Top 20 Sights in the Philippines

Millions of tourists from around the world visit the Philippines every year, drawn by the country’s beautiful white sand beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and budget-friendly eats & accommodations. Some of the most famous spots are Boracay or Palawan, but hold on for just a second! There are many more destinations to discover.

Here are 20 other unforgettable places to visit in the Philippines. These destinations will surprise, excite and amaze you, giving you priceless experiences to remember:

 

Whalesharks in Donsol

Donsol is the place to consider if you want to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. Whale sharks have been passing through this sleepy town in the province of Sorsogon, for more than a century.

In the late 1990s, outsiders discovered the startling multitude of whale sharks off the coast of Donsol. This catapulted the town into a major eco-tourist spot and fishermen became tour guides who protect the whale sharks as tourists interact with them. The best time to visit Donsol for whale shark interactions is between April and May.

 

Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin

Looking for a physical challenge? Mount Hibok-Hibok in the island of Camiguin is not for the faint of heart. Trekking up and down from this active volcano will take six to ten hours, depending on your stamina and endurance to brave through its wild jungle.

Mount Hibok-Hibok is one of the four volcanos found in Camiguin. It may not be the tallest volcano on the island but it has quite an explosive history with its last eruption occurring in 1951, killing more than 3,000 people. The top of Mount Hibok-Hibok offers an amazing view of Camiguin and its surrounding waters.

Cloud 9 in Siargao

Catch the perfect wave in Siargao! This tear-drop shaped island in northern Mindanao is a surfer’s paradise. Surfers from around the world flock to Siargao just to ride its famous Cloud 9 wave.

Cloud 9 is a right-breaking reef wave with a reputation for thick, hollow tubes, perfect for barreling. The tropical climate is also a big draw especially for European surfers who are simply delighted by the warm weather and cool waters of Siargao.

 

Dahican Beach in Mati

In the battle of the beaches, Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental is a strong contender for one of the best.

With a long shoreline of fine white sand and playful waves from the Pacific Ocean, Dahican Beach brings together beach lovers, surfers and skimboarders alike. Locals are determined to keep the rustic appeal of the place and put more emphasis on ecotourism activities.

 

Kisses Islets in Dinagat

Kisses Islets are limestone formations within the Dinagat Islands of the Caraga region of Mindanao. When viewed from afar, you might think that someone left you a handful of Hershey kisses on the sea. Up close, the Kisses Islets are a wonder to behold.

Although you can’t dock on the islets, you will be tempted to swim in the shallow and calm waters surrounding them. There’s hardly anyone else around, maybe except for a fisherman on a passing boat. It’s easy to think the paradise is yours alone.

 

Bacuit Archipelago

The ultimate island hopping experience is in the Bacuit Archipelago of El Nido, Palawan. Situated in a marine reserve, the archipelago is an interesting mix of limestone islands and islets.

Rightfully described as a paradise, Bacuit Archipelago offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. They can frolic on a white sand beach; snorkel to see the vibrantly coloured fishes and coral reefs; catch a glimpse of turtles, rays, sea cows, and the occasional whale sharks; and paddle their way around on kayaks.

 

Tarsiers in Bohol

Ever heard of an animal called a tarsier? The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world. They grow about 3 to 6 inches in height and weigh around 113 to 142 grams.  Classified as an endangered species, living tarsiers can now only be found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

You can see these cute little creatures at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Bohol. Please be quiet though for tarsiers are nocturnal animals. They have minimal activity during daytime and are often seen clinging on tree branches sleeping. Because their ears are very sensitive, they’ll stir from their slumber at the slightest sound. So it’s best to visit in the afternoons.

 

Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Sorry, but no chocolates are on the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. No plants have grown on top of these hills either. Only grass grows and when the weather is too hot, the grass turns brown making the hills look like mounds of chocolate.

More than 1,200 small brown hills are curiously scattered throughout an area of 50 square kilometres. If you’re a science geek, you’ll probably be fascinated by geologists’ theories on these land formations. But if you’re more inclined towards fantasy, let the locals tell you about the intriguing legends of the Chocolate Hills.

 

Carbon Market

Carbon Market in Cebu City is for the daring and adventurous tourists who know how to appreciate local culture. It is more than 100 years old, making it the oldest and largest farmers’ market in the city. From fruits, meats, fish, vegetables, household wares, clothing and handicrafts, you’ll find almost anything in Carbon Market and they’re cheap too!

If you hate chaos and weird smells, skipping a trip to Carbon Market might be a good idea. But if you are brave enough, you’ll be surprised by just how friendly the locals are and how they still smile despite the hard life they live.

 

Tinuy-an Falls

Some have called it the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur may not have the massive width of the real Niagara Falls but it is equally breathtaking and has a certain charm that captivates the imagination of visitors.

Tinuy-an Falls is located in a remote area and poses quite a challenging trip for visitors not used to roughing it. Perhaps the hardship that one must go through to get there makes success so much sweeter. The spectacular sight of the multi-tiered waterfalls makes the long and bumpy ride worthwhile.

 

Thresher Sharks in Malapascua

The island of Malapascua in Cebu is the only place where divers can observe thresher sharks or fox sharks all year round. If you can’t tell one shark from another, thresher sharks have one unique feature on its body — its tail. The tail of a thresher shark can grow up to half of its body length.

