Let’s be real for a second. Planning a trip here can be a total headache. Why? Because there are over 7,600 islands. Look at a map, and it’s just a massive scatter of land across the Pacific. You physically can't do it all in one trip unless you have, like, six months off work. But that’s also the beauty of it.
This isn't just a Philippines travel guide for tourists; it's a breakdown of how to actually survive and enjoy the chaos. You’re going to deal with delayed ferries, questionable WiFi, and intense heat. But you’re also going to see some of the clearest water on Earth and meet people who are genuinely happy you’re there.
Most people land in Manila and get out as fast as possible. Don't feel bad about that. The traffic is legendary, and not in a good way. If you want the best places to visit in philippines, you need to head to the islands or the northern mountains.
The Big Players: Palawan and Boracay
If you've seen a photo of the Philippines on Instagram, it was probably El Nido or Coron in Palawan. Massive limestone cliffs sticking out of turquoise water? That’s the spot. It is crowded? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Then there's Boracay. They shut the whole island down a few years ago to clean it up, and it worked. The sand is like powder. It’s super commercialized now, with Starbucks right on the beach, but if you want an easy vacation with great sunsets, this is it. It's definitely one of the top tourist attractions in philippines.
Cebu and Bohol: The Action Center
For me, the Visayas region (that's the middle part of the country) is the sweet spot. Cebu is a major hub. You can land at the international airport and be swimming with sardines in Moalboal three hours later. Plus, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is just insane. You're jumping off 30-foot cliffs into blue pools.
Take a two-hour ferry from Cebu, and you're in Bohol. This is where you'll find the Chocolate Hills—over a thousand grass-covered mounds that turn brown in the dry season. It looks like a giant dropped Hershey's Kisses everywhere. It’s also home to the Tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates. If you're looking for family friendly attractions in philippines, Bohol is probably your safest bet because it’s easy to get around and has a bit of everything.
Okay, maybe you hate crowds. I get it. If you want hidden places in philippines, look at Siquijor. People used to be scared of it because of local folklore about witches and healers, but that just kept the mass tourism away. It’s laid back, cheap, and gorgeous.
Another option? Camiguin. It’s a tiny island with more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else on the planet. The vibe is totally different there—much slower, very local.
And we can't ignore the North. Everyone talks about beaches, but the Banaue Rice Terraces are mind-blowing. They were carved into the mountains by hand over 2,000 years ago. It’s cooler up there, literally. You might actually need a jacket.
Moving around is... an adventure. You will ride in tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and jeepneys (old US military jeeps turned into colorful buses). They are cheap, loud, and uncomfortable. But you have to try it at least once.
A solid Philippines sightseeing itinerary usually looks like this:
- •Days 1-2: Manila (Intramuros history, food tour)
- •Days 3-6: Palawan (Island hopping in El Nido)
- •Days 7-10: Cebu & Bohol (Waterfalls, Chocolate Hills)
- •Days 11-14: Siargao (Surfing and chill vibes)
Filipino food often gets a bad rap compared to Thai or Vietnamese, but that’s unfair. You just need to know what to order.
- •Adobo: Meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce. Every family has a different recipe.
- •Lechon: Roast pig. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender. Cebu does this best.
- •Sisig: Chopped up pig face (trust me) on a sizzling plate with egg and chili. It is the ultimate beer food.
- •Mangoes: Seriously, the mangoes here might ruin all other fruit for you. They are that sweet.
This is crucial. The best time to visit philippines is generally the dry season, from December to May. January and February are perfect because it’s not too hot yet.
Once June hits, the rain starts. And when it rains here, it pours. We're talking typhoons. Flights get cancelled, ferries get stuck at port. If you book between July and October, you're gambling with the weather. Just a heads up.
Your money goes a long way here. A beer is often a dollar. A decent meal might be $3-5. But nice resorts charge western prices.
Important: Cash is king. In Manila and big cities, credit cards work. In El Nido or Siargao? Good luck. ATMs run out of money all the time, especially on paydays (15th and 30th of the month). Always carry cash.
There are scenic spots in philippines that don't even look real. Like, you take a photo and your friends think you photoshopped it. But beyond the views, it’s the energy. It’s not a polished destination. It’s raw, a bit gritty, and full of life.
You might get stuck at a port for four hours waiting for a boat. But in that time, you'll probably end up sharing snacks with a local family or watching a basketball game (they are obsessed with basketball here).
So, pack plenty of sunscreen, leave your impatience at home, and just go with the flow. The Philippines is one of those places that sticks with you long after the tan fades.
