In my previous Philippines Tourist Destination post, I explored Philippine destinations where the end of the world feels like just the beginning. Now, it is time to switch gears and head toward sunnier shores – places that are on the verge of joining the country’s top-tier tourist destinations.
Beyond the classic beach getaway, the Philippines offers a playground for adventure and activity-based travel – perfect for those who don’t mind leaving their comfort zone behind. Whether you’re into scuba diving, golf, or hiking, you’ll discover world-class locations and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left.
When it comes to experience-driven travel, the Philippines shines in at least two areas: deserted island dreams and romance. If you’re dreaming of a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure or hoping for a vacation that stirs the heart, there are still corners of the Philippines where you can find both.
Rising Hotspots
Here’s a list of my personal second-tier travel favorites – places that have great potential and a special charm but haven’t quite made it to my all-time top tier. Maybe next time…
Batanes is often described as the “Shetland Islands of the Philippines” – cloudy, hilly, and remote. It’s a beautifully unique destination, far from the major islands, where you can feel the isolation so intensely that you might wonder whether your return flight will ever show up.
Biri Island is located north of Samar and is perfect for those who feel the urge to wander along the deserted cliffs. Sometimes the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the rock formations on the island’s eastern shore, bringing a sense of danger to the experience.
Calaguas Islands offer a throwback to the Philippines of decades past, much like the remote islands of Palawan before tourism took over. Even though the mainland is visible on the horizon, it feels like you’re on the edge of the world, surrounded by empty beaches and timeless tranquility.
Camotes Islands, nestled between Cebu and Leyte, have remained blissfully rural. There may be only a handful of beaches, but the real charm is the blend of traditional island life and just enough modern comfort.
Caramoan, a hidden gem on the Bicol Peninsula, is a throwback to Palawan’s pristine beauty before mass tourism arrived. If El Nido feels overrun, Caramoan is the lesser-known cousin – offering similar landscapes with far fewer crowds.
Catanduanes strikes a pleasant balance: not yet transformed by tourism but developed enough that you won’t need to rely solely on sign language and snack reserves. The island is often cloud-covered and delightfully off the beaten path, giving visitors a break from the downsides of over-tourism.
Davao is the Philippines’ second-largest city by population and the largest by land area. Despite its size, it feels laid-back and understated in terms of culture and nightlife. It offers the perks of a modern metropolis with the calm and safety of a small town.
Dumaguete, on the island of Negros, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Known as a university town, its youthful energy and vibrant atmosphere are shaped by students from all over the Philippines. A growing expat population also adds to the city’s lively nightlife and bar scene.
Malapascua Island, northeast of Cebu, is a laid-back beach destination ideal for backpackers. The vibe is easygoing, the beaches inviting, and the waters surprisingly rich in marine life – I’ve regularly spotted thresher sharks even close to shore.
Moalboal, on Cebu’s west coast, has developed into a popular dive destination. A range of services has grown around the diving scene, and Moalboal is now seen as one of Cebu’s most promising up-and-coming tourist hubs.
Nasugbu, located in Batangas province, has a stretch of beaches north of town that are real hidden gems. Many of the private beaches are owned by the wealthy elite, and if you’re lucky enough to sneak into one, you might start believing that maybe money can buy a slice of paradise. If the private gates don’t open for you, there are still a few public beaches in the area with minimal entrance fees.
Siquijor is known as the Philippines’ “island of witches,” though I’ve yet to meet one. Instead, I’ve found beautiful waterfalls, peaceful rural charm, and a growing crowd of visitors – some chasing mystical legends, others just looking to escape the chaos of city life.
Vigan, in northern Luzon, offers a unique blend of colonial history and modern Filipino city life. The Spanish-era city center has been carefully restored to the point where even the local McDonald’s looks historically significant. Cobblestone streets, ornate balconies, and nostalgic charm meet contemporary everyday life in a way you won’t see anywhere else in the country.
Iloilo City is an emerging travel destination, thanks to its well-preserved Spanish architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and rich culinary heritage. The walkable Iloilo River Esplanade, modern airport, efficient transport connections, and clean urban environment make it an exceptionally pleasant city to visit. The city also serves as a gateway to Guimaras Island, known for its laid-back beach lifestyle.
Dive in
The Philippines is home to some of the finest dive sites in the world. However, many of the best spots are protected marine areas, which has helped preserve them in better condition than similar destinations across Southeast Asia. The country is also a great place to learn how to dive – courses are relatively affordable by international standards, and the waters are warm and crystal clear, making training easier and more enjoyable.
My personal diving career started with a spectacular bang – and ended less glamorously. Let’s just say it’s hard to feel like an intrepid explorer when a curious passing tiger shark knocks you face-first into a coral wall with nothing more than the force of its tail. Since then, I’ve mostly been the one staying dry in the boat, watching braver souls disappear beneath the waves. Still, back in my bolder days, I did explore some incredible dive sites – and here are a few of my favorites.
At the very top of the Philippines’ diving scene – and often ranked among the world’s best – is Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. As a protected and closely monitored marine reserve, access is limited to liveaboard diving trips that must be booked in advance. Trips usually last 5–6 days and run from late March to June, when the waters are generally calm and visibility is at its best. Diving legend Jacques Cousteau once called Tubbataha “the most beautiful place I’ve ever explored.” He may have had a point.
