The Philippines is an incredible country made up of more than 7,000 islands. With its fast-growing population and diverse natural landscapes, it offers a variety of experiences for every traveler. Did you know there are nearly 20 volcanoes scattered throughout the islands, and the country is prone to harsh weather and typhoons? Despite these challenges, the Philippines is a stunning destination full of natural wonders waiting to be explored. If you are planning a trip, this guide highlights 8 Unforgettable Things to do when you are in the Philippines.
While tourism in the Philippines hasn’t yet reached the levels of neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand, it’s steadily growing. Many areas remain less commercially developed, making now the perfect time to visit before they become more crowded.
When visiting, don’t expect to find Buddhist temples as in other Southeast Asian countries. One of the best things about the Philippines is that English is widely spoken, making it easy for travelers to navigate. From breathtaking panoramic views and terraced rice fields to pristine beaches, there’s so much to see. To help you plan your adventure, here’s a list of 8 Unforgettable Things to do when you are in the Philippines, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Whether it’s island-hopping, exploring hidden lagoons, or indulging in local cuisine, these 8 Unforgettable Things to do when you are in the Philippines will leave lasting memories. With so much to explore, it’s challenging to choose, but this list ensures you don’t miss the highlights.
Plan your itinerary around these experiences, and you’ll discover why these 8 Unforgettable Things to do when you are in the Philippines make this country a unique and unforgettable destination.
List of Top 8 Things to do in the Philippines.
Chill in Boracay Island- This island is 4 square miles of land rimmed by tropical palm trees and white coral beaches. Being one of the best islands in the Philippines, it has been one of the top places to visit in the Philippines, but because of current developments on the island, its ranking has come to tenth place.
Visiting this island should be one of your list of things to do in the Philippines. Boracay Island is a perfect place that has earlier attracted over one-third of the visitors visiting the Philippines to its shores. Too small to handle the enormous influx of tourists, the beautiful island started facing serious environmental damage and was shut down by the government for almost 6 months.
Visiting Boracay Island has been one of the top 8 things to do in the Philippines because of its unique beaches. The closure of tourism to the island was, in most of the parts, to avoid any more damage to them from the wild crazy beach parties which were being conducted.
Which is the best on Boracay Island? It is White Beach, which has 2 and a half miles of spectacular white sand that curves around the edges of a bay backed by groves of palms and bordered by the sparkling waters. White Beach is amazing, but it is not just one which is worth visiting. You should miss visiting Ilig-Iligan Beach, Diniwid Beach, and Puka Shell Beach. All of them are equally beautiful.
Enjoy the beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces- A list of interesting things to do in the Philippines is incomplete without mentioning a drive to the beautiful Banaue Rice Terrace. Many people consider the Banaue Rice Terraces one of the popular tourist spots in the Philippines and visiting this beautiful place is one of the most interesting things to do in the Philippines. This place is called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The terraces are 2,000 years old and they are sculpted into the mountains of Ifugao using different tools. The terraces are still used these days by the locals who plant their rice and veggies there, as they are naturally moistened by the surrounding rainforests.
See the Active Mayon Volcano- Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon is present on the island of Luzon. This volcano has picked up the nickname, “Perfect Cone” because of its symmetrical cone shape. There are numerous eruptions at the volcano which led to huge excavations of the nearby towns as the mud and ash rain down on the people. In 1814, there was a severe eruption in which over 1200 people lose their lives. The volcano and the surrounding areas are an important part of the national park which is worth visiting while you are in the Philippines.
Spend some time at the Historical Fort Santiago- Fort Santiago in Manila is a fort that was built by the Spanish as a defense medium within the city’s walls. This fort is popular with travelers and has an interesting story to narrate. Jose Rizal was a Philippines national hero who was detained within the fort up until its execution in 1896. Although you are exploring the fort, you can have a look at the bronze footprints that have been inserted into the ground to mark the final steps of the prisoners before execution.
Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan- If there is a must-see place in the Philippines, then it is the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the district of Palawan. This five-mile-long river is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new 7 wonders of nature.
This river winds its way through an extraordinary limestone karst cave system and was thought to be the longest of its type in the world until the current discovery of a much larger one near Playa del Carmen in Mexico.
Discovering the Puerto Princesa Underground River on a piloted tour is a good idea. The experienced guides navigate you through the National park and into the cave system of the river on small boats reciting interesting facts you would otherwise miss on.
While it is enticing to take a dip in the sparkling blue-green waters, swimming in the river is not allowed, so do not jump inside. Puerto Princesa is one of the popular tourist spots in the Philippines, so you will find this place crowded most of the time.
Go to See the Head of All Churches- The Santo Nino Basilica is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child; this church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country and was constructed in 1965. The Spanish found an image of the Santo Nino de Cebu, a statue of the Baby Jesus, and so on a similar spot, they constructed this church. Inside the Basilica Complex, there is a museum that narrates the history of Christianity in Cebu and is worth a visit once you have finished looking at the Basilica.
Enjoy the Unusual Chocolate Hills- Visiting the Unusual Chocolate Hills is one of the top 8 things to do in the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills are in the Bohol Province of the Philippines and they are quite rare and a fascinating sight to watch. There are around 1,260 hills spread out over an area that covers nearly 20 square miles.
The small hills are covered in grass and as the dry season comes in the grass starts turning from green to brown and starts looking like chocolate. This hill varies from 30 to 50 meters high and is considered an iconic landmark of the nation. It is believed that no trip is complete without a trip to this hill.
Go for a trip to Volcano Island- Taal volcano is situated on the island of Luzon and is an active volcano that has erupted around 33 times earlier. Because of the location of the volcano, previous eruptions have led to huge losses of life. Now, it is not possible to live on Volcano Island as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has proclaimed the whole island as a Permanent Danger zone. A trip to this volcano is worth it mainly because the Crater Lake on the island is one of the largest lakes in the world.
The Philippines is an incredible country made up of more than 7,000 islands. With its fast-growing population and diverse natural landscapes, it offers a variety of experiences for every traveler. Did you know there are nearly 20 volcanoes scattered throughout the islands, and the country is prone to harsh weather and typhoons? Despite these challenges, the Philippines is a stunning destination full of natural wonders waiting to be explored. If you are planning a trip, this guide highlights 8 Unforgettable Things to do when you are in the Philippines.
While tourism in the Philippines hasn’t yet reached the levels of neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand, it’s steadily growing. Many areas remain less commercially developed, making now the perfect time to visit before they become more crowded.
When visiting, don’t expect to find Buddhist temples as in other Southeast Asian countries. One of the best things about the Philippines is that English is widely spoken, making it easy for travelers to navigate. From breathtaking panoramic views and terraced rice fields to pristine beaches, there’s so much to see.