20 of the best things to do in the Philippines

Separated from its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines has always been a little different. The variety of the best things to do in the Philippines is astonishing. You can surf, island-hop, or dive pristine coral reefs in the morning, and on the same day visit Indigenous villages, ancient rice terraces, historical cave systems, and jungle-smothered peaks. Here is our pick of the best things to do in the Philippines.

#1 Boracay Beach

You can't visit the Philippines without seeing Boracay. This 2.5-mile (4km) stretch of powdery white sand is iconic. While it's known for being home to some of the best beaches in the Philippines, there's so much more going on here. A walk along the shore takes you past restaurants offering all kinds of cuisines—Greek, Indian, Caribbean, French, Thai, and more. 

The beach is lined with small bars and bistros, ranging from casual spots with just a few tables on the sand to places where you can dine in air-conditioned comfort, eating Chateaubriand and smoking Cuban cigars.

How to get to Boracay

You can fly from Manila to either Kalibo or Caticlan airports. From Kalibo, it's about a 1.5-hour bus or van ride (around 15.5 miles (25 km)) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Then, it's just a quick 10-minute boat ride to Boracay Island. Most hotels arrange transfer packages that combine land and sea transport. 

When to visit Boracay

The dry season, from November to May, is the best time to visit. December to February is particularly nice, with cooler temperatures for sunbathing.

#2 Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan is a vibrant, quasi-religious Mardi Gras celebrated every January in Kalibo, Panay Island. The festival culminates in a procession on the third Sunday of the month, but the festivities last three days and nights, packed with dancing, drumming, and celebrations.

The non-stop beats of the massed drums and the infectious energy create a party atmosphere that's one of the biggest and longest-lasting in the country. The event's mantra, Hala Bira, Puera Pasma, means "Keep going, no tiring"—and that's exactly what happens.

How to get to Ati-Atihan Festival

Kalibo is the place where the festival takes place, and you can fly directly to Kalibo International Airport from Manila or other major cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Caticlan and then a bus to Kalibo. Since Kalibo gets crowded during the festival, it's a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. Once there, local tricycles are an easy way to get around (and are a popular way to get around the Philippines in general).

When to visit Ati-Atihan Festival

The festival's main events happen on the third Sunday of January, but the celebrations start a couple of weeks earlier. Arriving 3-4 days before the grand parade gives you the chance to enjoy some of the smaller events.

#3 El Nido

With its scruffy beach, narrow, tricycle-choked streets, and unplanned rows of concrete hotels, the small but booming resort town of El Nido, in the far northwest of Palawan, comes as quite a surprise for somewhere that's marketed as paradise. But though the town makes a poor first impression, visiting El Nido is one of the best things to do in the Philippines - the surroundings are jaw-dropping.

The town is the departure point for trips to the mesmerizing Bacuit archipelago, where the El Nido marine sanctuary is the largest such reserve in the Philippines. The archipelago's striking beauty has not gone unnoticed by developers, who have established a number of exclusive resorts on some of the islands.

El Nido has one of the best islands in the Philippines, hidden lagoons, and hundreds of species of coral and marine life. Discover the best things to do in El Nido.

How to get to El Nido

You can fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, then take a 5-6 hour van ride (around 143 miles (230 km)) up to El Nido. There are also direct flights to El Nido's small airport, but these tend to be more expensive. For a unique experience, ferries connect El Nido to Coron. During peak seasons, it's smart to book transport ahead, as options fill up quickly. See our 10 days Philippines itinerary for a good example of how to get from A to B. 

When to visit El Nido

March to May gives you the clearest waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. It's best to avoid June to October, which is the rainy season, as rough seas often lead to canceled tours.

#4 Banaue rice terraces

The rice terraces around Banaue are among the great icons of the Philippines and were hewn from the land two thousand years ago by the Ifugao people using primitive tools. Called the "Stairway to Heaven" by the Ifugaos, the terraces would stretch 12,427 miles (20,000km) if laid out end to end. Not only are they an extraordinary sight, but they are also an object lesson in sustainability.

The terraces are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and they will not last forever if they are not protected. They have always been subject to constant deterioration due to erosion, imperfect irrigation systems, and the actions of earthworms. 

Strict measures have been taken in recent years to protect and revive the paddies, and young farmers are slowly returning to work in the fields. See more tips for traveling sustainably in our Philippines travel tips for first-timers.

How to get to Banaue rice terraces

To get to Banaue, take an overnight bus (8-9 hours) from Manila. You can also opt for private transfers, though they're more costly. Once in Banaue, hire a local guide with a jeepney or tricycle to help you explore the rice terraces. For more remote spots like Batad, you'll need to trek from the main road drop-off point.

