Top Destinations for the Ultimate Philippines Adventure
The Philippine archipelago consists of more than 7,600 islands; offering endless beaches that you can often have to yourself, breathtaking waterfalls, majestic mountain views, and just about any travel activity you can hope for. While it is the friendliness of the filipino people that is the country’s greatest treasure, there is no shortage of natural beauty, making the Philippines the perfect tropical paradise.
Having spent two years living in and exploring the Philippines, these are my recommendations for the top destinations to make your trip to the Philippines a memorable experience.
El Nido, Palawan
Situated along the coast of the island of Palawan, El Nido is a location that can only be described as stunning. El Nido offers everything that comes to mind when you envision the perfect tropical island destination. While there are many beaches in the area, I highly recommend spending some time exploring Nacpan beach. With it’s stretching white sands crawling along the shoreline, combined with views of nearby islands waiting to be explored, there’s little reason to wonder why Nacpan Beach is often rated among the top beaches in the world.
From breathtaking sunsets to beachfront dining, El Nido offers plenty of activities to occupy your time. Some of the best things to do in El Nido include ziplining, island hopping, snorkeling and scuba diving. Nearby Lagoons and waterfalls, combined with other activities, put El Nido over the top and secure it’s position as a “must visit” destination in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa
Situated along the southern coast of the island of Palawan is the beach community of Puerto Princesa. The community was named by Queen Elizabeth, after losing her daughter at a young age, and translates roughly to the Princess’ Harbor.
Puerto Princesa hosts more than 500,000 visitors per year, due in large part to the fact that it is home to one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The underground river cave begins at Puerto Princesa and travels more than 8.2 km through limestone caverns, making it the longest river cave in the world. Taking a river cruise through the cave provides you with an opportunity to encounter species of bats, fish and manatee that only exist within this ecosystem.
In addition to touring the underground portion of the river in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, don’t forget to also book a cruise along the above-ground portion of the river. Sailing along the river in Puerto Princesa not only offers beautiful views of the mangrove forest, but an abundance of wildlife as well. You’re likely to encounter hornbills, longtail macaque monkeys and turquoise colored crabs.
Bonafacio Global City (BGC)
If you need a break from the beaches and want to spend a little time in an urban setting, there is no better choice than Bonafacio Global City (BGC). Developed on the former site of Fort Bonafacio, for which it is named, BGC is widely considered to be the crown jewel of the Philippines.
Often thought of as the financial center for the Metro Manila area, BGC is an ultra-modern mixed use area that is home to those with expendable income. You’ll find all of the modern luxuries in BGC, such as galleries, theaters, fine dining and endless shopping opportunities. BGC is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world and is home to incredibly beautiful parks that are not to be missed.
Baguio, Luzon
It’s position near the equator makes the Philippines a land of eternal Summer, but during the dry months of the year the heat can be a bit much. That’s when locals from Luzon head towards the mountain town of Baguio, City of Pines.
Nestled into the Cordillera mountains, Baguio’s altitude results in cool temperatures that provide a welcomed escape from the summer heat. Burnham Park is a popular place to wind away the afternoon hours, with it’s picturesque lake and aromatic gardens. The Baguio Cathedral (1926), also known as the Rose Cathedral, is another popular place to visit, although you’ll likely spend most of your time shopping and dining along the famous Session Road.
Baguio’s altitude and cooler temperatures creates the perfect climate for growing strawberries, which the city openly celebrates. The best time to visit is March through May, which is the peak of the strawberry harvesting season.
Tinglayan Rice Terraces
While there are many beautiful rice terraces in the Philippines, and throughout Southeast Asia in general, few are as stunning as the Tinglayan Rice Terraces in Kalinga province. Manually carved into the mountainside, the rice terraces of Tinglayan have been feeding the Kalingan people for more than 2,000 years, and serve as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the people of Kalinga.
While visiting the rice terraces, many people choose to make the 30 minute hike to the village of Buscalan to meet Apo Whang-od. At 106 years old, Whang-od is the oldest tattoo artist in the world, and the last of the traditional Kalingan mambabatak.
Bohol Island
Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Bohol is a province that consists of Bohol Island and several smaller islands that surround it. The island is surrounded by a thriving coral ecosystem, creating ideal opportunities for snorkeling, in addition to island hopping and traditional beach activities.
Bohol is home to a number of unique attractions, making it one of the most visited destinations in the philippines. Some of the best things to do in Bohol include a visit to the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, where you can interact with tarsiers in a sanctuary setting, or perhaps a day trip to the chocolate hills. This unique geologic formation consists of more than 1,200 hills that turn a chocolate brown color during the dry season.
Siquijor Island
Located near Cebu and Dumaguete in the Central Visaya, the island of Siquijor offers a beach community that is scenic and relaxed by day, while still offering a vibrant nightlife. The island offers beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests and incredible marine life, providing days of exploration that will impress even the most seasoned traveler. Stop by JJ’s on Friday or Saturday nights to take part in the greatest beach party in town, hosting around 1,000 visitors per week, making it one of the best things to do on Siquijor Island.
While seaside activities are common in Siquijor, what really draws people to the island is it’s mysterious association with witchcraft. Various potions and tinctures can be purchased from local vendors, and many people travel to the island to seek out one of it’s spiritual healers. This has given Siquijor a reputation as the Philippines’ center for mystic activities.
Boracay Island
Boracay is a small resort island located in the Western Visayas. Boracay Island is widely regarded as the Philippines premier travel destination by both locals and foreigners. The island enjoys a laid back beach vibe with some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. You’re guaranteed to leave with endless instagram shots to remember your time on Boracay.
The best things to do in Boracay vary depending on where you choose to spend your day. The west coast of the island offers a stunning white sand beach backed by coconut trees and restaurants, while the waves of the east coast have made Bulldog Beach a hub for various watersports. The island is also home to vibrant coral reefs and sunken shipwrecks, making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Siargao Island
Siargao Island is an ideal destination for anyone interested in outdoor activities. The teardrop shaped island is proclaimed to be the surfing capitol of the Philippines, but your options are far from limited to surfing. Rock climbing and cave exploration are also popular activities on Siargao.
For those who prefer more relaxed beach activities, there are a number of swimming areas available. A private boat tour can be arranged for a small fee to take you directly to the best places for swimming and snorkeling, as well as visiting nearby islands to sample local foods.
