Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Phillippines | What is Phillippines Famous for? (2024)

Here’s a list of the Philippines famous places that attract tourists from around the world:

Chocolate hills

Located in Central Bohol, Chocolate Hills have brought much fame to the Philippines, thanks to their beauty and unique topography, which mesmerises many visitors. Often regarded as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, these hills turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant chocolate truffles.

These hills are not very high, but they cover an extensive area and can be seen from Baatun, Bilar, Carmen and Sagbayan towns. So, give a treat to your eyes by visiting the Chocolate Hills when in the Philippines.

Mayon volcano

This perfectly shaped volcano is a spectacle to behold. A famous tourist spot, Mount Mayon is renowned for its perfect symmetrical conical shape. It lies in the Albay Province and within the Bicol, a place known for its beaches, spicy food and pili nuts. Sacred in Philippine mythology, this active volcano lights up in the dark when the lava makes its crater glow. Make sure you don’t miss out on the view of this majestic volcano while in the Philippines.

Intramuros

Next on the list of best places to visit in the Philippines is Intramuros. Situated east of Manila Bay and south of the Pasig River, the Walled City of Intramuros is around 400 years old and was built as a political and military base for Spaniards during the colonisation period. Walking or biking around the city is the best way to explore and learn about its rich history.

City of Vigan

Another famous tourist spot in the Philippines is the City of Vigan. This was built in the late 1500s during the Spanish colonisation and still has the same feel and look after hundreds of years.

The City of Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural mix of Philippine and colonial Spanish designs makes it unique, with no parallel in Southeast Asia.

Apart from visiting the normal houses, you can visit museums and Vigan colonial houses that were ancestral houses for Chinese traders. The best time to come here is the end of January when the whole town is gripped in the fiesta celebrations.

Banaue Rice Terraces

One of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, the Banaue Rice Terraces are described as a “living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty”.

Located in the Cordilleras of Luzon Island, the Ifugao people created this system of irrigated rice terraces around 2000 years ago using only basic tools. The view of this National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines is awe-inspiring.

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park

A famous scuba diving site and a marine-protected area, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is a must-visit place in the Philippines. It is home to many marine species like corals, sharks, sea grass and algae, mammals and more.

The park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is located amidst the Sulu Sea. You can have one of the most exhilarating diving experiences here. The best time to visit is from March to June, which is the diving season.

Taal Volcano and Lake

Located about 50km south of Manila, Taal Volcano is an active volcano in Taal Lake. It is known as the world’s smallest active volcano. You can see ashes and hot fumes emitting from it.

The Taal lake, on the other hand, is home to the “Tawilis”, the only freshwater sardine in the world. You can reach the island by boat in only 45 minutes and to the volcano’s peak in 20 minutes.

The view of the lake and the beautiful valleys around it is a treat to the eyes. Don’t miss out on this place while touring around the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located on Palawan Island, this national park is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. It is a unique biogeographic site since it connects various ecosystems, including mangroves, tropical rainforests, mountains, sea, and freshwater swamps.

A popular ecotourism destination, Perto Princesa Subterranean National Park is visited by tourists from around the world.

One of the unique features of the park is its magnificent limestone karst landscape with the world’s longest underground river.

Maria Cristina Falls

Located in the Iligan City on Mindanao Island, Maria Cristina Falls is referred to as the “twin falls.” It is due to the separation of water by a rock at the waterfall’s brink. These are the second-highest waterfalls in the archipelagic country.

The grandeur and beauty of these falls are alluring enough to drive the attention of several tourists. However, you can visit the waterfall only on Sundays and special holidays during the hours when the power plant is closed.

Baroque Churches

While the Philippines is home to numerous churches due to the predominance of Christianity, the Baroque churches remain the most famous. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, these four churches are known for their unique and mind-blowing architecture.

They are located in different areas of the Philippines. Two are in the northern island of Luzon, one in central Visayas island of Iloilo and one in Intramuros, Manila. You can visit these churches to get a glimpse of the history of the Philippines.

Besides its soul-rejuvenating tourist attractions, the Philippines is famous for many other things. We have listed a few below:

Rich culture and tradition

The rich traditions and culture of the Philippines are a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. Despite having an Asian background, Filipinos are strongly influenced by Western traditions.

