BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN THE PHILIPPINES | TRAVEL GUIDES, WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT, LIST OF HOTELS, AND FESTIVALS
Here’s your best resource for the “Best Tourist Spots in the Philippines. This list has links to various posts that cover several travel guides; Philippine tourist attractions, food, hotels and resorts, festivals and much more.
Batad (Banaue) Rice Terraces, Cordillera Administrative Region
Tourist Spots in the Philippines [The “Pearl of the Orient Seas]
There are only a few reasons why a country could earn the moniker, Pearl of the Orient Seas. One, it must be a country prized for its natural beauty or, two, it is one ripe for exploiting its rich natural resources. Maybe, even both.
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” during the Spanish colonization, the Philippines is a country full of natural beauty that boasts resources that could enrich those who would tap on it. Either brought about by its own beauty or as a result of the existing mindset about colonialism at the time, the Philippines was a country subject to foreign rule for a few hundreds of years.
Although the original inhabitants of the Philippines were either animists or practitioners of Islam, the resulting conquest of the Spaniards led to the country becoming a predominantly Christians under the Roman Catholic Church with a smaller minority practicing other religions, including Protestantism.
There is no other country with a large concentration of Christian practitioners than the Philippines in its bloc. Essentially, this part of the country’s history made it unique amongst its southeast Asian neighbors which were home to either predominantly Muslims or Buddhists.
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Masskara Festival, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
An Archipelago of Several-Thousand Islands
Surrounded not by land but bodies of water, the Philippines is an archipelago comprised of exactly 7,641 islands as subdivided into three main islands, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Of the three main islands, Luzon makes for the biggest in terms of land area and is where the heart of the country’s economy and power is placed. Although this massive landmass has its own coasts and seawaters, the main attractions in this island are found in historical landmarks, man-made structures, and nature.
For those who have a natural affection towards the sea or ocean will find the clean waters of Visayas the perfect place to be for snorkeling, swimming, diving, and any other seawater activities. In fact, it is in this part of the country where you will find some of the best beaches which are often flocked by people year-round. But dig in deep in the region and you will surprise yourself with the hidden gem of locations which make for a perfect retreat from the crowd.
While the pristine seawaters are one thing, the middle island—that is, Visayas—is also a beauty in its land terrain to boot. Whether it is trekking mountains, going for waterfalls, and finding caves, the surprise never ends.
But let us not also forget about the southern-most island of the country which is Mindanao, known for its mountain ranges and the dwelling for the nation’s tallest summit, Mount Apo. Although this island’s tallest peak may little in comparison to that of Himalayas, it takes an average of two days to reach it on foot.
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Pintados de Pasi, Pasi City, Iloilo
Language
English is widely used and understood in the Philippines, making it easy for any foreigner to travel and interact with the locals. The national language is “Filipino” and is understood by almost all of the Filipinos.
The Philippines is an archipelago that speaks various dialects. There are 185 dialects listed for the Philippines wherein 2 of these are already extinct.
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Ilocos Norte
Basic Phrases
- Magandang Umaga = Good morning!
- Magandang tanghali = Good noon! (a greeting used during noontime, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
- Magandang hapon – Good afternoon!
- Magandang Gabi – Good Evening
- Salamat Po! – Thank You!
- Masarap! – Delicious!
- Paalam – Goodbye
- Ingat Ka – Take Care
- Para! – Stop (a word used when riding a public utility vehicle and you wanted to alight
- Magkano? – How Much? (a phrase used to ask a vendor)
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Money
Philippine Peso is the currency used in the Philippines. For most cities money changers are available. However, it would be best to exchange your money the moment you arrived at any of the international airports in the Philippines.
Credits cards are accepted in most establishments in major destinations. However, it would always be best to bring some cash just in case no credit card facility is available. ATM Machines can also be found anywhere. However, there are destinations that no ATM machines are available. It is advised that you read well travel guides and ask before your trip to specific destinations regarding the facilities you may need.
