Tourist Attractions & Monuments Philippines

More than forty islands are scattered in the bay of Bacuit, all more marvelous than the others, hiding in their lands and in their sea beds secrets never before revealed, a rich endemic fauna and a luxuriant flora. Here are some of these natural gems to discover:

Cadlao Island. It is the largest and highest island of the Bacuit archipelago, with a peak reaching 640 meters. It hides a lagoon behind its lush vegetation; it is a place known for snorkeling and diving. A confetti that looks like paradise.

Dilumacad Island. Seen from the sky, it looks like a ladle; it is one of the pleasant stops during the navigation between the islands of the archipelago. It is also a popular spot for divers.

Entalula Island. It is called "the island of romance" for its perfect beach, idyllic sunrises and colorful marine life along the coral reef.

Lagen Island. Its rich forest and splendid view of El Nido's sunsets characterize it. Lagen Island is home to a trail that leads from one side of the island to the other: you can see monitor lizards, macaques and snakes! It is also an island where majestic hornbills land.

Malapacao Island. It is considered as a real paradise. Two huge rocks stand guard on each side of the island, crowned with palm trees and tropical plants that adorn a beautiful beach.

Matinloc Island (Goddess Island). It has many small bays along its coral-lined coastline, including Calmung Bay in the east. There are good snorkeling spots all along the coast. You can also venture to Secret Beach, a beach that can only be reached by swimming through a hole in the cliff: be careful with the rising water. Very nice view on El Nido from the heights.

Miniloc Island. Its deeply indented coastline leads to remarkable inner lagoons, often accessible only by boat. The famous Small Lagoon can only be reached by swimming or kayaking. You are surrounded by cliffs dotted with vegetation while swimming in waters of almost supernatural colors. The entrance to the Big Lagoon is very impressive: the waters being very shallow, once inside, the depth gives this time a deep green color to this circle surrounded by cliffs. It is a must-see.

Pangalusian Island. This island offers the visitor a short walk to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Bird watching is best done early in the morning or late in the day. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and it is a good area for snorkeling.

Pinagbuyutan Island. Its coral gardens are among the most beautiful in Palawan and make it a favorite destination for divers. In the mysterious Neptune's Palace cave on the west side of the island, stalagmites and stalactites are found along with other strange formations.

Pinasil Island. The main feature of this mushroom-shaped island is its cave, which turns into a cathedral and is sometimes illuminated through its pierced nave.

Tapiutan Island. It has a well located beach near a reef suitable for snorkeling. In the northwest of the island is the picturesque Binangculan Bay, with its beach lined with greenery. This is one of the best dive sites in El Nido. Turtles and barracudas are often seen here.

It offers banca tours to follow the river (100 P per person). Unfortunately, the river is getting dirtier and dirtier because of the villages that border it and the tour is not really interesting.

This pottery factory inherited the name Pagburnayan (steel jar) because the jars it produces are as hard as metal and sound the same when knocked. The manufacturing process is simple: a mixture of sand, clay and water is obtained after 4 hours of trampling with a carabao (buffalo); the mud is sculpted and then left to dry for a week in the fresh air. The pots are fired for 24 hours in a large kiln of 50 m length. You can visit the workshop, buy clay items and even try your hand at making them.

This walk proposed by the tourist office is a real delight! The program includes a three-hour walk through Echo Valley, suspended coffins, the underground river and the Bokong waterfalls.

This beautiful church was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. It was built in the ^18th century in an "earthquake baroque" style, with gothic and Chinese influences, with bricks and coral held together by mortar and sugar cane juice (the walls are 1.67 m thick). It was used as an observation post during the revolution against the Spanish and against the Japanese during the Second World War. In 2000, an excavation brought to light a prehistoric human skeleton and fragments of ceramics.

It is the largest church in the region of Ilocos (137 m long). Built between 1669 and 1679 in an "earthquake baroque" style (separate bell tower), it is made of brick and has a bridge that connects it to the nearby convent. The Spaniards tortured Filipino rebels here, as did the Japanese during World War II. Irene Marcos, daughter of former dictator Marcos, restored the complex on the occasion of her wedding in 1983. However, an earthquake destroyed it again. It was restored again.

Laoag Cathedral was built in 1580 and restored around 1880 after earthquakes, fire and typhoons. Its 45 meters tower built by the Augustinian fathers in 1612, it is of "earthquake baroque" style. The bell tower has six bells of different sizes. The ancients say that in the past you could enter with a horse: today, even a man of average height has to bend down to enter the tower. Today, even an average-sized man has to bend down to enter the tower, which sinks into the soft earth, hence the name it was given, "sinking bell tower".

