Tourist Attractions & Monuments Philippines

It has a white sandy beach, turquoise waters and colorful corals.

In 1807, cholera epidemics struck Manila. The construction of a cemetery was ordered, where one had to pay 20 pesos to bury the dead for three years. On December 30, 1896, José Rizal, the national hero, was buried here. In 1912, the burials stopped and the families of the deceased had to exhume their ancestors and move them to other cemeteries... A strange story. In 1966, the cemetery of Paco Park was declared a national park and became a popular place for people to walk around.

It attracts many visitors due to its pool fuelled by hot springs and cold water sources. It is even said that its sulphur waters have curative virtues.

Rather isolated, it was used as a supply point during the Second World War. A small fishing village today occupies the very pleasant places due to the white sandy beaches for the greatest pleasure of the visitors.

The People's Park, which is the former Palace in the Sky of the Marcos family, overlooks Taal Lake and the view is magnificent. This palace was built during his reign, in the 1980s. And for his family, it requires all the necessary luxury: huge reception hall, swimming pool, massage room... This project is disapproved by the population which revolts in front of this display of wealth. In February 1986, during the uprising against the dictator, the army seized the palace and distributed the furniture to the inhabitants. Today, there are only abandoned remains.

This nature park is located in Impasugong, in the north-central part of Bukidnon province, with its twelve mountains, medicinal plants and trees and impressive varieties of birds. It's a great place for nature lovers and walkers, with hikes ranging from a few hours to a full day. The most courageous can climb Mount Kitanglad. This mountain range, the^4th highest in the Philippines, rises to over 2,900 metres.

The National Museum of Northern and Eastern Mindanao is in fact a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines that was created in Butuan in the 1970s when archaeologists realized the historical importance of this town. It comprises two main galleries. The prehistory, archaeology and ethnology sections give an interesting insight into the region's cultural communities, the Manobos, Mamanwas, Higaonons and Butuanons of the plains. There is also a collection of ceramics, gold ornaments and ancient art.

The Santo Tomas mountain is a potentially still active stratovolcano. It culminates at 2 260 meters of altitude in the province of Benguet. You can reach it by car from Baguio in about 1 hour and the view is already very beautiful. The mountain offers a 15 km hike dotted with caves, some of which were dug by gold, silver and copper miners. The summit offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Lingayen. Count between 2 hours 30 and 3 hours to reach it. It is necessary to leave at sunrise and accompanied by a guide.

Located in Kabayan, this mountain rises to 2,922 meters above sea level; it is the highest peak in Luzon Island and the second highest in the country, after Mount Apo in Mindanao Province. Pulag means "bald" in the Ibaloi dialect. An annual procession takes place there between February and April. The four-day hike to the summit provides a superb view of the Cagayan River valley, the Sierra Madre and Cordillera ranges, and the Pacific Ocean and China Sea.

Pleasant to climb. Lower, it reaches about 1 800 m above sea level. It is located in southwest Cotabato.

For organized treks, contact the tourist service at General Santos's town hall.

This dormant volcano, 1,000 meters high, is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and is ideal for trekking (4-5 hours to reach one of the peaks). It is also sacred to the Filipinos because of the many mystical legends that surround it, starting with its name. It is here that Maria Makiling, the most famous diwata (fairy) of Philippine mythology, is said to live. Spirit of nature, she is invoked during natural disasters. And if a hiker disappears for example, it is said that it is her who, fallen in love, took him away...

Mount Iriga, also known as Mount Asog, is an active volcano (well, it has been sleeping since 1642!) of 1,200 meters in altitude. The flanks of the volcano Iriga are covered with a lush vegetation very dense. On its eastern side, Lake Buhi, whose formation is the result of the last eruption of the volcano, stands proudly. This small lake is known to shelter the tabius, endemic to the Philippines, it is the smallest food fish marketed in the world (3 millimeters!). It is used in the preparation of refined dishes.

Through photographs, sketches and handicrafts, the museum recounts the life of the first tribes that inhabited the islands of the archipelago and that of the remaining tribes. The life of the Atas, in the forest of Negros, or Des, in the mountain of Palawan, is amply detailed as well as their daily organisation, tools and musical instruments. A room is reserved for archaeology; another is devoted to the use of medicinal herbs and plants, revealing the beliefs of Filipinos. See absolutely.

This museum belongs to one of the most famous families of artists in the country: the Blanco family, whose mother, father and seven children all became great artists. In different styles, they mainly paint everyday life, rural life and landscapes. This private museum houses a large collection of 400 works. Very friendly, the staff will be happy to guide you and give you some explanations.

