Looking for the best things to do in the Philippines? Or maybe the real question is: what can’t you do in this archipelago? For us, the Philippines is the magic word: the key to endless possibilities that make life feel a little more exciting.
A country made up of more than 7,700 islands, each with a different personality, can only mean one thing: endless options. There are so many things to do in the Philippines and, surprise: not everything revolves around beaches. While the sun, the sea, and our beloved palm trees are definitely the stars of any Philippines itinerary, don’t write it off just because you’re not a beach person.
Hiking, diving, waterfalls, volcanoes, friendly smiles, and little adventures everywhere are just some of the ingredients that can shape your trip through the Philippines. Just like in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, you choose your own path. There are as many trips to the Philippines as there are people. Ready to find out what yours could look like?
Keep your eyes wide open, because this travel-loving couple, who have been returning to the archipelago again and again since 2010, are going to tell you the best things to do in the Philippines, no doubt about it. Plus, we’ll give you some tips in case you’re one of those who prefer to get off the beaten track.
1. Go Island Hopping
No trip around the Philippines feels complete without island hopping. Literally, “hopping from island to island”, these tours aboard a bangka (traditional Filipino boats that look amazing in photos) will take you to lagoons, lakes, idyllic beaches, sandbars, and beautiful snorkeling spots… After taking in so much beauty, you’re bound to work up an appetite, so they usually include a lunch stop on a lovely little beach.
The most famous island-hopping tours are in El Nido and Coron, but we also strongly recommend those in Camiguin, Siargao, and Port Barton. Other less popular but equally incredible island-hopping options include the Coron to El Nido Expedition (imagine spending 3 or 4 days among uninhabited islands, sleeping in little huts by the sea and spending your days snorkeling), Balabac island hopping, the Dinagat tour, the Cuatro Islas (Four Islands) tour, Romblon, or Caramoan.
If you want to take things to the next level, one of the best things to do in the Philippines is to rent a private boat just for yourself or form a small group with other travelers. This way you can stay as long as you like at each stop, avoid the crowds, and feel like the coolest pirate in the tropics.
⛵ You can read a lot more about this activity and start dreaming with our Island hopping in the Philippines guide.
Small Lagoon in El Nido
2. Enjoy epic scooter rides
One of the things we love doing most in the Philippines is exploring the islands at our own pace. To do this, as long as you have the proper license and do it safely and cautiously, the best option is to rent a scooter. On most islands, you will have the opportunity to do so and enjoy the roads in the Philippines.
This is the best way to see rice fields, palm groves, secluded beaches, and villages, stop to eat something tasty in a carinderia (a typical local eatery), and, ultimately, get a feel for everyday Filipino life.
If this is a must-do for you in the Philippines, the best places are Siargao, Siquijor, Bohol, Camiguin, and Romblon.
Everything you need to know about rentals is in our guide to Driving and renting a scooter in the Philippines.
That said, if you don’t drive a motorbike or don’t have experience, don’t worry! You can explore the Philippines perfectly well without having to rent a bike. Tricycles are everywhere in the country, giving you a chance to experience local life and, of course, travel more comfortably. On some islands like Siargao, you can also rent a tricycle/tuk-tuk or car to explore at your own pace.
3. Visit some of the best beaches in Asia
Obviously, even though it’s not all about the beach, one of the best things to do in the Philippines is to do a little beach-hunting and find your favorite. For us, hands down, the best beaches in Asia are in the Philippines, and we made a list of 28 that we consider the best beaches in the Philippines.
While you will find beautiful beaches in almost all areas of the country, if what you want is to soak up the sun without doing much else, the destinations we think are ideal for this are Boracay, Bantayan, and Malapascua. If you don’t mind getting there by boat, the most spectacular ones are in Coron and El Nido, without a doubt.
Looking for something truly special? Then don’t miss our article with the Best sandbars in the Philippines and take postcard-perfect photos.
Enjoy amazing beaches like Daku Island, facing Siargao.
