Instagram is a powerful tool for planning and sharing the best moments of a trip. Thanks to this social network, it gives us the itch to include in our trips to the Philippines certain places we might not have known, and if we also like photography, we feel like capturing them with our own lens. We’re in love with this social network and we’ve spent several years sharing stories and photos on our Viajar por Filipinas account. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of the most famous Instagram spots in the Philippines.
What we’re going to talk about here are just examples of the most popular Philippines photos on Instagram, but the archipelago is one of the most photogenic countries in the world. We’ve traveled to more than 50 countries, but, honestly, the Philippines has so many photogenic corners that you’re going to drain your camera batteries every day.
Keep reading and discover the best locations for your Philippines Instagram photos, and maybe it will inspire your next adventure. Oh! And don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtag #viajarporfilipinas so we can see your artistic flair and share them with other travelers.
1. Kawasan Falls (Cebu/Moalboal)
Did you know Kawasan Falls are also known as “Gatorade Falls”? Their intense blue color, similar to the sports drink, makes them a classic stop for many travelers passing through the island of Cebu and also one of the best waterfalls in the Philippines.
Although the most famous part is the final one—the big waterfall—Kawasan Falls are a series of cascades along the Badian River. They have different tiers and heights, and the best way to explore them is by doing canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, which is super fun. Even so, there are 2 specific spots that are all the rage on Instagram:
- The final waterfall, where there are usually very photogenic bamboo rafts. But heads up: if you want a decent photo with no one in it, it’s best to go Monday–Thursday and at first light, as it’s usually packed.
- The weir. What looks like a natural waterfall on Instagram is actually a kind of weir. In person it’s not the prettiest scene, but, to be honest, it looks great in photos. Note that it can look more or less impressive depending on the water level. When we were there last time in October, not a drop was flowing because the river didn’t carry much water.
Remember you can visit Kawasan Falls from Cebu on an excursion or from Moalboal.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BouHwxLnCuE/?igshid=15pi8mpn7kzg8
2. Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
These hills in the heart of Bohol make up one of the most famous Instagram spots in the Philippines. Although you’ll rarely see them truly “chocolate”-colored (sometimes in the dry season if it hasn’t rained much), it’s still a very unique landscape we recommend visiting.
In our opinion, the coolest panorama for photos is achieved with a drone, but you can also get beautiful shots from one of the viewpoints or if you wander a bit among them. Let us give you a few tips to get beautiful photos for Instagram and, most importantly, to enjoy them:
- If you don’t have a drone, the best view is from the Chocolate Hills View point. The entrance costs 100 pesos and it’s often crowded, but you can see several hills up close and the perspective is nice. We stress the drone point because after 8 a.m. you’re not allowed to fly it from here.
- Another interesting viewpoint is the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. The hills are farther away, but there’s hardly anyone and you can fly your drone. Entrance is 60 pesos, but it’s cheaper if you buy it here.
- If you’ve come by motorbike or car, don’t hesitate—get lost along the roads that run through the interior of the mountains! For reference, the straight road that passes the Santa Cruz Chapel goes by several very pretty Chocolate Hills.
- Climb one of them on your own. Yes, it’s wild, but it can be done. We ourselves ventured up one (right on the road we mentioned), but be careful—it’s not easy. Wear good shoes and long pants, as the grass is quite sharp and the soil isn’t very firm. We’ve got quite the tale to tell.
- You can also do a Chocolate Hills tour by quad (ATV) or buggy with a guide. You’ll see several companies at the base of the main viewpoint. They’ll know the most photogenic spots.
You’ll find lots more information in our articles on the Chocolate Hills and things to do in Loboc.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2zcskQo3FI/?igshid=1cmqxdskk9cj0
3. Banol Beach (Coron)
Coron has some of the most jaw-dropping places in the Philippines and it’s hard not to get epic shots. One of the best spots is Banol Beach, which you can visit on island hopping in Coron. It’s usually included in the Ultimate Tour, but, as we note there, it’s better to do your own private tour so you can choose the time with fewer people.
