Discover
Philippines
Crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and some of the friendliest locals in the world.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Palawan (El Nido)
Nestled at the northern tip of Palawan, El Nido is renowned for its extraordinary limestone karst cliffs that dramatically rise from the crystal-clear emerald waters. The area is home to hidden lagoons, secret pristine beaches, and incredibly diverse marine ecosystems. Visitors can explore prehistoric caves, snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs, and relax on powdery white-sand islands that feel untouched by time.
Best Time
December to May (Dry Season)
Insider Tip
Charter a private boat early...
Boracay
Boracay is a small but globally famous island known for its iconic White Beach, characterized by powder-fine white sand and shallow, azure waters. The island has undergone a remarkable rehabilitation, restoring its natural splendor while maintaining a vibrant dining and entertainment scene. Here, visitors can enjoy world-class water sports, exquisite sunset sails, and a bustling night market.
Best Time
November to April
Insider Tip
For a more secluded and...
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are a unique geological formation consisting of over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills spread across an expansive area. Covered in lush green grass during the rainy season, these mounds turn a striking chocolate brown during the dry season, giving them their famous name. This surreal landscape looks like an endless sea of giant chocolate truffles dropped onto the earth.
Best Time
January to May (for the brown color)
Insider Tip
Visit the Chocolate Hills Complex...
Banaue Rice Terraces
Carved into the mountains of Ifugao by indigenous ancestors over 2,000 years ago, these majestic terraces are often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' They form an immense amphitheater of agricultural ingenuity, sustained by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above. The emerald green steps reflect the deep cultural heritage and harmonious relationship between the Ifugao people and nature.
Best Time
April to May or October to November (when terraces are greenest)
Insider Tip
Trek to the nearby Batad...
Siargao
Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island famous for its legendary 'Cloud 9' waves and laid-back bohemian vibe. Beyond surfing, the island features expansive coconut palm forests, hidden tide pools, and the pristine Sugba Lagoon. It has rapidly evolved into a haven for digital nomads, wellness enthusiasts, and luxury travelers seeking an authentic yet upscale island experience.
Best Time
March to October (general travel), August to November (for surfing)
Insider Tip
Rent a private villa in...
Intramuros (Manila)
Intramuros, the 'Walled City,' is the historic heart of Manila, originally built by the Spanish in the 16th century. It is heavily fortified with massive stone walls and moats, enclosing cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and historic landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. Walking through its gates feels like stepping back in time to the height of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.
Best Time
December to February (cooler months)
Insider Tip
Book a sunset bamboo bicycle...
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano is globally renowned for its near-perfect symmetrical cone, dominating the landscape of the Bicol Region. It is the most active volcano in the Philippines, frequently emitting plumes of ash and smoke that add to its majestic, raw beauty. The surrounding national park offers lush greenery, historical ruins, and rugged terrain shaped by past eruptions.
Best Time
March to May (for clearest views)
Insider Tip
Visit the Cagsawa Ruins early...
Tubbataha Reefs
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a pristine marine sanctuary located in the heart of the Sulu Sea. It encompasses two massive coral atolls and is home to some of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth, featuring hundreds of species of corals, sharks, and tropical fish. The park's remote location ensures that its ecosystems remain largely untouched and incredibly vibrant.
Best Time
Mid-March to Mid-June (exclusive diving window)
Insider Tip
Book your liveaboard trip at...
Coron
Coron is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and therapeutic hot springs. Beneath its waters lies a fleet of sunken Japanese warships from World War II, making it one of the best wreck diving destinations globally. The stunning Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon offer some of the most breathtaking and tranquil swimming experiences imaginable.
Best Time
December to May
Insider Tip
Hire an exclusive luxury yacht...
Cebu (Kawasan Falls)
Kawasan Falls is a magnificent multi-tiered waterfall famous for its striking, milky-blue waters set amidst a lush tropical jungle. Located in the town of Badian, the falls are the culminating point for thrilling canyoneering adventures that involve trekking, jumping, and swimming down a scenic river canyon. The natural pools at the base of the falls offer a refreshing and picturesque swimming experience.
Best Time
Late December to early June
Insider Tip
Opt for a VIP canyoneering...
