Sightseeing in the Philippines

Museums, Churches, and Heritage Buildings

Due to the Philippines’ long colonial history, there are numerous guesthouses, heritage buildings, and palaces here like the extravagantly built Coconut Palace and the 17th century Santiago Stone Fortress. Malacanang Palace is an 18th-century country house-turned-current headquarters of the Filipino government and the official residence of the head of state. Head to the National Museum of the Philippines to gawk at archaeological exhibits like the skull of “Tabon Man,” a set of homo sapien skeletons dating back 24,000 years. There are many historical churches in the Philippines that are worth a visit like San Agustin Church in Manila, Basilica Minore de Santo Nino, San Pedro Cathedral in Davao, and Casa Gorordo Museum, originally the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu.

Historic Sites and Ruins

The archipelagos multilayered and multicultural history has resulted in rich architectural influences that are a blend of Asian, European, and American influences. Castle Manila, which is a replica of an upper class Filipino house in the mid 19th century, offers visitors a peek into the lifestyles of the privileged in the Intramuros region. Don’t forget to visit the American and Chinese Cemeteries to pay homage to soldiers who died during World War II. Other must-visit sites on the history buff’s itinerary is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Luzon that served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. There’s also Magellan’s Cross, the most historically famous landmark in Cebu, marking the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized.

Parks and Eco-Tourism

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol, named for the rich brown summer grass, is popular with nature loving tourists. The more lavish Rizal Memorial Park is chockfull of small monuments and has a skating rink and an adventure playground. Located 2,500 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City, known as the summer capital of the Philippines, is where you’ll find the Taal Volcano, the worlds smallest active volcano. Among the many natural treasures of the Philippines, the most attractive one is the 250 feet Katibawasan Falls in Mindanao islands that cascades down to a pool surrounded by rich tropical flora and orchids. Not far away is the Hidden Valley, a natural retreat created in a 90m crater, with its dense forests, natural springs, and still water pools. The safari groups and whale-watching package tours are great ways to get as close as possible to the Philippines’ magnificent wildlife. Large concentrations of migratory birds from Siberia, China, and Japan have found a home at the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. Another popular eco park is Ninoy Aquino Park in Quezon City.