On the east coast, in the village of Ibajay, on the road to Sibaltan, it takes about 45 minutes by scooter. The road to get there is a bit rocky. The Ille Cave has a special historical significance since archaeologists discovered animal bones, pottery and tools that attest to a human presence on Palawan 12,000 years ago. The cave is open to the public and can be reached via a challenging path accompanied by a guide who knows the area and will give you the necessary explanations.

This 97,000-hectare marine park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 and has since become a natural sanctuary under high protection. Located 180 km from Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea, it is, according to specialists, the ultimate in diving in the Philippines, and one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Captain Cousteau used to say that it was one of the most beautiful places he had seen. Totally uninhabited, except for a few coastguards, divers can only go there from mid-March to mid-June when the weather conditions are good (one must also be aware of the risks involved in such an expedition in such an isolated place. In April 2023, for example, a ship of divers was wrecked there). Traditionally, the boats leave Puerto Princesa in the evening to arrive in the early morning and they stay 5 days on the spot. It is necessary to count about 10 000 PHP per day (all included), plus 5 000 PHP of entrance fee per day. Underwater, we find ourselves in front of vertiginous reefs like underwater mountains, with a visibility that can reach 30 to 45 meters. The site is covered with 75% of splendid corals. More than 1,200 species, many of them endangered, live in these waters, such as manta rays and turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and grey sharks by the hundreds. It is definitely one of the most majestic diving spots in the country and even in the world.

It is 1 hour south of Vigan. It is one of the most famous baroque churches in the Philippines and has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built at the end of the ^18th century, it was used as a fortress during the Philippine revolution of 1896. It belongs to the architectural movement that characterizes Philippine churches of the colonial era, the tremor baroque. Faced with earthquakes, the churches were built lower, with thick walls of clay and mortar and the bell tower often set apart.

Less than three kilometers from the town center, the village of Rio Hondo can be spotted by its gate and the silver dome of the local mosque. Rio Hondo means "deep river", so keep moving until you reach the village, built entirely on stilts above 23 hectares of mangrove swamp. At high tide, the houses are linked by wooden walkways. The entrance is via the wooden bridge over the Río Hondo, which bounds the village.

The Yakans, originally from the island of Basilan, are considered the finest weavers in the country. A week is the average time it takes to weave a square meter of fabric by hand. Here, you can meet them, learn more about their techniques and judge their ease at the task. This type of handicraft is very expensive in the rest of the country, so it's a good opportunity to shop around. Other traditional items for sale include bronze gongs and woven gadgets.

Located twenty kilometers from Zamboanga, Taluksangay is a Sama village, partly built on stilts, which is best known for its mosque and its majestic, picturesque red-colored minarets overlooking a lagoon. It was built in 1885, making it one of the oldest mosques in Mindanao. The island's inhabitants make their living from fishing and seaweed farming. A pearl farm is located not far from the stilt village. Historically, Taluksangay was the first place where Islam spread to the peninsula.

Ipil beach is better known locally as Mabua Pebble Beach. Mabua is the name of the barangay where it is located and Pebble means "pebble" in English. It lies close to the center of Surigao City and is famous for its white and gray pebbles, in all shapes and with smooth walls. Careful not to slip, it's pleasant to walk barefoot on these pebbles which, according to certain beliefs, have restorative virtues for body and mind. There aren't many people around, it's quiet and it's a change from sand!

Easily accessible by scooter, just 30 minutes from Surigao City, the floating village of Day-Asan is nicknamed the "Venice of Surigao". The village is home to some 1,800 inhabitants and 400 houses. Visitors will appreciate the picturesque appearance of the bamboo and nippa houses on stilts, raised above the shallow water. Fishermen's small boats pass beneath the houses. The local population lives mainly from lobster and crab fishing.

Located in Tiwi, a little more than an hour from Legazpi, Putsan beach is the origin of the ceramic and pottery industry of the Bicol region that is still active today. This beach is actually made up of volcanic sands, used to make red clay and contrasting with the white sand beaches. By the way, go to the PhilCeramics center in Putsan where you can watch the potters at work and why not buy some ceramics. A nice excursion if you are radiating in the area.

Stopping on Quezon is part of the traditional tour of Bateaux boats. This island deserves to be looked at. There are pavilions and barbecues installed for picnic or for a night. Before leaving the wharf of Lucap, we have to equip ourselves with proper snorkeling equipment, because the water is not very clear and the few rental facilities on the island are not in good condition, in order to explore the splendid cultures of giant giant giant giant clams located 30 m away from the east side of Quezon Island. Hundreds, more or less open, are spread, visible about 3 m deep. The Institute of Marine Sciences protects these giant shells threatened by dynamite used by fishermen in the area.