4. Marvel at its blue waterfalls, one of the best things to do in the Philippines
More of a freshwater person like Jairo? Then don’t worry, because one of the things you can do in the Philippines is take a dip in its waterfall pools. There are all kinds: high, low, powerful, with turquoise waters, hidden, touristy…
The most famous waterfalls to visit in the Philippines are Kawasan Falls, located south of the island of Cebu, near Moalboal. Even so, we have to give you a heads up: although their color is spectacular, the area has lost some of its natural charm and it can get quite crowded. That said, the canyoneering experience is great fun and a unique experience in the area, so we think it’s well worth going.
Other places with beautiful waterfalls to see in the Philippines include Cebu itself (Cambais Falls, the waterfalls in Ginatilan, Tumalog Falls…), Siquijor (Cambugahay Falls, Lugnason Falls…), Camiguin (Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls…), Batad (Tappiya Falls), Bohol (Kawasan Falls, Can-Umantad Falls, and dozens more), or Sibuyan (Cataja Falls, Busay Falls…).
You can see our selection in our article on The best waterfalls in the Philippines.
Things to do in the Philippines: take a dip in Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol
5. Go diving in some of the best scuba spots in the world
The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most marine-biodiverse areas on Earth, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that diving is one of the top things we recommend doing in the Philippines.
Thresher sharks in Malapascua, hammerheads, whitetips, blacktips, turtles of all kinds, mantas, rays, scorpionfish, octopuses… In the Philippines, you can see marine life that is hard to find elsewhere, often with excellent visibility too. Not only that, shipwrecks are another highlight of diving in the Philippines. In Coron, there are plenty of World War II shipwrecks that you can explore without much difficulty.
In the Philippines, there are dive sites for all types of divers. So, if you love turtles and enjoy beautiful corals, we advise you to dive in Balicasag (Bohol), dive in Panglao, Apo Island, and Padre Burgos; if you’re into big marine life, you have to dive in Malapascua, Apo Reef, and Ticao; if you’re into the weird and wonderful or muck diving, don’t miss Anilao, Dauin (in Negros), the night pier in Padre Burgos, or the dive sites around Anda (Bohol); for incredible wrecks, Coron is the place for you. You’ll find a good overview of the most impressive sites in Best dive sites in the Philippines.
If getting your diving certification or Open Water qualification is on your Philippines bucket list, you will see that there are many very professional dive schools. Our favorite places for this are Malapascua and Bohol.
You can get more information in Open Water diving course in Bohol.
6. Snorkel with Nemo and his friends the turtles
If you don’t like diving or simply can’t due to a medical issue, don’t worry, another great thing to do in the Philippines is snorkel. As we recommend in our Packing list for the Philippines, bring your own mask and snorkel. This way, you’ll always be ready to enjoy marine life, and it’s much more hygienic too.
Some of the best places for snorkeling in the Philippines are Balicasag (Bohol), Apo Island, Moalboal, Port Barton, Siquijor, Coron, and El Nido. In the first three, you’re very likely to see a turtle or two. Remember: do not touch them and keep a safe distance so as not to stress them.
Many travelers ask us which destinations we would choose to snorkel directly from the beach. In this case, our answer is clear: Moalboal, Siquijor, and Apo Island. In Malapascua, you can also see reef sharks.
Snorkeling with turtles in Balicasag (Bohol)
7. Swim with whale sharks (responsibly)
It never fails: whale sharks appear on almost every list of things to do in the Philippines. Unfortunately, not all of them explain how to do it responsibly, without contributing to the decline of an endangered species.
Whale sharks, known locally as butanding or tiki-tiki, pass through Philippine waters during their migration around the world in search of food, which is mainly plankton. That means they are usually only found in certain places in the country at certain times of the year.
Swimming with a whale shark is a magical experience. Adults can grow up to 12 meters in length, but they don’t attack people, as they are not aggressive and, as we mentioned, they do not eat “meat”. Sadly, there are places where these animals are badly harmed and in the Philippines that happens in Oslob, Cebu. In Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines we tell you in detail, but, to summarize, the sharks are artificially fed there, more than 1,000 tourists visit every day, and they are hit, kicked, and injured… It’s a complete disaster.
For this reason, we ask you, please, if one of the things you want to do in the Philippines is to swim with the whale shark, do it in one of these 3 places during the right season:
- Padre Burgos (Pintuyan is cheaper): from November to April.
- Puerto Princesa (Palawan): from April to October.