You can see the influence of the Spanish colonisers, American rulers as well as Chinese traders. Filipinos give a lot of importance to family and societal values and take pride in their religion.

While Christianity dominates the island country, Islam and indigenous faiths are also found.

Filipino cuisine

Be it a festival or a regular day, Filipinos love to eat. They have six meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a snack after every meal.

Filipino cuisine is influenced by Indian, Chinese, Spanish and native indigenous flavours. Rice is the staple food which is eaten with other dishes.

A few popular dishes are adobo (a meat stew made of chicken, beef or pork), sinigang (tamarind soup with pork, prawns or fish), lechon baboy (roasted pig), etc.

Exotic wildlife

Another answer to what the Philippines is famous for is its exotic wildlife. There are over 52,177 wildlife species found in the country’s land and water.

The most famous are the whale shark and the Philippine Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate. You can also find the Philippine Eagle, the largest in the world, Dugong Sea Cow, Brahminy Kite, etc.

Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, is also found in the Philippines.

Exciting nightlife

The Philippines can give exciting memories to party lovers. Focused on beach bars, nightlife in the Philippines is famed across the world. The locals love to perform and have a great passion for dance and music.

You can find nightclubs all around and never fall short of dancing and drinking. Local bear in the Philippines, which is famous around the world, is quite cheap. You can also enjoy Karaoke nights that form an integral part of Filipino culture.

Diving and snorkelling spots

If you are a sports lover, the Philippines can offer some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences, thanks to its rich marine life. A popular sport is Malapascua diving in Cebu, which allows you to see sharks up close.

You can also enjoy water sports at Verde Island Passage between Mindara and Luzon. And don’t miss out on the Moalboal sardine run sport for an extra thrill.

Karaoke

Integral to the culture of the Philippines, Karaoke is an everyday activity all over the country.

You can rent a room at standalone karaoke restaurant bars and sing while eating and drinking with friends. There are even karaoke booths in malls.

Karaoke culture is especially famous at special events where people gather and sing their hearts out.

Fiestas and festivals

We can’t miss out on the fiestas and festivals when talking about the culture of the Philippines. Due to its large catholic population, every town was assigned a patron saint during the Spanish occupation.

For the feast day of those patron saints, there’s a fiesta. Philippine fiestas are vibrant, with lots of food, banderitas and parades. The most popular festival is Ati-Atihan, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of January.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus on this day, people participate in parades and wear vibrant costumes and masks.

Bayanihan

Filipinos are one of the most accommodating and friendly people you can ever meet. They are warm not only with the foreigners but also with their fellow Filipinos.

The generosity comes from the value of Bayanihan, which means the spirit of communal cooperation. So, when you visit the Philippines, you will not only find beautiful places but also beautiful people.

The Philippines is the most delightful and exotic tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The enchanting beaches, scenic mountains, mighty volcanoes and exotic wildlife will leave you enthralled. So, if you are planning a trip to the Philippines, visiting the above-mentioned places is a must.

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What the Philippines is best known for?

The Philippines' speciality includes scenic mountains, enchanting beaches, exotic wildlife, majestic volcanoes, friendly people, rich culture and tradition, exciting nightlife, delicious cuisines, etc.

What is the most popular food in the Philippines?

Adobo, which is a meat stew made of chicken, beef or pork, is the most popular food in the Philippines. It is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and other spices. The meat is cooked slowly until it becomes soft. This famous dish is served with rice and is often unofficially considered by many as the national dish of the country.

Why the Philippines is one of the best tourist destinations?

The Philippines is one of the best tourist destinations due to its plethora of attractions, including impressive mountains, serene beaches, mighty volcanoes, and more. The country has a rich cultural heritage and is renowned for its architectural marvels. Moreover, the exotic wildlife and world-class diving spots make this archipelagic country a worthy travel destination.

What are the best islands in the Philippines?

The Philippines is popular for its beautiful islands. A few of the best islands in the Philippines include Siargao Island, Mindanao Island, Luzon Island, Palawan Island, Coron Island, Bohol Island, Malapascua Island, Boracay Island and many more.