Top 10 Best places in the Philippines

If you are a foreign tourist or just a local traveler that is just starting to discover the beauty of his country, here is a list of the most beautiful places in the Philippines that you should visit first:

10. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

This photo of Puerto Princesa Underground River is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The river can be found beneath a gorgeous limestone karst mountain called St. Paul and it is one of the most visited places among the World Heritage Sited in Philippines. In this national park, that is one of the centers of biodiversity conversation, you can see large lizards and monkeys greeting you on the way to the mouth of the cave. Its natural 8.2 km navigable underground river, is believed to be the world’s longest and currently, this park, is one of the strongest contenders for the 7 New Natural Wonders.

9. The Historic Town of Vigan

This photo of Historic Town of Vigan is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Historic Town of Vigan is a well preserved Spanish colonial town, established in the 16th century. During the World War II, as the story tells us, the Japanese military commander Captain Fujiro Takahashi asked Joseph Kleikamp to take care of his Filipina wife and child, in exchance for not burning down the town when the Japanese forces retreated. After the Japanese left, the people of Vigan, spread on oversized American flag over the plaza, to avoid being bombed by them. This is how this authentic Spanish era colonial town has survived and if you are a tourist in Philippines, you should definitely go there.

8. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Image Credits:travelasianplaces

This is one of the best diving spots in Philippines and in the whole world, because of its pristine coral reef with a 100 meters perpendicular wall, coral islands and lagoons. It covers around 130,000 hectares, including the South and North reefs, with the north islet serving as a nesting site for marine turtles and birds. To get here, you can join live abroad diving trips to explore the area for 5 to 7 days, but there also are organized tours for people that just want to snorkel. The is only one small window to visit this beautiful place and that is during the summer, because of the stability of the weather.

7. The Baroque Churches

This photo of Baroque Churches of the Philippines is courtesy of TripAdvisor

These churches are among the few remnants of the Spanish Colonial architecture from the 16th century, and are interesting particularly because of their Earthquake Baroque architecture. The nearest church in Manila is the Immaculate Conception Church located in Intramuros, but the most impressive design can be seen in the San Agustin Chuch that is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. On your way there, you can also see the Nuestra Senora Church and the Santo Tomas Church, that has the most impressive façade with it’s gorgeous detailed carvings.

6. The Banaue Rice Terraces

This photo of Banaue Rice Terraces is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Banaue Rice Terraces should be on every tourist’s must visit list. The Ifugao people learned how to use the contours of the mountain to cultivate rice by using the force of gravity for water irrigation. For 2,000 years, this knowledge was passed down from generation to generation so it is highly recommended to experience this wonderful example of harmony between nature and man. This place, is included in the 1,000 Places To See Before You Die book, written by Patricia Schultz.

5. Taal Volcano

This photo of Taal Volcano is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This volcano is one of the world’s smallest and lowest volcanoes, and because it is only a day trip from Manila it is very popular. When going there, you first drive down the mountain along a winding path and then you take a boat ride to cross Taal Lake since this gets you to the foot of the volcano. You also have the option of riding or trekking on horseback to go up to the crater, and then you can hike down. To get there, you will have to pass through Tagaytay, which is the garden restaurant capital of the Philippines.

4. Amanpulo Resort

This photo of Amanpulo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is the ultimate destination for any tourist and beach lover the comes to Philippines. Amanpulo Resort is a private beach resort, located in Pamalican Island, Palawan. For wealthy tourists and celebrities, a price of P100,000 plus, for a weekend here, is not that much since this is a private place to rest and be by yourself. You will have an entire talcum powder, footprint free beach all to yourself

3. Donsol

This photo of Donsol Whale Shark Interaction is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The place is knows as the whale shark capital of the world, because it has the largest number of whale sharks sightings anywhere on Earth. Because of the high concentration of plankton, this area is the feeding ground for these gentle creatures. If you encounter the wale sharks, you will realize how small we are in this world, and you will appreciate how blessed and beautiful out marine biodiversity is.

2. El Nido Resorts

This photo of El Nido Resorts Lagen Island is courtesy of TripAdvisor

El Nido was recognized by Wild Asia with the 2009 Responsible Tourism Award and it was of the most favorite green hotels in 2008 and as a tourist, you can’t refuse to stay here once you have seen the place. You can reserve the best white sand beach island, Entalula Island, for family escapes or private romantic dates. If you go there, you can even arrange to have your breakfast or lunch on the beach.

1. Boracay Island

This photo of Boracay is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The island is on the list of the best beach destinations in Asia, because of it’s fine, white and sugar like sands. Boracay is known for having the hottest night life, the coolest adventure sports, pampering spas, delicious gourmet food, luxurious resorts and the bohemian lifestyle all into one island experience. If that is not your style, you can also drink Jonas milkshakes, eat chori burgers, take walks while holding hands with your loved one or ride the Paraw as the sun sets on the horizon.

Feature Image Credits:travel.nationalgeographic