The Philippines has a very abundant number of beaches around the country. Two of which made it on some of the world’s best beaches. It wouldn’t be that surprising as the country has more than 7,000 islands, plus the country is an archipelago and has numerous coastal provinces and towns. For that reason, the Philippines gained popularity for its picturesque that wows Filipinos, and the world!
Over the years, beaches around the Philippines tend to get overrated. Several tourist spots gain too much attention and visitors from local and foreign tourists alike. You might be wondering if there are any other destinations in the Philippines that is worth visiting aside from the beaches.
In this blog, we will discuss the 6 Best tourist spots in the Philippines aside from the beach
Mayon Volcano, Albay
Mayon Volcano is the only volcano in the world that has a perfect cone shape. It is one of its kind and is worth visiting whether you’re a local or foreign tourist. The picturesque Mayon Volcano can be seen from the roads, the sea, or for the best view. Get closer and witness the beauty of this one of a kind volcano.
Aside from taking pictures around the volcano, we think you would love some activities here. You may try to go on an ATV trail where you can discover the vicinity of Mayon Volcano. After this, reconnect with nature while having an adrenaline-inducing activity.
The best months for you to visit Mayon Volcano is from March to May. On these months, it rarely rains and the clouds are clear. So you can get the best view of the volcano as much as possible.
Aside from taking photos and marvelling on the beautiful volcano, did you know that this region is also home of the Philippines’ spiciest cuisine? For that reason, you must try to eat delicious delicacies of Bicol region. From savory and spicy Bicol Express, to a Chili Ice cream dessert, the Bicolanos really love spicy food and chilis. A culinary destination that keeps on surprising visitors, and for that reason it definitely made our 6 Best tourist spots in the Philippines aside from the beach list.
Batanes
Batanes is located in the Northernmost part of the Philippines. Geographically, Batanes is nearer to Taiwan compared to Manila. But Batanes is definitely Filipino and it is quite obvious to its people, food, and culture.
Batanes is dubbed to be the Switzerland of the Philippines because of its majestic landscapes that is very much similar to the ones seen in Europe. The green landscape combines with rock formation, spot this beauty in Vayang Rolling Hills. That’s why taking a trip to the small island is a good alternative, and making it one of our picks of 6 Best tourist spots in the Philippines aside from the beach
Be sure to drop by and take a photo with the famous Basco Lighthouse. Or better yet, visit the lighthouse itself so you can glance on the 360 view of the island.
Visit the Mt. Carmel Chapel and experience a small chapel that reminds us of some unique chapels in Greece. The chapel is made out of rocks. This is very similar to how the local Ivatans make their homes for generations. Mt. Carmel Chapel is an excellent choice as a wedding venue.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces is another tourist destination in the Philippines you can visit aside from the beach. This is another underrated destination worth visiting.
We were surprised on the majestic the views during our short stay. With terraces that even goes as high as the clouds! It was an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience we will never forget
This unique landscape is one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Thousands of years ago, the local people of Banaue province are inhabitants of the place and built the rice terraces so they can have a place to grow rice.
The province is reachable via bus. Commuting is better since the trip going there is long and you will need to look for parking spaces. Parking spaces are not that abundant in Banaue We wrote a complete travel guide about Banaue Rice Terraces when we went there to produce a vlogumentary about a farmer.
Calle Crisologo
If you want to visit one of the Northernmost provinces in the Philippines. You should definitely drop by Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The 500 meter long street is one of the most beautiful streets in the Philippines. Why? Because the street perfectly showcases the best historical houses from the Hispanic times. It was amazing on how old and sturdy these structures are with some houses that dates back to the 16th Century.
Calle risologo is part of the picturesque historical village that was dubbed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The street is home of around 200 Spanish inspired houses, and the cobbled streets reminds us of the streets of Paris. Paris is also surrounded by houses built more than a hundred years ago.
Since Vigan Ilocos Sur tend to get too hot in the summer it is recommended to tour around town during colder months like December to February.
Vigan is not just a historic city where your eyes will enjoy the views. Your tastebuds and bellies will have a great time too with their rich culture of flavors and influences in their cuisine that are well preserved for generations. While you’re there we recommend that you try their local delicacies such as Bagnet (Crispy Fried Pork Belly) Empanada (Fried pastry with shredded green papaya, Vigan sausage and egg) and of course Vigan Longganisa (Ground Pork sausage seasoned with garlic)
Zamboanga
Zamboanga City is another destination that you must visit! It is located in the Southernmost part of the Philippines and it is just waiting for you to discover its underrated charm!
The city is quite popular as it gained the title of Asia’s Latin City as their local language is mainly Spanish based Creole which is a mix of 80% Spanish, 20% Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Portuguese, and Italian.
The city is popular for its colorful Vintas (Small Outrigger Canoes) so the best time for you to visit is in October, during the Regatta de Zamboanga Festival. Wherein numerous Vintas come to the sea for a fluvial contest.
Aside from watching the vintas, you may also enjoy shopping at Canelar Barter. Wherein colorful goods and products from Indonesia are sold. Get the chance to get yourself one of the colorful textiles, bags, or clothes from Malaysia and Indonesia without leaving the country.
If you want to dig deeper and get to know more indigenous fabrics, you must visit the Yakan Weaving Village. Get to know the indigenous people of Basilan as you witness how they weave these colorful fabrics with such high intricacy and passion. You can take these handmade pieces for your home!
During your visit in Zamboanga, be sure to explore and discover Moro Cuisine. The said cuisine is quite different to other dishes in Manila. The City has flavor influences ranging from Spanish, Chinese, and even South East Asian cuisines. So it is a must to try delectable dishes such as Chicken Piyanggang (Tausug Chicken Curry) Chupa Kulo (Snails simmered in coconut milk & squash) and a whole lot more!
Intramuros Manila
And of course, who wouldn’t recommend to take a heritage tour in Intramuros Manila? Intramuros or walled city is another underrated destination that you can visit. Its location is not that far away to the hustle and bustle of the city. Intramuros is also a great spot where you will learn a lot about the history of the Philippines in the form of architecture, food, and culture.
Take a step back in time in the only Spanish heritage site in Metro Manila. See the perfectly preserved Spanish-era buildings, homes, museums, and churches.
Visit Fort Santiago, which is the oldest Spanish bastion in the Philippines. Manila Cathedral which boasts a Neo-Romanesque style of architecture, making it one of the country’s top architectural masterpieces. Casa Manila & Museo de Intramuros perfectly depicts and preserve historical artifacts from the Spanish colonization times.
The whole area of Intramuros is picturesque, with corners, streets, and buildings that remind us of Europe enhanced with Filipino influences. This small area of Manila, serves as a reminder of the Philippines history, and that may we not forget it for the years to come.
Have you picked a destination from our list of 6 Best tourist spots in the Philippines aside from the beach? We hope you did! As these 6 places are all beautiful and worth visiting in their own ways that perfectly depicts the Filipino culture, and proves that the Philippines is more than just beautiful beaches.
Want to learn more destinations you can visit? Check out this 7 Cool Destinations in the Philippines to beat the heat or perhaps learn the difference of French and Filipino cultures?