This is a small white-sand beach protected by huge walls of dark, jagged limestone. Almost hanging from the cliffs are little wooden huts used for lunch stops and, let’s be honest, for nailing some killer Philippines shots for your Instagram.
If you see lots of people on the beach, we recommend heading to the right-hand side as you face the sea. You’ll see several more huts where there’s usually less crowding. If you have a drone, fly it—your photos will be fantastic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzkogh4I_0-/?igshid=bu12f2k74l19
4. The Siargao Palm Tree
Back in 2014, while driving north on Siargao Island, we stopped on a picturesque bridge with no one around and snapped a photo of a river with a curious bent palm tree. We never imagined it would become one of the most famous Instagram locations in the Philippines.
When we returned to the island in 2018, we already found a couple of travelers like us there, but it was still super wild. Kids were swinging on the rope hanging from the palm and that was about it. However, since 2019 it’s necessary to pay an entrance fee to access the palm, as they’ve built an access (sadly damaging the vegetation) and they also offer canoe rides. In short, a true Instagram spot!
Although, in our opinion, it’s lost a bit of its original charm, this part of the island is still gorgeous and, as we suggest in things to do in Siargao, we recommend stopping by.
As you’ll see, Siargao, together with Palawan, steals the show in this selection of Philippines Instagram photos. The island is very photogenic, has a special vibe, and has become trendy among influencers who make the most of its natural charms. No wonder many already consider it the Bali of the Philippines.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnjl6c1nVow/?igshid=znefaridzr78
5. The Bantayan Cliffs
Bantayan has lovely beaches right by the town where most accommodations are concentrated, but our advice is to get a bit lost around the island by motorbike or bicycle.
On the way to Paradise Beach, one of the beaches we recommend in our article things to do in Bantayan, you’ll see the landscape start to change, with small cliffs appearing. Some of them hide tiny, almost secret beaches, perfect for some alone time, but our tip is to go all the way to Paradise Beach (also called Sandira Beach) and enter through the main gate, not the one that takes you to The Paradise Beach Campsite. Both charge the same, but the first lets you enjoy the beach and the cliffs to your left as you face the sea.
There you’ll find several cool Instagram spots, with or without a drone. You’ll spot them easily because a palm tree stands over them.
By the way, although we haven’t included them in this list of Philippines Instagram photo locations because they’re not as well known, Bantayan has 2 fabulous places for drone shots: Balidbid Lagoon and the sandbar that forms at Kota Beach. The latter changes shape over time, so you’ll see it differently depending on when you visit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBa6o1jq1xx/?igshid=1b602j8253l6a
6. The Blue Window of Malapascua
Cozy little Malapascua always looks great in photos, but if there’s one place that shows up in thousands of Instagram photos of the Philippines, it’s the Blue Window.
This curious window in an almost-destroyed blue wall is super photogenic, as through it you can see different turquoise tones of the sea, creating a dreamy scene. It’s located in an old dive center that belonged to Bantigue Cove Resort, which was completely destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The Blue Window is the perfect excuse to explore the north of the island and discover beaches as beautiful as Langob, Bantigue itself, and Gugma Beach. You’ll find them all in things to do in Malapascua.
7. Entatula Beach (El Nido)
The El Nido island-hopping tour B is one of the least frequented by travelers, but the one that offers shots that rack up thousands of likes on Instagram. One of the most recognizable features in Philippines photos is Entalula Beach, on the island of the same name. It’s so perfect it looks unreal—but we promise you, when you go, you’ll see we weren’t lying.
The best photos are taken with a drone or from the boat that brings you. The beach is so small that it doesn’t allow for much more framing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBgCVfDKJJp/?igshid=kdpmi73gtq7o
8. Bilar Man-Made Forest (Bohol)
There’s a 99% chance you’ll pass this famous Instagram location in the Philippines on your way to the Chocolate Hills. It’s a lovely mahogany forest planted by the people of Bohol in the mid-20th century. You’ll recognize it easily because 2 kilometers of the main road cut through it, giving you a very picturesque scene.
