Philippines Highlights
7,641 islands of tropical paradise — beaches, rice terraces, and world-class diving
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's most diverse and beautiful destinations — an archipelago of 7,641 islands with world-class beaches, ancient rice terraces, extraordinary marine biodiversity, and warm, welcoming people. Palawan (consistently voted the world's best island), the Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol are among Asia's greatest sights.
Top Philippines Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate philippines highlights experience
Palawan
The last frontier — the Philippines' most beautiful island with limestone cliffs and crystal lagoons
Palawan is consistently voted the world's best island — a long, narrow island in the western Philippines with extraordinary natural beauty. El Nido's limestone karst formations and hidden lagoons, Coron's WWII shipwreck diving, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) make Palawan one of the most diverse and spectacular destinations in Asia.
Highlights
- Consistently voted the world's best island
- El Nido's limestone karst formations and hidden lagoons
- Coron's WWII shipwreck diving
- Puerto Princesa Underground River — UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tubbataha Reef — one of the world's best dive sites
Things to Do
- Island hop in El Nido's lagoons
- Dive the WWII shipwrecks in Coron
- Kayak through the Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Snorkel in Tubbataha Reef (UNESCO)
- Watch the sunset from El Nido town
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
November–May (dry season)
Recommended Duration
5–10 days
Typical Cost
Budget from $40/day
Travel Tips
- ·Fly directly to El Nido or Puerto Princesa from Manila
- ·November to May is dry season — June to October brings typhoons
- ·Book island hopping tours in advance
- ·El Nido is more scenic; Coron is better for diving
- ·The Philippines uses the Philippine peso — ATMs available in main towns
Nearby Attractions
Banaue Rice Terraces
The eighth wonder of the world — 2,000-year-old rice terraces carved into the Cordillera mountains
The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary human achievements in Asia — 2,000-year-old terraces carved into the Cordillera mountains by the Ifugao people using only hand tools. The terraces cover 10,360 square kilometres and are still actively farmed today. The Batad amphitheatre terraces are the most spectacular.
Highlights
- 2,000-year-old terraces carved by the Ifugao people
- UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 10,360 sq km
- Batad amphitheatre terraces — the most spectacular viewpoint
- Still actively farmed today
- One of the greatest human achievements in Asia
Things to Do
- Hike to the Batad amphitheatre terraces
- Trek to Tappiyah Waterfall
- Visit Ifugao villages and learn about the culture
- Photograph the terraces at sunrise
- Stay in a traditional Ifugao guesthouse
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
March–May (harvest) or June–July (planting)
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Budget from $25/day
Travel Tips
- ·Take the overnight bus from Manila (9 hours) or fly to Baguio
- ·Hire a local guide for the Batad trek
- ·The best views are in the morning before clouds form
- ·Respect the Ifugao culture — the terraces are a living cultural landscape
- ·Combine with a visit to Sagada (cave coffins and hanging coffins)
Nearby Attractions
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