Going to the Philippine is like unlocking a jewel box. Not only will you get to see mesmerizingly colored beaches and underwater scenes, but you will also meet one of the friendliest people on earth. A trip to the Philippine is not just a trip for the senses but also a trip for the heart. If you want wonderful sightseeing and adventure, you get to experience it all. There are many wonderful people to meet in the Philippines if you want to meet locals and gain a friend. Where do you start your vacation in the Philippines? This isn’t an easy question since there are many tourist spots in the Philippines by region. Each region has a unique flavor and has a prime tourist draw that makes it worth visiting. As a tourist, you should decide on which experiences you want to have the most so you can book the latest flight to a specific region in the country.
Ilocos region
Vigan, Calle Crisologo
If you are a history buff, you will appreciate going back in time in Vigan’s Calle Crisologo. This town was built in the 16th century. This is the tourist spots in the Philippines by region of Ilocos. It is now under the protection of the UNESCO World. You will get to see the old-world charm of Spanish architecture. Calle Crisologo is one of the top tourist spots in Vigan.
Going back in time doesn’t just stop with the architecture but also extends to the transport system. You can find traditional calesas or horse-drawn carriages roaming the streets. You can even ride one and get some good photo opportunities.
Exploring this part of Vigan is also a gastronomic delight. You can have your fill of scrumptious Ilocos empanada as you wander through cobbled streets with souvenir shops that sell all kinds of high-quality pottery and local fabric weaves.
Of course, there is a best time for everything, and the best time to go on a trip to Vigan is in May when they celebrate the Vigan Festival of the Arts.
Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao
This site is a testament to the ingenuity of man. These terraces were carved on the mountains some 200 years ago. Its purpose was for the Ifugaos to plant some rice in their mountainous region. It is awesome to behold and one of the most inspiring places in the Philippines.
To get to this destination, you have to climb on top of a jeepney and ride along the twisting roads in Banaue to view the dramatic emerald fields of rice stalks.
Ifugaos are highly skilled in carving mountains as well as wood. The Banaue Rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is during the rice-growing season of April-May and October-November.
There are nearby places to explore once you are done viewing Banaue rice terraces. You can have a dip in the nearby Tappiya waterfalls or go on a few hours’ ride to reach Baguio City and pick some sweet strawberries in the strawberry fields of La Trinidad, Benguet.
Tourist spots in the Philippines by region–Palawan
Nacpan Beach, El Nido
El Nido is a paradise. There are many beaches and resorts around this region that has amazed a lot of tourists. One of the most notable beaches is Nacpan Beach. Although there are many places to visit in El Nido and there are definitely a lot of coves and lagoons to explore, Nacpan Beach deserves a spot in your itinerary. This is an amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in Palawan.
What makes this beach so special? Well, try to envision a 4-kilometer shoreline of golden sand and palm trees rising up near the shore. It is perfect for some reflecting, sightseeing, and just simple beach bumming. Nacpan beach is the other half of what is known as El Nido’s twin beaches. On the other side sits Calitang Beach its twin, and is as equally awesome to explore.
Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
El Nido sits in Palawan, but once again, Palawan has something amazing to offer. This is another amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in Palawan. Tubbataha is perfect for diving buffs since it opens up a whole new world. Imagine an underwater scene that seems to be painted with the most vivid watercolors. Interact with fishes and get amazed by the wonderful and colorful corals. Tubbataha is at the heart of Sulu sea. There is great marine biodiversity in this spot, and it is a recognized geographic center in the world. The only wat to get to this diving spot is via a boat in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The spot may be difficult to access, but it is necessary to keep commercialization to a minimum to protect the area. The waters and the sanctuary are thus kept pristine over the years. Tubbataha is also protected by UNESCO World and has been nominated as the “New Seven Wonders of the Natural World.”
Some of the marine life you will be seeing in Tubbataha include reef sharks, manta rays, and all kinds of coral species. The islets found in Tubbataha are also breeding sites for birds and turtles.
Tubbataha is a natural park, and you need to plan well in advance before you visit. In some cases, you may need months and even years of planning. However, once you see its stunningly beautiful depths, you will find that it will be all worth it.
Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan
People go on vacation because they want to capture beautiful sceneries. The Kayangan Lake in Coron Palawan is much photographed. Every angle of this lake is virally shared in social media and has produced iconic photographs. This lagoon has mesmerizing tints of iridescent blues and greens that sparkle, especially when it is bright and sunny.
A tour to this lake will take you to craggy limestone cliffs and islets. Climb up one of the hills to get a fantastic view.
As above as below, Kayangan Lake fascinates. Enjoy a day of snorkeling and be amazed at the amount of marine life as well as the interesting rock formations underneath the glass-like waters.
This site is also a point to jumpstart island-hopping adventures and diving in shipwreck sites that have interesting historical backstories.
