6 Must-See Destinations in the Philippines
The Philippines has become a popular destination for international tourists -- and it’s no surprise. The clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and diverse sea and land creatures are truly unmatched!
Surely you’re itching to go on a relaxing vacation since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. And now that the Philippines have opened their borders to international tourists, now is the best time to book a ticket to your dream destination.
But with over 7,000 islands to explore, where should your next trip be? You are planning for Holy Week in the Philippines? Here are 6 must-see destinations that you must visit soon.
1. Palawan
Palawan is definitely one of our favorite islands in the Philippines. Its beauty is just mesmerizing and there are many spots to visit: Port Barton, El Nido, Coron, San Vicente or even Balabac!
You can check here one of our videos we have done in collaboration with the Department of Tourism of the Philippines and see how it looks like: Wake Up in Palawan!
Palawan was dubbed as the “last ecological frontier” of the Philippines. That’s because it’s home to rich natural resources and diverse flora and fauna both on land and in the sea.
The land is blessed with lush jungles inhabited by various native animals. Meanwhile, the clear, sparkling waters are home to vibrant corals and marine creatures. Thus, making Palawan the best destination to enjoy and appreciate nature.
Get up close with one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park draws thousands of local and international tourists. That’s because of its pristine natural beauty, intact old-growth forests, and distinctive wildlife.
Its spectacular limestone karst landscape and impressive cave system containing a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem have helped the site garner a spot on the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Dive in Kayangan Lake
Its raw beauty unmatched by other natural attractions are what makes it such an IG-worthy spot in Coron, Palawan. Nothing can beat the towering limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters at Kayangan Lake!
Besides taking tons of pictures, Kayangan Lake is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and free diving because its waters are the perfect combination of freshwater and saltwater.
2. Manila City
If you happen to spend some time in Metro Manila, you could visit the city of Manila. That is where Intramuros (the old city). Just take note that Metro Manila and Manila are not the same thing. Metro Manila is the metropolitan area that contains different cities close to Manila. Manila City is one of its cities.
Manila is the sprawling capital of the Philippines. However, it’s often dismissed in favor of more popular destinations. This concrete jungle could be just as interesting as other tourist spots.
The city is a fusion of the country’s past, present, and future – a multi-cultural heritage, riveting architectural structures, and gleaming skyscrapers. There are a lot of cultural and heritage sites, parks, and other attractions intertwined among the busy roads and towering buildings.
This spot is for those who are curious on what the urban life in the Philippines is. If you prefer going to the beach and seeing nature right when you arrive in the Philippines, some travelers sometimes skip Manila on their trip. Especially if they have limited days in the country.
Go back in time at the ‘Walled City’
Intramuros was dubbed as the ‘Walled City’ because its walls span 4.5 km. The Spaniards built Intramuros 400 years ago to serve as their political and military base. It may just be ruins today, but that’s exactly why Intramuros is a must-see destination in Manila.
The best way to explore Intramuros is by going on a bamboo bike tour organized by Bambike Ecotours. The most notable parts to see are Fort Santiago, Plaza Roma, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Museum.
Appreciate Philippine culture and history at the National Museum Complex
The National Museum Complex has four divisions: Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History, and the National Planetarium.
The National Museum of Fine Arts houses 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions. It features the works of National Artists, notable painters, sculptors, and printmakers. One of the first and most prominent paintings you’ll see is the Spoliarium by Juan Luna.
If you want to understand Philippine history through artifacts, then the National Museum of Anthropology is the place to be. It’s home to Philippine ethnographic and terrestrial and underwater archaeological collections, which are very intriguing!
The Philippines has rich flora and fauna, and the National Museum of Natural History is the best place to discover that. It has 12 permanent galleries that exhibit botanical, zoological, and geological specimens that showcase the country’s unique natural history.
The National Planetarium would be interesting for anyone interested in astronomy. You get to explore the ethnoastronomy exhibitions and experience full-dome digital and mobile planetarium shows and actual celestial observations. Read More...
