Top 16 Most Famous Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

1. Manila Capital

The capital city of Manila is a renowned tourist spot in the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon Island. Traveling to Manila, Philippines, visitors will discover the beauty that shapes the rhythm of life for this archipelago. It is a vibrant center where the East meets the West, where classical blends with modern, simple intertwines with unique. That's why Manila is known as the famous tourist city of the Philippines and the capital of Asia with a Latin style but deeply rooted in the local culture.

When in Manila, tourists must visit the historic Intramuros, built by the Spanish in 1571, and the Greenbelt Church to enjoy the fresh air of the park. Visitors can also indulge in shopping as there are many shopping centers. Additionally, there are contemporary art exhibitions, Manila Bay, China Town, and the Marikina Shoe Museum. The capital Manila is also a city with a vibrant and lively nightlife in Asia. There are many bars, restaurants, and clubs to meet every traveler's needs, from drinking, dancing to singing. Manila offers delicious local dishes such as chicharrón, grilled chicken, tofu in sauce, etc.

2. Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills, located in Bohol province, is one of the most appealing and unique tourist destinations in the Philippines and the world. The Chocolate Hills are considered a gift from nature that the deity bestowed upon this beautiful archipelago. The Chocolate Hills area has nearly 2000 hills of similar size, resembling upside-down cones on the grassy surface. Each giant cone has an average height of 30 – 50 meters, spreading over an area of 50 km2.

What makes Chocolate Hills famous and attractive is the uniform color of all the hills throughout the seasons, changing hues together each month of the year. They are all covered by a beautifully lush green carpet of grass. However, in the dry season, when the leaves wither, all the hills will be covered in light brown and gradually turn to the characteristic chocolate color by the end of the dry season. This is also the reason behind the name 'Chocolate Hills.'

3. Mount Pulag

Mount Pulag stands among the top three highest peaks in the Philippines. This mountain is renowned as the 'playground of the gods' and preserves the cultural heritage of the Igorot tribe. If you seek an unparalleled mountain climbing experience to unravel the mysteries of nature, head to Mount Pulag, situated in the Pulag National Park on Luzon Island, Philippines.

This popular tourist destination not only offers adventurers an extraordinary climbing challenge but also a firsthand encounter with diverse flora and fauna. The pristine scenery, with clouds brushing the mountain's summit, provides a unique camping experience where you can sleep under the stars, listening to the breath of the grass, soil, and waking up to a spectacular sunrise at the mountain's peak. Truly magnificent, isn't it?

Taal Volcano is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. Situated on Luzon Island, approximately 65 km southwest of the capital Manila, in the province of Tagaytay—a place with an excellent climate often compared to Vietnam's Dalat. This 5,500-meter volcano lies within Taal Lake, one of the largest lakes globally. It has been dormant for over 40 years, and remarkably, its crater has transformed into a beautiful, deep blue lake recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's 10 most beautiful lakes.

Cotabaco Waterfall is a famous tourist destination in the Philippines, located along the Philippine Sea with a cool climate and incredibly beautiful scenery. This natural wonder is unique, combining a gentle, romantic beauty with challenging rocky cliffs that dare visitors to conquer them.

While not as physically demanding as mountain climbing, it requires travelers to have strong and nimble legs. With a tropical climate, the abundant rainfall gives Cotabaco a lush green hue year-round. This place is considered a paradise for relaxation and vacation.

Banaue Rice Terraces is a natural masterpiece in the high Cordillera mountains, north of Luzon Island. This wonder of rice terraces was created by human hands 2,000 to 6,000 years ago in the Ifugao region. With spectacular natural scenery, especially during the ripe rice and water season, it is rightfully worshipped as the '8th wonder of the world' and, of course, the most famous tourist destination in the Philippines. Banaue Rice Terraces sit at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, stretching across an area of 10,360 km2 like a gigantic hanging garden on the mountain top.

Unlike the straight fields in the plains, the terraced fields here stack, wind, and flow gently along the high mountain slopes like stairs climbing into the green clouds. If visitors can admire the terraced fields during the ripe rice season, there is nothing more wonderful, a golden space overwhelming the eyes, creating a spectacular scene like a painting. In the water season, under the sunlight, each terrace is filled with water, sparkling, reflecting shadows, and the sky, making the beauty increase multiple times. The special point of Banaue Rice Terraces is that it was mostly created by bare hands with simple tools of the Ifugao people, so it can be considered one of the greatest technical achievements of mankind, an extraordinary architectural masterpiece that has never existed anywhere else. That's why it was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1995.

Cebu City, known as the 'Queen City' or the 'City of Beautiful Women,' is a charming and friendly metropolis. It's the second-largest city in the archipelago and the most famous tourist city in the Philippines. Cebu boasts a diverse culinary scene, blending East Asian and Spanish influences to create visually appealing and delicious dishes. You'll surely salivate at the sight and aroma of unique dishes like Lansiao soup, Bakassi eel, Tuslob buwa pig brains,... and especially Lechon, the world's tastiest roasted pork – an indispensable dish in the traditional festivals of the indigenous people of the Philippines.

Additionally, in this town, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear sea or admire the majestic Tumalog Waterfall. Visitors can also go diving at Nalusuan to explore the mysteries of the ocean, swim with colorful schools of fish, and marvel at vibrant coral reefs with peculiar shapes. However, in Cebu, you'll likely hear the most about Kawasan Waterfall in Barangay Matutiao, about 130 km from the city. This waterfall attracts tourists with its lush vegetation surroundings and the stunning emerald water.

