In the Philippines, tourists can look at the same place and see two entirely different reality. One might see a romantic rural paradise where children play joyfully and the sunset glows like an Instagram filter. Another might see an ordinary, poor village with nothing interesting or attractive.
Since the top three tourist destinations in the Philippines – at least in my opinion – were covered in the first part of this series, let’s move on to other places that I still consider worth visiting and would happily return to.
Rather than listing hotels and restaurants, I’m focusing on the emotions, impressions, and memories these places evoke. You can find service recommendations on travel blogs, where the information changes faster than my opinion on them.
Cebu City – A Tourist Buffet
I have a complicated relationship with Cebu City. Despite its status as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, I’ve never fully connected with its vibe. I know the city well, I’ve seen its attractions, but emotionally, it has never truly resonated with me. Maybe it’s the curse of comparison – other destinations have set the bar so high that Cebu’s relative mediocrity fails to stir any strong emotions.
Another reason could be that I strongly associate Cebu City with the Visayan cultural and linguistic region. I don’t speak any Visayan languages, and I’ve never quite felt at home there the way I do in Tagalog-speaking areas.
Despite these mental roadblocks, I do appreciate Cebu City – not necessarily on an emotional level, but for what it has to offer. The city has a fascinating history, and its surroundings provide nearly everything the Philippines promises to travelers. Cebu City is like a tourist buffet: there’s a little bit of everything, but no single dish stands out as truly unforgettable.
Today’s Cebu City does have one ace up its sleeve. Its real appeal isn’t in its museums or historic churches – it’s in the mountains that rise on the city’s outskirts. These highlands have become home to an array of scenic restaurants and laid-back hangout spots, injecting a touch of originality and providing actual reasons to linger in the city.
If Metro Manila serves as a transit hub for travelers heading to other parts of the country, then Cebu City – thanks to its excellent ferry and flight connections – plays the same role for the Central and Southern Philippines.
Boracay – Fine Beach, Fun Nights,
Are the more than two million tourists who visit this small 10.32 square kilometer island every year wrong? Of course not. Boracay is home to the BEACH – a four-kilometer stretch of powdery sand so perfect that, according to local legend, God created it only after practicing on lesser beaches.
When I first visited Boracay in 1992, the island was just beginning its ascent to global fame. Back then, I was amazed at how effortlessly a few sidesteps could transport me from the chaotic symphony of the island’s main street – the so-called Boracay Highway, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants – to the pristine tranquility of its dazzling shoreline.
Boracay is still a great destination if you’re looking for hassle-free and risk-free relaxation on a tropical beach. White sand so fine it feels like silk, and sunsets so breathtaking they send Instagram servers into overdrive.
Boracay was once also a paradise for lovers of wild nightlife, but those nights are gone. Extensive renovations during the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the island’s atmosphere, shifting it toward a more serene and family-friendly experience. White Beach remains iconic, but the neon-drenched party scene has largely given way to candlelit dinners and early bedtimes.
Bohol – Standard Package
The island of Bohol is the archetype of a Philippine island: a ring road circles the island, passing through small towns that all look eerily similar. The main island is surrounded by numerous smaller islands – some uninhabited, others home to fishing and farming communities whose way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.
One of Bohol’s most famous attractions is the Philippine tarsier, a tiny primate that looks like it came straight from a cartoon. As adorable as they are, seeing them eye to eye takes away some of their charm – it’s not exactly a long-awaited ”close encounter of the third kind.”
A visit to the tarsiers is often paired with a trip to Bohol’s most iconic destination: the Chocolate Hills. Watching first-time visitors react to these peculiar landforms is always entertaining – some struggle to hide their disappointment, while others are in complete awe, snapping fifty identical selfies.
The Chocolate Hills are cone-shaped mounds, 25 to 50 meters high, spread across roughly 20 square kilometers. There are about 1,250 of them, counting even the smallest ones. They are most impressive from April to May, when the dry season turns their vegetation into a toasty brown. During the rainy season, their grandeur is largely confined to tourism brochures.
Tagbilaran, the island’s capital, is a typical small provincial city, offering the same attractions and services as any other city of its size. It doesn’t offer much to tourists and is often just a stopover on the way to Panglao Island, where most of Bohol’s tourism are centered.
