✨ Why Visit the Philippines in 2025?

With over 7,641 islands, the Philippines is a paradise for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to island-hop in turquoise waters, hike scenic mountains, dive with turtles, or explore colonial towns, this country offers a wide mix of nature, culture, and fun.

1. El Nido, Palawan – “The Jewel of the Philippines”

• Highlights: Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island

• Activities: Island hopping (Tours A, B, C, D), snorkeling, cliff climbing

• Travel Tip: Fly to Puerto Princesa, then 5–6 hour van to El Nido, or direct flight from Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport).

• Budget Tip: Book combo tour packages online for discounts.

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Pangulasian Island Resort – Private island, eco-luxury

• 💰 Mid-Range: Cadlao Resort & Restaurant – Beachfront, peaceful vibes

• 💸 Budget: Spin Designer Hostel – Trendy with free breakfast

2. Coron, Palawan – Wreck Diving & Mountain-Top Lakes

• Must-See: Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Maquinit Hot Spring

• Unique Experience: Dive WWII Japanese shipwrecks

• Day Trip: Malcapuya & Banana Island tours

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Lagoon-side villas

• 💰 Mid-Range: The Funny Lion – Chic jungle-style hotel with pool

• 💸 Budget: Hop Hostel – Social vibe, rooftop sunset views

3. Siargao – The Surf & Soul Island

• For Whom: Surfers, digital nomads, off-beat travelers

• Top Attractions: Cloud 9, Sugba Lagoon, Naked Island

• Extra Tip: Rent a scooter to explore palm tree-lined roads and local markets

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Nay Palad Hideaway – All-inclusive boutique luxury

• 💰 Mid-Range: Bravo Beach Resort – On the beach, with surf access

• 💸 Budget: Sinag Hostel – Cozy, near Cloud 9 surf spot

4. Bohol – Nature Meets History

• Must-Do: Chocolate Hills ATV ride, Loboc River cruise, Tarsier Sanctuary

• Nearby: Panglao Island (beach resorts, nightlife)

• Hidden Gem: Anda Beach – peaceful alternative to Alona

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Henann Resort Alona Beach – Huge pool, beachfront

• 💰 Mid-Range: Amarela Resort – Artsy local-style architecture

• 💸 Budget: Moon Fools Hostel – Clean, great location

5. Cebu Island – Adventure Capital of Central Philippines

• Waterfalls: Kawasan Falls (canyoneering), Tumalog Falls

• Marine Life: Moalboal sardine run, Pescador Island diving

• Culture: Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross

• How to Reach: Cebu City is a major airport hub

🛏️ Where to Stay (Cebu City):

• 💎 Luxury: Shangri-La Mactan – Family luxury by the sea

• 💰 Mid-Range: Seda Ayala Center Cebu – Near malls, clean & modern

• 💸 Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel Cebu – Great for backpackers

Read our guide: Cebu’s Best Hotels & hostels(2025): From luxury to budget

🛏️ Where to Stay (Moalboal):

• 💎 Luxury: Blue Orchid Resort

• 💰 Mid-Range: Turtle Bay Dive Resort

• 💸 Budget: Chief Mau Moalboal Hostel

6. Boracay – Iconic White Sand Beach

• What to Expect: 4km of powdery beach, luxury resorts, water sports

• Best Beaches: White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Diniwid Beach

• Experience: Sunset paraw sailing, beachfront dining

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay – Private beach, 5-star service

• 💰 Mid-Range: Ferra Hotel & Garden Suites – Near D’Mall, rooftop bar

• 💸 Budget: MNL Hostel Boracay – Affordable and walkable to White Beach

7. Banaue & Batad Rice Terraces – 2,000-Year-Old Wonder

• Why Go: UNESCO heritage, Ifugao culture, remote trekking

• Stay: Homestays in Batad with stunning sunrise views

• Day Hike: Batad to Tappiya Waterfalls

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💰 Mid-Range: Banaue Hotel – With local-style architecture

• 💸 Budget: Batad View Inn & Restaurant – Authentic experience with rice terrace view

8. Vigan City (Ilocos Sur) – Spanish-Era Charm

• Sights: Calle Crisologo, Bantay Bell Tower, pottery shops

• Food to Try: Vigan empanada, bagnet, longganisa

• Best Time: Jan – March for festivals

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Hotel Luna – Historic charm with art gallery

• 💰 Mid-Range: Ciudad Fernandina Hotel – Modern meets heritage

• 💸 Budget: Henady Inn – Great location, basic comfort

9. Baguio – Cool Climate + Art Scene

• Activities: Burnham Park boating, strawberry picking in La Trinidad

• Hidden Gems: Ili-Likha Artist Village, Tam-Awan Village

• Tip: Visit during Panagbenga (Flower Festival) in February

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: The Manor at Camp John Hay – Classic Baguio luxury

• 💰 Mid-Range: Chalet Baguio – Cozy, value for money

• 💸 Budget: Baguio Holiday Villas – Near Burnham Park

10. Davao City – Southern Comfort & Nature

• Top Spots: Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Roxas Night Market

• Adventure: Hike Mount Apo (tallest peak in the Philippines)

• Specialty: Durian, Pomelo, and native chocolate

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Dusit Thani Davao – 5-star urban escape

• 💰 Mid-Range: Seda Abreeza – Centrally located near mall

• 💸 Budget: Green Windows Dormitel – Clean and budget-friendly

11. Tagaytay – Taal Volcano Views

• Weekend Getaway: 1.5 hours from Manila

• Do: Taal Lake view from Sky Ranch, People’s Park

• Must-Try Café: Breakfast at Antonio’s

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Taal Vista Hotel – Best volcano view

• 💰 Mid-Range: The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

• 💸 Budget: La Gracia Apartelle – Comfortable and accessible

12. Manila – Historic & Hip

• Old vs New: Intramuros walled city vs BGC skyscrapers

• Museums: Ayala, National Museum, The Mind Museum

• Shopping: Greenhills (bargains), SM Aura, Divisoria

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: The Peninsula Manila – Iconic 5-star with high tea

• 💰 Mid-Range: Citadines Bay City Manila – Great for families

• 💸 Budget: Lub d Makati – Stylish hostel with rooftop bar

13. Camiguin Island – The Island Born of Fire

• Nature: 7 volcanoes, waterfalls, and White Island sandbar

• Cultural Sites: Sunken Cemetery, Guiob Church Ruins

• Best Explored By: Scooter or guided tour

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💎 Luxury: Balai sa Baibai – Boutique beachfront resort

• 💰 Mid-Range: Bintana Sa Paraiso – Lush setting with volcano views

• 💸 Budget: J & A Fishpen Resort – Basic, peaceful

14. Sagada – Mystical Mountain Retreat

• Top Spots: Hanging Coffins, Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection

• Don’t Miss: Kiltepan Sunrise Viewpoint

• How to Reach: Bus from Baguio or Manila (overnight)

🛏️ Where to Stay:

• 💰 Mid-Range: Coffee Heritage House – Unique with great food

• 💸 Budget: Residential Lodge Sagada – Warm and cozy

15. Dumaguete & Apo Island – Turtles & Laidback Vibes

• Diving & Snorkeling: Apo Island (turtles galore!)

• City Life: Dumaguete Boulevard, Silliman University

• Nearby: Valencia hot springs & waterfalls

🛏️ Where to Stay (Dumaguete):

• 💎 Luxury: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa – Luxury + dive packages

• 💰 Mid-Range: Rovira Suites – Boutique style

• 💸 Budget: The Flying Fish Hostel

🏝️ Summary: Top Experiences by Interest

📅 Best Time to Visit the Philippines