Here are our top picks for travelers looking to visit the Philippines’ most beautiful destinations. If you have been planning on visiting the Philippines for fun and relaxation for yourself and your loved ones, this post is definitely for you.
Firstly, Let’s begin with the top destinations that are both exceptionally beautiful and easily accessible, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
Top Best Places to Travel to in the Philippines
Here are the top best locations one can get to visit when you travel to the Philippines:
1. Siargao
Marcos on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, at the Magpupungko Rock Formation. Also, Surigao del Norte is located in the Caraga Region of Northeast Mindanao.
Siargao rose to prominence as the Philippines’ surfing capital and, more recently, as the “Best Island in the World” (as voted on by Condé Nast readers in 2018).
Second, since my first visit to the island a decade ago, this paradise has been on my bucket list. Also, The enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach, wowed me the most.
Third, white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools, and other natural wonders can all be found on the main island.
Siargao is one of the best places to visit if you want to experience a laid-back island lifestyle.
There’s a mix of “foreign” and “local” flavors here. Also, It is remote but accessible, and despite new developments in recent years, it is not overcrowded.
How to Get There:
Firstly, Siargao is best reached by air from the Philippines’ eastern coast (facing the Pacific Ocean). From Manila, Cebu, or Clark, fly direct to Sayak Airport (IAO) on Siargao Island. From Manila, the flight takes 2 hours and from Cebu; it takes 1 hour.
Secondly, the land journey from the airport to Cloud 9 Beach, the main tourist attraction, takes about 45 minutes.
Siargao can also be reached by flying to Surigao Airport (SUG), which is located on the mainland of Mindanao. Then take a 1.5-hour fast craft ferry to Siargao Island’s Dapa Port.
2. El Nido
Northern Palawan province is in the MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines). Furthermore, You came to see the beautiful beaches and island views that the country has to offer.
El Nido, in the province of Palawan, will not disappoint. Also, El Nido is my favorite place in the Philippines for spectacular “over-the-water” sea views.
Imagine uninhabited white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and massive forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical waters.
Also, the “SEAnery” here competes with popular Asian destinations such as Thailand’s Phi Phi/Krabi Islands and Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).
Spending an entire day on the islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The island hopping tours in Bacuit Bay are spread out over a large area, so plan on spending at least two full days there (Tour A & Tour C are the best).
How to Get There: Firstly, most visitors fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) for a 1.5-hour flight, then take a 5- to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town proper.
Secondly, fly directly to El Nido from Manila (1 hour), Cebu, or Boracay-Caticlan to avoid the long land journey. This is the quickest, but most expensive, option.
3. Coron
This place is located in the northern province of Palawan, in the MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines).
Also, Go to Coron for spectacular underwater views, in contrast to El Nido’s amazing “over water” views. Colorful coral gardens, pristine waters, abundant marine life, and even sunken WWII Japanese shipwrecks can all be found here.
Don’t get it wrong: Coron can compete with the best of them when it comes to scenic views of the water.
Secondly, Hidden emerald/blue lagoons are surrounded by limestone cliffs in this paradise. Coron also has a plethora of breathtakingly beautiful fine white sand beaches.
How to Get There:
On the north side of Busuanga Island is Coron Airport. Traveling by plane from Manila takes about an hour.
Also, You can travel by ferry between Coron and El Nido for adventurous travelers who want to make the most of their trip in Palawan (mainland Palawan). By fast craft, the journey takes about 4 hours (high-speed ferry).
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4. Cebu
This place is located in the Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Also, Cebu is the most visited tourist destination in the country, and for good reason.
It is unrivaled in terms of a variety of activities and attractions. Cebu is known as the “Jack of All Trades” of Philippine tourist destinations.
Enjoy scenic natural sites (waterfalls, beaches, mountain views, and so on), exciting wildlife encounters, colonial heritage tours, shopping at some of the world’s largest malls, and local cuisine, including the prized Cebu Lechon!
While staying at a luxury resort on Mactan Island, a centrally located hotel/Airbnb in the city, or a peaceful beachfront resort in the countryside, you can easily do these things.
Therefore, It’s your decision! To take part.
If that isn’t enough, you can easily travel to nearby islands such as Bohol and Negros (Dumaguete), as well as major cities. Also, Use Cebu’s strategic location in the Central Philippines and a well-connected flight/ferry network to your advantage.
How to Get There:
First, on Mactan Island, Cebu-Mactan International Airport serves direct flights from all major Philippine cities as well as international flights from Asia and North America.
Second, the flight time from Manila is 1h30m, 3h 40m from Singapore, and 2h50m from Hong Kong. The ride from the airport to Cebu City takes about 30 minutes to an hour (or more, depending on traffic conditions).
5. Boracay Island & Aklan
The province of Aklan is in the Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Boracay is a vacationer’s dream come true. Also, the 4-kilometer White Beach, known for its incredibly inviting blue waters, fine white sand, and perfect sunsets, therefore, takes center stage.
If you want to relax and enjoy a tropical resort experience, this is the island to visit. Boracay, as you might expect, caters to a more affluent crowd, but don’t worry, there are plenty of budget-friendly options.
Boracay is a small island with a lot to offer. All in one sandy stretch, you’ll find excellent dining, a wide variety of places to stay, souvenir shopping, a variety of fun water activities, and some nightlife.
When it comes to fine, white sand, Boracay’s White Beach is in a league of its own. Only one long beach in the country has sand whiter and finer than White Beach, in my extensive travels across the country.
It can be found in the next group of islands on this list.
How to Get There:
Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLIA) are the two options for landing (KLO). The ferry ride from Caticlan to Boracay takes less than 20 minutes.
Furthermore, most travelers use Kalibo as a transit point because it has more airlines, flights, and destinations to choose from, as well as lower airfares. The journey from Kalibo to Caticlan takes about an hour by land.
What Stands Out:
These destinations require more time to visit, but if you’re looking for an adventure, they’re well worth the trip.
6. Balabac Islands
Location: MIMAROPA Region, Southern Palawan Province (West Central Philippines) Look no further than the Philippines for the best beaches and the most vibrant waters.
Balabac is deserving of a place at the TOP of your bucket list.
Balabac is Palawan’s southernmost group of islands. It’s so far south that Sabah, Malaysia’s east coast, is closer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s provincial capital.
The main attraction is a group of 31 beautiful islands that have yet to be discovered by the masses of tourists.
Pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters surround these islands. Yes, many of the beaches here have a blinding white to off-white sand, with some even having a blushed pink hue!
The best places to visit in Balabac are (1) Onuk Island, with its crystal blue waters stretching as far as the eye can see; (2) Bugsuk Island, with the Philippines’ most powdery, whitest sand beach; and (3) Camiaran Island’s pink sand beach.
How to Get There:
First, Buliluyan Port, on the southernmost tip of mainland Palawan, is the most convenient departure point for the Balabac Islands.
Second, the land journey from Puerto Princesa Airport (the nearest commercial airport) to Buliluyan Port takes approximately 5–6 hours.
Third, arrange your Balabac tour with a local tour operator well ahead of time (before your trip) for a stress-free trip. The Balabac Travel Guide has a list and detailed travel tips.
Furthermore, Balabac is remote and difficult to reach, which is why I don’t recommend it to first-time visitors. You must have a strong desire to visit this location. It takes time to visit, and you will have to forego tourist traps.
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In conclusion, our Picks were very wonderful. When your visa is ready for you to take a lift to the Philippines, you just can’t be clueless about where to spend a good time there.
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