The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands and archipelagos, so you’ll never run out of places to go to! If you’re planning to visit the country for a much-needed vacation, learn more about its main cities and attractions to prepare.
Main Attractions in the Philippines for First-Time Travelers
You’ll be surprised by just how many attractions there are to visit when in the Philippines! Here are just some of the most popular areas and reasons why you need to visit the country at least once in your lifetime:
1. Cities That Never Sleep
You will never run out of things to do in the Philippines because no matter the time of day (or night), there will always be an event to head to!
“So many things are open 24/7, you’ll always have your meets met!”
Need a nightcap? There are numerous bars for clubbing and meeting new people!
Want to go to the beach? There are beach resorts just a few hours’ drive away from major cities!
Hungry for local delicacies? You can find 24/7 restaurants ready to serve your cravings!
3. A Mix of Adventure and Peace
The Philippines has many unique and major attractions, from the beaches in Boracay and Palawan down to the mountains in Visayas and Mindanao.
Because of that, you can expect a ton of adventurous activities, whether you want to go trekking or scuba diving, kayaking or paragliding, the choice is yours!
And of course, you can still find peace and relaxation by their serene rainforests or white, sandy beaches.
4. Delicious Food and Amazing Lifestyle
You don’t just get one type of Filipino cuisine but a smorgasbord of delicacies from each region! There is Lechon from Cebu, sisig from Pampanga, or pinakbet from Ilocos… Each area is a way to explore your tastebuds!
Besides this, you get to explore the different lifestyles of every region, from delving into their culture and following their traditions to learn how the locals are like.
5. Good Healthcare and Economic Growth
Another huge advantage of visiting the Philippines (and even living there) is its promising healthcare and economic growth. They are home to one of the most vibrant economies within the East Asia Pacific, with an abundance of businesses.
Furthermore, they have excellent private healthcare that is more affordable compared to Western countries.
Main Cities in the Philippines and Its Specialties
In Luzon, the main city of the Philippines is Metro Manila, which is the national capital. This is a highly urbanized city and one of the most densely populates city propers worldwide!
“Metro Manila is the city dweller’s dream.”
However, don’t be intimated by the traffic and crowds, as there are so many things to do in this wonderful city. From historical landmarks to amazing nightlife, Metro Manila runs 24/7 and no matter where you are in the area, there’s always something fun to do and visit.
In Central Visayas, Cebu City is labeled as the “Queen City of the South,” which is the major center for commerce, culture, industry, and tourism. It’s a bit less condensed than Metro Manila, but just as urbanized with more tourist and historical attractions to visit. Expect to be surrounded by islands and beaches, historical landmarks, and delicious local delicacies!
In Mindanao, Davao is the first-class highly urbanized city. It’s the largest city in the world, well-known for its Durian fruits and home of Mt. App, which is the country’s tallest mountain! This is the enclave of peace with a balance of urbanization, so whether you want the serene or city life, you can find it here.
Main Regions and Islands of the Philippines
There are there main island regions in the Philippines:
Luzon
Luzon was named after the Tagalog word, kalusunan, meaning the northern part. It’s the Philippines’ largest island with the greatest population. With an area of over 42,000 square miles, there are four major areas in the region, which are:
• National Capital Region (the country’s center of development)
• Northern Luzon
• Central Luzon
• Southern Luzon
It’s home to amazing tourist destinations such as Palawan, mountainous terrains, numerous lakes, and rivers, as well as ethnolinguistic groups.
Visayas
The Visayas is between Luzon and Mindanao, filled with small and scattered islands. It’s also the smallest region in the country, but playing a crucial role in Philippine history as this is the island Ferdinand Magellan discovered!
“Experience the best of both worlds in the Visayas and celebrate!”
Besides the rich history, Visayas is well known for its colorful celebrations, such as the Sinulog, Ati-atihan, and Dinagyang festivals in honor of their religious traditions. Just like Luzon, they are also home to amazing beaches from Boracay and Cebu.
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest main region located in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s the main contributor to the Philippines’ GDP in fishing, forestry, agriculture, and other related industries.
You can find many mountainous landscapes and over 250 bird species, visiting conservation centers and one of the tallest mountains in the country! Besides this, it’s one of the safest cities around the world.
Transportation and Accommodation Options in the Philippines
Now that you know all about the wonders of the Philippines, how can you plan your trip accordingly?
Fortunately, you have vast options in terms of transportation and accommodation! There are many forms of public transportation, such as:
• Taxicabs
• Jeepneys
• UV Express (public utility vans)
• Buses
• Trains
• Tricycles (motorcycles)
You can also easily rent your car to roam around the area. Many hotels also provide transportation services to take you to any area you’d like to visit.
“You can always get to your destination thanks to their vast transportation options.”
As for accommodation, you have just as many options, such as:
• Five-star hotels and beach resorts
• Hostels and motels
• AirBnBs and rented private apartments, homes, or condominiums
You won’t have any trouble looking for a place to stay or how to navigate when in the Philippines. There are mobile apps and websites you can refer to when finding cars to rent, how to get to various areas and your accommodation options!
Wrapping It Up
There is never a shortage of amazing beaches and historical attractions in the Philippines. Furthermore, you’ll be surrounded by friendly locals, amazing dishes, AND not worry about the high cost of living.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to the Philippines and start exploring!
