Top Things to Do in Philippines
40 must-see attractions and experiences
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands stretching across the western Pacific, and its geography alone makes it one of Southeast Asia's most compelling destinations. From the sculpted limestone cliffs of Palawan to the chocolate-brown hills of Bohol, from the centuries-old Spanish colonial streets of Intramuros to the neon-lit nightlife strips of Makati, this country layers natural spectacle atop deep cultural complexity. The diving is excellent, the food is underrated, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality is not a cliche but a lived reality that shapes every interaction. First-time visitors should know that the Philippines rewards planning. Distances between islands are real, domestic flights are the connective tissue, and the best experiences often require a boat, a guide, or both. The dry season from November to May is ideal for most destinations, though Siargao surfers and northern Luzon trekkers may find the shoulder months equally appealing. English is widely spoken, the currency is the Philippine peso, and the country's blend of Malay, Spanish, American, and Chinese influences creates a cultural texture unlike anywhere else in the region. Whether you are snorkeling with whale sharks off Oslob, canyon-jumping into turquoise pools at Kawasan Falls, or eating a home-cooked meal in a Manila grandmother's kitchen, the Philippines trades in moments that feel both grand and deeply personal. It is a country that asks you to slow down, get wet, and eat with your hands.
Don't Miss These
Our top picks for visitors to Philippines
Boracay Sunset Cruise with Party DJ & Unlimited Food and Drinks
Outdoor ActivitiesA four-hour yacht cruise around Boracay that combines snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and water slides with a DJ-powered party atmosphere and unlimited food and drinks. The boat departs in the late afternoon, timing the journey so the sun drops behind the island's western shore while you are on the water. This is the single best way to see Boracay from the sea while socializing with fellow travelers.
Immerse in Culture: Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Experience
Cultural ExperiencesA full-day excursion to Villa Escudero, a working coconut plantation in Quezon Province where you ride a carabao cart through palm groves and eat lunch on bamboo tables at the base of a man-made waterfall with water lapping at your feet. The property also houses a private museum with an eclectic collection spanning colonial-era religious artifacts, World War II memorabilia, and indigenous crafts. It is a rare window into hacienda life that has largely vanished from the modern Philippines.
Cebu: Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan
Outdoor ActivitiesA beach-entry dive in Mactan guided by a certified instructor, where even complete beginners can be underwater within minutes of arriving. The site is home to schools of sardines, sea turtles, and reef fish in vivid colors, all steps from the shore. Free underwater photos and videos are included, along with complimentary transport within Mactan.
WaterColors - Open Water Diver Certification in Boracay
Outdoor ActivitiesA full PADI Open Water certification course taught on Boracay by WaterColors, one of the island's most safety-focused dive operators. The multi-day program covers pool skills, theory, and four open-water dives in the warm, clear waters surrounding the island. Graduating here means your certification card carries memories of one of the world's most beautiful beach settings.
Dumaguete Tours in English | Private, Flexible Full Day Tours
Day TripsA private, fully customizable day tour of Dumaguete and the surrounding Dauin coast, led by a local English-speaking guide who tailors the itinerary to your interests. The price covers your entire group rather than per person, making it excellent value for families or small parties. Whether you want to swim with turtles at Apo Island, explore Dumaguete's tree-lined boulevard, or visit the twin lakes of Balinsasayao, the day is yours to shape.
Bohol Full Day Waterfall & Countryside Scooter Tour
Outdoor ActivitiesA guided scooter tour through Bohol's interior that covers waterfalls, Chocolate Hills viewpoints, historical churches, and local eateries in a single day. Self-driving is encouraged but a driver option is available for those who prefer to ride pillion. The route deliberately avoids the tourist-bus corridors, delivering a ground-level experience of Bohol's countryside that most visitors never see.
