What to See in the Philippines
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Philippines has 6 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Luzon:

Églises baroques des Philippines, Philippines
Baroque Churches of the Philippines (1993)
These are four beautiful colonial churches from the Spanish era located on the islands of Luzon (3) and Panay (1), UNESCO World Heritage sites. Around thirty others, not listed, can also be seen across the archipelago.
Rizières en terrasses de Banaue, Banaue, Philippines
Banaue Rice Terraces (1995)
In the mountains of the northern part of Luzon Island. These are the magnificent UNESCO-listed terraced rice fields, like those in the region (Batad, Hungduan, Mayayao).
Vigan, Philippines
Vigan (1999)
This stunning city has beautifully preserved its colonial architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.

Visayas:

Rivière souterraine de Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (1999)
This site, a national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by boat. The river, one of the longest underground rivers in the world, flows inside a cavern before emptying into the South China Sea.
Parc marin de Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (1993)
This is a coral reef east of Palawan. It boasts extraordinary marine life and numerous bird species, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status and making it a favorite among divers between April and June.

Mindanao:

Mount Hamiguitan
This small mountain on the island of Mindanao is a UNESCO site for its diverse local fauna and flora.

Luzon Island Group

This is the northernmost group of islands in the country.

Luzon Island

Baguio, Philippines
Baguio
A high-altitude city prized for its climate, Baguio has become a popular holiday destination over time. Visitors can see several beautiful religious buildings and the Philippine presidential summer residence.
Banaue, Philippines
Banaue
In the mountains of the northern part of the island, this small town is renowned for its stunning UNESCO-listed terraced rice fields, like all those in the region (Batad, Hungduan, Mayayao). It’s also a place where culture and traditions remain very much alive, which you can discover on a trek.
Batangas, Philippines
Batangas
South of Luzon, Batangas is a popular destination for residents of the capital, offering beaches and diving opportunities in the surrounding area. Ferries to Mindoro also depart from here.
Corregidor, Philippines
Corregidor
At the entrance to Manila Bay, this small island played a significant role during World War II in the region. Several wartime remnants can be visited here (tunnels, military installations, memorials).
Églises baroques des Philippines, Philippines
Baroque Churches of the Philippines
These are four beautiful colonial churches from the Spanish era located on the islands of Luzon (3) and Panay (1), UNESCO World Heritage sites. Around thirty others, not listed, can also be seen across the archipelago.
Magalawa, Philippines
Magalawa
It's a small island near the west coast of Luzon with some quite beautiful beaches and diving opportunities.
Mandaluyong, Philippines
Mandaluyong
On the outskirts of Manila, this sprawling city is the country’s largest commercial hub due to its number of shopping malls.
Manille, Philippines
Manila
The vast Philippine capital boasts diverse traces of its Spanish era, a huge Chinatown, and several museums.
Pagudpud, Philippines
Pagudpud
A popular beach resort surrounded by mountains and valleys at the northern tip of Luzon Island. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches, but also for the caves, waterfalls, and river activities offered in the surrounding area.
Péninsule de Bicol, Philippines
Bicol Peninsula
This is the large peninsula extending from Luzon in its southeastern part. The region is home to several volcanoes, including the highly active Mayon, some Spanish-era churches, beautiful beaches, surfing and diving spots, as well as opportunities for caving and trekking.
Quezon City
This former capital, bordering Manila, is the most populous city in the Philippines. It is well-known for shopping.
Sagada, Philippines
Sagada
This large village in northern Luzon is a great base for trekking, caving, rafting, climbing, and discovering the local cultures and traditions of the surrounding area (including the "hanging coffins"). It is also home to the famous UNESCO-listed terraced rice fields.
Subic, Philippines
Subic
A former US military base now turned into a beach resort. It is located on the west coast with beautiful beaches and wreck diving.
Vigan, Philippines
Vigan
This stunning city has beautifully preserved its colonial architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.

Natural Heritage

Lac Taal, Philippines
Lake Taal
A large crater lake in the Batangas region with another volcanic crater (Taal) at its center. The site is quite touristy.
Mont Pulag, Philippines
Mount Pulag
You can trek to the summit of this national park-mountain in the Cordillera range.
Mount Tapulao
This mountain on the west coast of Luzon Island is popular with hikers.
Parc national des Hundred Islands, Philippines
Hundred Islands National Park
Around a hundred small islands near the coast turned into a national park. Visitors come for the beaches, boat trips, and marine wildlife.
Volcan Pinatubo, Philippines
Mount Pinatubo Volcano
This volcano, not far from Manila, has become an ecotourism destination. You can easily hike up to its crater, where you can then take a dip.

