Top 30 Attractions in Philippines

The tourism industry in the Philippines is developing very rapidly. This is quite natural, because there are all conditions for a wide variety of recreation. Beach, extreme and even sex tourism is offered to its guests by the Philippines.

The best beaches in the country are located on the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Panglao and Mactan. Fans of eco-tourism will love the island of Palawan and its amazing underground river Puerto Princesa. Divers from all over the world travel to the Philippine Islands for new underwater experiences. The islands of Boracay and Palawan, as well as the reefs of Apo and Tubbataha are especially popular among diving enthusiasts. Many volcanoes in this country create excellent conditions for active or extreme mountaineering.

What to see in the Philippines?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

City of Manila

The capital of the Philippines, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Founded in 1571. The city is now part of the National Capital Region. Manila is famous primarily for its historical district of Intramuros, various museums, Rizal Park and the official palace of President Malacañan.

Intramuros area

On the banks of the Pasig River is the famous historical district of the capital - Intramuros. At the end of the 16th century, it was erected to protect Spanish families. Today, tourists from all over the world come here to see the ancient fortress of Intramuros with their own eyes, visit one of the oldest churches in the country, San Agustin, built in 1607, and also get acquainted with the local defensive structure - Fort Santiago.

Boracay Island

One of the most popular tourist centers in the country. There are excellent places for diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and beach lovers are attracted by the famous White Beach. There are many hotels, cafes and restaurants on the island of Boracay, and trendy DJs and incendiary discos await night-time party-goers.

Palawan Island

Jungles, mangrove forests and mountains are the main natural characteristics of the island of Palawan, which began to be settled in the 12th century. Nowadays, people come here to stay in chic eco-hotels, go diving and trekking, as well as visit the famous Tabon caves, in which the remains of ancient humanoid creatures were discovered.

White beach

The length of the White Beach on the island of Boracay is about 4 kilometers. There are always a lot of vacationers here, and newlyweds often use the White Beach for wedding ceremonies. Conventionally, the beach is divided into three parts, according to the numbers of boat stations. The purest sand and a gentle entrance to the water make White Beach a great place for a family vacation.

José Rizal Park

One of the oldest urban parks in Asia is Jose Rizal Park. This special place was named after a famous 19th century Filipino figure. And in 1946, it was in this park that the independence of the country was proclaimed. Among other attractions, there is a monument to José Rizal, Independence Flagpole, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, National Library of the Philippines, Orchid Greenhouse and Butterfly Pavilion.

Manila Ocean Park

In 2008, the Manila Ocean Park was opened in José Rizal Park. The main local entertainment here is the 25-meter "Living Ocean" tunnel, the walls of which curve at an angle of 220 degrees. Manila Ocean Park itself is divided into several themed areas. Also in the aquarium you can see a musical fountain, the height of which is more than 35 meters.

Historic City of Vigan

The first historical mention of the city of Vigan dates back to the 16th century, when the local population traded with Chinese merchants. The buildings of this city combine the architectural solutions of the Philippines, China and Europe. Among the sights of Vigan, it is worth noting separately such places as the Cathedral, the birthplace of the Filipino patriot Jose Burgos and the presidential residence.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The river is located on the island of Palawan. For 8 kilometers, it flows in a large cave, where excursion flights are regularly made. A little more than 1 kilometer of this underground river is available for inspection.

Chocolate Hills

On the island of Bohol, famous among tourists, there is an unusually picturesque mountain system - the Chocolate Hills. These geological monuments got their original name due to the grass that covers them. During the dry season, the grass dries up and turns from green to brown, hence the name of the hills.

Volcano Mayon

One of the most beautiful active volcanoes on the planet - the Philippine volcano Mayon, located on the island of Luzon. At the base of the volcano, you can see the remains of the city of Sagzava, destroyed by the eruption of 1814. You can see Mayon from a bird's eye view from the cockpit of a seaplane, those who wish have the opportunity to make a hike to the volcano.

Volcano Taal

To see one of the smallest active volcanoes on the planet, you should move south from the capital of the Philippines. The volcano is located in the center of the lake of the same name, so the most convenient way is through the water. The volcano is not too high, and you can get to its top in just 20-30 minutes. Taal offers amazing views of the lake and its surroundings.

Rice terraces in the Philippine Cordillera

Unique man-made fields, created more than 2 thousand years ago, are a national treasure and a popular tourist attraction in the Philippines. The excellent irrigation system of rice terraces in the Philippine Cordillera is still used to grow vegetables and rice.

Baroque churches in the Philippines

These facilities are located in different geographical locations in the Philippines. They are UNESCO sites and are combined into one pool of attractions due to the peculiar interpretation of the Baroque style by Filipino and Chinese masters. Saint Augustine Church is located in Manila and is the oldest church in the country. The Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva was built in the city of Miagao in the 18th century. The Paoay and Santa Maria churches are located on the island of Luzon.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

In the southeast of the island of Palawan is the famous Tubbataha reef, which gave the name to the local national park. A huge number of fish species live here, among which there are barracudas, moray eels, stingray fish and hammerhead sharks. Divers from all over the world rush to dive near the Tubbatah reef to see with their own eyes all the water diversity of these places.

