Tourist Attractions in Philippines

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Philippines

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

Philippines

The tourism industry in the Philippines is developing very quickly. It is quite natural, as there are all conditions for a wide variety of holidays here. The Philippines offers beach, extreme and even sex tourism.

The best beaches of the country are located on the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Panglao and Mactan. Fans of ecological tourism will love the island of Palawan and its amazing underground river Puerto Princesa. Divers from all over the world come to the Philippine islands for new underwater experiences. The islands of Boracay and Palawan, as well as the reefs of Apo and Tubbataha, are particularly popular with dive enthusiasts. The country’s many volcanoes create perfect conditions for active or extreme mountaineering.

Top Cities to Visit in Philippines

Manila

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Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Philippines

Manila

 0/5

The capital of the Philippines, one of the most populous cities on the planet. It was founded in 1571. Currently, this city is part of the National Capital Region. Manila is famous primarily for its Intramuros Historic District, various museums, Rizal Park and the official palace of President Malacañang.

Intramuros

 0/5

On the banks of the Pasig River lies the capital’s famous historic district, Intramuros. At the end of the 16th century, it was built to protect Spanish families. Today, tourists from all over the world come here to see with their own eyes the ancient fortress of Intramuros, to visit one of the oldest churches in the country, San Agustin, built in 1607, and to get acquainted with the local defence structure – Fort Santiago.

Boracay

 4.6/5

3498 reviews

One of the most popular tourist centres in the country. There are excellent diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, while beach lovers are attracted by the famous White Beach. Boracay Island is home to a variety of hotels, cafes and restaurants, while trendy DJs and daily live discos await the nightlife crowd.

Palawan

 4.7/5

1097 reviews

Jungle, mangroves and mountains are the main natural characteristics of Palawan, an island that has been inhabited since the 12th century. Today, visitors come here to stay in luxury eco-hotels, go diving and trekking, and visit the famous Tabon Caves, where the remains of ancient humanoid creatures have been discovered.

White Beach

 4.7/5

2730 reviews

White Beach on Boracay Island is about 4 kilometres long. There are always many holidaymakers here, and honeymooners often use White Beach for wedding ceremonies. The beach is divided into three parts, according to the numbers of boat stations. The purest sand and gentle entrance to the water make White Beach a great place for family holidays.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Rizal Park

 4.5/5

27215 reviews

One of the oldest city parks in Asia is the Jose Rizal Park. This special place was named in honour of the famous Filipino figure of the 19th century. And in 1946, it was in this park that the country’s independence was declared. Among other attractions, there is the Jose Rizal Monument, the Independence Flagpole, the Japanese and Chinese Gardens, the National Library of the Philippines, the Orchid Orangery and the Butterfly Pavilion.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Manila Ocean Park

 4.2/5

14435 reviews

The Manila Ocean Park in Jose Rizal Park was opened in 2008. The main local attraction here is the 25 metre long Living Ocean Tunnel, the walls of which curve at 220 degrees. Manila Ocean Park itself is divided into several themed zones. Also in the oceanarium you can see a musical fountain, the height of which is more than 35 metres.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wigan Town Hall

 4.2/5

29 reviews

The first historical records of Vigan City date back to the 16th century, when the local population traded with Chinese merchants. The buildings of this city combine the architectural designs of the Philippines, China and Europe. Among Vigan’s attractions are the Cathedral, the birthplace of Filipino patriot Jose Burgos, and the Presidential Residence.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

 4.7/5

4226 reviews

The river is located on the island of Palawan. For 8 kilometres, it flows through a large cave, which is regularly visited by excursions. Just over 1 kilometre of this underground river is available for viewing.

Open time

Chocolate Hills

 4.6/5

1221 reviews

On the island of Bohol, famous among tourists, there is an unusually picturesque mountain system – the Chocolate Hills. These geological monuments got their original name due to the grass that covers them. During the dry season, the grass dries out and turns from green to brown – hence the name of the hills.

Mayon Volcano

 4.8/5

2273 reviews

One of the most beautiful active volcanoes on the planet, the Philippine volcano Mayon, is located on the island of Luzon. At the base of the volcano you can see the remains of the town of Sagzawa, which was destroyed by an eruption in 1814. You can get a bird’s-eye view of Mayon from the cabin of a seaplane, or you can hike up to the volcano.

Taal Volcano

 4.5/5

1322 reviews

To see one of the smallest active volcanoes on the planet, you should head south of the Philippine capital. The volcano is located in the centre of the lake of the same name, so the most convenient way is by water. The volcano is not too high, and you can literally get to its top in 20-30 minutes. Taal offers an amazing view of the lake and its surroundings.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

 4.7/5

18 reviews

The unique man-made fields created over 2,000 years ago are a national treasure and a popular tourist attraction in the Philippines. The excellent irrigation system of the rice terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras is still used today for growing vegetables and rice.

Open time

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary On Strahov

 4.7/5

151 reviews

These structures are located in different geographical locations in the Philippines. They are UNESCO sites and are grouped into one pool of attractions due to the distinctive interpretation of the Baroque style by Filipino and Chinese craftsmen. St Augustine’s Church is located in Manila and is the oldest church in the country. The Church of St Thomas of Villanueva was built in Miagao City in the 18th century. The churches of Paoay and Santa Maria are located on the island of Luzon.

