Many travelers overlook the Philippines and head straight to Thailand or Vietnam. That’s good news if you’re looking for stunning beaches without the crowds and prices that come with overtourism.
With over 7,000 islands, you’ll find everything from world-class surfing and diving to Spanish colonial towns. However, getting around takes planning since island-hopping isn’t always straightforward. If you’re prepared for some logistical challenges, you’ll be rewarded with rare experiences in Southeast Asia.
Here are the top ten tourist spots in the Philippines that represent what the country offers and the practical details you need to make it happen. This Philippines travel guide will help you plan your perfect international adventure.
1. Palawan
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El Nido, Palawan, delivers those Instagram-worthy limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons you’ve seen all over social media. As one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, it’s earned its reputation as a must-see destination. Keep in mind that it can get crowded, especially during peak season, and boat tours often feel rushed, particularly at the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where you’ll share the experience with many other boats.
Coron offers a slightly more authentic experience, particularly if you’re into wreck diving. The Japanese shipwrecks from WWII are spectacular, though you’ll need your Open Water certification to see the best ones. Above water, Coron’s unique freshwater lakes, surrounded by limestone cliffs, offer serene kayaking opportunities. If you’re short on time, skip the Underground River for more beach time.
Where to Stay in Palawan:
- Splurge: Amanpulo if money isn’t an object (starts around ₹170,860/night)
- Solid Choice: El Nido Resorts Miniloc – pricey but includes meals and activities
- Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel El Nido – clean, social, good location
2. Boracay
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After a rehabilitation in 2018, White Beach in Boracay is cleaner with improved water quality and fewer vendors. It’s one of the Philippine vacation spots that perfectly balances relaxation with thrilling activities. The beach is divided into three stations: Station 1 features fine sand and upscale resorts, Station 2 buzzes with restaurants and bars, while Station 3 has a quieter, local vibe.
The party scene is now more manageable with Red Horse beer towers still flowing freely at beachfront bars and fire dancers performing at sunset. While all-night beach parties have been toned down, water sports thrive here, as the wind conditions are ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and calm mornings are perfect for paddleboarding. Don’t miss the sunset sailing trips on traditional paraw boats for the best views of Boracay’s famous sunsets.
The island’s small size means you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes, making it easy to explore different beaches like Puka Shell Beach on the north end, which offers a more rugged, less developed alternative to White Beach.
Where to Stay in Boracay:
- Luxury: Shangri-La Boracay – away from the main beach chaos
- Best Value: Henann Regency – right on White Beach, good facilities
- Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel – party central if that’s your scene
3. Cebu
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Cebu City is often seen as a transit point, but it’s worth spending a day or two. Its historical sites, like Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, highlight the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in 1521. The nearby Heritage Monument showcases this history through impressive sculptures. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, lechon (roasted pig), as Cebu’s version is the best in the country, known for its crispy skin and flavorful meat.
The main attraction is Oslob’s whale shark encounters, which, despite being controversial, allow visitors to swim alongside these impressive giants. Book early, or you’ll spend more time waiting than jumping. Kawasan Falls is popular for canyoneering, featuring cliff jumps and turquoise pools, while Malapascua Island, three hours north, is renowned for reliable thresher shark diving in the mornings.
Where to Stay in Cebu:
- Luxury: Marco Polo Plaza – reliable international standard
- Good Middle Ground: Seda Ayala Center – modern, convenient location
- Budget: BZ Hostel – clean and central, though rooms are small
4. Bohol
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Bohol moves at its own pace, which is either perfect or frustrating depending on your travel style. The Chocolate Hills, over 1,000 grass-covered mounds that turn brown in the dry season, create an otherworldly landscape. While they aren’t chocolate-colored year-round, they remain impressive even when green. Local legend attributes their formation to the tears of a heartbroken giant, but geologists explain it as coral reef uplift and erosion.
The tarsier experience can be unique, though it might feel fast-paced. While often resting during the day, these tiny, nocturnal primates can be absolutely adorable when awake. A visit to the conservation center allows you to learn about and support these endangered creatures while observing them up close.
Panglao Island is among the best destinations in the Philippines for nature lovers, especially for divers. The Marine Protected Area near Balicasag Island features vibrant coral gardens and plenty of fish, while Pamilacan Island offers chances to see dolphins and whales. Additionally, the Hinagdanan Cave provides a unique underground swimming experience in crystal-clear water, illuminated by natural light through limestone openings.
Where to Stay in Bohol:
- Splurge: Amorita Resort – stunning cliff-top location on Panglao
- Reliable: Henann Resort Alona Beach – busy but well-managed
- Budget: Chocolate Hills Adventure Resort – quirky spot near the main attraction
5. Tagaytay
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Tagaytay is a getaway for Manila residents seeking relief from heat and pollution. The views of Taal Volcano are spectacular, particularly on clear days. This unique formation features a volcano within a lake within a volcano, one of the few on Earth. The crater lake is active, with recent eruptions in 2020 reminding visitors it’s not entirely dormant. Boat trips across Taal Lake allow hikes to the crater rim, though it requires decent fitness and can be canceled due to volcanic activity.
The food scene in Tagaytay has flourished, with bulalo (beef marrow soup) being the local specialty, perfect for the cooler mountain climate. Coffee shops with stunning volcano views may charge premium rates, but the ambiance makes it worthwhile. For a more budget-friendly trip to the highlands, People’s Park in the Sky offers breathtaking views from the ruins of an unfinished mansion, with a scenic drive through pine trees leading to it.