Padra Burgos Beach in Quezon province, Philippines, acts like a tourist magnet, drawing visitors from near and far with its picturesque beach surrounded by tropical mountains. Travelers not only get to relax on the cool beach but also engage in snorkeling to witness vibrant marine life and explore the colorful underwater world.

For nature enthusiasts, a fascinating stopover is EL Nido – a captivating island with majestic limestone mountains, vast emerald lagoons, crystal-clear rock formations, and prehistoric caves. It truly stands out as one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines.

9. Rizal Park

Rizal Park is one of the most famous green spaces in Manila for over 200 years. This 58-hectare land features beautifully landscaped gardens with monuments, fountains, and a playground for children. Formerly known as Luneta, the park was later renamed Rizal to honor Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero known for his strong advocacy for peace and significant reforms that greatly benefited the Philippines.

Visiting Rizal Park, you'll have the opportunity to stand beside the heroic monument of Rizal made of bronze and granite, standing at 12.6 meters tall. Here, you can explore the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, visit the Orchidarium to admire the simple and charming beauty of a variety of flowers, including orchids, tropical plants, bougainvillea, and more. Ideal for older visitors seeking a peaceful retreat is the Trellis of Waves – a shaded path surrounded by grapevines, with a refreshing natural space and a white-water fountain. For younger travelers, you can engage in exciting challenges like climbing the special mountain walls along the Rocky trail, the Acupuncture Path with unique healing stones, the Butterfly House with hundreds of freely flying species, providing you with opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in nature.

10. Boracay Beach

Known as a stunning and romantic beach located over 300km from Manila, Boracay Beach is a dream destination for many. Visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the cool atmosphere, enjoying the crystal-clear water and the stretch of fine white sand.

Here, tourists can try thrilling activities such as kiteboarding, explore the vast ocean by scuba diving, and, notably, experience cliff diving into the sea.

11. Badian Falls

Badian Falls in Cebu, Philippines, captivates tourists with its picturesque beauty and top-notch services. Visitors can unwind in the lush natural surroundings, staying in spacious resorts and thatched-roof houses near the falls.

Among the tourist destinations in the Philippines, one cannot overlook Ashin Hot Springs, just over 30 minutes away from the center of Baguio.

Located not far from downtown Baguio, Ashin Hot Springs is a perfect spot for relaxation and stress relief, especially for international students studying in Bangui. This place is not only a weekend retreat for locals but also a magnet for foreign tourists seeking an authentic resort experience.

Ranked among the most beautiful and enchanting islands globally, Palawan Island emerges with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Here, visitors can choose from various recreational activities such as kayaking in the sea, exploring the hills, or diving to observe marine life. Moreover, to uncover all the unique aspects of this place, you should venture into the pristine forest area.

Osmena Peak is situated in the municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu, towering at 1,013 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain on Cebu Island. The peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain range, with the highest point of these hills being Osmena Peak, named to honor the renowned Osmeña family in Cebu.

There's only one way to reach the panoramic summit, and that's by hiking; no cable cars or vehicles transport you to the top. The hike takes around 90 minutes for the round trip, and the trail is relatively easy to navigate. Dubbed as the Baguio of Cebu, the air here is cool, refreshing, and pristine.

The landscape of the Mantalungon range bears some resemblance to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, but the peaks here are slimmer and more vibrant. Unlike the closely spaced Chocolate Hills, the peaks in the Mantalungon range stack upon each other. From the summit of Osmena Peak, you'll enjoy a sweeping view of Cebu Island, gazing at the coastline to the southwest. Osmena Peak and the Mantalungon range attract visitors year-round, but the best time to explore this mountainous region is from November to the end of May, avoiding the rainy season from June to late October. The fee for mountain trekking is 30 pesos per person, 20 pesos for students (must present a student ID), and the overnight fee is 50 pesos per person (excluding tent rental). Camping is permitted, allowing you to experience the star-filled night sky. Additionally, due to Osmena Peak's proximity to Oslob, MoalBoal, and especially the Kawansan Waterfalls, you can plan visits to these sites together.

15. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a national park located 50 km north of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. Managed by the city government since 1992, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012, and recognized as an internationally important wetland area under the Ramsar Convention in 2012.

The park features stunning limestone karst landscapes, including the over 24 km (15 mi) long St. Pauls Underground River and an 8.2 km (5.1 mi) underground section of the Cabayugan River. The river flows through the cave before emptying into the West Philippine Sea. Boat navigation extends approximately 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from the sea into the cave. The cave contains impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, making it one of the largest cave systems globally. The river's outlet is 6 km from the sea and is influenced by tides. Until the discovery of the Yucatan Peninsula's underground river in 2007, Puerto Princesa held the record for the world's longest underground river.

The national park also preserves the biodiversity of various ecosystems, from mountains to the sea, and stands as one of the most important forests in Asia. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999.

16. Strawberry Farm in Baguio

This strawberry farm is exclusively cultivated in Baguio, known for its consistently cool climate throughout the year, allowing the growth of various strawberry varieties and other fruits. Visitors can easily reach this farm from the city center, just a 30-minute journey.

Guests will have the hands-on experience of picking strawberries. Outside the farm, there is a souvenir shop offering strawberry-themed items such as keychains, bags, hats, and delicious strawberry-based dishes.

Exciting, isn't it? The Strawberry Farm is sure to provide you with more experiences than this article can convey.