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The most difficult decision you make as a traveler, is figuring out which island to visit first.
The Philippines is divided into the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, representing different regions in the country.
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia.
It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of around 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Some of the most diverse plants, animals, birds, and sea creatures call this part of the world home, and you can hike and dive to see so many of them during your trip.
Some say that Filipino food is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American cuisine, and some of the best authentic dishes here are halo-halo, adobo, balut, and calamansi juice.
Filipino people are smiling, warm, and generous. Flights can be found to Manila or Cebu, and interisland travel is easy to find via plane, car, train, or ferry.
To avoid monsoon season and getting drenched in rain, the best time to visit the Philippines is between November and May.
Bohol
The island of Bohol in the Philippines’ central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it’s a destination that showcases the country’s natural beauty.
One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen.
This UNESCO protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses.
Bohol is home to a family owned sanctuary for the tiny Tarsier primate, known for its large engaging eyes.
For a small fee, you can take an intimate walk through the grounds and stand inches away from the small nocturnal mammal. The showcase of Bohol is the beach.
Palawan
With the lost Crystal clear turquoise water I’ve seen, and a history spanning over 50,000 years, it’s an idyllic place to explore on your trip.
Whilst in Palawan, make sure to visit El Nido which is perched on the most easterly part of the main island.
Once here, make sure to wander around El Nido town and hire your own boat to visit the stunning Bacuit archipelago.
Each island in the Bacuit archipelago features the most imposing karst cliffs and clear waters that I’ve ever seen. There’s also ample spots for snorkelling too.
To get here, either take one of the larger planes from Manila or Bohol etc to Puerto Princesa and then drive around 5-6 hours to get to El Nido itself.
Vigan
A visit to the Crisologo St region of this town is like a step back to colonial times.
Horses pull carts along cobblestone streets, and dark-wood mansions flank the sides, as a reminder of the grand life that many enjoyed in this colonial Spanish trading post.
At the time, many goods like beeswax and gold were traded to China for exotic Asian items.
Today, the main income for this port is tourism, though the splendor from its trading history remains.
Vigan has two hearts, a shopping center in the North, and a business district in the South.
Tourists will enjoy the museums that have been created from several mansions, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Mestizo district.
Manila
Manila, the capital of Philippines, is the heart and soul of the country.
Gleaming skyscrapers rise across the Asian metropolis amidst the concrete buzz of the city.
With modern parks, malls, and hotels with the best hospitality, Manila is one of the best places to visit in Philippines.
Boracay
Recently reopened after a six month ban due to overcrowding, Boracay is the ultimate beach destination in the Philippines and one of the top ranked beach vacation spots in the world.
Visitors to Boracay island can enjoy a range of water activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding, snorkelling, or swimming.
The powdery, white sand beaches of the island including White Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and in the world, are immaculately clean and the blue waters are crystal clear.
You can also enjoy delicious local treats, shop for shell jewellery, or explore the various beaches via a local mode of transport.
Siargao
Siargao made its first claim to fame as the Philippines’ surfing capital, and recently as the “Best Island in the World”.
What impressed me the most were the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder that’s well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach.
The main island is filled with pristine natural spots as well, including white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools & more.
If you want to enjoy a laidback island lifestyle, Siargao is one of the best places that tourists can go to.
You’ll find a mix of “foreign” and “local” here. It is remote yet accessible, and not too crowded despite the coming of new developments in recent years.
Cebu
The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines.
If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.
Some of the most spectacular scenery from the water near Cebu are the sea caves that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique diving and snorkeling sites.
The Sudlon National Park, located approximately an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking park to explore and hike.
While Cebu’s greatest draw is its water, Cebu City is a metropolitan area, with tourist attractions like museums and cathedrals that will interest history buffs.
Tagaytay
The Taal volcano that sits majestically above the town of Tagaytay is a combination of active and extinct craters that create a beautiful tapestry of must sees.
Lake Taal is nestled inside the old Taal volcano crater, and the central island for the lake is the currently active volcano craters, which can be seen steaming on certain days.
Those who have never seen the pristine waters of a crater lake in person will be astonished at their pristine beauty.
The long town of Tagaytay sits along this ridge, and is known for being clean, laid back, and a haven for foodies.
Tourist attractions in town include the Punta de Santiago lighthouse, St Anne Shrine, and the large local flower farm.
Coron Island
Coron Island is a part of the Busuanga and Calamian Islands and a base for access to all the nearby islands making it one of the top Philippines holiday destinations for adventurers.
Mangrove kayaking, jungle trekking, motorbiking, island-hopping, these are just some of the activities to do in this pristine archipelago.
Banaue
Home to one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Banaue is another well known destination in the Philippine tourism map.
Said to be at least 1000 years old, the Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces go up thousands of feet in the mountains.
These mud walled rice terraces are not just beautiful to look at, but they are awe inspiring too, considering the ingenious irrigation method used to maintain them.
There are more than 48 rice terraces in this area, and they occupy a large portion of the Ifugao province.
In Banaue, you can also learn about the Ifugao culture while visiting the villages.
Davao City
For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area.
Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.
Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea.