The beautiful white sand beaches licked by turquoise waters offer superb views from morning until sunset. San Salvador Island is famous among tourists (especially locals) for the beauty of its transparent and shallow waters in which it is easy to dive with just a mask and snorkel. The island's seabed and marine biodiversity had been severely damaged by pollution, but the locals took action and today the island is a coral farm and the seabed is protected.

Capones Island is famous for being surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, on which strange rock formations are piled up. There are also beaches of the same type in caves, but their exploration is reserved only for experienced divers. The other asset of Capones Island is its underwater life, where fishes live side by side with beautiful coral reefs. You can come here for snorkeling or diving and on land, it is also possible to make some hikes, especially to the lighthouse (not accessible).

This island offers picnic tables, cottages (600 P) and pavilions (1000 P) to spend the night on site. You have to stock up because there is no restaurant. Barbecues are provided for grilling.

It is equipped with a generator to feed the guesthouse that can accommodate eight people. It is composed of two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen.

Places not to be missed for lovers of white sand beaches.

Black world in summer. It is invaded by many tourists, both foreign and Filipino, who enjoy the crystal clear waters of this beach.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is one of the most important museums in the capital. It is the first museum in the Philippines to exhibit contemporary art. Located in Malate for 45 years, it moved in 2021 to the new trendy district of Bonifacio Global City. The institution is committed to showcasing contemporary Filipino artists and bringing them into dialogue with international artists. Their credo is art accessible to all. Rich programming online.

The "Boulevard", as it is called in Legazpi, is in fact the city's waterfront. There is a promenade to walk along and several restaurants and bars. It is more fun and lively at the end of the day or in the evening than during the day. When the view is clear, it is from the Boulevard that you get the famous postcard view of Legazpi, the sea and the Mayon volcano in the background. At the beginning of the Boulevard, Victory Village, a fishing village that squats on public land without authorization, attracts the curiosity of some travelers who go to visit it...

The Apo Island marine sanctuary has been closed since Typhoon Pablo ravaged the island and its seabed in 2012, to allow the corals to regenerate - they grow by just 1 cm in 20 months. Rest assured, this won't stop you from diving elsewhere around the island and taking in the sights. From the main beach, just a few meters away, you'll find yourself face to face with giant turtles and coral of impressive beauty and variety.

Alert, secret beach! This magnificent beach is not yet occupied by any hotel. The water is incredibly beautiful (it is more pleasant at high tide) and the sand is remarkably soft. Do as the locals do and spread wet sand on their bodies(sand massage), it is very pleasant. Few tourists know this place. At sunset it is also a treat for the eyes. To get there, go to the Minalulan baranguay and after the basketball court, go to the end of the road, there is a sari-sari, you can access the beach from there.

This is one of the things to do when you stop in Taytay for a day or two. Go to the port, where traditional bancas can take you for a day to discover the beautiful islands of Taytay Bay, each one more beautiful than the other. Elephant Island is known for its lagoon hidden in a cave and in which it is possible to swim. Isla Banca is surrounded by crystal clear waters and a breathtaking coral garden. You may be lucky enough to be alone on these islands.

The highest peak in Romblon province is located here on Sibuyan Island. Mount Guiting-Guiting rises to 2,050 meters in the heart of the island, invaded as far as the eye can see by a lush and varied flora. Former President Ramos declared it a National Park in 1996. It shelters an extremely rich biodiversity of which numerous endemic species because of its isolation. Some of its plants are used for medical research. Orchids border the path. We also discover rare species of rodents, leopard cats - a species in the process of extinction - and tiny bats. It is impossible to climb the mountain without a guide who knows the terrain. Indeed, a trek can be undertaken in several days but it is considered one of the most difficult in the Philippines (difficulty 9/9) and on the way, you will sometimes have to climb vertiginous and slippery rock faces, sometimes making use of ropes. In short, to be reserved for well trained people, and for the others, we will be satisfied to admire the Guiting-Guiting from far, which is already magnificent.

A paradise in danger. For several years, the inhabitants of Sibuyan and associations for the protection of the environment have been trying to oppose large mining companies that seek to extract nickel deposits on the island. In early 2023, there were clashes when the inhabitants erected a human barrier to prevent a company's trucks from passing.