Other Islands

Babuyan Islands
This is a very little-visited group of islands between the Batanes and Luzon.
Batanes, Philippines
Batanes
This archipelago, the northernmost in the country, is close to Taiwan. You can see some beautiful landscapes, a few colonial remnants, and discover the culture and traditions of the local populations.
Catanduanes, Philippines
Catanduanes
A large island near the Bicol Peninsula. You can enjoy its beaches and see some beautiful Spanish churches.
Masbate, Philippines
Masbate
Three quiet, rural islands (Masbate, Ticao, and Burias) south of Bicol with beautiful beaches. They form the Masbate archipelago/province.
Mindoro, Philippines
Mindoro
South of Luzon. The island is quite touristy, especially in its eastern part and around Puerto Galera. You can enjoy the beaches, go diving, hiking, caving, or birdwatching.
Puerto Galera, Philippines
Puerto Galera
In the north of Mindoro Island, this is where ferries from Luzon arrive. The small town is known for its stunning bay, its beaches (Sabang, White Beach), and its diving opportunities.

Visayas Island Group

This is the central group of islands in the archipelago.

Bohol

Baclayon church, Baclayon, Philippines
Baclayon
A colonial-era town with various architectural remnants still standing. In addition to beaches, mountain biking, and short hikes, Baclayon is also a starting point for whale and dolphin watching offshore via Pamilacan Island.
Chocolate Hills, Philippines
Chocolate Hills
In the center of Bohol Island, this is a collection of over a thousand small conical hills of identical shapes and sizes.
Île de Panglao, Philippines
Panglao Island
Connected to Bohol by a bridge, this southern island is renowned for its stunning beaches and diving.
Loboc, Philippines
Loboc
A small town in the south of the island, Loboc’s main tourist attractions are its river and scenic "cruises", one of the oldest churches in the country, and the nearby waterfalls.
Rajah Sikatuna
This nature reserve is recognised for its ornithological significance.

Cebu

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Cebu City, Philippines
Cebu City
The island's capital, it is the second-largest urban area in the Philippines and the first established by the Spanish, who left many visible buildings. You can dive off Mactan Island, part of the urban area and dedicated to tourism.
Moalboal, Philippines
Moalboal
In the southwest of Cebu, this is a small town that thrives on its beaches and diving. Nearby, you can explore waterfalls, caves, and canyons perfect for canyoning.

Negros

Bacolod
The largest city in Negros is primarily known for its carnival and economic dynamism. You can also see some remnants of the Spanish era.
Bais, Philippines
Bais
In the southeast of Negros, this city is surrounded by mangroves and boasts a magnificent coral reef. Scuba diving is available here.
Île d'Apo, Philippines
Apo Island
A tiny island 7 km off the southern coast of Negros. It's one of the best diving spots in the Philippines, if not in Southeast Asia.
Parc national Mt. Kanlaon, Philippines
Mt. Kanlaon National Park
In the centre of Negros, not far from Bacolod, this active volcano can be climbed on a hike.
Silay
In the north of Negros, the city has preserved charming villas and monuments from the colonial era.
Sipalay, Philippines
Sipalay
A city with stunning beaches, diving, and nearby caves and waterfalls.
Sipaway
A small island just off the coast of Negros, facing San Carlos, known for its beautiful beaches.

Palawan

El Nido, Philippines
El Nido
A small town at the northern tip of Palawan with several surrounding islands. The area offers stunning beaches, cliffs, jungle, and opportunities for diving, kayaking, climbing, and trekking—all in an exceptional setting.
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Puerto Princesa
The capital of Palawan, known for its beaches, diving, and especially its UNESCO-listed "Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park".
Quezon, Quezon, Philippines
Quezon
Do not confuse it with its namesake on Luzon. This small town is mainly interesting for its surroundings, which offer great opportunities for beaches, diving, fishing, treks, and birdwatching. Nearby are the Tabon Caves.

Natural Heritage

Calauit, Philippines
Calauit
This small island is home to giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and other African animals brought here by former dictator Marcos in the 1970s.
Parc marin de Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
This is a coral reef east of Palawan. It boasts extraordinary marine life and numerous bird species, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status and making it a favorite among divers between April and June.
Rivière souterraine de Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
This site, a national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by boat. The river, one of the longest underground rivers in the world, flows inside a cavern before emptying into the South China Sea.
Tabon Caves
A collection of over 200 caves in the southwest of the island, near Quezon, some of which are open to the public. The site also holds archaeological significance.