Vigan
Vigan is a meticulously preserved Spanish colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its intact cobblestone streets and heritage houses. The iconic Calle Crisologo is lined with ancestral homes featuring capiz shell windows and thick brick walls, transporting visitors back to the 16th century. The city also offers a unique culinary scene, famous for its distinctive empanadas and longganisa.
Best Time
November to April
Insider Tip
Take an early morning stroll...
Batanes
Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, features breathtaking landscapes of rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and fierce ocean waves reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The indigenous Ivatan people have preserved their unique culture and traditional stone houses, built to withstand the region's frequent typhoons. The serene, unhurried pace of life here offers a profound sense of isolation and peace.
Best Time
March to May (summer months for calmer weather)
Insider Tip
Rent a private vehicle to...
Puerto Princesa Underground River
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a spectacular subterranean river system that flows directly into the sea, featuring a complex cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. At over 8 kilometers long, it is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. The surrounding national park is a highly protected biodiversity conservation area, teeming with endemic wildlife and old-growth forests.
Best Time
January to May
Insider Tip
Book a private VIP tour...
Camiguin
Known as the 'Island Born of Fire,' Camiguin is a lush, volcanic island boasting more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else on earth. The island is dotted with pristine white sandbars, cold and hot natural springs, and impressive cascading waterfalls. Its most famous landmark is the Sunken Cemetery, marked by a massive cross rising out of the sea.
Best Time
March to June
Insider Tip
Charter a private boat to...
Panglao Island
Panglao Island is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional accessibility, connected to mainland Bohol by bridges. It boasts world-class diving spots, notably around Balicasag Island, where vibrant coral reefs and resident sea turtles abound. The island seamlessly combines a relaxed tropical vibe with sophisticated infrastructure and high-end tourism facilities.
Best Time
December to May
Insider Tip
Book a private yacht for...
Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano presents a unique and captivating geological phenomenon: a volcano situated on an island within a lake, which itself is situated within a larger ancient volcanic caldera. Despite its small size, it is one of the most active and continuously monitored volcanoes in the country. The viewing decks from the nearby elevated city of Tagaytay offer breathtaking, panoramic views of this natural marvel.
Best Time
November to February (for the cool climate in Tagaytay)
Insider Tip
Book a suite at one...
Mount Pulag
Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon, renowned for its majestic 'sea of clouds' phenomenon and unique high-altitude dwarf bamboo forests. The mountain is considered sacred by the indigenous peoples of the region and features incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Trekking to the summit reveals a surreal, celestial landscape where the mountain peaks pierce through a thick blanket of white clouds.
Best Time
December to March (for the highest chance of the sea of clouds)
Insider Tip
Opt for a premium 'glamping'...
Apo Island
Apo Island is a pioneering community-led marine sanctuary that has become one of the most successful coral reef conservation projects in the world. The small volcanic island is surrounded by incredibly vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, including a massive resident population of green sea turtles. The exceptionally clear waters make it a premier destination for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
Best Time
November to May
Insider Tip
Charter a private boat from...
Siquijor
Known locally as the 'Isla del Fuego' (Island of Fire) due to the glow of fireflies, Siquijor is famous for its mystical traditions of folk healing and natural beauty. The island features multi-tiered azure waterfalls like Cambugahay, enchanted centuries-old Balete trees, and pristine, uncrowded white sand beaches. It retains an untouched, serene atmosphere that feels far removed from modern commercialization.
Best Time
November to May
Insider Tip
Rent a private vintage-style scooter...
Malapascua Island
Malapascua is a tiny, idyllic island off the northern coast of Cebu, globally renowned as the only place in the world where you can reliably dive with the magnificent Thresher Sharks every single day. The island itself boasts beautiful, powdery white-sand beaches, specifically Bounty Beach, and a highly laid-back, tranquil village atmosphere. The surrounding reefs also offer excellent macro diving and vibrant coral gardens.
Best Time
December to April (though sharks are present year-round)
Insider Tip
Book a private divemaster for...
Travel Tips for Philippines
- 1.
Island hop between destinations
- 2.
Try lechon and adobo
- 3.
Learn basic Tagalog phrases