Philippines is one of the many beautiful country in South East Asia, with lust greenery, beautiful beaches and islands, mountains to conquer and culture like no other.
Consisting of more than 7000 islands scattered around the Western Pacific Ocean, that will take you years to explore each and every one of them.
With that, we narrow down the list that you can visit and do with your limited time in this awesomely pretty country to visit.
1. White Beach, Boracay
White Beach, Boracay
There is no shortage of pristine beaches in the Philippines, but if you are looking for a more active beach scene, one of the best places to visit is White Beach in Boracay. This is the most populous beach on the island but where you will find ample opportunities for boating and other water sports. It's also one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
Plenty of chairs and hammocks are beneath the palm trees, so you can relax and enjoy the pure white sand. You can even book a beachside massage. Snorkeling is a popular activity at White Beach, but if you do not want to put in so much work, take a banana boat ride or book a trip on a glass-bottom boat. Accommodation: Where to Stay near White Beach
2. Manila Historical Sightseeing Tour
Fort Santiago in the Intramuros, Manila
Manila is an exciting and vibrant city that is a thriving metropolis surrounded by centuries-old churches and colonial history. It is easy to walk around Manila on your own, or take a guided sightseeing tour of the oldest district, the Intramuros or walled city, where you'll find some of the most significant tourist attractions and important landmarks and monuments.
This will give you a better appreciation for Manila. You can see the famous San Agustin Church and monuments at Rizal Park and Fort Santiago, each bearing a significant influence on Manila that is best shared by a guide. Some tours are offered by coach, and others are available as walking or biking tours around the city.
After your tour, stop by one of the local restaurants for lunch and enjoy modern-day Manila as you watch the colorful jeepneys flying by on the streets. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Manila
3. Shipwreck Diving, Coron
Blue Water Dive Travel
The sunken ships to explore on Sangat Island in Coron are some of the best diving sites in the world. The wrecks are at varied depths that are suitable for both deep water scuba divers and shallow water snorkeling.
The shipwrecks, many from WWII, have become habitats for diverse fish species. The clear water makes for easy viewing of the shipwrecks and underwater wildlife. Many of the shipwrecks are from an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944. Deep divers will want to view the Akitsushima Maru warship, Irako Maru, and the Kyokuzan Maru.
There are so many shipwrecks to explore that you may want to consider staying for several days. A resort like the Sangat Island Dive Resort caters to divers who stay multiple days, and it is a five-minute boat ride to many dive sites. If you are new to the island, you may want to consider booking a dive or snorkel trip that can get you to the best spots.
4. Mayon Volcano, Albay
Mayon Volcano, Albay
The Mayon Volcano in the Albay province on Luzon Island is a must-see in the Philippines. It is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of more than 2,400 meters. The Mayon volcano has a perfect cone peak.
Most visitors will want to enjoy the volcano by viewing it from the ground. Nature trails in the national park grounds surround the volcano, where you can also see wildlife like parakeets and other birds.
Extreme hikers can apply for a permit to climb the volcano, but it is a difficult trek through forest, and dangerous gases are emitted near the peak, so caution is advised. The ideal time to visit is March through May, outside of the rainy season. You can take an organized trip from Manila to get here.
5. Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
The geological wonder on the island of Bohol known as the Chocolate Hills is a unique natural phenomenon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a protected area that features more than 1,200 small mountains that emerged above the ground over several centuries.
The area was once under the ocean, and these unique hills expand in every direction. They are green during much of the year, but during the dry season, they turn to a chocolate-brown color, thus the name, chocolate hills.
A convenient path leads to the top of a lookout area, which provides the best view. Be sure to observe the many delicate flowers along the walkway that are unique to this area.
6. Underground River Tour, Puerto Princesa
Underground River Tour, Puerto Princesa
Taking a river tour of the Underground River in Puerto Princesa is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Philippines. The underground river on Palawan Island is inside the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The boat tours take you to experience the majestic five-mile river that runs below ground. The trip takes you through an intricate cave system surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. You can observe ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations as the coolness of the cave balances the tropical heat outside.