Panay

Antique
The western region of the island, featuring stunning beaches, great diving spots, and a beautiful volcano surrounded by lakes and waterfalls to explore on hikes.
Batan, Philippines
Batan
A historic town on the northern coast with numerous traces of the Spanish era.
Boracay, Philippines
Boracay
Less than a kilometre off the northwest coast of Panay, Boracay has built an international reputation as a beach resort. Stunning beaches, diving, and other water activities on offer, along with a recently introduced limit on the number of tourists allowed daily.
Molo Mansion, Iloilo City, Philippines
Iloilo City
In the south of the island, this is a city where Spanish and American colonial-era styles blend, resulting in many beautiful historic buildings.

Other Islands

Bantayan, Philippines
Bantayan
Beautiful beaches and local tourism on this island northwest of Cebu.
Biliran
Located in the eastern part of the Visayas, this mountainous island with numerous waterfalls also has beautiful beaches.
Busuanga, Philippines
Busuanga
Between Mindoro and Palawan, a fairly large island with its "dependencies" (Coron, Culion) renowned for its beaches and wreck diving. You can also go hiking and kayaking in the mangroves or between the islands.
Calicoan, Philippines
Calicoan
South of Samar, connected by a bridge, the small island of Calicoan is a surfing hotspot.
Guimaras, Philippines
Guimaras
Beaches and a large production of exotic fruits for this island between Panay and Negros.
Leyte, Philippines
Leyte
This large island offers beautiful beaches and diving opportunities, especially in its southern and northwestern parts. You can also see remnants of the Pacific War (Palo), as well as a small tourist lake surrounded by forests, Lake Danao, where visitors come to hunt, fish, and take boat rides.
Malapascua, Philippines
Malapascua
North of Cebu, it's an island with beaches and excellent diving opportunities, especially for encountering sharks.
Samar, Philippines
Samar
Connected to the island of Leyte by the San Juanico Bridge, this large mountainous island offers beautiful beaches along its coast and countless diving spots. Inland, you can explore numerous waterfalls, trekking routes, and especially caves and underground rivers.
Siquijor, Philippines
Siquijor
South of the Visayas, this slightly mountainous island attracts visitors with its beaches, diving, caves, waterfalls, and the traditions of its people.

Mindanao Island Group

Warning: A large part of Mindanao (mainly the west) and the southernmost islands of the Philippines are strongly advised against for security reasons by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mindanao Island

Cagayan de Oro
This northern city is a great base for hiking, climbing, rafting, and kayaking in the surrounding area.
Davao, Philippines
Davao
A large city on the east coast with various traces of its past and the presence of the Spanish, Americans, and Japanese. It's also a good base for trekking to the nearby Mount Apo.
General Santos
In the south of Mindanao, nestled in Sarangani Bay. Nearby attractions include beaches, diving spots, Mount Matutum, and the Klaja Karst Land with its caves and waterfalls.
Lanao
This is the small region just before the Zamboanga Peninsula. Here, the landscape shifts from coastline to mountains, and you can encounter diverse communities with traditions that remain very much alive.
Mont Apo, Philippines
Mount Apo
The highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 m. Its ascent is a "classic" for trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Hamiguitan
This small mountain on the island of Mindanao is a UNESCO site for its diverse local fauna and flora.
Mount Kitanglad Natural Park
In the heart of Mindanao, this mountainous area is the second-highest in the Philippines. Hiking is a popular activity here.
Zamboanga Peninsula
Ending in the city of the same name, this is the long peninsula on the west of Mindanao.
Zamboanga City
It’s the largest city in the west, with some Spanish remnants (including Fort Pilar) and traces of American presence.

Other Islands

Basilan
While this small island off Zamboanga has many tourism assets (beaches, diving), it remains in a sensitive security zone due to the conflict between the government and "Islamist militias".
Camiguin, Philippines
Camiguin
Just off the northern coast of Mindanao, this small island boasts beautiful beaches set against a backdrop of volcanoes and waterfalls, along with several churches from the Spanish era. Scuba diving is also available here.
Sulu
Between Mindanao and Borneo, this is an archipelago of nearly a thousand coral or volcanic islands. Like Basilan, it is also a sensitive area in terms of security.

