Must-see attractions in Philippines

  • Quirino Grandstand

    Manila

    This is where Philippine presidents take their oath of office and deliver their first address to the nation. It's at the western end of Rizal Park.

  • Manila Orchidarium

    Manila

    Offering a sanctuary from the mayhem of downtown Manila, the flower-filled Manila Orchidarium is a relaxing spot, with orchids growing among water…

  • Baluarte de Dilao

    Manila

    Stone defensive bulwark that was part of the original fortification of Intramuros. It dates back to 1592 and is named after the Japanese enclave it faced…

  • Puerta del Postigo

    Manila

    This gate to the walled city of Intramuros, built in 1662, led to the palaces of the Spanish governor general. José Rizal passed through here on the way…

  • Puerta Real

    Manila

    This gate to the old walled city of Intramuros was built in 1663 for the exclusive use of the Spanish governor general during important state functions.

  • Reducto de San Pedro

    Manila

    The Spanish built this pentagonal stone redoubt outside the walls of Intramuros, and used it to store ammunition.

  • Revellin de Recoletos

    Manila

    A triangular defensive fortification in Intramuros. It's one of the more recent fortifications (1771).

  • Arch of Goodwill

    Manila

    One of several ornate arches within Chinatown that distinguish the neighbourhood from its surrounds.

  • Baluarte de San Gabriel

    Manila

    Intramuros defensive embankment in a strategic location on the Pasig River, built in 1593.

  • People Power Monument

    Manila

    Honours the 1986 'People Power' revolution that overthrew then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

  • Puerta de Isabel II

    Manila

    This north entrance to Intramuros was the last gate built by the Spanish, in 1863.

  • Puerta de Santa Lucia

    Manila

    One of the original entrances to the walled city of Intramuros, built in 1604.

  • Puerta del Parian

    Manila

    Built in 1593, it's one of the earliest entrances to Intramuros.

  • Municipal Hall

    Coron Town

    Coron's Municipal Hall is in the centre of town.

  • Town Hall

    Banaue

    A useful landmark used by everyone in town.

  • Church

    Bohol

    Landmark structure just off the harbour.

  • Town Hall

    El Nido

    El Nido's administrative centre.

  • Julia Campbell Agroforest Memorial Park

    The Cordillera

    In the Pula barangay of Asipulo town, the 48-hectare organic coffee farm, Bantai Civet Coffee, is a WWOOF (www.wwoof.com.ph) project that specialises in a…

  • Church of St James

    North Luzon

    Built by the Augustinians in 1609, the Church of St James in the town plaza is notable for its Mexican influences. On its antique altar are two Aztec-like…

  • Seven Falls

    Southern Mindanao

    A motorcycle (half-day with driver P300) can take you to Hikong Alu and Hikong Bente (also known as falls #1 and #2), two of the nearby Seven Falls (P20)…

  • Santa Cruz Island

    Mindanao

    Great Santa Cruz Island is around 7km off the Zamboanga City waterfront, and is home to only a few dozen families from the Samal tribe. Visitors come to…

  • Tinago Falls

    Mindanao

    Hidden deep in a mountain, Tinago Falls is the most spectacular of Iligan’s waterfalls; you can drive to the start of the very steep stairway (365 steps)…

  • Monfort Bat Cave

    Southern Mindanao

    In barangay Tambo, around 11km north of Babak, is the largest colony of Geoffroy’s Rousette fruit bats in the world. A knowledgeable guide will walk you…

  • Ifugao Museum

    The Cordillera

    Across the lawn from the War Memorial Shrine is the Ifugao Museum, which houses an absorbing collection of Ifugao artefacts, from household utensils and…

  • Hagimit Falls

    Southern Mindanao

    Near San Jose in barangay Cawag, Hagimit Falls has a seemingly endless number of small cascades and pools you can navigate in your own private slip 'n'…

  • Maria Cristina Falls

    Mindanao

    Even though the twin Maria Cristina Falls are being harnessed for their hydroelectric power, you can climb to the top of an observation tower for…

  • War Memorial Shrine

    The Cordillera

    A short ride up from the village proper, this pyramid-shaped shrine marks the spot where Japanese general Yamashita surrendered on 2 September 1945, only…

  • T’boli Museum

    Southern Mindanao

    You can buy locally made handicrafts here – it's really nothing more than a small native-style house selling the same weavings and brassware items found…

  • City Hall

    Mindanao

    Completed in 1907 and originally the seat of the United States' governor of the Moro province.

  • Pangaggawan Cave

    The Cordillera

    Pangaggawan Cave is a three-hour hike from Kiangan; there are other caves in the vicinity.

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