On sunny days, a light ray pierces the roof of Cudugnon Cave, creating a puddle of light that throws the limestone and lichen interior into moody relief and can make for epic selfies. Coupled with the entrance through a low tunnel in what looks like a solid rock wall, it’s an atmospheric experience, although the formations are not spectacular.
A gorgeous strip of creamy sand and lazy coconut palms backed by the same jungle-clad cliffs that tower over El Nido town, Seven Commandos Beach is one of the prettiest beaches around El Nido. Although it’s on mainland Palawan, you can only reach it from the water, and so it often features on Bacuit Archipelago island-hopping tours.
At the heart of the Calamian Islands, Coron Bay lies between Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Travelers know it for island-hopping adventures, but scuba divers come from around the world to explore the Sunken Japanese Wrecks, the remains of a supply fleet sunk by US bombers during World War II.
Nestled amid jagged limestone, tropical forest, and clear azure waters, Smith Beach—also known as Smith Point Beach—is the type of tiny white-sand gem for which the Philippines is famed. A couple of simple beach shacks provide space to eat lunch, while the pretty Smith Coral Garden reef awaits not far off shore.
Jagged pinnacles and top-heavy flowers of dark karst surround white sand Payong-Payong Beach, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. What it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere, with picturesque rock formations, brilliant turquoise water, and views across the small bay.
With tumbled limestone boulders; jagged, jungle-clad karst; a slim strip of pale sand; and turquoise water, Talisay Beach is a common stop on El Nido island-hopping tours. It perches on the strait between Tapiutan Island and Matinloc Island, so visitors looking to go snorkeling will find plenty of marine life to enjoy.
This ocean theme park is home to about 14,000 marine creatures from almost 280 different species, as well as insects, birds, including penguins, and other animals. There’s a wide range of interactive, educational exhibits and shows for all ages—don’t miss the 220-degree curved tunnel offering views of sharks, stingrays, eels, and a variety of fish.
Even more than other Southeast Asian capitals, Manila is a city of contrasts. And never are those contrasts more acute than in Makati, home to sleek skyscrapers, high-end malls, and slick hotels. But Makati has historical appeal as well, with highlights including Saint Peter and Paul Parish Church, dating to 1620, and the Manila American Cemetery.
Probably the Philippines’ oldest art, and some of the oldest rock carvings in southeast Asia, the Angono Petroglyphs sit in Angono, Rizal, southeast of Manila. The 127 carvings show human and animal figures and date back to the late Stone Age, more than 4,000 years ago. A small on-site museum displays ceramics, fossils, and other artifacts.
Dinosaurs Island is a theme park that brings the Jurassic period to life with life-size, animatronic dinosaurs. The park boasts a forest trail featuring more than 30 moving dinosaur models, a museum containing fossils and replicas of four dinosaur skeletons, an immersive 7D cinema screen, and a Jungle Safari thrill ride.
Home to a wealth of rides, with live shows and encounters on weekends and holidays, the Enchanted Kingdom is a popular amusement park in Santa Rosa, south of Manila. The 42-acre (17-hectare) park hosts attractions that run from roller-coasters to rapids, from bumper cars to boats, as well as dining and shopping options.
A small zoo overlooking the Taal Volcano, ZOORI (Zoo at Residence Inn) combines animal attractions with rides. Wildlife highlights include eagles, snakes, tropical birds, lions, and tigers, with feeding options, animal rides, and animal performances on weekends. Other attractions include a Superman-style zipline and a chairlift.
The official residence and primary workplace of the president of the Philippines, Malacañan Palace (Malacañang Palace) is a sprawling, waterfront complex that dates back to the mid-18th century. Most of the complex is closed to visitors, but travelers can explore the Malacañang Palace Museum (Presidential Museum and Library).
Reigning supreme over the city of Cebu, Mt. Kan-Irag, otherwise known as Sirao Peak, stands at an imposing 2,300 feet (700 meters). And while views from the top of the monolith are unrivaled, hikers can reach the summit in just 30 minutes via an undemanding trail that begins in the mountain village of Busay.
The Philippines’ answer to the safari park, 62-acre (25-hectare) Zoobic Safari sits at the heart of Subic Bay. While the emphasis is on the tiger safari, attractions include a crocodile pit, a serpentarium, a train ride, and a petting zoo. In season, the park operates a night safari, which includes a drive through the tigers’ habitat.
On April 9, 1942, after over three months of bloody conflict, the Battle of Bataan came to an end when General Edward P. King surrendered 76,000 American and Filipino soldiers to Japanese forces. The Philippines commemorates this World War II trauma with a national holiday and the Surrender Site Marker, a sculpture strangely set on school grounds.
The animal offerings at Zoocobia Fun Zoo, a combination zoo and adventure park, range from a petting zoo and tropical birds to taxidermy and Philippine species, with horse rides and camel rides for an additional charge. Besides slides, ziplines, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and 4WD rides, the star attraction is the Zooc gravity-car track.
One of a number of monuments commemorating the World War II Battle of Bataan and the Bataan Death March, the Flaming Sword monument depicts a hand holding high a blazing sword. Simple and unsigned, it celebrates the bravery of the Filipino and American soldiers of the USAFFE whose death marches converged on this point in 1942.
Dedicated to the work of a family of self-taught painters now entering its third generation, the Blanco Family Museum is a distinctly Filipino affair, one filled with folk-art-style scenes of colorful fiestas and rural life. Jose “Pitok” V. Blanco founded the dynasty; today, Michael, one of his seven children, runs the museum.
Home to Mt. Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon and third highest in the Philippines, this national park rolls across the Philippine Cordilleras. On a clear day, sunrise from the mountaintop offers glorious views of peaks nestled amid a cotton-candy sea of clouds. Mossy forests, complete with streams and waterfalls, fill your senses as you make the climb.
