Choose from 52 Fun Things to Do in Philippines
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Danasan Eco Adventure Park
Located around an hour’s drive from Danao City on Cebu Island, the Danasan Eco Adventure Park covers a vast area made up of caves, freshwater springs, a man-made lake, and a three-tiered waterfall.
The Skydrop is one of the most heart-thumping activities at the park. This sees guests ascend up to more than 35 meters before free-falling back to earth while swinging dramatically back and forth. There’s also the High Cable Twin Tower, where adventure-seekers traverse from one tower situated at 36 meters in the air down to another at around 18 meters high.
The Danasan Eco Adventure Park also offers more gentle activities, such as horseriding, trekking, ATV rides, wakeboarding, and go-karting, along with a number of more traditional sports. There’s also a rope obstacle course and a zip line that extends for more than 400 meters, plus opportunities for caving and trekking through the three levels of the Danasan Falls.
All of the facilities and activities are environmentally-friendly and planned so as not to cause any harm to the park’s natural surroundings.
Practical Info
There are a number of rates and packages available for visiting the park, including those with accommodation and shuttle services included.
Address: Danasan Eco Adventure Park, Danao City, Cebu 6004, Philippines
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Various packages
From $ 120
Blood Compact Monument
A bronze statue on a hilltop fronting the sea commemorates The Sandugo, a traditional tribal trust ceremony shared by regional chief Datu Skiatuna and Captain General Miguel López de Legazpi of Spain shortly after his arrival in Bohol in 1565. The symbolic gesture formed the foundation for lasting peace between the Spaniards and the Island residents.
The statue, near the site of the original ceremony, sits on small raised pedestal and depicts the two men seated in their period regalia and clanking glasses while three Spaniards look on approvingly. The blood compact required both men to create a small incision in their forearms, sprinkle blood in a glass of wine, exchange cups, and drink, thus solidifying the compact.
Practical Info
The monument is located off Tagbilaran East Road in the southern part of Tagbilaran City, just before the bridge to Panglao Island. Tricycles, public buses or jeepneys make the trip from the Integrated Bus Terminal 3 miles (4.5 km) to the north, and the site is included in many tours departing Tagbilaran City. Sunset is a popular time to visit for photos.
Address: Tagbilaran East Road, Tagbilaran City, Philippines
From $ 60
Crystal Cove Island
The island of Boracay has stunning white beaches and perfectly turquoise water, but one thing missing is a rocky coast where you can scramble through a tunnel, emerge in a cave, and watch waves explode on the rocks. Luckily Crystal Cove Island next door has not one, but two different sea caves, where you walk down a staircase or crouch beneath rocks to hear the ocean as it thunders. This 6-acre, privately owned island off of Boracay is popular with Boracay island hopping tours, where in addition to touring the caves on shore, you also get the chance to snorkel and swim along the rocky coastline. The first cave is easily accessible, but the second requires crouching down and scrambling through a small tunnel, before eventually emerging in a massive cave with ledges for snapping a few photos.
You can also enjoy a picnic on the island if you choose to visit on your own, and eat your lunch with a panoramic view of five different islands offshore. There’s also a museum with seashell art and other locally made crafts, and a small restaurant with restrooms and drinks just steps from a white sand beach.
Practical Info
Crystal Cove Island is about 15-20 minutes by boat from Boracay. When traveling from Boracay to Crystal Cove Island, boats depart from Cagban port and Tambisaan port, which are both on the southern shore. While it’s possible to go to Crystal Cove directly, most people visit as part of an island-hopping excursion that tours the Boracay coastline.
Did You Know? There’s a small pond that’s filled with lotuses that open every day around 7am and close each day at 10am.
Address: Crystal Cove Island, Boracay, Philippines
Admission: About $4
From $ 26
Ayala Museum
Located in Makati, the Ayala Museum is considered one of the most culturally significant museums in the Philippines. Spread over four stories, this well-organized and -maintained gallery houses a large collection of art, gold jewelry, archaeological artifacts, maritime vessels, and dioramas covering Philippine arts, culture, and heritage.
