35 Stunning Places To Visit In Philippines (You’ll Regret Skipping Them!)
The Philippines is hands down one of our favourite countries to visit. We’ve been there a few times, spending months at a time, and we never get tired of it!
But there are SO many places to visit in Philippines that, if we added every single one, this list would literally never end.
So, we decided to make this list for those who love going off the beaten path as much as we do! These are places where you’ll see the natural beauty of this country in depth. No big city stuff here.
Like the stunning Big Lagoon in El Nido, Cloud 9 in Siquijor and its world-class surfing, the sardine run in Moalboal, the epic Inambakan Falls in Cebu, and even the whale sharks in Southern Leyte!
So if you’re keen on an epic trip filled with beaches, snorkelling, and adrenaline, keep reading!
Table of Contents
But first… travel essentials for the Philippines
🎉 Activities: These are some of the BEST tours in the Philippines
❤️🩹Insurance: This is the travel insurance that we always use
💰 Payments: This is the bank we use every time we travel overseas. It has the best exchange fees for Philippine Pesos and you can withdraw up to ₱12,000 for FREE!
📞 eSIM: Grab our favourite eSIM and stay connected at all times
🛏️Accomodation: Book your next stay here
✈️ Flights: Great deals on flight tickets here
35 stunning places to visit in the Philippines
1) El Nido
El Nido is one of the most iconic destinations in the Philippines!
Located in northern Palawan, it’s a paradise known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
It’s also the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, a group of over 40 islands with pristine beaches (like Seven Commandos beach), hidden lagoons, and incredible marine life.
It’s perfect to enjoy island-hopping tours like this one!
2) Big Lagoon, El Nido
Big Lagoon is a must-stop in every island-hopping tour in El Nido. The place is known for its deep emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs.
Entering the lagoon is an adventure in itself – you’ll kayak or paddleboard through a narrow entrance, revealing a massive natural pool!
This spot is best visited during high tide when the water levels allow smooth passage.
3) Las Cabañas Beach, El Nido
Las Cabañas Beach is just a short drive from El Nido town and is famous for its stunning sunset views.
Unlike the other busy yet pristine white sand beaches in town, Las Cabañas has a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a cocktail in hand.
One of the highlights here is the zipline that takes you across the water to a nearby island! The aerial view of the coastline is thrilling.
4) Taraw Cliff, El Nido
Taraw Cliff offers some of the best panoramic views of El Nido. The hike is short but steep and requires some rock scrambling, but the breathtaking view from the top is worth every step.
This is best done early in the morning to avoid the heat, and it’s best to book a tour there for safety reasons.
Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the town, Bacuit Bay, and the surrounding islands!
5) Hidden Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach is exactly what its name suggests – a secluded paradise surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque spots in El Nido.
The only way to access it is by swimming or wading through a narrow entrance.
The beach itself is a patch of powdery white sand with shallow, crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling!
It’s often included in island-hopping packages like this one, called “Tour C”!
6) Secret Beach, El Nido
Another hidden gem in El Nido, Secret Beach is only accessible by swimming through a small crevice in the rocks.
Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a tiny cove with fine sand, enclosed by towering limestone walls. Snorkelling the coral reefs here is epic, with clear waters and heaps of marine life!
It’s believed to have inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, which later became the famous (and controversial) movie of the same name.
7) Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and a great starting point for exploring the region.
Many people pass through quickly on their way to El Nido or Coron, but honestly, there are a few cool spots worth exploring! Like the Underground River, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
There’s also Honda Bay for some island-hopping or the iconic firefly-watching tours along the Iwahig River.
8) Underground River, Puerto Princesa
This place is so epic it deserves its own spot – it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature!
This 8.2-kilometre-long subterranean river flows through a limestone cave system filled with massive chambers… and a thriving bat population!
You can explore the first 1.5 kilometres of the river by boat, guided by a local expert who shares insights about the cave’s history and wildlife. It’s an easy day trip from Puerto Princesa, and a must if you’re in the area!
9) Cebu Island
Cebu is another massive highlight of the Philippines. It has everything – Cebu City has epic nightlife and there are pristine beaches and waterfalls at a short drive.
It’s a great base for exploring both cultural and natural attractions, with historical sites like Magellan’s Cross and adventure spots like Dao Falls.
Cebu also has some amazing island-hopping opportunities, with places like Bantayan and Malapascua drawing visitors looking for beautiful, quieter beaches.