- Donsol (Luzon): from December to May.
8. Practice surfing or kitesurfing
Bali gets all the attention when it comes to talking about surfing in Southeast Asia, but in the Philippines, we have wonderful waves for anyone who loves the sport. If you want to surf in the Philippines, our advice is to head to Siargao. With its well-known wave Cloud 9, it has been attracting surfers from all over the world for years, but if you are a beginner or want to give it a try, you’ll also find beginner-friendly spots along much of the island’s coast.
Other good places to surf are La Union, Baler, Catanduanes, and Bagasbas in Luzon; and Calicoan Island in Samar. For beginners, at Duli Beach, one of the best beaches in El Nido, you can also find some interesting waves and board rental places. You can read much more about this topic in Where to surf in the Philippines.
If kitesurfing is your thing, in Siargao, Bantayan, Boracay (from December to March), Pagudpud (from November to April), Daet (from November to March), and Sibaltan (near El Nido) you will find good spots and places where you can rent equipment.
Surfing in Siargao
9. Go hiking in magical places
One of the things that will surprise you about the Philippines is its variety of landscapes. In addition to the typical idyllic beaches, where coconut trees and clear turquoise waters usually steal the show, you will find mountain scenery you might not have pictured when thinking about the country.
So, if you love trekking or hiking, don’t miss the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad. These are the most well-known, but there are plenty of villages in the surrounding area, which offer opportunities to hike for 3, 4, or 5 days and experience a completely different side of Ifugao country.
Staying in the north of the country, you can go to Sagada, discover its caves and its legendary hanging coffins. You could even head a little farther north and explore Kalinga territory, perhaps one of the most interesting cultural areas in the country. Between Sagada and Buscalan, you’ll also find the Bontoc area, where the spectacular Maligcong terraces await you.
Other interesting treks in the Philippines include the trek to the summit of Hibok-Hibok (Camiguin), Mt. Kanlaon (Negros, although currently inaccessible due to activity), the Pinatubo volcano (Luzon), Osmeña Peak (Cebu), Mt. Pulag (Luzon), Mt. Halcon (Mindoro), Mt. Arayat (Luzon), or Mt. Apo (Davao). Around Dumaguete you can also find some great trails, you also have the Binabaje Hills in Bohol, as well as trails near Mayon Volcano (Legazpi), although always respecting the safety perimeter.
Batad Rice Terraces (Ifugao)
10. Taste the best mangoes in the world and the delights of Filipino food
Maybe you think we’re being arrogant, but when you go to the Philippines you’ll understand why. Filipino mangoes are the best on the planet, hands down. They are sweet, tender, juicy, and absolutely incredible! Especially if you catch them in the right season, which is usually around April and May. Unsurprisingly, in Guimaras, the island said to be home to the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines, there’s even a festival dedicated to them, which we were lucky enough to attend a few years ago. Imagine that: we even went to an all-you-can-eat mango buffet!
You’ve probably read somewhere that Filipino food isn’t that exciting. It’s true that it may not have the same international fame as Thai or Indonesian food, but, honestly, give the local food a chance and step away from burgers or noodles and discover how rich and varied Filipino food can be.
Dishes like adobo, afritada, menudo, and leche flan reflect some of the Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine, and trying them is definitely something you should do in the Philippines.
By the way, if you want to bring someone a souvenir after your trip through the Philippines, don’t hesitate: buy dried mango. It is the ultimate treat and they sell it in almost any supermarket (also at the airport, but it’s more expensive).
If you can’t wait any longer and want to start getting hungry, read our article What to eat in the Philippines? 25 typical dishes and drinks you will love.
Feast on mangoes in the Philippines
11. Get a tattoo from the last Kalinga tattoo artist
Whang-od is the last Kalinga tattoo artist, the woman who tattooed the Butbut warriors who protected the villages of this region north of Manila. She has been practicing the technique of batok in Buscalan since she was 15 years old, creating tattoos using a calamansi thorn (a citrus fruit typical of the Philippines) and bamboo, gently tapping the skin. Each design had a meaning for the community and now tourists from all over the world travel here to meet her and leave with a permanent souvenir of the Philippines.