The Basics
The brainchild of the late artist Fernando Zóbel de Ayala y Montojo, the museum opened in 1967, with much of the initial collection donated by the artist’s family. Highlights include an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects, textiles, and maritime vessels. It also features artwork from top artists such as Zóbel de Ayala, Juan Luna, and Fernando Amorsolo. And don’t miss the 60 dioramas depicting key events in Philippine history, a highlight for many at the museum. There’s also a rotation of temporary exhibits and a café serving snacks and beverages.
Visitors can purchase a full admission pass, which covers the museum and all exhibits, or a pass just to view the temporary exhibits. The Ayala Museum features on many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Manila, along with other top attractions like Rizal Park and Fort Santiago. Cruise ship passengers or those on a layover can take a customized private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ayala Museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Philippine culture and history.
- Guided tours are available for a fee and should be booked in advance.
- Audio guides in English and Tagalog are available for rent.
- Photography is only allowed in certain parts of the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi in the museum.
How to Get There
The Ayala Museum is located in Makati, at the edge of the Greenbelt Shopping Center. It is walking distance from most of the top hotels in Makati, as well as the MRT Ayala Station.
When to Get There
The Ayala Museum is open daily, except on Mondays. As it doesn’t usually get too crowded, the museum is a good option when other museums and attractions are busy. The Ayala Museum also hosts a range of performances, talks, lectures, and special exhibitions. Check the calendar to see the latest schedule.
Filipinas Heritage Library
The Filipinas Heritage Library can be found on the sixth floor of the Ayala Museum and requires a separate admission fee. The library houses over 15,000 books, an extensive photo collection, and a collection of over a thousand contemporary titles on Philippine arts, culture, and history. The on-site conservation laboratory helps preserve old books and documents.
Address: Markati Avenue cor. De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 106
Bamboo Hanging Bridge
Don’t look down! This thin and wobbly bridge made of woven bamboo is a great thrill, especially for those conquering a fear of heights. Suspended some 131 feet (40 meters) across the murky, green Loboc River in southwestern Bohol, the flexible bridge creaks, bounces and sways with every step as you make your way across. Add a whole family and it’s an experience you’re not soon to forget.
The bridge, originally constructed of just bamboo and rope, was once open to local foot traffic and (eek!) small motorcycles heading in both directions. As a popular tourist attraction, the bridge has since received some safety upgrades: steel cable handles, a 10-person maximum on the bridge, and a second return bridge that ensures traffic is always one-way only. On the other side, vendors sell affordably priced hats, fans, t-shirts and snacks, and the “Buko (Coconut) King” offers his namesake nuts impressively stripped of their husks using his teeth.
Practical Info
The bridge is located in Sevilla, 22 miles (36 km) east of Tagbilaran City on Bohol Island in the Philippines. The bridge connects Sitio Sipatan of Barangay Ewon and Sitio Ilawod of Barangay Lobgob. There’s a $0.50 (25 PHP) roundtrip charge to experience the bridge. The attraction is included on some day tours of Bohol and often coupled with visits to the nearby Tarsier Sanctuary.
Address: Sevilla, Philippines
Admission: 25 PHP
From $ 60
Cebu Heritage Monument
Conceptualized by local award-winning sculptor Eduardo Castillo and unveiled in 2000, Cebu Heritage Monument is a brass, bronze, and steel monolith that showcases the country’s history in giant form. Telling a story of colonization and occupation, visit the monument to learn about the Philippines’ centuries-long struggle for freedom.
Dominating the heart of the monument is the sculpture of the Spanish galleon ship that carried explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew to 16th-century Cebu. Magellan’s arrival marked the beginning of the colonization of the Philippines, though on the night of April 21, 1521, local chieftain Lapu-Lapu ended up killing him in the Battle of Mactan, and Cebu Heritage Monument depicts this event too.
From Spanish sailboats to men preparing for battle, Cebu Heritage Monument is hyper masculine, though there are touches of color, with the red, white, and blue of the Philippine flag splashed across one corner of the monument.
Based in Plaza Parian in front of the Chapel of San Juan Bautista, the Philippines’ religious history is also carved into this monument. See the the conversion of Rajah Humabon — one of the first indigenous converts to Roman Catholicism — to Christianity. Spot a statue of the blessed Saint Pedro Calungsod, a giant cross, a representation of Cebu City’s first Mass, and depictions of Cebu City’s Basilica del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and San Juan Bautista Parish Church.