NOTE: Cebu is also famous for its whale shark encounters in Oslob, but we’re not fans of this. It’s not the whale sharks’ natural environment so this actually affects their migration patterns. A more ethical alternative is Southern Leyte!
10) Moalboal Town, Cebu
Moalboal is a small coastal town on Cebu’s west coast. It’s where we recommend basing yourself when in Cebu!
The town is most famous for the Sardine Run, so the snorkelling is EPIC.
Also, there’s excellent food, awesome nightlife, and heaps of accommodation options. Plus it’s a great base for exploring waterfalls like Kawasan Falls and Inambakan Falls.
11) Sardine Run, Moalboal, Cebu
One of the most insane underwater experiences in the Philippines, the Sardine Run in Moalboal lets you swim with literally millions of sardines—no boat required!
Just step off the shore at Panagsama Beach, put on a snorkel, and you’ll be surrounded by massive swirling schools of fish.
Plus, you don’t even need to be an experienced diver to enjoy it. The sardines stay near the surface, so beginners can easily enjoy this experience.
12) Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Kawasan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, and for good reason!
It’s a multi-tiered waterfall, the main one is a 40-metre drop into a deep swimming pool. The water is electric blue and it’s surrounded by lush vegetation.
The best way to experience Kawasan Falls is by canyoneering! This involves trekking through rivers, climbing boulders, and even cliff-jumping if you’re up for it.
There are several day tours from Cebu that take you there, like this one!
13) Inambakan Falls, Cebu
This is one of our favourite waterfalls!
Much like Kawasan Falls, this is a multi-tiered waterfall with bright blue water. It’s ~30 metres tall and has some good cliffs from where you can jump off into the deep pool.
But it feels a bit more hidden and untouched, compared to Kawasan.
14) Dao Falls, Cebu
Dao Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Cebu, due to its canyon-like setting and milky blue water!
Getting there is half the fun. You’ll trek through a jungle path and wade through a shallow river before reaching the falls. The hike is about 30–40 minutes, but it’s relatively easy and incredibly scenic.
The waterfall itself is tall and narrow, flowing down a rock face into a deep pool. It’s perfect for swimming.
There are day tours like this one that take you waterfall-hopping from Cebu, they’re perfect if you want to check out the highlights without driving.
15) Bohol Island
This iconic island is east of Cebu so you could easily do a full-day trip on it.
But it’s an incredible destination in its own right, packed with natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and beautiful beaches!
It’s most famous for the Chocolate Hills, but there’s plenty more to see, like the Tarsier Sanctuary or the Loboc River.
16) Chocolate Hills, Bohol
The Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic landscapes in the Philippines—over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills stretching across the heart of Bohol.
During the dry season, the grass-covered hills turn brown, resembling giant chocolate mounds… hence the name!
You can get the best views from the Chocolate Hills Viewpoint in Carmen, where a short climb rewards you with panoramic scenery.
If you’re staying in Cebu, you can book a full-day tour to the Chocolate Hills!
17) Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol
The Philippine tarsier is one of the world’s smallest primates, and the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol is one of the best places to see these adorable creatures ethically.
They are highly sensitive animals, they get stressed easily, and can even die from handling!
So if you want to see them, it’s crucial to visit a responsible sanctuary like this one, rather than tourist traps that allow people to hold them.
Walking through the sanctuary, you’ll spot tarsiers clinging to tree branches, blinking their huge eyes at you. They’re adorable! Just remember to keep quiet and avoid using flash photography.
18) Loboc River, Bohol
Loboc River is one of the most scenic spots in Bohol, and the most popular way to explore it is by taking a river cruise!
These usually include a buffet meal in a floating restaurant while being entertained by local musicians. It’s a relaxing way to soak in the views while enjoying traditional Filipino food.
This is a great Loboc river cruise to check out if you’re keen.
For a more adventurous take, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the river at your own pace!
19) Coron
Most people go to Coron to go on an island-hopping tour to El Nido. This is an iconic experience and definitely worth adding to your Philippines itinerary, but Coron is a destination in its own right!
It has some of the best wreck diving in the WORLD. There are over a dozen WWII Japanese shipwrecks scattered around the area, now covered in coral and marine life.
But even if you’re not into diving, you can still enjoy the stunning lakes, white sandy beaches, lagoons, and snorkelling spots with some of the bluest waters you’ll ever see.
