Planning to visit the Philippines?

Planning to visit the Philippines? In this page, I’ve listed the top and 25 best places to go and visit Manila, Philippines. Actually, I made them more than 25 since I added some more after I first published this. They are the updated and latest hot spots in the capital of the country. They are considered as the favorite hangouts in the metro, the best and popular tourist spots in Manila, Philippines, too.

Before you plan your itinerary, you must know the most visited landmarks in Manila because you will be in the place once your plane landed. List all your target attractions prior to your plans to visit the remaining parts of the country such as Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, Boracay and much more. Start your adventure in Manila.

The best places to go and visit Manila, Philippines are easy to reach. If you have maps or related apps installed on your gadgets and phones, you’ll know their directions and information of each tourist attraction easily. Taxis are cheap too so transportation is not a problem.

Many foreigners visit the country for its stunning beaches and hospitable culture. Visiting the Pearl of the Orient is a sure unforgettable experience. Many tourists stay in Manila upon arrival for few more days to explore the heart of Manila, the business district of Makati, Manila Ocean Park, the historical places such as the Rizal Park, Intramuros and the National Museum, one of the biggest Mall in the world (Mall of Asia), the nightlife in the pubs of Eastwood, The Fort and Ortigas. After Manila, it’s cool to visit the rest of the islands (like Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Boracay, Vigan and many more) up to the length of your stay.

Rizal Park

CC BY ND upto6only/com Flickr Photostream

Rizal Park or Luneta Park is the most famous landmark in Manila. The country’s national hero and genius, Jose Rizal’s monument stands in the facade of the park across the Roxas Boulevard and the Manila Bay. Many tourists and locals go there every day to have some photos taken in the famous statue and park. No entrance fee in the park so chillax.

Fort Santiago and Intramuros

One of my favorite places to visit in Manila is Fort Santiago, also part of the famous Intramuros. If you love visiting historical places and seeing vintage stuffs, you’ll surely enjoy this place. Fort Santiago was where Jose Rizal spent his last days before his execution. He also had written some of his writings here. Seeing Fort Santiago mirrors the life and culture of the country during the Spanish times and the sixteenth century. You’ll see here some Rizal’s anecdotes, novels, attire, the room where he was a prisoner, the room where he used to write, his table, his pens, lamps, and yeah I remember seeing a part of Rizal’s spinal bone preserved in the museum there. I think the entrance fee in Fort Santiago and Intramuros cost around 75 pesos. There are also Kalesa or carriage around the area in case you want to tour around riding it. Only 250 for 30 minutes I think. I made a virtual fieldtrip of it in this page.

The National Museum

The National Museum is also an extraordinary place to visit in Manila. Juan Luna’s famous and stunning masterpiece, The Spoliarium will greet you at the entrance. The painting is superb, huge and enigmatic. Of course, that’s only a warm up. Walking through the museum, you’ll see more of Philippines’ archives and treasures. I think it’s free to take pictures, just don’t touch a thing. The entrance fee for groups is much cheaper, for adults it’ll cost you 80 pesos and 25 for children. Regular price for individuals are 100 and 30 for children when not in groups. (Price may increase after I posted this article)

Mall of Asia

MOA Eye in Mall of Asia

Of course, don’t miss going to one of the biggest malls in Asia (yeah dude, not only in the Philippines), the Mall of Asia a.k.a. MOA. The huge mall is owned by the SM supermalls group. Big concerts and events are usually held here. Just recently, the popular Justin Bieber had his first concert in the country in MOA. Known celebrities and icons also performed here like Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, and many more. Fantastic fireworks displays are seen every Saturday night and during some special occasions in MOA. International Pyro Musical Competition is also held every year. Experience the best IMAX theater here as well. Totally one of the best tourists spots and places to visit in Manila.

