Tourist Attractions & Monuments Philippines

Please note that to make reservations (required only in April and June), it is advisable to contact the PAC Complex.

Some quite sporty walks can be done on the heights of Sablayan, through Mount Iglit and Mount Baco. Classified as a national park, this area is an important reserve (northwest of Mount Iglit) that is home to the Alangan community, another Mangyan tribe, and various animal and plant species, including the tamaraw, a rather aggressive and tricky-to-approach wild buffalo (cousin of the docile carabao) that is found only in Mindoro.

After a 15-minute walk or a short ride on a tricycle, we reach the top of the Naidi hills where a lighthouse, 20 meters high, offers a 360° view of the town of Basco, the sea, Mount Iraya and the cliffs of the island. The lighthouse served as a base for American telegraphs during the Japanese occupation. In 1941, the lighthouse was bombed and it was only rebuilt in 2003. The site with the ruins of the old lighthouse is still accessible. At sunset, the view is breathtaking.

As its name suggests, the park is located in barangay Cogon, around 25 kilometers from Dipolog. This thick tropical forest covers 300 hectares. It is classified as a protected reserve by the government to ensure that an ecological balance is maintained. The park is open to all, and is a pleasant getaway for short hikes in the heart of the forest, as well as for macro-photography enthusiasts, thanks to its rich and accessible flora and fauna. The place is always very quiet and relaxing.

It is one of the most beautiful dive sites in the area. Sombrero Island takes its name from the shape of the island, which looks like a hat. On full moon days, the current can be violent. But it is also one of the best spots for underwater macro photography, as many clown fishes live there, in the middle of giant sponges and colorful corals and gorgonians. Not to forget the turtles and the rays. The spot is huge and is accessible to divers of all levels, even snorkeling.

The forts of San Andres and Santiago dominate the city. They were built in 1650 to face the invasions of the pirates, the Moros and the Dutch. Like the Cathedral of St. Joseph, almost in front of the Romblon School, not far from the main square, both forts were built with blocks of coral. The altar of the cathedral, dating from the ^15th century, is Byzantine. It houses a collection of icons and ancient religious paintings.

Near the pebble beach, there is a source of hot water. It is fun to feel this contrast between the "cold" water of the sea and the hot water from the source.

The hot springs in the village of Mainit(mainit means "hot" in Tagalog), on the heights of Bontoc, are a pleasant expedition, off the beaten track. Legend has it that the village of Mainit is located on a dormant volcano. There are several hot springs and the inhabitants have built artificial pools to enjoy them. You can dip your feet in the pool of sulphur water, which is known for its therapeutic and relaxing properties.

Located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, these springs are filled with water flowing at temperatures of around 40°C, rising to 60°C near the spring. Given the temperature of the water, it's advisable not to exceed a bathing time of 20 minutes. It's best to go for a swim in the early morning, just after sunrise or late afternoon, and to avoid weekends. There's a small restaurant next door.

Known as the Santo Niño Cold Spring, it flows directly from Mount Hibok-Hibok and is a popular spot for a refreshing dip during the summer months. At some points in the natural pool, the depth can reach two meters. On site, you'll find a food court, small sari-sari stalls and convenient sanitary facilities. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

In the middle of the forest it is surrounded by small rocks, making it an ideal place for bathing.

Tinago means "hidden", and it's true: the waterfalls are hidden in a deep ravine that you reach after descending more than four hundred steep steps (cardiac patients please refrain!). The waterfall, over seventy metres high, cascades into a calm lagoon of translucent water surrounded by dense rainforest. There's a small grotto to crawl into, and a bamboo raft to navigate the basin. The view is truly breathtaking!

The water is used for the filling of several pools (about P20 entrance for each of them). There is in the vicinity of many stands where you can buy anything to eat and eat lechon (roast pork).

This tree is one of the last of the giants that once populated Mindanao, and can be found in San Francisco's neighboring village of Alegria, fifteen minutes away. Toog Tree, whose scientific name is Petersianthus quadrialathus, stands 80 metres tall and is the largest and oldest (300 years) of its kind in the Philippines. It's a curious sight, standing alone and naked in the middle of the village. It is frequently the subject of debate between locals who want it cut down for their own safety, and associations who want to preserve it.

In the municipality of Maribojoc, 14 kilometers from the capital, stands the Punta Cruz watchtower, overlooking the seas of Cebu, Siquijor and Mindanao. Its construction was completed in 1796. During the Spanish colonial era, it was used to monitor the seas and warn of pirates. Legend has it that whenever Moro pirates try to approach, a powerful light emanates from the cross beside the tower to dazzle them.

