Touring the Philippines is not just about the beaches. Of course, these are wonderful places to visit, but there’s also something to be said about exploring the metro. What’s more, if you’re staying in cheap hotels near NAIA, you can maximize your vacation with all the places you can visit. Check out this list of must-see, bang-for-your-buck places when you visit Metro Manila in the Philippines

Yexel’s Toy Museum

South of Metro Manila, in the city of Las Pinas, you can find Yexel’s Toy Museum. The 4-story building is filled from front-to-back and top-to-bottom with a vast collection of toys, acquired through the years by the owner, Yexel Sebastian. From Disney characters to Barbie dolls, from anime and cartoon characters to comic book heroes, the museum features over 10,000 individual toys, busts, and figures.

One of the main attractions of Yexel’s Toy Museum is a collection of life-sized Iron Man suits, from Mark I to Mark XLII. There’s also a lot of Star Wars and Avengers collectibles to see, if you’re a fan of these franchises. You can also see an 18-foot bust of Optimus Prime, complete with light effects, in the museum. It’s considered the biggest in Asia, so you might want to check it out and take a photo.

Binondo

Binondo, the thriving Chinatown in the heart of the city of Manila, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s been bustling with commerce even before the Spanish arrived on Philippine shores, although it was officially established in 1594. It was originally intended for Chinese immigrants who got baptized into Catholicism, but has since been transformed into a thriving business district.

You may not notice it due to the colorful establishments and busy streets, but Binondo is actually a hilly area. Its name is derived from “binondoc” which translates to “mountainous.” Binondo is most well-known as a haven for those looking for an authentic Chinese food experience. From holes in the wall to family-style restaurants, you certainly won’t leave this place hungry.

National Museum of Natural History

Opened in 2018, the National Museum of Natural History is the newest addition to the National Museum Complex located in the city of Manila. The “Tree of Life” elevator, the central feature of the atrium, is an attraction in and of itself. You’ll probably find flocks of tourists taking selfies at the foyer, where a replica of one the largest saltwater crocodile specimens ever discovered can be found. The rest of the museum comprises six floors with various galleries that showcase just how diverse the Philippines’ ecosystems and natural resources are.

The best thing about the National Museum of Natural History (aside from the wonderful exhibits)? Entrance is absolutely free! Locals, foreigners, students, senior citizens, children—absolutely everyone can enter the museum free of charge. Just make sure to follow the rules! While you’re in the area, you may also want to drop by the other establishments in the complex: the National Planetarium, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of Anthropology. The Rizal Park is also nearby.

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park’s largest attraction is the Oceanarium, which houses about 14,000 marine creatures found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. A 25-meter section of the area is dedicated to a 220° curved walkway tunnel, where you can see hundreds of sea creatures swimming around. There’s also a bi-level viewing facility where you can see sharks and stingrays. An interesting fact about the Oceanarium is that the water in its displays comes from Manila Bay. Through a special process, the water is filtered and salinized to make sure it can sustain marine life.

Despite its name, Manila Ocean Park also has other attractions that feature birds, bunnies, hamsters, insects, spiders, and frogs, among others. There’s also a bird show and a sea lion show, as well as an augmented reality interaction and even fun neon-lit pedal cars. There’s also a fireworks and water show every night at 6:30 PM.

Intramuros

The Walled City is one of the oldest districts in Manila, with Spanish-era influences clearly visible in the facades of buildings both old and new. Visiting Intramuros also puts you in the midst of various tourist spots, including Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego, the San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral. It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to see everything in Intramuros, so you may want to consider renting bamboo bikes from Bambike Ecotours. You can rent a bike on a per hour rate and explore on your own, or book a guided tour with Bambike so you can also learn more about the Walled City.

Bonifacio Global City + Mind Museum

Bonifacio Global City or BGC is located in the city of Taguig. It’s an urban enclave and business district in Metro Manila, with towering office and commercial buildings, tree-lined walkways, and various shopping and dining establishments. However, BGC is more than just a concrete jungle. It’s also a haven for art. Walk around and you’ll see large-scale installations, wall murals, and other works of art. Like in Intramuros, you can choose to tour on your own or book a guided tour.

