Things to Do
From its stunning beaches to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences, the Philippines offers a huge variety of activities that will make any trip unforgettable. Here’s a breakdown of the must-do things, depending on where you are and what you’re into.
🏖️ Beach Paradise & Island Hopping
The Philippines is home to 7,641 islands, meaning you’re never far from a beautiful beach. Whether you’re after powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, or vibrant marine life, there’s an island that suits your style.
🌊 Visit Boracay
Why go: The iconic White Beach is famous for its powdery sand and crystal-clear water. Perfect for sunset views and beach parties.
What to do: Relax, swim, or try water activities like kitesurfing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
🏝️ Island-Hopping in Palawan
Why go: Palawan is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Picture dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and hidden beaches.
What to do: Take a boat tour to explore places like El Nido and Coron, swim in the Twin Lagoons, and visit Secret Lagoon for jaw-dropping views.
🏖️ Explore Siargao
Why go: Famous for surfing, stunning lagoons, and natural beauty, Siargao is the “surfing capital” of the Philippines.
What to do: Surf at Cloud 9, explore Sugba Lagoon by kayak, and visit the Magpupungko Tidal Pools for a relaxing swim.
🏞️ Nature & Adventure
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, the Philippines is packed with outdoor adventures that will take your breath away.
🏞️ Trek to the Banaue Rice Terraces
Why go: These 2,000-year-old terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering stunning views and insight into the country’s farming history.
What to do: Hike through the terraces in Banaue or Batad in the Ifugao region for panoramic views and a peek into traditional Filipino culture.
🧗♂️ Hike Mount Pulag
Why go: Mount Pulag offers one of the best hiking experiences in the Philippines with its "sea of clouds" at the summit.
What to do: Trek through pine forests, grasslands, and cool weather to reach the top and witness the stunning sunrise.
🚶♂️ Explore Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Why go: The iconic Chocolate Hills are a unique geological formation of 1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season.
What to do: Take a scenic walk or climb the observation deck for a panoramic view.
🏛️ Cultural Experiences
Get to know the Philippines through its people, traditions, and rich history. The country offers a variety of cultural and historical experiences, from colonial architecture to local festivals.
🏰 Visit Intramuros in Manila
Why go: Intramuros is the historic walled city of Manila, showcasing colonial-era architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
What to do: Tour Fort Santiago, visit San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and stroll through Casa Manila Museum for a taste of 16th-century Filipino life.
🎭 Attend a Festival
Why go: The Philippines is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals.
What to do:
Sinulog Festival (Cebu) – A huge celebration of dance, music, and culture every January.
Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo) – A lively street party with traditional dances and colorful costumes.
Panagbenga Festival (Baguio) – A flower festival featuring colorful floats and street dancing every February.
🌊 Water Adventures
With its endless coastlines, the Philippines is a water-lover’s paradise, offering everything from scuba diving to kayaking.
🐠 Scuba Dive in Tubbataha Reefs
Why go: The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s top dive spots, teeming with marine biodiversity.
What to do: Dive among coral walls, shipwrecks, and abundant sea life including sharks, manta rays, and turtles.
🏄♀️ Go Kayaking in Palawan
Why go: Kayaking in places like El Nido and Coron is an amazing way to explore hidden lagoons and pristine beaches.
What to do: Paddle through crystal-clear waters, under dramatic cliffs, and discover secret beaches.
🚤 Snorkel in Apo Island
Why go: Apo Island is one of the best places for snorkeling with sea turtles.
What to do: Swim with sea turtles, explore vibrant coral gardens, and discover marine life in crystal-clear waters.
🐒 Wildlife Encounters
The Philippines is home to unique wildlife that you can see in the wild or in conservation areas.
🦋 Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol
Why go: The Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, is native to Bohol.
What to do: Visit the sanctuary to see these cute, big-eyed creatures in their natural habitat.
🐢 See the Giant Turtles of Turtle Island
Why go: The island is home to large nesting colonies of green sea turtles.
What to do: Visit the conservation area and learn about the preservation efforts while seeing these majestic creatures up close.
🍲 Food Adventures
Food is a huge part of Filipino culture, and there’s no better way to dive into the local lifestyle than through its flavors.
🍛 Try Adobo & Lechon
Why go: These two dishes are staple Filipino comfort food.
What to do: Try adobo, a savory dish made from chicken or pork marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, and lechon, a whole roasted pig, at any local restaurant or food market.
🍉 Taste Halo-Halo
Why go: Halo-halo is the quintessential Filipino dessert, especially perfect for the hot weather.
What to do: Order halo-halo at a local dessert stall—it's a mix of shaved ice, fruits, jellies, and sweet beans topped with leche flan and purple yam (ube).
💡 WRUGoing Tips
Plan for the weather: The Philippines is tropical, meaning it can be hot and rainy, especially during the monsoon season (June–October).
Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle and take breaks—especially if you’re exploring outdoors.
Respect local customs: Filipinos are friendly and welcoming, but it's always nice to be respectful of their culture and traditions.
