Tourist Places to Visit in Philippines

The Philippines are a collection of over 7000 islands located in the western pacific. Diverse in landscapes and destinations they offer, the islands are almost like a world of their own, and with the numerous places to visit in the Philippines that play with a visitor’s imagination, a trip to the islands is always going to be a great idea. Right from tropical rain forests to white sand beaches, there are numerous places to visit in the Philippines that cater to all kinds of travellers.

The central location of the islands allows for a great influence from other countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam, which has resulted in most of the Philippines tourist places showcasing the merging cultures, arts, and cuisines.

The Spanish influence on Philippines, back from the Spanish colonial era, is reflected in the numerous architectural monuments, such as the Santiago Fort, The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, and many others that count as some of the top Philippines tourist places.

There’s a lot to do in Philippines

The islands have a rich variety to offer in landscapes and biodiversity. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National park is one such example from among the many Philippines tourist places. The national park is mainly famous for the underground river that flows beneath the limestone. Apart from this, the islands of Philippines are also full of white sand beaches that form the perfect backdrop for a reprieve from regular life.

Then there are the metropolitan regions of the Philippines’ Islands, which boast of a highly enticing urban experience. This includes cities like Manila, Cebu City, Angeles City, and more.

With the most amazing collection of places to visit in the Philippines, the islands are an amalgamation of all kinds of experiences. Right from offering religious destinations such as the Basilicas to the pristine beaches that span kilometres and a lively nightlife that attracts tourists from all over the world, the Philippines are a great destination.

If you too are planning a trip to these beautiful islands, here is a list of some of the best places to visit in the Philippines that you should definitely add to your itinerary:

1. Cebu

The island of Cebu, located in the central island cluster, is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in the Philippines. The landmass on which the island is located stretches about 200 kilometres from north to south and is a well-known destination for its beautiful white sand beaches and mesmerizing marine life. The island is perfect for tourists looking to relax and kick back on their vacation.

The Nalusuan Island, Bantayan Island, and the Kawasan Falls are some of the most beautiful tourist spots in the Philippines and they are located on Cebu Island. One can also indulge in the countless adventure and water sports that are offered here to experience the island in all its glory. The marine life around the island of Cebu is diverse and vivid, making it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines for nature lovers as well.

2. Angeles City

Angeles City translates to “The City of Angels” and boasts of a metropolitan atmosphere with people from all over the world enjoying vibrant nightlife here. For an urban experience, Angeles City would be a great addition to your list of places to visit in the Philippines. From shopping and gaming to partying, there are a lot of fun activities for visitors here that make it one of the coolest Philippines tourist places to visit.

The colonial past of the city can be witnessed in the typical Spanish architecture showcased all around the city. The city is packed with luxurious hotels and opulent casinos, which are usually full of tourists looking to try their luck. The City Centre Balibago is a prime attraction and is usually the hub for the most exciting activities in the city. Angeles City is a blend of several cultures and one can experience the same through the various cuisines available in the city as well. This is a destination that offers an eclectic mix of adventure to its visitors, which makes it one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

3. Manila

Manila, being the capital city of the Philippines, is generally a given inclusion on itineraries covering the top places to visit in the Philippines. Having been the throne of several kingdoms and empires, Manila is home to several monuments that reflect its varied past. The city is dotted with architecture from the Spanish colonial era as well, including the Intramuros, Casa Manila, and more.

The city is highly urbanised, and one can get the metropolitan experience of Philippines here. Although famous for its commercial significance, Manila doubles up as an amazing tourist spot in the Philippines where you can indulge in various Asian cultures. Casa Manila and Intramuros are some of the finest remnants from the time of the Spanish occupation of the country and are also among the best places to visit in the Philippines.

Manila is also the perfect example for showcasing a blend of the new and the old in the Philippines, as remnants of the Spanish occupation and the tallest buildings in the country co-exist in a medley of time.

4. Boracay

The island of Boracay is one of the most popular Philippines tourist places thanks to its proximity to the busy cities of Cebu and Manila. The tiny island is about 2 kilometres in length and a mere 500 meters wide. Although small, the island is still one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The island boasts of two beautiful and picturesque beaches on either side of the landmass and these pristine white beaches, with the serene and clear waters attract tourists from all over the world.

Among the best Philippines places to visit, the island is the perfect destination for travellers who are looking for clear skies, shining white beaches, and impeccable diving spots to witness the marine and coral life. These are just some of the factors that have made Boracay one of the most famous places in the Philippines.

5. Puerto Princesa

Another one of the popular places to visit in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is the second-largest city in the Philippines with respect to the area it covers. However, the city is very scarcely populated and is full of greenery and white sand beaches. The city is known primarily for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The park gets its name from the natural anomaly that occurs in the region and is referred to as the ‘Underground River’. The underground river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is very popular among the tourist places to visit in the Philippines. This river could have been called the main reason behind Puerto Princesa being one of the most famous places in the Philippines; but the city is also famous for its pristine beaches and the warm hospitality of the locals, all of which have made the city a haven for tourists and travellers.

6. Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Located on the island of Cebu, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is the first church in the entirety of Philippines. Established in the year 1565, there were two instances when the basilica was destroyed by fires. The current structure that stands in the Philippines was built in the year 1737.

The basilica houses an image of infant Jesus, which is a revered source of devotion for the thousands of believers that visit the church. The architecture of the church strongly exhibits influences of European art and workmanship. The Spanish influence in the structure is hard to miss and is a commendable sight.

The basilica is also the epicentre of the Sinulog Festival which is Cebu’s largest annual festival. During this time, open masses are held for devotees to join in. One can book their Philippines tour package for the Sinulog Festival to experience the best of tourist places to visit in the Philippines. 

7. Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago of Manila is one of the top Philippines tourist destinations. The fort was built in the year 1593 by the Spanish Governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to protect the then newly found city of Manila.

The fort has been a major part of the history of Philippines and has become a memoir of the lives that were lost during the Spanish occupation of Philippines and the Second World War. Jose Rizal, one of the national heroes of the Filipino people was also imprisoned at this historical fort before being executed. The fort has seen Spanish, British, and even American occupation, and till date stands tall to tell the stories of the past it has witnessed.

The islands of the Philippines are much more than a group of simple islands; they are clusters of cultures, history, and of the people who define this mesmerizing tropical paradise!