One of the best places to visit in Davao City is Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.
Davao City is a prime location for shopping as there are several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall.
For a peek into Davao City history and culture, the tiny Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit.
Mindoro
Mindoro is an island that consists of two different regions, Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental, which are separated from one another by a high mountain range.
The north of the region is mostly remote, and home to the primitive Mangayan tribe.
This trip is well worth it for divers, however, as the town of Sablayan is the doorway to the island of Pangan and the pristine Apo Reef Marine Natural Park.
There is only one resort on the island, so reservations are recommended.
In Mindoro Oriental, the main tourism location is the town of Puerto Galera.
This is the ideal beach town, with resorts and white sand beaches for the water lovers, as well as jeep trips, orchid-filled rainforests, kayaking rivers and waterfalls for the trekkers in the group.
Mactan Island
Mactan Island is where you head for luxurious relaxation.
Housing many resorts, it is one of the ideal places to visit in Philippines for couples.
With excellent diving spots, access to the shopping centres of Cebu City, and island hopping tours, it offers everything to honeymooners.
Sagada
Sagada is a town in the Cordillera Mountains, within the Philippines’ Mountain Province.
Echo Valley’s hanging coffins are displayed high on cliffs, while centuries-old coffins are stacked in burial sites like Lumiang Cave.
It is one of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada.
Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor.
This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast.
The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure.
Hiking is popular in Sagada, particularly to Mount Ampaco, which has the highest peak in the region or through Echo Valley, which has steep and rugged terrain.
One of the best places to visit in this region of the Philippines is the hanging coffins that hide deep in the mountains.
It is best to connect with a local guide to take you to this incredible site because this is not a tourist area, but rather an authentic tribal region hiding an experience worthy of bragging rights.
South Cotabato
South Cotabato, officially the Province of South Cotabato and also known as Cotabato del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Soccsksargen region in Mindanao.
known by the locals as the “land of the dream weavers and is a great stop off before venturing off to the more remote islands.
It is really one of the best places in the Philippines to visit during a festival week, too.
These run on multiple dates throughout the year and celebrate culture, music and island life. All with lots of street food and plenty of energy.
Also, don’t forget to visit Lake Sebu, too.
Explore the lakes edges on foot, hop aboard a boat or fly above it on a zip line through the sky.
Head to Seven Falls viewpoint to admire the waterfalls and jump on board the zip line.
Samal
Samal, officially known as the Island Garden City of Samal is a 4th class component city in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines.
Hiking, diving, and kayaking are a way of life.
One of the top things to do on Samal Island, besides relaxing at the beach, is visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, which is home to millions of bats in the caves.
An enjoyable day trip away from the beach is to Hagimit Falls, where you can walk on the nature trails and cool off in one of the pools below the tropical waterfalls.
Samal Island is a short distance away from Davao City, which makes a great change of pace when you want a more metropolitan scene or a broader range of dining.
Balabac Islands
Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan.
It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.
The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds.
These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
The sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue.
The best spots you shouldn’t miss in Balabac are……..
Onuk Island & its crystal blue waters sprawling as far as the eye can see.
Bugsuk Island, home to the most powdery, whitest sand beach in the Philippines.
The pink sand beach at Camiaran Island.
Donsol
Donsol, officially the Municipality of Donsol, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines.
Donsol is a wildlife enthusiast’s delight. The island is often listed among the most visited tourist places in Philippines for its whale shark interactions.
Whale sharks are a gentler, slow moving variety of sharks and are the largest fish on earth.
Swimming with the whale sharks is possible in this region and is an exciting experience you cannot miss.
Batanes Islands
Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines.
These remote islands are shaped by volcanic forces and strong typhoons.
The natural landscape of Batanes is distinct from other parts of the Philippines.
Here, you’ll find vibrant green rolling hills, grazing cows, steep seaside cliffs, sparkling clear blue waters, traditional stone houses, and iconic lighthouses.
Travelers often describe its Batanes’ beauty as wild, overwhelming, and incredibly scenic.
Adams
Adams, officially the Municipality of Adams, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Adams, nestled in the jungle covered mountains at the northern tip of the Philippines, is packed with adventure potential.
You’ll find wildlife, wooden bridges, and twisty dirt trails that you can only navigate on foot.
This gorgeous village is remote so definitely connect with a local for advice on how to enjoy Adams, from where to stay to what to eat to what to explore.
One of the main draws of the village is its waterfalls, eighteen of which are scattered throughout the nearby jungle.
Anuplig and Kanayupin Falls are among the most popular, but we also love the hike the Lovers’ Peak, which offers a gorgeous sunset view.
Pangasinan
Pangasinan, officially the Province of Pangasinan is a coastal province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region of Luzon.
Its capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is in the western area of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea.
The lesser known province of Pangasinan is still undiscovered by many travellers.
Most come here to visit Hundred Islands National Park actually made up of 123 tiny limestone islets where boats pootle around the low lying specks of land.
Lesser travelled still are the deserted beaches reached by boat from the little port town of Salomague.
Snorkelling in the region is a brilliant way to see the giant clam population up close, experts have been repopulating this ecosystem for years.
