Want to know the top 15 places to visit in the Philippines? The Philippines is one of the most beautiful places you can explore. Make sure you get the most out of your trip with proper preparation. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered! This blog post will guide you through the top 15 must-visit destinations in the Philippines!
If you’re planning a vacation to the Philippines, chances are you chose this destination for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and stunning nature filled with waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife. As a matter of fact, the Philippines is considered one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots!
However, since the Philippines is officially made up of 7,641 islands, you should carefully consider which places you really want to visit. After traveling through the Philippines for three weeks, these are our top personal picks, tried and approved!
Our mission is to make your travel planning for the Philippines a whole lot easier!
After reading this blog post, you should feel much more relaxed and ready for your ultimate Philippine itinerary! We’ve gathered all the best tips and destinations to make sure your trip will be unforgettable.
This post is all about the top 15 places to visit in The Philippines.
Top 15 places to visit in The Philippines
1. Coron- Maquinit Hot Spring
Tucked away on the coast of Coron, Palawan, Maquinit Hot Spring is one of the few natural saltwater hot springs in the world. Surrounded by lush mangroves and rocky landscapes, its warm, mineral-rich waters—heated to around 38–41°C—offer the perfect spot to relax after a day of island hopping. A visit in the late afternoon or evening is ideal, when the cooler air makes soaking even more refreshing and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views across Coron Bay.
2. Coron- Kayangan lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake
We visited these locations as part of a day tour around Coron, which we highly recommend.
Often referred to as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is a stunning mix of crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs. After a short but steep hike, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking viewpoint before heading down to swim or snorkel in the lake’s calm, beautiful waters.
Twin Lagoon was one of the highlights of our Coron tour. You can access the second lagoon either by swimming through a narrow opening or climbing over a small wooden ladder, depending on the tide. The mix of warm and cool water, created by the meeting of fresh and salt water, makes swimming here feel like a natural spa.
Barracuda Lake is another standout spot in Coron, famous for its dramatic underwater rock formations and the unique layering of warm and cool water. After a short walk over uneven limestone steps, you’ll reach the lake’s still, incredibly clear waters. It’s a popular site for divers, but even swimming or snorkeling here feels like entering a different world.
3. El nido- Bucana beach
Bucana Beach is a quieter, less crowded spot in El Nido that’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the usual tourist scenes in Palawan. With its long stretch of golden sand, palm trees, and gentle waves, it feels like a hidden paradise. The vibe here is laid-back and local—you won’t find big resorts, just a peaceful shoreline and a slower pace. It’s a great place to relax, take a walk, or watch the sunset without the crowds.
4. El nido- Big Lagoon
The following destinations—Big Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, Secret Lagoon- and Beach—were all part of an island-hopping tour (Tour A) we did in El Nido, which is an absolute must when visiting the area.
Big Lagoon is one of El Nido’s most iconic spots, and it truly lives up to the hype. We kayaked through a narrow channel that opened up into a vast, serene lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. The crystal-clear turquoise water and scenery make it a place you won’t forget.
5. El nido- Seven Commandos beach
Seven Commandos Beach is a wide stretch of soft white sand, with swaying palm trees, and clear, calm water. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the scenery. There’s a small beach bar where you can grab a fresh coconut or a cold drink.
6. El nido- Secret lagoon + beach
Secret Lagoon and -beach, located on Shimizu Island, are must-see stops on El Nido’s island-hopping tour. To reach the lagoon, you’ll climb through a small opening in the cliffs, which leads to a cove with crystal-clear water, all surrounded by towering limestone rocks. Just a short distance away, you’ll find the beach, another paradise in its own right.
7. El nido- Nacpan beach
Nacpan Beach, located just 45 minutes from El Nido, stretches for 4 kilometers of golden sand. Renowned for its natural beauty and serenity, it was ranked among the world’s top beaches by TripAdvisor in 2016. During our visit, we had the unforgettable experience of watching baby sea turtles being released back into the ocean—a truly surreal moment, especially as the sun set over the horizon.
8. El nido- Darocotan Island
Darocotan Island, just a short boat ride from El Nido, is a gem. We stayed at The Isla Experience, an eco-resort that blends perfectly with the island’s natural beauty. With its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel, or simply relax in peace. One of the coolest things we discovered was a sunken shipwreck in the reef, which was so fun to discover while snorkeling. This was the perfect escape!
Stay at
La Isla Experience
9. Cebu- Oslob
We did a full-day trip combining Oslob and Kawasan Falls, and while it was a long day, it’s one we’ll always remember. We were picked up from our hotel at 2:30 in the morning as part of a small group tour with four people total. The first stop was Oslob for the whale shark experience, which, while incredible, was very crowded. You arrive before sunrise and wait your turn to enter the water—it’s an early and busy start, but seeing these gentle giants up close as the sun rises is absolutely worth it. Just be sure to keep your distance and never touch them, as it can be harmful to the sharks.
10. Cebu- Kawasan Falls
After the whale shark experience, we traveled to Kawasan Falls in Badian. Kawasan Falls is the ultimate thrill-seeker’s playground, and we got to experience it through canyoneering. Just be prepared to jump from some serious heights. The guided journey takes you through stunning turquoise waters, lush jungle, and over rocky terrain as you leap, swim, and climb your way down toward the breathtaking falls. The highlight is reaching the main waterfall, where the water crashes into a beautiful turquoise pool. It’s an adrenaline-packed experience, but the incredible views and refreshing swims make it all worth it.
