The Philippines brims with exciting activities, unparalleled scenery, and lively nightlife. With over 5,000 inhabited islands and an additional 2,000 untouched islands, there are endless places to explore. This Philippines Bucket List highlights our favourite islands, cities, and towns to visit, along with must-do cultural and adventure activities you can’t skip. Ready to take on the Philippines Bucket List Challenge? Start planning your adventure across these incredible islands!
With so many islands, it’s impossible to visit them all! So, which ones should you prioritise? We’ve picked five islands beloved by backpackers, featuring arching palms, endless sandy shores, and tranquil seas. These islands offer exhilarating activities, energetic party scenes and laid-back daytime vibes, perfectly balancing Filipino culture with tourist amenities.
Coron
A little off the beaten track but still accessible by a daily domestic flight (to what feels like the world’s tiniest airport), is a small island with a big heart. This island attracts scuba divers due to its incredible array of Japanese WWII shipwreck dives, where you can squeeze through small holes and explore these giant wrecks now teeming with fish (and the occasional grouper). Coron also offers unparalleled island hopping, where you can freedive in the clearest lake in Asia, swim with a barracuda, and kayak through the impressive Twin Lagoon.
Cebu
The island that stole my heart and is now our current home, Cebu, is a breathtaking gem in central Philippines. Cebu is renowned for several attractions, including the famous sardine run, where you can snorkel with thousands of sardines, the exhilarating Kawasan canyoneering adventure, and around 20 waterfalls to explore. With its superb scuba diving, powdery beaches, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife in the city, a trip to this island is guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Siquijor
Siquijor, also known as the Island of Fire, is famous for its breathtaking ocean sunsets. Despite being a small island, you will never get bored here. Experience the powder-blue waters of Cambugahay Falls, leap from the top of Lugnason Falls, or head underground for an exciting caving adventure. Relax on the talcum-fine sands of Paliton Beach during sunset or swim in the magnificent blue waters of Salagdoong Beach. For an unforgettable experience, stay at the Jungle Hut Airbnb, where you’ll have private access to a gorgeous river and be surrounded by the jungle.
Bohol
Famous for its Chocolate Hills, a unique geographical formation, Bohol boasts natural wonders you may only encounter once in a lifetime. Bohol is also home to the tarsier, the world’s smallest (and arguably cutest) monkey. Most tourists stay on the adjoining island of Panglao, providing convenient access to beaches, restaurants, and five-star resorts. If you love the ocean, dive in Balicasag Marine Sanctuary, a vivacious spot teeming with turtles and colourful fish.
Siargao
This island balances laid-back surfer vibes with a great evening atmosphere and cute cafés, making Siargao a favourite for many backpackers. Head to the waves for a surfing lesson or book a boat trip to explore the nearby islands. As part of your Siargao Itinerary, rent a scooter and tour the island, driving through the famous Palm Tree Road and dipping in Magpopongko Rock Pools during low tide.
Cities To Visit
Many come to the Philippines for the beaches, but the cities have so much to offer. Picture every type of food you could want—delicious street food, fine dining restaurants, and, of course, the famous Filipino fast-food chain, Jollibee. Add to that historical forts, stunning Catholic churches, and endless museums to explore. Plus, there’s the late night parties, exceptional cafes, and dreamy accommodations to stay in! Add at least one of these epic cities to your Philippines bucket list.
Dumaguete
Located on the southeastern tip of Negros Island, Dumaguete is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and scenic coastal views. The city is rich in colonial-era buildings, churches, and plazas that reflect its Spanish heritage. Surrounding the city are many beautiful natural spots, including the famous Apo Island dive site and the underrated Casaroro Falls.
Baguio
Baguio, known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a city in the Cordillera Central mountain range, around 1,500 meters above sea level. Due to its geography, Baguio’s climate stands in stark contrast to the rest of the Philippines, offering breezy, cool, and refreshing air year-round. The city is fortunate to have nature right at its doorstep, featuring numerous parks, a large central lake and plenty of pine trees.
Towns For Your Philippines Bucket List
The beauty of the Philippines lies in the uniqueness of its towns, where each place has its own identity, activities and community. From busy markets selling fresh produce and second-hand clothes to scenic hidden gems and excellent nightlife. Here are five unique towns you should add to your Philippines bucket list:
Moalboal & Alegria
These two nearby towns both offer incredible activities. In this part of South Cebu, you can enjoy a half-day canyoneering tour, explore numerous waterfalls, snorkel with thousands of sardines, and experience excellent scuba diving. For party lovers and extroverts, staying in Moalboal, where the town boasts plenty of bars, hostels, and bustling nightlife is best. If you prefer a quieter escape with nature nearby, staying in Alegria is better.
Sagada
Sagada is a mountain town famous for its unique excursions and rich heritage. One of the town’s most notable attractions is the Hanging Coffins, an ancient tradition of placing coffins on the side of a cliff to rest the deceased closer to heaven. Sagada is also home to beautiful rice terraces, a towering waterfall, and an incredible spelunking experience (caving with water). For early risers, hiking to a viewpoint to witness the famous Sea of Clouds during sunrise is a memorable experience!