Following the signs to access the hiking trails, we cross the Poyuy Poyuy River, from which it is possible to visit the mangrove in a small boat with a park guide who can give you information on the important role of mangroves for the preservation of the entire ecosystem. Count 45 minutes of navigation and go preferably in the early morning (not later than 9 am) to observe the birds and other species of the natural park. Don't forget your mosquito repellent.

This is one of the favourite outs of waray youth. You have to go there before dark to admire the sunset. Panoramic view of Cebu city centre, Mactan and Bohol. The freshness of the night, from the top of the hill of Busay, is valuable.

It would be a shame to miss the Cebu's Casino Filipino at the top of Nivel Hills, adjacent to the Cebu Plaza. Roulette rotates and pesos go to dawn (open from 16 am to 4 pm).

A passport must be provided to return. The 2 and 5 P coins are accepted by slot machines (flip are forbidden).

One of the best views of the city! Situated at the top of Busay Hill, Tops is an excellent vantage point overlooking Cebu city, the bay and the islands of Mactan and Olango. In the early morning mist, during the day or for the evening lights, the superb panorama is well worth the trip. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. For your information, since the end of 2022 and until around the end of 2023, the site has been closed to the public for renovation, so check before you go to make sure it's reopened.

At 31 meters high, it is the highest waterfall in the province, in Vilaflor, on the road that leads to Calapan (15 km from downtown Puerto Galera). This series of small waterfalls flows into a natural pool where a bath is very invigorating. The environment and the views are worth the detour, especially during the week when the place is deserted. The falls are named after the tamaraw, the iconic dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro Island. It is highly threatened with extinction, today only a few hundred individuals remain.

Ideal places for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can meet whales, dolphins and sirenians.

It offers a well-located beach near a reef suitable for snorkeling. In the north-west of the island lies the picturesque bay of Binangculan, with its green beach. It is one of the best diving sites around El Nido. Turtles and barracuda often show it.

This imposing temple bears witness to the presence of a sizeable Chinese community on the island since the ^16th century. In the past, these merchants intermarried with the Spanish elite, and despite the vicissitudes of history, many of their descendants are still established on the island. Located in the Beverly Hills district - so named because it is home to the city's wealthiest residents - the temple is reached by taking a Jeepney signposted "Lahu Lahu". It is one of Cebu's most visited non-Catholic religious buildings.

Lon Wa Buddhist Temple, also known as Longhua Temple, is the largest Buddhist temple in Mindanao and one of the largest in the Philippines. The gardens are very well kept, the architecture is superb, as are the colors, the materials, the Italian-style marble, the magnificent gold and wood-carved Buddha. It's all very beautiful indeed. Given that temples are quite rare in the country, it's particularly worth a visit if you're in the area.

Private island located in Pujada Bay. It is ideal for diving, since sharks, sirenians, dolphins and many other fish species can be seen.

Within the hotel complex, it is possible to go up the river with seven waterfalls, punctuated with fresh water pools, but it is no longer allowed to swim there. To the great displeasure of the inhabitants who try to keep a clean place, the edges of the pools are regularly decorated with potato chip wrappers and Coke cans. Several pools, both hot and cold water, are grouped together at the bottom of the rivers. Rafting and canoeing were once available. Not really a must-do activity.

The beaches are confined to the west of the island. Some of them are equipped with very quiet and charming resorts, in a traditional style. Small hotels are gradually being built. The most popular beaches are located after San Pedro, like Ginablan. The most beautiful beach of Romblon, Bon Bon Beach, stretches like a ribbon of sand in the middle of crystal clear waters, it is magnificent, with its immaculate white sand. Very little frequented because of its isolation, it is located back from the road, about 3 km from downtown (barangay Suwa).

It makes 250 ha and produces not only lemons, but also mangoes and cashew nuts.

The General Santos region is highly agricultural, with an abundance of crops. Twenty kilometers from the city center lies Polomolok, at the foot of Mount Matutum. This is one of the most prosperous towns in the region, and home to the largest pineapple plantation, covering 18,000 hectares. If you've always believed that pineapples grow on trees, this is the tour for you! In just one hour, you'll get an overview of the industrial cultivation (more than 60% is destined for export) of this sweet, delicious fruit.

Sabang beach is the ideal spot for snorkeling and nightlife lovers with its many bars. The bancas are numerous and hinder a bit the swimming. At low tide, the boats are stranded on the reef and the seaweed cover the beach; it nevertheless regains some of its charm at high tide. Its main asset remains its coral bottom and its multitude of colored fish.

It can be pleasant to take the road that, crossing a beautiful palm grove, leads to Escarceo Point, 2 km east of Sabang where there is an abandoned lighthouse of 14 m, from where you can admire a magnificent panorama, especially at sunrise and sunset. You should follow the road from the market and do not hesitate to ask the locals for the direction of the lighthouse.

