The Philippines’ borders were reopened to international tourism on February 10, 2022. Fully vaccinated foreign tourists are now allowed to enter the Philippines, and we couldn’t be more excited! The Philippines is a destination with so many tourists visiting each year, it can be hard to decide what to do once there. If you want to explore the Philippines in the best way possible, we’ve made a list of the best areas in the Philippines for you to visit! This will allow you to decide what areas are best for you to venture to. With that being said, let’s get to our list and start exploring the different areas of the Philippines!

Coron

Banol Beach, also known as Banul Beach, is a sight to see with its beautiful white sand, turquoise waters, and a towering wall of limestone cliffs. Aside from swimming, you may rent a kayak or rest in one of the beach’s nipa huts.

Bring your camera since this is one of Coron’s most beautiful major attractions! The ideal months to visit are January through mid-June and October through December, when the waters are calmer for boat tours. You’ll spend the full day on a boat while island hopping in Coron.

Bohol

You can also rent your own boat (and skipper) to travel up the Loboc River. You may now join a larger boat with meals on board, but we really wanted to go on a smaller boat all to ourselves.

Spend some time in the Chocolate Hills while you’re here (which formed from dead coral, millions of years ago). Visit Hinagdanan Cave (bring your swimming trunks) and rent a boat to transport you to Balicasag to see the wild turtles and magnificent coral.

Cebu

Cebu, with its beach resorts and diving locations, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. If you’re a water baby, this is one of the nicest sites in the Philippines.

In Cebu, you can go snorkelling with Whale Sharks while you are here. However, whenever booking any excursions, be mindful of the company you choose. There have been some stories regarding how the Whale Sharks are fed on the excursions. Apparently, this indicates that the Whale Sharks do not leave the region (as they should) and hence do not reproduce. All of this means that when whale sharks develop accustomed to being fed by people, their numbers will fall. Keep this in mind during your travels to any country as feeding animals can threaten the species’ long-term.

Siargao

Siagro Island has some of the best waves in the world, therefore surfing is a big deal here. If you’re not a surfer, don’t worry; the island offers an abundance of white sand beaches and coral flats to explore, snorkel, or simply relax in. Siargao’s seafood is equally world-class making it a must visit destination if you’re visiting the Philippines!

Boracay

Boracay is a small island, but it has quickly become one of the greatest spots to visit in the Philippines. Having said that, in 2021 the government had to close the island to all tourists for more than six months in order to rehabilitate the island’s infrastructure. Thankfully, the island has reopened, although a variety of steps have been put in place to control tourist numbers more sustainably which we fully support at One Life Adventures.

When you get here, be sure to stop by Puka Beach. It got its name from the large amount of crushed “puka” shells mixed in with the thin white sand. The beach is around 800 metres long and is without the hotels, resorts, and clubs seen on nearby beaches. Puka Beach is a must-see for anybody travelling to Boracay on vacation.

Port Barton

Port Barton is a peaceful coastal town near San Vicente. It is popular with backpackers and vacationers looking for a peaceful rural setting. You may go exploring several gorgeous offshore islands and journey to Long Beach in San Vicente Town Proper, which is claimed to be the Philippines’ longest white sand beach. San Vicente/Port Barton is located on the mainland of Palawan, between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

Private Island Camp in Palawan

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a One Life Adventures exclusive destination. With our Islander Experience, we will spend the two days experiencing the local island way of life on our very own private Island.

While here, you will board our local guides’ boat for a two-day exploration of the islands and surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel over coral reefs and beside turtles, take a shower in rainforest waterfalls, visit little islands, and simply relax. In the evening, everyone will gather around a fire outside our own tiny beach bar to enjoy the magnificent sunsets that this area is known for. Perfect! Don’t worry about meals since our native guides will provide a feast of grilled fish, pork, rice, veggies, and fruit. Tonight, in paradise, you will sleep in tents directly on the beach under a sea of stars.

El Nido

If you come to the Philippines to see the stunning beaches and island scenery, El Nido is the place to be. El Nido in Palawan province will not let you down. El Nido is many travellers’ favourite place in the Philippines for amazing , bright blue crystal clear water. Imagine deserted white sand beaches, secret lagoons, and towering forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical seas. The views here compete with major Asian destinations such as Thailand’s Phi Phi and Krabi Islands and HaLong Bay in Vietnam.

Most travellers arrive in El Nido on a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), followed by a 5 to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town.