This museum is located in the former home of the martyr Padre José Burgos, who was executed by the Spaniards in 1872. The visit allows to get acquainted with the history of the province and the way of life of the inhabitants of the time (pottery, tools, clothes, jewelry). Also on display are 14 paintings by Esteban Villanueva (a businessman and self-taught artist), done in 1821, which evoke the Basi revolt of 1807. Basi is a sugarcane wine, and this revolt followed the prohibition by the Spaniards of all basi production in the provinces of Ilocos.

The museum is located on the campus of MSU, Mindanao State University, also known as the University of Marawi. On display are Muslim art objects indigenous to Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan. A fine ethnological collection, for enthusiasts to discover the way of life of the Mindanao tribes (weapons, wood carvings, architecture and folk dances). As is often the case in the Philippines, this public museum is a little dated, but nonetheless an interesting place to learn more about the region's history.

This small, unpretentious museum is located in Governor Park. It offers a lively approach to the life of the different tribes of the central Cordillera, the provinces of the mountains. It is full of interesting information (in English, though). Handicrafts (wood carvings, baskets, jewelry, pottery and weaving tools, newspaper articles) are exhibited there. Its architecture is for example inspired by the traditional ifugaos houses with the pyramidal roof and the wooden columns to raise the hut.

It is a dormant but still active volcano that culminates at 1,000 m of altitude, the highest point of the Batanes. Its last eruption was in 1454. Mount Iraya often has its head in the clouds, for the Ivatans, local people, this halo of clouds is formed when someone dear to the community disappears. It is possible to climb the volcano if the weather allows it: count 2 hours to the camping site, then 1 hour to the summit; we go down in about 1 hour 30 min. A guide is essential because the path is not always clear and indicated.

This mining site, also known as the Itogon Mines, is one of the tourist attractions that best illustrates the mining world and the cultural heritage of the Itogon of Benguet. The interconnected tunnels are maintained by Benguet Gold Operations, which organizes guided tours of the area. Beware, claustrophobic people will refrain. For the others, it's an interactive tour that allows you to experience mining underground. There is a small train and the guide provides elements of history during the visit.

Just eleven kilometers from town, this is the closest and most easily accessible of the twenty or so waterfalls in the Iligan area. Less than thirty meters high, they don't fall into a tranquil natural pool, but rather flow powerfully between huge boulders, creating a multitude of small cascades. It's a truly photogenic sight. It is possible to swim, however, in other pools. And there are picnic areas.

Miagao is a small town 40 kilometers southwest of Iloilo, particularly famous for its late ^18th-century Baroque church, also known as the Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva. This church was built as a fortress in 1786, and its superb façade combines Catholic and indigenous (Chinese and Filipino) motifs. It was declared a national landmark in 1973, and finally included on the Unesco World Heritage list. It is one of the region's most visited attractions.

This memorial was erected to commemorate the celebration of the first mass held in the Philippines in 1521. For the record, there has been a long-running debate (which resumed in 2021 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of the Philippines) as to where the first mass was held For Magallanes and Butuan, no doubt, it's here, but for Limasawa, south of Leyte, it's on its territory... In any case, in 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines and celebrated the first mass on March 31, 1521.

This is one of the must-see tourist spots in Baguio. Accessible by jeepney or tricycle. The Mine Observation Park is a great scenic spot that offers splendid views of Baguio, the valley, the forests and the mountains. There are a few street vendors on site. Make a wish by tossing a coin into the old mines. The place is especially popular in the late afternoon when the sun colors the landscape.

Located inside the ENCEINTE, it houses species originating in the Subic forest.

It is the twenty-third highest peak in the Philippines, 30 kilometers southwest of Calapan. It is 2,616 meters high, which makes it also the highest point of the whole island of Mindoro. It offers superb panoramas and can be climbed in seven days (round trip), but it is an ascent reserved for seasoned hikers. It can be reached by Jeepney from Puerto Galera in about 2 hours. It is home to an extremely rich biodiversity, and is a favorite habitat for the Alagan tribe and for the endemic and endangered tamaraw.

Located fifteen minutes from San Francisco, Mount Magdiwata, or Diwata, nicknamed the "mystical mountain", rises to 600 meters. Legend has it that a pregnant fairy(diwata) died here, hence the shape of a reclining pregnant woman. At its foot, a spring provides drinking water for the local inhabitants. The mountain is home to a lush forest and many tropical plants and animals, including wild orchids and rare birds. The peak offers a beautiful view of the Agusan valley. The ascent requires little effort and can be completed in a day.