To take photos, just pull over on one of the shoulders when you like the framing. If you want to stand in the middle, be careful, because it’s still a road with plenty of cars and traffic.
If we may, it’s better to go in the middle hours of the day, when the sun is higher and you have more light.
You can reach the Bilar Man-Made Forest from Loboc, Carmen, or Panglao by rental motorbike (350 pesos per day) or on one of the tours from Tagbilaran or Panglao, as they all stop here. You have them in English or in Spanish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsbM5_QlQPM/?igshid=dewd914jxsmy
9. Twin Lagoon (Coron)
Twin Lagoon is another must-see stop on Coron tours and another well-known Instagram location. As the name suggests, it consists of two lagoons separated by a small rock wall with a staircase installed. From that staircase you can snap an amazing shot if you stand on the small rock you’ll see right in front of you.
The catch? The smaller lagoon serves as a boat parking lot. So you’ll only be able to take this photo if you get up very, very early (around 7 or earlier).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJVcW8lneO/?igshid=ppinijsvwqww
10. The Sister Palms of Langob Beach (Malapascua)
Not to pat ourselves on the back, but we took a photo here and suddenly the same shot started popping up everywhere!
The Sister Palms, as we named them, are on Langob Beach. You’ll recognize them easily if you walk to the left as you face the sea, in a spot where there are usually some loungers from a resort in Daanbantayan.
Remember to check out our Malapascua Guide so you don’t miss the best of one of our favorite islands.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bto29h2FMv4/?igshid=wvychvvmfa9e
11. Magpupungko Rock Pools (Siargao)
Natural pool photos always look great on Instagram, but what happens when these pools are right next to a turquoise Pacific Ocean? They go viral!
The Magpupungko Rock Pools are among the most beautiful Instagram photo locations in the Philippines. The color of the water and the rock formations around it make this an incredible place. To see them and be able to swim, you need to go at low tide, so you can check pages like this one. If this coincides with early morning, you’re in luck because there will be fewer people. It’s one of the most popular places on Siargao.
Photos at Magpupungko look great from countless angles. We love drone shots, but also the angle shown here. Plus, we suggest walking a bit and moving away from the main pools. Around the corner you’ll find other pools that almost no one visits and that are also very photogenic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7YhTxghfLv/?igshid=19equuwrrmkke
12. The Leaning Palm of Pamuayan Beach (Port Barton)
There’s no shortage of palm trees in the Philippines! Slender coconut trees always look great on Instagram, but a few pop up again and again in the feed. That’s the case with the palm on Pamuayan Beach—our favorite. It’s the typical almost-horizontal palm right by the sea.
We recommend timing your visit to the beach with high tide, when it’s at its prettiest and you can swim more comfortably. You can check it here.
Please be very careful if you want to climb it. Remember it’s a living being and little by little they deteriorate. You don’t want it to end up like the famous palm on Paliton Beach in Siquijor, which is almost dead.
You can find everything you need to know in our article on the Best beaches in Port Barton.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9WaXMzBsMH/?igshid=1f1wmw1d2t9mo
13. The Diving Board at Sugba Lagoon (Siargao)
One of the most beautiful Siargao island-hopping trips takes you to Sugba Lagoon. This gorgeous lagoon near Del Carmen reminds us of those in Palawan, and you can take very pretty photos here too. One of the most famous is the diving board. Lately it’s lost a bit of charm because they’ve placed buoys around it that don’t help the look. Safety first!
By the way, if you have a drone, Sugba Lagoon photos are truly stunning. You can capture the mangroves and islets bathed in turquoise water. You’ll find more information in our article on Flying a drone in the Philippines .
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdtKJmFreN/?igshid=19cqerfww4cn1
14. Kayangan Lake (Coron)
Back to Coron for another fantastic photo angle: Kayangan Lake. This predominantly freshwater lake is also sheltered by imposing karst rock walls, offering a spectacular landscape. Here you can take several beautiful photos:
- The one shown in the photo.
- Another along the wooden walkway, near the end, where you can jump in.