Manila Ocean Park

This one is one of the most favorite hotspots in the metro. The Manila Ocean Park shows amazing aquatic and marine life in awesome facilities and high technology tools to let children and marine lovers experience the best trip and see other aquatic species. Some activities are also available for visitors – dive and swim with the sharks, fishes and cute adorable creatures into the deep…

Manila Bay or Baywalk

CC BY SA Benson Kua Flickr Photostream

In line with the Manila Ocean Park and the US embassy, is the Manila Bay, usually called as Baywalk, too. Perfect venue to chill and watch the ships, yachts and the sunset.

Star City

Spend the night in the popular amusement park in the heart of Manila, the Star City. With only few hundred of pesos, you’ll have the pass to ride all the rides you can and want. Roller Coasters, Wild River and xtreme fun are available to everyone.

Just across the Star City, another amusement park (Boom na Boom) awaits everyone to add some thrills and adventure. Your night will be totally exciting and magical.

Cultural Center of the Philippines

You can watch plays, concerts, theater arts and other presentations in the Cultural center of the Philippines (CCP)  Spend the night watching a concert or music event, CCP is just along Star City and Boom na Boom.

Resorts World Manila

Want more fun and games? Visit some casinos and entertainment clubs in the Resorts World Manila. This elegant place has been developed to compliment the entertainment, leisure, and other events. Republiq, a famous elite club is here too. If you love the Sentosa in Singapore, you’ll love the Resorts World Manila. Maxims and Marriott Hotel are in this area also.

The Malacanang Palace

Why not drop by and visit the Malacanang Palace. It’s where the many ex-presidents of the Philippines lived.

Makati Business District

Greenbelt 5 in Makati

The business and finance district of the Philippines is Makati. Visit the country’s skyscrapers and famous malls along the streets. The Philippine Stock Exchange, Manila Peninsula, Shangri-la Hotel, Dusit Thani and other high class hotels can be found along the Ayala and Makati avenue. A worldclass residential tower is also here – Trump Tower. Go shopping and visit fashion shops like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Banana Republic, Hermes and many more in Greenbelt and Glorietta.  Everything else is in Makati.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

CC BY SA Benson Kua Flickr Photostream

Turn around the loop and visit The Fort in Bonifacio Gloabal City in Taguig. It’s like Makati, but BGC is a newly developed business and high-class business and residential city. Who knows you’ll love to buy your won condo or unit somewhere here. Be my neighbor.

Eastwood City, Libis

Have a little Hollywood experience in Eastwood City, Libis. Another elite place in the metro, here you’ll find business and commercial buildings, malls, restaurants, and cozy atmosphere. There’s a place there similar to Hollywood’s stars walk of fame. Check it out.

Churches in Manila

• Manila Cathedral
• Quiapo Church

Hotels and Residential Buildings in Manila

• Manila Hotel

• Shangri-La

• Hotel H2O (just beside Manila Ocean Park)

• Manila Peninsula

• Maxims Hotel

• Marriott Hotel

• Trump Tower at Century City

Restaurants in Manila

• The Red Crab

• Aubergine

• Old Manila (in Manila Peninsula Hotel)

• Restaurants in The Fort, Greenbelt and other business hubs

Nightlife – Best Bars and Clubs in Manila

Republiq at Resorts World Manila

• Republiq (at Resorts World Manila)

• Hard Rock Café

• Encore Superclub

Shopping Malls

• Greenbelt

• Resorts World Manila

• Eastwood

• SM and Robinsons Malls

• Mall of Asia

• Trump Tower at Century City

Tara Byahe !!!

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.

Philippine Attractions Worth Going the Extra Mile

The Philippine archipelago is worth going the extra mile even if it means heading for a secluded beach without any modern amenities. This is because each and every region of the country boasts of respective tourist destinations that never fail to excite visitors from here and around the world.

Gorgeous pristine beaches, friendly and hospitable locals, an enthralling history, world-class sceneries and adventurous opportunities – Name it and the Philippines got it. The country has these much to offer in terms of attractions that travelers always dream about. For adventure-seekers who are willing to go the extra thousand miles just to have a taste of these Philippine attractions, your efforts will never be in vain.

