The Philippines is much more than spectacular beaches and crystal clear waters. This dreamy Asian archipelago also offers an authentic cultural experience, wild natural landscapes, delicious cuisine and plenty of activities for all tastes.  If you are thinking of embarking on a trip to the Philippines, don’t miss the following guide on what to see and do in the Philippines.

Here is a list of the top 13 places of interest and the best things to see and do in the Philippines. Let the adventure begin!

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   Visit Panagbenga Festival

Panagbenga is a flower festival in Baguio City, celebrated from early February to early March. “Panagbenga” means “blooming time” in the Kankanaey language, which belongs to the indigenous ethnic group of the northern Philippines. Panagbenga Festival was created in 1996 to help the city overcome the aftermath of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. The festival’s parade of floats was intended to boost tourism during the slow time of year. The festival showcases the natural beauty and traditions of Baguio and the Cordilleras. Baguio Blooms Exposition and Exhibition takes place in Burnham Park, around a skating rink and picnic area. The main highlights of the festival are the Grand Float Parade and the Grand Street Dance Parade which takes place in early March.

2. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls are beautiful turquoise waterfalls hidden in the interior of the Philippine rainforest. Taking a dip in their refreshing waters or simply appreciating their beauty is a real treat, but canyoneering or canyoning in this area is a unique adrenaline experience that you will never forget. Can you imagine jumping from the rocks or sliding down as if they were a slide? It’s a blast! And don’t worry, if you book an excursion, they will teach you how to do it and give you all the equipment you need to protect yourself.

3. Visit the Chocolate Hills

Did you know that the “Chocolate Hills” owe their name to their resemblance to a box of chocolates during the season when they turn brown? These curious hills, with their rather unusual geological formation, are one of the main attractions of the province of Bohol in the Philippines and make them one of the must-do activities on a trip to the Philippines. It is a unique landscape, where you will be surrounded by thousands of hills that are around 50 meters high, a beautiful landscape to keep in your memory and in your camera!

4. Diving with the whale shark

Diving in itself is already a unique adventure, and nothing better than doing it in the warm Philippine waters, but diving into the sea to go in search of whale sharks is an experience you will never forget, because swimming with the largest fish in the world is the dream of many travelers! Don’t worry, there is no danger, this huge little fish will not eat you! But it is important to follow the rules of distance and respect for this amazing animal.

5. Snorkeling with turtles in Balicasag

Balicasag is a small island off the coast of Panglao in the Philippines and is the perfect place to snorkel or dive with turtles! Don’t worry, for this activity, no turtles are in captivity, but can be seen in their natural habitat on the seabed. Warm waters, sun rays and a deep dive until you can see the beautiful corals, colorful fish and, of course, our friends the turtles! 

6. Visit a tarsier reserve

Tarsiers or tarsiers are very small primates, only 15 centimeters long, but they have huge eyes compared to their body, which makes them very cute little animals that capture the attention of everyone who visits the Philippines. There are several reserves where you can visit these little friends; however, it is important that you pay attention and inform yourself about the centers where these animals are really protected, as there are many places where they are not given the care they deserve, thus contributing to animal abuse.

7. See the history of Spain in Cebu City

Cebu is the second most important city in the Philippines, after its capital Manila. An unmissable activity to do in the Philippines, whether you are Spanish or not, is to see the mark left by the hundreds of years of colonization between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. To do this, you can head to the Basilica of the Santo Niño or the Fort of San Pedro, but be careful, as walking through certain neighborhoods in some Philippine cities can be dangerous. Pay attention to your belongings and enjoy your historical tour of Cebu.

8. Watch the sunset at Las Cabanas

Las Cabañas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan, in the El Nido area of the Philippines and is also the perfect place to watch a beautiful sunset. Its wide white sandy coastline, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation attracts many travelers to enjoy its charms.

9. Visiting the subway river in Puerto Princesa

The Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, located on the island of Palawan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and one of the seven natural wonders of the world in 2011, so it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular attractions in the Philippines. Hundreds of types of plants and animals can be found in this protected area. During your visit to the subway river, you can book a boat tour to navigate its waters and enter the cave to appreciate its incredible formations. 

10. Diving with a school of sardines in Moalboal

If you have seen the movie “Finding Nemo”, you know what a school of fish is all about, in this case, you will have the opportunity to live a fantastic experience diving with a school of sardines in Moalboal. Don’t worry, if you don’t dare to dive, you can also snorkel or enjoy the spectacle from the surface on a boat. Either way, seeing the sardine schools in Moalboal is a must-do activity during your trip in the Philippines.

11. Touring Intramuros in Manila

Intramuros is a small walled neighborhood in Manila, where you will find the most important remains of the Philippines’ colonial past. A tour of Intramuros is a cultural visit to learn about the interesting history of the Philippines. Among the most important points of interest in Intramuros, we can find the Fort of Santiago, the Manila Cathedral and the Church of San Agustin.

12. Honda Bay Island Hopping

Located on the eastern coast of the island of Palawan, Honda Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the Philippines. Whether for its paradisiacal air or its rich seabed with beautiful coral reefs, the truth is that Honda Bay is one of the many places in the Philippines that is worth knowing and what better way to do it than with an Island Hopping! We already told you before that Island Hopping consists of a tour of several islands in the area to enjoy its great biodiversity and beautiful scenery. So, put on some sunscreen and enjoy the tour!

13. Island Hopping in El Nido

Island Hopping in El Nido is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities during your stay in the Philippines. During this activity, you will sail on a boat to “hop from island to island”, as the name suggests, and make different tours in each of them. El Nido Island Hopping consists of 4 tours: Tour A, Tour B, Tour C and Tour D. You can do them all or choose the one you like the most… Tour A and C are the most popular! Whichever one you choose, we assure you that you will be amazed by the landscapes, besides, being surrounded by nature and sailing through crystal clear waters is already an experience.

When to visit the Philippines?

Like any tropical country, the best time to travel and enjoy the wonders it has to offer is during the dry season, in this case, from November to June, but beware of the high temperatures between December and April! 

How many days in the Philippines?

Estimating the time needed to visit a particular destination is not an easy task, especially if it is a country like the Philippines, not only because it is a large archipelago and you have to move from one place to another, but also because it is full of attractions, beaches and activities. If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, keep in mind that you will need a minimum of 11 days to quietly enjoy the wonders it has to offer.

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