When to visit Banaue rice terraces

The best time to visit is between February and May, when the terraces are green and lush after the planting season. If you're there in June, you'll see the terraces turn golden-yellow as they're ready for harvest.

#5 Try Filipino cuisine

Filipino food is a delightful mix of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. You'll find everything from simple grilled fish with rice to more elaborate stews, paellas, and perfectly barbecued meats. Many dishes feature local fruits like calamansi, coconuts, and mangoes.

Seafood is a big deal here—expect anything from crabs and milkfish to grouper and stingrays. Most meals are washed down with San Miguel, the local beer, and topped off with tropical fruits and rich desserts.

Where to try Filipino cuisine

Filipino food is easy to find throughout the country, but for the best experience, head to local markets and eateries in cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Food tours are common in tourist areas, but the real gems are the carinderias (small local eateries) where locals eat.

When to visit for Filipino cuisine

Filipino cuisine can be enjoyed year-round, but certain seasons bring some unique treats. June to August is durian and mangosteen season in Mindanao, while mango season peaks from January to May. 

If you're in the Philippines during December, look out for traditional holiday dishes like lechon (roast pig) and bibingka (rice cake) during Christmas. Learn more about the customs of the Philippines.

#6 Vigan

A must-visit in the Philippines is Vigan, one of the country's oldest towns. Located along the Mestizo River, it was a key political, military, cultural, and religious hub during the Spanish era. The town's cobbled streets are lined with some of the best colonial architecture in the country, blending Mexican, Chinese, and Filipino styles.

Some of the old buildings are still homes, others are curio shops, and a few have been turned into museums or hotels. Everything is within walking distance, with Plaza Burgos being the main reference point. The pedestrian-only streets and horse-drawn kalesas add to the town's old-world charm.

How to get to Vigan

To get to Vigan, you can take a 7-8 hour bus ride (about 430-480 miles (700-770 km)) from Manila to Ilocos Sur. Alternatively, fly to Laoag and catch a 2-hour (about 80 miles (130 km)) bus ride south to Vigan. Once in the city, you can walk around the historic center or take a traditional horse-drawn kalesa for a more authentic experience.

When to visit Vigan

January is especially lively with the Vigan City Fiesta, which features street parties and cultural events. For the best photos, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting is better.

#7 Swimming with whale sharks 

Swimming alongside a giant yet gentle whale shark off the coast of Sorsogon in southern Luzon is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Philippines. The town of Donsol is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of these incredible creatures. 

Swimming with these gentle giants as they glide through the clear waters is an experience you won't forget. However, keep in mind that you'll need to be a good swimmer and comfortable snorkeling to join in. Outside of whale shark season, the area is much quieter, and many accommodations and restaurants close down.

How to get to Donsol

To swim with whale sharks in Donsol, fly to Legazpi Airport, then take a 1-hour (about 35-mile (55 km)) van or bus ride to Donsol. You can also take an overnight bus from Manila (about 12 hours) directly to Donsol. Once you're there, head to the Visitor Center to register for the official whale shark tours, which include boat rental, guides, and equipment.

When to visit for whale sharks

The best time to see whale sharks is from January to May, with February to April having the highest concentration of sharks. Morning tours (6-11 AM) are better for visibility and calmer waters. If you want to increase your chances of seeing the sharks, consider staying a few days, as sightings can vary daily.

#8 Coron Island by Bangka

Coron Town is the base for exploring the beautiful islands and coves around Coron Bay, which are also popular for wreck diving. Day trips by Bangka, a traditional Filipino boat, are easy to arrange, but it's worth shopping around to find the best package. Coron Island is the main destination, but don't skip the smaller, quieter islands.

Most hotels and tour operators in Coron Town run day trips to Coron Island, just 15 minutes across the bay. The island is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and fantastic snorkeling spots, though visitors are usually limited to the northern coast.

How to get to Coron Island

To reach Coron, fly to Busuanga Island from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. From Coron Town, take a bangka (outrigger boat) to Coron Island, as it's only accessible by water. You can join organized tours or hire private boats from the public port in Coron Town. 

If you want to explore more remote areas, consider booking a multi-day island-hopping package, or check out our 14 days Philippines itineraries.

When to visit Coron Island

February to April has the calmest seas and clearest waters. Early morning tours are a good way to avoid the heat and crowds at popular sites like Kayangan Lake. A minimum of a 3-day stay is recommended to explore Coron Island fully.

