Cultural Gems of the Philippines

With a wealth of historic landmarks from its Spanish past, this capital city is full of museums, parks, and other cultural gems.

Explore the central streets of this capital, where ancient and modern architecture mix, and quaint shops offers their colorful ware.

The heart of historic Manila, this district dates to the 16C and features several remarkable well-preserved landmarks.

The oldest church in the Philippines boasts fine ornaments, and features an adjacent museum full of historic and religious relics.

Set within Rizal Park, this museum houses ancient artifacts, archaeological findings, and ethnographic relics of the Filipino People.

With its cool mountain climate, superb scenery, and fun attractions, this city is favored by local and international travelers alike.

Established in the 18C, this Spanish church is home to a famous church organ fashioned entirely from bamboo.

Set in a Neoclassical palace, this museum exhibits a range of historic and contemporary paintings and sculptures by Filipino artists.

Housed in a 19C manor, this museum conveys the lives and household prevalent during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.

Wander around this 16C fort erected by a Spanish conquistador, and be sure to explore its dungeons, bastions, and historic exhibits.

Steeped with history and natural features, this urban park is one of Asia's largest, boasting museums, gardens, and monuments.

This unique volcanic caldera lake boasts a small volcano in its center, which in turn boasts a crater lake and an island within it.

Hire a canoe and follow the river, or hike from the town of Cavinti to discover these gorgeous waterfalls nestled amid lush scenery.

Visit the architecturally diverse buildings of this presidential residence complex, and explore the gardens surrounding the premises.

Home to thousands of marine creatures, this oceanarium offers shows, underwater tunnel, jellyfish exhibit, and other attractions.

With a history stretching to the 16C, this cathedral boasts interesting ornamental details, vaulted ceilings, and a peaceful air.

Catch a show at the national theater, or simply enjoy the grounds surrounding this complex, dedicated to Philippine arts and culture.

A large and fun amusement park offering a multitude of rides for all ages, including family-friendly and more thrilling attractions.

Boasting indoor and outdoor activities, this large amusement park offers rides and attractions for all ages.

First erected in the 16C, this church boasts lovely Baroque architecture and is home to the miraculous statue of the Black Nazarene.

While not in its prime, this theater boasts Art Deco architecture, and an entrance dominated by a rich stained-glass window.

This immense cemetery is the last resting place of over 17,000 WWII soldiers, and featuring a lovely mosaic memorial.

This park hosts a mausoleum honoring the Philippines' second president, a museum dedicated to his life, nice gardens, and monuments.

This thriving metropolis with a small town ambiance offers visitors great nightlife, architectural diversity, and nice restaurants.

Enjoy the bustle and the big-city comforts as you explore the center, and be sure to visit some of the lavish historic buildings.

This heritage house exhibits a 19C household of a textile merchant, featuring an antique shop and a charming cafe.

A lavish manor build in 1928, boasting fine Beaux-Arts architecture, this heritage house exhibits historic furniture and art items.

This regional museum exhibits all manner of historic artifacts, including ceramics, jewelry, fossils, sculptures, and other curios.

Famed worldwide for its spectacular island atmosphere, Boracay offers amazing beaches, superb marine life, and rich nightlife.

Not far from Boracay, this island boasts beaches, sea coves, an aviary, walking trails, a seashell museum, and other attractions.

Boasting twin spires and notable neo-Gothic architecture, this church is one of Iloilo's cultural landmarks.

Lined with architectural gems past their prime, this historic street yet provides a glimpse into the 19C Iloilo City.

Now functioning as a school, this stately mansion boasts elaborate architecture and gracefully constructed facade.

A fisherman island famed for its abundant marine life, rich coral reefs, and nearby caves perfect for diving.

A flourishing metropolis, Cebu City boasts historic buildings, temples and churches, as well as some great shopping opportunities.

With a history dating to the 16C, this Catholic church features a museum exhibiting ecclesiastical relics and a historic library.

Visit a parks as you explore the central city streets, admire relics of its Renaissance architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere.

A 16C fort, now partially serving as a museum exhibiting documents and relics from the Spanish colonial period.

With a garden full of butterflies and a gallery exhibiting art made from butterfly wings, this natural museum is a unique experience.

A great destination for scuba divers of all levels, boasting coral gardens, rich marine life, and good visibility.

Hire a boat to reach this lovely island, where you can bask on a nice beach, swim, explore the village, and enjoy some fresh seafood.

Sporting Philippine architectural details, this 19C building serves as an ethnographic museum, depicting a traditional household.

This 19C building hosts historic collections from Cebu's Spanish and American periods, exhibiting documents, artifacts, and more.

Stroll up a winding path leading towards this colorful hilltop temple, admire its architecture, and make a wish at the well.

Housed in a historic building, this wonderful museum details the lives and household of the 18C Jesuit in Cebu.

Famed for its beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, this island town boasts rich marine life and verdant surrounding nature.

Full of natural light from the open ceiling, this cave boasts rich stalactite landscape, rocky formations, and a beautiful lagoon.

It is believed that Ferdinand Magellan himself ordered in the 16C the planting of this cross, now encased in a small chapel.

The oldest residential house in Cebu City dates to the 17C, exhibiting old household items, historic relics, and preserved decor.

Sculpted from a variety of materials, this monument depicts a series of significant events from the history of Cebu City.

A popular shopping mall boasting a variety of shops, open terraces, a charming park, and a lively atmosphere.

A fisherman island famed for its abundant marine life, rich coral reefs, and nearby caves perfect for diving.

Whether you hike up or take a taxi, the spectacular views of the surrounding area from this observation deck will be worth it.

A vibrant city with many attractions, Davao offers nature reserves, cultural landmarks, diverse museums, and much more.

Set in a replicated rainforest, this favored nature sanctuary is home to over 30 eagles, as well as other animal species.

Explore streets lined with fascinating shops and local restaurants, visit the colorful Chinatown, or escape the bustle in a park.

Home to thousands of crocodiles, and many other indigenous animal species, this popular reserve offers shows, souvenirs, and more.

With many fun installations and a variety of verdure from all around the world, this wonderful park is a fun getaway from the city.

With fun features throughout the park including a zipline, gardens, a hanging bridge, trails, and others, all visitors will enjoy.

Head out to brave the tallest mountain in the country, rising nearly 3,000m high and offering various attractions along the trail.

An ethnographic museum tracing the cultural history of indigenous tribes of Davao area, exhibiting all from paintings to miniatures.

This impressive Buddhist Temple is graceful in its design, boasting several lavish statues, a lovely pond, and a peaceful ambiance.

With a large collection of bones and skeletons of various animal species, this museum is eerie and fascinating at the same time.

The only Chinatown on the island boasts impressive archways and several temples, as well as many shops and restaurants.

Dating to the 19C and boasting elements of traditional Spanish architecture, this cathedral is home to mural and elaborate altars.

For a taste of true Davao, come to this market and sample any of the myriad dishes offered.

With a wealth of historic landmarks from its Spanish past, this capital city is full of museums, parks, and other cultural gems.

Explore the central streets of this capital, where ancient and modern architecture mix, and quaint shops offers their colorful ware.

The heart of historic Manila, this district dates to the 16C and features several remarkable well-preserved landmarks.

The oldest church in the Philippines boasts fine ornaments, and features an adjacent museum full of historic and religious relics.

Set within Rizal Park, this museum houses ancient artifacts, archaeological findings, and ethnographic relics of the Filipino People.

With its cool mountain climate, superb scenery, and fun attractions, this city is favored by local and international travelers alike.