2025 Edition, but this stuff’s been gorgeous forever.
Wait—Before You Scroll: This Country? It’s Unreal.
Okay. So here’s the thing. The Philippines? It’s not just beautiful—it’s unfair. Like, how dare one country have powdery beaches, gothic volcanoes, 2,000-year-old rice art, AND a town that sells strawberry taho?
Whether you’re a local who’s been meaning to travel more (pero walang budget lmao) or a foreigner who still thinks we’re all in Boracay—this list is for you.
🏝️ THE ISLAND STUFF (Where You’ll Mentally Quit Your Job)
1. El Nido, Palawan
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you’ll still lose your damn mind when you see Big Lagoon.
☑️ Kayaking into karst formations
☑️ Jumping off boats for no reason
☑️ Wondering why your office even exists
2. Coron, Palawan
Shipwreck diving, turquoise lakes, dramatic cliffs—literal desktop wallpaper energy.
Pro tip: Skip the package tours. Book a banca with friends. Bring snacks. Cry in Lake Barracuda. Repeat.
3. Siargao
Come for the surf. Stay for the existential growth.
There are palm trees for days, karaoke by the beach, and at least one heartbreak waiting to happen.
4. Bantayan Island, Cebu
No crowds. No noise. Just vibes. Ride a motorbike until you hit sea or silence (both okay).
You’ll say “Why haven’t I heard of this?” every 15 minutes.
5. Camiguin
Tiny island, many volcanoes, waterfalls that feel like a shampoo commercial, and oh—there’s a sunken cemetery. Spooky? Yes. Stunning? Absolutely.
😍 TOURISTY AF BUT STILL SLAPS
6. Boracay
I know. I know. But go anyway. It’s still white sand magic. Just don’t stay near Station 2 if you want peace. Or sleep.
7. Baguio
Smells like pine, tastes like ukoy. Ride a horse. Freeze in May.
Eat at a random cafe. Regret nothing. Complain about traffic. Repeat.
8. Tagaytay
The view? Chefs kiss. The wind? Ruins your bangs but it’s worth it.
The bulalo? Soul medicine.
9. Vigan
You ever walk on cobblestones while eating empanada with vinegar and feel like a character in a period drama? Go here. Also: calesa rides, colonial buildings, aesthetic overload.
🏔️ MOUNTAIN MAGIC (aka Where You Face Your Feelings)
10. Sagada
You go to forget your ex. You stay for the sea of clouds and coffee that tastes like therapy.
Echo Valley, hanging coffins, and that one kuya tour guide who makes you laugh and think about mortality.
11. Banaue Rice Terraces
Engineered by literal ancestors. Still more efficient than your current city planner.
Do yourself a favor: trek to Batad. Your knees will scream. Your soul will sing.
12. Mount Pulag
Climb at midnight, freeze a bit, watch the sun rise above the clouds, cry silently. That’s the Mount Pulag starter pack.
13. Mayon Volcano
Perfect cone. Perfect photos. Slightly terrifying. Feels like nature got out her protractor and showed off.
🧙♂️ OFFBEAT & WEIRDLY HEALING
14. Batanes
Hills. Cows. No malls. No noise. Just honesty, simplicity, and the type of peace you can’t order on Lazada.
15. Siquijor
The island of magic, mystery, and maybe a little bruha energy—but it’s also so chill. Waterfalls. Cliff dives. Folk medicine. Motorcycle loops. Ugh. Heaven.
16. Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
Just a sandbar. That’s it. But your brain? Will whisper “Stay here forever.”
No resorts, no WiFi, just sky, sea, and sunburn.
17. Apo Island
Snorkeling with sea turtles. Coral reefs that look fake. Island life with minimal signal and maximum serotonin.
🏙️ CITIES THAT SURPRISE YOU
18. Iloilo City
Clean streets. Kind people. Food that punches above its price tag. Try batchoy, cry later.
19. Zamboanga City
Pink sand beaches. Historic forts. Vintas that make your IG pop.
And Chavacano, the coolest language you never learned.
20. Dumaguete
Writers, students, divers, dreamers—this place attracts the chill and the creative. Also: silvanas.
🌊 SMALL TOWNS THAT HIT HARD
21. Caramoan, CamSur
You’ve probably seen it on “Survivor.” But in real life? Way better. Think secret coves and no crowds.
22. San Vicente, Palawan
Long Beach. Not creatively named. Just… long. Peaceful. Gorgeous. Probably has more sand than your life has direction.
23. Malapascua, Cebu
Wake up at 5AM, dive with thresher sharks, nap like you earned it.
No roads. No rush. Pure ocean life.
🧖♀️ VIBE-BASED DESTINATIONS™
24. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Zipline above seven waterfalls like a Disney princess with adrenaline issues. Eat tilapia. Reflect on life.
25. Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur
So blue it looks fake. So cold it slaps. Don’t ask why it’s enchanted—just float and accept your blessings.
🌟 Final Notes From a Travel-Obsessed Tita:
Don’t just go where influencers go. Ask the locals. Get lost a little. Eat random food. Say yes to strange side quests. And please, for the love of all that’s holy:
- Don’t litter.
- Don’t be loud in sacred places.
- Don’t complain about WiFi in a mangrove.
The Philippines isn’t just pretty. It’s alive. And if you let it—it’ll change you.
