The tourism industry in the Philippines is developing very rapidly. This is quite natural, because there are all conditions for a wide variety of recreation. Beach, extreme and even sex tourism is offered by the Philippines.
The best beaches in the country are located on the islands of Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Panglao and Mactan. Eco-tourism enthusiasts will love the island of Palawan and its amazing underground river Puerto Princesa. Divers from all over the world travel to the Philippine Islands for new underwater experiences. The islands of Boracay and Palawan, as well as the reefs of Apo and Tubbataha, are especially popular with diving enthusiasts. The many volcanoes of this country create excellent conditions for active or extreme mountaineering.
The best time to visit the country is from December to May, when the comfortable temperature is combined with calm and dry weather. Tourists should also try the original local dishes. Filipino cuisine can be quite spicy, so when ordering, you should inform the waiter in advance of the desired amount of spices in the dish.
Local coconut oil, pearl jewelry, as well as a wide variety of handicrafts, from frog wallets to rattan furniture, are usually brought from this hospitable country as a keepsake.
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What to see in the Philippines?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Manila city
The capital of the Philippines, one of the most populous cities on the planet. Founded in 1571. This city is currently part of the National Capital Region. Manila is famous primarily for its historic Intramuros district, various museums, Risal Park and the official palace of President Malacanyan.
Intramuros area
On the banks of the Pasig River is the famous historical district of the capital - 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 also to get acquainted with the local defensive structure - Fort Santiago.
Boracay island
One of the most popular tourist centers in the country. There are excellent places for diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and beach lovers are attracted by the famous White Beach. There are many hotels, cafes and restaurants on the island of Boracay, and trendy DJs and incendiary discos await the nightlife.
Palawan Island
Jungle, mangrove forests and mountains are the main natural characteristics of the island of Palawan, which began to be populated in the 12th century. Nowadays, people come here to live in luxury eco-hotels, go diving and trekking, as well as visit the famous Tabon caves, in which the remains of ancient humanoid creatures were discovered.
White beach
The length of the White Beach on Boracay Island is about 4 kilometers. There are always a lot of tourists here, and newlyweds often use the White Beach for wedding ceremonies. Conventionally, the beach is divided into three parts, according to the numbers of the boat stations. The cleanest sand and gentle entrance to the water make the White Beach a great place for families.
Jose Rizal Park
One of the oldest urban parks in Asia is Jose Rizal Park. This special place was named after the famous Filipino figure of the 19th century. And in 1946, it was in this park that the country's independence was proclaimed. Among other attractions, there is a monument to Jose Risal, the Flagpole of Independence, the Japanese and Chinese gardens, the National Library of the Philippines, the Orchid Greenhouse and the Butterfly Pavilion.
Manila Ocean Park
In 2008, the Manila Ocean Park was opened in Jose Rizal Park. The main local entertainment here is the 25-meter Living Ocean tunnel, the walls of which bend at an angle of 220 degrees. Manila Ocean Park itself is divided into several themed zones. Also in the aquarium you can see a musical fountain, which is over 35 meters high.
Historic city of Vigan
The first historical mention of the city of Wigan dates back to the 16th century, when the local population traded with Chinese merchants. The buildings of this city combine the architectural solutions of the Philippines, China and Europe. Among the attractions of Vigan, it is worth noting such places as the Cathedral, the birthplace of the Philippine patriot Jose Burgos and the presidential residence.
Underground river Puerto Princesa
The river is located on the island of Palawan. For 8 kilometers, it flows in a large cave, where excursion flights are regularly made. A little more than 1 kilometer of this underground river is accessible for inspection.
Chocolate Hills
On the island of Bohol, famous among tourists, there is an unusually picturesque mountain system - Chocolate Hills. These geological monuments got their original name thanks to the grass that covers them. During the dry season, the grass dries up and turns from green to brown - hence the name of the hills.
Mayon volcano
One of the most beautiful active volcanoes on the planet is the Philippine volcano Mayon, located on the island of Luzon. At the base of the volcano, you can see the remains of the city of Sagzawa, destroyed by the eruption of 1814. You can see Mayon from a bird's eye view from the cockpit of a seaplane; those who wish have the opportunity to climb on foot to the volcano.
Taal volcano
To see one of the smallest active volcanoes on the planet, head south from the capital of the Philippines. The volcano is located in the center of the lake of the same name, so the most convenient way is by water. The volcano is not too high, and you can get to its top in literally 20-30 minutes. Taal offers an amazing view of the lake and its surroundings.
Rice terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras
Unique man-made fields, created over 2 thousand years ago, are a national treasure and a popular tourist attraction in the Philippines. The excellent irrigation system of rice terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras is still used today in the cultivation of vegetables and rice.
Baroque churches of the Philippines
These structures are located in different geographic locations in the Philippines. They are UNESCO sites and are combined into one pool of attractions thanks to the original interpretation of the Baroque style by Filipino and Chinese masters. St. Augustine Church is located in Manila, it is the oldest church in the country. The Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva was built in the city of Miagao in the 18th century. Paoai and Santa Maria churches are located on the island of Luzon.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
In the southeast of Palawan Island is the famous Tubbataha Reef, which gave 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 are in a hurry to dive near the Tubbataha reef to see with their own eyes all the water diversity of these places.
