Top Tourist Attractions in the Philippines

. Banaue Rice Terraces 

 

                        

No trip to the Philippines could be complete without seeing the spectacular Banaue Rice Terraces. Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces, although more and more younger Ifugaos do not find farming appealing and emigrate to the cities.

 Boracay

                       

Boracay may be a small island, but it packs great features such as award-winning beaches, beautiful resorts and great adventures like cliff diving, parasailing, motorbiking, horse riding, snorkeling, kite surfing and scuba diving. If that is not enough, boat tours allow visitors to watch stunning sunsets, explore volcanic caves and remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When the sun sets, Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.


. Chocolate hills

                        

One of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines, The Chocolate Hills are unusual geological formations that consists of at least 1,268 individual mounds scattered throughout the interior of the island of Bohol. The almost symmetrical and same-sized formations range from 98 to 164 feet (30 to 50 meters) high and are covered in green grass. During the dry season the grass turns brow, hence the name. There is no consensus on how these giant mole hills were formed. One theory holds that the Chocolate Hills are the weathered rock formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.

 DONSOL

                      

 

Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. The ocean’s gentle giants can be seen between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and May. Tourists can also take a boat cruise along the Donsol River through mangrove and palm trees, and watch the night light up with millions of sparkling fireflies. If that’s not enough, a traditional shrimp-catching expedition with bamboos and nets, followed by a tasty dinner of the cooked catch is also available.

 Puerto Princesa Underground River

                      

Located on the northern coast of the island of Palawa, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to unspoiled landscapes rich in wildlife, this lovely town also lays claim to one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena, an underground river known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Protected within a national park, this natural wonder is the world’s longest navigable underground river. Guided paddle boat tours show intriguing rock formations and fluttering bats.

Mayon Volcano

                          

Rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, Mayon Volcano is significant for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities here such as camping, climbing, hiking, bird watching and photography. A picturesque spot in which to admire Mayon Volcano is from the nearby Cagsawa ruins. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years. The most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814 bombarding the nearby towns with volcanic rocks. The belfry and what is left of the baroque church that was destroyed by the 1814 eruption can still be seen.


  Tubbataha Reef

                        

 

The Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a marine sanctuary protected as the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is made up of two atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll, separated by a deep channel of approximately 5 miles (8 km) wide. It has become one of the most popular dive sites in the Philippines because of its coral walls where the shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way to great depths. The marine park is open to live-aboard diving excursions between the months of April to June when the waves are most calm.

Top 10 Philippine Tourist Destinations

                                     


                                      

1. Cebu (1.615 million)
Korean tourists became the top market for the Queen City of the South, comprising 29% of total foreign tourists. Chinese tourists increased by 70% as more charter flights were booked between Cebu and Shanghai, as well as from Guangzhou.

                                    

2. Camarines Sur (1.566 million)
Better known as CamSur, the province had a dramatic 117.2 % increase in tourists, welcoming an estimated 1.5 million visitors last year. In 2008, more than 720,000 went wakeboarding at the CamSur Watersports Complex. Events like the First Aqua Fest Celebrity Challenge, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, International Dragon Boat Competition and Bagasbas Summer Surf gave travelers excellent reasons to visit this tourist spot in the Bicol region.

                                    

3. Metro Manila (1.442 million)
The opening of 1,056 new accommodation rooms in hotels improved the tourist activity in the country's busiest region. Last year, 20 cruise liners docked in Manila. Tourist arrivals from these ships marked a 2.24% growth from 17,516 visitors in 2008 to 17,908 in the previous year. Intramuros, a famous landmark in Manila, and Tagaytay are the two most-preferred places of visit. If you want a quick escape, rent a Private Pool in Metro Manila.

                               

4. Baguio (770,187)
The summer capital of the Philippines experienced a 20% increase in tourists after the Kabayan mummies discovered the place after the Kabayan mummy burial caves were featured in documentaries on cable. European visitors made up the bulk of visitors to the Cordilleras where Baguio is located.

                        
5. Davao (669,864)
Known for being the home of the country's highest peak, Davao also has visitors flocking to the Eden Nature Park and Crocodile Farm, two of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

                                  
6. Boracay (649,559)
Taiwanese tourists to the island paradise increased by 72% since China Airlines started chartering flights there twice a week. Shanghai Airlines flights from Shanghai and Philippine Airlines flights from Hangzhou also boosted arrivals to Boracay by 26%.

                        
7. Cagayan de Oro (359,867)
The City of White Water Rafting and River Trekking, Cagayan de Oro not only boasts of splendid views but also very warm and hospitable locals.

                               
8. Zambales (323,271)
Three to four hours awa y from Manila, the province has some 170 kilometers of beaches with reefs, diving areas, and surfing spots. The Fiesta Poon Bato (Feast of the Sacred Stone) in January is a religious festival in honor of the Catholic Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, and attracts more than half a million tourists every year.

                    

9. Bohol (313,317)
Home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills, the island also hosts tourist activities like the Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) in Danao. The program, completely funded by the municipal government, offers mind-blowing experiences like taking a 45-meter plunge over a gorge supported only by a rope harness. There is also a 1.5-kilometer 'Suislide' zipline. Other attractions include caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking, and root climbing. Yes, root climbing.