Customize Private Morocco Tours
Day TripsA bespoke private tour offering across Morocco's major highlights, from the medinas of Marrakech and Fes to Sahara desert camps and Atlas Mountain villages. Knowledgeable local guides handle all logistics, allowing you to shape the itinerary around your pace and interests. This is a curated, hands-on approach to Morocco that avoids the cookie-cutter group tour formula.
Coron Ultimate Tour: 7 Destinations with Lunch and Transfer
Day TripsCoron's most complete island-hopping itinerary packs seven stops into a single day, including snorkeling, swimming in hidden lagoons, and sightseeing at iconic limestone formations. Lunch is served on a beach, and hotel transfers are included. If your time in Coron is limited to one day, this tour covers the greatest hits without feeling rushed.
Home Cooked Meal with a Filipino Grandma
Food & DrinkAn intimate dining experience in a real Filipino home, where a grandmother cooks a multi-course meal using recipes perfected over decades. This is not a restaurant or a curated tasting menu but a genuine invitation into someone's kitchen, complete with family chatter, garlic sizzling in oil, and dishes served the way Filipinos eat at home. It is the most authentic culinary experience available in Manila.
Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience
Food & DrinkA guided walking tour through Binondo, Manila's Chinatown and the oldest in the world, sampling dishes from century-old bakeries, noodle shops, and street stalls that most visitors walk past. The guide connects each food stop to the district's layered Chinese-Filipino history, turning a meal into a cultural education. You will eat until you are full and then eat more.
Entertainment
From Makati's bar-hopping scene to Manila Ocean Park's marine exhibits, the Philippines offers urban entertainment that complements its natural attractions. The nightlife in Manila and Boracay is among the liveliest in Southeast Asia.
Makati "Pub Crawl & Bar Hopping" Experience
EntertainmentA curated evening walk through downtown Makati's most interesting bars, mixing heritage establishments with design-forward newcomers, all within walking distance of each other. The experience is social by design, drawing a mix of locals and travelers, with a guide who knows the backstory of each venue. It is the fastest way to crack Makati's nightlife without wasting time on mediocre spots.
Manila Ocean Park
EntertainmentA marine theme park on Manila Bay's reclaimed waterfront offering aquariums, a jellyfish exhibit, and interactive marine encounters including a walk-through oceanarium tunnel. While not on the scale of Singapore or Osaka's facilities, it provides a solid half-day of family entertainment with air-conditioned relief from Manila's heat. The bay-side location offers decent sunset views from the upper levels.
666 Behind, Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines · View on Map
Outdoor Activities
The Philippines is a playground for outdoor ensoiasts, with excellent diving, canyoneering, and freediving concentrated in the Visayas and Palawan. From Kawasan Falls' canyon jumps to Boracay's sunset cruises, the water-based activities here rank among the best in Southeast Asia.
4 Hour Canyoneering Adventure at Kawasan Falls with Lunch
Outdoor ActivitiesA four-hour canyoneering descent through Cebu's Badian canyon system, jumping off cliffs, sliding down natural rock chutes, and swimming through turquoise pools until you arrive at the multi-tiered Kawasan Falls. Lunch is served at the exclusive second-level falls restaurant with a panoramic view of the cascade. This is the Philippines' signature adventure activity, and the combination of adrenaline and scenery is unmatched.
Scuba Diver Course (PADI)
Outdoor ActivitiesA condensed two-day PADI Scuba Diver certification that qualifies you to dive to 12 meters under professional supervision. This is the ideal option for travelers who lack the time for a full Open Water course but want a legitimate certification rather than a one-off discovery dive. The training takes place in the warm, clear waters of the Visayas, one of the world's top dive regions.
Beginner Freediving Course (with Bonus Session)
Outdoor ActivitiesAn entry-level freediving certification course on Panglao Island, Bohol, taught by Freedive Academy instructors certified in AIDA, SSI, and Molchanovs systems. The course covers breath-hold techniques, equalization, and open-water dives, with a bonus session included for extra practice. Panglao's calm, deep-blue waters and reliable visibility make it one of the best places in the world to learn this discipline.