Practical Info
A short walk from Colon Street in the center of Plaza Parian, there is no fee for entering the enclosure housing the statue, but donations are welcome.
Address: Colon Street, Parian Plaza, Cebu, Philippines
From $ 18
Balinghai Beach
On an island that’s known for its spectacular beaches, Balinghai Beach on northwestern Boracay is a private, white sand stunner. Much smaller than White Beach—where Boracay comes to party—Balinghai Beach is on a section of coast that can only be reached by sailing canoe or a footpath from Balinghai Resort. The beach is technically open to the public, but you’ll need to pay a day use fee of about $10 per person. The fee is good all day, however, and allows access to beach facilities like cabanas and chairs, and there’s even a popular oceanfront restaurant for ordering some food and drinks.
While the sand here at Balinghai isn’t as soft as neighboring White Beach, the sunsets are arguably much more romantic since it’s set in an intimate cove, and the only sound is of waves on the sand and wind rustling in the trees. To visit Balinghai Beach in Boracay, join in a 6-hour island hopping tour that explores the coastline and coves.
Practical Info
You can only access Balinghai Beach by boat or the footpath from the resort. If you choose to visit the beach for sunset, the safest way to leave the beach is to walk to the resort and hire a ride from there.
Did You Know? If you order food at the Balinghai restaurant, the food is delivered via a basket and cable that drops down from the trees.
Address: Balinghai Beach, Boracay, Philippines
Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: $10
From $ 26
Crocodile Island
Don’t worry—there aren’t any crocodiles cruising the waters at this popular Boracay island. Instead you’ll find schools of colorful fish and vibrant, healthy corals, that make this one of the best places to go snorkeling and swimming in Boracay. The waters here can be crystal clear—particularly in the peak season—and it’s a happening stop on island hopping tours that explore the Boracay coast.
It isn’t just snorkelers who flock here, however, as Crocodile Island is also one of the best spots to go scuba diving in Boracay. The wall here begins at 15 feet and it’s a relatively shallow dive, which makes it a good spot for intro divers or those who have just become certified. Watch as schools of silvery fish go flitting in front of your face, and corals waves in the gentle currents and spring up out of the reef. There’s even the chance of spotting a turtle at it lazily swims on by, before climbing aboard your Boracay boat and exploring the rest of the coast.
Practical Info
Crocodile Island is off the southern tip of Boracay and accessed by a 15-minute boat ride. The best time of year for snorkeling and diving is usually from October-May, when the seas are calm and there’s good visibility because of the lack of runoff.
Did You Know? The island got its nickname because the head of the island looks just like the head of a crocodile.
Address: Crocodile Island, Boracay, Philippines
From $ 26
American Memorial Cemetery
Set amid the bustle of downtown Manila, the Manila American Cemetery is an oasis of peace and remembrance. The cemetery is home to the remains of 17,184 soldiers who died during World War II, with serried ranks of brilliant white crosses across manicured lawns and galleries that explain key battles.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit the Manila American Cemetery, which is open seven days a week from morning until late afternoon. The burial ground is a stop on some tours of both Manila and Makati, the financial district, though opening hours mean it has to be visited on a separate day from Corregidor Island. If you’re considering a history tour of Manila or planning an agenda with a private guide, this war graveyard makes a worthwhile stop.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Manila American Cemetery is an essential stop for history lovers, veterans, and Americans with family members who served in World War II.
- The Manila American Cemetery is a graveyard. The dress code forbids exercise clothing, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully.
- Be sure to bring photo ID to show at the gate.
- The behavioral constraints of visiting a cemetery mean the Manila American Cemetery may not be appropriate for young children. Older children will learn a lot from the informative displays.
How to Get There
Over 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Intramuros, the walled historical area in Manila city center, the Manila American Cemetery is time-consuming to reach by public transport, so many opt for the convenience of a door-to-door tour. Alternatively, catch the metro to Ayala (MRT Line 3), then a bus toward the BGC stop. You’ll walk 10 to 20 minutes, depending which bus you catch.
When to Get There
The Manila American Cemetery is open year-round, and officials and members of the military lay wreaths at the cemetery each Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Significant anniversaries include the Fall of Corregidor, on May 6, 1942.
