Dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient Seas because of its stunning natural resources, the Philippines is a dream destination in Southeast Asia. It has a lot to offer to everyone who loves adrenaline-pumping adventure and breathtaking views.
We rounded up the 7 most beautiful places in the Philippines, which should be on top of your travel list:
Tubbataha Reefs National Park
Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan is a fantastic diving site. This protected aquatic sanctuary offers a glimpse of the spectacular coral reef formation and home to extensive species of fish, whales, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, lionfish, clownfish, and the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. To enjoy this remarkable marine biodiversity, you need to ride a liveaboard boat because of its isolated location.
How to get to Tubattaha Reefs National Park?
From the capital city of Manila, you can take a flight or a ferry to Puerto Princesa. From there, dive operators will provide boat transport to Tubattaha Reefs National Park which takes around 10 hours. Boats usually leave Puerto Princesa after dinner and arrive in Tubattaha the next morning.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces, which is considered as the 8th Wonder of the World is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The iconic view of these rice beds reminds everyone of the creativity and ingenuity of Ifugao ancestors who used their bare hands to create a sustainable farming space more than 2000 years ago. These picturesque terraces remain valuable to locals for farming and tourism purposes.
How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces?
From Manila, take an overnight bus to Banaue. It will depart Manila around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM and arrive in Banaue the next morning. The bus gets full sometimes especially during peak season and weekends so it is highly recommended to book a ticket in advance. You can check out this schedule of bus trips to plan your travel.
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Who wouldn’t love seeing Chocolate Hills up close and have it in the backdrop for a postcard-like photo? These cocoa-colored hills are scattered in more than 50 hectares land remain the most favorite destination of visiting tourists and must be in your top bucket list when you visit Bohol.
How to get to Bohol Chocolate Hills?
From Manila, take a flight to Bohol. From Tagbilaran, go to Dao bus terminal and take a bus to Carmen, Bohol. Alternatively, you can also fly to Cebu then take a ferry to Tubigon, Bohol. From there, you can take a bus to Carmen which is closer than from Tagbilaran. The most convenient way is to book a tour to Bohol Chocolate Hills. Check rates and availability.
Hinatuan Enchanted River
Hinatuan Enchanted River is a mystical body of water in Surigao del Sur, which is believed to be guarded by nature spirits and fairies. This 80-feet spring river mysteriously appears out of the ground and flows into the Pacific Ocean is in the list of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. It attracts many tourists around the world, all wanting to unravel the source of its super clear blue salt water and take a soak in the miraculous water amidst the lush green vegetation.
How to get to Hinatuan Enchanted River?
From Manila, take a flight to Butuan City or Davao City. From there, take a bus or van to Hinatuan, then a single motocycle to bring you to the Enchanted River.
Marlboro Country, Batanes
Batanes is a great escape destination if you want ultimate tranquility and commune with nature. One of the much-sought destinations in this province is the Racu-a-payaman or the Marlboro Country in Uyugan. This communal pasture land has a striking landscape with undulating hills covered with green meadows where the horses, cattle, and water buffaloes roam unrestrained.
How to get to Marlboro Country, Batanes?
From Manila or Clark, take a flight to Basco, Batanes. From there rent a bike and drive your way to Marlboro Country. Alternatively, you can also join a group tour to visit Marlboro Country.
El Nido
El Nido is still on the list of top three most beautiful places in the Philippines, with its unique limestone cliffs, incredible pristine beaches, verdant jungle, and fantastic underwater marine world. It seems that Mother Nature is showing off her supreme beauty in this part of the country, making it hard to find the exact words to describe this amazing place in Palawan. And the only way to discover its essence is to stay and experience El Nido.
How to get to El Nido?
El Nido is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. From Manila, you can take a flight direct to El Nido. The flights are limited and quite expensive so a lot of travelers prefer to fly to Puerto Princesa and take a van or bus from there to El Nido. Alternatively, you can also fly to Coron, Palawan and take a ferry to El Nido from there.
Boracay
Boracay, or should we say the new Boracay is, without a doubt, the ultimate beach destination in the country. This world-famous island is known for its dazzling waters, white sands, and impeccable sunsets. Despite the changes which include prohibiting beach parties, Boracay keeps its attraction that beckons tourists to visit, swim, or simply enjoy the relaxing ambiance of this beautiful place.
How to get to Boracay?
From Manila, Clark or Cebu, take a flight to Caticlan. From there, take a boat to Boracay Island. Take note that in order to visit the island, you must book your accommodation in advance through an accredited hotel or hostel. You can check the complete Boracay-accredited hotels for your reference.
So, let your wanderlust takes over and starts planning to visit these most beautiful places in the Philippines as soon as possible!