#9 Chocolate Hills

Soak up the bizarre landscape of Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills, conical brown-green mounds said to be the calcified tears of a broken-hearted giant. Renowned throughout the country, hiking in the surreal Chocolate Hills is one of the best things to do in the Philippines.

What you think of the hills will depend largely on the time you visit. During the glare of the day, the light casts harsh shadows, and the hills lose their definition. But at dawn or dusk, they look splendid, especially during the dry season (Feb–June) when the scrub vegetation covering the hills is roasted brown.

Most visitors head for the 360-degree viewpoint at the government-run Chocolate Hills Viewpoint (unarguably one of the best things to do in Bohol). Built atop one of the unearthly formations, it’s reached by a winding road and a steep climb up two hundred or so rough-hewn steps.

How to get to Chocolate Hills

To get to Bohol, take a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu City, or fly into Tagbilaran Airport. From Tagbilaran, it's about an hour's drive to the Chocolate Hills viewing complex. If you want more freedom, consider renting a motorbike. The main viewing point involves climbing a steep set of stairs, but the panoramic view is worth it.

When to visit Chocolate Hills

For the best photos and fewer crowds, try to get there early, before 9 AM. If you're after a stunning sunset view, late afternoon is ideal. During the rainy season (July-January), the hills stay green but are still impressive.

#10 Tarsiers

Admire these tiny primates with their enormous, sorrowful eyes at their protected sanctuary in Bohol. 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) northeast of Tagbilaran, outside the village of Corella, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting what is left of the native population of tarsiers.

Often mistakenly referred to as the world's smallest monkey, the cuddly tarsier—all 4-6 inches (10–15cm) of it—is more closely related to the lemur, loris, and bushbaby and has been around for a staggering 45 million years.

After a brief induction at the base camp, knowledgeable guides lead visitors into the jungle, but spotting the sanctuary's hundred-or-so free-to-roam residents among the foliage can be challenging, especially as the creatures are nocturnal and rarely move.

How to get to the Tarsier Sanctuary

From Tagbilaran, you can hire a taxi or join a countryside tour that includes a stop at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, about 8.7 miles (14 km) away. Stick to the official sanctuary and avoid roadside "exhibits," as they can harm the tarsiers. The sanctuary guides you through a forest habitat where the tarsiers live freely.

When to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary

For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tarsiers are most active. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends. You can easily combine this visit with a trip to Chocolate Hills.

#11 San Agustin Church

This elegantly weathered Spanish pile in the heart of old Manila is the oldest stone church in the archipelago and the resting place of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Dominating the southern section of Intramuros, San Agustin Church boasts a magnificent Baroque interior, trompe l’oeil murals, and a vaulted ceiling and dome.

Access to the church is via the adjacent San Agustin Museum, a former Augustinian monastery that houses a surprisingly extensive collection of icons and artifacts, though the handsome two-story building itself and the tranquil central cloisters are just as appealing. It's a highlight among the many things to do in Manila, especially if you're exploring Intramuros on foot.

How to get to San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is located in Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing service, or Light Rail Transit (LRT), with stations nearby. You might also want to take a walking tour of Intramuros, which usually includes a stop at the church and its museum. A horse-drawn kalesa ride around the area adds to the charm of your visit.

When to visit San Agustin Church

For the best lighting for photos, try early afternoon, when the sun shines through the ornate Baroque interior. Because it's a popular wedding venue, check ahead to see if there are any ceremonies planned, especially on weekends.

#12 Spend a day at Manila Ocean Park

At the far western end of Rizal Park, along the bayfront, lies Manila Ocean Park, one of the best things to do in the Philippines with kids. The undoubted highlight is the Oceanarium, a huge saltwater tank viewed via an 82-foot (25m) long walkway, packed with some twenty thousand sea creatures.

Depending on what entry package you choose, it may include spectacular light shows, musical fountains, sea lion shows, birds of prey exhibit, a trippy jellyfish installation, and a penguin park.

How to get to Manila Ocean Park

Located near Rizal Park, you can reach Manila Ocean Park by taxi, ride-sharing, or the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Quirino Station. Many hotels in the area also provide shuttle services. To avoid long lines, it's a good idea to buy tickets online in advance. If you're planning to visit multiple exhibits, consider an all-in-one pass.

When to visit Manila Ocean Park

For a quieter visit, come on weekdays, and try to get there when the park opens to beat the crowds. The indoor oceanarium is a great place to explore, especially during the rainy season (June-October). On weekends, you'll find special evening light shows.

