The Philippines is an endless summer and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, historical monuments and natural wonders. Several of the country's attractions are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It:
- old churches built in the Baroque style;
- Reef Tubbataha Marine Park;
- rice terraces in the Cordillera;
- the city of Vigan;
- the Puerto Princesa River;
- Khamiguitan Mountain Range Reserve.
So where to start sightseeing in this country, what to see in the Philippines?
Top 15 attractions in the Philippines
Intramuros
Intramuros, Manila
The oldest district of Manila (the capital of the country). The first buildings and the walls surrounding them were erected in the 16th century. They were built to protect the families of the Spanish colonialists from the Chinese pirates. Only in the 19th century the city began to grow in breadth and outgrew the fortress walls. Today, the ancient district, once built by the Spaniards, is only a small part of the huge capital.
During the Second World War, the city was bombed, its historical sights were badly damaged. They were later restored.
One of the most interesting structures in the oldest urban area is Fort Santiago. Another famous landmark located here is the Cathedral. By some miracle, he survived the bombing and did not need to be restored.
But in Intramuros you will find not only historical sites: there are several restaurants and museums, art galleries and even an aquarium. And near the fortress walls (where there used to be a moat with water) there are golf courses.
Golden mosque
Another attraction of the capital of the Philippines. The huge dome of this mosque - the largest in the country - is covered in gold. The building was erected in the 70s of the XX century, the construction was timed to coincide with the expected arrival in Manila of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi (this visit never took place).
Wigan
Wigan
A city on the island of Luzon. Many buildings of the 16th century, built by the Spanish colonialists, have survived here. One of the most impressive buildings from this period is St. Paul's Cathedral, which houses the remains of the famous 19th century Filipino poet Leona Florentino.
Magellan's cross
Installed on the island of Cebu in the early 20s of the 16th century by the navigator Fernand Magellan, the first European to set foot on the land of the Philippines.
According to some sources, the navigator erected this cross in honor of the adoption of Christianity by several representatives of the local nobility; according to other sources, the installation of the cross marked the first Catholic service here. There is a third version: the cross was installed by Magellan immediately after the arrival of the Europeans on the island.
The ancient landmark is located in a small chapel built around the cross in the 19th century. An artifact from the time of Magellan is today enclosed inside a different, much newer wooden cross (like inside a capsule) - information about this is placed on a plate installed in the chapel. Thus, the ancient cross is protected from adverse environmental influences and from visitors to the chapel who want to break off a piece of a 16th century relic. The Cross of Magellan is considered by some to be miraculous, healing from all diseases. There is a custom to light candles at its foot; many leave here coins of various denominations.
Skeptics believe that in fact the 16th century cross was lost long ago and replaced by a newer one, but it is impossible to prove this version.
Kalibo
The best time to visit this city is in January, when the famous Ati-Atikhan festival is held here. Bright exotic outfits, ancient tribal music, dances and processions in the streets, fun and unforgettable impressions - these are what awaits you at the festival, which was first held here at the beginning of the 13th century.
Fort Drum
Fort Drum
This attraction is located at the entrance to Manila Bay. The fort was built in the early 20th century by the Americans, who gained control of the Philippines at the end of the 19th century.
The fort was built on the island of El Frail. More precisely, the island ceased to exist, as it was demolished almost to sea level, and the rest of it was turned into an impregnable fortress, resembling a concrete battleship from the outside.
In 1942, the fort was surrendered to the Japanese who attacked the Philippines. All the power of the Japanese artillery could not cause any harm to the fort, but the defenders of the "concrete battleship" ran out of provisions and were forced to surrender. Three years later, the Americans recaptured the fort from the Japanese, but for this they set fire to the "concrete ship" by pumping fuel into it through the vents. The fire blazed for several days.