It is the highest peak of the island. To get a glimpse of the surrounding islands, you don't have to climb it. Just take the road to the International Telecommunications (ITT), which rises to 600 m above sea level. The walk is pleasant from Lonos, through the fields. You can go down directly to the town of Romblon. The military takes care of this weather station, monitors the satellite transmitter and solar energy. When the sky is clear, early in the morning, you can even see the Mayon volcano.

From Sabang, there is a hiking trail of just over 5 kilometers, the Jungle trail, for those who wish to walk to the entrance of the river. It is reached by walking along the beach of Sabang after the Daluyong. It is forbidden to enter the trails after 3pm. Count about 2 hours to reach the entrance of the river. You can also choose to take the boat to go and return on foot or vice versa. In any case, it is advisable to pay the entrance fee at the office of the pier of Sabang before starting the walk.

The monastery is famous for its pyramidal architecture and the views it affords. The monks produce coffee, which is used in Selecta's coffee crumble ice cream, and peanut-based sweets. They are also developing other crops such as rice, corn and soya. Profits go to help pay for the schooling and healthcare of farmers' children. It is possible to stay at the monastery for a total spiritual experience.

The town of Kabayan is known for its burial sites that dot the surrounding hills. Knees bent over bodies embedded in hollowed-out tree trunks, the mummies are at least 500 years old and are believed to belong to the Ibaloi group. To reach the caves, you need a guide and a long walk on difficult paths. You can go to the Timbac cave or to the Tinongchol rock. The latter is as high as a three-story house and contains centuries-old mummies in cavities carved in the rock.

Its deep coastline leads to remarkable inner lagoons, often accessible only by boat. You can reach the famous Small lagoon only by swimming or kayaking. It is surrounded by cliffs interspersed with vegetation, while changing in almost artificial waters. The entrance to the Big Lagoon is very impressive: The waters are very shallow, once inside, the depth gives this time a deep green colour to this almost perfect circle surrounded by cliffs. This island is an inescapable one.

Located in the center of Banaue village, this is where the buses arrive. The tourist office is not particularly useful, you will mostly go through your guesthouse to organize your visits. However, they can provide the visitor with a map of the area (20 PHP), arrange private transportation and find you an official guide whose rates are fixed: it is necessary to count around 1 500 PHP per guide for one day. This will avoid you having to use the services of a "fake" guide (who can wait for tourists at the bus station).

This is a very useful tourist office. They are in charge of coordinating the different associations of accredited guides and of fixing the prices of the expeditions (so you are sure to get a fair price if you go through them). Several walks are proposed to discover the area, through Echo Valley, the hanging coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls. It is also here that you will pay the environment tax when you arrive (50 PHP).

The tourist office in Manila isn't exactly a mine of information, but they may be able to help if you have a specific question. You shouldn't expect much help in organizing your trip. However, it may be worthwhile to take a look at the various websites of the Philippine Department of Tourism to keep abreast of events throughout the year and tourism news at the time of your visit, or even ideas for things to do or see in the capital.

It's located in the Capitol in Mambajao (on the left, after the hospital), on the way out of town. The staff at the provincial tourist office are very helpful and dynamic. They can be a rich source of information on what to do in the area and what to see. They can also help you if you're looking for a guide to climb Mount Hibok-Hibok, for example. It might be worth dropping in when you arrive on the island.

Alaminos City Hall is the city hall located in Alaminos, Philippines. Alaminos is a city with many tourist attractions, including the Hundred Islands National Park, a natural wonder not to be missed. In addition to this, the city also offers other interesting sights. For those wishing to stay in Alaminos, there is a list of accommodation available, as well as a list of restaurants and banks. In case of emergency, there are also emergency numbers available.

It is located in the Rizal Park. And it is the favorite museum of children. It is composed of eight themed rooms that show the works of Filipino artists, replica boats, churches and miniature houses, jungle replica. The museum regularly organizes activities for children during weekends such as puppet shows, storytelling, and other creative workshops. In short, many recreational activities to learn more about Filipino traditions and customs while having fun.

In the district of San Miguel, on the right bank of the Pasig River, stands Malacañang Palace, a grand colonial-style mansion completed in 1802. Spanish nobles, Manila governors, American governors and finally some of the Philippine presidents have successively resided here after the Governor's Palace in Intramuros was destroyed by the 1863 earthquake. Today it is still officially the main residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, although in reality, not all of them have lived there.

