The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, so the list of "things to do" is really a list of reasons to get on a boat.
In Palawan
1. Island-hop El Nido's lagoons
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Beach — the names understate the spectacle. Kayaking through these limestone corridors is a top-five travel experience, full stop.
2. Swim in Coron's Kayangan Lake
Often called the clearest lake in Asia, Kayangan's visibility is genuinely startling. The viewpoint above it is the Philippines' most-photographed spot.
3. Snorkel the Coron shipwrecks
WWII wrecks, now coral gardens teeming with fish — an eerie, beautiful snorkel you'll talk about for years.
In the Visayas
4. Meet the tarsiers in Bohol
These palm-sized primates with enormous eyes are protected and utterly charming. See them at a responsible sanctuary, not the tourist traps.
5. Gaze at the Chocolate Hills
Over a thousand grass-covered hills that turn brown in the dry season — a landscape like no other.
6. Swim with whale sharks at Oslob
Controversial in conservation circles, but a remarkable experience. If you go, follow the no-touch rules and pick an ethical operator.
7. Chase the Boracay sunset
White Beach's sunsets are legendarily good, and the post-redevelopment island is looking its best in years.
The ones people skip (but shouldn't)
- A sandbar picnic — a strip of sand in the middle of the sea, just for your group.
- Firefly watching — Bohol's riverbanks glitter at night.
- Halo-halo — the shaved-ice dessert that's a meal in itself.
- Kawa hot baths — bathing in a giant iron wok, a very Filipino ritual.
- Island beach clubs — spend one lazy day on a private island.
Quick questions, answered
What's the one thing I shouldn't miss?
El Nido's island-hopping — the lagoons are the defining Philippines experience and worth building the whole trip around.
Do I need to book in advance?
The popular tours and internal flights fill up in peak season, so book ahead — which is exactly what our packages handle for you.
How much do these cost?
Island-hopping tours run £20–£45pp; most other experiences are similarly modest. Most of the list is built into our Palawan and Cebu & Bohol packages. Call 020 7946 0958 to shape a trip around your must-dos.