Whale Shark Watching & Tumalog Falls & Kawasan Falls
Outdoor ActivitiesA full-day package from Cebu Tours that combines three of southern Cebu's signature experiences: swimming with whale sharks in Oslob's shallow waters, visiting the ethereal curtain-like cascade of Tumalog Falls, and finishing at the turquoise tiers of Kawasan Falls. The logistics are handled end to end, eliminating the complex transport planning that typically makes this triple combination a two-day affair.
Full Day Shark Watching and Canyoneering in Cebu
Outdoor ActivitiesA family-run tour operation that combines Oslob whale shark watching with Kawasan Falls canyoneering in a single, high-energy day. The small-group format and personal attention set it apart from the larger operators running the same route. You start with the gentle giants at dawn and finish the day jumping off cliffs into turquoise canyon pools.
Tangadan Falls
Outdoor ActivitiesA multi-tiered waterfall near San Gabriel, La Union, reached via a scenic trek through rice paddies and river crossings that is itself half the attraction. The main cascade drops into a deep pool where cliff jumping from various heights is the primary activity. Tangadan rewards visitors who are willing to get their feet muddy on the approach.
San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines · View on Map
Top Mount Farm
Outdoor ActivitiesAn agritourism farm in the mountains above Cebu City offering vegetable gardens, flower fields, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the city and sea below. The farm grows strawberries, lettuce, and flowers at altitude, and visitors can pick their own produce in season. It is a working farm first and a tourist attraction second, which gives it an honest, unpretentious character.
0.5km, Brgy, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines · View on Map
Cultural Experiences
Four centuries of Spanish colonialism, an American period, and deep indigenous roots create a cultural layering unique in Asia. Walking tours through Intramuros and plantation visits at Villa Escudero illuminate this complex heritage in visceral, personal ways.
Intramuros Walking Tour by Don't Skip Manila | Shore Excursion
Cultural ExperiencesA half-day storytelling tour through Intramuros, Manila's 16th-century walled city, led by guides from Don't Skip Manila who specialize in narrative history rather than date recitation. The route covers Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and the colonial plazas, with each stop framed by the events that shaped the Philippines from Spanish colonization through World War II. This is history made vivid and personal.
Viva Old Manila! : Intramuros Walking Tour
Cultural ExperiencesA DOT-accredited walking tour through Intramuros that covers cobblestone streets, century-old fortress walls, colonial plazas, and churches that have stood for hundreds of years. At $25, it is one of the most affordable guided historical tours in Manila, and the accredited guides bring depth and local knowledge to every stop. The pace is unhurried, allowing time for photos and questions.
Temple of Leah
Cultural ExperiencesA Roman-inspired temple complex in the hills above Cebu City, built by a Cebuano businessman as a monument to his late wife. The structure features Corinthian columns, bronze statues, and terraced gardens overlooking the city and sea. Whether you find it romantic or eccentric, the craftsmanship is undeniable and the hilltop setting provides one of Cebu's best panoramic views.
9V9F+G8R, Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines · View on Map
Day Trips
The Philippines' island geography makes day trips a fundamental part of any itinerary. Coron's seven-stop island hopping, Dumaguete's private coastal tours, and the Banaue rice terraces are all structured as full-day excursions that maximize limited time.
Banaue-Hapao Rice Terraces (Car Rental W/ Manila Tourist Driver)
Day TripsA chauffeured car service from Manila to the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Banaue and Hapao in Ifugao province, with a driver selected specifically for tourist routes through the Cordillera mountains. The drive itself is part of the experience, ascending from the lowlands into misty highlands where 2,000-year-old terraces cascade down mountainsides. This removes the stress of navigating mountain roads while maximizing your time at the terraces.
Food & Drink
Filipino cuisine is enjoying a global moment, and the best way to experience it is through local-led food tours and home-cooking experiences. From Binondo's century-old noodle shops to a grandmother's kitchen in Manila, eating in the Philippines is inseparable from its social fabric.