The most famous spot on Panglao Island is Alona Beach, an ideal place for a mix of beach lounging, diving, bar-hopping, and general vacation vibes. However, my personal preference leans toward Doljo Beach, a quieter area on the island’s northwest coast, near Bohol’s new airport. It’s still relatively low-key but is slowly catching up with the more turbocharged tourist scene.
Tagaytay – Scenery Tourism
I’ve had many great times in Tagaytay, but I only recommend it as a day trip for those who want to see Taal Volcano. Yes, the scenery is unique and impressive, but don’t expect any life-changing experiences.
On clear days, Tagaytay is worth the trip, offering stunning views from its ridge over the lower-lying Taal Lake and its still-active volcano. But if it’s raining or the clouds are hanging low, you’ll just be left wondering why you spent 2–3 hours driving only to shiver in a chilly fog.
On holidays and weekends, the main road is packed with cars, tricycles, and tour buses. Everyone is looking for something to do and, in the end, they end up eating at one of the roadside restaurants where they can admire THE VIEW while dining.
From these restaurants and viewpoints, you’ll see a massive 70-kilometer-wide caldera – the remnant of an ancient, much larger volcano – now home to a vast lake. In the middle of this lake sits an island formed by smaller, still-active volcanoes.
For history enthusiasts, Tagaytay has one particularly unique destination. At the highest point of the ridge stands the People’s Park in the Sky (originally called Palace in the Sky). This is the Filipino version of an “Eagle’s Nest.” The palace was commissioned by Imelda Marcos to host U.S. President Ronald Reagan during his state visit. However, construction was halted when Reagan canceled his trip, leaving the palace unfinished.
Puerto Galera – A Mixed Bag
Puerto Galera is a destination that could have developed into a much more significant tourist hotspot than it is today if not for short-sighted local politics and constant disputes that have hindered its potential. Despite these lost opportunities, I still find much to appreciate in Puerto Galera.
Located on the northern coast of Mindoro, Puerto Galera is a small town about three to four hours from Metro Manila by bus and ferry. The town itself isn’t much of a tourist attraction, but its coastal areas to the east and west offer a variety of experiences for visitors.
Puerto Galera as a tourist destination can be roughly divided into two distinct areas:
To the east, about five kilometers from town, lies the tourist village of Sabang, home to dive resorts, excellent restaurants, bars, and a lively nightlife scene. If you’re planning to get scuba-certified in the Philippines, Sabang is an affordable and practical option.
To the west, about 7–10 kilometers from Puerto Galera town, you’ll find several beaches, with White Beach being the most famous (and the whitest). These beaches offer a “poor man’s Boracay,” where party tourism and family-friendly tourism coexist. White Beach has gained a reputation as a weekend party hotspot for local youth. Meanwhile, the neighboring beaches of Aninuan and Talipanan provide a quieter retreat for families and couples looking for a more relaxed getaway.
Siargao – Riding the Wave
Siargao is the place to be if you want to experience the latest trends in Philippine tourism. Originally, Siargao was a hidden gem, known only to surfers and backpackers. But as the world spread, more and more travelers made their way to this small island off the coast of Mindanao, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
The island’s rise to fame is a perfect example of how a single compelling story can transform a remote fishing village into a must-visit destination. It became famous for its legendary Cloud 9 wave – so incredible that riding it feels like gliding through the clouds.
The best surfing conditions occur from September to October, when Siargao also hosts an international surfing competition. At other times of the year, Cloud 9 may not fully live up to the hype, but even without a surfboard, Siargao remains an excellent spot for laid-back beach tourism.
Siargao isn’t just a surfer’s paradise – it’s also home to breathtaking natural wonders. The enchanting lagoons of Sugba and the mesmerizing Sohoton Cave are so stunning that they make you wonder how the rest of the world hasn’t discovered them yet.
Subic – The charm of a former military base
Whenever someone mentions visiting Subic, geography enthusiasts immediately ask, ”Which part of Subic exactly?” The name ”Subic” encompasses multiple destinations, each catering to a different type of tourism.
At the heart of Subic’s tourism scene is the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a special economic area. This somewhat artificial-looking zone boasts duty-free shopping malls (where many items are priced as in regular stores), overpriced hotels, and an almost surreal atmosphere reminiscent of a former American military town.
