The Philippines’ dreamiest places to visit

25.12.2024 - 14:23 / lonelyplanet.com / El Nido

Dec 24, 2024 • 8 min read

A longtime favorite of travelers for its stunning beaches and warm hospitality, the Philippines offers a delightful mix of secluded natural wonders and lively cities for anyone in search of their next adventure.

But since this archipelagic nation comprises more than 7400 stunning islands, figuring out which area to explore first can be a challenging puzzle to piece together. While it’s best to focus on one region at a time for a richer, deeper experience, careful planning for inter-island connections makes it possible to hop from hub to hub for a well-rounded Filipino adventure.

Here are 10 destinations to uncover the beauty and wonders of this treasure of Southeast Asia.

Best for all-around island bliss

With a coastline of almost 2000km (1243 miles) lined with rocky coves and sugar-white beaches, Palawan – the largest island of a many-island province of the same name – easily lends itself to superlatives.

First-timers flying in via the capital Puerto Princesa should seek out the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder an hour’s away from the city. Marvel at the formations formed by stalactites and stalagmites jutting all around as your boat traverses sections of the 8¼km-long (5-mile-long) underground river that flows directly into the sea. 

If laid-back getaways are more your style, head to Port Barton, a coastal fishing village with easy access to snorkeling sites, sea turtles and waterfalls. If you want to take the road, head to San Vicente, and its stunning 14km-long (8¾-mile-long) fine-white-sand stretch of beach. It’s the longest one in the entire country – and it will feel like it’s all yours. 

Planning tip: Consider arriving in El Nido or Coron, then connecting Palawan’s dots by sea or land. Nagtabon Travel and Tours offers private transfers from Puerto Princesa to other rising Palawan spots, and also offers motorbike rentals. 

Best for adventurous beach lovers

With striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons and endless beaches in between azure waters, El Nido, on the north of Palawan Island, is a popular tourist hub. (Indeed, its 45 islands and islets on the northern tip of Palawan reportedly inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach.)

Beaches come in many varieties here. You can snorkel through crystalline waters, kayak through the karst-concealed seascapes of the Big and Small Lagoons, enter an underwater crevice to discover Hidden Beach, or simply laze under the palm trees of Seven Commandos Beach. Island-hopping tours clustered by location are easy to book online ahead of time, or once you’ve arrived. Generally fair weather year-round, boutique stays, vibrant nightlife and hip dining options make El Nido an easy pick for any