Essential Philippines Bucket List | Top Islands & Attractions

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Palawan’s El Nido Lagoons
A dreamscape of jade waters framed by limestone cliffs, El Nido feels otherworldly. Glide by kayak through Big Lagoon’s glassy surface, where sunlight dances on turquoise depths and coral gardens shimmer below. The silence between towering karsts adds a serene magic that’s uniquely Palawan.

Insider Tip: Visit early morning for calm waters and fewer tour boats.
Timing / Best Time: November to May, during the dry season.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Spread across Bohol’s heartland, more than 1,200 near-perfect mounds rise like a sea of cocoa drops. In the dry months, their grass turns chocolate brown - a geological oddity wrapped in local legend. Climb to the viewing deck in Carmen for a surreal panorama of nature’s playful symmetry.

Best Way: Rent a scooter from Tagbilaran or join a small eco-tour.
Good to Know: The hills look best after sunrise when shadows accentuate their shape.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Carved over 2,000 years ago by mountain tribes, these emerald stairways climb the Cordillera mountains in perfect harmony with nature. Mist drifts over terraces that locals still farm today, connecting visitors to ancient ingenuity and enduring tradition.

Insider Tip: Stay in a homestay in Batad for quiet trails and authentic local insight.
Timing / Best Time: April to May or October to November for vibrant green terraces.

Mayon Volcano, Albay
Known as the “Perfect Cone,” Mayon rises in flawless symmetry above lush plains. Whether viewed from Cagsawa Ruins or climbed by avid trekkers, its presence commands respect. The volcano’s volatile beauty embodies the Philippines’ raw, untamed spirit.

Best Way: Explore the base via ATV trails from Legazpi for thrilling views.
Good to Know: Check volcanic activity updates before planning a climb.

Taal Volcano & Lake, Batangas
A volcano within a lake, within a volcano - Taal’s unique geography stuns from every angle. Boat rides from Talisay reveal steaming vents and surreal craterscapes, framed by the blue shimmer of Taal Lake. It’s one of Luzon’s most photogenic natural wonders.

Insider Tip: Pair your trip with a lakeside lunch in Tagaytay for panoramic views.
Timing / Best Time: December to March for clear skies and mild weather.

Intramuros, Manila
The walled city of Intramuros is Manila’s living time capsule - cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and colonial courtyards recalling the Spanish era. A sunset stroll or horse-drawn calesa ride reveals a fusion of resilience and grace in the capital’s oldest district.

Best Way: Take a guided heritage walk with a local historian.
Good to Know: Visit late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds.

Cebu’s Kawasan Falls
Hidden in the rainforest of Badian, Kawasan’s aquamarine pools cascade in perfect tiers. A dip beneath the falls feels rejuvenating after canyoneering through mossy gorges and bamboo bridges. It’s both adventure and tranquillity rolled into one tropical escape.

Insider Tip: Bring waterproof shoes - the rocks can be slippery.
Timing / Best Time: December to June for best flow and safe canyoning conditions.

Unique Experiences

Join a Local Fiesta Celebration
From Cebu’s Sinulog to Lucban’s Pahiyas, Philippine fiestas burst with music, colour, and dance. Locals welcome visitors with open arms, homemade food, and joyful chaos - an experience that captures the country’s heart and soul.

How to Do It: Check town schedules ahead and arrive early; many communities invite tourists to join parades and meals.

Learn to Cook Filipino Dishes with Locals
Take a home-style cooking class and learn to make adobo, lumpia, and halo-halo using fresh market ingredients. These experiences offer cultural immersion through taste, conversation, and family warmth.

Good to Know: Classes in Manila or Cebu often include wet market tours for an authentic touch.

Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol
In this eco-conscious village, you can swim beside gentle whale sharks under strict conservation rules. Seeing these spotted giants glide gracefully is humbling - a truly unforgettable marine encounter.

Timing: Best from February to May when sightings peak.

Weave with Indigenous Artisans in Abra
Experience traditional weaving using hand looms that date back centuries. Patterns tell stories of ancestry and belief, and supporting these communities helps preserve their heritage.

How to Do It: Arrange visits through ethical cooperatives or local tourism offices in Abra.

Join a Sunset Boat Ride in Siargao’s Mangroves
As the light fades, paddling through emerald channels surrounded by birdsong is peaceful and cinematic. Locals may share stories about island life and mangrove protection.

Good to Know: Wear reef-safe sunscreen and respect no-entry conservation zones.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte
A postcard-perfect sandbar stretching into crystalline waters, Kalanggaman is unspoiled and serene. Its powder-white sand contrasts against deep azure seas - ideal for snorkelling or doing absolutely nothing.

