A collection of green island gems scattered between the vast Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, the Philippines is bursting full of natural wonders that are waiting to be explored and discovered. Luzon, Palawan, and the numerous Visayan islands are all blessed with different natural attractions that include sky-high terraces, rolling hills, underground rivers, and scenic mountains.

Banaue Rice Terraces, a man-made natural attraction located high in a mountain range in the island of Luzon, is a world-famous destination. In fact, it is often dubbed the eight natural wonder of the world. This UNESCO recognized site is a collection of rice field terraces that were supposedly hand-carved in the mountain slopes by Philippine natives several thousands of years ago. Benguet province, where the terraces are located, is 10 hours away by bus from Manila.

Another unique land formation in the Philippines is located in the island province of Bohol in the Visayas. The Chocolate Hills, as the attraction is dubbed, features more than a hundred limestone hills that resemble chocolate drops, especially during the hot summer months.

Several mountains and volcanoes in the Philippines also make for outstanding destinations. Mt. Pinatubo in Luzon inspired worldwide panic when in erupted in the early 1990s but today, it is a famous destination for adventure-seeking tourists. Taal Volcano, an active volcano in southern Luzon, is also very popular. It is located near Tagaytay, a destination known for its cool weather and excellent accommodation facilities.

A list of the top natural destinations in the Philippines would not complete without mentioning Mt. Mayon, which is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world thanks to its almost perfect cone. Mt. Mayon is located in Legazpi City in Albay, a province in southern Luzon.

Then again, not all of the Philippines best natural attractions are located above ground. In the island Palawan, there is a subterranean river system that every visitor to the Philippines should visit. A trip down the Underground River, as it the system is popularly referred to, is an incredibly exciting experience.

Located on almost every island of this Southeast Asian country are a variety of beaches, some developed while others are left utterly unspoiled. As if the sheer number of beaches in the Philippines is not enough to entice visitors, one has to simply look at these beaches to be fully entranced. Philippine beaches are not only numerous, they are beautiful –no make that, gorgeous.

Boracay, a small island in central Philippines, is without contest the country’s trophy beach. An island of clear blue waters and pristine white sand that is always soft and never hot, Boracay is easily the top beach destination in the country and one of the best in the world. The island is a well-developed tourist destination with good hotels, bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities. The quickest way to Boracay is by plane from Manila to Panay Island, where there is a terminal of bancas (boats) to Boracay.

Next to Boracay in the hierarchy of Philippine beaches is Palawan, an island province also located in central Philippines. Palawan is a treasure chest of unspoiled natural beauty and underdeveloped tourist destinations. Ironically, it is this lack of commercialism that draws tourists to the island. Palawan is an ideal destination if you want to enjoy white sand beaches and pristine waters without too much noise and distractions. Located near the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, the island is also a great spot if you want to go scuba diving.

Malapascua Island in the province of Cebu is another of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches. Often dubbed as the new Boracay, Malapascua is a major diving center that is famous for its crowd of threshers sharks. It is very much like Boracay Island in terms of beauty but more like Palawan in terms of atmosphere and ambiance.

The list of Philippine beaches goes well beyond these three. Actually, the list goes on even if you include the beaches of  Panglao Island in Bohol, La Union, Ilocos, Bantayan Island in Cebu, and Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island. Philippines, as the pearl of the orient, has much more shores and beaches to offer.

Bancas and beachlife

Cruise the islands of the world’s second largest archipelago, from Luzon in the North to frontiers of Palawan. There’s thousands of islands and many more gorgeous beaches waiting to be discovered, and the island hopping starts here.

This Philippines travel blog is the beta version of a 100 page, picture laden site, rich in travel tips and essential info, coming soon. We’ve been all over Southeast Asia seeking out the best spots and they’re all here on this site to help make your travels easier and more rewarding.

Whether you are coming to dive, sail, treat yourself to fresh seafood, mingle with the locals, soak up the sun, trek volcanic peaks or simply lie on the tropical beaches, the Philippines promises an excellent holiday. Start planning it here.

One fantastic way to experience the Philippines is to hire your own private villa on one of the islands, and you can find plenty of choices on sites like self catering breaks.