9 Best Places to See in The Philippines Before You Die

With over 7,000 islands in the archipelago, there’s more than just nine phenomenal places to see in the Philippines before you die. So take this list and feel free to continue exploring the fantastic islands of the Philippines.

Here you will be able to experience some sights that are hard to fathom in your imagination. The beaches are incredible masterpieces strewn with rock formation or with the bluest of blue water. The water is rich in marine life, some of which you can have the honor of swimming next to. The archipelago boasts some pretty incredible volcanoes to hike up for the adventurous ones, and the ones that are looking for a more chill atmosphere can find solace in the mountain towns.

landscape of Coron, Busuanga island, Palawan province Philippines

Sean Hsu / Shutterstock.com

Besides having a wealth of magical vistas and attractions to share with it’s visitors, the Philippines also has some of the friendliest locals around, and many can speak English. Your travels will be certainly easier here in that respect compared to the neighbors. While there are plenty of places to visit in Indonesia before you die, as well as Thailand, and Vietnam, the Philippines is still less discovered. With that said, its infrastructure isn’t as up to date, so get ready for a wild ride. Here are just a few of the best places to see in the Philippines before you die.

 

9. Davao

Jump right into the Philippines and see what there is at this first destination. The hiking is just fine! The steaming jungles will surround you as you traverse the mountain sides and see the flora of the country. There are volcanoes in the area, some semi-active. This is where Durian, the scary and smelly fruit popular in Southeast Asia originates. You’ll know it when you get a whiff! It’s extremely good for you, so think about your health before writing off tasting this fruit.

Casper Simon/shutterstock.com

Casper Simon/shutterstock.com

 

8. Bohol

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are the main attraction on this island. Sometimes the Chocolate Hills are bit more minty than chocolatey depending what time of the year you go, but either way they are a nice site to enjoy for the afternoon. Make your way to a proper Tarsier sanctuary, not a zoo, and enjoy seeing the most adorable creature in its natural habitat. The nearby beaches can be enjoyed for a day of relaxing.

Best Places to See in The Philippines Before You Die

 

7. Mayon Volcano

Soaring hundreds of feet in the air is the majestic Mayon volcano and it’s still very much active. In fact, it’s the most active in the whole country. Bird watching, exciting hikes and treks, and camping are the activities to do in the area. The best views are from the Cagsawa ruins.

Best Places to See in The Philippines Before You Die

 

6. Puerto Princesa Underground River

If you’re into UNESCO World Heritages Sites and the world’s Natural Wonders, then this is the spot for you. Take a little boat ride through longest navigable underground river in the world, and enjoy the cave formations and the occasional creepy bat flying past you.

Subterranean River in Puerto Princessa  Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

r.nagy / Shutterstock.com

 

5. Banaue and Batad

The town of Banaue is simply adorable with mountain villages and simple establishments nestled in a mountain valley. The true adventure is wandering the stunning rice terraces in nearby Batad. The rice fields are surreal and flank the majority of the mountains sides in the area.

Rice terraces in the Philippines Rice cultivation in the North of the Philippines, Batad, Banaue

Frolova_Elena / shutterstock.com

 

4. Donsol

Whale sharks are the activity of the area, although it’s not all that’s here. Make sure to go diving with the whale sharks during the natural time for them to be the area. Don’t support the off season visits as they are enticed to stay in the area by tour companies feeding them for tourist’s enjoyment. November to May are usually when they are swimming about. The nearby waterfalls and waves will also be of a visitors interest.

Donsol Whale Shark Capital

Kjersti Joergensen / shutterstock.com

 

3. Boracay

Some of the best beaches are located on this tiny island that packs a punch. Tons of water sports can be enjoyed on this slice of heaven including diving, kite surfing, parasailing and cliff diving. Explore the caves and incredible lagoons. At night, this is the spot for some of the best partying in the country. This is considered one of the best places to see in the Philippines before you die.

Best Places to See in The Philippines Before You Die

 

2. Apo Island

You’re going to swim with whale sharks, how about some turtles now? Apo Island is great for more than just beaching bumming. The adorable turtles swimming around here will be fascinating!

Apo Island Philippines

Dudarev Mikhail / shutterstock.com

 

1. El Nido

The incredible limestone studding El Nido is breathtaking. The snorkeling and diving tours offered are certainly worth every peso. Stunning views and great marine life swimming at your feet with fresh local island food to refuel you. It’s a incredibly beautiful and a great spot to beach bum.

Very beautyful lagoon in the islands, Philippines

saiko3p / shutterstock.com

What do you think of this list of  the best places to see in the Philippines before you die. ? What would you add?