                          

 10. Puerto Princesa (268,942)
Upgrades done on the Puerto Princesa International Airport paved way for a 23% increase in foreign travelers and a 21% hike in domestic tourists. Local government efforts to develop eco-tourism has brought more visitors and has made them stay longer.

TOP VISITED MOUNTAINS

                                                             Mount Pinatubo,Zambales

In June 1991, people witnessed the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It destroyed the summit of Mount Pinatubo and from 1,745 meters, it now stands at 1,486 meters. It is located at the intersection of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga and has been a major tourist destination since the 1991 eruption. Although it unleashed a huge expanse of terror and destruction, its past outburst made the land around it more fertile. Today, valleys of ash can still be seen on the way to this mountain.

                                                                  Mount APO,Davao Del Sur

The Bagobo tribes of Mindanao have called this mountain “Apo,” meaning grandfather. It is the highest peak in the Philippines, with a height of 2,954 meters, situated in Davao del Sur. It is an already dormant volcano that has three major summits and a wide volcanic crater containing the crystal clear Lake Venado. It provides a difficult scale for climbers because of its thick mossy forests, steep trails, and giant rock boulders. Sulphur vents and deposits can also be seen throughout the area – a silent reminder of Mount Apo’s volcanic past. It is also a home of the Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle, the world’s largest eagle and the country’s national bird.

                                                         Mount Banahaw,Quezon        

This mountain is said to be the most magical mountain in the Philippines. It allows an easy climb to the peak, which appeals not only to mountaineers but also to all people who take interest in it. It is believed that fairies, ghosts, and even aliens are taking shelter in the area, making it an interestingly bizarre stage of myths and stories. During Holy Week, it is a favorite spot of religious people because they believe miracles and divine apparitions happen here.

                                                      Katinglad Mountain Range,Bukidnon

This series of high mountains is famous for its biodiversity and juicy pineapples. It is made up of five large mountains, with Mount Dulang-Dulang being the highest at 2,938 meters. It has many species of flora and fauna like unusual mossy plants, orchids, brown deer, lizards, cloud rats, and at least 74 avian species, including the Philippine Monkey-eating Eagle. Kitanglad Range and its surrounding plains are also the ancestral domain of several indigenous people as well as the location of the Del Monte Pineapple Plantation, the largest in the world. Climbing this mountain requires endurance, a lot of waterproofing, and most of all, a camera.

                                                             Mount Pico de Loro,Cavite
This mountain has an elevation of 664 meters above sea level at Maragondon, Cavite, 85 kilometers southwest of Manila. When the Spanish colonizers came in the 1500s, they named it Pico de Loro because its rocky summit resembles a parrot’s beak. Today, mountaineers and hikers venture this amazing mountain for its rare plants and animals and its exquisite summit views of forests, volcanoes, and beaches. The southern view is blocked by a huge tower of rock. This is ideal for beginners because the terrains are not too steep or hard to climb, although strong winds are something to beware of.

 

                                                           Mount Kanla.on,Negros Occidental

The 2,465-meter-high Mount Kanla-on is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines. It is certainly the highest and most active volcano in Visayas, showcasing its craters, cones, sulphuric vents, hot springs, caves, natural gardens, and mini forests. Most prominent are the enormous caldera on the north and a deep active crater on the south. It truly has an astonishing scenery and magical flora and fauna that will captivate the eyes of mountaineers.

TOP VISITED BEACHES

 

BORACAY ISLAND

Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The best of the island is the 4 km. White Beach, touted as the “finest beach in the world.” The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

 

 PAGUDPUD,ILOCOS NORTE

In the Northern part of the Philippines is a beach reputed to have the longest contiguous white sand with mighty waves and strong winds that can compare to Hawaii. Wind and wave surfing are the outstanding activities that Pagudpud beach offers its very discriminating clientele. Not to mention the inviting views, clear blue waters, and white sand. Pagudpud promises its visitors a magnificent experience in a secluded paradise.

 

 

CAMIGUIN

Camiguin, which rhymes with “come again,” has been regarded as the most beautiful island in the country. As such, it is also referred to as the Philippines’ “Garden of Eden.” The presence of a number of majestic waterfalls that create both hot and cold springs is only one of the many attractions of this island-paradise. The topography is unmistakably tropical but the ambience is uniquely occidental. A study in contrast, Camiguin is sure to mesmerize anyone who visits with the itch to be back again soon. 

 

 

PEARL FARM,DAVAO

Pearl Farm is located in the Samal Island off the coast of Davao City, Southern Philippines. The premier beach resort, which lies in the pristine island of Samal, used to be a pearl farm. There thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported form the Sulu Sea, were once cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. Today, beach lovers all over the world visit this world-class beach resort for its white sand and panoramic landscape and seascape, bringing with them the memory of a lifetime – a relaxing private retreat in a tropical paradise. 

 

 

SIARGAO

Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is renowned for its curling waves that soar from nine to twelve feet high. It is frequented by surfers from all over the world. Besides surfing, the island of Siargao is well-known for its unspoiled beaches and its rural charm.