Once you’re done with the outdoors, drop by the Mind Museum. It’s a non-profit project of the Bonifacio Art Foundation established as “world-class home for science.” Apart from galleries and exhibitions, the Mind Museum also features interactive workshops. There’s also an outdoor area called Science in the Park, as well as a botanical garden.

Tiendesitas + Greenhills Shopping Center

If you’re in need of some retail therapy, you may want to drop by Tiendesitas in Pasig and Greenhills in San Juan. You can find Philippine-made handicrafts, antique furniture, souvenirs, even plants and pet supplies in Tiendesitas. There are also some cultural shows during the weekends. Meanwhile, Greenhills Shopping Center is a favorite of bargain hunters. It’s also one of the best places to get genuine South Sea pearls in the country.

Maginhawa Street + Teachers Village

Up north in Quezon City lies Maginhawa Street and Teacher’s Village. These locales have been transformed over the years as food and art districts. If you’re looking for authentic Filipino food, you can find food parks and holes in the wall in these areas. There are also resto-bars and cafes that serve traditional and fusion-style food. For those who are looking for something more exotic, you can also try Pinoy street food like kwek kwek (hard-boiled quail eggs deep-fried in an orange batter), isaw (barbecued chicken intestines), betamax (barbecued congealed pork or chicken blood), and balut (boiled duck’s egg, around 14 to 20 days of age).

Aside from dining establishments and food carts, you can also find bookstores, souvenir shops, galleries, and other artistic hubs in the area. Another locale, Cubao Expo or Cubao X, is also located in Quezon City. This hub attracts artists, skaters, musicians, and foodies who enjoy a laid-back, vintage vibe. You can find locally made arts and crafts, apparel, instruments, and various other knickknacks both retro and modern.

Once you’re done sightseeing, drop by Manila Bay to witness the glorious sunset. It truly is a must-see! Afterwards, you can continue your explorations by finding the best bars, speakeasies, and clubs for a buzzing nightlife.

When you ask a Filipino about their dream trip, you’re sure that most of them will choose to go to Sagada as a part of their lists. This Philippine travel destination, unlike other crowded tourist hot spots, offers the quiet charms of nature and the fascinating allure of culture and tradition.

Sagada is located in the Cordillera Mountains in Mountain Province and is home to over 11,000 population. In the past, only the brave and daring backpackers had the chance to experience its beauty but thanks to social media, many people have discovered that the challenging journey to this paradise is all worth it.

If you’re finally planning to make your way to this sanctuary in the mountains, you’ve come to the right place. This article will tell you everything that you should know about how to create an unforgettable itinerary. So what are the best things to do in Sagada? Here they are.

1. Experience the afterlife and check out the Hanging Coffins – up close.

The hanging coffins in the Echo Valley are perhaps one of the most popular destinations in the area. Many of those who are either curious about the local’s funeral traditions or just want to see something different visit this solemn place.

Hanging the dead on cliffs is an ancient Sagadian tradition. However, only a select few locals had the opportunity of honoring their dead through this tradition because of some standards and qualifications that they had to adhere to. Tourists who want to reach this place can either hire a local guide or join group trips for better convenience.

2. Activate your full-on explorer mode and go spelunking inside the Sumaguing Cave.

Also called the “Big Cave”, the location is known as a former refuge for Filipino soldiers during the Japanese occupation. Many travelers visit this place not only because of its historical value but also for its challenging slopes and tunnels.

Exploring the cave is an adventure on itself because it is an expansive cave network. And anyone who dares to choose this for their itinerary will be greeted by fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.  The destination is located along the South Road in Sagada. Before choosing this for your trip, make sure you’re physically ready to take on whatever thrilling experience that this place has to offer.

3. Hike and witness the majestic wonders of the Bomod-Ok Falls.

Almost a few hours away from Bangaan is Bomod-Ok Falls, one of the best places to be when in Sagada. This is the home where you can witness the majestic dance of the cascading waters coming from the mountains. The natural pool beneath it is extremely cold and perfect for soothing the sores of a few kilometers of hiking. In short, the trip is always worth the hike and sweat.

Trekking to this part of Sagada requires a paid guide and a PHP 10.00 registration pay collected by the locals. From your accommodation, vans can be rented out for PHP 600 (as of 2018 data) so that they will take you to the jump-off point.

