Top 10 Attractions, Food and Tips for Filipinos 🇵🇭

The Philippines is home to 7,641 islands, so choosing where to go can be difficult! From world-famous beaches and turquoise lagoons to mountains, waterfalls, historic cities and incredible food, there is always somewhere new to discover.

For first-time visitors, I recommend exploring Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao rather than trying to see everything in one trip.

Whether you're a Filipino rediscovering your own country or a foreign tourist visiting the Philippines for the first time, these destinations are a great place to start.

🏝️ Top 10 Attractions You Must Visit

1. Boracay ⭐

If you're looking for the classic Philippine beach experience, start with Boracay.

Its famous White Beach is known for powdery white sand, clear waters and spectacular sunsets. Beyond the beach, you can go island-hopping, snorkeling, parasailing, paddleboarding and enjoy the island's restaurants and nightlife.

Best for: Beaches, sunsets, water activities and nightlife

Tip: Don't just stay at Station 2. Explore Stations 1 and 3 for a different atmosphere.

2. El Nido, Palawan 🏝️

If you love turquoise lagoons, limestone cliffs and island hopping, El Nido should be high on your list.

The spectacular Bacuit Bay is home to famous attractions such as the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Matinloc Island.

Best for: Island hopping, lagoons and photography

Tip: Book an island-hopping tour and don't forget waterproof bags for your phone.

3. Coron, Palawan 💙

Coron is another Philippine paradise famous for dramatic limestone formations, clear water and incredible marine experiences.

Kayangan Lake is one of its most recognizable attractions, while the surrounding waters are famous for snorkeling and diving.

Best for: Diving, snorkeling, lagoons and nature

Tip: Combine Coron with an island-hopping tour for the best experience.

4. Chocolate Hills, Bohol 🍫

One of the most unique landscapes in the Philippines, the Chocolate Hills consists of 1,776 geological formations spread across several towns in Bohol.

The hills turn brown during the dry season, creating their famous chocolate-like appearance, while they become green during the rainy season.

Best for: Families, sightseeing and photography

Don't miss: Combine the Chocolate Hills with the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.

5. Cebu 🐋

Cebu is one of the Philippines' best all-around destinations because it combines history, beaches, food and marine adventures.

Visit Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, then explore destinations such as Moalboal, where you can experience the famous sardine run.

Best for: History, beaches, diving and food

Tip: If you have enough time, explore beyond Cebu City.

6. Siargao 🌴

Siargao isn't only for surfers.

The island is famous for its surfing scene, coconut-lined roads, island-hopping adventures and laid-back atmosphere. You can also visit Magpupungko Rock Pools, which are best experienced around low tide.

Best for: Surfing, island life, cafés and adventure

Tip: Check the tide schedule before visiting Magpupungko.

7. Banaue Rice Terraces 🌾

Travel to the Cordillera mountains and see one of the country's most remarkable cultural landscapes.

The Banaue Rice Terraces showcase centuries-old Ifugao agricultural traditions and are among the Philippines' most recognizable landscapes.

Best for: Culture, mountains, hiking and photography

Tip: Don't rush your visit. The mountain journey itself is part of the experience.

8. Vigan 🏘️

Step back in time in Vigan, famous for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Walk along Calle Crisologo, explore historic buildings and try local Ilocano food.

Best for: History, architecture and food

Don't miss: A calesa ride through the historic area.

9. Davao & Samal Island 🌴

For a different side of the Philippines, explore Davao and nearby Samal Island.

Davao offers city experiences and access to nature, while Samal provides beautiful beaches and island adventures.

Best for: Nature, beaches, food and a more relaxed atmosphere

Tip: Combine city sightseeing with a beach escape.

10. Baguio & Northern Luzon 🌲

If you want cooler weather, head north to Baguio.

Explore Burnham Park, Session Road, Camp John Hay and the local markets, then continue your trip toward nearby mountain destinations.

Best for: Cool weather, food, shopping and mountain scenery

Tip: Avoid peak holiday traffic if possible.

📸 Top 5 Photo Spots

1. Boracay White Beach
Perfect for sunset photos.

2. El Nido Lagoons
Turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs.

3. Chocolate Hills
One of the country's most recognizable landscapes.

4. Banaue Rice Terraces
Amazing mountain scenery and cultural heritage.

5. Calle Crisologo, Vigan
Beautiful Spanish-era architecture.

🍴 Food You MUST Try in the Philippines

Philippine food is one of the best reasons to travel around the country because every region has its own specialties.

🍗 Adobo

Probably the most internationally recognized Filipino dish.

Chicken or pork is cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and spices.

🥩 Lechon

Crispy roasted pork that's especially popular during celebrations.

Cebu is particularly famous for its lechon.

🍜 Pancit

Filipino-style noodles come in many varieties and are perfect for sharing.

🥘 Sinigang

A comforting sour soup usually made with pork, seafood or other meat and vegetables.

🍚 Chicken Inasal

Grilled marinated chicken, particularly associated with Bacolod.

🥟 Kwek-Kwek & Street Food

For adventurous travelers, try Filipino street food such as kwek-kwek, fish balls and barbecue.

🍨 Halo-Halo

The perfect Filipino dessert for hot weather.