- Underwater, since the sharp rocks make it feel like you’re visiting an underwater Gothic cathedral.
- From the viewpoint up the stairs. This is Coron’s classic scene—the one you’ll see in any Philippines travel brochure.
If you want the lake all to yourself, to enjoy its calm and take beautiful photos, we recommend doing a private tour. This way you can visit when there are fewer people—usually early in the morning (around 8:00) or around 13:00, when everyone else is eating and there’s more light.
Remember you’ll find all the information you need in our Coron Guide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmqrmeTn3Sb/?igshid=17azanrrr0jyf
15. Sunken Cemetery (Camiguin)
Magical Camiguin is full of Instagrammable corners. As the place with the most volcanoes per square kilometer in the world, you can imagine why—but if there’s one site that never fails on Instagram, it’s Sunken Cemetery. It’s an old cemetery submerged by volcanic eruptions between 1870 and 1948.
This is one of the spots you should include on your list of things to do in Camiguin for several reasons. First, the snorkeling is great and you can see lots of marine life, a statue’s head, and a submerged cross. Second, the sunsets are epic; and third, the photos come out great—especially late in the day.
If you have a drone, we suggest framing the cross with Camiguin’s volcanoes in the background. It’s wonderful.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B47cg09hubK/?igshid=1kkw3fts6ck6h
16. Cambugahay Falls (Siquijor)
Kawasan Falls are pretty, but if we had to pick, we prefer Cambugahay Falls. Although the drop is smaller, we like the water and the setting much more.
In our opinion, the most beautiful photos are with a drone, but you can also get interesting shots from the largest waterfall, where there are usually a couple of very photogenic rafts.
If we may make a suggestion, we’d go between 11:30 and 13:30, when the sun is higher and the waterfalls take on a more intense turquoise-blue color. Even so, if tranquility is what you like, it’s better to go first thing in the morning, when there are fewer people.
This is just one stop on the list of things to do in Siquijor. You can also take amazing Instagram photos at Salagdoong Beach (the diving platform is beautiful) or around the Coral Cay Resort beach, where there’s a photogenic rope on a palm tree right by the sea.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcNL8uIbPX/?igshid=9dqvzmcjhs62
17. The Famous Palm-Lined Road in Siargao
We warned you that Siargao had several Instagram locations in the Philippines; another of the most repeated is the palm-lined road. It’s a straight stretch of asphalt flanked by thousands of coconut trees on both sides, creating an impressive landscape.
Although you’ll find palm roads all over the island, this particular stretch is just after the so-called Coconut Trees View Deck, a viewpoint where you can contemplate what Claudia calls a “sea of palms.” As soon as you descend the hill, you’ll see how the road becomes very straight.
The photo looks great with a drone in both directions (with or without the hill), but it’s also very photogenic at ground level.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Ki2NmhpAD/?igshid=wb4rc3g8tsrw
18. Kalanggaman
We’re sure one of the reasons you ended up here is the spectacular Philippine sandbars, right? If you want to see one without going crazy to reach it (like Cresta de Gallo), we recommend hopping over to Kalanggaman from Malapascua.
This gorgeous island has no fewer than 2 sandbars, one at each end. The most spectacular is the one you see as soon as you arrive, which can reach up to 750 meters long. So you can imagine the killer Instagram shots you can get both with a drone and at ground level.
Don’t stay put! Cross the island and discover the picturesque treehouse, which also goes viral in Philippine Instagrams. If you’re there at low tide, you’ll also see the other, smaller sandbar.
If you want to enjoy it to the fullest and take photos worthy of the place, our tip is to spend the night there in one of the tents or basic huts. You’ll find all the info on accommodation and more in How to get to Kalanggaman.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqVRVz9l6OQ/?igshid=dtwbmk3u05rj
19. White Island (Camiguin)
And we continue with sandbars to tell you about another of the country’s most impressive ones, the one in front of Camiguin. White Island is, as the name suggests, a white-sand island. Long and changing shape depending on the time of year, the island is pretty on its own, but even more so when you combine it with the unbeatable views of Camiguin’s volcanoes.