The Freeport Zone is separated from Olongapo City by fences and security gates. Inside, the streets are wide and well-maintained, and everything is eerily tidy. Yet just beyond these gates, Olongapo offers the usual chaotic cityscape, where urban decay blends with the artificial cleanliness of shopping malls and fast-food chains.
A little farther out, you’ll find family-friendly attractions such as Zoobic Safari, where tigers lounge with minimal enthusiasm; Ocean Adventure, home to well-trained killer whales; and the guided nature hikes of Pamulaklakin Nature Park. For those seeking beaches and nightlife, the action is in Barrio Barretto and the Baloy Beach area.
Subic’s identity becomes even murkier as you head inland, where you’ll stumble upon the small town of Subic – offering little more than the realization that, yes, there is yet another Subic here.
Because these various ”Subics” are spread across a large area, having your own transportation is essential. And if you plan to drive within the Freeport Zone, be aware that traffic laws are strictly enforced – an unusual experience in the Philippines.
One undeniable advantage of Subic is its accessibility from Metro Manila. Despite what the map suggests, the trip is surprisingly quick; you can drive the entire way on expressways and arrive in just a few hours.
Clark – The Ghost of Its Former Glory
Clark was once the U.S. military’s largest overseas air base, but today it feels like something straight out of a post-apocalyptic film. Wandering around the area feels like stepping into both a ghost town and an American war film.
The Clark Freeport Zone carries a unique, almost haunting atmosphere where history intersects with the charm of deserted structures. While the modernized Clark International Airport stands as a symbol of life in the area, the surrounding zone remains largely dormant.
Despite ambitious plans, Clark Freeport Zone has yet to transform into the economic powerhouse that its inherited infrastructure should have enabled. However, efforts continue to promote the area as a prime destination for tourism, entertainment, and international business – a vision in which casinos, leisure activities, and corporate ventures all thrive in harmony.
Still, Clark remains a pleasant destination, precisely because of its laid-back vibe. The area regularly hosts family-friendly events, such as car and motorcycle races, hobby camps, and various exhibitions, offering a brief spark of life to an otherwise quiet environment.
If decent entertainment isn’t your thing, neighboring Angeles City is more than capable of accommodating your needs. Sitting just outside Clark’s special economic zone, ”Disneyland for grown-ups” offers unforgettable (or mercifully forgettable) experiences for nightlife lovers.
Corregidor Island – A Time Capsule of War Memories
For tourists fascinated by World War II history, Corregidor Island, located at the mouth of Manila Bay, is a must-see destination. When the Japanese began their conquest of the Philippine archipelago, their first target was the Allied headquarters, which General MacArthur had relocated to the fortified island of Corregidor at the start of the war.
For two months, the Japanese relentlessly bombarded the island with aerial strikes and heavy artillery until its defenders were ultimately forced to surrender. In fact, more explosives were dropped and fired onto Corregidor’s 5.5 square kilometers area than on any other comparable battlefield in the world.
Thanks to the long-standing management of the island by the Philippine military, Corregidor’s historical landmarks have remained well-preserved. Its ruins, cannons, and bunkers narrate the poignant story of a hopeless battle. The most striking attraction is the Malinta Tunnel complex, where Allied commanders were forced to shelter for months as Japanese forces relentlessly pounded the island.
Corregidor is an excellent destination for a guided day trip via ferry from Metro Manila. Visitors can also explore the island independently, immersing themselves in the haunting remnants of war. For those unfamiliar with the details of the battles, a knowledgeable guide can bring history to life.
The island also has a small hotel, though its existence serves more as a reminder that some things haven’t improved much since World War II. And if war history isn’t your thing, it won’t take long before you find yourself asking existential questions like: ”What on earth am I doing here?”
Perfectly Imperfect
If you judge tourist destinations in the Philippines by the standards of perfection, you might miss out on how stunning they are in their imperfection. Sure, there’s always room for improvement, but if these places were polished too much, they could lose the very charm that comes from their quirks and occasional shortcomings.
The Philippines is an incredible destination where breathtaking nature meets a delightfully unrefined presentation. Add to that the warmth of the locals and a culture that thrives on spontaneity, and you get an experience that’s truly one of a kind.
The interpretations of Philippine tourist destinations in this series are entirely my own and should not be taken as gospel. When it comes to traveling in the Philippines, an old jungle proverb holds true: Your opinion is firm – until it changes..
More on the topic:
The Philippines as a Tourist Destination (part 1)