Americans in the Philippines
The Philippines and the United States have had a complex relationship since the Philippines gained its independence from the US in 1946, but American and Filipino soldiers fought side by side during the Second World War. A new visitor center at the Manila American Cemetery, open in 2019, explores the American role in the archipelago during WWII.
Address: Philippines
From $ 48
Casa Manila
Step back in time and see how upper-class Filipinos lived during the colonial era at Casa Manila, a beautifully reconstructed traditional Spanish colonial home within the walls of Intramuros, in the heart of Manila. Casa Manila is filled with period furniture, furnishings, decorative objects, and artwork from the colonial era.
The Basics
Although the house itself is a reproduction built in the 1980s, all the furnishings inside are authentic and sourced from different homes. Guided tours are available, but you can also wander around the three-story house on your own. See the living room, dining room, and kitchen on the top floor, then move down to the bedrooms and office-library on the floor below. Don’t miss the double-seated toilet in the latrine. Finally, end your visit at the lovely fountain in the outdoor courtyard.
Many sightseeing tours, whether half-day or full-day, stop at Casa Manila, in addition to other top attractions such as Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and the National Museum of the Philippines. Or experience Manila like a local and visit as part of a jeepney tour. Book a private tour to combine Casa Manila with other must-see attractions on your list.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Casa Manila is a must-see for those interested in history, architecture, and Philippine heritage.
- Photography is prohibited inside Casa Manila.
- Visitors are not allowed to touch the displays and must walk along the carpeted path.
- There is a souvenir shop and café on-site.
How to Get There
Casa Manila is located in the Plaza San Luis Complex in Intramuros. It’s easiest to take a taxi or jeepney directly to Intramuros. You can also take the LRT to Central Terminal Station, then catch a jeepney to Intramuros. Once at Intramuros, you can walk or take a pedicab.
When to Get There
Casa Manila is open daily except on Mondays. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
San Agustin Church and Museum
Near Casa Manila, San Agustin Church and Museum is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Next to the church is the museum, built on the site of a monastery destroyed during World War II. Today the museum houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and religious artifacts.
Address: Plaza Luis Complex, General Luna Street, Manila, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Casa Gorordo Museum
The Casa Gorordo Museum, located in downtown Cebu, was originally a private home built in the 1850s Alejandro Reynes Y Rosales and later owned by Juan Isidro de Gorordo, a wealthy Spanish Merchant. The residence was passed down through the Gorordo family, with a total of four generations living there, including the first Filipino bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo.
Today, the recently renovated house serves as a public museum and national historic landmark filled with antique furnishings, historic books and documents, decorative arts, household items, period costumes and memorabilia from the Spanish colonial period. As one of only three remaining houses from the colonial period, Casa Gorordo offers an insight into what life was like during Cebu’s early days.
The structure of the house itself is a fascinating study in architecture, as it draws from Spanish, native and Chinese influences. The bottom floor, made from coral, was designed to keep the house cool during the midday heat. The upper floor was made from hardwood held together by wooden pegs instead of nails.
Today, the recently renovated house serves as a public museum and national historic landmark filled with antique furnishings, historic books and documents, decorative arts, household items, period costumes and memorabilia from the Spanish colonial period. As one of only three remaining houses from the colonial period, Casa Gorordo offers an insight into what life was like during Cebu’s early days.
The structure of the house itself is a fascinating study in architecture, as it draws from Spanish, native and Chinese influences. The bottom floor, made from coral, was designed to keep the house cool during the midday heat. The upper floor was made from hardwood held together by wooden pegs instead of nails.
Address: 35 Lopez Jaena St, Cebu 6000, Philippines
Admission: Adult P80, Child & Student P60
From $ 40
Abatan River
The Abatan River in Bohol winds its way through the town of Antequera to the town of Balilihan for an estimated length of 12 miles (20 kilometers). In the past, before the roads were developed in this area, the river served as a waterway for local people to reach the towns.
These days, the government has opened up Abatan River to the eco-tourism trade, with kayak and boat trips allowing visitors to explore the lush green scenery that the river has to offer. However, one of the most fascinating highlights of the Abatan River occurs at night, when a dazzling light show courtesy of thousands of fireflies illuminates the night sky. This spectacle has long been known to the locals, and it is only in recent years that visitors from other parts of the country and the world have come to witness it.
