Practical Information
Plan your trip with practical travel information for the Philippines, including visas, transport, money, weather and safety tips. Find everything you need to know before you go.
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Best Activities in the Philippines
The Philippines, being an archipelago, offers countless destinations to see, adventures to experience, and activities to do.
The country is blessed with a rich environment of lush forests, tropical islands, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains, and friendly, artistic, and hardworking people who are always happy to welcome visitors and friends.
When you come for a visit, be sure to stay for a long time so that you can enjoy the different exciting experiences that the country has in store for you.
Explore Natural & Cultural Wonders
The Philippines boasts a beautiful environment and skilled people whose hands created some of the most magnificent man-made structures in the world.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Banaue Rice Terraces and the well-preserved Spanish-style architecture in the historic town of Vigan.
Marvel at the Baroque-style centuries-old churches, including San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur.
Discover natural wonders like Mount Pinatubo, known for its dramatic eruption in 1991 and its breathtaking crater lake, and the uniquely shaped Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and navigable subterranean river.
Don’t miss the volcano with the most perfect cone, Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay.
Indulge in a Serene Beach Getaway
The Philippines is a tropical paradise with one of the longest coastlines in Asia, stretching over 36,000 kilometers. Its shores are dotted with countless beaches, many featuring powdery white sand and crystal-clear, cool blue waters. Bask in the warm tropical sun, swim in inviting seas, and return home with a golden tan that’s sure to make your friends jealous.
Top beach destinations include Boracay, El Nido, Cebu, and Bohol — each offering its own unique charm, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to serene island escapes.
Dive into Asia’s Best Reefs
The Philippines is known as Asia’s Dive Capital. Whether you are a diving enthusiast, amateur or professional, or someone seeking an underwater experience of a lifetime, the Philippines is a must-visit destination. The country has the highest density of coral species in the world, making its seas among the most biodiverse and marine-rich waters on the planet.
Amateur divers can train and obtain their licenses at any of the diving centers located in popular spots like Puerto Galera and Boracay. After training, they can dive side-by-side with professional divers at other must-see locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and Palawan’s Coron, which is world-famous for its spectacular wreck diving sites.
Other spectacular diving destinations include Verde Island in Mindoro Oriental; Apo Reef Natural Park in Mindoro Occidental, the largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines; the Apo Island Marine Reserve & Fish Sanctuary in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands in Bohol; and Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu. Subic Bay in Zambales, also known for wreck diving, is less than three hours from Manila.
Engage in Outdoor Activities
The Philippines offers a wide variety of sports adventures, with different locations perfect for specific activities. You can play a few rounds of golf at world-class courses designed by some of the most famous golf celebrities.
Snorkeling with the gentle giants—the whale sharks—in Donsol, Sorsogon is a truly unforgettable experience.
If you love surfing, head to Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Baler, Aurora, or Daet, Camarines Sur, some of the country’s best surf spots.
You can climb the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo in Davao City, trek the dramatic Mt. Pinatubo, or explore the fascinating Callao Cave in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.
For adventure seekers, try white-water rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River or experience thrilling canyoneering in Cebu’s Kawasan Falls. Kayaking in El Nido, Palawan, windsurfing on Lake Caliraya or Taal Lake, and wakeboarding in Pili, Camarines Sur, also offer exciting water sports.
Kitesurfing is popular in both El Nido and Boracay, where constant winds and clear waters make perfect conditions for beginners and advanced kiteboarders alike
Relax at the Spa
There is nothing more relaxing than experiencing the traditional Filipino healing massage known as Hilot. This soothing therapy helps relax tired muscles and relieve aching joints through gentle, therapeutic touch.
You can enjoy Hilot and other rejuvenating spa treatments at top wellness destinations like the Nature Spa in Tagaytay, Mandala Spa in Boracay, Sanctuario Spa in Manila, Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, and The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, which is also a world-renowned wellness retreat ideal for a full detox or wellness holiday.
For those seeking peace of mind and body, you can also join yoga and meditation retreats offered in various destinations across the Philippines, such as El Nido, Siargao, and Bohol, perfect for reconnecting with nature and recharging your spirit.
Feast on Unique Culinary Specialties
Be ready to put on a few extra pounds as you satisfy your cravings with a delicious Filipino feast.
Some must-try dishes include Lechon, a whole roast pig served with liver sauce; Adobo, made with pork, chicken, or both, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then stewed until tender; Kare-Kare, a peanut-based stew with meat and vegetables served with shrimp paste; Sinigang, a sour soup made with pork or seafood and tamarind; and the freshest grilled seafood such as fish, squid, shrimp, and lobster.
For the more adventurous, try Balut, a boiled duck egg with a partially developed embryo, or Dinuguan, a savory pork blood stew typically enjoyed with steamed rice or Puto (rice cakes). Across the country, you’ll also find a variety of international restaurants offering cuisines from American to Chinese, Indian to Greek, and Japanese to Italian.
Shop at World-Class Malls
Shopping in the Philippines is an experience that offers both bargains and variety. Most shopping malls in Manila, Makati, Cebu, and Davao virtually have everything that you will need, from designer Western brands to items specially designed for the tourist market.
Around the country, specifically in city centers, Tiangges, or the Filipino version of flea markets, abound offering quality items at bargain prices.
