Contrary to the belief of a number of people, the Philippines is not only limited to the traffic jams of Manila. There is so much more to it.

The Philippines has 7,107 islands to choose from. Do you want to experience life by the beach? Do you want to conquer the highest peaks in the country? Do you want to walk the busy streets of the concrete jungle? Name it, and the Philippines has it. And because it is made up of thousands of islands, there are so many options and so many activities that you can do.

If you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia, you must not ignore the Philippines. Not convinced? Here are 25 things that might change your mind.

1. The Philippines is the perfect tropical getaway

as it maintains an average temperature of 26.6°C all year round. There are no extreme hot or cold temperatures, so your body won’t have to adjust too much. Plus, you can get to enjoy a vacation at the beach any time of the year.

2. The country has a lot of beautiful white sand beaches

that easily resemble the tropical paradise of your dreams. Nothing will beat the feeling of ditching your flip-flops as you sink your toes into the fine white sand. Add in the pristine water and laid-back vibes, you might never want to leave.

These are some of the places with the best white sand beaches that you must visit:

  • Bantayan Island, Cebu
  • Malapascua Island, Cebu
  • Malcapuya Island, Coron
  • Daku Island, Siargao
  • Pacifico Beach, Siargao
  • Mati, Davao Oriental
  • Panglao Island, Bohol

3. Here you can still find untouched nature

While there are beaches that are already known to many, there are even more of unspoiled beaches in the country. Here, you will find serenity and be able to relax without unwanted noise from other tourists.

These are some of the “virgin” beaches in the country:

  • Malamawi Island, Basilan
  • Carnaza Island, Cebu
  • Bonbon Beach, Romblon
  • Balimanok Beach, Pangasinan
  • Vulugan Beach, Batanes
  • Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo

4. There are pink beaches in the Philippines too!

You don’t need to go to Harbour Island in Bahamas, Balos Bay in Greece, or Spiaggia Rosa in Sardinia, because this tropical country in Southeast Asia is also a home to a few rose-tinted sand beaches. They are a bit harder to find than the white sand beaches, but they will definitely be worth the trip!

These are the known pink beaches in the country:

  • Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
  • Sila Island, Northern Samar
  • Subic Beach, Sorsogon
  • Tikling Island, Sorsogon
  • Pundaguitan Beach, Davao Oriental

5. Ever swam with sea turtles?

If the beautiful beaches aren’t enough to convince you to visit the Philippines, you have to know that you can swim with sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan,” as well. It’s not every day that you get to do swim alongside these magnificent animals, so you might as well grab the chance while you can.

Here are some of the spots where you can swim with sea turtles:

  • Apo Island, Negros Oriental
  • Balicasag Island, Bohol
  • Pescador Island, Cebu
  • Turtle Islands, Palawan

6. Swimming with whale sharks

Have you tried swimming with a creature that is as big as a bus? You can do that in the Philippines. Swimming with whale sharks is quite a popular tourist activity in the country. Although it has become quite controversial as these gentle giants are being fed by humans in Oslob, Cebu, which alters their food hunting habits, there are a few other places where they are able to roam and hunt freely.

Here are the places that are known to have whale shark sightings:

  • Donsol Bay, Sorsogon
  • Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
  • Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

7. Ever heard of a sardine run?

No, sardines don’t run. They swim. And you can swim with millions of them in Moalboal, Cebu. What’s even amazing about it is that you won’t have to swim that far or dive too deep to see them because the sardine run takes places just a few meters off the beach!

8. The Philippines is the Surfer’s Paradise

As the Philippines is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, you are guaranteed to find great surfing spots in various parts of the country.

Here are the known surfing destinations in the country:

  • Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
  • Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
  • Baler, Aurora
  • San Juan, La Union
  • San Antonio Zambales
  • Calicaoan, Eastern Samar

9. In the Philippines, you can find many breath-taking (literally) diving spots

that boast of rich marine life, such as various species of sea creatures and vibrant beds of corals. Many people from different parts globe visit the country to just to see these for themselves.

Here are some of the world-class diving spots:

  • Apo Island, Negros Oriental
  • Apo Reef, Mindoro Occidental
  • Ticao Pass, Masbate
  • Monad Shoal, Cebu
  • Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
  • Honda Bay, Palawan
  • Blue Hole, Romblon
  • Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

10. If you want to experience the island nightlife

the Philippines has got you covered. Partying in the club is one thing, but dancing the night away by the beach is a totally different story.

Here are some of the places where you can experience the lively island nightlife:

  • White Beach, Boracay Island
  • Ibiza Beach Club, Mactan, Cebu
  • Alona Beach, Panglao Island

11. There are a lot of hiking destinations

in the Philippines as it has a multitude of mountains, hills, and volcanoes. In some areas, camping is allowed. You can lay under the stars, breathe the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and if you’re lucky, even capture a Milky Way sighting or a shooting star on your camera.