Must-see & highly recommended

El Nido
★★★★ A small town at the northern tip of Palawan with several surrounding islands. The area offers stunning beaches, cliffs, jungle, and…
Banaue Rice Terraces
★★★★ In the mountains of the northern part of Luzon Island. These are the magnificent UNESCO-listed terraced rice fields, like those in the…

Recommended

Banaue
★★★ In the mountains of the northern part of the island, this small town is renowned for its stunning UNESCO-listed terraced rice fields, like…
Boracay
★★★ Less than a kilometre off the northwest coast of Panay, Boracay has built an international reputation as a beach resort. Stunning beaches…
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
★★★ This site, a national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by boat. The river, one of the longest underground rivers in the…
Sagada
★★★ This large village in northern Luzon is a great base for trekking, caving, rafting, climbing, and discovering the local cultures and…
Vigan
★★★ This stunning city has beautifully preserved its colonial architecture. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.

Worth a look / Other

Antique
★★ The western region of the island, featuring stunning beaches, great diving spots, and a beautiful volcano surrounded by lakes and…
Bantayan
★★ Beautiful beaches and local tourism on this island northwest of Cebu.
Batanes
★★ This archipelago, the northernmost in the country, is close to Taiwan. You can see some beautiful landscapes, a few colonial remnants, and…
Batangas
★★ South of Luzon, Batangas is a popular destination for residents of the capital, offering beaches and diving opportunities in the…
Biliran
★★ Located in the eastern part of the Visayas, this mountainous island with numerous waterfalls also has beautiful beaches.
Busuanga
★★ Between Mindoro and Palawan, a fairly large island with its "dependencies" (Coron, Culion) renowned for its beaches and wreck diving. You…
Camiguin
★★ Just off the northern coast of Mindanao, this small island boasts beautiful beaches set against a backdrop of volcanoes and waterfalls…
Catanduanes
★★ A large island near the Bicol Peninsula. You can enjoy its beaches and see some beautiful Spanish churches.
Baroque Churches of the Philippines
★★ These are four beautiful colonial churches from the Spanish era located on the islands of Luzon (3) and Panay (1), UNESCO World Heritage…
Apo Island
★★ A tiny island 7 km off the southern coast of Negros. It's one of the best diving spots in the Philippines, if not in Southeast Asia.
Panglao Island
★★ Connected to Bohol by a bridge, this southern island is renowned for its stunning beaches and diving.
Lake Taal
★★ A large crater lake in the Batangas region with another volcanic crater (Taal) at its center. The site is quite touristy.
Leyte
★★ This large island offers beautiful beaches and diving opportunities, especially in its southern and northwestern parts. You can also see…
Loboc
★★ A small town in the south of the island, Loboc’s main tourist attractions are its river and scenic "cruises", one of the oldest…
Masbate
★★ Three quiet, rural islands (Masbate, Ticao, and Burias) south of Bicol with beautiful beaches. They form the Masbate archipelago/province.
Mindoro
★★ South of Luzon. The island is quite touristy, especially in its eastern part and around Puerto Galera. You can enjoy the beaches, go…
Moalboal
★★ In the southwest of Cebu, this is a small town that thrives on its beaches and diving. Nearby, you can explore waterfalls, caves, and…
Mount Apo
★★ The highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 m. Its ascent is a "classic" for trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Pulag
★★ You can trek to the summit of this national park-mountain in the Cordillera range.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
★★ This is a coral reef east of Palawan. It boasts extraordinary marine life and numerous bird species, earning it UNESCO World Heritage…
Hundred Islands National Park
★★ Around a hundred small islands near the coast turned into a national park. Visitors come for the beaches, boat trips, and marine wildlife.
Mt. Kanlaon National Park
★★ In the centre of Negros, not far from Bacolod, this active volcano can be climbed on a hike.
Mount Kitanglad Natural Park
★★ In the heart of Mindanao, this mountainous area is the second-highest in the Philippines. Hiking is a popular activity here.
Bicol Peninsula
★★ This is the large peninsula extending from Luzon in its southeastern part. The region is home to several volcanoes, including the highly…
Puerto Galera
★★ In the north of Mindoro Island, this is where ferries from Luzon arrive. The small town is known for its stunning bay, its beaches (Sabang…
Samar
★★ Connected to the island of Leyte by the San Juanico Bridge, this large mountainous island offers beautiful beaches along its coast and…
Sipalay
★★ A city with stunning beaches, diving, and nearby caves and waterfalls.
Siquijor