From Sabang, it is easy to walk to Small La Laguna, then Big La Laguna along the sea towards the east and over the dykes (10 to 20 minutes, avoiding the trip at high tide). These two beaches are quieter and suitable for snorkeling. However,Aninuan beach is the most peaceful.

7 km west of Puerto Galera is the famous WhiteBeach, the most beautiful in the region. Very popular, it is taken by storm by Filipinos in high season (April-June). It becomes more interesting out of season, despite the many resorts built along the beach. The secluded beach of Talipanan, 30 minutes away, is very quiet and pleasant, you will pass by the Mangyan village to get there.

This is one of the highlights of any visit to Oroquieta. Located in the Layawan barangay, the Ciriaco Pastrano suspension bridge crosses the eponymous river for around 75 metres to reach the Taboc Norte barangay on the other side. It is 6 meters above sea level and, as it is located at the mouth of the river that flows into the Bohol Sea (via Iligan Bay), it offers a superb view, especially at sunset. While locals use it every day, it can be a challenge the first time as it's a bit shaky.

Among the many orchid gardens in Davao, the Puentespina Orchid Garden is a garden center, store and park in one. It is home to a wide variety of tropical plants, including orchids. Orchids are considered the "national flower", the sacred flower. Before visiting the greenhouse, you can meet artists at work painting in the studio at the entrance to the garden. Other indigenous handicrafts are also available for purchase.

An office to get all the information necessary for your travel in the region.

Formerly a manufacturing plant for the famous Jeepneys, the number one public transport in the Philippines. Sarao converted the American GIs' Jeeps left behind after the war and became the largest Jeepney factory in the country. Even though production is over today, the factory has become a repair shop, open to visitors and artists continue to shape the bodies into works of art. For the anecdote, Jeepney would come from jeep-knee because when you are in a Jeepney, yourknees always touch those of the neighbors.

Accessible to all; A maximum depth of 40 m. This remote site (about one and a half hour browsing) is very interesting. Hard corals have deposited on the sand. There are caves with colorful fish of all sizes. There are often species to the imposing size.

This museum, named in honor of the national hero, houses recent works by Cebuanos painters (around 100), sculptures, antiques and some archaeological remains. Concerts and plays are held in the main hall. On the first floor, the recently refurbished Rizal Library houses over 14,000 volumes of books and journals, interesting works for learning more about Cebuanos history and culture.

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Davao, the Sibulan River is an excellent playground for adventurers of all levels. Filipinos are particularly fond of this site, where they come to practice white-water tubbing. Accompanied by a local guide or on an organized tour from A to Z from Davao, you start by getting your equipment, then take your place on funny boats that are in fact large inflatable buoys, and off you go down the river at full speed. Thrills guaranteed!

The area also offers beautiful views of the Chocolate Hills, rice paddies and, in fine weather, the sea. The road leading to it from Carmen is very beautiful (public transport links the area). You have to fixate on the view to forget the atrocious constructions that include restaurants and a discotheque here. On weekends, it can get very crowded as Filipinos flock here for picnics. However, the area has not yet fully recovered from typhoon Odette at the end of 2021, and the damage is still visible.

Ideal for lovers of deep dives where you can observe large predators of the seas. However, a good dive level is required due to violent currents sometimes present. Also, think of a divemaster that knows the place well.

Cagsawa is one of the best places to see the Mayon volcano. The ruins of this ^16th century baroque church are a reminder of the volcano's biggest eruption, which occurred on February^1, 1814, killing 1,200 people. It destroyed the villages of Cagsawa, Camalig and Budiao, covering them with a thick layer of ash and lava, washing away everything in its path. Many souvenir stores surround the site and distort it a little and the ruins are not very well preserved. However it remains a rare and interesting place of history.

This active volcano has two craters and three hectares of ridge. It is the highest mountain of Negros Island, with a peak of 2,465 meters. Its national park is home to various species of birds and a varied flora, including the fruit dove of Negros, a kind of endemic pigeon. Given the risks of eruption, one cannot decide on a whim to make the ascent. It is necessary to organize its journey. The camp Guintubdan is the starting point for the trek. From the summit, the view on the province of Bacolod is superb. If the weather is good, we can see the whole island of Negros, the islands of Panay, Siquijor and Cebu. The big lake between the two mountains is almost supernatural. The ascent can start from Carlota. From Mambucal, it is best to start the adventure by Jeepney. The volcano is a favorite site for mountaineering enthusiasts, especially since the park has adopted the universal trail marking system, making the place more attractive.

Practicalities. To obtain the permit to enter the volcano (500 PHP), you have to inquire at the tourist office of Bacolod. Attention: a limited number of hikers are allowed to make the ascent each year (from March to May or from October to December). The guides who accompany you for two nights and three days share their knowledge and the camping is very well organized. You can find a guide through the tourist office (about 700 PHP/day) or a global package through a local agency (about 6 000 PHP).

