10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Philippines That You Shouldn't Miss

November 28, 2021 Brandee Mangan

Coordinates: 13°N 122°E / 13°N 122°E / 13; 122
Restaurants in Philippines

1. Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue, Luzon Philippines
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 944 reviews

Banaue Rice Terraces

Spectacular terraces were carved out from mountain ranges some 2000 years ago with primitive handtools.

Reviewed By AjKamath - Hong Kong, China

This is one of the most spectacular views and landscapes in my opinion. The rice terraces are over 1000 years old and it is impressive to see how it was built back in those days where they did not have electricity and modern heavy machinery. The villages are still quite disconnected from the world - not many spots where you have good WiFi coverage- especially around Batad. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as you’re assured of time away from the usual city life and enjoy nature in the best way possible. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming. Getting there - take a bus from Manila, about 8 hours by road. Tickets can be booked online quite easily. Please beware of the extreme AC in the Coda (purple) bus!! Carry jackets n cover yourself to survive. They DO NOT adjust the temperature even if you’re freezing! Once there I think 2 days is more than enough to cover the region and visit all the important spots - Banaue view point, Batad village and view point, Ducligan Snake river, San Fernando, etc. I stayed at Bogah home stay and had an absolutely AMAZING experience. I recommend getting in touch with Denwil ([email protected]) who can organize everything at pretty good deals. I even got to stay with his family in Batad and help them harvest the rice :) one of the highlights of my trip and something that you can do in June-July if the rice is ready for harvest. The hikes are definitely not easy so recommend good hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes/gear. Do go with a guide to ensure you’re headed on the right path. It’s quite slippery - especially after rains. Food is good - not great. Carry your own supply of snacks etc. to be safe. Not too many shops sound so good to stock up on the necessities. Rice wine is also something worth trying - I got lucky to get some of the fresh distilled wine from the freshly harvested rice and it was GOOD! :) Overall - I definitely think it’s a MUST DO while in Philippines. Really amazing and experience that you will remember over time.

2. Puerto Princesa Underground River

Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island 5300 Philippines +63 48 723 0904 [email protected] http://undergroundriver-puerto-princesa.blogspot.com/p/underground-river-fees_20.html
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,726 reviews

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Reviewed By haryatiarifin - Bali, Indonesia

It is definitely worthy being of “7 Natural Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site” Apart from unique flora and some unique species such as frogs, bats, and birds inside . Its also recently discovered there are waterfall, massive rock and other sea creatures but not yet accessible by boat . 8 km long, but we can only access 1,3 km as you need special permits for further inside❤️ .

3. Casa Gorordo Museum

35 Lopez Jaena Street, Cebu City 6000 Philippines +63 32 411 1767 http://www.facebook.com/casagorordomuseum/
Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 481 reviews

Casa Gorordo Museum

This museum looks at local life in the 1800s.

Reviewed By sophiaalyssal

I really loved the place! I like how everthing was well preserved and taken care of. The museum showcased a lot of historical events and facts, and kept the antiques in place. Also, the tour guides were really accomodating and were very knowwledgeable.

4. Sumaguing Cave

Sagada, Luzon Philippines +63 915 957 6550 http://sagada.org
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 788 reviews

Sumaguing Cave

Reviewed By nicosamneil - Cebu Island, Philippines

Amazed by the stone formations. Adventure is somehow slippery so dont wear slippers that are hard, much better if slip resistant. Dont wear fancy clothes, an outdoor outfit would do since u'll get wet by the cold water that is flowing inside. Lucky we have an accomodating guide named artuto which is clearly a veteran in giving tours.

5. Camiguin Island

Mindanao Philippines +63 935 886 0125 http://www.camiguin.redbearnet.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 391 reviews

Camiguin Island

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Reviewed By mikecT7855BO

Have been to the island twice it's a great gem to see the people are friendly and helpful the d&a sea side cottages are great with good food and the coral dive resort is a great place to stay good price for the rooms and beautiful sun sets my wife and I got married at the coral dive the staff is friendly and very helpful looking forward to going back

6. Ariel's Point

Malay, Aklan Province 5608 Philippines +63 36 288 6770 [email protected] http://www.arielspoint.com
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,412 reviews

Ariel's Point

Ariel's Point is an eco-adventure destination located a scenic boat ride away from Boracay Island. With five cliff-diving platforms (from 3 to 15 meters) and ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in a tropical setting, Ariel's Point is the perfect destination for Boracay travelers who want to experience the raw beauty of the Philippines while also having fun with fellow travelers. The daytrip package includes a round-trip boat ride to Ariel's Point, a BBQ buffet, bottomless beverages (beer, soda, rum), afternoon snacks, and various activities (cliff diving, snorkeling , kayaking, paddleboarding, and boardgames). The current rate is 2,800 php per person. Bookings can be made through our main office at the Boracay Beach Club or by visiting our website.

Reviewed By babosamhotel - Boracay, Philippines

It s on the bucket list of all the people who visit boracay. Perfect to have fun alone, with friends or with the family

7. Tinago Falls

Iligan, Mindanao Philippines http://www.myiligancity.com
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Tinago Falls

Reviewed By 122wolfgangb - Germany, null

Tinago Falls are a bit - as the name says - hidden and you have to climb the 2 year old stair cases down. However standing in front of the falls reimburses the walk. There is a small lake to swim with the waterfalls in the front. You can ride a bamboo boat directly into the waterfalls and climb the rocks to jump from inside the waterfalls to the lake. Around the lake you can find small shops with beverages (also beer) and snacks. A nice relaxing experience.

8. Magpupungko Beach

Pilar, Mindanao 8419 Philippines +63 936 540 5103 http://m.me/siargaoislandph
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 285 reviews

Magpupungko Beach

Reviewed By Gilly1963 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Came here by motorbike from General Luna.Really enjoyed it lots of pools here.Could also jump from the rocks into the pools

9. Barracuda Lake

Coron, Busuanga Island Philippines
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 983 reviews

Barracuda Lake

Reviewed By jun_r - Sacramento, United States

This place was suggested as a dive spot. I was initially skeptical as I didn’t think there was much to experience in a freshwater lake. Was I ever wrong. Diving this lake is an other wordly experience. It is eerie and magical at the same time. The water is cold as you go in but as you descend it SUDDENLY turns warm… almost too warm so you don’t actually want to wear a wetsuit when you dive here. The change in water temp was so sudden that my mask fogged up so you’ll need to brush up on your mask clearing skills if you want to see anything here. The lake itself is pretty deep so you want to dive close to the edges to experience the limestone structures that line the sides of the lake. They also have some really friendly freshwater catfish in there that you can practically hand feed by breaking up some of the snails on the lake bed.

10. Dicasalarin Cove

Baler, Luzon Philippines +63 910 490 5123 http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=dcslrn
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Dicasalarin Cove

Reviewed By manrossa - Bacoor, Philippines

This place is superb! Was lucky to visit this place before in the ECQ. We came here January, good thing because we enjoyed the site alone. We are the first to come during that day. Entrance is Php 300 per head and Php 100 for the car 'cuz we actually brought our own service. The road is tight and only one car (sedan) can pass at a time. No worries, there will be a guide at the entrance to control traffic. There's a pub where we enjoy our lunch and got a taste of Baler authentic cuisine.

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