Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Which are the Best Places to Visit in the Philippines?

While the places to visit are endless, we have mentioned a few top places that are a must-visit when you're planning your trip or vacation to the Philippines:

Palawan: The Crown Jewel of the Philippines

If you only visit one island in the Philippines, it has to be Palawan. The island has been consistently rated among the world's top island destinations by the top travel ranking agencies and travel publications.

On the island, you can visit El Nido. It is well-known for its limestone karst formations rising from turquoise water, exclusive lagoons that are accessible only by boat, and aesthetic beaches. Island-hopping tours happen every day, departing daily from the town.

You can also visit Coron, either through a short flight or by boat. The bay holds the sunken remains of a Japanese WWII fleet, and visibility can reach 20 metres or more in peak season, making it a must-visit spot for divers. For non-divers, Kayangan Lake is a top destination. You can simply reach there by climbing a short hillside trail.

Puerto Princesa’s Underground River is known to be one of Palawan's major attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the world's longest underground rivers.

Best for: Couples, families, divers, island hoppers, photographers

Boracay: White Beach and More

Boracay is barely seven kilometres long but is pretty famous for its white beach. It is one of the amazing stretches of powdery white sand across Southeast Asia.

You can sunbathe, relax, and even enjoy your range of water sports, such as kite-surfing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and more. Besides, the place has an excellent seafood dining setup along the beachfront.

Best for: First-time visitors, beach lovers, families, water sports lovers

Cebu: History, Food, and Whale Sharks

Cebu is the Philippines' second city and one of its most visited. It has the Basilica del Santo Niño, built in 1565, which is also the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. Magellan's Cross sits nearby in a small chapel and remains an important spiritual landmark.

Cebu’s modern infrastructure is just as attractive. For instance, Oslob, in the south, is one of the few places on earth where you can snorkel alongside whale sharks at close range. Moalboal, also on Cebu's southwest coast, is famous for its sardine run, a swirling, silver tornado of millions of sardines. Kawasan, which falls in the mountains, has turquoise-coloured cascades and bamboo raft rides through jungle gorges.

Best for: History nerds, food travellers, divers, wildlife lovers

Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

A two-hour ferry from Cebu gets you to Bohol. The place is home to two of the Philippines' most iconic natural sights. The Chocolate Hills are more than 1,700 rounded hills. During the dry season, the grass turns brown, making it look like giant chocolates.

Bohol is also the last natural habitat of the Philippine tarsier, with one of the world's smallest primates. The Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella follows ethical wildlife viewing practices and is well worth a visit.

Best for: Eco-tourism, families, friends' trips, and wildlife enthusiasts

Siargao: The Surf Capital of the Philippines

Siargao has evolved into one of Southeast Asia's most talked-about travel destinations. Cloud 9, the island’s legendary surf break, attracts professional surfers from around the world and even organises international competitions.

But even for non-surfers, Siargao has Sugba Lagoon, known for kayaking through mangroves, and Guyam Island.

Best for: Surfers, digital nomads, solo travellers, nature seekers

Banaue Rice Terraces: A Living UNESCO Heritage Site

A world away from the beaches, the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Cordillera mountains of northern Luzon are among the most awe-struck man-made attractions on earth. Carved into the mountainsides by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago, they stretch across roughly 10,000 square kilometres.

Best for: Cultural travellers, hikers, history enthusiasts

Manila: Where History Meets the Modern Approach

Manila's Intramuros is a walled city built by Spanish colonisers in the 16th century. It contains cobblestone streets, preserved fortifications, and Fort Santiago, a military fortress that served as a prison during both the Spanish colonial era and the Japanese occupation in WWII.

The National Museum complex has an impressive collection of Filipino art. If you're seeking the best food, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Poblacion are known for some exciting dining and bar scenes in Asia.

Best for: History lovers, city explorers, and foodies

Best Time to Visit the Philippines from the UAE

The Philippines has two primary seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October), with typhoon season approximately between June and November.

The best months to visit are December through February, when temperatures across the islands range between 24°C and 31°C. During this time, the climate is warm but free from the humidity extremes of the summer months.

March to May is the Philippine summer, hotter (up to 34°C), but ideal for beach visits, especially for diving and island-hopping.

June to November is typhoon season. Travel is still possible, particularly in the southern islands like Siargao and Davao, which are less exposed to typhoon tracks. However, there is a genuine risk of flight cancellations and other inconveniences. This is precisely when travel insurance becomes most critical.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for the Philippines from the UAE?

Travel insurance is one of the important elements of travelling that most people overlook. There could be a lot of risks and uncertainties associated with travelling, such as flight delays, cancellations, lost documents, medical emergencies, and more. In such scenarios, a travel policy helps in recovering the financial losses incurred due to such circumstances.

Medical infrastructure outside major cities is limited. Suppose you come across a medical emergency while away from the prime locations. In this case, a valid insurance helps in medical evacuation to a proper facility, or repatriation back to the UAE. Without insurance, the same can cost tens of thousands of US dollars out of pocket.

Moreover, network hospitals included within an insurance plan have cashless claims facilities. But even if not available, you can pay medical bills upfront and later ask for reimbursement from your provider.

Typhoons and natural disasters cause major travel disruptions. The Philippines is known to have an average of around 20 typhoons per year. Flights are cancelled, ferries are grounded, and even resorts shut down with little notice. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses non-refundable costs, including hotel bookings and flight cancellations.

Theft and loss are real risks. Tourist areas in Manila and Boracay are known for petty theft. Baggage coverage and personal belongings protection cover you for lost hard cash, documents, and other personal belongings, listed in the policy document.

Buying comprehensive travel insurance for the Philippines is not an option. Considering the cost of emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and trip disruption, securing your trip with a travel insurance policy is a responsible decision. If you’re planning to visit the country soon, check out quotes on Policybazaar.ae and choose the best plan to secure your trip.

Smart Travel Tips for UAE Residents

Here are a few points you must be aware of before booking and travelling to the Philippines:

Visa: UAE passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to a period of 30 days.

Currency: You can easily withdraw cash in Peso (the local currency of Philippines) from ATMs. They are widely available in cities and tourist hubs. It is advisable to carry enough cash while travelling.

Flight Booking: Always book your flight and accommodation in advance. Otherwise, the bookings may be expensive as you approach your trip dates.

Connectivity: Local SIM cards from Globe or Smart are the leading telecom providers in the Philippines. They offer strong 4G coverage in cities and tourist destinations. Remote areas may have an unstable signal.

Frequently Asked Questions