An evening firefly watching tour will navigate you through the mangroves to witness one of nature’s most incredible shows. Ideal for couples, private river cruises are available and often include a romantic dinner.
Practical Info
There is an Abatan River visitors center located in Cortes for more information about the history and wildlife of the river.
Did You Know? The Abatan River is one of Bohol’s three main rivers and serves as the main drainage system in the area.
Address: Abatan River, Bohol, Philippines
From $ 40
Big Lagoon
With its limestone cliffs, emerald green waters, and craggy karst formations, the Big Lagoon can almost seem fake—too beautiful to possibly be real. This isn’t some tropical dream, however, but an actual place with a placid lagoon that’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
From the moment you enter the Big Lagoon on an island hopping tour from El Nido, the rest of the world seems to fade away, unable to penetrate the cliffs, and there’s a moment of stillness, serenity, and calm as smooth as the tropical waters. If you choose to jump off the boat for a swim when visiting the Big Lagoon, take a second to look back at your boat and notice how small and toy-like it appears at the base of the towering cliffs. Everything here is grandiose, and it’s little wonder why the Big Lagoon is considered one of the most scenic spots in El Nido, the Philippines, and the world.
Insider's Tip: The water looks dark when you enter the lagoon, but the rich green waters are actually very clear—particularly when visiting in winter.
Practical Info
The Big Lagoon is on Miniloc Island and one of the stops on “Tour A.” El Nido’s tourist routes are regulated by the government, and are designed to help with overcrowding and protecting the natural resources. December-March is the best time of year to visit the Big Lagoon, with the wettest months being June-August, which are prone to heavy rains. Crowds can definitely be lighter, however, if you visit El Nido in the off-season.
Address: Big Lagoon, El Nido, Philippines
From $ 32
Baclayon Church
The Baclayon Church, sits atop the original site of the first Catholic mission to Bohol and dates back to the 16th century. The simple cross-shaped church facing the Bohol Sea that visitors can see today is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is fashioned from coral-stone block and was completed in 1727.
The church and its adjacent bell tower suffered major damage in the 7.2 earthquake that shook the region in 2013. A new red roof has been added and visitors can once again wander inside, taking in the ceiling frescoes around the altar, tiny saint figures tucked into its nooks, and a handful of glass-enclosed statues from the earliest days of the church. Renovations are ongoing.
Behind the church in the old convent, the Church Museum houses many of the building’s artifacts including gold-stitched vestments, hymnals bound in water buffalo skins and inscribed with plant-based inks, as well as additional saints, iconography and relics.
Practical Info
It’s just over six miles (10.2 km) from Tagbilaran City. Busses, jeepneys and tricycles make the trip and the church is included in a number of regional tours.
The Church Museum charges $1 (50.00 PHP) per person with funds directed toward the church’s restoration. It keeps daily hours (from 8:30am-4:45pm. Mon-Sat and from 9:30am-4:15pm Sun, though it closes for a break each day between 11:45am-1:30pm). Pictures are allowed inside the church, but not inside the church museum.
Address: Tagbilaran City, Philippines
Hours: 8:30am-4:45pm Mon-Sat and from 9:30am-4:15pm Sun, though it closes for a break each day between 11:45am-1:30pm
Admission: $1 (50.00 PHP)
From $ 60
Chocolate Hills
Arguably the most famous tourist attraction in all of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are featured on the provincial flag and draw thousands of travelers to their unique and breathtaking wonder each year.
An estimated 1,300 individual hills cover a span of some 50 square kilometers in what is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the nation. These rolling green wonders change to brown in drier months, and appear like chocolate kisses, giving them their namesake.
Several local legends seek to explain the creation of this geological formation, including stories of feuding giants and star-crossed lovers. But experts say these hills were formed by coral deposits and underwater reefs that shifted with erosion and ancient seismic activity, creating one of the Philippines most incredible natural landscapes.
Practical Info
The premiere spot to view the Chocolate Hills is called the Chocolate Hills Complex. It is located in Carmen, some 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran. Travelers can also head to Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan, where an elevated deck offers up stunning views.
Address: Carmen, Philippines
From $ 60
Colon Street
Chances are a tour of Cebu City will take you to Colon Street, named after Portuguese explorer Christopher Columbus. The former main street is thought to be the oldest and shortest national road in the country.