Tourist spots in the Philippines by region– Albay
Mayon Volcano, Legazpi
Legazpi city brings you Mayon Volcano. This is an amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in Albay. It is a natural wonder with a majestic look due to its perfect cone. Once you land at the airport, you will be greeted by this picturesque site. It is as beautiful as it is violent. Underneath the calm-looking cone is a seething core that has flattened towns and caused disruptions in citizens’ lives.
The best point to view the Volcano is at Lignon Hill. A trip to this point, however, requires several minutes trekking. If you are an adrenaline junkie as well, you can even view Mayon volcano while hanging and speeding from a zip line. If you want to see historical places, you can visit Cagsawa ruins, which is another good vantage point to view the Volcano.
Legazpi city also offers you the chance to interact with some marine creatures. You can get a boat ride, and if you are lucky, you may see some whale sharks passing by and relaxing in their natural habitat.
Tourist spots in the Philippines by region–Manila
Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Manila
History buffs will love the Intramuros area. Intramuros is otherwise called the walled city and has an area of 64 hectares. It was destroyed during the second world war. You will be witness to the ruins of this once quaint and charming city. Some structures remain such as centuries-old churches, which include the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. Right now, the area is also home to a number of universities. This is an amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in the capital city of Manila.
Another important spot in Intramuros is Fort Santiago. This served as headquarters for armies and soldiers during the Spanish era. However, it is most well-known as the country’s national hero’s prison site before he was executed.
There is much history in Intramuros, and a guided tour will let you know more. You can have a trip around the area via a bamboo bike tour or via a calesa or horse-drawn carriage.
Of course, your day’s visit to Intramuros would be exhausting, so you need some rest and relaxation. There are many famed restaurants in the area which have as much history as Intramuros itself. Barbara’s restaurant is one of the top choices, and you get treated to a cultural show after dinner.
Rizal Park, Manila
Many travelers would want to skip the capital and go directly to the paradise-like islands. However, spending a few days in the capital is highly recommended. There are a lot of historical places in Manila’s capital to visit, which will be interesting to history buffs. One of the most well-known is the Luneta. If you enjoy walking, you will get a lot of satisfaction in this 60-hectare park. There are also some sights to see that will pique your interest, such as the Rizal Monument. This pillar was the exact spot where the country’s national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal as shot. It sounds gruesome, but this marked a series of changes and revolutions that gave birth to the Philippines as it is known today.
You will also be delighted by the manicured flower gardens in the park and the wide fountain with light installations and music. There are also a number of museums around the park, which you can visit to explore local art.
Taal Volcano and Lake, Tagaytay, and Batangas
A few hours’ ride can get you to some amazing tourist spots if you are mainly based in Manila. One of the best places to get to is Tagaytay in Batangas. This is an amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in Batangas. This tourist spot is blessed with cool weather and fresh air. You can also get a view of Taal Volcano from vantage points throughout the city. Taal is notable for being the smallest active Volcano in the world. However, small can be terrible as its recent eruption has proved.
Some trips allow you to visit the actual crater if you want to get close to Taal Volcano. You can go to Volcano island via boat and then go on a 35-minute hike. Another option is to ride via horseback to reach the main crater itself.
A trip to this region is not complete without sampling the local cuisine. Have a bowl of hot bulalo or beef soup with beef shanks and bone marrow and warm your insides with its delectable taste spices and aroma.
Tourist spots in the Philippines by region–Cebu
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
If you like fresh water adventures, you would want to go to the most thrilling waterfalls. The cool flowing waters of Kawasan Falls in Cebu delights the eyes as well as the senses. It is a multilayered waterfall renowned for its sapphire hued waters located in the town of Badian
There are two falls. The first has a height of 40 meters. This is where most tourists stay and swim. There is also a natural massage service available in this area aboard a bamboo raft. The second falls is a 10-minute trek and has quieter surroundings
These falls are also the endpoint of a canyoneering activity. The adventure begins in Kanlaob river. From there, you will be swimming along streams and do some rappelling along rocks and mini-waterfalls.
If you want to experience how swimming with a bunch of fishes feels like the nearby town of Moalboal will open your eyes. You will be swimming with millions of them just offshore.
Cebu
Cebu is a colorful city with a great tradition and feasts; that is why it was awarded a UNESCO Creative Cities award. However, its main attraction is in its waters. The city attracts millions of tourists each year due to its abundant marine life and picturesque coastal areas. Cebu has the best diving spots in the country and even the world. This is an amazing tourist spots in the Philippines by region in Cebu. There are diversity in its waters such as underwater caves, shipwrecks, and marine sanctuaries
There are white sand beaches in the Cebu islands, which is perfect for some relaxation and fun. These white sand beaches include Mactan, Camotes, and Bantayan Island. You can get the surprise of your life and dive with thresher sharks in the small Malapascua Islands.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines has a great variety to offer when it comes to tourist destinations. Although it is well-known for its beaches, its jungles, mountains, and freshwater bodies are also worth exploring. The Philippines also has heritage sites that go back in time for the history buff who wants to explore a bygone era. Don’t make your trip to the Philippine a one-time event tourist spots in the Philippines by region opens up a wide array of sights and adventures that will keep you coming back for more.
