Philippines Bucket List

Island-hop rice terraces, limestone lagoons, and fiesta-bright towns of the Philippines

Visit Manila, capital of the Philippines. Explore Intramuros (the historic walled city with Spanish-era fortifications), see the San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest stone church in the country), stroll along the Manila Baywalk for sunset views over the bay, and try local street food like balut (fertilized duck egg) or halo-halo (a colorful shaved ice dessert).

See Philippines' unusual geological formation

Visit Davao, the largest city in Mindanao, Philippines. Explore Mount Apo (the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters, a popular hiking destination), stroll through People's Park (a public park with sculptures and gardens showcasing local culture), and try durian (the 'king of fruits' known for its strong odor and creamy taste, often sold at local markets).

Visit Cebu, a vibrant island province in the Philippines. Explore Magellan's Cross (a Christian cross planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521), snorkel or dive at Moalboal (famous for its sardine run and coral reefs), and try lechon (a whole roasted pig, considered a local delicacy). Don't miss the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, housing the Santo Niño de Cebú statue).

Zipline through the lush forests of the Philippines for an adrenaline-filled aerial adventure.

Visit Aw-Asen Falls, a scenic waterfall in the Philippines. Explore the lush surroundings and enjoy the natural beauty of this hidden gem, perfect for hiking and photography.

Try Cebu's famous roasted whole pig, known for its crispy skin and flavorful meat

The Philippines' highest peak, a 2,954 m volcano with boulder fields and a summit lake.

Cobbled Calle Crisologo and Spanish colonial houses, the best-preserved colonial town in Asia.

The food capital of the Philippines, the Dinagyang festival and a river esplanade, opposite Guimaras island.

The summer capital in the pine-covered Cordillera, a night market and strawberry farms.

The eight-kilometre underground river through a cave and the capital of Palawan.

Island-hopping among the Bacuit lagoons of northern Palawan, limestone cliffs and turquoise water.

Manila’s walled Spanish city: Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church and horse-drawn kalesa rides along the ramparts.

Paddle 8 km into a limestone cave where a river flows straight out to the sea — one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Two-thousand-year-old terraces stepping up the Cordillera like a green amphitheatre — the "eighth wonder of the world".

The best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia — cobbled Calle Crisologo, horse carriages and ancestral houses.

Four kilometres of powder-white sand on White Beach, kite-surfing on Bulabog and the best sunsets in the Philippines.

Bangka boat trips between limestone lagoons, hidden beaches and the Big and Small Lagoon of Bacuit Bay.

The world’s most perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, still active, rising 2,463 metres above Legazpi.

A Japanese fleet sunk in 1944 lies in shallow, clear water — a dozen wrecks divers can swim through.

The Philippines’ surf capital, home of the Cloud 9 break, plus tidal pools, island hopping and coconut-palm roads.