23 Photos That Will Make You Want to Travel to the Philippines

1. Caramoan, Camarines Sur 

The group of islands in Caramoan, Camarines Sur of Bicol region earned its worldwide recognition for being one of the shooting locations of the TV series Survivor.

The islands remain to be immaculate with unspoiled white sand beaches, idyllic landscapes, and gorgeous rock formations. Island-hopping in Caramoan Islands, one of the top tourist spots in Bicol, is a must when you’re in the region.

2. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Banaue Rice Terraces in the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao is considered a National Cultural Treasure site. The creation of the terraces dates back to two millennia ago in the pre-colonial period and is one of the most unique tourist spots in Banaue and the Philippines.

It’s believed that the 2000-year old elevated rice fields were mostly done by hand, as modern farming equipment were not available back then.

3. Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island is an idyllic destination in the town of Palompon, Leyte. It is popularly known for its crystalline water, powder-like white sand, and long sandbar extending on both sides of the island that you can experience with a day trip in Kalanggaman Island. You may also book a Kalanggaman Island tour from Cebu.

This appears like a smaller version of the famous Boracay Island, but without restaurants and resorts lining up its beachfront. Check out other Leyte tourist spots that you should visit while in this province.

4. Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud 

Bangui Windmills in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a wind farm by the beach that produces sustainable energy and is responsible for the province’s electricity. It’s a stunning sight because of the towering windmills with the unspoiled beach as its backdrop.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

You can visit this by joining packaged tours of Ilocos that include accommodation at Laoag hotels. It's also just a few hours away from another top destination in the Philippines, the well-preserved heritage city of Vigan.

5. Kawasan Falls, Cebu

Kawasan Falls is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in Cebu. This natural wonder has an emerald-tinged cool, natural pool that is perfect for a relaxing dip. Many travelers make the trip to witness its breathtaking beauty by joining a trip to Kawasan Falls.

• Read our Cebu travel guide for a hassle-free trip

Once in Kawasan Falls, you can swim in its refreshing waters, ride a bamboo raft, and have a lovely picnic with your travel buddies.

6. Batan Lighthouse, Batanes

Batan Lighthouse, locally known as Basco Lighthouse, is a historical site where telegraph facilities operated during the American period until the end of World War II in Batanes Island.

Not only are Basco Lighthouse adventures interesting as it's a great place to see a panoramic view of the province, but it’s one of the Batanes tourist spots that retained its vernacular architecture.

7. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

The Chocolate Hills in the province of Bohol are a stunning collection of geological formations that look like gigantic Kisses chocolates. These karst hills that change colors, green during the wet season and brown during the dry season, are actually made of limestone with marine corals and algae. 

• Read our article on the best resorts in Bohol

They are protected with sustainable geo-tourism initiatives and are best experienced by joining Chocolate Hills travel packages.

8. Mount Pulag, Benguet

Mount Pulag in Benguet is the third highest peak in the Philippines and the highest point in Luzon. Nicknamed the Playground of the Gods, Mount Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet boasts vast grasslands, mossy forests, and a majestic view at its summit, a sea of clouds like no other.

Join a hiking trip in Mount Pulag and marvel at the ethereal sea of clouds once you triumphantly reach the summit.

9. Mayon Volcano, Albay

This active volcano in Legazpi, Albay of Bicol region has one of the world’s most perfect cones because of its symmetric shape. Even from afar, you can already catch a glimpse of its breathtaking beauty, making it one of the top tourist spots you can’t miss in Legazpi.

You can see its beauty by joining an Albay day tour. If you’re up for the challenge, you can ride an ATV going to Mayon Volcano and ride along bumpy but fun trails.

10. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Perched in the highlands of South Cotabato, the municipality of Lake Sebu is a living testament of how heritage and nature can attract travelers in search of tranquility and adventure.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Mindanao

It is an ideal destination for both laidback and thrill-seeking travelers. You'll explore lotus-flowers adorned lakes, bird watching sanctuaries, and enjoy activities like spelunking and ziplining.

11. Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Enchanted River in Hinatuan Province, Surigao del Sur is as mysterious as its name. Its stunning shade of blue, apart from its crystal clear waters, will urge you to take a dip.

You can even feed the different fish species here as they have a daily feeding session at around 12 in the afternoon. 

12. Northern Blossom Flower Farm, Benguet

Northern Blossom Flower Farm is a must-see attraction in North Luzon because of its rose cabbages plantation and several other varieties of colorful flowers.

Aside from a majestic floral carpet running along the mountains, the flower farm is also a good point to get a view of the country’s third-highest peak, Mt. Pulag.

Joining a Benguet day trip will take you to this and other top attractions in the province.

13. Mount Pinatubo, Zambales and Tarlac

Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in June 1991 was recorded as the second-largest terrestrial volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The lake has since evolved into a nature park that concludes an adventure-filled trek from Capas, Tarlac.

• Book a Mount Pinatubo tour
• Check out our Inararo Pampanga eco tour

It is best to trek Mount Pinatubo in the summer season of March and April when you can do an hour-long ride on a 4x4 jeep which will take you through the ruins of the lahar flooding, swaths of greenery, and a picturesque crater lake.

14. Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin

One of the most iconic tourist spots in Camiguin is the Sunken Cemetery. After the Mount Vulcan eruption in 1871, a local cemetery and the capital city sunk below sea level. A big cross was erected above the cemetery as a marker and remembrance.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Camiguin Island
• Book a Camiguin White Island & countryside tour

Aside from tombstones, underneath the surface lies a breathtaking diving and snorkeling spot where you can swim with a variety of fishes and corals. Discover the island of Camiguin and fall in love with its enchanting beauty. 

15. Long Beach, San Vicente

Dubbed as the longest white beach in the Philippines and a potential contender as the next Boracay, Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan has a 14.7-kilometer beachfront. The peaceful and uncommercialized long white sand shoreline is almost three times the length of Boracay’s White Beach.

Explore this emerging tourist spot during your trip to Palawan for a more relaxing and laidback getaway. From San Vicente, you can also explore Port Barton and go island-hopping or try other tour activities in Palawan. 

• Explore the Puerto Princesa underground river during your trip to Palawan

16. Imbayah Festival, Banaue

There’s more to the mountain province of Banaue than just the rice terraces. The cultural festival of the Ifugao indigenous tribes in Banaue is their thanksgiving and celebration of a good harvest.

Events during this festival include weaving exhibitions, rice milling contests, a display of wooden scooters, and traditional games.

​17. Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

The Loboc River Cruise will take you along the palm tree-lined Loboc River in Bohol for a unique and relaxing cultural experience.

• Read our article on the top tours you can do in Bohol

The boats that you will be riding in a Loboc River tour are actually floating restaurants where you will be serenaded by local singers and musicians while feasting on classic Filipino dishes.

​18. Puka Shell Beach, Boracay

Puka Shell Beach is one of the quieter spots on the popular island of Boracay. One of the top places to see in Boracay, it’s ideal for those who are looking for a more peaceful and relaxing beach experience.

It is named as such because of the abundance of crushed “puka” shells that are mixed with the white sand.

• Check out our list of best beachfront Boracay Island resorts
• Read our article on the best golf courses in the Philippines including one found in Boracay

One of the top beaches in the Philippines, it is roughly 800 meters long and does not have a plethora of hotels, resorts, and clubs that adorn the line of the more hectic White Beach.

19. Paragliding in Cagayan de Oro

See Cagayan de Oro from the highest peak where you can also enjoy the fresh air and enjoy the sights when you try the paragliding activity.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Cagayan de Oro
• Check out our Cagayan de Oro whitewater rafting package
• Book a Cagayan de Oro airport transfer

This will treat you to a majestic panorama of the province, where you might also catch an outstanding view of top attractions such as High Ridge, Rock Chapel, and Amaya View. It’s one of the best Cagayan de Oro activities to try! Since you're already in the area, you may also want to go on a Cagayan de Oro city tour, book a Seven Seas Waterpark Cagayan de Oro day pass with transfers, or enjoy a Cagayan De Oro Sinulom Falls & Bolao Cold Spring tour.

​20. Badian Canyoneering, Cebu

Badian canyoneering in Cebu is an outdoor recreational activity that mainly involves traveling through canyons with azure waters by various methods such as hiking, walking, rappelling, jumping, swimming, and rock climbing.

• Check out our list of the best hotels and resorts in Cebu

Don’t miss the opportunity to try canyoneering adventures when in Cebu even as a rainy season activity in the Philippines when the water current is at its most suitable level, you’ll definitely enjoy it.

21. Sinulog Festival, Cebu

One of the best festivals to attend in the Philippines is the annual Sinulog Festival held in Cebu every January. It’s a thanksgiving celebration for Santo Niño; devotees and supporters flock to the province to spend a weekend full of exciting events, parades, and traditional dances. 

• Read our article on the best beaches in Cebu

The main essence of Sinulog Festival is it’s a celebration of people’s acceptance of Christianity. You’ll definitely enjoy joining the crowds shouting “Pit Senyor!” while dancing to the festive music. Check out other activities and attractions in Cebu that will make your trip even more memorable. 

22. Apo Whang Od Tattoo in Buscalan, Kalinga

Get a traditional tattoo by Apo Whang Od of Buscalan, Kalinga, the oldest tribal tattoo artist or ‘mambabatok’ in the Philippines. At over 100 years old, she has made a name for herself because of her traditional method of inking and has shared this legacy with her grandchildren.

In the old times, traditional tattoos were only given to male warriors of the tribe after a successful battle and to females as decorations on their bodies.

23. Lulugayan Waterfalls, Samar

There are a ton of waterfalls in the Philippines, with most of them still under the radar of many travelers yet deserve praise and recognition because of their beauty, and one of them is Lulugayan Falls in Samar.

Dubbed the Mini Niagara Falls of the Philippines, it’s a gorgeous waterfall with a wide stream and a strong current of crystal clear waters.

Discover the Beauty of the Philippines 

The Philippines has a lot more to offer than the beautiful attractions and destinations included in this list. If you’re convinced and you want to jumpstart your trip to this tropical country, read our Philippines travel guide and find out the top places to see.

You can also read our article on the 13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to the Philippines Now if you need more convincing!