That said, keep in mind that, due to her advanced age, Whang-od no longer does tattoos. Her apprentices, usually family members, do the tattoo and, if you visit at the right time, she may add her signature, which consists of 3 dots. We also have to warn you that many travelers end up with infected tattoos or tattoos that don’t heal well, so be very careful.
Whether you want to get a tattoo or not, visiting Kalinga can be a highlight if you want to get off the usual Philippines travel route.
12. Watch fiery sunsets
To tick this one off your list of things to do in the Philippines, you don’t need to go anywhere specific, but here’s a little tip.
Every day, make time for sunset between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. The sunsets in the Philippines are stunning and, best of all, different every day. Grab a San Miguel and take a moment to enjoy something so simple.
We’ve seen some of our best sunsets in Siquijor (Paliton Beach), Panglao, Malapascua, and El Nido (Corong Corong Beach and Las Cabañas). In fact, we’ve even written an article with our favorite sunsets in El Nido.
Amazing thing to do in the Philippines: enjoy sunsets like those at Sugar Beach, Negros
13. Explore the Spanish colonial heritage
The Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 3 centuries, specifically from 1565 to 1898. Although little remains of the language, monuments, and buildings from that period, in many parts of the country you can still feel the colonial legacy, which, in our opinion, goes beyond the buildings still standing. Filipino culture has a very different feel from that of its Asian neighbors and you can also notice traces of Spanish in Tagalog, Visayan, Ilocano, and Chavacano words, as well as in street names, food, and even people’s surnames.
We think this is one of the most interesting things to pay attention to in the Philippines, and you can easily do so if you spend a few hours walking the streets of Intramuros in Manila. Of course, there are plenty of other places, such as Vigan (which is probably the most beautiful city in the Philippines), the San Agustin Church in Paoay (Ilocos Norte), or Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross in Cebu.
Other interesting architectural sites are Escolta Street, where you can still see a bit of Art Deco architecture in Manila; Silay, with imposing examples of sugar haciendas in Negros; and Iloilo, perhaps one of the country’s most interesting cities and home to the beautiful Miagao Church.
Learn more about this topic in History of the Philippines: Brief summary.
Crisologo Street in Vigan
14. Meet the Filipinos and be amazed by how many Spanish words have survived
Don’t be surprised if you hear words that reveal the country’s Spanish linguistic influence. As mentioned above, it is estimated that more than 30% of Filipino vocabulary has Spanish origins, so you may hear everyday words with Spanish roots, such as “derecho” for straight, “oras” for time, “kutsara” for spoon, or “tinidor” for fork.
In addition, a large share of the Filipino population speaks fluent English, which makes it easier to chat with locals. Try out a few words in Tagalog, Visayan, or even Chavacano if you come across it, get a few laughs, and try to get to know people known for their warmth and smiles. The landscapes of the Philippines will make an impression on you, but Filipinos themselves will be a huge part of your travel experience.
Delve into this topic in Languages of the Philippines.
Talk to locals and learn more about their way of life
15. Get a restorative massage from a hilot practitioner
As you can see, there’s a lot to do in the Philippines, so at some point, you’re going to feel a little tired. If you are going to visit the island of Siquijor, don’t miss the chance to visit a manghihilot, the name given to practitioners of hilot, an ancient traditional massage technique.
This massage combines chiropractic and spiritual principles and is said to help relieve muscle pain and other physical discomfort, as well as restore mental and spiritual balance.
16. Explore its caves
We’ve already covered what to do in the Philippines at sea, on the beaches, and in the mountains, but what about heading underground? There are many caves you can visit in the country, but perhaps the most well-known is the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, if you have enough days on your trip to the Philippines, it can be a good chance to see something different. In our guide to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, you will find more information about this excursion, which is easy to visit from Puerto Princesa City.
Other interesting caves include the Catbalogan Lagun-Gobingob Caves in Samar, which make up the largest cave system in the Philippines; the caves visited on the so-called Cave Connection Tour in Sagada (4 hours); Callao Cave in Tuguegarao and the Tabon Caves in Palawan. Another group of islands with cool caves is the Camotes Islands and Siquijor.