#13 Dive At Tubbataha Reef

Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, 112 miles (181km) southeast of Puerto Princesa, Tubbataha Reef Natural Park has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its huge number of marine species. Unsurprisingly, it has become a magnet for scuba divers, who reach it on liveaboard boats—most departing from Puerto Princesa between March and June.

The reef is one of the finest in the world, with sightings of sharks, manta rays, and turtles a daily occurrence. Dive operators in Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Coron Town can arrange one-week trips, which include onboard accommodation and meals, the conservation fee, and up to four dives a day.

How to get to Tubbataha Reef

The only way to reach Tubbataha is through liveaboard diving trips that depart from Puerto Princesa, Palawan. You'll need to book a multi-day trip with a reliable dive operator. The boat ride takes about 10-12 hours. Because this destination is in high demand, it's best to book well in advance, especially during the peak season.

When to visit Tubbataha Reef

The park is open from mid-March to mid-June, when sea conditions are generally good for diving. The best visibility is usually in April, with clear waters that can stretch up to 148 feet (45 meters).

#14 Puerto Galera

One of the country's most popular resorts, Puerto Galera (meaning "Port of the Galleons") boasts some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia and gorgeous, sugar-sand beaches, as a result of which the whole area is often mobbed during national holidays. Arriving by ferry is a memorable experience, the boat slipping gently through aquamarine waters past a series of headlands fringed with haloes of sand and coconut trees.

Brilliant white yachts lie at anchor in the innermost bay, and in the background looms the brooding hulk of Mount Malasimbo, invariably crowned with a ring of cumulus cloud.

How to get to Puerto Galera

To reach Puerto Galera, drive for 2-3 hours from Manila to Batangas Port, then hop on a ferry for a 1-1.5 hour ride. Ferries run regularly during the day, but they stop when the weather is rough. If you're arriving late, you might want to spend the night in Batangas. Depending on your destination, there are different ferry terminals to choose from, so be sure to check which one is closest to your hotel.

When to visit Puerto Galera

April and May have the warmest waters, which is great for snorkeling. If you want to avoid crowds, travel during the week, as weekends can get busy with locals heading there. Holy Week (Easter) is especially crowded, so plan around that if you can.

#15 The Puerto Princesa Underground River

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and voted as one of the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" in 2012, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a unique underwater river system that cuts through the limestone hills before emptying out into the sea.

The caves are completely natural and unlit, ranging from low-lying passages to vast, cathedral-like caverns. Because of the site's popularity and fragile ecosystem, visitor numbers are restricted to a daily quota of nine hundred visitors, which is reached every day during peak season. Make sure you book your visit ahead of time.

How to get to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

From Puerto Princesa City, the easiest way is to join an organized day tour. Alternatively, arrange your own transport to Sabang town, about a 2-hour drive, and then take a 20-minute boat ride to the river entrance. Since daily visitor numbers are limited, it's best to secure your permit in advance through your hotel or tour operator. Once there, you'll take a guided paddle boat tour through the cave.

When to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River

The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit, as rough seas can cause cancellations during the rainy months. If you're hoping to see wildlife near the cave entrance, try to get the first tour of the day.

#16 Mount Mayon

The almost perfectly symmetrical cone of volcanic Mount Mayon, near Legaspi, makes for a challenging but thrilling climb. The elegantly smooth cone of Mount Mayon may look benign from a distance, but don’t be deceived. The most active volcano in the country, Mayon has erupted more than forty times since 1616, the date of its first recorded eruption.

How to get to Mount Mayon

Fly to Legazpi City in Albay province, where you can enjoy great views of Mount Mayon right from the airport. For a closer look, you can join an ATV tour or a trek from Legazpi, arranged by local operators. If you want to climb to the summit, you'll need to register with the Department of Tourism and hire a certified guide. For a great photo of the volcano, head to the Cagsawa Ruins, where you’ll find the best views.

When to visit Mount Mayon

The traditional window of opportunity for an ascent of Mount Mayon is February to April, and even then you’ll have to be well prepared for cold nights at altitude and the possibility of showers. At any other time of year, you could be hanging around for days waiting for a break in the weather. Though the slopes look smooth, it takes at least two days to reach the highest point of the trail.

#17 Mount Pinatubo

Nothing has quite been the same around Mount Pinatubo, 15.5 miles (25km) east of Clark, since 1991, when the volcano exploded in one of the largest eruptions of the twentieth century worldwide. Today, visits to the resultant moonlike lahar landscape and the lake is one of the country's top activities, though independent hikes to the top are not permitted.

