Bicol
This handsome stone cathedral is a useful central landmark in Albay. It was built in 1839 after the original was destroyed in the 1814 Mayon eruption.
Must-see attractions in Philippines
Manila
A rotunda memorial at the busy intersection of T Morato and Timog Ave, which commemorates the 24 boy scouts who died in a plane crash in 1963.
Southeast Luzon
In the remote northwest of the island, this is a long, pristine stretch of sand near Caramoran, its coral formations good for snorkelling.
Around Manila
This majestic church, dating from 1595 and rebuilt in 1737 after being destroyed by fire, dominates the town centre and is worth a visit.
Eastern Visayas
Near Esperanza on Pacijan's northwest tip is touristy Timubo Cave, where a set of (slippery) stairs leads down to a refreshing cave pool.
Manila
Fortified bastion shaped like an ace of spades dating back to 1586, making it one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros.
Vigan
In barangay Camanggaan, just a 10-minute tricycle ride southeast of Vigan, you can watch abel hand-weavers in action.
Manila
This gigantic 3D relief map of the Philippines is at the far eastern end of Rizal Park.
Coron Town
A common stop on island-hopping trips to Coron Island is Banol Beach, a small sandy area with shelter from the sun.
Baguio
Didn't realise Baguio was so cold? The Night Market is a great place to find a cheap used hoodie or a raincoat.
La Immaculada Concepcion Church
Busuanga & the Calamian Islands
The interior of this impressive stone church, formerly a Spanish fort built in the mid-1700s, is worth a peek.
Batanes
This sacred fishing port for Barangay San Joaquin is a beach made up of exercise-ball-sized boulders.
Batanes
Basco Lighthouse is 1.2km north of Basco. Climbing it will give you stellar views of the coast.
Cathedral of St Catherine of Alexandria
Dumaguete
The city's and region's main Catholic church; the impressive facade mostly dates to 1936.
Batanes
A refreshing spring and pool that's a 20-minute walk from the fishing village of Diura.
Manila
A gallery and creative events space in Makati. Soon to relocate to upper Burgos St.
Sagada
Hikes from nearby Besao are less busy than those around Sagada, but they don't feature any coffins and you'll need determination to tackle them. Jeepneys…
Palawan Butterfly Eco Garden & Tribal Village
Puerto Princesa
One half of this is a lovely garden where you can see different species of fluttering butterflies. The other half is set up for interaction with members…
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center
Puerto Princesa
This wildlife reserve is a complex of concrete buildings and outdoor pens that house hundreds of crocs, from newly hatched to scary behemoths. Guided…
Manila
Plaza Miranda has some history. This is where the common folk came to watch beauty contests, political rallies, and various events and festivities, until…
Puerto Galera
The tiny, unattended one-room museum displays some burial jars and ancient Chinese pottery mostly recovered from the area in the 1960s. It’s situated in…
Manila
In the centre of Teodoro Valencia Circle in Rizal Park stands a triumphant Lapu Lapu, the 16th-century national hero famous for slaying the Portuguese…
Manila
This triangular defensive fortification was built to help protect Intramuros after a Chinese uprising in 1603. Parian were the ghetto-like districts where…
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch
Manila
Ornate arch marking the entrance to Chinatown when coming over the Jones Bridge. Do not confuse it with the gargantuan new (2015) Chinatown Arch, which is…