11. Bohol- Chocolate hills, Tarsier sanctuary, Loboc River
Bohol quickly became one of our favorite stops in the Philippines, with its mix of natural beauty and unique experiences. We visited the famous Chocolate Hills (famous for their name as they turn brown in the dry season). The Tarsier Sanctuary was another highlight; we recommend going right at opening (10 AM) to avoid the crowds and have a quieter chance to see these tiny, wide-eyed tarisers. In Loboc, we loved the floating restaurant cruise along the river and were lucky enough to witness the magical glow of fireflies at night. We stayed at Loboc River Resort, which we couldn’t recommend more—peaceful, surrounded by nature, and the perfect base for exploring the area.
12. Siquijor- Cambugahay Falls & Lugnason Falls
Siquijor may be a small island, but it’s packed with natural beauty—and its waterfalls were a definite highlight. Cambugahay Falls is the most popular, with stunning turquoise pools and fun rope swings if you’re up for a splash. Lugnason Falls is smaller and less visited, but equally beautiful, nestled in the jungle.
13. Siquijor- Salagdoong Beach
Salagdoong Beach is one of Siquijor’s most iconic spots, known for its clear blue water and smooth white sand. The main draw here is the cliff jumping—there are two platforms built into the rocks where you can leap straight into the ocean below (the higher platform can only be used when the tide is high enough). It’s a fun stop whether you’re diving in or just relaxing by the shore. The beach is part of a small resort area, so there are basic facilities and a place to grab snacks, making it a great spot to spend an easy afternoon.
14. Siquijor- Paliton beach
Paliton Beach is a quiet, picture-perfect stretch of sand on the western side of Siquijor. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and take in a peaceful sunset. Unlike more developed beaches, Paliton has a relaxed, local vibe—no big resorts or crowds, just soft sand and clear water.
15. Siquijor- Old Enchanted Balete Tree
The Old Enchanted Balete Tree is one of Siquijor’s most unique and mystical attractions. Believed to be over 400 years old, this massive tree is wrapped in local folklore and surrounded by stories of healing and enchantment. At its base, a natural spring feeds a small pool where you can dip your feet and enjoy a relaxing fish spa.
Insider tip
Many of the spots we visited—like waterfalls, beaches, and natural attractions—charge small entrance or environmental fees, usually ranging from ₱20 to ₱100. These places often don’t accept cards or mobile payments, so it’s best to carry enough cash in small bills with you. It makes the process smoother and helps local communities maintain the sites.
Now that you know the top 15 places to visit in The Philippines, here are some important things you need to know before travelling to The Philippines.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?
Citizens of most countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension at local immigration offices. Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and that you have proof of an outbound flight.
Travel Tip: Don’t Forget Your eTravel Card for the Philippines
Before arriving in the Philippines, all international travelers are required to complete the eTravel card—a digital health and immigration form. You can register within 72 hours before your flight on the official website: etravel.gov.ph. Make sure to take a screenshot or save the QR code you receive after submitting, as you’ll need to show it upon arrival. Avoid third-party sites that may charge fees—stick to the official one to keep things smooth and secure!
Are any vaccinations required before traveling to the Philippines?
Always consult the World Health Organization (WHO) for up-to-date information on vaccination requirements based on your country of origin. While some vaccines may not be mandatory, others are recommended, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Tetanus, and Diphtheria.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The Philippines climate is hot and humid year-round. The most comfortable temperatures with the least rainfall are from December to February. While March and April remain relatively dry, the heat intensifies during these months. From August to November, typhoons and heavy rainfall are common, making it best to avoid traveling during this period.
What is the best way to get around the Philippines?
Getting between islands requires a mix of flights, ferries and taxis/buses. We recommend booking domestic flights ahead of time to save money, with Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific being the most popular choices. Note that booking ferries is easily done through the website 12Go Asia. We’ve used this multiple times and had a great experience with this.
We’ve also had great experience with the Cherry bus (lazy boy) that took us from El Nido to Puerto Princesa so make sure to check that out as well!
Hiring a scooter is a great way to explore the islands, while the local tuk tuks (tricycles) are a fun way to travel short distances.
How much does it cost to travel in the Philippines?
The Philippines is generally an affordable destination for most travelers, however not as cheap as some other Southeast Asian countries. Daily budgets can vary widely depending on your travel style.
As of 2025, budget travelers can get by on around $25–$50 USD per day, covering basic guesthouses, local meals, and public transportation. Mid-range travelers typically spend $50–$150 USD per day with comfortable hotels, domestic flights, and a mix of local and international dining. Luxury travelers may spend $150+ USD per day, especially when staying in resorts, booking private tours, or dining at upscale restaurants.
What currency is used in the Philippines?
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It’s important to bring enough cash with you, as ATMs can be scarce, especially in more remote areas. When you do find one with a favorable exchange rate, be sure to withdraw enough to cover your needs during your stay. You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs located in banks, shopping malls, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which are reliable and widely available.
What is the food like in the Philippines?
Food in the Philippines is known for its hearty, savory, and sweet flavors, often drawing from a rich blend of cultural influences. Meals are typically rice-based and served family-style. Popular dishes include adobo, lechon, sinigang and ube (purple yam) which is used in desserts. And don’t forget about the delicious mangoes and bananas! In touristy areas there are a lot of international options so you can have a variety of foods.
However, travelers should be aware that food poisoning is relatively common, especially when eating street food or in more rural areas. It’s highly recommended to bring anti-diarrheal medicine such as loperamide (Imodium), oral rehydration salts (ORS), and a basic antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea if advised by your doctor.
How is cell phone reception in the Philippines?
WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants but isn’t always reliable.
To avoid high roaming charges with your service provider, we recommend using an e-sim which is super convenient and will save you a whole lot of money!
This post was all about the top 15 places to visit in The Philippines that every traveler should know before their trip. After reading this blog, you’ll have a clear list of the best spots to include in your itinerary. We hope your journey to the Philippines is everything you’ve dreamed of, and that this guide makes your travel planning a whole lot easier. If you liked this blog, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated for upcoming blogs!
