Recommended sightseeing spots in the Philippines! 16 must-see spots

The Philippines, with its tropical climate, is a country with emerald green beaches, abundant nature, numerous World Heritage Sites, and an interesting culture. It is a southern island where prices are low and sightseeing is easy.

The Philippines is a major leisure country where you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as nature, history, and shopping, and it attracts many tourists from all over the world. We will introduce you to a selection of recommended tourist spots in the Philippines, a country full of attractions.

1. Manila Cathedral

The first recommended tourist spot in the Philippines is the Manila Cathedral. Located in the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Cathedral was destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt between 1954 and 1958.
The Romanesque-style building has a charming atmosphere, and the beautiful stained glass windows inside designed by Filipino artists are a must-see. Be sure to experience the majestic sound of the Dutch pipe organ, said to be the largest in Asia, with its 4,500 pipes.
Manila Cathedral is open to visitors every day, making it a must-see tourist spot when visiting the Intramuros.

2. Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago was built over a period of 150 years during the Spanish colonial period to prevent invasion by pirates. It is located at the northwestern edge of Intramuros. It was once occupied by the Japanese military, and remnants of that period, such as dungeons and water prisons, still remain.
There is also a memorial museum dedicated to Jose Rizal, a national hero who devoted himself to the independence of the Philippines. The museum, which is a renovated version of the house where he lived, exhibits valuable relics and other materials. Rizal is said to have been deeply impressed by the Japanese people and their national character during his stay in Japan.
Fort Santiago is a recommended tourist spot where you can feel the turbulent history of the Philippines. Be sure to stop by.

3. Casa Manila Museum

Casa Manila Museum is a tourist spot where you can get a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of Spaniards during the colonial era.
This museum is a Spanish-style building built during the time when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. The rooms inside are very spacious, and furnished with beautiful sofas, tables, gorgeous interiors, and other furniture and decorations from that time period.
Casa Manila Museum allows you to experience the history and life of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period firsthand. Be sure to consider it as one of your destinations!

4. San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is located in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is a registered World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. Built in 1587, it is the oldest church in the Philippines. There are several churches with the same name, "San Agustin," in the Philippines, so it is also called San Antonio Church to distinguish it from the others.
The delicate and beautiful decorations inside the church are so captivating that many tourists visit just to see them. It is a historically valuable building that retains its original appearance from its founding in 1587. This is a must-see tourist spot when visiting the Intramuros in the Philippines.

5. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras were registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Their beginnings are said to date back to BC, and they have been protected and passed down by the indigenous Ifugao people.
The green rice paddies that fill the whole area are truly a superb view! It can be said that this is a work of art that people have created over a long period of more than 2,000 years.
The rice terraces spread over the slopes for 20,000 km, which is said to be long enough to go halfway around the earth, but it's on a scale that is hard to imagine, isn't it? By all means, visit the rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and see the scenery with your own eyes.

6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was registered in 1993 as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines. The coral reef is said to be the largest in Southeast Asia and is famous as a mecca for scuba diving.
It is truly a paradise for living creatures, inhabited by colorful fish, boobies, sea turtles, and various other marine animals and plants. It is a popular tourist spot visited by tourists from all over the world.
Because this area experiences very strong seasonal winds, boats are only allowed to operate between March and June for safety reasons. It is a tourist spot where you can experience beautiful and precious nature, so be sure to visit at the right time.

7. Historic City of Vigan

The "Historic City of Vigan," which has also been selected as a World Heritage Site, is a city built during the Spanish colonial era. Its townscape retains the history of the Age of Exploration, making it a popular tourist destination with a rich atmosphere.
Each building is unique, with some having a first floor made of stone and a second floor made of wood, and others having lattice windows inlaid with shells. The houses, with their nostalgic designs that seem to be a fusion of Europe and Asia, line the streets, making it enjoyable just to stroll around.
In 2012, the Historic City of Vigan was awarded the Best Practice Award, being evaluated as the highest model of World Heritage management. The well-maintained streetscape is something that tourists appreciate. Experience the feeling of being lost in a retro fantasy film world.

8. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
About 80km west of Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island, one of the Philippine islands, lies the "Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park," a World Heritage Site.
Here, the "Underground River Tour," where you explore the world's longest underground river by boat is popular. As you proceed through the pitch-black cave with the help of a helmet light, a mysterious and beautiful space surrounded by strange rocks and stalactites opens up before you. It is truly a natural attraction!

