The Philippines is over 7,000 islands, and it is a country with a rapidly expanding population and many natural elements to contend with. There are 20 active volcanoes on the islands, and the area is also prone to typhoons and other severe weather.
Despite these issues, this is a lovely country with many natural wonders to see. If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the Philippines‘ top ten things to do.
1. Boracay is a great place to relax for a few days
Boracay, an island in the Philippines, has become famous worldwide for its beautiful white beaches. The island is only 7km long and 500m wide at its narrowest point, but visitors flock here because of the outstanding beauty it provides. White Beach, a 4km stretch of white sand surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and diving shops, is the main attraction. There is always a party on the island, with fire shows and live music providing revelers with an evening of nonstop entertainment. The island’s development has continued over the years, but there are still plenty of places to relax and have a good time.
2. View the Banaue Rice Terraces’ Natural Beauty
Many consider the Banaue Rice Terraces to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and it’s easy to see why when you see them for yourself. The terraces are 2,000 years old and were carved into the mountains of Ifugao using only a few tools. Locals still use the decks to grow vegetables and rice because the surrounding rainforests naturally irrigate them.
3. Behold the splendor of San Agustin Church
The San Agustin Church is a magnificent structure built during the Spanish Colonial Period. The church is the third structure built in this location, as the first and second churches made of wood were destroyed by fire. The design is now made of stone and has survived seven significant earthquakes. Many people come to see this magnificent church to learn about its incredible history and marvel at its majesty.
4. Check out the Mayon Volcano, which is currently active
Mayon Volcano the island of Luzon. Because of its symmetrical cone shape, the volcano has earned the moniker “Perfect Cone.” The volcano frequently erupts, causing significant evacuations of neighboring towns as ash and mud rain down on the people below. The most severe eruption was recorded in 1814, which resulted in the deaths of over 1200 people. The volcano and its surroundings are part of a national park worth seeing in the Philippines.
5. Visit the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa
If you want to see something unique, a visit to this National Park will leave you with the impression that you have witnessed something incredible. The area is protected and has a highly complex cave system. A river runs through the caves for 8.2 kilometers before emptying into the sea. The Puerto Princesa Underground River has been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You can take a paddleboat ride down the river, which is a great way to see the river and rock formations and the thousands of bats that live there.
6. Spend Some Time at the Historic Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago in Manila is a citadel built within the city walls by the Spanish as a defense fortress. The fort is extremely popular with tourists and has an intriguing backstory. Jose Rizal was a national hero of the Philippines who was imprisoned within the citadel until his execution in 1896. While exploring the fort, look for the bronze footprints embedded into the ground to mark the prisoners’ final steps before performing.
7. See The Supreme Head of All Churches
The Santo Nino Basilica, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, is the country’s oldest Roman Catholic Church built-in 1965. On the same site where this church was built, the Spanish discovered an image of the Santo Nino de Cebu, a statue of the baby Jesus, and other artifacts. After you’ve finished admiring the Basilica, you should pay a visit to the museum that tells the history of Christianity in Cebu.
8. Spend Some Time Relaxing in Rizal Park
Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, inspired the name. This 60-hectare park in Manila features numerous ponds, walking paths, and ornamental gardens. The park, of course, has a Jose Rizal monument, which has a 46-meter flagpole in front and is guarded by sentries. There is a lagoon in the park’s center with the heads of many Filipino heroes on its bottom. There are also open-air concerts every Sunday evening, a fountain that bursts into color as darkness falls, and many locals practicing t’ai chi every morning.
9. Take pleasure in the Unusual Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are a rare and fascinating sight in the Philippines’ Bohol Province. At least 1,260 hills spread across an area of about 20 square miles. The small hills are grass-covered, and as the dry season progresses, the grass turns from green to brown and resembles chocolate. The mountain ranges in height from 30 to 50 meters and is a well-known landmark. A trip around the country isn’t complete unless you visit the hills.
10. Travel to Volcano Island
Taal Volcano is an active volcano of Luzon that has erupted at least 33 times in the past. Previous eruptions have resulted in significant losses of life due to the volcano’s location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has declared Volcano Island a Permanent Danger Zone, making it impossible to live there. A visit here is well worth it, especially since the island’s Crater Lake is the world’s largest island on a lake on an island.