4. Capture picture-perfect sceneries and walk along the rice terraces.

Of course, Mountain Province’s rice terraces is one of the most popular destinations in the area. In fact, most people have been attracted to visit Sagada because of this natural gem. This strategically designed terrain has served as the region’s primary source of rice, their staple food, and the same mechanism has been used not just in Sagada but also in other parts of the country.

Batad’s rice terraces may be more popular than Sagada’s carefully carved mountainsides but it doesn’t mean that it does not offer the same grandeur. Take out your camera, pose for a selfie or capture the magical mountain view to remind you of such a beautiful moment.

5. Experience the art and history of Sagada and visit the Ganduyan Museum.

This small yet valuable museum introduces Kankanaey’s culture through the displayed artifacts, furniture, accessories, utensils, sculptures, traditional clothes, and a lot more. The name of the museum is actually the traditional Kankanaey name of Sagada.

The woman behind this cultural sanctuary is Christina Aben. If you’re lucky, Aben herself will be your personal museum guide and will tell you a myriad of things about the region’s history, culture and traditions. Adding this to your itinerary will help you understand Sagada better, especially from the perspective of an expert who knows the true story of this mystical place.

6. Experience the flavors of Sagada through a humble culinary journey.

Restaurants in Sagada may not be as grand as the places you find in major cities. In fact, they do not even fit the definition of a “huge restaurant” because of their size and list of menu, but they are a culinary gem on their own.

Visiting Sagada should also be a journey of experiencing its culinary culture. Delicacies such as the patupat rice, blueberry muffins, bugnay wine, and a lot more, can be tasted and savored at affordable prices. Food places such as the Salt and Pepper Diner, Vincent’s Coffee and Grill, and other local food stops have all unique dishes that they are proud of.

7. Just walk around town and create your own unique memories in Sagada.

Most people travel to see places but there are others who go to the world’s most beautiful towns to experience the different cultures and perspectives of the local community. When in Sagada, you can do just that. Once you’re already full and think that you have visited enough places to call it a day, why don’t you just walk around town and get the real feel of the place?

Who knows, you might meet new people who will not only help you get to know the real Sagada but will also give you a new perspective through their own travel stories. Don’t be shy to meet friends or even talk to the locals. After all, the best travel experience is when you remember the places, the faces, and their stories, and get to remember them for the rest of your life.

Sagada may be one of the best places that you can visit in the Philippines. As a final note, make sure that before journeying into this mountainous region, you have to know the rules and responsibilities that you have as a tourist and as a traveler. Good luck and have fun!

There are over seven thousand islands that make up the Philippines but only a few of them are popular with travelers. This is because, for decades, only a few locations have made it to the list of top travel blogs. The reason, however, is not because these common destinations are the only ones that the country has to offer. In truth, the archipelago is dotted with hundreds if not thousands of destinations that can cater to any type of traveler.

Hiking, mountaineering, spelunking, diving, caving, food-tripping, you name it! The Philippines is home to a wide variety of activities and a long list of locations perfect for that memorable getaway. This article enumerates some of the most unnoticed and unmentioned places that everyone must know.

Here are the most underrated Philippine destinations every traveler should visit.

1. Sorsogon

Located in Bicol, Sorsogon is one of the country’s underrated provinces especially when it comes to traveling. While many provincial buses cruise along its major highways, only a few people take time to stop and notice the region’s untouched beauty.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Sorsogon can be an ideal destination for beach and nature lovers. In the region, fishing is one of its major industries, with a wide variety of fish products coming from nearby fishing towns and islets. This proximity to the sea does not only give its people livelihood; it also gives locals and tourists the access to the major beach spots such as Tikling and Subic Beach Rizal and Dancalan Beach, among others. Additionally, the province sits adjacent to mountains and hills, and one of its mighty landmarks is great Mount Bulusan-and volcano riddled with lakes and relaxing hot springs.

2. Samar Island

Samar is located in the eastern part of Visayas and is one of the biggest island-provinces in the Philippines. The region can be reached via air and land travel, and it requires a medium level of backpacking experience in order not to be overwhelmed by its challenging logistics. However, even if Samar is a relatively remote location, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the country and can even compete with Palawan’s blue waters and sandy shores.

