The tropical haven of the Philippines is blessed with some of the world’s most enchanting destinations and is an unparalleled tropical paradise worth experiencing for every beach bum. From the sun-kissed beaches of Boracay to the renowned beauty of Palawan, this archipelago is a canvas painted with nature’s finest strokes.
Here, turquoise waters caress sandy shores, inviting you to explore vibrant coral realms beneath. Yet, beyond the coastal charm lies a tapestry woven with cultural threads and echoes of a storied past. Wander through Spanish-influenced streets, traverse emerald rice terraces, and savour the symphony of flavours in Filipino cuisine. Explore some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines — an odyssey that promises not just a visit but a lasting connection to this tropical paradise.
Best time to visit scenic & beautiful places in The Philippines
The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.
Read our ultimate Philippines guide here.
Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in The Philippines
Palawan
Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines, beckons with its stunning archipelago. Renowned as one of the world’s best islands, Palawan boasts white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and towering limestone cliffs spread across 1,700 pristine islands and islets scattered in its three main destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron. El Nido, with its mesmerising rock formations and caves, stands out as a must-visit.
Coron, part of Busuanga and Calamian Islands, offers snorkelling and picturesque landscapes, including the pristine Kayangan Lake. Puerto Princesa, the capital, boasts the UNESCO-listed subterranean river, once voted as one of the seven wonders, with underground caves and limestone karst mountains. Palawan is a paradise for island-hopping and exploration, making it one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.
How to reach:
By air: Puerto Princesa International Airport is the nearest airport, 89.3 km away
Best places to stay: Frangipani El Nido, Maligaya Beach Bungalows, NoaNoa Island
Best time to explore: February to March
Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Booking.com
Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Agoda.com
Boracay
Boracay, a gem in the Philippines, ranks among the country’s top destinations. Famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife, Boracay captivates with its spectacular sunsets. Despite its modest size — approximately 7 km long — the island boasts one of Asia’s finest beaches — The White Beach. This popular tourist spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and offers a spectrum of water activities, from jet skiing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Boracay, a top among the beautiful places in the Philippines, is a must-visit for those seeking absolute tropical paradise pleasure in the country.
How to reach:
By air: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport is the nearest airport, 6.5 km away
Best places to stay: Shangri-La Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay
Best time to explore: March to May
Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Booking.com
Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Agoda.com
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Banaue Rice Terraces
Nestled in the Ifugaos mountains, the Banaue Rice Terraces, a Philippine National Cultural Treasure, boast a 2,000-year legacy. Likely hand-carved, these terraces were ingeniously crafted to address the challenge of cultivating rice on steep terrain.
Towering at 1500 m above sea level, their remote Luzon location requires a trek, dissuading conventional tourists. Serving as both a scenic marvel and crucial farmland, these terraces are vital to locals. The Sunrise Viewpoint, a popular spot offers a picturesque view amid scarlet wildflowers and vibrant rice plantings, making Banaue one of the unmissable and most beautiful places in the Philippines.
How to reach:
By air: Cauayan City Airport is the nearest airport, 131 km away
Best places to stay: Hiwang Native House Inn & Viewdeck
Best time to explore: April to July
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Spread across a 20-square-mile (51.79 square kilometres) region in central Bohol, the Chocolate Hills, numbering around 1,700 mounds, captivate with lush greenery in the rainy season and transform to chocolate brown in the dry months, earning their name. These iconic hills are a must-see in the country, displaying a magical transition of hues between wet and dry periods.
Recognised for historical significance, the Chocolate Hills charm with rolling landscapes is a testament to nature’s artistry. Adorned with jungles and rivers suitable for kayaking, Bohol emerges as a diverse destination for nature enthusiasts, one of the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. Bohol, beyond the hills, shelters endangered tarsiers, adding to its allure.
How to reach:
By air: Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the nearest airport, 85.7 km away
Best places to stay: Solea Mactan Resort, The Bellevue Resort
Best time to explore: March to June
Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Agoda.com
Also Read – Things You Need To Know About The Philippines Before Visiting
Pangasinan
Pangasinan, a hidden gem just a 3-4 hour drive from Manila, falls among the (yet) undiscovered beautiful places in the Philippines. It boasts pristine cream-coloured beaches, islets with encircling sandbars, magnificent waterfalls, caves, heritage towns, and a rich gastronomic culture. Named “place of salt,” it’s a major salt producer, known for its unique local products like bagoong (shrimp paste) and alamang (krill). While many visit the famed Hundred Islands National Park, comprising 123 limestone islets, the province’s untouched beauty unfolds in deserted Salomague beaches. Snorkelling unveils a vibrant giant clam population, a result of ongoing conservation efforts.
How to reach:
By air: Clark International Airport is the nearest airport, 105 km away
Best places to stay: Sirom Beach House, Oldwoods by the Sea Eco Resort
Best time to explore: December to May
Book your stay at Oldwoods By The Sea Nature Resort - Pangasinan via Booking.com
Book your stay at Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort via Agoda.com
Bicol
Nestled at Luzon’s southern tip, Bicol, with provinces like Camarines Norte and Masbate, offers an adventurous escape. From January to May, encounter and swim with majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Bicol’s dynamic landscape features active volcanoes, led by the iconic Mount Mayon, secluded beaches, and off-grid bays.