Inaugurated on July 6, 1986 by President Cory Aquino, this museum features a collection of numerous objects from Mindanao's tribes, mainly Bukidnons and Manobos, but also Maranaos, T'Bolis and Mandayas. Other objects from archaeological discoveries are also on display, including a Neolithic skeleton from the Huluga caves. A must-see for visitors interested in the history of the city and Mindanao.

It provides an insight into the history, culture, music, arts and crafts of Palawan and its people. Indeed, more than eighty different ethnic groups live in Palawan, each with their own unique customs and ways of life. There are also exhibits of archaeological, geological and ethnological collections. You can see jars and porcelain, prehistoric tools, artifacts found in the Tabon Caves and Spanish era antiquities found near Cuyo.

Located in one of the wings of Fort Pilar, the National Museum of Western and Southern Mindanao is a regional branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, whose main collections are of course in Manila. It's a must for those curious about local history, lifestyles, indigenous tribes and, of course, art on the Zamboanga Peninsula. An interesting cultural visit.

If there is one place you would not expect to find in the middle of the urban jungle that is Quezon City, it is a huge protected park of 24 hectares and yet there is one! This zoological and botanical garden next to the Quezon memorial will arouse the interest of nature lovers: confiscated or injured wild animals are taken care of there. There is also a playground for children. The park is very popular with families for picnics.

Nemiranda, born in 1949, is one of the great contemporary Filipino painters. His works focus on his country's culture and local legends. At the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he was awarded first prize for painting in 1970 and took part in some fifty international exhibitions (in Italy, the United States, UNESCO and Galeries Lafayette during Cory Aquino's visit to France in 1989). He has also held several solo exhibitions. In 1975, he founded the Centre culturel d'Art visuel and multiplied his initiatives to promote and disseminate the teaching of painting. A fervent defender of the family and traditional values, he passes on his knowledge to his many children, who follow in their father's footsteps with brio. His work consists of wall sculptures on wood, depicting historical events. Realistic paintings, revealing his sharp, critical eye, depict traditional and religious Filipino life. Daily chores in the fields or at home are at the heart of his figurative work. The way of life of Mindanao's minorities is another of Nemiranda's favorite themes. Edsa Cathedral is decorated with his frescoes. Little by little, he has transformed his home into an art center, built entirely from natural materials. It's a school, a studio and a meeting place for artists. Works are for sale. There's also a café serving local dishes. The place is quiet and pleasant. A pleasant visit.

The memorial is located in the center of the island and is the highest point of the island. It was built in 1968 by the Americans as a tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers of the Second World War. Up there, there is also a small museum, a kind of reconstructed barracks that houses war memorabilia. It is a place full of history that will interest those who wish to learn more about the World War II period in the Philippines.

The Bubbles site is quite original. Here, one does not come to admire the corals or colored fishes but more to observe an interesting natural phenomenon, that of hot air bubbles coming out of the sandy ground. They come from the volcanic activity of the ground which is very hot in some places. The spot is also regularly visited by rays, groupers and turtles. Not far away, Secret Bay is one of Anilao's must-sees, and is home to rare and colorful creatures, fascinating to observe, even during night dives.

It is the largest and highest island in the archipelago of Bacuit, with a peak of 600 m. It hides a lagoon behind its lush vegetation. it is a place known for snorkeling. A confetti that looks like paradise.

At the limit of Maputi and Puntalinao. Its area is less than 1 ha. There are lots of shells on the coral beach, making it an ideal place for picnics and swimming.

A ten-minute walk from the D'Mall on the island's east coast, Bulabog Beach is a favorite with windsurfers and kitesurfers, especially between October and May when the winds are strong, and of course with anyone who enjoys watching them. Less flashy than White Beach, the beach itself is not breathtakingly beautiful, especially at high tide, and can even be dirty at times. It's not suitable for swimming. On the other hand, the atmosphere is much more relaxed, youthful and sporty, especially in season.

A small spiral road (in increasingly poor condition, it must be said) takes you 90 meters above sea level. At the top is a large bell and four smaller ones. They had been ordered for the city's cathedral, but on arrival proved too big and heavy. So they were placed here. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the town of Ozamis, Panguil Bay and the province of Lanao del Norte. There's not much else to do.

It is a well-known diving site of the marine reserve of Anilao. The particularity of this diving site is that a big cross (blessed by Pope John Paul II) was installed there in 1983 at the request of President Ramos, it is coiled between two big rocks, which can make think of a cathedral. Corals, gorgonians and fishes are numerous: for good reason, divers can practice fishfeeding there. The site is accessible to beginners and it is even possible to do night dives.