Philippines
The Philippines consists of a total of 7,641 islands, of which only a fraction are inhabited. The tropical climate can differ significantly on the various islands, especially in precipitation, but all have a warm average temperature in common. With a year-round temperature of about 27°C and the dry months of January to March in most regions, the Philippines are especially suitable for vacationers who want to escape cold and dreary winters.
Destinations in the Philippines
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Attractions in the Philippines
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On the beach, in the jungle and on the mountains in the Philippines
Beach vacation is probably one of the first things that most will associate with the Philippines. There is no denying that most of the islands shine especially with their gorgeous white beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. Among the most popular beaches are White Beach on Boracay, Alona Beach on Panglao and Amarela Beach on Bohol.
But hiking enthusiasts will also find more than enough to do in the archipelago. Here it is usually worthwhile to hire a local mountain guide, who will bring you safely to the mountains and back again. Even though some of the islands of the Philippines are ideal for hiking, these opportunities are still rarely used. Hikers are rewarded with fantastic views from the peaks, some of which are over 2,000 meters high. Beautiful routes offer adventurous hikes through the jungle.
Luzon Island - Capital Manila and Rice Terraces in Banaue
Luzon is the main island of the Philippines and is also home to the capital Manila. Here the influences of the Spaniards and Americans from the colonial era are still particularly present. The fantastic nature of the Philippines can also be experienced here. Luzon is home to the famous rice terraces of Banaue, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The great diversity of the Philippines can also be seen on Luzon when swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, exploring Sumaguing Cave or hiking in Mount Pulag National Park.
Photo: R.M. Nunes, Adobe Stock
The island of Cebu and Cebu City
The capital of the Philippines is just as worth seeing as Cebu City. The beginnings of Christianity on the archipelago can be found in this lively city. Accordingly, the Magellan Cross, which the famous navigator had erected, as well as the Basilica del Santo Nino can be visited here. Even though Catholicism is the most widespread religion in the Philippines, there are Chinese buildings to visit in Cebu City, such as the Taoist Temple. If you are not afraid of the hustle and bustle, you should explore the Carbon Market with its numerous stalls and get to know a bit of the culinary side of the Philippines.
The rest of the island of Cebu is also worth a visit. Especially the waterfalls are popular on the island. Kawasan Falls, with its beautiful blue water, has become a tourist highlight in recent years. Tumalog Falls and Aguinid Falls are also beautiful to look at and not quite as crowded.
The mangrove forest on Suyac Island
A very special insider tip for the Philippines is the Mangrove Eco-Park on Suyac Island. The small island in the north of Negros has made a special effort in recent years to preserve the mangrove forest, which takes up most of the area. The island's residents received the 2023 Green Destinations Story Award in the People's Choice category for the project.
Eco-tourism has now been established on Suvac Island, managed by the residents. They have attended workshops and acquired knowledge about biodiversity in order to protect the mangrove forests and at the same time ensure their livelihood. Cultural activities for tourists complete the visit to the island.
Chocolate Hills and tarsiers on Bohol
Photo: Matyas Rehak, Adobe Stock
More than 1,200 hills form the landscape in the interior of Bohol. They owe their name Chocolate Hills to the brown color at the end of the dry season. But also the rest of the year the Chocolate Hills are wonderful to visit with their lush green.
However, it is not clear exactly how the Chocolate Hills came into being. There are plenty of theories. Geological uplift of the lake bottom, subterranean volcanism or weathering of the limestone are a few possible explanations. There are also several legends about the 50m² large area. The most famous is probably the legend about the two fighting giants who threw stones at each other and then left them on the battlefield.
Bohol is also home to the tarsier macaques, hand-sized dry-nosed monkeys. These little animals are cute to look at, but visitors mean a lot of stress for them, which is why they often don't have a long life expectancy in captivity. Therefore, when visiting parks, it is best to pay attention to the species-appropriate care of the tarsier macaques.
El Nido on Palawan
On the island of Palawan, especially the municipality of El Nido has made a name for itself. Nacpan Beach in the north of El Nido is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. The many bays of the island can be visited by boat. If you like it quieter, you can also find smaller, more hidden beaches by kayak, where there are only a few people.
Palawan is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The cave system can be visited by canoe on the world's longest navigable underground river, the Sabang Underground River.
Surfing on Siargao and the natural paradise Siquijor
Siargao is ideal for surfing with its beautiful beaches and perfect waves. But even those who don't surf will find this to be a less frequented island where the beautiful landscape of the Philippines can be enjoyed.
Another island that is not so well known by many tourists is the small island of Siquijor. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches like Paliton Beach, but in this small paradise, you feel even more connected to nature. The Butterfly Garden is a very special excursion tip here.
Photo: Jonathan, Adobe Stock
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