Here are some of the many picturesque hiking destinations:

  • Makiling, Laguna
  • Yangbew, Benguet
  • Pulag, Benguet
  • Pico de Loro, Batangas
  • Apo, Davao del Sur
  • Pinatubo, Zambales
  • Taal Volcano, Batangas

12. This tropical country has plenty of waterfalls

small and big. Even the island of Cebu alone has 90. So, you are bound to find one almost wherever you go.

Here are some of the most popular waterfalls to date:

  • Kawasan Falls, Cebu
  • Asik-Asik Falls, North Cotabato
  • Tinago Falls, Lanao del Norte
  • Maria Cristina Falls, Lanao del Norte
  • Tinuy-An Falls, Surigao del Sur
  • Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
  • Ditumabo Falls, Aurora
  • Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

13. One of the most beautiful natural phenomena is the sea of clouds

and you can witness this in multiple areas in the Philippines. A hike is required, obviously, but all the steps you make will be worth it when you find yourself standing above the clouds. Not directly, of course.

Here are some of the best locations to witness the sea of clouds:

  • Pulag, Benguet
  • Kiltepan, Sagada
  • Danao, Bohol

14. There are many places to watch the sunset by the sea

While there are also many spots in the world where you can get a beautiful view of the sunset, even when you’re just driving along the road, seeing the sun go down into the spotless horizon will give you an entirely different experience.

These are a few of the best spots to watch the sunset by the sea:

  • White Beach, Boracay Island
  • Bantayan Island, Cebu
  • Anawangin Island, Zambales
  • Manila Bay, Manila

15. The Philippines has the longest underground river in the world

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is an 8.2-kilometer navigable river, which flows into the South China Sea. Tours last about 45 minutes to an hour and are usually pre-booked.

16. Marvel at the beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces

which are just as beautiful, but also different, as the ones in Nepal, China, and Indonesia.

17. There are colorful festivals

in different parts of the country all year round. Locally known as “fiesta,” people gather in their respective towns to witness their annual celebrations. Some festivals are in honor of religious figures and folklore, while others are nature-related.

Here are some of the must-see Philippine festivals:

  • Panagbenga Festiva in Baguio
  • Ati-atihan Festiva in Aklan
  • Sinulog Festiva in Cebu
  • Kadayawan Festival in Davao
  • Dinagyang Festiva in Iloilo
  • Masskara Festival in Bacolod
  • Pintados Festiva in Tacloban
  • Moriones Festiva in Marinduque
  • Pahiyas Festiva in Quezon

18. Historical and beautiful churches

Being a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is a home to a plethora of beautiful churches. A number of these have been standing for hundreds of years, with some housing centuries-old relics.

There are a few of the beautifully constructed churches around the country:

  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Bulacan
  • Church of Saint Augustine, Ilocos Norte
  • Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church, Albay
  • Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila
  • Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, Batangas
  • Carmel Chapel, Batanes

19. The Philippines has several bird watching spots

Being a home to about 200 endemic birds, the country is also a known migration spot for birds coming from other countries, like Japan and Taiwan, during winter time.

Here are some of the best bird-watching spots:

  • Olango Island, Cebu
  • Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol
  • Angat Dam, Bulacan
  • La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City
  • Candaba Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary, Pampanga
  • Palay-Palay, Cavite
  • Wawa Dam, Rizal

20. Discover Adventure Sports in the Philippines

For the adrenaline junkies, there are a wide variety of heart-pumping activities that you can do while in the country. One of these is tandem skydiving. Forget about the drones, see the aerial view with your own eyes.

These are the places where you can go skydiving:

  • Bantayan Island, Cebu
  • Clark, Pampanga
  • Vigan, Ilocos Sur
  • Mati, Davao Oriental
  • Subic Bay, Zambales

21. The Philippines is one of the very few places where you can find Tarsiers

which are tiny nocturnal primates that live in dense forests. There are many of them in the island of Bohol. However, these six-inch cuddly-looking creatures are already endangered, so you must not miss the opportunity to see while you still can.

 22. Visiting the Philippines is affordable

When traveling around the Philippines, your money will go a long way. From the food to booze to tour packages, almost everything is affordable in the Philippines. Even a bottle of beer, or a meal, can cost less than 1 USD.

23. The unique Filipino cuisine will surprise you

The Filipino cuisine has Western and Oriental influences, which make it deliciously unique. Each region also has their different specialties. However, what you must not miss out on is the fresh seafood.

24. Everbody speaks English

Another convenient thing about traveling in the Philippines is that the language barrier is less likely to be a problem as a huge percentage of the population can speak and understand English.

25. Filipinos will be nice to you

Last but not least, they say that the Filipino hospitality is incomparable. A lot of foreigners keep coming back to the Philippines, not just because of its natural wonders, but because of the friendly and welcoming people who make everyone feel like family.

So did these 25 reasons to Travel the Philippines convince you to explore this tropical destination? I hope so because it will be worth every minute of your holiday.