Philippines Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
The Philippines is no other than a glittering tropical paradise comprising over 7,000 islands which offer a vast playing field for your inner adventurer. Altogether, its landscapes feature a wide variety of natural marvels, from rice terraces and grumbling volcanoes to limestone caves and underwater rivers, along with stunning beaches that rank as the Philippines' top-rated tourist attractions.
Separately, each island offers something different and unique, whether you're searching for top places to snorkel and dive or prefer visiting historical sites in cities such as Vigan or Manila, each having deep colonial ties.
Because the country is uncommonly spread in many directions, a visit to the Philippines for sure requires painstaking planning in order to connect with the right tour guides and locate the best accommodations as a starting base for most activities. Some places such as Bohol's Chocolate Hills or Sagada's Hanging Coffins, are distant, but arriving there is really worth all the effort.
Plan your trip with my Philippines travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.
1) White Beach. There exists no scarcity of immaculate beaches in this country, but if you're searching for a bit busier beach scene, Boracay's White Beach is the perfect place for you. As the island's most populous beach, you'll find numerous opportunities for all sorts of water sports. Also, it's one of Asia's most beautiful beaches.
With many hammocks and easy chairs below the palm trees, you could both relax and delight in the snow-white sand as the tides keep receding rhythmically. Moreover, you could schedule a beachside massage. Snorkeling has become quite popular at White Beach. However, if you don't feel like laboring at all, consider taking an easy boat ride or just book a tour on the unique glass-bottom boat for a different type of experience.
2) Shipwreck Diving. Coron offers a few of the world's best-rated diving sites to explore sunken ships. The wrecks which are at varying depths, are appropriate for shallow water snorkeling and deep water scuba diving.
The shipwrecks, several from WW2, have transformed into habitats for a wide range of fish species. The crystal-clear water helps make viewing underwater wildlife and shipwrecks very easy. Several of the shipwrecks originate from the Imperial Japanese Navy getting attacked in 1944. Deep divers will be eager to see the old Akitsushima Maru warship, the Kyokuzan Maru, and Trako Maru.
With dozens of shipwrecks to explore, you might wish to prolong your stay around here.
3) Mayon Volcano. Situated on Luzon Island, in the Albay province, you definitely must see the Mayon Volcano. In fact, it's a lively stratovolcano rising over 2,400 meters in elevation. Plus, it boasts a perfectly-shaped cone peak.
The majority of tourists will choose to admire the volcano from the ground only. From nature trails provided by the national park grounds, surrounding the volcano, you could observe wildlife such as parakeets perching on random branches.
Hardcore hikers may apply for a permit in order to begin climbing the volcano. However, it's a challenging hike through forest, and life-threatening gases are released near the top, so caution is recommended. The best time to come is between March and May. Also, you could use an organized tour from Manila to arrive here.
4) Chocolate Hills. What occurred on the Bohol island, called Chocolate Hills, is truly a geological marvel. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and protected area, features over 1,200 miniature mountains which emerged over the ground throughout many centuries.
Once under the water, these novel hills can be seen extending in every direction. Though they are green a lot of the year, during dry seasons they actually change to a very different color: chocolate-brown, and how they got their name, Chocolate Hills.
A convenient and easy route leads to a higher elevation, essentially a lookout spot, which offers the best view. Be certain to catch the several fine flowers dotting along the path which are unique here.
5) Underground River. Imagine going on a river tour in Puerto Princesa's Underground River? It's one of the Philippines' most rewarding experiences any visitor can enjoy while here. The underground river runs on Palawan Island, more specifically, hidden in the Subterranean River National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Boat tours stand ready to transport visitors to experience the enchanting 5-mile river journey. The entire trip takes you along an elaborate cave system which vertical limestone cliffs surround. You could see the oldest stalactite and stalagmite formations while the cave's coolness naturally balances the outer tropical heat.
As you continue floating smoothly through the dim caves on beautifully emerald-colored water, your tour guide will identify fascinating points such as tropical wildlife which reside in the underground river that the South China Sea eventually swallows.