In Manila, you can shop at the third-largest mall in the world, Mall of Asia, Balikbayan Handicrafts, Tutuban Center Mall, and at the San Andres Market (for fresh fruits and other produce). In Makati and its surrounding areas, you can shop at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Greenhills Shopping Center, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Mall, and at Tiendecitas.
In Cebu, check out the Ayala Center, The Gaisano Malls, Robinson’s Galleria, SM Seaside, and for native delicacies, fresh produce, and fresh dried seafood, go to the Carbon and Tabo-an Markets. In Davao, you can shop at Aldevinco Shopping Center (for fabrics, batik, and carvings), Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall, and the New City Commercial Center Department Store.
An experience not to be missed at the flea market is the “bargaining,” where shoppers can buy items with a big discount, depending on their charm and good bargaining skills.
Discover Filipino Arts
The Philippines is home to many world-class artists. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) regularly showcases performances by Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. World-renowned performers such as Lea Salonga and Cecile Licad also occasionally hold concerts in major venues across Manila.
The Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANSVD), also known as CASA San Miguel, located in San Antonio, Zambales, features violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata and the talented young artists of Pundaquit Virtuosi. The venue also hosts performances by Repertory Philippines, the Loboc Children’s Choir, and other cultural groups.
In the visual arts, works by Filipino masters such as Juan Luna, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, and Fabian de la Rosa, along with National Artists like Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Victorio Edades, and Vicente Manansala, are displayed in institutions such as the National Museum of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ayala Museum, and various university and private galleries throughout Metro Manila.
Across the country, Filipino musical talent shines on simple stages, with live bands and professional singers performing in clubs, bars, and music halls, a testament to the nation’s deep love for music and performance.
Experience the Country’s Rich Culture
Philippine culture is best experienced through events and activities that highlight what Filipinos are passionate about – faith, love for country, family, beautiful women, and celebrations.
Filipinos love to celebrate, and there is no better way to celebrate than through festivals. The Sinulog in Cebu City and Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan, held every January, are the biggest events that commemorate the feast of Santo Nino with a week-long street party. Ati-atihan dancers dressed as the aboriginal Atis, representing different communities from the city, participate in the festive weeklong street party that culminates during the feast of the patron saint. Another popular festival is Pahiyas in Lucban, Quezon, celebrated every May 15. It is an annual harvest festival and feast of San Isidro Labrador where colourful Kipings (rice crisps) and other thanksgiving offerings are hung in a procession for the patron saint.
Giant papier-mache effigies also join the parade to add to the spectacle of the celebration. The Masskara Festival in Bacolod City held every October coincides with the city’s charter day celebration. The festival features carnivals, fairs and a mardi gras-style parade by costumed and masked street dancers.
There are as many festivals as there are towns in the Philippines, and when you attend and enjoy a Filipino celebration, you come closer to understanding the culture of the people.
Other unique Philippine cultural events and activities include the cultural spectacle Santacruzan, a May-time procession of Beautiful Philippine maidens staged as a re-enactment of St. Helen’s quest for the Holy Cross; the awesome display of Filipino religiosity in the frenzied Black Nazarene procession during the Quipo fiesta every January 9 in Manila; the Holy Week rituals in San Fernando, Pampanga, which are one living proof of the Filipino and Philippine culture’s deep Catholic roots; and the displays of giant Christmas lanterns, dawn masses, and noche Buena feasts that mark the Filipino celebration of Christmas.
Enjoy the Nightlife
There are plenty of places to enjoy a night out in the Philippines. Every major city in the country has several hubs of nightlife activity, with restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, and karaoke bars all promising a good time of fun and entertainment.
In the financial district of Makati, you can find Greenbelt, Glorietta, The Fort, Jupiter St., and J.P. Rizal Street. In the capital city of Manila, the nightlife is diverse. There is something for everyone in Malate, and in the newly revitalized Roxas Boulevard and Baywalk. Quezon City is also popular among locals because the club prices are a little lower than in Makati. Most clubs are close to each other, so it’s common to bar hop. Try the establishments along Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues, Quezon Boulevard, and in Eastwood City in Libis. Outside of Metro Manila, there are several popular places to go to.
The central Philippine city of Cebu is a popular destination among tourists because its nightlife is at par if not better than in Metro Manila. Big development companies have opened up operations in the city, and major club chain operators have set up their presence. Be sure to go to Ayala Mall and the different establishments that abound Osmena Blvd.
The ultimate island-nightlife location in the Philippines is Boracay Island in the province of Aklan. The island is known for its carefree attitude, and it is home to a lot of clubs and bars on the beach, such as Bazzura, Hey Jude, D’ Mall, and the Station 2 establishments.
Keep Exploring the Philippines
More guides to help you plan your Philippine trip.
Philippines’ Best Diving Sites
Explore top diving sites in the Philippines—from WWII wrecks in Coron to vibrant reefs in Tubbataha. A diver’s paradise awaits!
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Destinations
Discover the Philippines’ most captivating destinations, from white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons to vibrant coral reefs and island hideaways. Find out where to go, what to see and how to plan your island adventure.
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Philippines’ Most Beautiful Islands
From Palawan to Siargao, discover the most stunning islands in the Philippines. Perfect for beach lovers, adventurers, and island hoppers.
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Practical Information
Plan your trip with practical travel information for the Philippines, including visas, transport, money, weather and safety tips. Find everything you need to know before you go.
View details