Cebu Walking Tour — History, Culture & Local Food Experience
Food & DrinkA personal walking tour through Cebu City led by a local who shares stories, cultural trivia, and food stops that fall outside the standard tourist circuit. The route connects historical landmarks to modern Cebuano life, with tastings at local eateries that reveal the city's culinary character. This is Cebu experienced at ground level, through the eyes of someone who loves the city.
Historic Sites
Manila's Intramuros district concentrates the country's colonial history within its old walls, with Fort Santiago and Rizal Park anchoring the narrative of Philippine nationhood. These sites carry emotional weight that goes far beyond architectural interest.
Rizal Park
Historic SitesManila's most historically significant public space, Rizal Park sprawls across 58 hectares at the heart of the capital, anchored by the monument to national hero Jose Rizal on the exact spot where he was executed by Spanish colonial forces in 1896. The park includes manicured gardens, a Chinese garden, a Japanese garden, and open lawns where Manila families gather on weekends. It is the geographic and symbolic center of the nation.
Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines · View on Map
Fort Santiago
Historic SitesThe defensive fortress at the mouth of the Pasig River within Intramuros, Fort Santiago served as the Spanish colonial seat of power and, more poignantly, as the prison where Jose Rizal spent his final days before execution. The preserved dungeon cells, Rizal's last footsteps marked in brass on the ground, and the riverside ramparts make this the most emotionally resonant historical site in Manila. The on-site Rizal Shrine museum displays original manuscripts and personal effects.
Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines · View on Map
Natural Wonders
The archipelago's natural diversity is staggering: limestone lagoons in El Nido, terraced mineral pools in Abra, spring-fed rivers of impossible blue in Surigao, and 2,000-year-old rice terraces in Ifugao. The Philippines' geography rewards those willing to travel beyond Manila.
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Natural WondersA meticulously landscaped urban park in central Makati's central business district, Ayala Triangle Gardens is where office workers decompress under mature trees and along winding paths between glass towers. The park hosts a spectacular light-and-sound show each December that draws thousands. During the rest of the year, it is Makati's green lung and a popular lunch spot.
Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave, Cor Ayala Ave, Makati City, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines · View on Map
People's Park in the Sky
Natural WondersPerched atop Mount Sungay in Tagaytay, this abandoned mansion-turned-park sits at one of the highest accessible points in the area, offering 360-degree views of Taal Volcano, Taal Lake, and the Batangas lowlands on clear days. The unfinished structure was originally planned as a vacation home for President Marcos and later for President Aquino, but neither completed it. The ruins themselves add an atmospheric quality to the panoramic views.
Tagaytay - Calamba Rd, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines · View on Map
Sirao Garden
Natural WondersA hillside flower garden in the mountains above Cebu City, often called the "Little Amsterdam" for its rows of celosia flowers that, from certain angles, recall Dutch tulip fields. The terraced garden is privately maintained and changes with the seasons, with the celosia blooms at their most vivid from November through February. The mountain air and elevation provide welcome relief from Cebu City's lowland heat.
CV48+MPV, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines · View on Map
Enchanted River
Natural WondersA spring-fed river in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, where impossibly blue water wells up from an underground cave system that has never been fully mapped. The color shifts between deep sapphire and electric turquoise depending on the angle of sunlight, and the source has defied multiple diving expeditions to determine its full depth. Swimming is permitted during designated hours, and the daily fish-feeding ritual at noon draws hundreds of fish to the surface.
Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines · View on Map
Batad Rice Terraces
Natural WondersA UNESCO World Heritage amphitheater of rice terraces carved into the mountainside above the village of Batad in Ifugao province, maintained by Ifugao farmers using the same techniques for over 2,000 years. Unlike the more accessible Banaue terraces, reaching Batad requires a hike, which filters out casual tourists and preserves the site's profound stillness. The crescent shape of the terraces, wrapping around the village like a natural stadium, is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Asia.
Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines · View on Map
Bolinao Falls 1
Natural WondersThe largest of three waterfalls near the town of Bolinao in Pangasinan, this cascade plunges into a deep natural pool surrounded by smooth boulders and dense tropical vegetation. The turquoise water is clean enough to swim in, and the relative remoteness of the site means you may have the pool to yourself on weekdays. It is the kind of waterfall that requires effort to reach and rewards it completely.
Barangay Samang Norte, Bolinao, 2406 Pangasinan, Philippines · View on Map
Cavinti Falls (Pagsanjan Falls)
Natural WondersOne of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, Cavinti Falls is the dramatic cascade at the end of the Pagsanjan River gorge, reached by shooting rapids in a dugout canoe paddled by skilled boatmen. The gorge walls rise steeply on either side, and the falls themselves thunder into a pool where you can ride a bamboo raft beneath the curtain of water. This is the original Philippine adventure tourism experience, operating since the 19th century.
4013 Cavinti Bridge I, Cavinti, 4013 Laguna, Philippines · View on Map
Hulugan Falls
Natural WondersA towering waterfall in Luisiana, Laguna, that drops roughly 100 feet into a rock-strewn pool at the base of a jungle ravine. The hike down involves a steep descent on sometimes-slippery stairs carved into the hillside, which keeps the crowds manageable. The power of the cascade during and just after rainy season is impressive, sending mist hundreds of feet into the air.
6F6H+9WQ, Luisiana, Laguna, Philippines · View on Map
Small Lagoon
Natural WondersA limestone-enclosed lagoon in the Bacuit Archipelago of El Nido, accessible by kayak through a narrow gap in the karst cliffs. Once inside, you float in emerald water surrounded by sheer rock walls draped in vegetation, with no sound but the drip of water and the occasional bird call. With a 4.9-star rating, it is one of the highest-rated natural attractions in the entire Philippines.
584C+GHR Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines · View on Map
Kaparkan Falls
Natural WondersA series of wide, terraced limestone cascades in Tineg, Abra province, where mineral-rich water has built up natural pools reminiscent of Pamukkale in Turkey. The remote location in the Cordillera mountains means very few visitors make the journey, and those who do find themselves in one of the most surreal natural landscapes in the Philippines. The blue-white calcium deposits and tiered pools create a scene that looks digitally enhanced but is entirely real.
QQJJ+28J, Tineg, Abra, Philippines · View on Map
Jawili Falls
Natural WondersA multi-level waterfall in Tangalan, Aklan, just a short drive from Kalibo, where water cascades over several tiers into a series of natural swimming pools. The falls are well-maintained with concrete paths and changing rooms, making them accessible without sacrificing natural beauty. Most visitors heading to Boracay fly through Kalibo and never know this waterfall is 30 minutes from the airport.
Q6RF+G34, Tangalan, Aklan, Philippines · View on Map
Talisayen Cove
Natural WondersA sheltered crescent beach in Zambales with powdery sand, clear water, and the Anawangin-style volcanic landscape of Mount Pinatubo's western slopes as a backdrop. The cove is accessible only by boat from nearby Pundaquit, which keeps it uncrowded and preserves its wild, frontier character. Camping overnight on the beach is the preferred way to experience it.
V34J+9VW, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines · View on Map
Tukuran Falls
Natural WondersA slender but powerful waterfall in Zamboanga del Sur that drops into a cool, deep pool surrounded by old-growth tropical forest. The falls are less visited than Mindanao's more famous sites, offering solitude and a pristine natural setting. The approach through farmland and forest is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.
CXMF+FP2, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines · View on Map
Century Tree Highlands
Natural WondersA highland park and viewpoint in Cebu's interior mountains centered on a massive, centuries-old tree that has become a pilgrimage site for nature lovers and photographers. The surrounding gardens and elevated walkways provide panoramic views of Cebu's mountain spine and, on clear days, glimpses of neighboring islands. The cool temperature at this elevation is a welcome change from the coast.
