The most beautiful natural sites to discover Philippines

Pagudpud, 72 km from Laoag and with a population of 26,000, is the most famous beach resort in Northern Luzon. It is often described as the "Boracay of the North". You will realize that this reputation is a bit overrated. The three beaches lined with coconut palms are nevertheless very pleasant: Saud Beach is favored by hotels, Pansian Beach is almost deserted and Blue Lagoon, with its white sand and azure sea, attracts the idlers and also its share of surfers, who enjoy its waves, between July and November.

Manila Bay, with an area of 2,000 ^km2, extends 48 km inland from the sea. It is home to the port of Manila and is known for the battle that took place there between the Spanish and the Americans in 1898. In 2023, it was declared a "dead zone" because of its extreme pollution. A long walk allows you to go along it: you can contemplate it for example from the Mall of Asia or further on the Dolomite Beach. The bay is the ideal place to admire sunsets, which are, admittedly, quite breathtaking.

These islands are an ideal place for a day trip. The bay is located in Santa Lourdes (Tagburos), on the east coast of Palawan, 10 km from the capital's docks, and is made up of several islets with outcropping reefs bordering beautiful beaches, favorite spots for swimmers and divers. These lands are called Cowrie Island (shells); Bat Island, home to bats that hang in the mangroves; Lu-Li Island, visible only at low tide (derived from lulubog-lilitaw meaning "floating" and "sinking"); Meara Island, a peaceful private island; Starfish Sandbar Resort, known for its white sandbar and clear waters with starfish (you can camp there if you have your own equipment); Snake Island and its long stretch of white sand in the shape of a snake; Pandan Island with its white sand and coral reefs; Senorita Island, a place where lapu-lapu fish are bred; Arrecife Island, with its white sand and luxury hotel (the Dos Palmas Island Resort).

Getting there. Jeepneys and tricycles run the Puerto Princesa-Tagburos route daily (40 minutes). At the Santa Lourdes de Tagburos port (10 km north of Puerto Princesa), fishermen rent their motorboats for islandhopping. The nearest one can be reached in 30 minutes. All travel agencies in Puerto Princesa also organize day trips to Honda Bay: it's not expensive and everything is included!

The Katibawasan Falls are a breathtaking sight. Their clear waters tumble like a veil from a height of over seventy meters into a natural pool surrounded by rich vegetation: wild orchids, ferns and other woody components of tropical flora. These are Camiguin's highest waterfalls. Bathers and picnickers frequent this spot, especially in summer, for its refreshing waters.

Mount Bandilaan, in the center of the island is the highest point of Siquijor at 628 meters. The park office is located in Cantabon near the caves of the same name. The 360-degree view from the watchtower and the surrounding landscape are worth the trip on a clear day. This mountain is home to the mystical village of San Antonio, famous for hosting during the holy week many healers who exchange their knowledge to prepare various potions and concoctions (for a fee of course, count on about 500 PHP). The Good Friday ceremony is worth seeing.

Nagtabon Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand, more than 800 meters long and surrounded by crystal clear waters. It is located at one hour drive from Puerto Princesa. Still preserved from the influx of tourists, it reigns there a certain softness of life which invites to the relaxation and the contemplation. That of marvelous sunsets, for example. Be careful between October and February, the waves are too strong but otherwise it is possible to swim and surf. A camping site is not far away for those who want to prolong the pleasure.

One of the most famous parks in the country. Centered on an artificial lagoon, this park is named after the American urban planner Daniel Burnham who designed the city of Baguio. The park, a real green corridor of more than 32 hectares, in the heart of the city, is one of the refuges of the city dwellers who like to meet there to picnic, walk or enjoy the lake. The grounds are also ideal for concerts and the flowered paths attract cyclists and rollerbladers. There are also tennis, soccer and basketball courts, and an orchidarium.

Lovers of unique landscapes should go to the Suba dunes (between Laoag and Paoay), a sandy desert in a tropical region. Some of the dunes reach 800 meters in width. It is a bit like the Sahara of the Philippines (hardly exaggerating...). Scenes from Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July were even filmed there. It is possible to rent all-terrain vehicles or buggies but the main activity is less polluting and less expensive: if you have always dreamed of skiing or surfing in the sand... you will be able to realize your dream here!

Located one hour from Virac, Binurong viewpoint is in the baranguay of Guinsaanan. Once you get there, you still have to make a short and easy 20 minutes trek to reach the viewpoint. And there, you just have to enjoy the dazzling view which is offered to you, green pastures, steep cliffs, the agitated sea... The most courageous will get up early to come and contemplate the sunrise from here, you will not be disappointed. Finally, for the little information, in bicolano binurong means "healing".

Located about 15 kilometers from Legazpi, in Camalig, Solong Eco-Park opened to the public in 2017. The place is ideal for families or nature lovers and sportsmen (but it is also a very quiet and relaxing place). One comes here to discover the pleasures of caving in the Crystal Cave for example. And above all, you can go up to the top of Solong Hill to enjoy an incredible view of the Mayon volcano but especially of the Quitinday Hills, hunchbacked hills covered with greenery... like the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

It is said that this waterfall is the highest in the Philippines with its 250 m height. A very impressive place.

This beach with volcanic sand is long and strewn with open cottages for picnic. Very pleasant with natural spring water pool. Water sports proposed.