★★ South of the Visayas, this slightly mountainous island attracts visitors with its beaches, diving, caves, waterfalls, and the traditions of…
Tabon Caves
★★ A collection of over 200 caves in the southwest of the island, near Quezon, some of which are open to the public. The site also holds…
Mount Pinatubo Volcano
★★ This volcano, not far from Manila, has become an ecotourism destination. You can easily hike up to its crater, where you can then take a…
Babuyan Islands
★ This is a very little-visited group of islands between the Batanes and Luzon.
Baclayon
★ A colonial-era town with various architectural remnants still standing. In addition to beaches, mountain biking, and short hikes, Baclayon…
Bacolod
★ The largest city in Negros is primarily known for its carnival and economic dynamism. You can also see some remnants of the Spanish era.
Baguio
★ A high-altitude city prized for its climate, Baguio has become a popular holiday destination over time. Visitors can see several beautiful…
Bais
★ In the southeast of Negros, this city is surrounded by mangroves and boasts a magnificent coral reef. Scuba diving is available here.
Basilan
★ While this small island off Zamboanga has many tourism assets (beaches, diving), it remains in a sensitive security zone due to the…
Batan
★ A historic town on the northern coast with numerous traces of the Spanish era.
Cagayan de Oro
★ This northern city is a great base for hiking, climbing, rafting, and kayaking in the surrounding area.
Calauit
★ This small island is home to giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and other African animals brought here by former dictator Marcos in the 1970s.
Calicoan
★ South of Samar, connected by a bridge, the small island of Calicoan is a surfing hotspot.
Cebu City
★ The island's capital, it is the second-largest urban area in the Philippines and the first established by the Spanish, who left many…
Chocolate Hills
★ In the center of Bohol Island, this is a collection of over a thousand small conical hills of identical shapes and sizes.
Corregidor
★ At the entrance to Manila Bay, this small island played a significant role during World War II in the region. Several wartime remnants can…
Davao
★ A large city on the east coast with various traces of its past and the presence of the Spanish, Americans, and Japanese. It's also a good…
General Santos
★ In the south of Mindanao, nestled in Sarangani Bay. Nearby attractions include beaches, diving spots, Mount Matutum, and the Klaja Karst…
Guimaras
★ Beaches and a large production of exotic fruits for this island between Panay and Negros.
Iloilo City
★ In the south of the island, this is a city where Spanish and American colonial-era styles blend, resulting in many beautiful historic…
Lanao
★ This is the small region just before the Zamboanga Peninsula. Here, the landscape shifts from coastline to mountains, and you can encounter…
Magalawa
★ It's a small island near the west coast of Luzon with some quite beautiful beaches and diving opportunities.
Malapascua
★ North of Cebu, it's an island with beaches and excellent diving opportunities, especially for encountering sharks.
Mandaluyong
★ On the outskirts of Manila, this sprawling city is the country’s largest commercial hub due to its number of shopping malls.
Manila
★ The vast Philippine capital boasts diverse traces of its Spanish era, a huge Chinatown, and several museums.
Mount Hamiguitan
★ This small mountain on the island of Mindanao is a UNESCO site for its diverse local fauna and flora.
Mount Tapulao
★ This mountain on the west coast of Luzon Island is popular with hikers.
Pagudpud
★ A popular beach resort surrounded by mountains and valleys at the northern tip of Luzon Island. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches…
Zamboanga Peninsula
★ Ending in the city of the same name, this is the long peninsula on the west of Mindanao.
Puerto Princesa
★ The capital of Palawan, known for its beaches, diving, and especially its UNESCO-listed "Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park".
Quezon (Palawan)
★ Do not confuse it with its namesake on Luzon. This small town is mainly interesting for its surroundings, which offer great opportunities…
Quezon City
★ This former capital, bordering Manila, is the most populous city in the Philippines. It is well-known for shopping.
Rajah Sikatuna
★ This nature reserve is recognised for its ornithological significance.
Silay
★ In the north of Negros, the city has preserved charming villas and monuments from the colonial era.
Sipaway
★ A small island just off the coast of Negros, facing San Carlos, known for its beautiful beaches.
Subic
★ A former US military base now turned into a beach resort. It is located on the west coast with beautiful beaches and wreck diving.
Sulu
★ Between Mindanao and Borneo, this is an archipelago of nearly a thousand coral or volcanic islands. Like Basilan, it is also a sensitive…
Zamboanga City
★ It’s the largest city in the west, with some Spanish remnants (including Fort Pilar) and traces of American presence.