Philippines for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Manila & Luzon

Intramuros

The walled Spanish colonial heart of Manila and the best half day of history in the city. Explore on foot or hop on a bamboo bike or kalesa tour.

Fort Santiago

Historic citadel guarding the Pasig River, where national hero Jose Rizal spent his last night. Small entrance fee and about an hour is enough.

San Agustin Church

Oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into the museum next door for the cloisters and religious art.

Rizal Park

Manila's central park, home to the Rizal Monument and kilometer zero of the Philippines. Come late afternoon when the heat drops.

Binondo Chinatown

The oldest Chinatown in the world, founded in 1594. Come hungry and do a food crawl around Ongpin Street for lumpia, dumplings and hopia.

Taal Volcano

Tiny active volcano sitting inside a lake, best admired from the Tagaytay ridge about 2 hours from Manila. Easy day trip, check the volcano alert level before going.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Iconic 2000 year old terraces carved into the Ifugao mountains, about 9 hours by night bus from Manila. The main viewpoint is an easy trike ride from town.

Batad Rice Terraces

Amphitheater of stone walled terraces reached by a short hike from the saddle near Banaue. More impressive than Banaue itself, wear proper shoes and hire a local guide.

Palawan

Big Lagoon

El Nido's signature lagoon with towering karst walls, usually visited by kayak on island hopping Tour A. Book a day ahead in high season.

Small Lagoon

Turquoise pool entered through a narrow gap in the rock, best explored by kayak. Go early morning to beat the crowds.

Nacpan Beach

Four kilometers of golden sand about 45 minutes from El Nido town, much quieter than the island tours. Rent a scooter or take a shuttle and stay for sunset.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

UNESCO listed river flowing 8 km through a cave, toured by paddle boat from Sabang. Permits are limited so book at least a day or two in advance.

Kayangan Lake

Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, reached by a short steep stair climb. The viewpoint halfway up is the most photographed spot in Coron.

Twin Lagoon

Two lagoons separated by a limestone wall, swim or kayak through the gap at low tide. Part of every Coron island hopping tour.

Barracuda Lake

Surreal swim and dive spot where warm and cold water layers meet between limestone cliffs. Bring a mask, the visibility is incredible.

Port Barton

Laid back beach village halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Great cheap island hopping tours and a good place to slow down for a couple of days.

Honda Bay

Classic island hopping day trip from Puerto Princesa with shallow snorkeling at Luli and Cowrie islands. Easy option before or after the Underground River.

Cebu & Visayas

Kawasan Falls

Famous turquoise waterfalls in Badian, the highlight of most canyoneering tours from Alegria. Go at opening time if you want them without the crowds.

Moalboal Sardine Run

Snorkel with a massive sardine ball just meters off Panagsama Beach, no boat needed. Sea turtles are common here too.

Magellan's Cross

Cross planted by Magellan's expedition in 1521, marking the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. A quick stop right next to the Basilica in downtown Cebu.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

The oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, home to the revered Santo Niño image. Expect devotees and candle lighting rituals, dress respectfully.

Temple of Leah

Roman style temple in the hills above Cebu City with wide views over the metro. Combine with Sirao Garden and the Transcentral Highway viewpoints.

Chocolate Hills

Over a thousand grassy mounds that turn brown in the dry season, viewed from the Carmen complex viewpoint. Rent a scooter or join a Bohol countryside day tour.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

See the world's smallest primates in a protected forest in Corella. Keep quiet and skip flash photos, the tarsiers are extremely sensitive.

Loboc River Cruise

Buffet lunch cruise on a jungle lined river, a staple of the Bohol countryside tour. Touristy but a relaxing break between sights.

Alona Beach

Panglao's main resort beach and the usual base for exploring Bohol. Plenty of restaurants, dive shops and boats to Balicasag Island.

Cambugahay Falls

Multi tiered falls with vivid blue pools and rope swings on Siquijor. Small fee for entry and swings, go early for calm water.

Rizal Boulevard

Dumaguete's seafront promenade, perfect for a sunset stroll and cheap tempura from the street stalls. The city is the usual gateway to Apo Island and Siquijor.

Apo Island

Marine sanctuary famous for snorkeling with dozens of sea turtles. Day trips run from Dauin and Dumaguete, conditions are best in the morning.

Boracay & Others

White Beach

Four kilometers of powder white sand, the beach that made Boracay famous. Station 1 has the finest sand and the sunsets are unmissable.

Puka Shell Beach

Boracay's quieter northern beach with coarse coral sand and far fewer vendors. Take a trike from Station 1 and bring cash for the coconut stands.

Willy's Rock

Boracay's most photographed landmark, a volcanic rock topped by a small Virgin Mary grotto off Station 1. Walk out to it at low tide.

Cloud 9

The Philippines' most famous surf break, with a long boardwalk and viewing tower over the reef. Beginners can book lessons at nearby Jacking Horse.

Magpupungko Rock Pools

Natural tide pools on Siargao's east coast, only swimmable at low tide. Check a tide table before making the 45 minute drive from General Luna.

Sugba Lagoon

Jade green lagoon in the mangroves of Del Carmen, reached by a 30 minute boat ride. Rent a paddleboard and jump from the diving platform.

White Island

A bare white sandbar off Camiguin with views back to the island's volcanoes. Go early morning and bring sun protection, there is zero shade.

Eden Nature Park

Mountain resort at 900 meters above Davao with pine forests, gardens and ziplines. An easy escape from the city heat, day passes include a guided shuttle tour.

Calle Crisologo

Cobblestone street of Spanish colonial houses in UNESCO listed Vigan, about 8 hours north of Manila. Most atmospheric at dusk when the lanterns come on and kalesas clatter past.