Top 10 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines for First-Timers     

GloboTreks is reader-supported through affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! – Norbert

The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and challenging places to organize a trip to in Southeast Asia. It has more than 7,600 islands amid blue oceans.

There are beautiful beaches, old rice terraces, historical towns, and rich volcanic landscapes all vying for your attention. Knowing where to start might make a big difference if this is your first time there. Every first-time visitor to the Philippines should know about these great spots to visit.

1. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido would be the address of paradise if there were one. Limestone karsts rise dramatically from clear seas, hiding lagoons and beaches that can only be reached by boat.

You have to start on the famous island-hopping cruises around the Bacuit Archipelago, which includes 45 islands and islets. El Nido will satisfy all of your expectations, whether you want to swim, take pictures, or just enjoy beautiful surroundings.

2. Boracay

Boracay is home to the famous White Beach, which is 4 km long and has soft white sand and quiet, mild seas. It was formerly considered one of the greatest beaches in Asia.

Boracay has made a spectacular return after a huge government-mandated cleaning. The beach bars are more lively, and there are more interesting water activities. Boracay is the perfect place for first-timers looking for a tropical beach paradise.

3. Cebu

Cebu really does have everything you could want. To see Spanish colonial sites like the Basilica del Santo Niño and the famous Magellan’s Cross, start in Cebu City. Then, leave the city and try canyoneering at the bright blue Kawasan Falls, see the amazing sardine run in Moalboal, or walk up the sharp slopes of Osmeña Peak.

Cebu is also the easiest place in the Philippines to travel between islands, making it the best place to start exploring the Visayas area. Book Cebu Pacific flights with Flyin.com to go there effortlessly and affordably. They have fantastic deals on routes all around the archipelago.

4. Bohol

Bohol is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Philippines because it combines natural beauty with cultural legacy. The Chocolate Hills are made up of more than 1,200 symmetrical cone-shaped hills that become golden-brown in the dry season.

They are unlike anything else in the world. You could easily spend five full days on this island since it has the cute Philippine tarsier (the smallest monkey in the world), a leisurely sail on the Loboc River, and some of the best diving spots in the world at Alona Beach on Panglao Island.

5. Siargao

Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, has changed from a tranquil island to a bohemian paradise that still maintains its personality. Its world-famous reef break, Cloud 9, attracts elite surfers from all over the world.

Siargao is one of the most interesting spots in the country for first-timers, even if you don’t enjoy surfing. The rainforests are lush, the lagoons are beautiful (like Sugba Lagoon), there are routes for island-hopping, and the café culture is relaxed.

6. Manila

You have to spend at least one or two days in the capital if this is your first trip to the Philippines. Manila is a city of opposites: it’s busy, vibrant, and very interesting. Visit the UNESCO-listed San Agustín Church and Intramuros, a walled city from the 16th century that was formerly the center of Spanish colonial power.

At dusk, take a walk around Manila Bay for a vista you’ll never forget. In the busy Divisoria or Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown), try some Filipino street cuisine.

7. Coron, Palawan

El Nido gets much of the attention in Palawan, but Coron is a diver’s and snorkeler’s ideal place to go. Some of Asia’s most famous wreckage from World War II is now covered with colorful coral and marine life in the warm seas of Coron.

Kayangan Lake, which is commonly named the cleanest lake in Asia, has beautiful emerald-green waters surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, Maquinit Hot Springs is the best way to conclude the day.

8. Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue is a great place for first-timers who want to do more than just go to the beach. These rice terraces, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, were carved into the mountains of Ifugao province over 2,000 years ago by native people.

They are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Hiking through the Batad terraces, which are shaped like a natural amphitheater, is one of the most amazing things you can do in all of Southeast Asia. The trek from Manila is well worth it, even if it takes more than one day.

9. Dumaguete

Dumaguete in Negros Oriental is sometimes nicknamed the “City of Gentle People.” It’s a great place for first-time travelers to unwind and take their time. It is the gateway to Apo Island, where swimming with sea turtles is one of the best ways to see wildlife in the Philippines.

You may easily plan day excursions to the magical Siquijor Island from Dumaguete’s ferry port. The island is recognized for its healing practices, beautiful waterfalls, and clean beaches.

10. Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of a Spanish colonial town in Asia. The famous Calle Crisologo is dotted with historical houses, local artisan businesses, and horse-drawn calesas (carriages) that make for great pictures. Vigan has some of the most distinctive Filipino food in the nation. Don’t leave without having longganisa (local sausage) and bagnet (crispy pork).

​Conclusion

The Philippines is one of the best places in Asia for those who are interested and open-minded. Every part of this amazing archipelago has a tale to tell and an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Cebu, looking at limestone cliffs in Palawan, or watching the sun rise over old rice farms in Banaue.