Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines

Your Mini Guide to Philippines Travel Ideas

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Still relatively undiscovered, the Philippines is made up of 7,107 idyllic islands in the Western Pacific. The only Spanish colony in Asia, it is home to heavenly beaches, unbeatable outdoor adventure, tantalizing cuisine, and eternally cheerful people. Philippines travel is slowly growing more popular with travel saavy North Americans, and visitors can unlock incredible experiences in Manila, Boracay, and many more destinations.

It’s more fun in the Philippines… here is our mini guide to see why!

Manila – Pearl of the Orient

Manila is emerging as one of Asia’s most happening capitals. Travellers arriving from North America almost always first land in “Mani,” making it a perfect opportunity to spend two or three nights here to adjust to the new time zone and explore some of the most interesting neighbourhoods.

Intramuros (“within the walls”), is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. It features San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the San Agustin Museum just beside the church. Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, is brimming with amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Explore Tayuman, where religious icons and handcrafts are sold in the streets, and Escolta, for its impressive art deco buildings and street art.

Suggested Itinerary:
3-Day Majestic Manila

San Agustin Church in Intramuros District of Manila, Philippines
San Agustin Church in Intramuros

Banaue Rice Terraces

From Manila, travel north to the Banaue Rice Terraces area. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also listed as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines and the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. 2000-year-old rice terraces are built into the mountain sides, reaching a height of several thousand feet. Drink in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This area is home to local native tribes. Visit the nearby small town of Sagada, with its cool and refreshing climate, and see fascinating burial caves and hanging coffins. Dive into centuries past at the Bontoc Museum, which features native Philippines objects and artifacts.

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Banaue Rice Terraces Private Tour

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
Banaue Rice Terraces

Palawan

If you crave space and beauty, head to Palawan (fly to El Nido or Puerto Princesa), an island in the Philippines’ most sparsely populated region. The island forms a long sliver, stretching 650 km all the way to Borneo. Savour untouched islands, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, misty mountains, and teeming wildlife. Puerto Princesa (Puerto) is the culinary capital and primary gateway of Palawan, and it makes a great place to start. El Nido offers gorgeous resorts and overwater bungalows at great value for money. This is true paradise!

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Palawan El Nido

El Nido Bay and Cadlao Island, Palawan, Philippines
El Nido Bay and Cadlao Island, Palawan

Boracay

If you crave nightlife and glamour, head to Boracay (fly to Caticlan). Only 7 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, this slice of paradise is the Philippines’ top tourist destination. Boracay’s centre of activity is White Beach, a postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, and dive shops. There’s no shortage of activities for you in Boracay. With around 25 dive sites that cater to all levels of experience, as well as parasailing, outrigger boats, waterskiing, snorkeling, and more, you’ll never have a dull moment.

Suggested Itinerary:
4-Day Boracay Beaches

Beach in Boracay, Philippines
Boracay beach

It's Fun in the Philippines Tourism Logo - Horizontal

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Diane_Molzan_Goway
Diane_Molzan_Goway

Asia General Manager - At age 20, Diane set off to backpack the world as a solo woman traveller. She spent a year travelling through Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, only to return home for a brief respite before spending 2 years travelling overland from Guadalajara, Mexico down to Rio, Brazil – making every stop in between. Diane has since retired that backpack but not her passion for travel. She’s made a career out of telling people where to go, and continues to traverse the globe. She’s been to all 7 continents and more than 75 countries.

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