Photos look great with a drone, but also at ground level if you capture the contrast of the turquoise water, the white sand, the color of the umbrellas, and Camiguin’s landscape. If you want fewer people, it’s best to visit at midday, since Filipinos don’t love the sun and don’t spend much time there then.
You can find all the information about it (how much it costs to visit, how, what to do…) in Island hopping in Camiguin.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxN9KfFIFs/?igshid=o8qd2lzewswr
20. Batad
If you want to add a touch of green to your Instagram profile, nothing beats a visit to the Cordillera region, in the heart of Luzon Island. Here you’ll find stunning rice-terrace landscapes and the culture of the Ifugao people.
Although your camera will be firing almost anywhere, one of the most photogenic spots is the rice terraces of the village of Batad, a few kilometers from Banaue. It’s an imposing amphitheater of rice fields said to be more than 2,000 years old.
You’ll find all our tips to make the most of it in our Batad Guide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlKY2EqxqB/?igshid=3k91ekeg8wko
21. Mayon Volcano
If there’s something absolutely perfect to photograph, it’s a textbook volcanic cone, and you’ve got that east of Luzon Island, a stone’s throw from the city of Legazpi. Mayon Volcano is one of the best volcanoes in the Philippines and one of the most beautiful in the world, with an almost perfect pyramidal shape. Although you can see it from almost anywhere in the city, in our opinion it’s best to head to one of the viewpoints we mention here:
- Cagsawa Ruins: the ruins of a 1587 church destroyed by an eruption. The belfry with the volcano in the background makes a very Instagrammable composition. You can go on your own or be taken on a tour.
- ATV ride: companies offer ATV or quad rides that get you close to the volcano. Book here.
- Sumlag Lake: a sublime shot of this lake—often with water lilies—and Mayon in the background. You can also book a tour from Legazpi.
- Ligñon Hill Nature Park: from the top of this hill you get brutal views of Mayon. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit.
- Quitinday Green Hills: a lesser-known spot for an epic Mayon photo—these green hills are similar to the Chocolate Hills.
Note that Mayon, like many other volcanoes, often disappears into the clouds as the day goes on. If you want better odds of seeing it clearly, it’s best to visit in the summer months—March, April, and May—and get up early.
You can read all about this part of the Philippines in things to do in Legazpi.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj18X0lHHGY/?igshid=1rgfm975k6abk
22. Pinagbuyutan Island (El Nido)
It was hard to pick El Nido spots for Instagram, but if there’s one that repeats, it’s this one. It’s an island with a charming little house with a rusty roof, surrounded by palm trees and protected by huge karst rock walls. This stop is usually part of tour B.
The best panorama is obtained with a drone or from the boat.
If you have a drone, send it far and high (within legal limits). You’ll get one of the most characteristic El Nido shots, as Pinagbuyutan has a very distinctive shape.
Remember you’ll find much more information in our El Nido Guide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3aXs2ldp6/?igshid=1dxatl7c1dp9u
23. Bato ni Ningning (Port Barton/San Vicente)
Another very popular Palawan photo spot is the Bato ni Ningning viewpoint. Located on a hill in barangay Alimanguan (San Vicente), the views of Irawan Beach with the palm grove in the foreground are glorious.
The easiest way to get there is from Long Beach in San Vicente. You can do it by motorbike or tricycle in about 30 minutes plus a 10/15-minute walk. If you’re in Port Barton, be ready for about 1.5 hours on the bike.
You’ll find everything about this area in our San Vicente Guide.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBpf3ZaKI-M/?igshid=13jgw5jz8m72n
24. Las Cabañas Beach (El Nido)
Las Cabañas (now known as Vanilla Beach) is one of the best beaches in El Nido and also one of the best Instagram locations in the Philippines. While any sunset shot from here will look divine, the best framing comes if you walk a bit.
Once you enter the beach, it’s best to walk left as you face the sea. You’ll round a corner with a couple of bars; keep walking and you’ll start enjoying a much quieter beach and, most importantly, the backdrop of the islands and islets of Bacuit Bay.