The village of Buscalan is famous among Filipinos and international travelers as it is the homeland of tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od. A true legend in the country, she was even on the cover of Vogue in April 2023! She belongs to the Kalinga tribe and is the last and oldest traditional tattoo artist. At the time of writing, she is 107 years old. She still tattoos with a pick and ash. A beautiful souvenir for the most adventurous, a unique experience for the others too!

This underground river has been open to the public since 2018. With a life jacket, headlamp, and a guide, one descends along a steeply sloping staircase before reaching the entrance of the cave in which one can easily stay for an hour swimming, observing the bats and the different rock formations. It's fun if you like being underground. Be careful, the road leading to it is quite steep, so drive carefully if you are on a scooter.

This 400 year old Balete (a kind of fig tree) is the oldest tree in Siquijor. Besides being sumptuous with its huge roots intertwining with its drooping vines and branches, this tree is surrounded by a multitude of legends. At its feet, an artificial basin is filled by a mysterious water source. If you need a pedicure, dip your feet in it, small fish will eat your feet (well, the dead skin). It's a fun (or unpleasant, you be the judge) experience. People laugh and the tree sits majestically.

One of the main activities is island hopping: we sail from island to island to snorkel, sunbathe and have lunch with a grilled fish. There are 4 different circuits (but quite similar all the same): A, B, C and D. All of them start around 9am and include a lunch. A stop at Paradise Island is highly recommended: beautiful corals, paradise beach, a good spot for lunch. German Island is also a stop not to be missed, to swim with the turtles in the morning!

Kalanggaman Island lies off the coast of the town of Palompon, which can be reached in 1? hours by van from Ormoc (150 PHP). There are boats waiting to take you there. It's one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, best known for its narrow, powdery white sandbank that stretches for 800 metres through turquoise water. What a pleasure to stroll along this thin strip, with the impression of walking in the middle of the sea! It's possible to swim, snorkel and even picnic and camp on the island for an even more immersive experience.

Before moving on from Pacijan Island to Poro Island, why not stop for a moment in the bustling city of San Francisco. Tourists here can be counted on the fingers of one hand, so it's pleasant to observe, chat and take your time. Along the pier, a huge hall houses the daily market: fruit, vegetables, spices, fish and meat, you name it. It's worth dropping in at lunchtime, when several street-food stalls surround the market.

At 680 hectares, Lake Danao (not to be confused with Lake Ormoc) is the largest lake in the Visayas. You can't swim here, but you can rent a kayak. The other main activity is a zip-line over the lake to one of its islets. There are two restaurants serving Filipino cuisine. To be honest, the complex is a bit derelict (the resort is abandoned, which is amazing to see), so you're unlikely to spend more than an hour there. However, it's well worth the detour to admire the view and chat with the locals.

Tulang Diot Island is probably one of the most peaceful islands in the Philippines, whether you're looking for a dream spot, a paradise island or simply something off the beaten track (or off the travel guides and blogs). From the road just north of San Francisco (Pacijan), the silhouette of Tulang Diot beckons: what is this islet, offshore, surrounded by turquoise water? Rest assured, the island can be reached by banca in just five minutes. The seabed is home to many small, colorful fish and even a few turtles. For swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing, the island's wide, circular beach of powdery sand awaits you. On the beach, you'll find a hut that doubles as a bar and a sari-sari, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and some local fare. Strolling through the narrow streets of this small village is a pure delight, as the locals are more than delighted to see travellers. There's no water or electricity here, and even fewer vehicles. Life has remained simple and calm, with roosters crowing and laundry drying on the patios. It's possible to sleep in tents (or without) on the beach if you wish (remember to bring your own equipment), or to spend just a few hours there in the afternoon. It's even possible that some of the locals, after making friends and exchanging a drink or two, will invite you to spend the night with them. An end-of-the-world feeling guaranteed. You leave Tulang Diot filled with a gentle serenity.

This is one of the Camotes Islands' best-known beaches. With its white sand and crystal-clear, temperate waters, set between rocks and overlooked by the Santiago Bay Resort on the right, it ticks all the postcard beach boxes. Picnic tables are set up, and a few restaurants are on the right. Swimming and snorkeling are possible, but check the tides. At low tide, the view is superb, but swimming is difficult. The sunset is magnificent.

It's an abandoned resort maintained by the locals. Camotians love to swim and picnic here. The main attraction is Buho Rock, a large coral rock shaped like a ship moored to the cliff. Access is via a staircase. Small bridges and huts have been built. It's possible to swim in the sea at the heart of the cliffs. When the tide is high, you can try your hand at cliff jumping from the diving boards, or just watch the cliff jumpers. Thrills guaranteed.

