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Must Visit Places in the Philippines

The Philippines is a nature lover`s paradise. With over 7000 islands, this nation will astound you with clear water and vibrant streets. Some of the Philippines’ places to visit are listed below: -

Palawan

This is a gem of a holiday destination with hidden lagoons, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs. You must go to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, relax on Coron beach, and snorkel in El Nido. Nature lovers, travel photographers, and adventure seekers would love this place.

Bohol

The famous Chocolate Hills are situated here, and you get to witness eco-tourism. You can take a cruise on the Loboc River, enjoy snorkelling or diving in Panglao Island, and visit centuries-old churches. So, for a family vacation, it is a perfect place.

Cebu

“Queen City of the South” is another name for Cebu that blends adventure, history, and beaches. This is one of the best cities to visit in the Philippines. The must-visit places here are- the Magellan’s Cross and the Kawasan Falls. Don`t forget to swim with whale sharks in Oslob.

Manila

The capital city mixes modern life with Spanish colonial heritage. You can explore Intramuros, the old walled city, and also witness the stunning art galleries, museums, and vibrant markets. It greets you with the perfect energy to continue your journey further.

Boracay

If you love white sandy beaches, you will fall in love with Boracay. You can shoot countless photos and reels to feed your social media. During the daytime, you can enjoy plenty of water activities like diving, parasailing, and surfing while enjoying various bars and clubs at night.

Vigan

Vigan is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Asia’s best-preserved Spanish colonial town. You can enjoy the royal horse-drawn carriage ride, walk down Calle Crisologo, and admire the centuries-old architecture. The cobblestone streets add more old-world charm to this city.

Davao City

Davao is situated at the foothills of Mount Apo, which is famous for its natural view and urban cleanliness. Taste the famous durian fruit, explore the beaches and parks nearby, and visit the Philippine Eagle Centre.

Historical Places of the Philippines

Apart from the aforementioned places to see in the Philippines, here is a list of those places that carry historical importance: -

• Fort Santiago, Manila
• Casa Manila, Manila
• Aguinaldo Shrine, Manila
• Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu
• Taal, Batangas
• Corregidor Island

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

The ideal time for the Philippines trip plan would be November/December to April/May because during this time the weather is dry with minimal rainfall. You can enjoy a variety of beach activities at this time. The peak tourist footfall is between December and February. June to October is the off-season due to heavy rainfall. But you will get to enjoy fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and lower hotel prices.

How to Reach the Philippines? 

The Philippines is a beautiful nation, and flying is the most convenient option to get there. The rest of the options are limited depending on where you are travelling. Check out how you can arrive in the Philippines: -

• By Air: The Philippines has major international airports in Manila, Clark, and Cebu offering an excellent network from the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Europe.
• By Sea: You will get ferries and cruises to reach the Philippines from Malaysia and Indonesia. It has ports in Davao, Zamboanga, and Manila.
• By Land: You cannot reach the Philippines directly by land, as it is an island nation. You have to combine land and ferry routes from Indonesia or Malaysia to arrive here.

Food & Cuisine of the Philippines

The Philippine cuisine is a mix of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. It has Spanish, Malay, Chinese, and American traditions. So, don’t miss the following dishes in your Philippines travel: -

• Adobo – unofficially the national dish of the Philippines, Adobo is made with meat (chicken or pork) and simmered in a mix of vinegar, spices, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Kare-kare – this is a rich stew made from oxtail and vegetables in a savoury peanut sauce. It is served with a fermented shrimp paste called bagoong.
• Halo-halo – a famous dessert made with a mix of shaved ice, fruits, sweet beans, jelly, and evaporated milk. It is then topped with leche flan and purple yam ice cream.
• Leche flan – don`t miss this rich and creamy dessert item made from custard with a soft layer of caramel on top.
• Lumpia – enjoy this Filipino version of a spring roll that is either fresh or fried.

Shopping Points in the Philippines

The presence of big malls and street markets makes shopping in the Philippines an enjoyable experience. You can choose from a wide spectrum of things to buy. Here is a list of the famous shopping centres in the Philippines: -

• SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay – this is one of the largest malls in the world. The prime USP is the Olympic-sized ice-skating rink. There are also many retail, dining, and entertainment options here.
• Divisoria Market, Manila – buy clothes, accessories, jewellery items, and souvenirs, and then enjoy amazing street food.
• Taytay Rizal Tiangge, Manila – it’s a great flea market and best for shoes and accessories.
• Salcedo Saturday Market, Makati – you will get amazing food here and also something to bring back home, like dried fruits and dried fish.
• Carbon Market, Cebu – you will get great home décor items and religious goods here.
• Baguio City Public Market, Baguio – it is also known as a “wet and dry market” because the products range from seafood and poultry to chocolates and local handicrafts.

Travel Tips for the Philippines

• Respect the environmental rules here, which are laid down to preserve marine biodiversity. So, remember not to litter or touch the coral reefs.
• Carry mosquito repellent while travelling to the wild forests to ward off mosquitoes and insect bites.
• Carry light clothes, sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Don’t forget a raincoat if you are going in the rainy season.
• There are countless islands in the Philippines that involve travelling via flights and boats. So, you must book your domestic flights in advance and check ferry timings.
• Online payments and cards are accepted in big cities, but remember to carry cash while travelling to the remote islands.

FAQ’s

When to travel to the Philippines?

If you are planning a Philippines trip, November to April will be the best time, as you will get sunny skies and dry weather.

What is the weather like in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a tropical climate. It remains warm all year, with a dry and rainy season.

What can I buy from the Philippines as souvenirs back home?

The Philippines is famous for pearls, local textiles, coconut-based products, handmade craft items, and dried mangoes, which you can buy as souvenirs for your friends and family members.

Which popular activities can I enjoy in the Philippines?

While you are travelling to the famous places in the Philippines, you can enjoy activities like surfing, island hopping, hiking, diving, snorkelling, and cultural tours.

What are some of the must-visit places in the Philippines?

Some of the must-visit places in the Philippines are Manila, Boracay, Cebu, etc.

What is the official language of the Philippines?

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, but English is also widely spoken, so tourists can have a lovely stay.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?

Some countries have 14-day visa-free stays, while some have 30-day. Check your country’s rules for entering the Philippines.