20) Twin Lagoon, Coron
This is one of Coron’s most breathtaking sights – a pair of turquoise lagoons surrounded by towering karst cliffs. It’s one of our favourite spots in the Philippines!
The two lagoons are separated by a limestone wall, with a narrow opening that you can either swim through or pass under during low tide.
Just try to go early or late in the day to avoid the peak-hour crowds!
21) Kayangan Lake, Coron
Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Coron.
To reach it, you’ll need to do a short but steep hike up a hill, which also leads to the famous viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Once you’re in the lake, you’ll notice how calm and surreal it feels – no strong currents, just pure, glass-like water perfect for swimming.
22) Skeleton Wreck, Coron
We loved this place! It’s a sunken WWII ship, but it’s shallow enough that you can see it from the surface – it’s about 5–22 metres deep.
The “skeletal” remains of the ship are now covered in corals and swarming with fish, so it’s quite an experience to snorkel it.
Plus there’s great visibility and you don’t need to be an expert snorkeller to enjoy it! If you’re a freediver, you can dive down to explore it up close.
23) Barracuda Lake, Coron
Another favourite of ours, Barracuda Lake is known for its unique underwater landscape and extreme temperature shifts.
This lake has layers of fresh and saltwater that create a “thermocline”, a phenomenon where you’ll feel sudden shifts from warm to cold as you swim or dive.
And don’t worry, there are no barracudas around despite the name!
24) Siargao
Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines. It’s known for its laid-back island vibe, beautiful beaches, and unique rock pools.
We spent a month there and didn’t get over it. It’s a bit off the beaten track – most people go to Palawan or Cebu – but 100% worth it if you’re after some epic waves!
Apart from surfing, Siargao is also famous for its island-hopping experiences, waterfalls, and the growing café culture in General Luna.
25) Cloud 9, Siargao
Cloud 9 is the most famous surf break in the Philippines, drawing surfers from around the world for its perfect right-hand barrels.
But even if you’re not a surfer (or don’t want to be), the boardwalk overlooking the waves is a great place to watch pros in action.
The best time to visit is definitely from September and March when the surf season is at its peak.
26) Magpupungko Beach, Siargao
Magpupungko is home to Siargao’s famous rock pools—natural tide pools that form when the tide goes out, revealing crystal-clear swimming areas surrounded by unique rock formations.
But timing is everything here, as the pools only appear during low tide!
27) Tojoman Lagoon, Siargao
Tojoman Lagoon, also known as the Jellyfish Sanctuary, is a calm lagoon home to thousands of stingless jellyfish!
You can kayak or paddleboard through the lagoon and see these harmless creatures in their natural habitat.
You cannot swim with them, though – it’s an eco-protected site. But there are glass-bottom kayaks available so you can float above them!
28) Whale Sharks, Southern Leyte
If you want to swim with whale sharks without the controversy surrounding Oslob, Southern Leyte is the place to go.
We went there ourselves after doing heaps of research, and almost booking a whale shark tour in Oslob ourselves!
It’s a lesser-known destination and a bit off the beaten path, but it’s ethical and much better for the whale sharks.
They don’t attract them with baits like in Oslob. Instead, it’s the local skippers that are out in the open water looking for them, and wave at your boat once they spot one!
The best place to see whale sharks is in Exmouth (Western Australia), but if you can’t go there, Southern Leyte is a solid alternative.
29) Siquijor Island
Siquijor is often called the “Mystic Island” because of its history of witchcraft and folk healing.
But beyond its legends, it’s a paradise of white-sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and chilled-out island vibes!
Plus it’s much quieter than other tourist hotspots like El Nido or Cebu.
30) Enchanted Balete Tree, Siquijor
The Enchanted Balete Tree is a massive, centuries-old tree shrouded in local legends. Many believe it’s home to spirits and mystical beings, which adds to its eerie but fascinating charm.
And at the base of the tree, there’s a natural spring with tiny fish that nibble at your feet! It’s a quick but interesting stop, especially if you’re curious about Siquijor’s folklore.
31) Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
Cambugahay Falls is one of the most famous attractions in Siquijor, and for good reason! It’s an incredible waterfall with unbelievable turquoise water – easily one of our favourites.
The main draw here is the rope swings, where you can channel your inner Tarzan and swing into the pools below!