17. Marvel at some of the Philippines’ volcanoes
Have we mentioned that the Philippines has epic landscapes? Aside from amazing beaches, rice fields, and mountains, another reason to fall in love with this country is its volcanoes. From Mayon, with its perfect conical shape dominating Legazpi, to Pinatubo, with a lake in its crater, Taal, and all the volcanoes you can see in Camiguin, said to have more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else on Earth.
In Volcanoes of the Philippines, we tell you everything about these natural wonders.
Enjoy volcanoes as impressive as Mayon Volcano (Luzon)
18. Go partying
Filipinos love to celebrate, and the word fiesta is used all over the country for local festivities. So, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a town fiesta in one of the places you visit. Expect a spontaneous street fair where videoke is always part of the fun. Believe us, one of the things you have to do in the Philippines without a doubt is sing in one of these karaoke bars. Few things feel more Filipino than that. If you are shy, let the Emperador brandy work its magic.
If you are looking for nightlife, the best islands for nightlife are Siargao (especially), Boracay, Panglao, or El Nido. Of course, in Manila or Cebu you won’t be short of fun either.
19. Go a little crazy: zipline, canyoning, skydiving…
Many people go to the Philippines to do almost nothing and relax on the beach. We think that’s great, but if you need your dose of adrenaline, you’ll find that too! In places like Bohol or El Nido you’ll find ziplines, canyoneering or canyoning at Kawasan Falls, rafting in Cagayan de Oro, and skydiving in Bantayan…
20. Explore spectacular sandbars and look for Wilson
Maybe you first became interested in the Philippines after seeing a photo of an incredible sandbar, right? You haven’t been misled, in the archipelago, you’ll find stunning islands that are basically sandbars surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
Take note of these names: Kalanggaman, Cresta de Gallo, Bonbon Beach (Romblon), Kawhagan Island (Siargao), Naked Island (Siargao), White Island (Camiguin), Starfish Island (Port Barton), Snake Island (El Nido), Bulog Dos (Coron)… The list goes on! You can read about the best ones in our article on sandbars in the Philippines.
Things to do in the Philippines: explore incredible sandbars like Kalanggaman Island
21. Try every kind of transport in the Philippines
Traveling around the Philippines is not always easy and that is part of its charm. Since it is not as touristically developed as some of its neighbors, it is likely that to get somewhere you have to take several forms of transport in the same day. Domestic flights in the Philippines, buses, tricycles, jeepneys, habal-habal, motorelas, ferries, bangkas… you may feel like you’ll never get there!
Patience, some pandesal (bread rolls), and a good fleece for the air conditioning will be your best allies.
We tell you everything in How to get around the Philippines: transport guide.
22. Get swept up in the rhythm of Filipino festivals
In addition to parties, the Philippines is characterized by its large and colorful festivals where parades take center stage. If you are lucky enough to be there for any of the most important ones, don’t miss it! Here is a short list:
- Sinulog Festival, Cebu: around the third Sunday of January. Read much more in our Guide to Sinulog.
- Ati-Atihan Festival, Kalibo (Panay): around the third Sunday of January.
- Moriones Festival, Marinduque: during Holy Week.
- Masskara Festival, Bacolod (Negros): the third weekend of October.
- Lanzones Festival, Camiguin: end of October.
We explain them all in detail in our article Festivals of the Philippines.
23. Find out what color the Chocolate Hills really are, a must-do in the Philippines
A visit to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol had to be on our list of things to do in the Philippines. This natural landmark gets its name because, in the dry season, the small hills usually turn brown as the vegetation covering them dries up. However, we have visited the Chocolate Hills on many occasions and they have always been green! Tell us what color you see them, please.
Explore the Chocolate Hills
24. Practice kayaking or paddle boarding in very special places
If you love kayaking or paddle boarding, you are in luck, as there are more and more places where you can try these activities in the Philippines. Not only are they a great way to get your body moving, but they also let you discover beautiful places.
For example, paddle boarding on the Loboc River (in Loboc, Bohol) is especially beautiful, as you’ll be surrounded by lush jungle vegetation. On the same island, the route along the Abatan River is also lovely, which is less well known. On the other hand, we also recommend renting a kayak in El Nido, as you’ll be able to visit nearby islands and beaches away from the crowds of the usual tours. In our articles onThings to do in El Nido and the Best beaches in El Nido, we share some of the most interesting routes.
