Places to visit in Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelagic country that consists of 7, 000 islands and has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, sun, sea, beach and adventure. Here are the top 7 places to visit in the Philippines when you are visiting the country.

The Batad (Banaue) rice terraces in Luzon

Mountain terracing with the cultivation of rice varieties is practiced throughout the whole region of Pacific Asia. In the Philippines they have the most unique terraces! The Cordillera terraces in Northern Luzon are said to be the most unique in the world. Some people call these rice terraces the “stairways to Heaven”, or “the eighth world miracle”. They are 20, 000 years old

The indigenous mountain people are still living and working as it was in the past. The irrigation system based on the efficient use of the mountain water resources, is still the same as it was in the beginning of the formation of the terraces. The landscapes in the regions of Bontoc and Ifugao attract a lot of tourists. Not only the famous rice terraces, but also the indigenous people with their still traditional way of living, are main destinations for tourists when they make a trip through the Luzon island

Tappiya waterfalls

At the same place as the rice terraces are the Tappiya Waterfalls. They are definitely worth visiting after an exhaustive day of hiking over the terraces, take a refreshing swim in the basin and just enjoy the stunning view.
You find both the waterfalls and the seclusive pool, hidden and well secluded at the back of the high-rising Batad rice terraces, To reach the falls you will go down the mountain via steep stairs.

The water is cool and refreshing especially after the long walk. Beware of the current!
You can take a dip and be refreshed in the water that gushes down to a large pool. There is a nipa hut overlooking the falls.
Make sure you hire a local guide, you will not get lost and you help generate income for the locals.
Guide fees are around 500 pesos ($12.00) they will take you both to the Water Falls and the Old Village.

Puerto Princesa
Also called ‘a city in the forest’. Puerto Princesa city’s attractions have much to do with its natural wonders and commitment to the environment. In fact, it’s been named the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city, and has been internationally recognized for environmental excellence.

The city in the forest is famous because of its subterranean river (underground river), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The 8.2-kilometer river, said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world, winds its way underneath a mountain range, through the St. Paul Underground River Cave, and then goes out into the South China Sea. The journey through the cave system alone is 24 kilometers long.

The town of Vigan

Vigan is a centuries old town that was settled and founded by Juan de Salcedo in 1572. Vigan has a unique mixture of Asian building design and Spanish colonial architecture and planning. It is a World Heritage Site, and one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines. The ideal place to shop for souvenirs.

Beaches

An archipelagic country such as the Philippines never runs out of beaches. No wonder the Philippines have one of the longest coastlines in Asia. Most beaches have fine sand and there is a crystal clear sea.

Boracay has one of the most famous beaches in the Philippines, it has a fine white-sand beach where you can enjoy beach massages, and where you can have a go at watersports such as scuba diving, snorkeling and kite surfing in the crystal clear water. Moreover, Boracay has a pleasant nightlife with several bars, clubs and restaurants.

El Nido on the island of Palawan, also known as “the Island of the Gods”, is an upcoming tourist area but still less developed than Boracay, you can escape city life here. If you are looking for peace, El Nido is a great place to visit. It can be reached by ferry or plane from Manila.

Are you into (kite)surfing you should go to Pagudpud in Luzon, it has strong winds and waves that can be compared to Hawaii.

Chocolate Hills – Bohol

The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation in Bohol Province. There are at least 1, 260 hills but there may be as many as 1, 776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres. They are covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, this is where the name ‘Chocolate Hills’ comes from.

Mount Mayon

Mount Mayon (Mayon Volcano) sits in a national park and is renowned for being a “perfect cone volcano”. It is the most active volcano in the Philippines. The volcano rises 2, 400 metres above sea level, and you can climb it. It appears to be a very photogenic scenery.

Want to take a look around and find your own best places to visit in the Philippines?
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