Samar Island offers the biggest cave systems in the country, including Langun Gobingob cave in its western forests. Pink sand beaches are also found in the northern part of the island, as well as the newly-discovered Biri islets. On the eastern region of Samar are endless shorelines of black-sand beaches and pristine waters. Additionally, a few hours ride to Guiuan is the island’s surfing capital where local surf camps are located.

3. Siquijor

If you ask Filipinos about what comes into mind when they hear the word “Siquijor”, they would say witchcraft and mysterious beings. Indeed, the place has not been a popular destination for travelers since the myths of scary monsters and man-eating aswangs have been attached to the province’s name.

However, many who of those who gave this province the benefit of the doubt was welcomed by the region’s most stunning sights and it’s not too late for you to take the same road in your next trip. Indeed, the place can be described as enchanted, but for a good reason. The islands are home to the country’s most mesmerizing waterfalls such as the Lugnason and Cambugahay falls. Additionally, it boasts diverse marine sanctuaries and beach fronts such as Tulapos, Tubod, Kagusuan beach, and Guiwanon Spring Park. Lastly, the mystic region is the sanctuary of what locals dub as the “Old Enchanted Balete Tree”. In Philippine myths and legends, the balete tree is an enchanted place where nature spirits and mountain maidens live. Many say that it is a gateway to a supernatural realm.

4. Tawi-Tawi

Another beautiful island province is Tawi-Tawi found in Mindanao and is located in the southernmost region in the country-basically it sits on the tip of the country. A visit in this province will reveal its close ties to Islam and Muslim culture, thanks to its proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia.

The place is rich in culture and tradition its sceneries are breathtaking, but you can’t see Tawi-Tawi in most popular travel blogs. For instance, Bongao, its capital, offers a truly spectacular view for all who dare to explore its center. A quick hike to Bongao Peak, the island’s highest peak will give you a 360-view of the whole island. In front of you will be wide blue ocean and a truly magnificent view of the horizon.

Simunul, located in the southeast part of Bongao, may not have the beaches and stunning seascapes that Bongao Peak has to offer, but it has something very special: the Philippines’ oldest mosque and a National Historical Landmark.  It was in 1380 when Sheik Karimul Makhdum set the foundation of the very first mosque in the country. Originally, the structure of this holy place was made of wood as well as other light materials. However, after 500 years of existence, a huge fire ravaged the mosque. Today, the structure is made of strong concrete.

5. Bukidnon

Bukidnon is located in the northern part of Mindanao and is a landlocked province nestled in a plateau and surrounded by seemingly endless hills and mountains. In fact, its name literally means “mountain dweller” or “highlander”. Because of its ideal location for farming and agriculture, it is considered as the Philippine “Food Basket”, boasting plantations of sugarcane, pineapples, and bananas, rice, and corn, to name a few.

Traveling to Bukidnon can be a life-changing experience, especially because of what the province has to offer In terms of relaxation and outdoor adventure. Forest parks, caves, spring resorts, mountain views, mesmerizing falls, mystic caves, name it. This underrated travel destination has everything to satisfy your craving for fun and adventure.

The most affordable way to get to Bukidnon is traveling by sea and then taking a car to get to your destination. The fastest way is to fly directly from Manila to the island’s nearest airport which is Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, and from there, take a bus to your destination. There are no direct flights yet to the province, given its challenging terrain.

Conclusion

The Philippines is a destination that you can never get tired of and there are still hundreds of places that are just waiting to be discovered. Don’t finalize that bucket list first. Start doing your research and you’ll be surprised at what you can discover. Happy travels!

When traveling in the Philippines, you can never run out of places to explore. This is because the archipelago is one of the most diverse destinations in the world in terms of food, culture, language, and of course, of the sights and sounds that every region has to offer.

The start of the travel year is here, and if you’re already planning for your next trip, this article will help you make the decision of where should be your first stop. There are a lot of things that every island in the country takes pride in: from beaches, cave systems, rock formations, rice fields to mesmerizing waterfalls.

That is why it is important to make every trip unforgettable especially if your next destination is set in a uniquely majestic setting, so it’s good to have your camera as a constant travel buddy.