If you have the heart for breath-taking zip line quests, the country has numerous parks that offer world-class facilities. Water sports enthusiasts can choose to dive, glide and soar high in the newest aqua sports whether in Camarines or Davao where both of have the most modernized services.

The country not only boasts of world-class hotels and accommodations but there are also innumerable attractions with reasonable rates which are advantageous for budget travelers and backpackers. One can easily travel by land, sea or air 24/7. Anywhere you go, expect locals and children to be greeting you with smiles. They are just as eager to welcome you in their domains and experience genuine island hospitality.

Whether it’s an underwater adventure you are seeking or just wanting to relax in pure serenity with the beauty of nature, you can surely find the right places to go. With that, you need an informative resource to guide you on where to locate exciting attractions. This website offers the travelers with lots of appealing photos and well-researched articles about the country’s foremost destinations.

A Philippine travel around the 7,100 islands would be highly convenient, comfortable and time-saving if you get accurate information. Make it a habit to browse this website. Philippine Tourist Attractions, the leading resource on top tourist attractions is your must-read tool.

Banaue of Painterly Dreams

Banaue of Painterly Dreams

Because of its high altitude, Banaue is often described as "where land merges with the clouds to meet the heavens" with the rice terraces as "the stairway to the sky."

Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion. Days are for indulging in such activities as strolling, biking, and trekking. Evenings are for campfire chats at a village or warm indoor cosseting at the lodges and inns.

A leading tourism destination in Asia, the Banaue rice terraces start from the base of the Cordilleras and reach up to several thousand feet high. Its length, if stretched from end to end, could encircle half of the globe.

The rice paddies are fed by mountain springs and streams that are channeled into an irrigation canal that runs downhill through the terraces.

In the village of Batad, the terraces take the shape of an amphitheater and can be reached by a 12-kilometer ride from Banaue Hotel and a 2-hour hike through mountain trails.

After trekking through the terraces, cool retreats indeed are the spring-fed stream of Guihob and the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls which has an enormous basin for swimming.

Shopping takes a different twist in Banaue. While souvenir items are offered by curio stores, the more exciting way to shop, however, is to go on a village visit, watch a family demonstrate their native craft and then haggle for a better price on their product.

Awesome Hills

Chocolate Hills is a series of 1,268 perfectly symmetrical, haycock-shaped hills that rise some 30 meters above the ground. A National Geologic Monument, these unique, rock formations were cast after million years of evolution.

Spread out in the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, the hills are so-called because they resemble chocolate bonbons when their grass cover turns to brown at the onset of summer. Two of the hills have been developed and provided with facilities, including a viewdeck, a youth hostel and a restaurant.

Other hills with a commanding view of the surrounding islands include Banat-I and Elly in the capital city of Tagbilaran, Himontagon in the town of Loay, Sampoangan in Calape and Ilihan in Jagna.

Barefoot in the Beach

The code in Boracay is strictly informal.

There is an undeniable easy atmosphere in Boracay where walking barefoot than shod is the rule rather than the exception. White Beach is so, soooo fine, it feels like treading on miles of baby powder! No wonder, even swinging discos have the beach for a floor, giving dance a new twist.

There are no hang-ups either in this island. At daytime, tourists having a soothing massage under the shade of a coconut tree beside the shoreline is a common sight. And from dusk to dawn, Boracay turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in…But first, let's toast that sunset cocktail!

Diversions are certainly no problem in this tropical eden with leisure activities calendared throughout the year and amenities offered by some 350 tourist establishments.

The Isle of Your Tropical Dreams

Cebu is the traveler's fantasy of a tropical island come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts with all the frills of modern living.

The island-province of Cebu was where the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in 1521. But even before Cebu became the Occidental gateway to the Orient, it was already a popular entry point among Asian merchants.

Cebu has since blossomed into a choice tourist destination, with many leisure establishments taking full advantage of its sea-valley-and-mountain location.

Metropolitan Cebu, the country's second biggest metropolis, is the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas. Hotels, shopping malls, entertainment halls, casinos and golf fairways are ever present in the metro to cater to every tourist's whim.