Mixed fruits, beans, shaved ice, evaporated milk and ice cream make this a must-try.

☕ Cafés & Restaurants You Should Try

One of the best things about traveling around the Philippines is discovering local restaurants rather than sticking only to international chains.

For Boracay, consider:

The Sunny Side Cafe — A popular beachfront café and breakfast option.

Nonie's Boracay — A good choice for healthier dishes and casual meals.

Real Coffee & Tea Cafe — A classic Boracay stop for breakfast and coffee.

For Puerto Princesa, Palawan:

Badjao Seafront Restaurant — A scenic option if you're looking for seafood and Filipino dishes.

My tip: Don't judge Philippine food by what you find only in Manila. Every region has its own specialties, and food is one of the best ways to understand the country.

💡 Philippines Tips and Tricks for Travelers

1. Don't try to see the entire country in one trip

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands.

Choose a region and explore it properly.

2. Plan around domestic flights

If you're traveling between Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, flying is often the most practical option.

Book early when possible, especially around holidays.

3. Check the weather before island trips

Rain and storms can affect flights, ferries and island-hopping tours.

Always check the forecast before heading to remote destinations.

4. Bring cash for remote destinations

Cards and e-wallets are increasingly common, but smaller islands, markets and local businesses may still prefer cash.

5. Bring sunscreen

The Philippine sun can be intense, especially during beach and island-hopping trips.

6. Use reef-safe practices

When snorkeling or diving, avoid touching coral and marine life and follow local environmental rules.

7. Wake up early

Some of the country's most popular attractions become crowded later in the day.

Early mornings are often cooler and better for photography.

8. Travel slowly

Don't schedule three islands in three days.

Give yourself enough time to enjoy each destination instead of spending your entire trip transferring between airports, ports and hotels.

9. Try local food

Ask locals what they recommend instead of eating only at tourist-oriented restaurants.

Some of the best Filipino food can be found in small neighborhood eateries.

10. Explore beyond the famous destinations

Boracay, Palawan and Cebu are famous for a reason, but the Philippines has so much more.

Consider discovering Iloilo, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Camiguin, Batanes, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Bukidnon or Ilocos.

The Department of Tourism currently promotes destinations across all regions of the country, including both established destinations and lesser-known places.

🇵🇭 Sample 7-Day Philippines Itinerary

Day 1 – Manila

Intramuros → Rizal Park → National Museum → Binondo

Day 2 – Boracay

White Beach → island hopping → sunset → beachfront dinner

Day 3 – Boracay

Water activities → beach day → sunset → nightlife

Day 4 – Bohol

Chocolate Hills → Tarsier Sanctuary → countryside tour

Day 5 – Cebu

Cebu City heritage → Magellan's Cross → Basilica → local food

Day 6 – Palawan

El Nido or Coron island hopping

Day 7 – Choose Your Adventure

Extend your stay in Palawan, or choose another destination such as Siargao, Baguio, Banaue or Vigan.

For a more realistic trip, however, I'd recommend choosing 2–3 destinations rather than attempting all of these in one week.

🏝️ Best Destination Based on Your Travel Style

🏖️ For Beaches

Boracay, El Nido, Coron, Siargao

🤿 For Diving & Marine Life

Coron, Cebu, Malapascua, Tubbataha

Palawan's Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most important marine destinations.

🌿 For Nature

Bohol, Palawan, Siargao, Banaue

🏛️ For History & Culture

Vigan, Cebu, Manila, Iloilo

🍴 For Food

Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Pampanga, Manila

🏄 For Adventure

Siargao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Palawan

❄️ For Cooler Weather

Baguio, Sagada, Banaue

💰 Is the Philippines Expensive for Tourists?

The Philippines can be very budget-friendly, but costs depend heavily on the destination.

You can save money by:

• Eating at local restaurants
• Using public transportation
• Booking domestic flights early
• Staying in locally owned accommodations
• Traveling during less busy periods
• Sharing island-hopping tours
• Choosing destinations with good public transport

However, remote island destinations can become expensive because of flights, boat transfers and tours.

❤️ Is the Philippines Worth Visiting?

Absolutely!

The Philippines gives you an incredible combination of:

🏝️ World-class beaches
💙 Turquoise lagoons
🌊 Diving and marine life
🏔️ Mountains
🌾 Rice terraces
🏛️ Spanish-era heritage
🍗 Incredible Filipino food
🌴 Island adventures
😊 Warm hospitality
📸 Unforgettable scenery

And that's what makes the Philippines special.

🇵🇭 My biggest tip:

Don't just visit the Philippines. Explore it.

Go beyond the usual tourist destinations. Try regional food. Talk to locals. Take the long road sometimes. Visit a small island. Explore a historic town. Wake up early for a sunrise.

There are 7,641 islands, so there's always another place waiting to be discovered.

For first-time visitors, my recommended combination is:

Manila → Boracay → Bohol → Cebu → Palawan

And if you're a Filipino living in the Philippines, don't wait for an international trip to explore the world.

Sometimes, the best destination is the one in our own backyard. 🇵🇭❤️

Travel conditions, domestic flight schedules, ferry operations, attraction opening hours and weather can change. Check the official tourism websites and local authorities before traveling, especially for island destinations and outdoor activities.