Volcano Pinatubo

The famous object of mountain tourism in the Philippines. This active volcano with a height of more than 1400 meters last erupted in 1991. It was then that a crater was formed, which later turned into a lake. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty almost as much as the volcano itself.

Taoist temple in Cebu

At the request of the Chinese diaspora living on the island of Cebu, a Taoist temple was built here in the 1970s. Made in the traditional Chinese architectural style, it looks original among the Philippine landscapes. In addition to the rich interior decoration, tourists are attracted here by the original method of divination about the future.

Apo Reef Natural Park

One of the largest reefs on the planet, Apo Reef is a popular attraction in the Philippines. To protect the local natural diversity, a natural park of the same name was created here. From the end of winter to May, diving enthusiasts come to the reef to personally admire the variety of corals and the many fish that live here.

Mount Apo (volcano)

The highest point in the Philippines, which is a potentially active volcano. These are favorite places of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. The trails of Mount Apo are ready to accept climbers with a wide range of skills, and the climb to the top is from 2 to 9 days, depending on the route chosen. Apo Volcano is part of the national park of the same name.

Fort San Pedro

The military-defensive building, located in the city of Cebu, begins its history from the 16th century, when the first stones of this fort were laid. After the last restoration, carried out in the 1970s, a museum was formed on the territory of the fort, where documents and photographs of the Spanish ownership of this building are stored. Outside, the fort is surrounded by a park adorned with a monument to the famous Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

Fort Santiago (Manila)

This military building was originally built of earth and logs, and after the Spanish-Chinese war, the fort was built of stone. Among the Filipinos, these places are honored as the last resting place of the famous national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, until the moment of his execution. Today it houses a museum, and tourists use Fort Santiago for picnics and leisurely walks in the fresh air.

Cross of Magellan (Cebu Island)

In 1521, the ships of the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan reached the island of Cebu. Local residents and their ruler, impressed by the power of the weapons of the Spanish team, converted to Christianity. In honor of this significant event, Magellan ordered a wooden cross to be erected in the center of the city, which today is a popular tourist attraction.

Magellan's grave and Lapu-Lapu monument

One of the most unusual sights of the Philippines - the grave of Magellan and the monument to the leader Lapu-Lapu - is located on Mactan Island in the Mactan Shrine Park. When Magellan arrived on the islands, only the leader Lapu-Lapu opposed the expansion of the Spaniards. To teach a lesson to the recalcitrant natives, Magellan entered into battle with them, but lost and was killed during the retreat. As the legend says, it was the leader Lapu-Lapu who did it.

Mashid al-Dahab

Maskhid al-Dahab is called the Golden Mosque for its huge dome covered with gold. Its construction took place in 1976 specifically for the visit of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan president. And although the visit did not take place, Maskhid al-Dahab is still a sacred place for many Filipino Muslims today.

Tabon caves

In 1962, the fossilized remains of three ancient people were discovered in the Tabon caves on the island of Palawan. These remains were called the "man from Tabon". Also, special burial vessels, jade jewelry and various stone tools were found here. Tourists can visit the Tabon cave only with a guide.

Basilica of Santo Niño

One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines is the Santo Niño Basilica in Cebu. It began to be built in the 16th century from wood and clay. Then, on the site of the first building, a stone church was erected, which organically combined neoclassical, Romanesque and Muslim styles of architecture. Inside the Basilica of Santo Nino is a museum of the history of Christianity on the island of Cebu.

coconut palace

The main residence and office of the vice-president of the country is located in the suburbs of the capital. The Coconut Palace was opened in 1981 specifically for the visit of Pope John Paul II, but the pontiff refused to stay in the overly luxurious building, in his opinion. For the construction of the palace, coconut shells and special coconut lumber were used, and the roots, bark, trunk, fruits and even flowers of the coconut were reflected in the design and decorations of this building.

River Loboc

The picturesque Loboc River flows on Bohol Island, which is now one of the popular attractions in the Philippines. River cruises are regularly organized here, during which you can stop for a bite to eat in floating restaurants and listen to traditional Filipino songs performed by locals. These river cruises start near the Loai Bridge and finish near the Busai mini waterfalls.

Tarsiers Center on Bohol Island

Funny tiny monkeys with big eyes - tarsiers - can be seen on the island of Bohol. These rare primates live here in natural conditions in a specially fenced park, and if desired, they can even leave it. When visiting the Tarsiers Center, you should behave quietly, do not touch or frighten small animals.

Kawasan waterfalls

The three-stage Kawasan waterfall, located on the island of Cebu, attracts tourists not only for its beauty. The fact is that this water cascade is located in the real jungle. At first, tourists are brought up in jeeps or buses, and then adventurers move independently following the guide. To visit the Kawasan waterfalls, you should wear shoes with corrugated soles or special trekking boots.