Volcano pinatubo
A famous mountain tourism destination in the Philippines. This active volcano, more than 1400 meters high, last erupted in 1991. It was then that the crater was formed, which later turned into a lake. This lake attracts tourists with its beauty almost as much as the volcano itself.
Taoist Temple in Cebu
At the request of the Chinese diaspora living on the island of Cebu, a Taoist temple was built here in the 1970s. Made in the traditional Chinese architectural style, it looks original among the Philippine landscapes. In addition to the rich interior decoration, tourists are attracted here by the original method of divination about the future.
Reef Apo Natural Park
One of the largest reefs on the planet, Apo Reef is a popular attraction in the Philippines. To protect the local natural diversity, a natural park of the same name was created here. From the end of winter to May, diving enthusiasts come to the reef to personally admire the variety of corals and the many fish that live here.
Mount Apo (volcano)
The highest point in the Philippines, which is a potentially active volcano. These are the favorite places of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. The trails of Mount Apo are ready to accept climbers of all levels of skill, and the ascent time to the summit ranges from 2 to 9 days, depending on the route chosen. Apo volcano is part of the national park of the same name.
Fort San Pedro
The military-defensive structure, located in the city of Cebu, dates back to the 16th century, when the first stones of this fort were laid. After the last restoration, carried out in the 1970s, a museum was formed on the territory of the fort, where documents and photographs of the times of the Spanish possession of this structure are kept. Outside, the fort is surrounded by a park decorated with a monument to the famous Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.
Fort Santiago (Manila)
This military structure was originally built from earth and logs, and after the Spanish-Chinese war, the fort was built from stone. Among the Filipinos, these places are revered as the last resting place of the famous national hero of the Philippines, Jose Risal, until the moment of his execution. Today it houses a museum, and tourists use Fort Santiago for picnics and leisurely walks in the fresh air.
Magellan's Cross (Cebu Island)
In 1521, the ships of the famous navigator Fernand Magellan reached the island of Cebu. The locals and their ruler, impressed by the power of the Spanish team's weapons, converted to Christianity. In honor of this significant event, Magellan ordered the installation of a wooden cross in the center of the city, which today is a popular tourist attraction.
Tomb of Magellan and monument to Lapu-Lapu
One of the most unusual sights of the Philippines - the tomb of Magellan and the monument to the leader Lapu-Lapu - is located on Mactan Island in the Mactan Shrine Park. When Magellan arrived on the islands, only the leader Lapu-Lapu opposed the expansion of the Spaniards. To teach a lesson to the rebellious natives, Magellan fought with them, but lost and was killed during the retreat. As the legend says, it was the leader Lapu-Lapu who did it.
Mashid al-Dahab
Mashid al-Dahab is called the Golden Mosque for its huge dome covered with gold. Its construction took place in 1976 especially for the visit of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan president. And although the visit did not take place, Mashid al-Dahab is still a sacred place for many Filipino Muslims today.
Tabon caves
In 1962, the fossilized remains of three ancient people were discovered in the Tabon Caves on Palawan Island. These remains were named “the man from Tabon”. Also, special burial vessels, jade ornaments and various tools made of stone were found here. Tourists can visit Tabon Cave only with a guide.
Basilica of Santo Niño
One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines is the Basilica of Santo Niño on the island of Cebu. They began to build it back in the 16th century from wood and clay. Then, on the site of the first building, a stone church was erected, in which the neoclassical, Romanesque and Muslim styles of architecture were organically combined. Inside the Basilica of Santo Niño is the Museum of the History of Christianity on the island of Cebu.
Coconut Palace
The main residence and office of the vice-president of the country is located in the suburbs of the capital. The Coconut Palace was opened in 1981 specifically for the visit of Pope John Paul II, but the pontiff refused to stay in what, in his opinion, was too luxurious building. For the construction of the palace, coconut shells and special coconut lumber were used, and the roots, bark, trunk, fruits and even flowers of the coconut were reflected in the design and decoration of this building.
Loboc River
On the island of Bohol, the picturesque Loboc River flows, which is currently one of the popular attractions of the Philippines. River cruises are regularly organized here, during which you can stop for a snack at the floating restaurants and listen to traditional Filipino songs performed by the locals. These river cruises start near Loye Bridge and finish near Busay Mini Falls.
Tarsiers Center on Bohol Island
Funny tiny monkeys with big eyes - tarsiers - can be seen on the island of Bohol. These rare primates live here in natural conditions in a specially fenced park, and if they wish, they can even leave it. When visiting the Tarsier Center, you should be quiet, do not touch or frighten small animals.
Kawasan Falls
The three-stage Kawasan Falls, located on the island of Cebu, attracts tourists not only for its beauty. The fact is that this water cascade is located in a real jungle. First, tourists are brought up by jeeps or buses, and then the adventure lovers follow the guide on their own. To visit the Kawasan Falls, you should wear shoes with grooved soles or special trekking boots.