La Paz Batchoy a popular dish originated in La Paz , Iloilo City
Weather
The Philippines has 2 seasons, wet and dry. Generally speaking, January to May is the dry season, while July to December is the wet season. It is suggested to download an app to check the weather forecast before your trip.
What to Wear
It is relatively warm in the Philippines even during the rainy season. So it would be best to bring light clothes and maybe a jacket or windbreaker during raining season.
BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN THE PHILIPPINES| TRAVEL GUIDES, FOOD, FESTIVALS AND MORE
Listed below are various travel guides, travel stories, lists of hotels, resorts and restaurants to help you in planning your trip in the Philippines.
National Capital Region ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
The provinces included in this region include the following: Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela
Ilocos Region –Region I ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Places covered by this region are the provinces of Dagupan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Below is a series of Travel Guides and Stories which covers Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Please click here to bring you to these pages.
Cordillera Administrative Region ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Places covered in this region are the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province
Cagayan Valley – Region II ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region II includes the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Santiago
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Mt. Pinatubo, Pampanga
Central Luzon (Region III)
Region III includes the provinces of Angeles, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
CALABARZON – Region IV-A ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region IV-A includes the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena, Quezon, Rizal
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Coron, Palawan
Southwestern Tagalog Region ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
This region includes the provinces of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Romblon (MIMAROPA)
Mt. Mayon, Legaspi, Albay
Bicol Region – Region V ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region V covers the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Naga,, Sorsogon
Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City
Western Visayas – Region VI ( Best Places to Visit in the Philippines)
Region VI includes the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Bacolod, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Iloilo City, Negros Occidental
- TALISAY
- VICTORIAS CITY
- MURCIA
- NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
- KABANKALAN CITY
- LA CARLOTA CITY
- BACOLOD CITY
- BAGO CITY
- CAUAYAN
- CALATRAVA
- SIPALAY CITY
- CADIZ CITY
- SILAY CITY
- SAGAY CITY
- MANAPLA
- ESCALANTE CITY
- DON SALVADOR BENEDICTO
- EB MAGALONA
- ILOILO
- GUIMARAS ISLAND
- HINIGARAN
- SAN CARLOS CITY
- ROXAS CITY
- CANDONI
- CANLAON CITY
- CAPIZ
- CARLES, ILOILO
- ANTIQUE
- AKLAN- KALIBO
- BORACAY,AKLAN
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Manjuyod, Bais, Negros Oriental
Central Visayas – Region VII ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region VII includes the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Negros Oriental, Siquijor
- VALENCIA
- MABINAY
- SIQUIJOR
- SIATON
- NEGROS ORIENTAL
- DUMAGUETE
- MACTAN
- MOALBOAL
- MALAPASCUA ISLAND
- MANJUYOD, BAIS
- CEBU
- OSLOB
- BOHOL
- BOLJOON
- BADIAN
- BANTAYAN ISLAND
- CAMIGUIN
- CAMOTES ISLANDS
Philippine Tourist Attraction: Biri Rock Formation, Biri island Northern Samar
Eastern Visayas- Region VIII ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region VIII covers the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Ormoc, Samar, Southern Leyte, Tacloban
Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
Region IX includes the provinces of Isabela City, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
Camiguin Island
Northern Mindanao – Region X ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region X includes the provinces of Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental
Maxima Aqua Fun, Samal Island
Davao Region – Region XI ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region XI covers the provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental
Glan, Saranggani
SOCCSKSARGEN – Region XII ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
This region includes the provinces of Cotabato, Cotabato City, General Santos, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat
- SOUTH COTABATO
- SULTAN KUDARAT
- GENERAL SANTOS CITY
- GLAN, SARANGANI
- TACURONG, SULTAN KUDARAT
- SARANGANI
- LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO
Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
Caraga Region- Region XIII ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
Region XIII covers the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ( Tourist Spots in the Philippines)
This region includes the provinces of Basilan (excluding Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi
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