At Monad Shoal, an underwater island off the coast of Malapascua, divers get the chance of a lifetime to see these dangerous beauties up close and on a hunt. If Muhammad Ali “floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee,” thresher sharks swim gracefully like ballerinas and pummel their prey with their tail like an 18-wheeler truck crashing through a watermelon farm.

 

Sea turtles in Apo Island

You’ll find plenty of sea turtles swimming around Apo Island in Negros Oriental. Kids will love this activity because they don’t have to swim far to see the sea turtles. Even on waist-deep waters, you can see green turtles and hawksbill turtles gently gliding and grazing on algae.

Apo Island is a marine reserve and has a land area of about 74 hectares. The whole community actively participates in the protection of the colourful corals and diverse sea creatures that found a haven in the island waters. The abundance of algae, sea grass, and sponges makes Apo Island a major feeding ground for the sea turtles.

 

Rice terraces

When you’re traveling through the northern part of Luzon, take the extra mile to see the beautiful Ifugao rice terraces. This UNESCO World Heritage site should not be missed if you’re looking for something truly Filipino.

Whether they are 2,000 or less than 1,000 years old, the Ifugao Rice Terraces are a testament of Filipino ingenuity and resilience. Aside from carving the steep mountain slopes with simple tools, the Ifugaos also developed a sophisticated irrigation system using bamboo tubes, mud channels and gravity. Meet these ingenious Ifugaos when you trek through the rice terraces.

 

Silay & Vigan for heritage houses

History buffs will love the cities of Silay in Negros Occidental and Vigan in Ilocos Sur.

The Philippine National Historical Commission declared 28 heritage structures in Silay as “National Treasures.” Some of these ancestral houses also double as museums with unique displays and interesting historical tales to tell.

In Vigan, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Spanish colonial times when you wander through the cobblestone streets of the heritage village. The city has an astounding 187 residential, institutional, commercial and religious structures that have endured more than a hundred years and earned Vigan a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Cantabon Cave in Siquijor

Will you dare enter Cantabon Cave in Siquijor? Spelunking or caving not only challenges you physically but also psychologically. There’s an element of excitement due to the absence of light.

If your adventurous spirit is strong and exploring dark and small spaces gets your blood pumping, then be prepared to get muddy and wet as you crawl, wiggle and explore the 800-meter long Cantabon Cave. During the 90-minute guided cave tour, you will see some impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can even take a dip in the cave’s mini swimming pool.

 

Enchanted River

Locals believe supernatural beings protect the Hinatuan Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur. The sight of this saltwater river is definitely spellbinding with its unusual cerulean and azure colours. The water is unbelievably clear you can see a large school of fish appear seemingly out of nowhere during their much-awaited feeding time.

 

While trying to uncover the source of the saltwater that mixes with the river’s spring water, scientists have discovered an underwater cave system. Though tourism is booming, the local government is putting in place strict guidelines to protect this magical spot.

 

Mount Mayon

Mount Mayon or Mayon Volcano is considered to have the most perfect cone among all the other volcanos in the world. It has been called a little sister or cousin to Mount Fuji of Japan. Mayon’s symmetrical shape was formed over the centuries through layers of pyroclastic and lava flows.

Found in the province of Albay, this classic stratovolcano has inspired a tale of love and jealousy that ended in violence. Mayon is described as shy, often hiding behind a sea of clouds, which represents her lover. She is calm within his embrace. But when Mayon erupts, and it has done so more than 47 times in the past five centuries, locals say the princess is angry that her jilted suitor is trying to snatch her away from her lover’s arms.

 

Pamilacan Island

Pamilacan is a tiny island located 12.5 kilometres south of mainland Bohol. Pamilacan also has a story of redemption. Many years ago, people in this quiet fishing island used to hunt whale sharks and manta rays. Today, the people of Pamilacan call themselves caretakers of the sea. They help protect marine life through their sustainable dolphin and whale watching tours.

From March to June is the best time to visit Pamilacan but resident dolphins are usually spotted all year-round.

Batanes

Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines and, for many years, has been a difficult place to visit even for Filipinos due to its distance from the main island of Luzon. Visiting Batanes should be in everyone’s bucket list as it is not your typical tropical island.

The attraction of Batanes lies in the raw beauty of its verdant mountains, the unforgiving wild waves of its seas, and the indomitable spirit of the Ivatan people who have lived on the islands for thousands of years. The Ivatans believe that everyone is equal, and should be respected and accepted by society. This is probably why there’s almost zero crime in Batanes.

Makati

Makati City, considered as the financial center of the Philippines, has attracted the attention of the business and tourism sectors for its sustainable development efforts. Makati, as one of the highly populated areas of Metro Manila, is a city going green. Between and even on top of the high-rise buildings, you’ll find trees, gardens, and grass. Energy-efficient and electric-powered public utility vehicles are also plying some streets.

Aside from being the headquarters of various multinational companies, Makati is also a foodie paradise and a shopping haven. Though there is still room for improvement, Makati City is a definitely on its way to becoming a world-class destination for the urban tourist.

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With more than 7,600 islands forming part of the Philippine archipelago, without a doubt, there will be plenty of places to explore, interesting individuals to meet and delectable delicacies to try.

So pack your bags now and come visit the Philippines!