open and less developed, with stronger waves and fewer people. On the east side, Bulabog Beach is where the wind sports and kitesurfing happen, so take your pick.
How to get there:
Most people fly to Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) in Caticlan because it’s the closest. From there, it’s a very short transfer to Caticlan Jetty Port, then a boat ride of around 10–20 minutes straight to Boracay.
8) Baguio
Baguio is a mountain city in the Philippines, so it’s definitely different to the tropical destinations. You can find it on the northernmost island of the Philippines, Luzon (where Manila is), so it’s cooler and greener. There’s about 400,000 people who live here so it is a built up city too.
Things to do:
Start with Burnham Park, which is the main central spot of the city, and from there, head up to Mines View Park for the main viewpoint over the mountains and old mining areas around Baguio. Another key stop is The Mansion, which is the official summer residence of the Philippine President, and right nearby is the Botanical Garden too. If you want something more outdoors, go to Camp John Hay and walk one of the trails through the forest,
How to get there:
It’s an easy bus from Manila to Baguio.
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