Where to Stay in Tagaytay:
- Luxury: Taal Vista Hotel – historic property with the best volcano views
- Good Value: Summit Ridge Tagaytay – reliable chain hotel
- Budget: Various OYO properties – decent but with affordable rates
6. Siargao
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Siargao has developed its tourism while retaining its charm. Cloud 9 is world-famous among surfers, attracting professionals from around the globe for its perfect barrels and consistent swells, but the island offers plenty for non-surfers too. Even if you don’t surf, watching from the wooden boardwalk as skilled surfers navigate the barrels is mesmerizing.
The island-hopping tours here are worth it—they are less crowded and more affordable than in Palawan. Sugba Lagoon feels like a hidden paradise, with clear water revealing tropical fish below and peaceful mangroves in the surroundings. Magpupungko Rock Pools offer natural swimming holes carved into volcanic rock, only accessible at low tide.
Beyond the water activities, Siargao boasts a laid-back cafe culture that draws digital nomads and long-term travelers. General Luna, the central tourist hub, features healthy cafes, coworking spaces, and vibrant beach bars. Fair warning: Siargao shuts down during typhoon season (September-December), and many businesses close entirely, leaving the island almost abandoned.
Where to Stay in Siargao:
- Luxury: Nay Palad Hideaway – ultra-exclusive but priced accordingly
- Sweet Spot: Siargao Bleu Resort – good facilities without the attitude
- Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel – social scene, decent beds
7. Manila
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Manila may have a bad rep for heavy traffic, but it’s also where you’ll find the Philippines’ best museums, most diverse food scene, and nightlife beyond beach bars. The city contrasts sleek shopping malls and busy central districts with Spanish colonial churches and architecture such as the Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
Meanwhile, the National Museum complex is genuinely world-class. It showcases Filipino art, culture, and natural history in beautifully restored buildings that rival any museum in Southeast Asia.
The rest of Manila is best experienced through its food scene, which features everything from delicious street food like sisig (sizzling pig face) at local carinderias to upscale restaurants in Bonifacio Global City serving modern Filipino cuisine. The nightlife is sophisticated, with rooftop bars offering city views and underground clubs showcasing OPM and international DJs.
Where to Stay in Manila:
- Luxury: The Peninsula Manila – old-school luxury in Makati
- Practical: Seda BGC – modern, safe area with good restaurants nearby
- Budget: Z Hostel Manila – clean and central
8. Davao
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Davao doesn’t get as much international tourism, which is part of its appeal. It’s clean, safe, and offers easy access to outdoor adventures without the infrastructure headaches. The city takes pride in its strict law enforcement, including fines for smoking in public, which contributes to a sense of safety, even at night. Davao also takes pride in its durian, celebrating the harvest during the Kadayawan Festival in August with street dancing, float parades, and impressive displays of local produce.
Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is a challenging trek that takes 2 to 3 days and requires reasonable fitness. To reach the summit, you’ll traverse diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to mossy cloud forests, offering stunning views of Mindanao. For a less challenging foray into nature, the Philippine Eagle Center showcases the critically endangered Philippine Eagles, which number fewer than 1,000 in the wild.
Where to Stay in Davao:
- Best in Town: Marco Polo Davao – international standards, good location
- Solid Choice: Seda Abreeza – modern chain hotel with reliable service
- Budget: GV Tower Hotel – basic but clean
9. Vigan
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Vigan is a stunning example of authentic Spanish colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. This UNESCO World Heritage site has remarkably preserved its 16th-century layout, featuring original stone houses with commercial spaces on the ground floor and wooden upper floors with capiz windows.
Strolling through Calle Crisologo at dusk feels like stepping back 400 years, enhanced by antique street lamps illuminating the weathered stone streets. While horse-drawn carriage rides may seem touristy, they’re practical for exploring the center. Plus, the sound of horses on stone streets enhances the time-travel atmosphere.
For food, the night markets offer delicious local dishes at better prices. Try longganisa (sweet sausage), empanada, and bagnet (crispy pork belly). The Saturday market at Plaza Salcedo highlights Ilocano culture with handwoven textiles and traditional sweets.
Where to Stay in Vigan:
- Historic Charm: Hotel Luna Vigan – restored colonial mansion
- Comfortable: Villa Angela Heritage House – boutique feel
- Budget: Grandpa’s Inn – family-run, good breakfast
10. Batanes
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Batanes is a remote and weather-dependent destination in the Philippines, often with canceled flights and limited activities. It’s a unique place to visit in the Philippines, with scenery reminiscent of Scotland, featuring rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and resilient stone houses. The distinct Ivatan culture boasts its own language and traditions shaped by isolation and harsh weather. Visit only if you have flexible dates, a healthy budget, and prefer landscapes and culture over typical tourist activities.
Their traditional stone houses are built with thick walls and cogon grass roofs, and have withstood the Pacific’s violent storms. These homes often house multiple families and feature communal areas, highlighting the strong community bonds. You’ll likely be among the few foreign tourists, making local interactions more authentic but with limited tourist infrastructure. Explore the Marlboro Hills, which offer stunning views, and the Naidi Hill lighthouse for beautiful sunsets.
Where to Stay in Batanes:
- Best Available: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge – eco-lodge built into the clifftops
- Mid-range: Shanedel’s Inn – clean, friendly service
- Basic: Batanes Seaside Lodge – adequate if you’re on a tight budget
Takeaway
The Philippines isn’t just another tropical destination to check off. You’ll swim in pristine lagoons and discover beautiful, genuinely undiscovered places. Whether watching thresher sharks at dawn in Malapascua or exploring 400-year-old Vigan streets, the best destinations in the Philippines consistently exceed expectations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in genuine interactions with some of Southeast Asia’s warmest and friendliest people. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that remains untouched by commercialization.
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*Banner photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels
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