On the western side of Mindoro Island lies Apo Reef, the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world, spanning 34 square kilometers. The reef is part of the Apo Reef Natural Park, which is currently on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Commercial diving here is tightly regulated, but some resorts on Mindoro’s west coast still organize day trips to the area – perfect if you’re looking for a more accessible (but still world-class) reef adventure.
For something a little different, head north to Palawan’s Coron Bay, one of the world’s most unique wreck diving destinations. During World War II, American torpedo bombers sank seven large Japanese warships and cargo vessels in Coron Bay. Today, two of those wrecks sit shallow enough for snorkeling, while the rest lie at depths of 20–30 meters. Experienced divers can penetrate the wrecks, enjoying the eerie thrill of tight spaces and rusted passageways.
On the southeastern side of Negros Island, Apo Island (not to be confused with Apo Reef) offers a more rugged, small-island diving experience. The coral is still in decent shape, and sea turtles are a common sight – though in recent years, spotting one is not always guaranteed. Two small dive resorts operate on the island, but you can also join day trips from the mainland if you’d rather not pack an overnight bag.
The closest dive site to Metro Manila is the Anilao Peninsula, just a few hours’ drive away. Anilao isn’t known for sandy beaches or nightlife – it’s all about diving. The area is home to numerous resorts offering dives for all experience levels, with easy access to nearby reefs. If your idea of a holiday is spending as much time underwater as possible, Anilao is a quick and convenient escape from city life.
Sleep. Eat. Golf. Repeat.
It’s never too late to quit golf – but if you’ve already picked it up and found yourself hooked, you’ll be glad to know the Philippines is a great destination for golf travelers. The country is home to world-class courses, many of which welcome tourists and offer a peek into a lifestyle where the local elite and corporate titans come to relax.
When talking about golf in the Philippines, one of the first things that stands out is its long-standing presence and its role in the country’s history. Back in 1886, during the twilight of Spanish colonial rule, British railway engineers introduced the sport to Filipinos by building a golf course on a rice field just south of Manila.
The American colonial rulers who followed quickly embraced the sport, and soon, every self-respecting city had its own course. In fact, in 1913, the Manila Golf Club hosted one of the world’s earliest open tournaments: the Philippine Open.
Today, there are around 250 golf courses scattered across the Philippines – an impressive number considering golf is still very much a niche pastime. But in the Philippines, the fairway often doubles as a boardroom – many political moves and business deals are made over 18 holes.
The best time to hit the greens is between December and February, when the weather is at its coolest and the courses are in top shape. Some of the most prestigious clubs lie just south of Metro Manila, including the Philippine Country Club, Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club, and Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. These are prime destinations when you want to chase that perfect shot – even if your ball doesn’t always end up where you planned.
Take It to the Peaks
My most memorable mountain hiking experiences – though not physically the toughest – have been on Mount Apo, Mount Pulag, and Mount Pinatubo. These hikes don’t require any special climbing gear or advanced experience – just persistence and a bit of optimism.
So far, I haven’t had the chance to climb Mayon Volcano. Maybe that’s for the best, since it’s an active volcano with frequent access restrictions that should be respected. Every now and then, we hear tragic stories of thrill-seeking hikers who ignored the rules and lost their lives due to toxic gas eruptions.
Despite being in the tropics, these mountains are not places to arrive in flip-flops and a T-shirt. A smart hiker packs a tent, proper clothing, and a healthy dose of common sense. Take Mount Apo, for example: if you’re as carefree and overexcited as I once was, you might get an unplanned introduction to hypothermia. At nearly 10,000 feet, the air can turn bitterly cold in the winter months – not the kind of chill you’d expect to find in the Philippines!
Castaway Escapes
One growing trend in travel is taking “vibe trips” to deserted islands. On these islands, you can imagine yourself as a real-life survivor, straight out of a beach adventure movie. But the greatest joy usually comes when you finally leave the island and return to a world where you can buy bottled water at the store and plug in your phone to charge.
When I share stories of my trips to the most remote islands in the Philippines, people often ask if it’s safe. The biggest risk on such trips is yourself – what you do or don’t do while on the island. There are no other people there except you and your travel companion. The boatmen know you don’t have anything worth stealing—nobody wants to be the one left looking suspicious if something goes wrong.
In the Palawan archipelago, you’ll find some of the Philippines’ most stunning deserted islands, where you can truly experience the pure essence of nature and isolation. Elsewhere in the country, I’ve had equally unforgettable experiences on Capones Island and Sambawan Island, back in the days before they had cabins for overnight stays. Spending just a couple of days on a remote island is enough to convince even the most die-hard romantic that Robinson Crusoe’s story is pure fiction.
Delights of Romantic Getaways
When we take a closer look at why many Western men travel to the Philippines, one reason stands out above all: LOVE. Whether it’s the longing for it, the pursuit of it, or – when fortune smiles – the discovery of it, love has become one of the strongest motivations for tourism.
And really, why not? Is there any greater reason – or deeper motivation – to cross oceans and continents than love itself? More often, travelers find themselves boarding flights not only for beaches and sunsets, but for the simple desire to be with someone they miss.
This kind of “romance tourism” and “dating tourism” isn’t just a passing trend – it’s becoming a cornerstone of tourism in the Philippines. After all, the most unforgettable experiences in life are often shared between two people.
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