The rest of Cebu's 166 islands and islets are fringed with sandy beaches and sapphire-clear waters teeming with marine life, perfect for divers.

Land of Plenty

"Kadayawan sa Dabaw" is Davao City's premier festival and showcases the natural and cultural bounty of the land.

A movable feast in August, the week-long merrymaking highlights the manifold tribal cultures of the region which are vividly expressed in traditional songs, dances, games and crafts. It is also on this occasion when a lively trade fair, capped by a flower-and-fruit float parade, takes place. Street dancing and popular entertainment complete the celebration.

Agriculture-based industries thrive in the Davao region. A major exporter of bananas, citrus, mangosteen and other tropical fruits, it is also the biggest producer of cultured flowers in the country. Its surrounding waters are rich sources for commercial fishing.

The world's largest city in terms of land area, Davao covers all of 244,000 hectares.

Manila

The capital of the Philippines - its heart and soul -- is Manila. It sets the rhythm of life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary.

Manila was born out of the ashes of a once flourishing Malay settlement by the banks of the Pasig River. In 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established the Ever Loyal City of Manila which, until 1898, was the seat of Spanish colonial rule in Asia. He built the city within walls and called it Intramuros.

An anchor tourist destination, Manila is the very core of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippines. It is a center for the performing arts in Asia.

The Last Frontier

Unique to Palawan is its megadiversity.

For a long time, Palawan's bountiful resources, abundant wildlife and extraordinary natural beauty are known only to the many ethnic communities that thrive in these islands and a few other daring settlers who wanted to live in unpolluted surroundings.

The island-province first attracted foreign attention in the 1970's when it became a United Nations Vietnamese Refugee Center. At this time, a disturbance in Kenya also saw the transport of endangered animals from its savannas to the plains of Calauit Island.

However, it was only a sea accident in 1979 that eventually led to the opening of Palawan into tourism big time.

As the story goes, a tuna line disabled a dive boat's propeller in the middle of the night forcing it to drop anchor in an inlet. The following morning, the divers woke up to an amazing scenery of skyscraping dark cliffs, thick green forest, white-sand beach, sparkling water and, rising above it, a series of magnificently sculpted jade islands. And thus was how El Nido was discovered.

Ecology awareness is at a high level throughout the province. Puerto Princesa prides itself as the cleanest city in the Philippines. To protect its megadiversity, only eco-friendly programs are adhered to by tourist establishments. And there are strict ordinances against dynamite fishing, with only net and line fishing allowed.

Palawan may have opened itself to tourism but it has also taken serious efforts to preserve this last frontier.

Old World City

Vigan, with its centuries-old edifices, is a breathing reminder of what was once a royal city.

One of the earliest Spanish settlements in the country, Vigan was founded in 1572 by Juan de Salcedo who patterned its design to that of Intramuros (Old Manila). It became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and was called Ciudad Fernandina in honor of King Ferdinand.

Today, Vigan retains much of the patina of 18th century Castillan architecture as seen in some 150 stone houses which stand in the town's Mestizo District, notably Mena Crisologo Street. Many of these ancestral homes are still in good condition and some have been turned into cozy inns, museums, and souvenir shops.

Along with the homes are other vestiges of the town's colonial past:

The majestic St. Paul's Cathedral was built by the Augustinian friars along the distinct "Earthquake Baroque" style of the Ilocos region and features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs. Standing on an elevation west of the cathedral is Plaza Salcedo, the oldest monument in Northern Luzon. The Archbishop's Palace is a rich repository of religious artifacts from the Ilocos region. Plaza Burgos was built in honor of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of three Filipino priests who were garroted by the Spaniards for espousing church reforms.

But it is not only edifices which are preserved in this town inscribed in the World Heritage List. Viganos also remain steadfast in their traditional crafts, notably pottery (burnay) and handloom weaving (inabel).

Banaue Rice Terraces

flickr/IRRI Images

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

flickr/Storm Crypt

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

flickr/WisDoc

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.