Other cool kayak routes can be done around Port Barton, Caramoan, or the Hundred Islands. You will also have the opportunity to try these activities during the Coron-El Nido Expedition, which is one of our favorite experiences.
25. Develop patience you never knew you had
Yes, obviously not everything is perfect in the Philippines. Like every country, it has its downsides too, and a skill that we have acquired on our many trips around the country is stretching our patience to its limits.
Not everything in the Philippines is fast or easy. Transport delays are common, the Wi-Fi connection is usually not the best (buy a SIM card instead), sometimes ATMs don’t work properly, bureaucracy can be slow, food can take forever to arrive… In short, slow down, be patient, don’t get angry, and adapt to the Filipino pace as much as possible.
26. Discover places almost nobody visits
“The Philippines is overcrowded.” Lies! Honestly, as people who love this country, we get very annoyed when we read these statements. It is impossible for an archipelago with more than 7,700 islands to be overcrowded. It is true that there are certain destinations that have achieved a lot of fame in recent years and that tourism growth has not always been matched by proper infrastructure. Alona Beach in Bohol, El Nido, or Boracay are good examples of this. However, it is very easy to say that a place is overcrowded when you do absolutely no research and you don’t want to step even slightly outside your comfort zone.
Even the more touristy islands in the Philippines have beautiful spots where you’ll barely see anyone. That’s the case with Anda in Bohol, the places you can reach by kayak in El Nido, destinations in northern Palawan such as Sibaltan or Duli Beach, or other beaches in Boracay that are not White Beach or its southern area. Just 45 minutes from El Nido there is a great place to escape for a couple of nights: Darocotan.
Furthermore, what we like to do most in the Philippines is discover new places and that is why we keep coming back. Note these names if you want to feel like a castaway and not see another soul: Caramoan, Pagudpud, Cuatro Islas (Leyte), Masbate, Sibaltan, Taytay, Romblon, Sibuyan, Carabao, Balabac, Batanes, Calaguas…
☀️ Feel like you have paradise to yourself in these Off the beaten track islands in the Philippines.
Things to do in the Philippines: discover remote places like Cresta de Gallo
27. Embrace the concept of Bahala na and stop worrying about the weather
We know the weather in the Philippines worries you. That is why we wrote two articles about the weather: When to travel to the Philippines? and Best time to travel to the Philippines. However, no matter what we tell you and what the weather websites indicate, no one knows what the weather in the Philippines will be like in a month, tomorrow, or even an hour from now.
With such a changeable tropical climate, we recommend following the Filipino mindset: bahala na, or “come what may.” Don’t worry so much and enjoy! There are things to do in the Philippines even in the rain!
Also, even if you consult a weather app, whatever the season, it will tell you that it is always going to rain in the Philippines. Why? Because even if there’s just a 5-minute shower, it may show rain for the whole day. So, honestly, listen to us and don’t get discouraged. Often, even in the rainy season, it rains a little around sunset and that’s it.
28. Stay in overwater hotels
We always say it, there’s a Philippines trip for every type of traveler. From those who want to travel cheaply and sleep in simple hostels and eat in carinderias for just a few dollars to those who want to treat themselves to pure luxury without breaking the bank. It is true that the Philippines is not the Maldives and the hotel scene is smaller, but there are breathtaking hotels that are perfect if you are on a honeymoon or simply want to treat yourself.
Take a look at these overwater hotels in the Philippines:
- El Nido Resorts Lagen Island (El Nido)
- Cauayan Island Resort (El Nido)
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Samal)
You’ll find more recommendations in Best resorts in the Philippines, Overwater bungalows in the Philippines, and Best resorts in Siargao.
29. And why not? Do nothing
You must be exhausted with so many things to do in the Philippines, why not try doing absolutely nothing? If you feel like switching off with a Caribbean-style “all-inclusive” vibe, there are places where you can do that too.
For example, a lovely little seafront hotel in Boracay, Bantayan, or Malapascua will help you slow right down without having to worry too much. However, in almost any beachy place in the Philippines, you will easily adapt to watching life go by and thinking that you could get used to it.