Getting There: Boat trips depart from Palompon or Malapascua Island.
Timing: March to May for calm seas and clear skies.

Siquijor Island
Mystical legends aside, Siquijor enchants with waterfalls, caves, and white beaches. Traditional healers still practise herbal rituals, adding mystery to its charm.

Good to Know: Rent a motorbike to explore freely; roads are scenic and quiet.
Timing: November to April for sunny exploration.

Samar’s Sohoton Natural Bridge Park
Hidden within dense forests and limestone cliffs, Sohoton reveals ethereal caves and an emerald river system. Local guides paddle visitors through echoing chambers of light and shadow.

Getting There: Access via Basey by boat from Tacloban City.
Good to Know: Bring dry bags - you’ll get splashed during the cave passages.

Camiguin Island
Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin boasts hot springs, volcanic domes, and idyllic white sand islands. It’s compact yet full of natural surprises.

Timing: Best visited February to May, when seas are calm and trails dry.

Lake Holon, South Cotabato
Cradled within Mount Parker’s crater, this sapphire lake offers peace, tribal culture, and unspoiled views. Trekkers often camp along the shores under star-filled skies.

Good to Know: Permits are required; register with local tourism offices in T’boli.

Anda, Bohol
A tranquil alternative to Panglao, Anda features secluded coves, coral reefs, and friendly locals. It’s Bohol’s best-kept secret for slow travel and beach serenity.

Getting There: Two hours’ drive from Tagbilaran or public van via Guindulman.
Timing: December to May for dry, sunny conditions.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Visit the Hanging Coffins of Sagada
Cliffside coffins hang dramatically over limestone valleys - a sacred burial tradition of the Igorot people. It’s eerie yet awe-inspiring, revealing a deep respect for ancestry.

Why Go: A rare glimpse into ancient beliefs still alive today.
Good to Know: Approach quietly; this is an active sacred site.

Explore Intramuros by Bamboo Bike
Cycling through Manila’s old quarter on hand-crafted bamboo bicycles fuses sustainability and history. Each bike is locally made and supports community artisans.

Why Go: It’s an eco-conscious way to relive colonial Manila’s stories with a modern twist.

Try the Balut Challenge
Balut, a fertilised duck egg, divides travellers - but it’s a Filipino street classic. Add salt, vinegar, and courage for the full experience.

Good to Know: Commonly sold at night markets; locals admire respectful curiosity more than bravado.

Dine in a Waterfall Restaurant (Villa Escudero)
Here, tables sit at the base of a man-made falls - with water flowing around your feet as you eat. Playful and photogenic, it’s pure Filipino whimsy.

Why Go: A unique meal blending nature, nostalgia, and fun.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

Luzon

• Trek to Mount Pinatubo’s crater lake for surreal turquoise views.
Insider Tip: Go with a 4x4 convoy from Capas for dramatic scenery.

• Visit Vigan’s cobbled Calle Crisologo.
Best Way: Explore by kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) at sunset.

• Discover Pagudpud’s Blue Lagoon.
Good to Know: Winds can be strong - great for kite surfing.

Visayas

• Island-hop around Bantayan and Malapascua.
Insider Tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen; coral life here is pristine.

• Visit Dumaguete’s Siliman University and Rizal Boulevard.
Best Way: Rent a bike to explore the laid-back city vibe.

• Relax at Siquijor’s Cambugahay Falls.
Good to Know: Go early morning before tour groups arrive.

Mindanao

• Hike to Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, dubbed “Niagara of the Philippines.”
Insider Tip: Bring a waterproof case for your camera.

• Go white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro.
Best Way: Book with certified local operators for safety.

• Explore Davao’s Eden Nature Park.
Good to Know: The cool mountain air offers relief from tropical heat.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities:

• Scuba dive in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Tip: Season runs March to June; liveaboards only.

• Surf Siargao’s legendary Cloud 9.
Good to Know: Visit September to November for peak waves.

• Trek Mount Pulag for sunrise “sea of clouds.”
Tip: Dress warmly - temperatures can drop near freezing.

• Go canyoneering in Badian.
Good to Know: Wear helmets and aqua shoes; certified guides required.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences:

• Join a homestay in Batad to learn rice terrace traditions.
Tip: Bring small gifts like snacks or notebooks for local families.

• Sample street food in Manila’s night markets.
Good to Know: Choose busy, well-lit stalls for hygiene and atmosphere.

• Watch a jeepney being hand-painted.
Tip: Visit workshops in Quezon City for colourful artistry.

• Attend a bamboo music performance in Baguio.
Good to Know: Check cultural centres for evening shows.