The falls are easy to access, so it’s a bit touristy. It’s one of the busiest waterfalls we’ve ever been to, but still worth the visit.
32) Pitogo Cliff, Siquijor
Pitogo Cliff is a-ma-zing, one of the highlights of our visit to Siquijor!
The main attraction here is cliff jumping! The cliffs range from 5 to 7 metres high, so don’t miss the chance to plunge into the deep water below.
But if jumping isn’t your thing, no worries – you can simply relax by the cliffs, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take in the view.
The crystal-clear water makes it a great spot for a swim, and it’s not as touristy as other spots.
33) Salagdoong Beach, Siquijor
Salagdoong Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Siquijor, with clear turquoise waters, soft sand, and a few cliff-jumping platforms.
It’s on the eastern side of the island and it’s part of a government-run resort. This makes it one of the few places with facilities like picnic huts and a small restaurant, so you can easily spend the day there!
34) Balabac Island, Palawan
Also known as “Starfish Island”, Balabac Island is a small island on the southern tip of Palawan. It’s a bit remote but it boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines!
The place is raw and the very definition of untouched beauty. There aren’t any fancy resorts or big crowds, just unspoiled nature.
Plus, there are heaps of starfish! You can easily see them from the shallows. The island is also home to unique wildlife, including the rare and adorable Philippine mouse deer (pilandok).
35) Boracay Island
If you’re after a more resort-like stay, head to Boracay Island.
White Beach, the island’s main stretch, is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. The nightlife is also very good, with beachside bars, fire dancers, and live music keeping the energy up.
And there are heaps of things to do – parasailing, paddleboarding, diving, etc.
How much does it cost to travel to the Philippines?
We’ve travelled to the Philippines a few times and stayed there for months at a time.
We can confidently say that the average daily cost for budget travellers is $40-$50 USD, while mid-range travellers can expect to spend around $80–$150 USD daily!
The Philippines is a very budget-friendly destination, although some costs do add up – mainly accommodation and activities.
We have a full guide on the travel costs to the Philippines, including flight costs, local transportation, and even the costs per city to help you plan your trip!
Check out the Philippines’ travel cost guide here.
Top Tips
The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit, while it’s best to avoid going in the rainy season, from May to November.
During the wet season, there are typhoons on the northeastern side of the country, with July-August being the worst.
But even if you visit areas that are not as affected by typhoons, heavy rains can lead to flight cancellations. So be flexible with your travel plans if you’re visiting during those months!
Here’s our complete guide on the best (and worst) times to visit the Philippines.
Did you know?
The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to gain independence from colonial rule!
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the nation’s independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite.
Sadly, this independence was short-lived as the U.S. took control of the country after the Spanish-American War. It wasn’t until July 4, 1946, that the Philippines finally gained full sovereignty.
FAQs
What is the most visited place in the Philippines?
The most visited places in the Philippines include Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Siargao.
The bottom line
The Philippines is a playground for thrill-seekers, packed with epic adventures and the most stunning beaches!
You can kayak through the crystal-clear lagoons of Palawan Island, dive into WWII shipwrecks in Coron, ride the legendary waves of Siargao, or chase waterfalls in Cebu—all in one trip if you’re up for it!
But what really makes the Philippines special isn’t just the scenery, it’s the people.
Filipinos are some of the warmest and most welcoming folks you’ll ever meet, always happy to help, crack a joke, or point you in the right direction!
Every time we visit we fall more in love with this country, we hope you do too!
FREE EBOOK: 30 Ways To Become A Digital Nomad
PLUS 7-day free email course to get you started.
- Beginner friendly methods that earn income consistently
- Grow your savings instead of dipping into them to travel
- Replace your 9-5 and earn more than you do now
- Plus much more!
Our Essential Travel Toolkit
🤩 Wise Card – Online bank to hold money in different currencies worldwide and lowest fees in the market! (FREE debit card here)
🤩 Trip.com – Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.
🤩 Hostelworld – Looking for the cheapest accommodation? We especially love the “book now, pay later” feature.
🤩 Rentalcars.com – Best range, super easy to compare prices rental car and motorhome prices.
🤩 Viator.com – Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Great selection all over Australia.
🤩 Tripadvisor.com – Other than our website…😉 the best place to find things to do
🤩 Airalo – eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
🤩 Caravan RV Camping – Traveling Australia in a van, caravan or bus? Use our discount code “saltandcharcoal” to get $30 off any orders over $300.