What was once Cebu's major entertainment hub, with wall to wall boutique shops and cinemas, remains one of the busiest areas on the city. It earned the designation of a National Historical Landmark in 1999, though many of the old business have given way to shopping malls and restaurants. While the street has begun to show signs of wear, it's an interesting place to go bargain hunting or simply to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the locals.
Colon Street has established somewhat of a bad reputation for petty crime, but things are improving as police officers are often patrolling the area. To ensure a safe and fun experience, leave your valuables behind and go out for a fun afternoon of bargain shopping and people watching.
What was once Cebu's major entertainment hub, with wall to wall boutique shops and cinemas, remains one of the busiest areas on the city. It earned the designation of a National Historical Landmark in 1999, though many of the old business have given way to shopping malls and restaurants. While the street has begun to show signs of wear, it's an interesting place to go bargain hunting or simply to immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the locals.
Colon Street has established somewhat of a bad reputation for petty crime, but things are improving as police officers are often patrolling the area. To ensure a safe and fun experience, leave your valuables behind and go out for a fun afternoon of bargain shopping and people watching.
Address: Philippines
From $ 18
Corregidor Island
A rugged, forested island around 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Manila, Corregidor Island is perhaps the Philippines’ most important World War II site. General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters until 1942, Corregidor was occupied by Japanese forces until January 1945, and most visits focus on WWII-era relics rather than natural attractions.
The Basics
Unless you’re staying overnight in the island’s only hotel, the Corregidor Inn, or camping, it’s not possible to explore Corregidor independently. Corregidor Island’s single ferry operator offers a welter of day-trip options, however, from walking tours, tram tours, night tours, and bike tours to yoga classes, painting workshops, specialized photography tours, and team-building. All include lunch.
Most Corregidor Island tours visit MacArthur’s headquarters, the Spanish Lighthouse, the Japanese Cemetery, the barracks, and a gun battery or two. It’s worth booking ahead, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must for history buffs, Corregidor Island is also great for kids, and child-centered tours are available.
- Corregidor Island is over 2 square miles (5.5 square kilometers) in area. Consider an open-sided tram tour if seeing much of the island is important to you.
- Corregidor’s terrain can be rugged in places. If taking a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a refillable water container and fill it up from containers around the island. Snacks will come in handy if traveling with kids.
How to Get There
Corregidor Island ferries leave from the Esplanade Seaside Terminal, around 4 miles (7 kilometers) from downtown Makati. The ferry terminal is tricky to reach by public transport, so most opt either to take a taxi or to book a Corregidor tour that includes the convenience of door-to-door round-trip private transfers.
When to Get There
As with anywhere in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is at its busiest around Christmas and Easter. It’s popular with day-trippers on weekends, so visiting during the week is recommended. Be aware that typhoons can impact travel to Corregidor, as to any part of the Philippines, during typhoon season, which peaks in August.
Corregidor Island: A Brief History
Sometimes known simply as “The Rock,” Corregidor (Corrector) Island has long stood as the first bastion of defence of Manila. After the Japanese invaded the Philippines in the wake of Pearl Harbor, American and Filipino troops held out here for six months before surrendering. Many would die on the Bataan Death March. American forces, led by Douglas MacArthur, retook the island during the Second Battle of Corregidor, which ended in 1945.
Address: Philippines
From $ 128
Cultural Center of the Philippines
The country’s national center for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is a vast complex spread over 150 acres (62 hectares). Designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, this is Manila’s go-to venue for ballet, classical music, and theater, as well as other local and international productions, performances, and festivals.
The Basics
Built in the 1960s, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has been a key venue for the performing arts since its founding. It hosts national troupes such as the Philippine Ballet Theater, the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group.
It’s best to visit the center when there is a performance. If that’s not possible, it’s still an interesting venue to visit, renowned for its brutalist structures. Some sightseeing tours include a stop at the cultural center, along with other attractions such as Casa Manila, the Ayala Museum, and Fort Santiago.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a must-see for visitors with an interest in the performing arts.
- Bring a light jacket as the air-conditioning inside can be very strong.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is located on Roxas Boulevard in Manila’s Pasay City. It’s easiest to get there via taxi or jeepney. The closest LRT station is Vito Cruz, from which the orange shuttle bus runs to the center.