Delight in the region’s spicy cuisine, highlighting coconut and chillies in dishes like Bicol Express and Laing. Explore pristine beaches, island-hop on a bangka, and immerse in vibrant local festivals. With such beautiful places in Bicol, Philippines, this region unfolds as a lesser-explored haven, inviting travellers to discover its natural wonders and unique cultural flavours.
How to reach:
By air: Naga Airport is the nearest airport, 27.4 km away
Best places to stay: Residencia Del Hamor, Misibis Bay Resort
Best time to explore: January to May
Book your stay at Misibis Bay via Booking.com
Book your stay at Misibis Bay Resort via Agoda.com
Calabarzon
Discover the diverse wonders of Calabarzon, offering historical sites, scenic landscapes, and world-class dive spots, all among some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Tagaytay, a charming town, serves as a gateway to Corregidor Island’s panoramic views. Laguna beckons with hot springs and waterfalls, perfect for canoeing or hiking. Heritage-rich Batangas is also a diver’s paradise and gives visitors a peek into the Verde Island Passage’s biodiversity. Also worth visiting are Taal Volcano, and Fortune Island, as well as the many scenic hikes Calabarzon offers. Unwind on white-sand beaches or Laguna’s famous hot springs. Calabarzon emerges as an eco-tourism haven, emphasising sustainable nature resorts.
How to reach:
By air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the nearest airport, 67.2 km away
Best places to stay: Escala Tagaytay, Tierra Verde
Best time to explore: November to March
Book your stay at Escala Tagaytay via Agoda.com
Zamboanga
Zamboanga City, the “City of Flowers,” is a vibrant port city with a rich cultural tapestry. Derived from the Malay word “Jambangan,” meaning “flower garden,” it’s also dubbed “Asia‘s Latin City” due to Hispanic influences seen in colonial structures. Chavacano, the main language, is a Spanish-based Creole. The landscape boasts wetlands and forests, inviting motorcycle exploration. Nature enthusiasts flock for bird-watching and encounters with giant bats. In Zamboanga del Sur, Santa Cruz Islands offer eco-friendly initiatives and interactions with the Sama-Bangingi community. Embark on a lagoon tour to marvel at diverse bird species.
How to reach:
By air: Zamboanga International Airport is the busiest airport in the city
Best places to stay: Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp
Best time to explore: January to May
Book your stay at Garden Orchid Hotel via Booking.com
Also Read – Discover the Unexplored Philippines’ Tropical Island Paradise of MIMAROPA
Batanes
Nestled at the northern frontier of the Philippines, Batanes is the smallest province, both by land area and population. Aptly named the “Home of the Winds”, Batanes Island offers a secluded escape from the bustle, embraced by rolling hills and azure seas. Here, a tranquil atmosphere prevails, complemented by the amiable nature of the locals and an exceptional safety record. This hidden gem, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, caters to diverse travellers with mountains, sea, and delectable local cuisine. Batanes promises a retreat to simplicity — an idyllic haven where peace, quiet, and a back-to-basic lifestyle await, making it one of the hidden beautiful places in the Philippines.
How to reach:
By air: Basco Airport is the busiest airport on the Island
Best places to stay: Residencia du Basco, Fundacion Pacita
Best time to explore: January to April, December
Vigan
Vigan, a UNESCO Heritage Site, stands as a meticulously preserved testament to 16th-century Spanish colonial planning in Asia. Its architecture, a fusion of Filipino, Chinese, and European influences, creates a unique townscape unmatched in East and Southeast Asia. This historical gem captivates not only with its ranking among the Philippines’ top 20 tourist destinations but also as a paradise for history enthusiasts. Delight in the Spanish cultural tapestry woven into Vigan’s cuisine and architecture. The stone streets echo with the clop of kalesas, horse-drawn carriages, passing beneath old-fashioned street lamps, guiding visitors to colonial houses-turned-museums. Truly, Vigan epitomises the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines.
How to reach:
By air: Vigan Airport is the busiest airport in the city
Best places to stay: Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, Le Casa Blanca Hotel Vigan City
Best time to explore: January to May, November and December
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Related: Explore The Pearl Of The Orient: Things To Do In Manila, Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What makes Palawan, specifically El Nido and Coron, so special?
Palawan’s El Nido and Coron boast pristine beaches and captivating landscapes.
– Why is Boracay considered one of the most picturesque beach destinations in the world?
Boracay charms with powdery white sands and breathtaking sunsets worldwide.
– What is unique about the Banaue Rice Terraces, and why are they a scenic attraction?
Banaue Rice Terraces amaze with ancient hand-carved agricultural marvels.
– What can visitors expect to see at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol?
Chocolate Hills in Bohol offers iconic rolling landscapes, changing their lush green colours to brown with the change of seasons.
– Is Mayon Volcano safe to visit, given its volcanic activity?
Mayon Volcano’s safety depends on its current volcanic activity status.
– Are there hidden gems in the Philippines for travellers seeking scenic beauty?
Zamboanga, Batanes, Bicol, Pangasinan, among others.
– When is the best time to visit these scenic destinations in the Philippines?
The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.
-Are these scenic places suitable for families and travellers of all ages?
Most beaches are accessible to families and travellers of all ages, but it is advised to double-check the access and health conditions of the visitors beforehand.
Written By
Shubhanjana Das
An English Major, Shubhanjana is an independent culture and lifestyle journalist with extensive experience in fashion and travel writing. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue, Vice, FirstPost, and Mint Lounge, among others. She is a wannabe wine-taster and given the chance, wants to travel for a living and treats true crime podcasts like her lullaby. ..Read More