9. Santa Maria Church (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church)

"Santa Maria Church (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church)" is located on Santa Maria Hill. This church is one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
The structure is very solid, and an octagonal bell tower stands next to the church. The interior is also very beautifully built, and it is a historically valuable building that retains much of its original appearance.

10. Cebu Island

Among the many beach resorts in the Philippines, "Cebu Island" can be said to be the most famous tourist destination. The area is surrounded by white sandy beaches and clear blue seas, where you can enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming. You can also enjoy shopping at huge shopping malls and delicious gourmet food. As expected of the leading tourist spot in the Philippines! It is also nice that the climate is warm throughout the year and there is almost no off-season.

11. Taoist Temple

The "Taoist Temple" in Cebu is a temple characterized by the vivid colors of Chinese temple architecture. The view from the Taoist Temple is very beautiful, and you can see Mactan Island and Bohol Island in the distance.
At the entrance, you are greeted by an impressive dragon statue. In addition to the main hall, the well-maintained grounds have many other attractions, including a wishing well, a miniature seven-story pagoda, and a beautiful green garden. You can also have your fortune told using two pieces of wood, an ancient Chinese method.
If you raise your fortune at the Taoist Temple, a power spot in the Philippines, you might have good luck on your trip!

12. Baclayon Church

"Baclayon Church", located in the southwestern part of Bohol Island, is a stone Catholic church. Built in 1595, it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and has undergone many renovations due to aging and major earthquakes.
Inside, the highlights are the beautiful stained glass windows and the elaborately decorated altar. Despite having undergone many renovations, the atmosphere and historical depth of the church remain unchanged, making it a popular tourist destination.

13. Rizal Park

"Rizal Park" in the capital city of Manila is named after the hero of Philippine independence, "Jose Rizal." This is the place where he was executed for advocating anti-colonialism. After the independence of the Philippines, it was developed as a park in honor of his courage. There is a monument in the park, which is still guarded 24 hours a day by guards.
It boasts one of the largest areas in Asia for an urban park. In the orchidarium, you can also enjoy a variety of tropical plants and ferns.
The illuminated fountain show is very popular! This is a highly recommended tourist spot with lots to see and do, offering various ways to enjoy yourself.

Manila Bay

Manila Bay, located in the capital city of Manila, Philippines, is known for having one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, counted among the "world's top three sunsets." The sight of the vast sky and sea being dyed golden as the sun sinks below the horizon is truly moving. Many tourists visit to witness this sunset.
There are also many shopping malls and hotels around the coast of Manila Bay, allowing you to enjoy shopping after indulging in the magnificent sunset show. "Manila Bay" is a recommended tourist spot, so be sure to visit it.

15. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

The "Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary" on Mindanao Island in the Philippines was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site in 2014.
1,380 species of animals and plants live in this precious natural environment that has remained untouched by human hands. Of these, 341 species are endemic to the Philippines, and an astounding number of amphibians and reptiles (over 70%) and insects (over 80%) are endemic species. This shows that the "Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary" has a unique environment unlike any other.
Since it is much more enjoyable to tour such a place with explanations, guided tours are recommended! As it is a World Heritage Site, there are plenty of tours available. Look for a plan that suits your preference and join it.

16. Mount Mayon

"Mount Mayon," with an altitude of about 2,500m, is a volcano located in the Bicol Region in the southern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. "Mayon" is said to be derived from the Bicol word "Magayon," meaning "beautiful," and as the name suggests, it shows a very beautiful and magnificent figure to visiting tourists.
It is a stratovolcano that is said to have erupted more than 50 times in 400 years and is characterized by its almost perfect conical shape. Repeated lava flows and pyroclastic flows are said to have created this magnificent cone shape.
Mount Mayon last erupted in 2023. It is a beautiful and energetic sight that you will want to see when you are in the Philippines.

Summary of Tourist Spots in the Philippines

When you think of the Philippines, the general image may be of a beach resort, but it is a country with many places to visit, including a number of historical and natural heritage sites. It is a country with wild places where lush greenery and rare animals and plants live, and it has a turbulent history, having gone through a period of Spanish colonization, gained independence, and become a battlefield in the Pacific War.
By enjoying the emerald green waters and white sandy beaches, experiencing the history at various places such as churches and museums, and coming into contact with untouched nature, your sightseeing trip will become even deeper and more enjoyable!
By all means, please refer to the tourist spots introduced here and enjoy the Philippines to the fullest.