Choosing the most picturesque places in the Philippines is not an easy task. The Philippine archipelago is full of stunning landscapes and interesting tourist spots.
We spent several months in the Philippines, traveling mainly to Cebu, Bohol and Panay, but we had the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Of course, any list of the most beautiful places in the Philippines will be arguable. In a country dotted with emerald islands, tropical forests, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it is especially difficult to play favorites.
We have selected our favorite most beautiful beaches, islands, tourist spots and much more, but we would like to hear your favorites in the comments.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is a big place with more than 7000 islands. There are three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Most visitors fly to Cebu or Manila. Both Manila and Cebu are big cities, which means you need to familiarize yourself with airport transfers in the Philippines to get where you need to go. Ferries are also a popular way of getting around, as are jeepneys.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines has over 36,000 square kilometers (or 22,000 miles) of coastline, making it an extraordinary number of beaches. Whether you are looking for an impressive white sand beach with crystal clear water, a picturesque but rugged rocky beach, or even a pink or black sand beach, you are sure to find a beach in the Philippines that suits your imagination.
Despite the fact that there are many beautiful beaches to choose from, Yapak Beach (Conchas de Puka Beach) on Boracay, on the north side, is special because it consists entirely of white puka shells. Although it’s not as refined as the overly popular beaches of South Boracay, there is a harsh beauty to the area that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the aquamarine waters without the chaos of Boracay’s most popular beaches.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
The city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is often considered the most beautiful city in the Philippines. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Spanish-style architecture, paved roads and horse-drawn carriages.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF THE PHILIPPINES
Choosing the most beautiful island in a country with more than 7000 islands is not an easy task, so this is where we stand out from the general mass.
Palawan is undoubtedly considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and rightly so. It is a long island known for its lush jungle, beautiful beaches, mountains and abundance of wildlife.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Cebu is the most popular tourist island of the Philippines. Cebu has everything from scenic waterfalls to cross-country walks and some of the largest shopping malls in the world.
Located in the center of the Philippines, it has a major international airport and is an excellent hub from where you can get to anywhere in the country. There are also some great tourist attractions here, however, Kawasan Falls is often considered the most beautiful tourist destination in Cebu.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RIVER IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Enchanted Hinatuan River, also called the Sacred Hinatuan River, is a river with deep springs on the island of Mindanao. The river is a stunning deep emerald-blue color, surrounded by jungles and orchids.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES
While the Philippines is largely known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, there are also many beautiful mountains, including:
- Taal Volcano, Batangas
- Daguldul, Batangas
- Mariveles, Bataan
- Pinatubo, Central Luzon
- Ulap, Benguet
- Kanlaon, the Eastern part of the Negroes
- Mayonnaise, Bicol
Although Mayon may not be the tallest, he is my personal favorite because of the most beautiful volcano in the Philippines. It is an active volcano in the province of Albay in the Bicol region on the island of Luzon.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN RANGE IN THE PHILIPPINES
It’s not exactly what most people think of as mountains, but the chocolate hills in Bohol are definitely picturesque. In summer, when the grasses die off, the hills turn brown, which gives them the name: Chocolate Hills.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH RESORT IN THE PHILIPPINES
There is no shortage of stunning beach resorts in the Philippines.
For us, this is a draw between El Nido Resorts of the island of Lagen and El Nido resorts of Pangulas Island. Both are absolutely awesome. Lagen Island Resort is located in a bay surrounded by lush jungle in the beautiful town of El Nido on Palawan Island. El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island is an eco-friendly luxury island resort of El Nido Resorts in Bakuit Bay, El Nido.
If you are looking for another beach resort with great views, you can check out the following:
- Bohol Beach Club, Bohol
- Plantation Bay Resort, Cebu
- Things to do near Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa
- Things to do near Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
- Things to do near Crimson Resort and Spa
- Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Panglao Island, Bohol
- Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay
- Things to do near the Misibis Bay Resort
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SUNSET IN THE PHILIPPINES
A beautiful sunset often depends more on weather conditions and luck. There are many places in the Philippines where you can admire the breathtaking sunset. Our favorites include:
- Manila Bay Walk
- Las Tapas Observation Deck in Cebu
- Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido Palawan
- Pantabangan Lake in Nueva Ecija
- Boracay Island
- Patikul Beach in Holo, Sulu
- -Monte Samat, Bataan
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOTEL IN THE PHILIPPINES
There are many excellent five-star hotels in the Philippines that claim to be the most beautiful hotel in the Philippines. These include:
- Alona Beach hotels near Henann Resort
- Amanpulo
- Dusit Tani Manila, Philippines
- Hotel Jen Manila, Philippines
- Fairmont Makati
- Makati Lotteries
- St. Benedict’s Farm
- Hotels near Henann Crystal Sands Resort
- Things to do near Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
- Things to do near Discovery Shores Boracay Island
- Edsa Shangri-La Manila
- H2o Hotel Manila, Philippines
- Luks Lofts Hotel
My personal favorite is the Luneta Hotel in Manila. Luneta Hotel is located in Ermita district, directly opposite Rizal Park. It was built in 1919 and survived the action of Manila in 1945, making it one of the oldest structures in Manila.
The Luneta Hotel was designed by Spanish architect and engineer Salvador Farre. It is a charming combination of French Renaissance architecture and stylized Filipino fine art.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines has a long history of Catholicism, dating back to colonization in 1500, and therefore there are many Catholic churches in the country, many of which are historical in nature.
Of these, four Baroque churches are listed as World Heritage Sites:
- St. Augustine’s Church in Manila
- St. Mary’s Church
- Paoai Church
- Miagao Church
The Church of the Immaculate Conception (better known as the Church of St. Augustine) in Intramuros, Manila; the Church of Our Lady in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; the Church of St. Augustine in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; and the only one in Visayas: the Church of St. Thomas in Miag ao, Iloilo.
The Church of San Agustin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the historic fortress city of Intramuros in Manila. The church is also known as the Archiepiscopal Church of Our Lady of Consolation and Shinto or the Immaculate Conception Parish. It is a Roman Catholic church and the oldest church in the Philippines.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Last remark. The Philippines is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. Being a country consisting of 7,000 islands surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters in the world, you are almost guaranteed to get a scenic view from any angle.
While you definitely want to get out of the bigger cities and explore what this country has to offer (the Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the best diving spots you’ll find anywhere in the world, especially if you like scuba diving with wrecks), even the big cities have pockets of overflowing. a breathtaking beauty.