Century Tree Highlands, Antipolo, Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines · View on Map
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
November through May is the dry season and the best window for most destinations, with December through February offering the most comfortable temperatures. Typhoon season runs June through October, primarily affecting the Visayas and eastern Luzon.
Booking Advice
Book whale shark encounters, island-hopping tours, and dive certifications at least 2-3 days in advance during peak season (December-April). Domestic flights between islands sell out weeks ahead during holidays like Sinulog (January) and Holy Week. Walking tours in Manila can usually be booked 24 hours ahead.
Save Money
Eat where Filipinos eat: carinderia (roadside eateries) serve full meals for 80-150 pesos ($1.50-$3). Domestic budget airlines like Cebu Pacific offer fares as low as $20 between islands if booked during seat sales, which happen monthly.
Local Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering homes and some smaller establishments. Use 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to elders in Filipino to show respect. At religious sites, cover shoulders and knees. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 10% at restaurants is generous by local standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Philippines a popular tourist destination?
The Philippines offers over 7,000 islands with diverse attractions including white-sand beaches like Boracay and El Nido, world-class diving spots in Palawan and Cebu, and unique natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills and underground rivers. The country combines natural beauty with affordable travel costs—meals can cost as little as ₱100-200 ($2-4) and island-hopping tours typically range from ₱1,200-2,000 per person. English is widely spoken, making it easier for international travelers to navigate compared to other Southeast Asian destinations.
What are the top tourist destinations in the Philippines?
Palawan consistently ranks as the top destination, particularly El Nido and Coron for their limestone cliffs and lagoons. Boracay remains popular for its beaches and nightlife, while Cebu offers both city attractions and access to diving sites like Moalboal and Malapascua. Siargao has grown rapidly as a surfing destination, and Bohol attracts visitors with the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries.
What are the most famous tourist spots in the Philippines?
The Banaue Rice Terraces (a UNESCO site built 2,000 years ago), Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, and Boracay's White Beach are among the most iconic. Mayon Volcano in Bicol is famous for its perfect cone shape, while Vigan in Ilocos Sur preserves Spanish colonial architecture. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol—over 1,200 cone-shaped hills—and Kawasan Falls in Cebu are also must-see natural landmarks.
What attractions are available in the Philippines?
Beyond beaches, the Philippines offers volcano hiking (Mount Pinatubo, Taal), world-class diving and snorkeling sites (Tubbataha Reef, Apo Island), waterfall canyoneering in Cebu, and wildlife encounters with whale sharks in Oslob or Donsol. Cultural attractions include Spanish-era churches, the Intramuros walled city in Manila, and indigenous villages in the Cordillera region. Island-hopping tours are available in most coastal areas, typically costing ₱1,200-2,500 per person depending on the destination.
Should I visit Vietnam or the Philippines?
Both countries offer great value, but the Philippines is better suited for beach and island activities with easier English communication, while Vietnam offers richer historical sites and more developed tourist infrastructure. The Philippines tends to be slightly more expensive for accommodation but cheaper for activities—diving certifications cost around ₱15,000-18,000 compared to higher prices elsewhere. If you prefer multiple islands and water sports, choose the Philippines; for cultural immersion and food tours, Vietnam might be preferable.
What are the best tourist spots in Luzon?
Northern Luzon features the Banaue Rice Terraces, Sagada's hanging coffins and caves, and Vigan's preserved Spanish colonial town. Around Manila, you'll find Tagaytay with views of Taal Volcano, the beaches of Batangas (Anilao for diving, Laiya for beaches), and Subic Bay for water sports. In Bicol, Mayon Volcano and the whale sharks of Donsol are main attractions, while Aurora province on the east coast offers excellent surfing in Baler.
Book Your Experiences
Guided tours, tickets, and activities in Philippines