The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country with more than 7,000 islands. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural attractions, and friendly people. The Philippines offers something for every traveller, whether looking for adventure, relaxation, history, or culture. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions in the Philippines that you should not miss.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the Philippines
10. Tubbataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef is a marine park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sulu Sea. It is one of the most biodiverse and pristine coral reefs in the world, home to more than 1,000 species of marine life, including sharks, turtles, manta rays, and fish. Tubbataha Reef is a popular destination for scuba divers who want to explore the underwater beauty and witness the amazing marine life. and also this is best tourist attractions in the philippines
9. San Agustin Church, Manila
San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 16th century by the Spanish colonizers and features a Baroque style of architecture. The church has survived several earthquakes, fires, and wars and has a rich history and cultural significance. The church also houses a museum that displays religious artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
8. Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano is an active volcano and a national park located in the province of Albay. It is famous for its perfect cone shape and symmetrical slopes. Mayon Volcano is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world and a natural wonder of the Philippines. The volcano offers various activities for visitors, such as hiking, camping, biking, and photography.
7. Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is a small island located in the northern tip of Cebu. It is a paradise for beach lovers and divers who want to enjoy the white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and colorful coral reefs. Malapascua Island is also known for its thresher sharks, which are rare and elusive creatures that can be seen in the early morning at a dive site called Monad Shoal.
6. Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is a coastal town located in the province of Oriental Mindoro. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines because of its proximity to Manila and its variety of attractions. Puerto Galera has many beaches, coves, islands, and dive sites that cater to different tastes and preferences. Puerto Galera also has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, restaurants, and clubs.
5. Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River is a subterranean river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the island of Palawan. It is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world and features stunning rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and chambers. The underground river can be explored by boat tours that take visitors through the dark and mysterious caves.
4. Donsol
Donsol is a town located in the province of Sorsogon. It is famous for being the whale shark capital of the world. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and can grow up to 12 meters long. Donsol offers an opportunity for visitors to swim with these gentle giants and observe them in their natural habitat. Donsol also has other attractions such as firefly watching, river cruising, and diving.
3. Chocolate Hills
Chocolate Hills are a geological formation and a national monument located in the province of Bohol. They are composed of more than 1,200 hills that vary in size and shape. They are called Chocolate Hills because they turn brown during the dry season and look like chocolate mounds. Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic landmarks of the Philippines and a must-see attraction for tourists.
2. Boracay
Boracay is an island located in the province of Aklan. It is one of the most famous and visited islands in the Philippines because of its stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere. Boracay has something for everyone, whether they are looking for relaxation, adventure, or entertainment. Boracay offers various activities such as parasailing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, diving, island hopping, shopping, dining, and partying.
1. Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces are ancient rice terraces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the province of Ifugao. They were carved by hand by the Ifugao people more than 2,000 years ago and are still used today for farming. They are considered as an engineering marvel and a cultural treasure of the Philippines. Banaue Rice Terraces are also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World because of their beauty and magnitude.
Conclusion
The Philippines is a country that has so much to offer to travellers who want to experience its natural wonders, cultural heritage, and hospitable people. The Philippines has many tourist attractions that showcase its diversity and uniqueness as a destination. These are just some of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Philippines that you should not miss when you visit this amazing country.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit the Philippines?
- A: The best time to visit the Philippines depends on your preferences and activities. Generally speaking, the dry season from November to April is ideal for beach activities and sightseeing while avoiding rain showers and typhoons. However, some places such as Donsol are better visited during specific months when whale sharks are more abundant.
Q: What are some of the best dishes to try in the Philippines?
- A: The Philippines has a rich culinary culture that reflects its history and influences from different countries such as Spain, China, Malaysia, India, and America. Some of the best dishes to try in the Philippines are adobo (meat stewed in vinegar and soy sauce), sinigang (sour soup with meat or seafood), lechon (roasted pig), pancit (noodles), lumpia (spring rolls), halo-halo (shaved ice dessert with various toppings), sisig (sizzling chopped pork), kare-kare (peanut stew with meat or seafood), balut (boiled duck embryo), and mangoes (the sweetest fruit in the world).
Q: What are some of the safety tips for traveling in the Philippines?
- A: The Philippines is generally a safe country to travel in but like any other place in the world it has its own risks and challenges that travelers should be aware of and prepared for. Some of the safety tips for traveling in the Philippines are:
- Do your research before you go and plan your itinerary well.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
- Avoid traveling alone at night or in unfamiliar places.
- Beware of pickpockets or scammers especially in crowded areas or tourist spots.
- Keep your valuables secure or leave them at your hotel.
- Drink bottled water or purified water only.
- Wear sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to sun.
- Follow health guidelines such as wearing masks or social distancing when required.
- Have travel insurance or emergency contacts ready.
Q: What are some of the best souvenirs to buy from the Philippines?
- A: The Philippines has many souvenirs that you can buy from the local markets or shops that reflect its culture and craftsmanship, such as:
- Pearls or shell jewellery
- Wood carvings or sculptures
- Woven fabrics or baskets
- Coconut products such as oil or vinegar
- Coffee beans or chocolate
- Dried fruits or nuts
- Spices or sauces
- T-shirts or magnets with Philippine designs
Q: How can I get around the Philippines?
- A: The Philippines has various modes of transportation that you can use to get around the country depending on your budget, time, and destination such as:
- Plane: The fastest but most expensive way to travel between islands or regions.
- Bus: The cheapest but slowest way to travel within or between islands or regions.
- Train: The limited but convenient way to travel within Metro Manila or nearby provinces.
- Jeepney: The iconic but crowded way to travel within cities or towns.
- Tricycle: The common but noisy way to travel short distances within cities or towns.
- Taxi: The comfortable but pricey way to travel within cities or towns.
- Grab: The popular but variable way to book rides within cities or towns using an app.
- Ferry: The scenic but seasonal way to travel between islands or regions by sea.
- Motorbike: The adventurous but risky way to rent and drive your own vehicle within cities or towns.