Here are the top places in the Philippines with the most fantastic views for that picture-perfect travel moment.

1. Batanes, Cagayan Valley

Batanes is a small archipelago region that sits on the valleys of Cagayan. As the northernmost province in the Philippines, not many people have actually explored its geographical wonders. For those who were lucky enough to fly to its remote islands, they were one of the fortunate few to have witnessed the elegance of this beautiful paradise.

Almost a dominant part of Batanes is composed of long ranges of hills and mountains, with a vast shoreline rammed by endless waves, providing a magnificent view for landscape photographers and shutterbugs. In fact, many vloggers and travel writers have declared the place as a top travel destination because of its natural beauty. The place is also a favorite spot for movies and other cinematic works.

2. Batad, Ifugao Province

The Banaue Rice Terraces may be a world-famous destination for local and international backpackers because of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site, but its neighboring village, Batad, holds the same title and has an equally majestic view to offer.

Among Ifugao’s rice terraces, Batad’s winding stairs of rice plantations are gaining its own popularity as one of the most visited cultural villages in the region. This is because the area has welcomed itself to travelers by providing lodging homes and inns that offer a full experience of the people’s food, culture, and way of life.

Nearby are fascinating sights of seemingly endless mountain ranges, but there is more to what this place can offer. For instance, a 30-minute walk from the village is Tappiyah Waterfalls, a 70-meter falls that grants a picturesque background for a unique travel-slash-backpacking photo.

3. Masungi Georeserve, Rizal

This spectacular travel-adventure destination is just a few hours away from Metro Manila – but only a few weekend warriors and adventurers have dared to explore this part of the country. Why? The location offers a stunning view of a wide variety of greeneries and different shapes and sizes of rock formations. However, getting there requires determination and physical endurance.

Park authorities suggest that guests should set aside an entire day for every visit as the adventure involves a few hours of trekking and hiking before reaching the actual destination. From there, are winding paths, thrilling rope courses, and most importantly, uniquely designed stops. The activity aims to raise awareness to the importance of conservation. In fact, the whole point of the activity started as a creative protest against illegal logging, mining, and quarrying in the region, especially in the forests of Rizal.

4. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is one of the major regions in the large island of Palawan. As a travel destination, it is perhaps the most popular in terms of accommodation, beachfront view, and quality of the natural environment. Compared to Coron and Puerto Princesa, it has the most number of foreign and local tourists that visit every year. The only catch is that you have to prepare a much bigger travel fund in order to fully experience what it has to offer.

El Nido has the best beaches in the country and is home to Philippines’ exclusive island-resorts that many Hollywood and local celebrities frequently visit. Its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters offer a scenic view for photographers and videographers.

For underwater photography, El Nido has a lot of scuba diving sites on its must-experience list. The underwater sceneries of the region present a wide variety of structures that include vertical walls that can go as deep as 50 meters, descending slopes, sandy ocean surface, and of course, schools of different species of fish and sea creatures that hide across its colorful reef systems.

5. Biri Island, Samar

Samar has a lot of surprises for travelers and adventurers who want to explore the untouched and underappreciated travel destinations in the country. Biri Island, for instance, is a rising superstar among backpackers who took the road less traveled. In the island is a sight like no other and many who had the chance to visit this remote location can attest to the spot’s almost surreal and out-of-this-world experience.

The Biri Island Rock Formations are actually small islets characterized by rough and rocky terrains. These six different land formations have been nicknamed by the locals according to their distinct physical features: the Caranas, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, Masapat, and Magasang. These rocky islets are connected and can be accessed by foot during low tides.

The place does not only offer a mesmerizing photo opportunity but also provides what every typical island has in store for its visitors: a beachfront for sunbathing and swimming, with natural pools in crystal clear waters for a quick dip. Be warned, though, that Samar is generally a hot and humid region so staying long hours under the sun may not be a great idea.

Traveling to the unknown

Many people don’t really have the courage to explore more and discover everything that the country has to offer. Thanks to the power of social media and the internet, many places and travel destinations are starting to make their mark on every traveler’s map.

Remember that the best places in the Philippines with the most fantastic views are not only found in the most popular travel websites. Some of them are out there, waiting for their chance to show the world that they, too, can be a special entry in someone’s bucket list.