If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful country is full of amazing experiences and stunning sights. In this post, I’ll share the five best things to do in the Philippines, from exploring historic cities to enjoying natural wonders. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Swim with whale sharks at Donsol
Whale shark tourism in the Philippines helps protect these large fish from being hunted and boosts local economies. However, some boat captains feed the sharks to attract them. This can change their migration habits and put them at risk of being hit by boat propellers. In Donsol, Bicol, tourism operators keep the encounters ethical by following strict rules. Only one boat with six tourists is allowed per shark, and no feeding or touching the sharks is permitted. Although seeing a shark is not guaranteed, the chance of spotting one in the wild makes the experience exciting.
2. Party at a fiesta
In the Philippines, towns have so many fiestas that you’ll likely find one without even trying. Smaller ones feature lots of drinking, music, dancing, and food, plus videoke (karaoke with videos that often don’t match the song, but that adds to the fun). Bigger fiestas can last for weeks and mix native rituals with Catholic traditions. At Iloilo’s Dinagyang festival, communities form ‘tribes’ and compete for big cash prizes with complex routines inspired by indigenous traditions. Cebu’s Sinulog is an all-day costume street carnival, and Bacolod’s Masskara has dancers wearing elaborate beaded masks. At the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, locals decorate their homes with paper flowers and fruits to celebrate the harvest season.
3. Hike the rice terraces of the Cordillera
Over 2,000 years ago, the Ifugao people of Luzon used simple tools to carve out 10,360 square kilometers of rice terraces in the Philippine Cordillera. Today, the Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed attractions in the Philippines. However, not many people explore beyond the popular photo spots. If you go on a multi-day trek, you can enjoy misty mountain views and visit indigenous villages. You’ll meet and stay with the Ifugao people, who still speak their native language. Don’t forget to try baya, their traditional rice wine, and dishes like pinikpikan, a chicken stew.
4. Dive the reefs at Tubbataha
Even in a country full of amazing dive spots, divers talk about Tubbataha Reef National Park with great respect. This 97,030-hectare marine protected area in the Sulu Sea is hard to reach—only accessible by a liveaboard dive boat from Puerto Princesa, which must be booked months or even years ahead—but it’s worth the effort. Because the reefs are far from land, they remain almost untouched, except for a few shipwrecks that now host schools of barracudas and jacks. The reefs are home to over 360 species of coral and more than 700 species of fish, which helped them earn a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Larger creatures here include tiger sharks, white tip reef sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles.
5. Cruise down a subterranean river
In 2000, Swiss-Canadian filmmaker Bernard Weber started the New7Wonders Project, a global vote to choose modern versions of the Ancient Wonders of the World. Two places in the Philippines made it to the list: the city of Vigan and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. UNESCO called it “one of the world’s most impressive cave systems,” stretching 8.2 kilometers. Small boat tours cover up to 4.3 kilometers, taking visitors from a stunning blue bay into rocky limestone caves filled with bats. Tours leave from Puerto Princesa, and you can choose one that includes cave exploration and ziplining at Ugong Rock, an exciting cave system on the way to the national park.
Take away:
Visiting the Philippines offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. From swimming with whale sharks in Donsol to exploring the ancient rice terraces of the Cordillera, each adventure promises awe-inspiring moments. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or a culture seeker, the Philippines has something unforgettable for every traveler.
People Also Ask:
Is the Philippines safe for tourists?
Yes, the Philippines is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s important to take usual precautions. Most visits are trouble-free, especially in tourist areas.
What is the most popular entertainment in the Philippines?
The single most popular entertainment in the Philippines is cinema, be that in multiplex malls or beachfront outdoor cinemas. Other popular entertainments include gambling—Manila boasts several Vegas-style casinos, including opportunities for online gaming like toponlinecasino.com.ph —cockfighting, boxing matches, beauty contests, and karaoke. The islands’ many different cultures boast rich traditions of music and dance, as well as fabulous fiestas.
What are the Philippines best known for?
The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands. It’s well-known for hopping between islands, diving, and stunning beaches. The country is home to diverse wildlife like whale sharks and tiny tarsiers with big eyes. Its landscapes range from rice terraces to volcanoes, and colorful local transportation includes jeepneys and tricycles. Some famous islands include Luzon, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, and Palawan.