Today the fort has lost its strategic importance, but it is one of the most famous historical sites in the country.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Rice terraces
The Filipinos are especially proud of this landmark: it is even depicted on the Philippine banknote. Amazing rice terraces were created about 2 thousand years ago. Their curves precisely follow the contours of the mountain slopes. Their irrigation system is still used successfully today. It is striking that all this was built by hand (no special equipment in that distant era simply did not exist).
The area, transformed by human labor, looks unusual, but very beautiful: it is difficult to look away from this fantastic landscape. That is why the flow of tourists does not stop here.
The terraces are easily accessible from Banaue, which, in turn, can be reached by bus from the capital of the country. For walking on the terraces, it is better to wear closed shoes with hard soles. It is also advisable to take warm clothes with you: in the evenings in the mountains it is much cooler than during the day. You can explore the terraces on your own or join one of the excursions (their cost starts from 300 Philippine pesos).
Mactan Island
Here you will find wonderful beaches and hotels, as well as historical sites.
On this island, the navigator Fernand Magellan was killed by the local leader Lapu-Lapu. Here you can see a memorial dedicated to the famous navigator, and a monument to the leader who fought with him (Lapu-Lapa is revered as a fighter for independence).
Coron Island
Coron Island
There are several beautiful lakes on this island, which are famous for their cleanliness. And in the sea waters around the island there are many sunken Japanese ships from the Second World War. Today they are local attractions of great interest to tourist divers.
Puerto Princesa River
An underground river flowing near the city of the same name. Its length is more than 20 meters; the channel is located in a large cave with several halls.
In the area of the river, a reserve has been created, named in her honor. Several hundred species of exotic plants grow here, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. Here are some of the mammals that can be seen here:
- binturong;
- bearded pig;
- long-tailed macaque.
Lizards, Filipino forest frogs and other exotic representatives of the local fauna are also found here.
Chocolate hills
Chocolate hills
The pride of the Philippines, depicted on the flag and coat of arms of one of the provinces of that country. On the island of Bohol, on an area of about 50 square kilometers, there are about one and a half thousand grassy hills. During the dry season, this vegetation turns brown, then the hills take on an amazing chocolate color.
There is a local legend about the origin of an extraordinary landscape. According to her, in ancient times a mighty giant lived on this land. He fell in love with a local girl named Aloe. When she died, he wept for several days, and his tears became hills.
Dead forest
This attraction, located on the island of Boracay, emerged several decades ago. Then the ocean water flooded the mangrove forest and he died. For a relatively short time of the existence of the dead forest, beliefs have appeared associated with the presence of a mysterious otherworldly force here.
For many, these beliefs cause a skeptical smile, but one thing is certain: in a dead forest, you can take many unusual and beautiful photos!
Tubbataha reef
A real paradise for diving enthusiasts. A marine and bird sanctuary located in the central part of the Sulu inter-island sea. This reserve includes two atolls and a reef.
The marine biodiversity here is simply incredible: in the reserve you can see ¾ of all known species of coral and almost half of the species of reef fish on the planet! About a hundred species of birds live on the atolls, and over a dozen species of sharks and almost the same number of dolphins live in the sea waters!
Mayon
Mayon
A volcano located on the island of Luzon. Over the past four centuries, it has erupted more than fifty times. The most destructive is the eruption that occurred in the 19th century. It destroyed the city of Sagzawa (in another transcription - Kagzawa), more than a thousand people died. Only the ruins of an old church remain from the city; today they are a popular tourist destination.
And the volcano itself, despite its cunning, is of great interest to tourists who come here from different parts of the world. Mountain bike lovers, climbers and simply connoisseurs of natural beauty make their dreams come true here, none of them leave disappointed.
The territory on which this landmark is located is a national park named after the volcano. The best time to visit this area is considered to be the spring months.
Bat caves
You can see these sights on the islands of Boracay and Samal. It is best to visit the caves during the day or early evening when the bats are sleeping. At night, they fly out of the caves in search of fruit. Among them, you can sometimes see truly huge individuals, whose wingspan reaches a meter.