Located sixty kilometers from Davao, it's a fairly small lake, barely six hectares in size. It is in fact a crater lake, as Mount Leonard is an active but dormant volcano. On certain sides of the lake, small fumaroles can sometimes be seen, suggesting that a volcano lies well below the lake. The lake is home to many species of colorful butterflies and a few rare specimens of Philippine crocodiles, increasingly threatened by human pollution.

20 minutes from Barangay Lake. Six years ago, five families settled around this mysterious lake, a supernatural place where they modestly cultivate their small plots of garlic, sweet potatoes, cabbage and sayutis, the delicious cristophines.

Amy and his family welcome you in their modest house and prepare fresh, but very healthy, vegetable and corn meals. Coffee is prepared with grilled corn. They fish for congresses and carp in the lake.

Legends weigh around this very deep lake. American researchers had sent divers, who had never been able to reach the bottom and who were never back on the surface. These disappearances are still talking in the region.

Very well known for its abundant fauna and flora.

It's a small lake where it's nice to spend a few moments in a picnic with fishermen.

Mainit is a Cebuano word meaning "warm". Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines, at 150 ^km2, and also the deepest in the country. In places, it is over 220 metres deep. Located between the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte, the area has remained quite wild, but the quality of its waters is declining due to pollution, threatening its biodiversity. In summer, it's possible to take beautiful photos of the water lilies and other water flowers between which ducks swim.

Its rich forest and splendid views of El Nido sunsets characterize it. The island of Lagen is home to a trail that leads across the island: you can see varans, macaques and snakes! It is also an island of majestic calaos.

Twenty minutes by jeepney from Iligan, this waterfall is the pride of the town and features on every tourist brochure. At one hundred metres high, the waterfall nicknamed "The Twin Falls" is majestic. Legend has it that the waterfall represents two sisters, Cristina and Maria. Falling in love with the same man, they threw themselves off the falls so as not to have to choose. Often referred to as "the mother of industry", the falls are a real asset to the city's development, producing the electricity needed by 70% of Mindanao.

It has many small bays along its coral-lined coastline, including Calmung bay in the East. There are good spots throughout the coast for snorkeling. You can also venture to Secret Beach, a beach that you can only swim through through a hole in the cliff: careful attention to the rise of water.

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

Beautiful white sand beaches and several caves.

In the 1970s, these 22-meter waterfalls were very popular with the local population who came to swim and picnic at weekends with their families. Lack of preservation and pollution from upstream villages slowly led to the ruin of this natural gem. In 2000, they were classified as a protected area, were closed for a while, and then reopened to the public in 2015. It is now not recommended to swim there but they are still a very touristy place and have become a business park (not very authentic).

Camiguin's beaches are mostly black volcanic sand, and Kabila Beach is an exception, with its fine white sand. Kabila (or Kibila) is the smallest fishing village. It's also home to the giant clam sanctuary, where a guided tour will teach you all about this species. The big plus? Snorkel right across the beach to observe these clams in their element.

This marine park offers visitors the possibility to explore the world of sea in scuba diving or in snorkeling (possibility of renting on-site) and admiring the sunset. There are bungalows for six people each, and you can go camping.

Built in honor of the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957), it is one of the city's oldest parks. With a surface area of almost three hectares, it features an amphitheatre, a roller-skating and skateboarding area, several restaurants, bars and boutiques, a children's playground and a chapel. Ideal for cycling or picnicking. Finally, there's also a tribal village where you can learn more about the customs of the eleven tribes of the Davao region.

This small park is often called the "Petit Baguio" because of its many pines.

This pine-covered park is perfect for getting a breath of fresh air in nature, jogging, biking, meditating, camping and even rodeoing. The park is particularly popular with families, as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied. After a thirty-minute walk, it's possible to reach a summit from where the view of Malaybalay and the surrounding area is really quite good. Take a trip to Kaamulan to discover the daily life of the city's Filipino families.

This beautiful island offers visitors a short walk to reach a beautiful point of view. Birds can be observed early in the morning or late in the day. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and it is an area suitable for snorkeling.

Located less than a fifteen-minute drive from downtown GenSan, the Olaer Spring Resort is not strictly speaking a resort, but rather a sort of leisure park featuring a network of warm spring-water pools, linked by canals and ideal for swimming. It's best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the air is cooler. All around, bamboo and nippa cottages are available for rent. Families love to gather here to share a picnic.

It houses 64 ha of fauna and flora and a reserve. A joint project with Japan's Environment Organisation, OISCA.

A charming site in the middle of coconut and other tropical plants.

It belongs to many small owners. You can rent huts and spend some moments relaxing.

Its white sandy beach and coral garden make it ideal for sunbathing as well as for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Extent of black sand surrounded by centuries-old trees.

Its waters are turquoise blue and the corals nearby are a shelter for a large number of fish.

On Camiguin the beaches are volcanic sandy for the most, and Kabila Beach is an exception, because its sand is white and very fine. Kabila is the smallest fishing town in Camiguin and is part of the municipality of Guinsiliban.

The main characteristic of this mushroom-shaped island lies in its cave, which turns into a cathedral and is illuminated by its breakthrough nave.

Its coral gardens are among the most beautiful in the vicinity of Palawan and make it one of the divers'favourite destinations. In the mysterious cave of the Palace of Neptune to the west of the island, stalagmites and stalactites parallel other strange formations.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.