When to Get There
Visitors should check the calendar to see the schedule of performances at the Culture Center and arrange their visit accordingly.
Museum of Philippine Culture
Located on the fourth floor of the main building at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Museum of Philippine Culture focuses on the works of traditional Filipino artists. A permanent exhibit highlights Filipino artistic traditions, while another is focused on traditional Asian instruments from around the region. The museum also features a rotation of changing exhibitions and organizes workshops from time to time.
Address: CCP Complex,Tanghalang Pambansa, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines
From $ 58
Bohol Island
If you're interested in more than just beautiful beaches, Bohol Island offers one of the most fascinating escapes from Cebu. The island, located southeast of Cebu, is only the tenth largest in the Philippines archipelago but has arguably the best natural beauty and most spectacular dive sites. As with many of the frequently visited islands in the nation, Bohol has plenty of white sand beaches and Spanish colonial architecture, but those are far from the main attractions.
Jutting out of the center of the island are well over 1,000 conical, grass-covered hills. Geologists aren't sure how the Chocolate Hills were formed, and the surreal landscape they form is one of the most stunning in the country, particularly during the dry season when the grass turns brown, giving them a chocolate color.
Bohol is also known for a wide-eyed little creature called a tarsier. Native to only a few islands in the Philippines and Indonesia, these tiny primates are thought to be the smallest on earth, and you can see them at the Tarsier Research and Development Center.
Jutting out of the center of the island are well over 1,000 conical, grass-covered hills. Geologists aren't sure how the Chocolate Hills were formed, and the surreal landscape they form is one of the most stunning in the country, particularly during the dry season when the grass turns brown, giving them a chocolate color.
Bohol is also known for a wide-eyed little creature called a tarsier. Native to only a few islands in the Philippines and Indonesia, these tiny primates are thought to be the smallest on earth, and you can see them at the Tarsier Research and Development Center.
Address: Philippines
From $ 105
Chinese Cemetery
In death as in life, Manila’s rich Chinese like to live large, and the renowned Chinese Cemetery—lined with otherworldly mansions, some complete with air-conditioning and flush toilets—is a tribute to their wealth. Sprawling over 133 acres (54 hectares), it’s one of Manila’s quirkiest attractions: You can even rent a bike to get around.
The Basics
There is no fee to enter Manila’s Chinese Cemetery, although you may want to to rent a bicycle to explore its sprawling avenues. Signage is very limited, which means that to find the most impressive mansion tombs, not to mention official temples and memorial halls, it helps to have a guide, who can also explain the complex fusions of Chinese Buddhism and Christianity here.
Chinese Cemetery tours typically form part of a longer Manila day or half-day tour, but the sheer weirdness of the place means some could happily spend half a day exploring. For this, it’s often best to hire a private guide (you shouldn’t need a driver).
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for dark tourists, fans of quirk, and people of Chinese heritage, the Chinese Cemetery is one of Manila’s most underrated attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking, or even cycling, quite a lot.
- Dress respectfully to explore the graveyard.
- Younger children may find the cemetery disturbing.
How to Get There
Set in Loma, south central Manila, the Chinese Cemetery is refreshingly easy to reach by public transport. Just catch LRT Line 1 to Abad Santos and walk for a few minutes (or take a tricycle). If you’re combining the Chinese Cemetery with other Manila attractions, it makes sense to book a tour that includes transport.
When to Get There
The Manila Chinese Cemetery is open seven days a week from morning until early evening. Two substantial festivals see Tsinoys—Chinese Filipinos—paying their respects to the souls of the ancestors here. The first is the ancient Chinese tomb-sweeping festival of Qingming, which follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in early April. The second is comprised of the Christian festivals of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, on November 1 and 2.
Chinese in the Philippines
Known as Tsinoy (based on “Pinoy,” meaning Filipino), Chinese Filipinos are one of southeast Asia’s largest Chinese communities. Their influence is obvious in Binondo, the city’s historical Chinatown, and at the Chinese Cemetery, the second oldest in Manila. Many Chinese Filipinos come from Hokkien or Cantonese backgrounds, and although the Chinese Cemetery features temples, the overwhelming majority of Chinese Filipinos are Christian.
Address: Manila, Philippines
From $ 65