There are so many amazing places to visit in Asia that the Philippines often get overlooked. But this is an archipelago of 7,107 islands, so you’d better bet this is an amazing beach destination! It’s also a very affordable travel destination that’s full of history, culture, and some of the friendliest people in the world you’ll ever meet.
Some of the most diverse plants, animals, birds, and sea creatures call this part of the world home, and you can hike and dive to see so many of them during your trip. Some say that Filipino food is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American cuisine, and some of the best authentic dishes here are halo-halo, adobo, balut, and calamansi juice.
To avoid monsoon season and getting drenched in rain, the best time to visit the Philippines is between November and May. So as you start planning your trip, add these places to visit in the Philippines onto your travel itinerary!
Palawan for Beaches
One of the most popular reasons to visit the Philippines is the amazing beaches, and if you only have time for one beach area, make it Palawan. This is where some of the very best beaches in the country are located, and there are lots of luxury resorts to choose from to make your stay comfortable. Most travelers fly into Puerto Princesa Airport to get here, and Palawan is accessible by plane from Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. Its white-sand beaches, lagoons, cliffs, and scenery won’t disappoint you.
Although the Philippines aren’t overrun by tourists in the ways that some other countries are, some areas are still notoriously more packed with crowds than others. One of the lesser touristy places you can visit is Iloilo, which has a lot of authentic things to see that aren’t too crowded. Don’t miss the lovely beaches and islands in Guimaras and Gigantes. Foodies will enjoy the fresh and affordable seafood offerings, and a top cultural attraction to check out is the Miagao Church.
Camiguin for Volcanoes
Camiguin has been called the Island Born of Fire because there are so many volcanoes here. In fact, it has more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world! Some popular ones are Mount Vulcan, Mount Uhay, Mount Hibok-Hibok, and Mount Mambajao. As you may know, volcanoes and hot springs go hand-in-hand, and the natural wonders here largely remained untouched. If possible, plan your visit around the Lanzones festival, which takes place here and is one of the best festivals to attend in the Philippines.