El Nido
El Nido is a picturesque coastal town located on the northern tip of Palawan. Known for its stunning natural beauty, El Nido is often regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The town is famous for its island hopping, where you can snorkel in technicolour reefs, kayak in crystal-clear waters, and wander on powdery beaches. El Nido also offers scenic hikes, excellent scuba diving, electric nightlife, and superb cafes.
Staying in El Nido? Check out this Hostel With a Rooftop Pool!
Banaue
A serene mountain town hidden within the mountains in the northern part of the Philippines, Banaue is a tranquil nature escape featuring misty landscapes and stunning natural beauty. While there may not be much to do in this town, it is worth staying a night to undertake a trek of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The half-day hike takes you along thin stone walls, through the rice terraces and towards a jaw-dropping waterfall (perfect for a refreshing dip)!
The Banaue Rice Terraces hike is one of the most underrated adventures and is an essential part of any traveller’s Philippines bucket list!
Adventure Activities
I’m guessing you haven’t come to the Philippines just to sit on a beach and tan! From hikes offering panoramic views to adrenaline-fueled activities and epic watersports, here are some incredible activities you won’t want to miss!
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
From healthy reefs teeming with radiant fish to majestic giants and unforgettable bucket list experiences, the underwater world in the Philippines is unparalleled. And you don’t have to be a certified diver to witness this beauty. The Philippines boasts a plethora of snorkelling spots that will blow your mind—from the countless turtles of Balicasag to the thresher sharks of Malapascua and the whale sharks of Donsol. Strapping on some goggles and heading into the water is a must during your trip to the Philippines.
Surfing
The Philippines has some incredible surfing spots. From the famous shores of Siargao to the more peaceful waves of Calicoan, there is a site for everyone to surf in the Philippines. For professionals, Baler hosts the largest waves the country has to offer! Make sure you check the surf season before you plan a trip.
Hiking
Maybe you pictured your trip staying at sea level, but if you are feeling active, head to one of the Philippines’ numerous mountains for exceptional views overlooking nearby islands. If hiking is your forte, tackle the famous Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines! In Cebu, the most famous (and easy hike) is Osmeña Peak, but if you want to skip the crowds, head to Mt. Manunggal instead, where you can camp and witness a magnificent sunrise and sunset.
Island Hopping
The Philippines, home to crystal-clear waters, Gatorade-blue lagoons, and some of the most colourful reefs on the planet, is the ideal place for island hopping. If you only have time for one island-hopping trip in the Philippines, choose either Coron or El Nido, where you can kayak, snorkel, and swim in some of the clearest lakes in the world (don’t skip Kayangan Lake). Aside from Palawan, Mactan and Siargao offer excellent boat trips to explore the nearby islands. Island hopping is one of the most iconic Philippines bucket list experiences!
Instagrammable Places To Add To Your Philippines Bucket List
Cultural Activities
Travelling involves exploring new cultures, experiencing different ways of life, and immersing yourself in situations that may initially feel strange. During your unforgettable trip, check off a few of these unique cultural experiences from your Philippines bucket list.
- Experience a fiesta
Join a local town party held in honour of a patron saint.
- Attend Sinulog
Witness the lively annual festival in Cebu that celebrates with flamboyant parades, dances and street parties.
- Enjoy a boodle fight
Participate in a traditional meal where food is spread on a banana leaf, eaten with hands and shared between a group.
- Get a traditional tattoo
Visit Whang Od Oggay, the world’s oldest tattoo artist (100+ years old), for a traditional tattoo.
- Explore the historic churches
Visit iconic churches like San Agustin Church in Manila, known for its rich history.
- Visit a local market
Browse markets for fresh produce, clothes, and unique souvenirs.
- Take a ride in a jeepney or tricycle
Experience a ride in these traditional Filipino modes of transportation.
- Try the local food at a carinderia
Sample authentic Filipino dishes at a local eatery or carinderia.
Foods To Cross Off Your
You’ve probably heard the backpacker’s opinion that Filipino food isn’t good. That might be because you don’t know which dishes to try (don’t worry, I too was clueless before I moved here). Here are our favourite dishes to sample, along with some exotic delights to add to your Philippines bucket list:
Dishes To Try
Lechon: Roasted pig with a crispy outing and juicy inside.
Adobo: Chicken or pork stewed in vinegar, garlic, soy, bay leaves, and pepper.
Bicol Express: A spicy pork stew with coconut milk and chilli peppers
Torta Talong: Aubergine fried with a crispy coating
Balut: A fertilised duck egg thought to be an aphrodisiac
Tuslob Buwa: Fried Pigs brains sauteed with garlic and onion
Pan De Coco: A soft bread filled with coconut sugar
Mango Float: A dessert made with mango, graham crackers and cream
Dirty Icecream: The local street cart ice cream
Philippines Bucket List Challenge
Try to tick off as many of these for an incredible backpacking trip. Do you think you can tick off all these bucket list items?
 How many have you already ticked off?
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.Â
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