The Philippines is an island nation located in the Western Pacific. The region boasts one of the world’s longest combined coastlines due to the nation’s seven thousand tropical islands. From pristine beaches and marvelous natural wonders to interesting historic sites and beautiful coral reefs, the Philippines pack many exciting things to see and do. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
Vigan Island.
Vigan Island, officially known as the City of Vigan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ilocos Sur province, Philippines. It is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia, where old structures and cobblestone streets reflect the country’s rich history. Vigan is known for its Spanish-era architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious local cuisine.
Calle Crisologo: A Walk Through History.
- This is the most popular tourist attraction in Vigan, with cobblestone streets and old houses from the Spanish era. It’s like walking while you’re walking!
Vigan Cathedral: An Architectural Marvel.
- It is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. It is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.
Bantay Church Bell Tower: A Panoramic View.
- This historic bell tower offers a beautiful view of Vigan and the surrounding areas.
Plaza Burgos: The Heart of Vigan.
- It is a beautiful town square where various events take place and is surrounded by historic buildings.
Pagburnayan Jar Factory: Crafting Tradition.
- A traditional pottery factory where you can see how the famous vegan jars are made.
Baluarte Zoo: Family Fun and Wildlife.
- A small zoo with a variety of animals and a fun experience for families.
Discover Vigan
A visit to this town in northern luzon is like a step back to colonial times horses pull carts along cobblestone streets and dark wood mansions flank the sides as a reminder of the grand life that many enjoyed in this colonial spanish trading post at the time many goods like beeswax and gold were traded to china for exotic asian items today the main income for this port is tourism though the splendor from its trading history remains. Vigon has two hearts a shopping center in the north and a business district in the south.
Bohol the huge orange eyes and tiny fingers of the miniscule tarsier serve as the spokes model for the island of bohol just a short trip from cebu. This area is one of the few remaining homes for this tiny primate the unique geologic oddity of the chocolate hills serves as the second draw for travelers to the region the unique mogul-like hills come with a legend of being formed by the rocks thrown by an angry giant. Many visitors to the island are however here to partake in the breathtaking dive.Opportunities that the region has to offer number.
One of the most densely populated cities in the world the philippines chaotic capital can be a bit hard to fall in love with at first sight. It is well worth persevering however as its towering skyscrapers and traffic filled streets hide away lots of wonderful and unique places. Founded by the spanish back in 1571 the city is set on the shores of manila bay with pasig river running through it old and new seamlessly mixed together in manila as modern shopping malls lie alongside colonial-era churches and cathedrals full of trendy bars and artisan markets. With some great nightlife the pearl of the orient is certainly one of asia’s greatest mega cities.
Once a sleepy laid-back fishing village the coastal town of Donsal now hums with life as scuba divers and snorkelers come to swim with the infamous whale sharks that are found just offshore growing up to 12 meters long. The gentle giants are majestic to see up close and swimming with them really is an unforgettable experience while there is not all that much to see or do in town donsall is a pleasant enough place to spend a couple of days and the surrounding area.
Over looking the glorious tal lake tagete is one of the most popular towns to visit in the philippines with both tourists and locals alike, its cool mountain climate offers visitors some welcome respite from the hustle and bustle heat and humidity of nearby manila as it is bordered. By lots of hills and mountains there is loads of magnificent scenery to enjoy with tall volcano being the undoubted highlight tourist attractions in town include the punta santiago lighthouse saint and shrine and the large local flower farm.
Cebu is an island province consisting of the main island itself and 167 surrounding islands its capital cebu city is the oldest in the philippines and home to the nation’s second international airport. The city is a smaller but similarly busy version of manila with many of the same urban benefits one advantage that cebu has is mat ken island featuring a premier dive site that is a short drive from an international airport another diving gem the island and resorts of Malapascua. Is about a four hour drive to the port town of maya and then must be accessed by boat.
Chargao shaped like a teardrop char gao with its lush coconut groves tranquil lagoons and white sand beaches is the very definition of paradise. this relatively undeveloped island is home to just a couple hundred thousand residents without its own airport it’s tricky to get to which makes. it that much more rewarding when you finally sink your toes into its remote sands charge is famed. as the surfing capital of the philippines with15 known surfing spots including the celebrated cloud nine surf schools and rental shops abound and there are also opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding snorkeling and much more.
Ifugao rice terraces photographers will want to have lots of memory cards with them. When they visit the picturesque ifugao rice terraces on the island of luzon. 2000 years people have been growing rice on terraces that follow the contours of the cordularis mountains the most famous ones can be found around the town of banue. They were created by the ifugao ethnic people without modern tools and are still used today.
Boracay is one of the most popular islands in the philippines. So much so that it had to be closed for six months to rehabilitate. The island after its huge influx of visitors today it is reopened to tourists. but has a limit on the number of visitors it welcomes each day the main allure of boracay island is its idyllic white beach. But there are hordes of other tiny beaches and coves where you can enjoy everything from snorkeling and scuba diving to.
Palawan is an island province in the philippines. That stretches from mindoro to borneo between the south china and sulu seas. Puerto princesa which is close to the large karst formations with an underground river is the provincial capital. Coron reese is one of the best diving spots in the world drawing divers. Who want to explore japanese shipwrecks from world war ii another popular destination is el nido a town sandwiched between towering limestone karst cliffs and a beautiful bay.
