Philippines Attractions

Recommended by Alex Robinson, our Philippines specialist · Updated October 2026

Things to Do in the Philippines: Islands, Rice Terraces and Reefs

The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, and it has some of the most beautiful coastline in Asia. In two weeks you can walk through 2,000-year-old rice terraces in the mountains of Luzon, paddle into the hidden lagoons of El Nido, snorkel over coral reefs and shipwrecks in Coron, see the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and swim with sardines in Moalboal.

These are the experiences our Philippines specialist Alex Robinson, an award-winning travel journalist and photographer who writes about South-East Asia, recommends most. Every one can be arranged privately, with your own guide and transfers, as part of a tailor-made Philippines holiday.

1. Manila and Intramuros

Most trips start in Manila. Behind its busy streets lies Intramuros, the walled Spanish city founded in the 16th century.

• Intramuros: walk or cycle the old walls, Fort Santiago and Casa Manila, a recreated colonial house.
• San Agustin Church: the oldest stone church in the Philippines and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Binondo: the world’s oldest Chinatown, best explored on a food walk.

Where to stay: Heritage Hotel Manila.

2. The Rice Terraces of Banaue and Batad

In the Cordillera mountains of northern Luzon, the Ifugao people carved rice terraces into the hillsides by hand more than 2,000 years ago.

• Batad: hike down to a village surrounded by an amphitheatre of terraces, part of the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, then on to Tappiya Waterfall.
• Banaue viewpoint: the classic view over the terraces, with Ifugao villages along the way.

Where to stay: Banaue Hotel.

3. Sagada

A cool mountain town north of Banaue, Sagada is known for the hanging coffins of Echo Valley, where coffins are placed on cliff faces in an old burial tradition, and for its caves, pine forests and rice terraces.

Where to stay: Masferre Country Inn.

4. Vigan

Further north, Vigan is a UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town with cobbled streets, ancestral houses and horse-drawn carriages. It’s a good addition for culture and history lovers.

5. Palawan: Puerto Princesa and El Nido

Palawan, the long island in the west, has some of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.

• Puerto Princesa Underground River: take a paddle boat into a river that flows through a limestone cave to the sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• El Nido island hopping: explore the Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon and the beaches of the Bacuit Archipelago by private boat and kayak.
• Snorkelling: coral gardens and turtles around Shimizu and Helicopter islands.

6. Coron

North of El Nido, Coron has dramatic limestone islands, freshwater lakes and some of the best wreck diving in the world.

• Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake: clear lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
• Second World War wrecks: Japanese supply ships sunk in 1944, some shallow enough to snorkel over.
• Twin Lagoon and hidden beaches: swim between lagoons and stop for a picnic on a quiet beach.

7. Bohol

• Chocolate Hills: more than 1,200 grassy hills that turn brown in the dry season.
• Philippine tarsiers: see these tiny primates at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, where they live in the forest rather than in cages.
• Loboc River and Pamilacan Island: a gentle river trip, and an early-morning boat to look for dolphins, followed by snorkelling at Balicasag.

8. Cebu: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal

• Cebu City: Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro and the Basilica del Santo Niño, the heart of the country’s Spanish history.
• Kawasan Falls canyoneering: jump, swim and slide down a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls.
• Moalboal sardine run: snorkel just off the shore among millions of sardines, with turtles often seen.

9. Siargao and Donsol

• Siargao: a laid-back island famous for its surfing at Cloud 9, coconut palm forests, lagoons and island hopping.
• Whale sharks in Donsol: swim with whale sharks in the wild with a trained local guide, mainly from about November to June.

Philippines Experiences at a Glance

Travelling Responsibly in the Philippines

We work with local guides and community-run businesses, from boatmen in El Nido to Ifugao guides in Batad. For wildlife, we choose experiences where animals live freely in nature, such as the tarsier sanctuary in Corella and wild whale shark encounters in Donsol, rather than places where animals are fed or kept for tourists. Use reef-safe sun cream and never touch coral when snorkelling. Read more about our responsible travel approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for island hopping in the Philippines?

The dry season, from about December to May, is best for island hopping in Palawan, Bohol and Cebu, with calm seas and sunny days. March to May is the hottest time. From June to November there is more rain, and typhoons can disrupt boat trips and flights, especially from August to October.

Should I visit El Nido or Coron?

Both if you can. El Nido is best for lagoons, beaches and kayaking among limestone islands, while Coron has clear freshwater lakes and Second World War wrecks for snorkelling and diving. They are linked by a short flight or a boat trip, and two or three nights in each works well.

Do I need to book the Puerto Princesa Underground River?

Yes. The number of visitors is limited each day, and a permit must be booked in advance, especially in the busy season. We arrange your permit, transfers and boat trip as part of your holiday.

Where can I swim with whale sharks responsibly?

We recommend Donsol, where whale sharks come to feed naturally, mainly from about November to June. Encounters are led by trained local guides, with strict rules on distance and group size. Sightings are not guaranteed because the sharks are wild, and that is what makes it special.

How hard is the Batad rice terraces trek?

It’s moderate. The walk down to Batad village takes 30 minutes to an hour, on steep steps and narrow terrace walls, and the hike to Tappiya Waterfall adds around an hour each way. You need reasonable fitness and good shoes, and we can arrange a shorter walk to the viewpoint instead.

How many days do I need in the Philippines?

We recommend about two weeks. That’s enough for the rice terraces of northern Luzon and two Palawan destinations, or for Cebu, Bohol, Coron and El Nido. With more time, add Siargao, Donsol or Vigan.

Plan Your Philippines Holiday

Many of these experiences feature in our 15-day From Highlands to Islands itinerary, through the rice terraces, Sagada and Palawan, and our 15-day Central Philippines Escapade, through Cebu, Bohol, Coron and El Nido. Browse our Philippines hotels, read our Philippines travel guide, or see our Philippines holidays. To start planning, request a video call with Alex.