Because of its more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is an easily revisitable location. The most difficult decision you'll make as a traveler is deciding which areas to see first. The Philippines is separated into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which represent various regions of the country.

The scenery in each region of the Philippines varies from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan. You may spend the day meandering through Manila's old colonial alleyways or catching a rare glimpse of small tarsier monkeys at a private sanctuary on the island of Bohol. The high, luxurious mountains offer excellent hiking adventures.

Because it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, it is not surprise that the Philippines has some of Asia's best beaches, as well as excellent scuba diving options.

Plan your trip around this tropical island nation with our guide to the finest locations to visit in the Philippines.

Boracay

There's a reason Boracay Island is known as the Philippines' beach capital: it has more than 12 beaches. This tiny island in the west Visayas region is excellent for beachgoers seeking quiet leisure in the sun or water activities. White Beach, on the island's west side, is regarded as one of the greatest in the Philippines.

Puka Shell Beach, located at the extremity of the island, is a popular destination for shell collectors. Cagban Beach is a tranquil location with neighboring caverns reputed to contain treasure boxes. Diniwid Beach is a little beach on the north end of White Beach that offers the best view of the island from a platform rock.

This island is known for its numerous resorts, so choosing a place to stay is simple. A day journey to the island's highest peak, Mount Luho, will provide you with a panoramic vista.

Tarsier

The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas area moves at a slower pace and is a location that highlights the country's natural splendor. The Chocolate Hills near Carmen are one of the island's most remarkable natural attractions. This UNESCO-protected site consists of 1,200 geological formations that turn dark during the dry season, resembling a panorama of chocolate candy kisses.

Bohol is home to a family-run sanctuary for the tiny tarsier primate, which is famed for its wide, captivating eyes. For a nominal charge, you may take a private walk across the grounds and stand inches away from the small nocturnal creature.

The beach is Bohol's most popular attraction. Panglao Island has some of the best beaches in Bohol, including Alona Beach and Danao Beach, which offer fantastic diving; Dao Beach and Bingag Beach, which are popular resort areas; Bolod Beach, which has a long stretch of shoreline; and Doljo Beach, which is fairly remote but ideal for finding seashells.

Cebu

Cebu, located in the middle Visayas area, is known for hosting some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you enjoy diving, Cebu is a great place to go for excursions that will take you up close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

The sea caves in Cebu offer some of the most spectacular vistas from the water, attracting photographers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking unique diving and snorkeling sites. Sudlon National Park, located about an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking place to explore and walk.

While Cebu's main appeal is the ocean, Cebu City is a metropolitan city with tourist sites such as museums and cathedrals that history enthusiasts would appreciate.

Banaue

The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most impressive sights in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural marvel in this region. Some of the terraces are believed to have been hand-carved into the mountainside around 2,000 years ago.

The Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

To get a better sense of this place, walk through the Banaue Ethnic Village or the Hiwang Village and interact with the Indigenous people who harvest the rice terraces.

The most magnificent view of the terraces comes at sunrise, when mists and fog move off the mountain, revealing the beautiful terrain. You can base yourself in Banaue and hike or drive to the Batad rice terraces, or for a more real experience, arrange to stay in an Ifugao native hut.

Vigan

The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most lovely places to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture combines Chinese and Spanish influences brought by settlers to the area.

Take a ride around the streets on a horse-drawn kalesa and see the colonial architecture built by the Spanish in the 18th century. Vigan is a city with numerous characteristics to discover.

The best view of the area is from the Bantay Bell Tower, which is also a well-known monument. The Calle Crisologo historic quarter is walkable, with numerous local craftsmen and historical structures.

A visit to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is breathtaking, and it's the ideal place to sit and people-watch while learning about the local culture.

Manila

Manila, the Philippines' capital on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with nonstop activity. Hop in one of Manila's colorful jeepneys, the primary mode of public transportation, to experience local life while visiting the city's top attractions.

The bumpy journey around the streets in the unique and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles, which are usually jam-packed with people, will be one of the highlights of your vacation.

Make stops at the city's biggest park, Rizal Park, and the San Agustin Church, which was established in the 16th century. Buy local fruits and homemade items at the public market at Quiapo Church, where thousands of people gather on Fridays for church.

Davao City

For a city scene outside of Manila, visit Davao City, which has a big metropolitan area. Davao City is the capital of Mindanao, a region in southern Philippines.

Despite its malls and big population, Davao City has several natural attractions, such as the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, and Davao Baywalk beside the sea.

Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak, is a must-see in Davao City. Davao City has several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall, making it an ideal shopping destination. The small Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit if you want to learn about Davao City's history and culture.