When you are traveling to a tropical paradise like the Philippines, made of more than 7,000 islands you don’t have to choose between chilling out on a white sand beach and discovering art and museums. There is something for everyone.
With incredible landscapes, marine resources, active volcanoes, and national parks, the Philippines is a place to die for. In addition to that, the rich history and culture of the country make it an attractive destination to people even from far away!
Even if you have visited many other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines would offer a different atmosphere, a legacy from its Spanish colonial times.
Know Your Philippines
Let us take a quick look at some facts and figures before we get to the places to visit when you are in the Philippines.
Time: GMT+8
Capital: Manila
Telephone Code: +63
Languages: Filipino, English
Currency: Philippine peso
Visa: Differs based on nationality. Visit for more information:
https://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular-services-2/visa/dont-know-if-you-need-a-visa-to-travel-check-here
Weather: Average of 25° Celsius to 32° Celsius (78°F-90°F)
Best time to visit: November and April
Offbeat Places to visit in the Philippines
Done visiting the crowded touristy places in the Philippines? Here are some offbeat places that are not far from the beaches that you have to visit when you are in the Philippines.
Shipwreck Diving, Coron
If you want a change of scenery from the white beaches, take a trip to visit the spectacular underwater views of the wreckage from WWII in Coron Bay. Along with the breathtaking marine life and coral gardens, at Coron, you will get to see sunken wrecks of supply ships, gunboats, aircraft carriers, and planes from the yesteryears.
The wreckage is well-preserved and covered with corals and provides a home for some diverse fish species, making it one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. And more importantly, the breathtaking dive is suitable for all divers - from beginners to experts.
Underground River Tour, Puerto Princesa
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is an underwater river that stretches for five miles through limestone caves linking into the ocean. The Puerto Princesa river is the second-longest navigable subterranean river in the world and was named one of the new 7 wonders of Nature, in 2012.
The underwater river boasts of pristine waters that are surrounded by dumbfounding cave formations and limestone cliffs. Only a portion of the river is open for the public and tourists, but that would be more than enough to convince you of its beauty and wonder. There are several local river tours to choose from and a tour usually lasts for 45 to 60 minutes. The tours cover the cave formation, one of a kind stalactite and stalagmites, and the wildlife like birds, bats, etc.
Don’t miss the chance to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan, you will regret it!
Hanging Coffins, Sagada
Just to the north of Manila, along the Cordillera Mountains is one of the bizarre sights that you will ever see - the hanging coffins of Sagada. Sure, you need some sturdy shoes and stronger legs to climb these arduous mountain paths. But it will be worth it when you get to see the coffins of yester-world just suspended from the cliffs of Echo Valley.
The members of the Igorot tribe strongly believe that dead ones get closer to their spirits if they were moved higher. And this habit of leaving the corpse in fetal posture in a coffin and nailing it to the cliffs. This protected the coffin and the corpse from the unpredictable waters and eventual rotting. This ancient practice is slowly dying out and it feels like a glimpse into the past to watch the hanging coffins.
Tigbao Hanging Bridge, Sevilla
Swinging over the Loboc River is a bamboo bridge that hangs over 40meters high in the air, connecting two barangays (villages) in Sevilla, Bohol.
Conquer your fear of heights in the island of Bohol by walking across this bamboo bridge, that has been recently reinforced - ropes giving way for steel to hold the bamboo in place. The steel rope is connected by a bamboo floor, which often gets slippery during the rainy season - adding a thrill to the whole experience.
It may be little off from your regular day tour, but this is a lifetime experience that can’t be missed, as the bridge swings side to side as you step on it. For those who are worried, you can see small motorbikes crossing the bridge, so fret not - you are in safe hands!
If you can peel yourself off from the white beach sands and the pristine blue waters, take a trip to these offbeat non-beach-related places in the Philippines. And tell us about your favorite place right here in the comments.