If you look closely, the framing below is wonderful, with a palm tree jutting out. You won’t have trouble finding it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwznZv8FvdB/?igshid=y3hwgxmlitjc
25. Barracuda Lake (Coron)
This is another lake you visit on island hopping in Coron and also one of the area’s most popular dives due to the spectacular thermocline that forms. It’s another spectacular lake surrounded by limestone walls and, therefore, with imposing images below the surface. It’ll feel like you’ve dived into a natural Gothic cathedral.
The most famous photos are the underwater ones, as many people free dive here, but another very popular shot is of the wooden walkway between the karst rock walls from a drone’s perspective.
Many travelers tell us it’s no longer permitted to swim without a life jacket, but truth be told, we’ve always done so without issues on our visits.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBXj3nZKXOP/?igshid=1hcu1pho3zeni
26. Big Lagoon (El Nido)
El Nido is full of Instagrammable corners, but there’s one that’s truly incredible and appears on every postcard. Big Lagoon is one of the popular lagoon stops and is usually included in tour A.
While photos from any angle will be spectacular (also with a drone), there’s a super famous shot—the one shown here. To take it, you have to face the path you came by kayak and stand right where that one ends and the other (a dead end) begins. Your photographer partner will have to figure out how to climb some rocks on the opposite end for the best perspective.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2HsA2gIGv2/?igshid=whcvjbj92vky
27. Sirao Flower Garden (Cebu)
If there’s a place born expressly to be king of Instagram photos in the Philippines, it’s Sirao Flower Garden. Located on the outskirts of Cebu City in the mountains, it has everything for fun photos: flowers, windmills (are we in Amsterdam?), and most importantly, a huge hand you can climb on—super Instagrammable.
You’ll find all the info you need to get there in our article things to do in Cebu.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_MmWwKJ6n/
28. Club Tara Resort (Socorro/Siargao)
While the resort is a bit dated and could use a refresh, it sits in an epic location that will shine on your Instagram. Club Tara Resort is on the island of Socorro and has the special feature of overwater cabins, offering glorious views.
The best photos are with a drone—and with someone kayaking or paddle boarding so the resort is in frame—but you can also get killer shots from inside the rooms in the bathtub. Maximum posing—but hey, why not!
Find out how to get there in Island hopping in Siargao.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwC41WslcYL/?igshid=wsuzsufhcpa7
29. Bonbon Beach (Romblon)
We weren’t going to leave out one of our favorite islands, Romblon, from this list of Instagram locations in the Philippines. Still far from mass tourism, its most visited place—for obvious reasons—is the spectacular Bonbon Beach.
This white-sand beach has a very long sandbar that links it to another island, creating a wonderful scene. It’s best to visit at low tide so you can cross to the other side, though keep in mind the sandbar is more or less formed depending on the time of year, as it depends on tides and winds.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWd0bjF-EL/?igshid=1voaxroljlnv6
30. Snake Island (El Nido)
We finish our tour of the Philippines Instagram spots in El Nido. As we mentioned, tour B is the most photogenic, and Snake Island joins Pinagbuyutan and Entalula.
While the sandbar isn’t as impressive as others we’ve mentioned, if you have a drone you’ll get a postcard-worthy photo. To do so, move away from the sandbar and capture the image with someone in the center and El Nido’s mountains in the background. Doesn’t it remind you of Bora Bora?
Our photography gear for the Philippines
Did you like these photos? If you’re thinking of traveling to the Philippines and don’t know what photography gear to take, we tell you our choices in Backpack for the Philippines. We also share tips on drones in Best foldable travel drones.
Map of Instagram locations in the Philippines
We’ve already told you all about them, but on this map you can get a clearer view of where these Instagram locations in the Philippines are:
We hope you found this selection of Philippines Instagram photos interesting! If you have any suggestions, we’ll be happy to read them in the comments. Follow our Instagram account to get more photo inspiration from your favorite country.
