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Dazzling white beaches, world-class diving, natural wonders, cheap flights… the list of reasons to visit the Philippines just keeps on growing. Here are some of the best.
Melinda Browning
less than 2 min read
April 17, 2025 - 2:08AM
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Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
Diving is one of the big drawcards to the Philippines and serious divers head straight to Tubbataha Reef, 150km off the coast of Puerto Princesa in the middle of the Sulu Sea. Renowned for its whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays and turtles, the almost 100,000ha site is the Philippines’ largest marine protected area and is accessible only by liveaboard dive boat between March to June. Get in quick to join an 11-day Tubbataha Reef trip led by Diving Adelaide, including six nights on the reef, departing May 4.
Ifugao Rice Terraces, Luzon
Sure, they’re a beautiful backdrop for a selfie but for the Ifugao people, the 2000-year-old rice terraces built into the Cordillera mountains are part of daily life and living proof of their ancestors’ ingenuity. One of the most stunning sections of the World Heritage listed wonder surrounds the remote village of Batad, accessible only by foot. A trek through the terraces to visit the village and learn about traditional farming practices is a standout on Intrepid Travel’s Northern Philippines Highlights tour.
Islands off El Nido, Palawan
Accessible only by boat, Entalula Beach near El Nido was named the best beach in Asia in 2024. The year before, it was nearby Hidden Beach – accessed by swimming through limestone cliffs off a boat. You’ve probably noticed a theme: the best way to explore Palawan’s island highlights is by boat. Island hopping day tours depart from El Nido, or join a multi-day island-hopping expedition with Big Dream Boatman or Tao Philippines to explore remote beaches, snorkel coral reefs and sleep in rustic huts or camp on secluded beaches.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
One of the Philippines most recognisable landmarks, the Chocolate Hills is a series of more than 1200 grass-covered limestone domes dotted across the Bohol countryside. They’re so named because they change colour with the season, with the dry season (December to May) bringing out brown hues. Tours – including Wendy Wu’s Philippines Discovery – allow time to admire the scenery from the highest vantage point, and while you’re there, be sure to look out for Bohol’s first locally produced chocolate from Dalareich Chocolate House.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan
One of the world’s longest underground rivers, this 8km marvel flows through vast underground chambers and ancient limestone formations. The 8km river has been named one of the world’s new seven wonders of nature, and just getting there can be an adventure in itself when you visit on a Holland America Line Philippines cruise - road tripping through countryside, an outrigger boat ride and finally a canoe into the cave.
Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
A breathtaking white strip of sand surrounded by sparkling aqua sea, Kalanggaman Island’s sandbar is stuff of screen savers. Walking the length of the 750m-long, pristine sandbar is the major attraction at this small, uninhabited island, along with swimming and snorkelling the surrounding reef. Day trips can be arranged from both Leyte and Cebu, or it’s possible to camp overnight – BYO gear.
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
With vibrant turquoise water surrounded by lush jungle, Kawasan Falls is an essential stop on any Cebu itinerary. While the first stage of the waterfall near Moalboal is open to all (with a $1 entry fee), access to the higher levels involves joining an exhilarating canyoneering tour involving jumping, swinging, sliding and swimming your way from cliff to water. For an extra thrill, you can take a zip line and zoom headfirst over the jungle to the canyoneering start-point.
White Beach, Boracay
The clue is in the name – pure, powdery sand stretching 4km along the Boracay coastline. Add in gentle waves ideal for swimming, and it’s a combination that’s earned a place among the world’s best beaches time and again. At the northern tip of the beach, you’ll find Boracay’s most iconic landmark, Willy’s Rock, a volcanic rock formation topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Visit White Beach on a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line and you can opt to be delivered from ship direct to the sand by local boat.
Avatar Gorge, Luzon
Off limits to the public until 2022, Tutulari Avatar Gorge has fast become one of the Philippines’ most Instagrammable locations, and is set to be among the highlights of G Adventures’ new Solo-ish Philippines itinerary. The otherworldly natural wonder features a 500m trail through dramatic high stone walls covered in vivid green moss. Named for its resemblance to the planet Pandora depicted in the movie Avatar, it’s not only visually impressive, but also culturally significant to the local Indigenous community, the Aeta people, on whose land it is located.
Taal Volcano, Luzon
A lake wrapped in a volcano, inside another lake, this geological wonder – also famously the world’s smallest active volcano – is a two-hour drive from Manila near Tagaytay. When it’s safe to do so – seismic activity occurs relatively frequently, following a deadly eruption in 2020 – it’s possible to take a boat across Taal Lake to visit the crater and see the lake within. Otherwise, position yourself at the Taal Vista Hotel for lunch and extraordinary views, a shore excursion highlight on Seabourn’s upcoming Taiwan, Philippines & Indonesia cruise.
Magpupungko Rock Pools, Siargao
The island of Siargao has long been a favourite among surfers, but for those who aren’t skilled enough to take on its famous Cloud 9 break, a refreshing dip in the island’s spectacular natural tide pools is equally thrilling. Magpupungko Rock Pools feature towering natural rock formations and a crystal clear lagoon that emerges during low tide. Luxury lovers should check in at one of the Philippines’ top resorts, Nay Palad Hideaway, which can also arrange tours to the rock pools and other Siargao highlights.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol
The forests of Bohol are home to one of the world’s smallest, rarest and strangest primate species. It’s estimated less than 1000 Philippines tarsiers remain on the island, and since they’re so tiny, not to mention nocturnal, you’re unlikely to spot one in their natural habitat unless you visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. A sanctuary tour is among the highlights of Coral Expeditions’ 16-day Island Trails of the Philippines cruise.
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