Lonely Planet
12 Things to Know Before Visiting the Philippines
Pointers to help you make the most of your trip.
Lonely PlanetSep 29
Palawan Paradise: Top Things to See and Do
Find your ideal version of tropical bliss in one of the Philippines’ most sparsely populated regions.
20 things in this story
- Bacuit ArchipelagoSightJames Bond movie-worthy seascapes
- Nacpan BeachSight3km sprawl with partial sunset views
- Elsewhere
- El NidoNeighborhoodPalawan, PhilippinesIconic seascapes and outstanding reef diving
- Kayangan LakeSightPalawan, PhilippinesCrystal-clear waters nestled into mountain walls
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural ParkSightPalawan, PhilippinesUNESCO-designated atoll, accessible by live-aboard boat
- Coron BayHotelPalawan, PhilippinesPenetrate haunting shipwrecks sunk in 1944
- BusuangaNeighborhoodPalawan, PhilippinesBase for sea kayakers
- Calauit IslandSightPalawan, PhilippinesSpot dugongs
- Calamian IslandsSightPalawan, PhilippinesStriking turquoise waters and dazzling coral reefs
- Balabac ArchipelagoSightPalawan, PhilippinesMaldives-esque sandbars
- KaluiRestaurantPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesDelectable set seafood menus
- Long BeachSightSan Vicente, PhilippinesWind-swept affair exposed to the Pacific Ocean
- Estrella FallsSightPalawan, PhilippinesAt least 64 tiers, takes four days to reach
- Barracuda LakeSightPalawan, PhilippinesUnique layers of fresh, salt and brackish water
- Banol BeachSightPalawan, PhilippinesSmall sandy area with shelter from the sun
- Twin LagoonSightPalawan, PhilippinesAccessed by swimming or kayaking through a narrow crevice
- Coron TownNeighborhoodPalawan, PhilippinesIsland-hopping trips depart from here
- Calauit Safari ParkSightCalauit Island, PhilippinesAfrican megafauna roam the park
- Culion Museum & ArchivesMuseumCulion Island, PhilippinesLearn about the former leper colony history
- Subterranean River National ParkSightSabang, PhilippinesLongest navigable underground river in the world
Lonely PlanetSep 17
10 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
From island bliss to beach adventures to snorkeling and wreck diving, the Philippines offers incredible destinations for even the most voracious travelers.
21 things in this story
- Hidden BeachSightEnter an underwater crevice to discover this beach
- Seven Commandos BeachSightLaze under the palm trees
- Big LagoonSight
- Small LagoonSight
- Elsewhere
- PalawanHotelPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesLargest island of a many-island province, known for beaches
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National ParkSightPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesUNESCO-listed natural wonder, traverses an underground river
- Port BartonNeighborhoodPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesCoastal fishing village with access to snorkeling and turtles
- San VicenteAirportPuerto Princesa, PhilippinesHome to the country's longest fine-white-sand beach
- Nagtabon Travel and ToursPlacePuerto Princesa, PhilippinesOffers private transfers and motorbike rentals
- Kayangan LakeSightCoron, PhilippinesGlide through cool waters
- Malcapuya IslandSightCoron, PhilippinesBask on unspoiled shores
- Mt TapyasSightCoron, PhilippinesClimb for sweeping panoramic views
- Maquinit Hot SpringsSightCoron, PhilippinesImmerse your body in the hot springs
- CulionNeighborhoodCoron, PhilippinesBoasts secluded beaches and preserved snorkeling sites
- Kawil ToursPlaceCoron, PhilippinesOrganizes tours around Culion, Coron and Busuanga
- Cordillera RegionNeighborhoodBanaue, PhilippinesNorthern Luzon destination for mountain treks and hikes
- Blue Soil HillsSightSagada, PhilippinesHike the bizarrely bright hills
- Batad rice terracesSightBanaue, PhilippinesAmphitheater-shaped, UNESCO-listed terraces
- Mt PulagTrailBanaue, PhilippinesLoftiest peak in Luzon, offers sea of clouds views
- Lumiang CaveTrailSagada, Philippines
- Sumaging CaveSightSagada, Philippines