A country · 217 places · 16 regions

Philippines, all of it.

217 curated places across 16 regions — photographed, mapped, and noted with the season each is best in.

El Nido, Palawan · via Wikimedia Commons

The 4 biggest regions — Metro Manila, Central Visayas, Ilocos Region and Central Luzon — read below as chapters, with 12 more waiting past them.

Chapter I · Metro Manila · 39 places

Metro Manila

This sprawling urban park honors national hero Jose Rizal, with his monument and remains anchoring the grounds. Wide lawns, fountains, and gardens make it a gathering place for Manila residents.

Rizal Park

Metro Manila, Philippines

✦ December to February · $

Bonifacio Monument

Metro Manila, Philippines

✦ December–February · $

Andres Bonifacio Shrine

Metro Manila, Philippines

✦ December–February · $

All 39 places in Metro Manila →

via Wikimedia Commons

Chapter II · Central Visayas · 34 places

Central Visayas

Bohol is a province occupying a compact island in the Central Visayas group, best known internationally for the Chocolate Hills and as habitat for the Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates. The Loboc River winds through coconut-palm lowlands and is navigated by floating restaurant boats as a common tourist activity. The heritage town of Baclayon contains the Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, constructed by Augustinian missionaries in 1727.

✦ November to May · $$

Meet Bohol All 34 places in Central Visayas →

Chapter III · Ilocos Region · 12 places

Ilocos Region

Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan province contains 123 islands and islets at low tide in Lingayen Gulf on the west coast of Luzon, formed from uplifted and eroded coral limestone. Despite the name only three islands — Quezon, Governor, and Children's islands — have basic visitor infrastructure; the remainder range from mushroom-shaped outcrops to larger forested islets with accessible beaches and sea caves. The park is the oldest and smallest in the Philippines and one of the country's most visited natural areas.

Hundred Islands National Park

Ilocos Region, Philippines

✦ November to May

Vigan

Ilocos Region, Philippines

✦ November to May

Paoay Church

Ilocos Region, Philippines

✦ November to April

All 12 places in Ilocos Region →

via Wikimedia Commons

Chapter IV · Central Luzon · 9 places

Central Luzon

A volcano whose massive 1991 eruption ranks among the largest of the twentieth century. Its collapsed summit now cradles a striking crater lake reached by a scenic trek.

✦ November to May · $

Meet Mount Pinatubo All 9 places in Central Luzon →