In the northwest of Luzon, the province of Pangasinan is home to a string of 123 islands scattered in the Gulf of Lingayen. The erosion of the waves at the base of each of these confetti gave them a shape of turtle shell or mushroom. These islands represent the vast natural marine park named Hundred Islands and cover an area of 17 ^km2. It was classified as a national park in 1974 (the first in the Philippines!). It is pleasant to sail between the islets: the water becomes clearer as you move away from the coast, but you should not expect beautiful turquoise waters like those found in the Visayas archipelago. Snorkeling remains pleasant although dynamite fishing has damaged a large part of the corals. Here are the main islands of the site:

Marcos Island: nice beach, turquoise water, ideal for swimming.

Governor Island : there is a superb view of Hundred Islands. There is also a guesthouse.

Quezon Island: this island is worth a visit. There are pavilions and barbecues for picnicking or spending the night. Don't forget to bring your snorkeling equipment to explore the beautiful giant clams(taklobo) which are located at 30 meters on the eastern side of Quezon Island. Hundreds of them, more or less open, are visible at a depth of 3 meters. The Institute of Marine Sciences protects these giant shells threatened by the dynamite used by fishermen in the area.

Children's Island: this island, adapted to children (sand and calm water) offers picnic tables, huts and tents to spend the night. It is necessary to stock up on food because there is no restaurant. Barbecues are available.

Organization of the day. You have the choice between taking a regular boat that will take you to three islands (two that can be visited in about fifteen minutes and a third where you can spend more time) or taking a service boat (a little more expensive) but you can visit the islands of your choice. In any case, it is necessary to agree with the boat driver on the program of the day if you want to do snorkeling (equipment rental, 250 PHP), swimming at the edge of beautiful beaches... You can also rent tandem kayaks (250 PHP), or try one of the zip lines (250 PHP).

Tourist office. It is located on the left side of the Lucap pier. You can get practical information and rent a boat.

Agong is located 18 km from Bulalacao and has about 50 Hanuno families. They make soft bamboo baskets decorated with geometric designs, which are among the most beautiful in the Philippines. Ask for a guide at the town hall or the convent in Bulalacao. A member of the tribe, who has gone shopping in town, can accompany you. Volunteers are working hard to preserve the customs of the tribe while making life easier for them. The education of the children is one of the priorities and a school has been created in Agong.

It was the headquarters of the Philippine government in exile of Manuel Quezon but also of General MacArthur. Completed in 1922, the main tunnel is 250 meters long and 7 meters wide, with twenty smaller tunnels attached to the left and right. It was later equipped to serve as an underground war hospital, with over 1,000 beds. Cannons and other installations as well as military equipment are on display to the public. Night tours are possible, and there are occasional sound and light shows.

This is the original village of Dipolog's first inhabitants, the Subanons. It lies along the Dipolog River (6 km from the town center). Its inhabitants transport their goods by river to the city. Every Saturday, they go to the market. It's very pleasant to hire a boat to go up the river, meet the locals and admire their traditional houses. We meet the river workers, who dive and dive to retrieve the gravel at the bottom that will be used to make cement.

It is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in the country. In addition to staying there, you can also come for a day trip to visit this strange museum that looks like a pink church and houses a huge collection of antiques, sail on the river on bamboo rafts, ride a bike or enjoy the pool. Don't miss lunch at Labasin, the restaurant where you can eat a traditional Filipino boodle fight, with your feet in the water beside a beautiful waterfall.

El Triunfo beach is the main beach of the town of Oroquieta, so it can sometimes be quite crowded, especially on weekend days. The water is not always particularly beautiful, sometimes even polluted by plastics, depending on currents, tides and weather. Along the beach, however, you'll find a string of charming cottages on stilts made of natural materials, making picnics quite pleasant. At sunset, the view of the sea and these stilt houses is really quite something.

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Part interactive museum, part amusement park, Art in Island opened in 2014 and has been delighting kids (and anyone else who's kept their childlike spirit) ever since. It's also called the selfie museum, so that sets the tone. Inside, on 4,000^m2, dozens of murals that play on optical illusions to create 3D scenes in which visitors immerse themselves. Finding yourself in the mouth of a tyrannosaurus or on a footbridge suspended in the void, it's a bit kitschy but also very funny!

Opened in the heart of Makati in 2005, the Yuchengco Museum was originally envisioned to house the art collections of Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Alfonso Yuchengco, a businessman, collector, philanthropist, and advocate of education in the Philippines who passed away in 2017. Today, one comes here to explore the country's history through its arts and artists like the famous painter and muralist Botong Francisco. You can find postcards, catalogs and other products around the exhibitions in the museum store.