10 best places to visit in the Philippines 2026

As a local who’s explored every corner of my homeland, the top 10 must-visit spots in the Philippines are Palawan, El Nido, Coron, Boracay, Siargao, Bohol, Cebu, Banaue Rice Terraces, Batanes, and Vigan.

Plan for 10-14 days, budget $50-100 daily, visit December to May, and fly into Manila, Manila, then connect domestically. Jump directly to destinations, planning tips, or FAQs.

I’ve crisscrossed the Philippines from misty northern hills to turquoise southern lagoons, and these 10 destinations stand out as the absolute best for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

Whether you’re chasing pristine beaches or cultural gems, here’s your complete roadmap packed with my firsthand adventures.

Premier Destinations: My Top 10 Picks

1. Palawan: Island Paradise Supreme

Palawan captivates with its 2000km coastline of rocky coves and powdery beaches, topping every local’s list, including mine, after countless trips.

I once spent a week paddling through its UNESCO-listed Underground River, emerging awestruck by stalactite cathedrals lit by skylights. Beyond that, island-hop to hidden lagoons where sea turtles glide beneath your kayak; it’s pure bliss I’ve returned to yearly.

Things to do include snorkeling vibrant reefs and hiking to secret waterfalls. Stay at eco-resorts like Nagtabon Travel (contact: info@nagtabon.com). Pro tip: Rent a motorbike for flexible exploration; I covered Puerto Princesa to Port Barton in a day, stopping at roadside mango stands.

2. El Nido: Lagoon Adventures Await

El Nido’s limestone cliffs and azure lagoons stole my heart on my first backpacking trip; kayak the Big Lagoon at dawn to avoid crowds, as I did, feeling like the only soul alive. This northern Palawan gem offers Tour A for Small Lagoon swims and Secret Beach swims through cave crevices, with waters so clear you spot clownfish darting below.

Base in Corong-Corong for boutique vibes; book via El Nido Resorts. My insight: Early tours beat party boats, saving you noise and securing calmer swims.

3. Coron: Wreck Diving Haven

Diving Coron’s WWII wrecks felt like stepping into history; I snorkeled Irako wreck’s hull, fish schooling through portholes, visibility 30m deep. Kayangan Lake’s emerald waters and Mt. Tapyas viewpoints complete the thrill, with Maquinit Hot Springs soothing post-dive muscles.

Stay seaside and dive with Kawil Tours (phone: +63 917 520 8888). Length of stay: 4 days minimum for full immersion.

4. Boracay: White Beach Icon

Boracay’s powdery sands hosted my most relaxed getaway; paraw sailing at sunset paints the sky gold, while inland mangroves hide quiet escapes. Nightlife pulses in Station 1, but I prefer Diniwid Beach’s calm.

5. Siargao: Surf Central

Cloud 9 waves challenged me as a beginner; lessons in General Luna led to Sugba Lagoon jumps. Island vibes thrive with Kermit cafe hangs.

6-10 Quick Hits: Bohol, Cebu, Banaue, Batanes, Vigan

Bohol: Chocolate Hills at dawn (stay 3 days), tarsier spotting, Loboc River cruise. Bohol Tourism.
Cebu: Kawasan canyoneering, sardine run snorkel (4 days). Visit Cebu.
Banaue Rice Terraces: Hike Batad (2 days), a UNESCO wonder. Mt. Pulag sea-of-clouds trek.
Batanes: Cycle rolling hills (5 days), stone houses. Bisumi Tours.
Vigan: Cobblestone streets, horse carriage (2 days), colonial charm.

Essential Planning Insights

Best Time to Visit Philippines

Dry season December-May offers sun-soaked beaches; I time trips for January-February to dodge Holy Week crowds. Avoid June-November typhoons.

How to Get There and Around

Fly into Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Domestic flights are $25-90, and ferries areare $25-90, and ferries are $6-35 via 12Go.asia. Jeepneys cost 20-50 cents locally.

Suggested Budgets (Per Day, USD)

Budget Traveler: $50 (hostel $6-15, street food $1.50-4, jeepney $0.50)

Mid-Range: $80 (resort $40, meals $5-7, tours $20)

Luxury: $150+ (private tours, diving $50)

Where to Stay and Typical Costs

Hostels areHostels are $6-15/night, and and resorts are $40-100. Book via Agoda for deals; I snag beachfront for under $50 off-peak.

Money-Saving Pro Tips

Eat street food like lechon for $5; skip tourist traps.
Group island hops (PHP1400/$25 incl lunch).
Travel off-peak, and use eSIMs for data.

Pros and Cons Stacked

Pros: Stunning nature, friendly locals, affordable adventures, and diverse islands.

Cons: Typhoon season risks, island-hopping fatigue, and traffic in cities.

Stay Safe: My Local Advice

Stick to tourist paths, and use ride-hailing like Grab. Emergency: Police 117, Ambulance 911, Tourism efbalane@tourism.gov.ph. I always carry reef-safe sunscreen and a water purifier.

Top Tours and Length of Stay

Island-hops 4-5 hours ($25), 10-14 days total itinerary. Bohol countryside tours via local operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit the Philippines?

December to May for dry weather; peak January-April for festivals.

How much does a Philippines trip cost?

$50-100/day covering food, stay, and transport.

Is the Philippines safe for solo travelers?

Yes, with common sense; avoid isolated areas at night.

Disclaimer: WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.