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18 Best Things to do in the Philippines
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items I’m a big believer that you should leave a country feeling like you actually saw it, not just check it off a list. This is my curated edit of 18 experiences that show you the different faces of the Philippines—from the quiet, foggy mountains of the n...
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18
1. Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan
2. Witnessing the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
3. Swimming with Sardines in Moalboal
4. Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls
5. Exploring the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
6. Surfing the "Cloud 9" Break in Siargao
1. Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan
This is my absolute #1 recommendation. No trip to the Philippines is complete without seeing the towering limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of Bacuit Bay.
I always tell people to book Tour A or Tour C—they have the most iconic spots like the Big Lagoon and Secret Beach.
El Nido Tour A: Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
2. Witnessing the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
I recommend stopping by the Tarsier Sanctuary nearby to see the world's smallest primates.
Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island: Everything You Need to Know
3. Swimming with Sardines in Moalboal
This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Just a few meters off the shore, you can swim with millions of sardines moving in unison.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles—they are almost always hanging around the reef here.
The Moalboal Sardine Run: A Complete 2025 Guide
4. Canyoneering to Kawasan Falls
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is for you. I spent a whole morning jumping off cliffs and sliding down natural water slides into Gatorade-blue water.
It’s a 3–4 hour trek ending at the famous Kawasan Falls.
Kawasan Falls
5. Exploring the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
I'm blown away by this UNESCO World Heritage site. You paddle through a massive cave system filled with incredible stalactites and bats.
It’s officially one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Puerto Princesa Underground River - City Government of Puerto Princesa
6. Surfing the "Cloud 9" Break in Siargao
Even if you aren't a pro surfer, the vibe in Siargao is unmatched. I love hanging out on the boardwalk just to watch the experts tackle the famous barrel waves.
Not a surfer? I recommend taking a "beginner lesson" at Jacking Horse instead—it’s much safer for learners!
CLOUD 9 SURFING TOWER (2026) All You Should Know BEFORE You Go (w
7. Hiking the Banaue Rice Terraces
I call this the "Eighth Wonder of the World." These 2,000-year-old terraces were carved into the mountains by hand, and the view is breathtakingly green.
Stay overnight in Batad for the best experience. The hike down to Tappiya Falls is tough but totally worth it.
Batad Rice Terraces
8. Sunset Sailing (Paraw) in Boracay
My favorite way to end a day in Boracay is on a traditional Paraw sailboat. No engine, just the wind and a front-row seat to the best sunset in the world.
I suggest booking your sail for 5:15 PM to catch the "Golden Hour" perfectly.
Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay Island, Philippines
9. Walking Through History in Intramuros, Manila
I love getting lost in the "Walled City." It feels like stepping back into the Spanish colonial era with its cobblestone streets and old fortresses.
I highly recommend the "Bambike" (Bamboo Bike) tours. It’s the most fun way to see Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
Intramuros Manila — A walk through history, culture, and stunning ...
10. Chasing Waterfalls in Camiguin
This tiny "island born of fire" has more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else. I love spending a day trekking to Katibawasan Falls—it’s a massive 250-foot drop surrounded by lush ferns.
Don't miss the Sunken Cemetery while you're there; you can snorkel over the giant crosses underwater.
Chasing Waterfalls on Camiguin Island
11. Eating Your Way Through Binondo (Manila)
As a food lover, I tell everyone to visit the world's oldest Chinatown. I spent hours walking through the alleys, jumping from one "hole-in-the-wall" dumpling shop to the next.
Look for Wai Ying Fastfood for the best dim sum and Eng Bee Tin for their famous hopia (mung bean cakes).
Binondo Food Crawl (2026 edition) - best eats in Chinatown!
12. Whale Shark Watching in Donsol
Unlike other spots, Donsol is known for "ethical" whale shark interactions. I loved the thrill of spotting these gentle giants in the wild without them being fed or lured by boats
The best time to visit is between February and May.
Donsol Whale Shark Interaction - Tripadvisor
13. Taking the "Apo Reef" Diving Expedition
If you’re into diving or serious snorkeling, this is the place. It’s the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, and I’ve never seen coral as colorful or healthy as it is here.
It’s quite far out at sea (near Mindoro), so I recommend doing a liveaboard boat trip if you have the time.
Scuba diving in Apo Reef and Occidental Mindoro
14. The Coron Ultimate Tour (Palawan)
If I had to pick just one place that looks like a movie set, it’s Coron. I spent my day hopping between Kayangan Lake (the cleanest lake in Asia) and Twin Lagoons. The contrast of the jagged black rocks against the neon-blue water is something I’ll n...
I recommend linking the "Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour"—it covers all the big spots in one go.
Coron Island Super Ultimate Tour | Online Booking
15. Manila Day Trip to Pagsanjan Falls
For a break from the city, I love this day trip. You get into a small canoe and local boatmen skillfully paddle you upstream through a massive gorge until you reach the thundering Pagsanjan Falls. You can even take a bamboo raft right under the water...
I suggest doing this on a weekday. The "shooting the rapids" part of the boat ride is much more fun when there isn't a "traffic jam" of other canoes.
Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour
16. Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching Cruise
After a day of exploring caves, I love this peaceful evening cruise. Seeing the mangroves light up with thousands of fireflies is like being in a Disney movie. It’s the perfect way to wind down before dinner.
I always remind people that this tour usually includes a buffet dinner, making it a great "all-in-one" evening recommendation for your list.
Firefly Watching in Puerto Princesa
17. Boracay Helmet Diving & Water Activities
When I'm in Boracay, I don't just stay on the sand. Helmet diving is my favorite way to see the fish without needing a scuba license—you literally just walk on the ocean floor with a giant glass helmet.
This is a great "add-on" recommendation for anyone you've already convinced to visit Boracay.
Boracay Helmet Dive Experience
18. Mount Pinatubo 4x4 Trek (From Manila)
This is the most "epic" day trip from Manila. I loved the bumpy 4x4 ride through the ash-covered landscape (it looks like the moon!) followed by a hike to the stunning turquoise crater lake.
I suggest telling your followers to wear a face mask or "buff"—the 4x4 ride gets very dusty!
Pinatubo Daytour via 4x4 Capas trail - Private Group Tour Clark (add-o