Bakhaw is divided into two beaches: the one on the left is a beautiful white sandy beach and the one on the right is, at certain times of the year, a rocky beach, as for a few months the sand retreats into the sea before returning to the beach and covering the rocks. On site, a sari-sari to buy a drink or a snack and a few locals working or napping depending on the time of day. The water is crystal-clear, warm and the view is sublime. Be sure to come in the evening for the sunset, which is a magnificent sight every day.

Located halfway between El Nido and Taytay, the Kuyawyaw Falls are mostly popular with Filipino tourists but not with foreign tourists because the place is not mentioned in guidebooks. It takes 30 minutes by scooter from Taytay. A guide is compulsory (which we regret a little because it is not necessary and it is quite expensive). You just have to follow the course of the river to reach the 3 waterfalls opened to the public. This quick excursion can be a refreshing stop before reaching El Nido.

This prison is without bars and based on trust, where inmates work and live in community. On this 26,000-acre prison farm, 2,400 inmates grow rice. Others make handmade bags and souvenirs that visitors are invited to buy. Some are even allowed to live in houses with their families. Do not hesitate to ask a prisoner to guide you. An unusual experience that may be of interest to some.

Old Manila Walks has been in existence since 2005 and has established itself as the leading organizer of guided tours in the historic districts. The objective of the various expert guides is to promote Manila, its history and culture, to locals and tourists alike. They offer several tours of 2 to 4 hours including a guided tour of the historic Intramuros district, for the history buffs; a food tour in Chinatown, Binondo or an unusual visit to the Chinese Cemetery. You will never see Manila in the same way again!

Nacpan Beach is located 20 km north of El Nido. This huge paradise beach, once deserted, is becoming more and more popular with tourists, but it is so big that its new popularity does not yet affect the pleasure of basking there. We advise you to rent a scooter to get there. On the way, make a stop at Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls. Duli Beach is located even further north, 45 minutes from El Nido by scooter. It is even wilder than Nacpan, not very crowded and with nice waves to surf. There is a restaurant on site.

It is possible to organize a visit of Barangay Polaraquen, formerly called Canique. A true ethnological discovery of its inhabitants. Most circuits are satisfied however to visit the waterfall, to 6 km of the center of the community (one goes there by motorbike or tricycle). One can swim there. A guide is essential (and required, moreover).

Malampaya was used by the Tagbanuas to mean "rich in fish". Another recommended excursion (preferably in the early morning or late afternoon) is to the Malampaya Sound, a protected area since 2000, on the west coast on the way to El Nido. There you can observe Irrawaddy dolphins, close relatives of the orca. The species, according to the WWF, is in critical danger of extinction. Threatened by pollution and fishing nets, their population is estimated at about thirty individuals.

Lake Danao (also known as Lake Manguao) was formed by the subsidence of a volcano and is filled with fresh water from which some islands emerge. With an area of 6.7 hectares, it is the largest freshwater lake in Palawan. It is a birdwatcher's paradise where more than 120 species of birds can be observed. It takes about two hours to get there and you can choose between a hike in the surrounding jungle, a boat ride on the lake (about 1,500 PHP) and a picnic. It is a nice place for a quiet break in the middle of nature.

The town is famous for its 300-year-old church and its Augustinian fort Santa Isabel, built by the Spanish in 1667, completed in 1738 and transformed into a military post during the American occupation. It contains a small chapel, an intact cannon and a beautiful garden. The church is a three-minute walk from the fort. Beautiful panorama on the port, the city, the letters "TAYTAY" which remind those of Hollywood (same dimensions, by the way!). Superb at sunset.

Just 2 hours by banca from Malapascua, Kalangaman is a paradise. Its low-tide sandbanks, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an idyllic spot. There's not much on the island apart from coconut palms as a backdrop. You can rent a kayak or go snorkeling to see the coral reefs offshore. At midday, it's barbecue time under the shade of the coconut palms, with the crew of your banca in charge of grilling the fresh fish. An ideal excursion for those who don't dive, for example.

A very small museum that traces the history of the Manila Hotel, a place full of history and witness to the destruction of the city by the Japanese. Since 1912, it has seen many personalities like General MacArthur, Prince Charles, Neil Armstrong and Marlon Brando. It is also the occasion to visit this palace where, as soon as you enter the huge lobby, you jump back in time: back to the beginning of the century. The staff is in costume and a pianist floods the room with a soft melody from his grand piano. A real Grand Hotel atmosphere.