What to See and Do in the Philippines

The Philippines reveals fascinating lands, still often quite unknown and mysterious. With more than 7,000 islands, different ethnic groups living among the mountains, paradise beaches, a sprawling capital, and resplendent forests and rice terraces, this country has so much to offer! Asiaventura knows these lands well and guides you to learn more about the must-sees – what there is to see and do in the Philippines.

It was the indigenous Ifugao people who carved these hillside rice terraces centuries ago. In the north of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, the rice terraces are exceptionally beautiful, but they also offer the chance to hike through the little Filipino villages. Along the way, you discover a wealth of traditions and a people attached to their values and to the land. The Ifugao people are known for their kindness. These thousand-year-old rice terraces are one of the wonders of the Philippines, unfolding like an amphitheatre in a kaleidoscope of greens. Although the terraces can be visited all year round, they're especially beautiful two months before the harvests, which, although variable, often fall in April and May, as well as February and March.

A real piece of Spain in the Philippines, the city of Vigan is a living witness to history and the colonial era. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it abounds with cobbled streets edged with colonial architecture and buildings of Hispanic and even Chinese influence. You'll still find dark-wood mansions and horse-drawn carriages here. Crisologo Street is the perfect illustration, so well have its historic and cultural elements been preserved and restored. The further you go from this street and the few blocks around it, the more Filipino life resumes its course. There are also antique shops, pottery workshops and cafés serving empanadas to stay in the city's Spanish mood. Vigan is the most Spanish city in Asia and is definitely worth venturing to!

These 7 kilometres of the Philippines are much talked about. Boracay Beach stretches for 7 kilometres and 500 metres wide and makes up a tiny island that's part of the Visayas archipelago, in the centre of the Philippines. White Beach is the most popular, in the centre of the island, but the whole island offers spectacular views and dreamy white-sand beaches. We recommend Diniwid Beach, lined with restaurants and accommodation, or Puka Beach at the northern tip of the island. As well as the paradise beaches, we love the views and the lush country roads the island offers: experience it for yourself!

The islands of the Bacuit archipelago offer an enticing mix of imposing limestone cliffs, paradise beaches lined with palm trees, and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. A highlight of a trip to the Philippines, the wildlife and the fine, subtle crystal-clear waters form a fantastic landscape that every traveller dreams of venturing into. Ideally, you take a cruise to admire the cliffs, discover a few coves and lagoons, rest on the beaches and explore the waters on a snorkelling excursion. The archipelago is home to hundreds of species of fish and coral, offering a fascinating spectacle.

Some sites are especially well known in the archipelago: the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon. Accessible by boat, by kayak or by swimming depending on the tides, they hide little caves and jungle-covered karst walls. The archipelago lends itself wonderfully to an island-hopping adventure, to grasp all its riches and fill up on unique natural landscapes.

Baguio is popular with Filipinos in summer for its altitude and refreshing air, its hills and its alpine heights. A real resort town, it has a dynamic atmosphere thanks to its student population, but it's also the gateway to fantastic nature in the Cordillera valley. There are large parks full of pines, markets with stalls piled high with fruit, vegetables and coffee grown in the surrounding villages, as well as a thriving food scene and nightlife. The Ifugao people live in the heights of the region; you can glimpse their traditional huts among the pine forests and go to meet them!

Off the north coast of Cebu, an idyllic island offers the chance to venture into mysterious nature, often far off the beaten track. Known for its tarsiers and fireflies, the island has a magical aura, so many natural wonders does it hold across its land, on its coasts and beneath its waters. On land, the famous Chocolate Hills consist of thousands of cone-shaped hills side by side. They're called Chocolate Hills because the hills turn brown in the dry season. While the island is known for its famous Chocolate Hills and irresistible tarsiers, it also offers wonderful coasts and jungle-lined rivers where you can paddleboard or kayak. A must-see!

Siquijor is a mysterious land that arouses questions and curiosity. Siquijor is known as a land of healers called mangkukulam, living in the mountains. They're known for their ability to cure certain illnesses, for preparing traditional ointments and for their healing practice. Beyond this peculiarity, the coasts offer wonderful beaches to laze on and to explore underwater creatures with mask and snorkel. Siquijor is a mysterious island, sometimes considered frightening by Filipinos themselves, so many questions do the healers raise. Healing with mountain herbs or using the elements of nature to soothe ailments – what do you think?

It's called the island born of fire, or even the Hawaii of the Philippines. It's an island covered with volcanoes, counting 7 volcanoes and around twenty craters. The island's beaches have black sand. Relatively untouched and fairly small (around 270 square kilometres), the island lends itself perfectly to exploration. Off the beaten track and away from the tourist routes, the island is unspoilt and peaceful. Visitors can therefore fully enjoy these amazing landscapes and glean a few secrets. You climb the volcanoes, explore the waterfalls and the jungle, but you can also dive and snorkel off the brown-sand beaches.

Siargao is known for having waves all year round, which attracts surfers and water-sports enthusiasts. Cloud 9 is THE most famous surf spot on the island, drawing many surfers of all levels. There are also pretty lagoons, mangrove forests and waterfalls. Beyond surfing, the island is known for snorkelling and diving among deep caves, which will appeal to the experienced too. The island is becoming more and more dynamic, attracting explorers, travellers wanting to learn to surf, those already well experienced and those wanting a taste of the energy of this increasingly popular island!

For Filipinos, Bicol is known for its spicy cuisine. For travellers, Bicol is known for its active volcanoes and its whales and sharks at Donsol. If you dream of diving with whale sharks, this is the ideal opportunity! The island is windy and sometimes offers perfect conditions for surfing, so it also attracts surfers and kitesurfers, especially during the months of November to March. The island is also known for hosting the most curious and unusual festivals in the country! If you're lucky enough to visit during a festival, there's a good chance you'll be treated to a feast for the eyes both underwater and on land!

The Hundred Islands National Park lies off the coast of Alaminos and brings together 124 limestone islets. The park is home to a variety of seabirds and diverse marine life, making it a destination for nature watching on and beneath the water. Rich in culture and history, Alaminos offers a laid-back atmosphere. The area is protected to preserve the limestone islands and the marine ecosystem. Enjoy the amazing beauty of one of the country's oldest national parks!

Manila is a sprawling capital often called the “Pearl of the Orient”. While it may be off-putting at first, so chaotic does it appear, it hides a creative soul, from which a real artistic buzz takes shape. An indie music scene, trendy art galleries, speakeasies, artisan markets, roastery cafés – Manila is becoming cooler and cooler and is perfect for a colourful, musical stopover between two stops amid the splendid nature of the Philippines!

Asiaventura invites you to explore these lands through all their facets, so, in turn, discover everything the Philippines has in store for you in adventures and beauty on a small-group tour, led by a local guide.