Top places to visit in the Philippines

Calamian archipelago, Palawan, Philippines.
By Vanessa Bussoletti


The Philippines is emerging as one of the growing popular destinations in Asia. And it’s not hard to see why!

Still largely undiscovered, the stunning archipelago offers travellers the unforgettable opportunity to discover an array of tropical islands, award-winning beaches, world renowned dive sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an abundance of local wildlife.

Norjamin Delos Reyes, Tourism Attaché at Philippine Department of Tourism Australia and New Zealand said:

“The Philippines is a fantastic destination catering to a diverse range of travellers, including adventure lovers, backpackers, honeymooners… the list goes on!  It’s a destination that has something for everyone.”

“Our islands and beaches provide the perfect spot to relax and discover our tropical archipelago.  If an adventure holiday is of interest, we deliver some of the world’s best surf spots and dive sites, plus mountains and nature parks which are perfect for trekking.

“With the Philippines located only eight hours away from the east coast of Australia it is an ideal getaway destination.”

Top 10 must-see destinations

  1. Boracay was officially named ‘Best Island in the World’ by Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2016. Boracay was named the 15th and 12th ‘Best Island in the World’ by Conde Nast Travellers Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 and 2014 respectively. Visitors get to witness the beautiful white sand beaches, dazzling blue water and iconic sunsets.
  1. Manila mixes the capital’s historic Spanish influence with new urban developments. Travellers can choose to stay at the brand new Okada Manila resort, complete with 993 luxury suites and villas. The oceanfront resort is set on 44 hectares and features over 21 dining options, world class entertainment including a club, shopping facilities and a casino.
  1. Vigan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The town was established in the 16th century and authentically preserves a Spanish colonial town in Asia. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and reflects the fusion of Asian and Spanish architecture, creating a unique culture and townscape.
  1. Lipa City is the largest city in the province of Batangas. A popular destination in Lipa City is the Farm at San Benito, which promotes wellness and detoxification through a holistic approach. Guests can choose a program that best suits their needs including healthy meals, spa treatments and exercise options. The Farm provides guests with exceptional service and private villas.
  1. Rice Paddies of the Philippine Cordilleras is a system of rice terraces carved into the Cordillera Mountains located in Luzon. Built over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao tribe, the rice paddies are a UNESCO World Heritage ‘cultural’ site.
  1. The Chocolate Hills are located in Bohol. This collection of approximately 1,776 hills turn a rich chocolate brown colour in the dry season. Otherwise the hills are various shades of green.  The best time to view this scenic landscape is in April and May.
  1. Mount Pinatubo is a well-known volcano in the Philippines. Travellers can trek or drive to the crater (turned lake) for a rewarding view, and then relax with a spa treatment using volcanic ash at Pinatubo Spa Town.
  1. Palawan is an area made up of over 2000 islands, world renowned for its spectacular beaches. Located in the west of the province is the lesser known attraction of Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, an area spanning over 22 hectares, featuring limestone landscapes and an underground river which emerges directly into the sea.  Consisting of a ‘mountain to sea’ ecosystem, the park is also a significant habitat for biodiversity. Palawan has an array of luxurious resorts across its island network, where guests can choose to stay at including Ariara Resort, a private luxury island located in the northern Calamian Islands and Huma Island Resort & Spa a spectacular hideaway nestled in Busuanga, also in the north.
  1. Coron, also located in the Palawan islands has multiple attractions for travellers to enjoy. Highlights include: island hopping; exploring shipwrecks from iconic dive spots; swimming and snorkelling through lakes and lagoons; relaxing in hot springs; swimming with baby sharks and octopus in the marine sanctuary; and enjoying an African style safari in a huge game preserve.
  1. Tiaong is a tranquil municipality in Quezon. At the Villa Escudero, a former coconut plantation guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at the Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant, guests use stepping stones to get to the bamboo tables and dine on Filipino cuisine while water cascades down the wall and under diner’s feet.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

    Latest comments

    1. Great, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Philippines is a beautiful archipelago of islands of adventures and getaways. Unfortunately, many suffer from poverty and this goes some way in explaining the huge number of tourist targeted scams and safety concerns in the country. http://travelscams.org/asia/common-tourist-scams-philippines/

      Do be wary of the Ativan gang/family scam, familiar face scam, sob story scam, the bump and drop, paedophile scam, cards/poker/blackjack scam, beggars, fake goods, pickpockets, fake travel agents, bullet in bag scam, airline desk overweight luggage, immigration officer bribe, taxi spray scam and many more!

philippines

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