The Philippines is a country bustling with adventure and excitement. So whether you’re looking
for white sand beaches or just want to find something intriguing off the beaten path, there are
several places you can visit that won’t cost a lot of money and will give you an experience that
will stick with you forever.
Here’s a quick dive into ten must-see places in the Philippines we’ve uncovered and think you’ll
likely fall in love with.
- White Beach, Boracay
White Beach is the main beach on the island of Boracay, and it’s also one of the most famous
beaches in the Philippines. White sand, crystal clear waters, and good weather make this beach
a paradise for tourists from all over the world.
The best time to visit White Beach is from April to November. During this period, you can enjoy
long stretches of white sand and calm waters without any waves or currents. Then, at nightfall,
you can admire the magnificent view of Boracay’s sunset over the sea and its palm trees
silhouetted against a backdrop of brilliant stars! - Chocolate Hills, Bohol
In Bohol province lies Chocolate Hills National Park, where you can see some of the most
beautiful examples of Philippine natural architecture in all its glory! The Chocolate Hills are
limestone formations found in Bohol province and have been declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO since 2006 because of their geological significance and beauty.
They are among the oldest formations on earth and are considered sacred by many indigenous
people of Bohol because they represent fertility and life itself. Visitors can explore these
formations by hiking through them or taking a jeepney ride around them for about an hour or
two. - El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is the hidden gem in the Philippines. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, this island is
home to diverse wildlife and pristine coral reefs. There are also many great diving spots around
the island that offer incredible views of marine life.
The island of El Nido is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. The best
part? You don’t need to be royalty or even a Filipino to visit.
If you’re looking to see some amazing marine life, El Nido has some of the best diving in the
world. The coral reefs around El Nido are home to thousands of sea creatures, including coral
reef fish and manta rays.
- Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue Rice Terraces are located in Ifugao province, about an hour away from Baguio City.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 100 terraces built with clay, stone, and wood
over hundreds of years by a community of indigenous people known as the Ibanag.
The rice terraces in Banaue are unlike any you have ever seen before. The terraces are open for
visitors throughout the year and provide a spectacular view of Mount Banahaw and Lake
Cessantanibong (which means “still water”). - Nuvali
Nuvali is a small town in Cavite province known for its beautiful beaches, natural white sand,
and crystal clear waters. It is also famous for its seafood dishes, which are famous for their
delicious sisig (a dish of chopped meat and vegetables cooked in vinegar).
It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but at the same time, it has
plenty of things to do to make your stay worthwhile. In addition, the town is surrounded by
lush green mountains and waterfalls that make it a popular tourist destination.
The Nuvali province has plenty of ATMs and banks, so you’ll never be stranded if you have to
get some extra cash to extend your pleasurable stay in the Philippines or looking for an efficient
option to send money back to your family home. - Mount Pinatubo
One of the country’s most famous tourist spots, Mount Pinatubo is home to an active volcano
and offers a unique view of its surroundings. This location is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the Philippines. It is located in Zambales province, about 100 kilometers from
Manila.
The mountain is also home to several hiking trails that lead you up to its summit, where you can
see one of Asia’s largest calderas (craters). The area around Mount Pinatubo is also known as
“the place where dreams come true” because it’s home to numerous resorts and activities such
as rappelling, rock climbing, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and hiking.
- Panglao Island
Panglao Island is another of our favorite islands, located off Bohol’s southeast coast. It’s known
for its beaches and white sand beaches, with some of the best fishing in the country. There are
also some impressive limestone cliffs that serve as diving spots.
It’s a popular diving destination that offers crystal clear waters teeming with marine life like sea
turtles, clownfish, and stingrays. There are also several resorts on Panglao Island where you can
stay for a couple of days or even longer if you want to enjoy all its beauty. - Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park
Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park is a natural wonder of the Philippines. This
place is perfect for exploring the underwater world and the cave with its stunning formations,
stalagmites, and stalactites.
It is located in the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The park also features more than 100 caves,
many submerged and connected by underground rivers, making it a unique and beautiful place
to explore. If you’re up for it, you can take a boat ride to visit this place, or you can just go there
on foot or by jeep or tricycle. - Apo Reef Natural Park
Located only a couple of hours from the Mindoro Island west coast, Apo Reef Natural Park is
one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The park features more than 800
species of fish and coral reefs, making it an ideal place to visit if you want to see nature at its
best.
The reef waters are one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and one of the best
places to snorkel. The park also has several diving spots where you can explore underwater life
without having to worry about getting too deep into the ocean.
- Calaguas Islands
The Calaguas Islands are a group of about 22 small islets in the northern part of Mindanao,
Philippines. They are one of the best diving spots in the world, with white sandy beaches and
crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving, and swimming with manta rays in
season.
The main island is home to the Panglao Island Resort and Dive Resort, Palawan’s only 5-star
resort. The best time to visit is from April to November; during this period, you can expect clear
blue skies and warm temperatures. However, it’s not uncommon for the island to be hit by
storms or typhoons during these months.
There Are More Places Than Just the Beaches To Visit in the Philippines
If you’re looking to brave it off the beaten path, head over to any of the places mentioned
above, and don’t forget your camera! If you can imagine it, you can explore it. You might be
surprised by how many unique places the Philippines offers.