Nacpan Beach (El Nido)
30. Join a multi-day expedition
We already mentioned it at the beginning, but only briefly. Honestly, something that we think you have to do in the Philippines no matter what is to experience a multi-day expedition exploring beach paradises, sleeping in cabins by the sea, and not worrying about anything while you snorkel, paddle board, or simply marvel at how beautiful the islands are.
The best-known route runs from El Nido to Coron (or vice versa), not only because it was the first route to become popular, but because it connects two tourist hotspots, making it usually the most accessible. Plus, although it obviously depends on the company, it also tends to have more frequent departures, better services, and, in general, a more “curated” experience.
We’ve done it twice with THIS COMPANY and we couldn’t recommend it more, but if you are looking for 3 days and 2 nights or a cheaper option, THIS OTHER ONE won’t disappoint. With the code TRAVELPHILIPPINES you’ll get a 1,000-peso discount.
Either way, you can read a lot more about the experience in El Nido to Coron Expedition.
For other trips in a similar style, although somewhat more “rural”, we recommend that you check out our guides to Balabac or Dinagat.
Postcards from the Coron-El Nido expedition
30+1. Return to the Philippines again and again
Okay, we wanted a nice round number on this list of things to do in the Philippines and we did it. Although we could have listed at least 100 more, we have 30 and we can’t think of a better way to end it! The Philippines is a state of mind, a beautiful addiction that hooked us 15 years ago and many other travelers we know.
Chances are you haven’t even left the country and you’re already thinking about which islands to visit on your next trip, and how you can squeeze even more out of your time there. Sorry, the Philippines will find its way into your heart, just like it did into ours the first time, and it won’t leave you.
Mabuhay Philippines!
Map of the best things to see and do in the Philippines
Besides all the activities we’ve mentioned, we think it is useful to include a map with the main destinations to see in the Philippines so you can get a quick idea of where they are located:
That said, every guide on our website includes detailed sections on how to get there from Manila, Cebu, and other common starting points. Don’t worry, you have all the information to plan an amazing trip.
If you want to know lesser-known destinations, we recommend that you head straight to our article Off the beaten track places in the Philippines.
Frequently asked questions about things to see and do in the Philippines
To wrap up, we want to answer the most common questions from travelers when it comes to things to do in the Philippines:
Is traveling to the Philippines dangerous?
Absolutely not. We have been living/traveling around this country for 15 years and we find it one of the safest countries we’ve been to. Of course, you need to travel with common sense, but, honestly, it is a country where you will feel at home.
Is the Philippines expensive?
No, it is a very affordable country. For context, you can find hostels for less than $25 a night, eat for $3-5 in local restaurants, and do full-day boat tours with lunch included for $23. Obviously, you can spend much more if you feel like it, but you can also travel very cheaply.
How many days are enough for the Philippines?
For us, the ideal amount of time is about 20 days, as that way the trip will feel more rewarding (since it’s usually far from where you’re starting). Transfers can be tiring and there are many islands to see, so the more time you can give it, the better. Even so, if you have 15 days to see the Philippines, you can enjoy it a lot too.
What should you not miss in the Philippines?
We don’t think there are any absolute must-sees because, in reality, you can plan many different kinds of trips depending on your tastes, how much time you have, and the activities you want to do. Even so, among the most iconic destinations to see in the Philippines are El Nido, Coron, Bohol, Siargao, Malapascua, and Siquijor.
What is the most beautiful place in the Philippines?
It’s hard to choose just one, but if we have to judge by the sheer beauty of the landscapes, it would probably be El Nido, in Palawan. The islands of the Bacuit Archipelago, with their black limestone cliffs surrounded by crystal-clear waters, create one of the most impressive landscapes in the entire country. With that said, there are dozens of interesting islands to see in the Philippines that are equally spectacular. For example: Coron (Busuanga), Bohol, Siquijor, Camiguin, Malapascua, Siargao, Dinagat… The important thing is to do your research, choose the destinations that best match what you’re looking for, and plan a logical route that takes transfer times into account.
Twin Lagoon in Coron
Of course, this is just a small taste of everything there is to do in the Philippines. On our website, you’ll find detailed, up-to-date guides to the country’s most famous destinations, as well as lesser-known ones. You can also ask us anything in the comments and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Enjoy the planning!
