With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a straightforward destination for leisure and business travel. The foremost choice a visitor is faced with is choosing which parts they want to explore. The Philippines is separated into three primary island groups that represent distinct parts of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Travel destinations in the Philippines are popular in every holiday or season. Because there are so many places to visit in the Philippines, let’s have a look at a few of them today.
Tourism Trends in the Philippines
Based on a Statista study conducted in June 2022, Boracay and Baguio ranked the most popular domestic tourism spots among Filipino voters. The Philippine Tourism Administration recently released a five-year strategy to position the Philippines as Asia’s tourist dynamo in the future, along with an all-new tagline, ‘Love the Philippines.’ The agency also hopes to attract 12 million overseas tourists to the country each year by 2028 as part of its tourism strategy.
Stats of Philippine Tourism
According to the Department of Tourism, the country has had over four million tourists since the start of the calendar year. From January 1 to September 29, the country received 4,005,465 foreign visitors and overseas Filipinos. This is close to the DOT’s aim of 4.8 million international tourists this year. A total of 3.67 million are international tourists, whereas 337,426 are abroad Filipinos (OFWs).
Top Ten Travel Destinations According to Season
Summer: March to May
Siargao
Whenever you’re seeking to experience a relaxed tropical environment on your holiday or business trip, Siargao ranks as one of the greatest places to visit. The destination is not as crowded as its counterparts in metropolitan areas, but it continues to boast impressive sights. On top of that, if you want to unwind with some activities, you will enjoy surfing in the waves of Siargao.
- Surfing Capital of the Philippines
- Island Hopping
- Land Tour
- Boardwalk
Cebu
The province of Cebu, in the middle Visayas area, is known for having a number of the greatest diving and snorkeling opportunities in the entire country. If you enjoy diving, Cebu is one of the best locations for tours that allow you to spend time up close and personal with whale sharks, coral gardens, and sea turtles as well. Moreover, Cebu also serves some of the best cuisines, namely their Cebu Lechon (roasted pig), dried Mangoes, and Chorizo de Cebu (local sausage).
- Marine Life Exploration
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Spanish Architectural Tours
- Business Parks
Coron
In the Palawan region, Coron Island, another of the worldwide best diving locations, is a tropical paradise with brilliant turquoise and green water that appears surreal. The rugged island is located at the point of the Palawan area, the Philippines’ westernmost part of the islands. Coron Island in Palawan is a mixture of greens and blue hues, offering an intriguing experience for anyone who wishes to visit.
- Wreck Diving
- Rock Formations
- Underwater Shipwrecks
- Mangrove Forests
- White Sand Beaches
Bohol
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a geomorphic masterpiece and a sight to see, having been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Monument. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Philippines, with 1,268 conical hills that turn chocolaty brown throughout the summer months, thus giving it its title.
- UNESCO World Heritage National Monument
- Man-made Forest
- Tarsier Sanctuary
- Old Churches
Boracay
The Island is known as the beach capital of the Philippines for a reason: This little island in the western Visayas area is excellent for tourists seeking effortless sun leisure or aquatic activities. White Beach on the island’s west coast is one of the best and well-maintained in the Philippines. Notably, it also boasts of fine hospitality and exquisite dishes.
- White Sand Beaches
- Aquatic Activities
- Parasailing
- Helmet Diving
- Snorkeling
Dry Season: December to February
Baguio
You may go trekking or cycling on several of the numerous trails or play a game of golf at one of the region’s lodges. Baguio is distinct from other places in the Philippines in that it is encompassed by trees rather than water. Cordillera is a region on the island of Luzon that is hidden away in a hilly location.
Despite being a metropolis, Baguio is cozy and suggestive of a cottage-style setting. Ironically, because of its cool temperature, which most Filipinos love to visit, it is titled as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines.’
- Lodges and Cottages
- Mountainous Tours
- View-deck Observation
- Bird-watching
- Parks Leisure
Sagada
This location is a haven for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The thrill and expertise necessary for outdoor adventure are increased by the rocky terrain and high height. Mountaineering is popular in Sagada, especially up Mount Ampaco. It is a region with a rich history, evidenced by some of the popular travel destinations in the Philippines, which is its hanging coffins. Additionally, it is also a popular region for countless lodging and business team buildings.
- Pottery
- Weaving
- Mountaineering
- Outdoor Adventure
Davao
Mount Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines, is one of the top locations for sightseeing in Davao City. It also has Durian Dome, which is called for the spicy, prickly fruit that grows abundantly in Mindanao. Major sights in Davao City include the Philippine Eagle Center, Davao Crocodile Park, and Mount Apo.
- Garden Resorts
- Urban and Rural Areas
- Crocodile Park
- Countryside Tours
- Wildlife Explorations
Vigan
Ride around the town in a horse-drawn Kalesa and appreciate the colonial structures built by the Spanish who occupied the area in the 18th century. Vigan is an attractive town with various facets to discover. Its culture is a synthesis of Chinese and Spanish elements brought by immigrants to the region.
- Museums
- Garden and Park Exploration
- Historical Tours
- Cuisine Fusion
- Old Towns
Banaue
UNESCO has designated Banaue’s Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces as World Heritage Sites. The Banaue rice terraces are among the most impressive sights to visit in the Philippines. The terraces in this region are emerald green, a miracle of agriculture. Popular activities include hiking, coffee tasting, weaving, and camping.
- Camping
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Weaving
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tips for Travellers
Plan Your Trip
Travel destinations in the Philippines are stunning and best enjoyed when the hassles are addressed. But it’s crucial to have a strategy in place and to be aware of the locations and days you wish to visit during your vacation.
To avoid wasting time on your trip pondering where to go or when to go, this is a crucial step in the planning process. As part of your planning, you should also be aware of the local dialect, currency, and mode of transportation.
Weather Check
Prior to your journey, make sure to check the weather prediction and prepare appropriately. If you need certain medication and insect repellants, be sure to bring the right kind with you, as the Philippines is known for its humid climate.
Bring Sufficient Cash
Millions of visitors flood the nation every year since it is one of the top tourist destinations. Understanding the value of currencies and carrying adequate cash on you are very crucial. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the local money and pack enough cash to last the duration of your journey.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, eating is a crucial component of any journey. It is crucial to explore the local streets and eat the cuisine there. While you enjoy the delectable meals at upscale, pricey restaurants, you should also sample the regional cuisine from tiny, local shops that can offer you the best-quality, locally-inspired foods.
Travel destinations in the Philippines appeal to visitors from across the world, and their recognition on a worldwide scale is seen by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as significant recent achievements. By leveraging the well-known Filipino hospitality, the DOT set out on a quest to train 100,000 people in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) by year’s end. It praised its significance that the Philippines and its vacation spots continue to win recognition from the top award-giving organizations in the sector and develop international traction.
