Best Places to See in the Philippines

Palawan

Island hopping, lagoons, snorkelling and beautiful beaches

Palawan is where you’ll find some of the Philippines’ most recognisable landscapes, with limestone islands rising from clear blue water, hidden lagoons, coral reefs and long stretches of beach. Island hopping is a big part of the experience here, with days spent travelling by boat between small islands, stopping to swim, snorkel, kayak and step ashore on beaches that can only be reached from the water.

Around El Nido, you can explore the islands of the Bacuit Archipelago, kayaking between limestone cliffs and into sheltered lagoons before jumping into the water to snorkel over reefs. Back on the main island, Nacpan Beach is worth making time for too, with a long sweep of sand and clear water backed by palms.

Head north to Coron and there is even more to explore by boat. You can island hop between limestone cliffs and secluded beaches, swim in the remarkably clear water of Kayangan Lake, snorkel over coral reefs and discover Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War. Some wrecks can be seen by snorkellers, while divers can explore much more below the surface.

Around Puerto Princesa, the experience moves underground. At Puerto Princesa’s Underground River, you’ll travel by boat into an enormous limestone cave system, passing impressive stalactites and rock formations as the river winds beneath the mountains of the national park. You can also explore caves and underground waterways by kayak, adding something completely different to Palawan’s island hopping, beaches and marine experiences.

Siargao

Island hopping, lagoons, surfing and mangroves

Siargao may be the Philippines’ best-known surfing island, but there’s plenty to experience away from the waves. You can explore palm-lined roads by bike, paddle through mangrove forests, swim in natural rock pools and spend a day island hopping around Siargao.

From General Luna, boats head out to Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island, giving you an easy day of swimming, snorkelling and stopping on small tropical islands. Back on Siargao, Sugba Lagoon is another highlight, where you can kayak or paddleboard across clear, sheltered water surrounded by forest-covered hills.

Surfers come for Cloud 9, Siargao’s famous reef break, but beginners can get involved too, with surf schools and gentler breaks around the island. If surfing isn’t for you, there is still plenty to fill your days, from snorkelling and kayaking to exploring the island’s beaches and inland pools.

Siargao is a good place to include if you want your beach time to come with plenty to do. You can spend one day out on the smaller islands, another exploring Siargao itself and still have time to get in the water or simply enjoy the beach.

Cebu

Waterfalls, snorkelling, diving and history

Cebu gives you plenty of reasons to explore beyond Cebu City. Along the coast, you can snorkel and dive in clear tropical water, while inland you’ll find waterfalls, jungle-covered hills and rivers that bring a more active side to the island.

In Moalboal, one of the highlights happens just offshore. You can swim out with a mask and snorkel to see the famous Sardine Run, where enormous shoals of sardines move together through the water. Sea turtles are also regularly seen around the reefs, and with so much marine life close to shore, you don’t need to be a diver to enjoy what’s beneath the surface.

Further south, Kawasan Falls is known for its blue pools and series of waterfalls. You can visit the falls for a swim, or make it more adventurous with a guided canyoning experience, swimming, scrambling and jumping your way through the river and pools.

Back in Cebu City, sites including Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño introduce you to the island’s Spanish colonial history and Cebu’s role in the story of the Philippines.

Cebu is also well connected to Bohol and other islands across the Visayas, making it easy to include within a longer route. Have a look at our Philippines Holiday Ideas to see how Cebu can be combined with other parts of the country.

Manila

History, food and the capital's contrasting neighbourhoods

Manila is often the starting point for a Philippines holiday, but it’s worth seeing more than the airport before you head to the islands. The capital is busy and sprawling, with an interesting mix of historic districts, modern neighbourhoods, markets and excellent places to eat.

Start in Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city, where you can explore Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and streets dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Exploring with a guide helps bring the history to life and puts much of what you’ll see elsewhere in the Philippines into context.

Food is another good reason to spend some time here. You can visit local markets, try classic Filipino dishes and explore a restaurant scene that ranges from traditional family-run places to contemporary Filipino cooking.

Heavy traffic is common in Manila and can make sightseeing days longer than the distances suggest, so make sure to take this into account when planning what you can comfortably see in a day. A day or two can still be well worth including, particularly if your flights already bring you through the capital, before you continue to the beaches, mountains and islands.