Open time

Tubbataha Reef

 4.8/5

325 reviews

To the south-east of Palawan Island lies the famous Tubbataha Reef, which gives its name to the local national park. It is home to a huge number of fish species, including barracuda, moray eels, stingrays and hammerhead sharks. Divers from all over the world rush to dive near Tubbataha Reef to see the aquatic diversity of the area.

Mount Pinatubo

 4.5/5

579 reviews

A famous mountain tourism site in the Philippines. This active volcano is over 1400 metres high and last erupted in 1991. It was then that a crater was formed, which later turned into a lake. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty almost as much as the volcano itself.

Cebu Taoist Temple

 4.3/5

1365 reviews

At the request of the Chinese diaspora living on Cebu Island, a Taoist temple was built here in the 1970s. The traditional Chinese architectural style of the temple is an original feature of the Philippine landscape. In addition to the rich interior decoration, tourists are attracted by the original method of fortune-telling.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Apo Reef Natural Park

 4.7/5

83 reviews

One of the largest reefs on the planet, Apo Reef is a popular attraction in the Philippines. A nature park of the same name was created to protect the local natural diversity. From late winter to May, diving enthusiasts come to the reef to see for themselves the variety of corals and the many fish that live here.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Mount Apo

 4.6/5

430 reviews

The highest point in the Philippines, which is a potentially active volcano. It is a favourite pilgrimage destination for climbers from all over the world. The trails of Mount Apo are ready to accept climbers with the most different levels of training, and the time of climbing to the summit ranges from 2 to 9 days depending on the chosen route. Apo Volcano is part of the national park of the same name.

Fort San Pedro

 4.2/5

6071 reviews

This military defence structure located in Cebu City dates back to the 16th century, when the first stones of the fort were laid. After the last restoration in the 1970s, a museum was established in the fort to house documents and photographs from the Spanish occupation of the fort. Outside, the fort is surrounded by a park decorated with a monument to the famous Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.

Open time

Fort Santiago

 4.6/5

10605 reviews

This military structure was first built of earth and logs, and after the Spanish-Chinese War, the fort was built of stone. Among Filipinos, it is honoured as the final resting place of Jose Rizal, the famous national hero of the Philippines, until his execution. Today, the site is a museum and tourists use Fort Santiago for picnics and leisurely walks in the fresh air.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Magellan's Cross

 4.4/5

9493 reviews

In 1521, the ships of the famous navigator Fernan Magellan reached the island of Cebu. The locals and their ruler, impressed by the might of the Spanish crew’s weapons, converted to Christianity. To commemorate this momentous event, Magellan ordered a wooden cross to be erected in the centre of the city, which today is a popular tourist attraction.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Magellan's Marker

 4.2/5

1313 reviews

One of the most unusual sights in the Philippines, Magellan’s tomb and the monument to Chief Lapu-Lapu, is located on Mactan Island in the Mactan Shrine Park. When Magellan arrived in the islands, Chief Lapu-Lapu alone resisted Spanish expansion. To teach the recalcitrant natives a lesson, Magellan engaged them in battle, but lost and was killed in retreat. Legend has it that it was the Lapu-Lapu chief who did it.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Masjid Al-Dahab (Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center)

 4.5/5

510 reviews

Maskhid al-Dahab is called the Golden Mosque for its huge dome covered in gold. It was built in 1976 especially for the visit of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan president. Although the visit did not take place, Mashid al-Dahab is still a sacred place for many Filipino Muslims today.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Tabon Caves

 4.5/5

76 reviews

In 1962, the fossilised remains of three ancient humans were discovered in the Tabon Caves on the island of Palawan. These remains were named “the man from Tabon”. Also found here were special burial vessels, jade jewellery and various stone tools. Tourists can visit the Tabon Cave only if accompanied by a guide.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu (Basilica Del Sto. Niño)

 4.7/5

6368 reviews

One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines is the Basilica of Santo Niño on the island of Cebu. It was built in the 16th century from wood and clay. Then a stone church was erected on the site of the first building, which organically combined neoclassical, Romanesque and Muslim styles of architecture. Inside the Basilica of Santo Niño is the Museum of the History of Christianity on the island of Cebu.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Coconut Palace

 4/5

45 reviews

The main residence and office of the country’s vice-president is located in a suburb of the capital. The Coconut Palace was opened in 1981 especially for the visit of Pope John Paul II, but the pontiff refused to stay in the overly luxurious building. Coconut shells and special coconut lumber were used to build the palace, and the roots, bark, trunk, fruit and even flowers of the coconut are reflected in the design and decorations of this building.

Open time

Loboc River

 4.4/5

167 reviews

The island of Bohol is home to the scenic Loboc River, which is now one of the Philippines’ most popular attractions. Regular river cruises are organised here, during which you can stop to eat at floating restaurants and listen to traditional Filipino songs sung by the locals. These river cruises start at the Loay Bridge and finish near Busay Mini Waterfalls.

Bohol Island Psychological Center, Inc.

 1/5

1 reviews

Funny tiny monkeys with big eyes – tarsiers – can be seen on the island of Bohol. These rare primates live here under natural conditions in a specially fenced park and can even leave the park if they wish. When visiting the Longhorned Beetle Centre, keep a low profile and do not touch or frighten the small animals.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Kawasan Falls

 4.5/5

4246 reviews

The three-stage Cavasan Waterfall, located on the island of Cebu, attracts tourists not only for its beauty. The thing is that this water cascade is located in the real jungle. At first tourists are taken by jeeps or buses, and then adventurers move independently following the guide. To visit Kawasan waterfalls, you should wear shoes with corrugated soles or special trekking boots.

Open time