Organized trips to the volcano leave from the small town of Santa Juliana, about 25 miles (40km) from Clark, where you register. From here, a 4WD takes you for an hour or so across flat lahar beds and over dusty foothills to the start of a gentle hike to Lake Pinatubo. The lake itself is stunning, with emerald-green waters and spectacular surrounding views. Bring a packed lunch. Swimming and boating on the lake are now banned.

How to get to Mount Mayon

Fly to Legazpi City in Albay province, where you can enjoy great views of Mount Mayon right from the airport. For a closer look, you can join an ATV tour or a trek from Legazpi, arranged by local operators. If you want to climb to the summit, you'll need to register with the Department of Tourism and hire a certified guide. For a great photo of the volcano, head to the Cagsawa Ruins, where you'll find the best views.

When to visit Mount Mayon

The clearest views tend to be between February and April, with mornings being the best time to see the summit before clouds start to roll in. For the best photos, plan your visit early in the day. In the afternoons, clouds often block the peak.

#18 Hundred Islands National Park

The tiny islands of Hundred Islands National Park—there are actually 123, but that doesn't have quite the same ring to it—cover almost 7.7 square miles (20 square kilometers). Some islands have beaches, but many are no more than coral outcrops crowned by scrub. Sadly, much of the underwater coral in the park has been damaged by a devastating combination of cyanide fishing and dynamite fishing, along with typhoons.

The authorities are, however, going all out to protect what coral is left and help it regenerate, meaning you can only snorkel in approved areas. Unless you want to camp, the closest base is the small town of Lucap, accessible from Alaminos, where day trips set off. 

The town, however, is pretty dull and not recommended as a place to stay. It's far nicer to base yourself at one of the resorts near Bolinao.  See our guide for finding the right Philippine accommodation. 

How to get to Hundred Islands

To get to Hundred Islands, catch a 5-6 hour bus ride from Manila to Alaminos City in Pangasinan. From there, take a tricycle to Lucap Wharf, where boats head out to the islands. You can rent an outrigger boat based on your group size for a day trip or island hopping. Some islands have basic accommodations, but most people go for a day trip.

When to visit Hundred Islands

For the best experience, visit from November to May, when seas are calmer, making it ideal for island hopping. Leaving early in the morning lets you explore the islands before afternoon winds start picking up.

#19 Corregidor Island

The tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor, less than 3.1 miles (5km) long and 1.9 miles (3km) wide at its broadest point, is a living museum to the horrors of war. Lying 25 miles (40km) southwest of Manila, it was originally used by the Spanish as a customs post. In 1942 it was defended bravely by an ill-equipped US and Filipino contingent under continual bombardment from Japanese guns and aircraft.

The island was abandoned after the war and was gradually reclaimed by thick jungle vegetation—it wasn't until the late 1980s that the Corregidor Foundation began to transform it into a national shrine. If you visit Corregidor on a day trip, you'll be restricted to a guided tour. Japanese tourists also come here in numbers to pay their respects to the dead on both sides.

How to get to Corregidor Island

Ferries to Corregidor Island depart from the Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Manila Bay, operated by Sun Cruises. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours each way. Day tours typically include the ferry, a guided tour, and lunch. If you prefer to stay overnight, you can book accommodations at the island's only hotel. Ferries run daily but may be canceled during rough weather.

When to visit Corregidor Island

The dry season, from November to May, is the best time to visit to avoid the rough seas that could cancel ferry services. It's best to take an early ferry to avoid the midday heat.

#20 Discover the falls

The Philippines also boasts a wide variety of waterfalls. One of them is Kawasan Falls – the most popular place to swim in Moalboal. Made up of a series of cascades—some as high as 65 feet (20 m)—this jungle-fringed waterfall is a great place for a taste of Cebu's interior. It’s also one of the top things to do in Cebu if you're up for a refreshing dip and some canyoning action.

If you are traveling to Boracay, note the Cambughay Falls on Siquijor Island. These are the island's most accessible and popular waterfalls. Steep steps lead down to the pretty falls, which are a pleasant spot for a picnic or a swim.

Manila's main claim to fame these days is as the staging point for the dazzling Pagsanjan Falls, chosen by Francis Ford Coppola as the location for the final scenes in Apocalypse Now in 1975. Most tourists come not for the Hollywood nostalgia value, however, but to take one of the popular "shooting the rapids" trips along the Bumbungan River to the falls and back.

When to visit Philippine waterfalls

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to May). Waterfalls are particularly impressive a few days after rainfall when the water flow increases, but the clarity usually improves. Weekdays tend to be quieter at all waterfall sites.