As you float through the dark caves on emerald water, your guide will identify points of interest and tropical wildlife that lives along the river, which flows into the South China Sea. A full-day Underground River Tour from Puerto Princesa, includes hotel pickup and drop-off and a buffet lunch.
7. Hanging Coffins, Sagada
Hanging Coffins, Sagada | CemSites
It is a trek to get to the hanging coffins in Sagada, located deep in the northern Cordillera Mountains, but the sight is something most people in the world will never see. The hanging coffins, some centuries old, are suspended from the cliffs of the Echo Valley.
These ceremonial burials were reserved for the wealthy tribesmen. Getting to the mountainous region requires some travel time and physical endurance to hike the steep and narrow paths to the secluded coffins.
You will want sturdy shoes, and you may want to train before your trip to adapt more quickly to the high altitude. The reward is a sight you will never forget and well-earned bragging rights.
8. Island Hopping
Island-hopping
To do or where to go in the Philippines, an island-hopping tour might offer just the right mix. You still have to whittle down choices, but an organized island-hopping tour allows you to see a collection of islands.
You can sample snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, and dining on local food in multiple locations and eliminate the hassle of trying to plan it on your own. Many of the island hopping tours span several days. One of the most popular island-hopping tours is to the Caramoan Islands, which were made famous after being featured on the hit TV show Survivor.
9. Ride in a Jeepney
Jeepneys in Manila
Taking a ride in a jeepney is a must-experience in the Philippines, even if you have no specific destination in mind. The jeepney is one of the main forms of transportation in the Philippines. They are vehicles originally made from post-World War II U.S. army jeeps that have been transformed into colorful and fun forms of transportation.
The jeepney has become synonymous with the Philippines; a national symbol of sorts. It is unique to the country. The decorations and colorful decor on the jeepneys are as chaotic as the traffic on the city streets in places like Manila. Taking a ride in one is a thrill, with the random stops to let people on and off and being truly immersed in the local culture as residents go about their daily lives. Try taking a jeepney to one of the tourist sites you plan to visit or to your dinner spot in the evening. It might just be the cheapest entertainment you find in the country, and it will definitely be one of the most memorable experiences.
10. Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue
Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue
Viewing the Batad rice terraces at sunrise in Banaue is an unforgettable experience. This is especially recommended for landscape photographers who want to capture compelling images of Philippine agriculture. Some of these terraces are more than 2,000 years old and represent a common form of farming in the country.
The stacked terraces are carved by hand into the mountainside, creating vertical farming fields in a region void of flat land. Workers commonly plant rice and vegetables. You are able to walk some roads above the terraces that give you the best view by looking below. Early morning and dusk provide the best light to illuminate the electric green color of the fields.
11. Sugba Lagoon, Siargao
Sugba Lagoon
There are so many iconic lagoons in the Philippines that have movie-set quality tranquil blue waters below a towering cliffside, but one of the most spectacular is Sugba Lagoon on the island of Siargao. The lagoon is perfect for just basking in the natural, peaceful surroundings, but there are plenty of activities, too, if you want a more adventurous day.
You can book a day-trip package to the Sugba Lagoon from a nearby city like Del Carmen or General Luna, but you can also go on your own. You must take a boat to the lagoon. If you have the nerves and are not afraid of heights, you can try cliff jumping from the designated area above the lagoon. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak, and take a more peaceful tour of the lagoon at your own pace.
12. Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu
Kawasan Falls
Famous for its beautiful turquoise water, Kawasan Falls sits at the foot of Mantalongon Mountain Range, approximately one kilometer from the national road of Badian and at least four hours of trekking from Osmeña Peak of Dalaguete.
One of the top spot for the adventurous travellers looking for adrenaline adventure.
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