Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in the Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical archipelago of over 7,000 islands, offering a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural wonders, and beach paradise vibes. From pristine white-sand beaches and world-class diving spots to lush mountains and vibrant cities, the Philippines is a must-visit for every type of traveler.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in the Philippines, how to get there, the best places to stay, and why having travel protection from Generali Global Assistance may help provide peace of mind during your trip.

Top Things to Do in the Philippines

1. Island Hopping in El Nido and Coron (Palawan)

Why Go: Palawan consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful islands in the world—and with good reason. El Nido and Coron offer dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters.

How to Do It:

Fly to Puerto Princesa or Busuanga (Coron) from Manila or Cebu.
Book an island hopping tour with a reputable operator like Big Dream Boatman or El Nido Paradise.
Popular spots: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Kayangan Lake, and Twin Lagoons.

Where to Stay:

El Nido Resorts (Lagen Island) – Eco-luxury retreat with overwater villas.
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Upscale and ideal for diving enthusiasts.

2. Canyoneering Adventure at Kawasan Falls (Badian, Cebu)

Why Go: If you're looking for a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty, canyoneering in Badian is one of the most exhilarating activities in the Philippines. You'll trek, cliff-jump, swim through turquoise rivers, and end the journey at the iconic Kawasan Falls.

How to Do It:

Fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Travel around 3–4 hours to Badian via bus or private van.
Book a certified canyoneering tour through operators like Kawasan Canyoneering or Planet Action. Tours typically include gear, a guide, lunch, and insurance.
Prepare to jump off waterfalls up to 30 feet high—though guides can show you alternate routes if you’re not up for the big jumps.

Where to Stay:

Matutinao Beach Resort – Conveniently located near the canyoneering jump-off point.
Badian Island Wellness Resort – For a peaceful post-adventure recovery with oceanfront views.

Bonus Tip: While canyoneering is well-regulated, it’s a high-intensity activity. Having travel protection from Generali Global Assistance may provide a peace of mind in case of injuries or last-minute cancellations due to weather.

3. Trekking to Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao)

Why Go: Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," these 2,000-year-old terraces showcase ancient engineering and culture.

How to Do It:

Take an overnight bus from Manila to Banaue (about 9 hours).
Hire a local guide for treks to Batad and Bangaan villages.

Where to Stay:

Batad Top View Homestay – Rustic charm with panoramic views.

4. Surfing in Siargao Island

Why Go: Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a laid-back island famous for its waves and island lifestyle.

How to Do It:

Fly to Siargao Airport via direct flights from Manila or Cebu.
Rent a motorbike and explore Cloud 9, Pacifico Beach, and Sugba Lagoon.

Where to Stay:

Kermit Surf Resort – Perfect for surfers and backpackers.
Nay Palad Hideaway – A luxurious all-inclusive experience.

Tip: Siargao’s roads can be unpredictable. Travel protection with Emergency Medical Coverage from Generali Global Assistance can offer peace of mind in case of accidents or injuries.

5. Discovering Intramuros and History in Manila

Why Go: Manila’s Intramuros offers a glimpse into the Philippines' colonial past with its Spanish-era churches, forts, and cobblestone streets.

How to Do It:

Book a guided walking or bamboo bike tour through Bambike Ecotours.
Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila Museum.

Where to Stay:

The Manila Hotel – A historic landmark near Intramuros.
The Bayleaf Intramuros – Boutique hotel with rooftop views of the city.

6. Scuba Diving in Apo Reef and Tubbataha Reefs

Why Go: The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, making it one of the best diving destinations on Earth.

How to Do It:

Apo Reef: Accessible from Sablayan, Mindoro (6-hour trip from Manila).
Tubbataha Reefs: Requires booking a liveaboard dive boat from Puerto Princesa (diving allowed only March–June).

Where to Stay:

Apo Reef Club – Diving packages and accommodation.
MV Stella Maris Explorer (Liveaboard) – Top option for Tubbataha trips.

Note: These remote locations require logistical planning. Generali Global Assistance offers 24/7 Travel Support to help with itinerary changes, lost documents, or emergency services.

7. Chasing Waterfalls in Cebu and Mindanao

Why Go: From Kawasan Falls in Cebu to Tinago Falls in Iligan, the Philippines is packed with magical waterfalls perfect for adventurers.

How to Do It:

Kawasan Falls (Cebu): Located near Badian; ideal for canyoneering tours.
Tinago Falls (Iligan): Hire a local guide from Maria Cristina Falls area for access.

Where to Stay:

Matutinao Beach Resort (Cebu) – Right near the jumping-off point for canyoneering.
Go Hotels Iligan – Comfortable and centrally located in Mindanao.

Where to Stay in the Philippines: Best Picks by Region

Region	Top Accommodations
Palawan	El Nido Resorts, Two Seasons Coron
Cebu	Radisson Blu Cebu, Plantation Bay Resort
Manila	Sofitel Philippine Plaza, The Peninsula Manila
Boracay	Crimson Resort & Spa, Discovery Shores
Bohol	Amorita Resort, Henann Resort Alona Beach

For a luxurious trip or a budget getaway, the Philippines offers a wide range of lodging—from 5-star beach resorts to cozy backpacker hostels.

How Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection May Help You in the Philippines

Traveling to a multi-island country comes with unforgettable adventures—and some logistical risks. Here’s how Generali Global Assistance can help provide peace of mind:

1. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

Flights between islands may get canceled due to weather or logistics. A travel protection plan may help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

2. Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage

Falling off a motorbike in Siargao or suffering heatstroke in Palawan isn’t on your itinerary—but Generali Global Assistance can help you access care and help cover eligible medical costs.

3. Baggage and Delay Coverage

Flights to smaller islands often have strict baggage limits. If your bag is delayed or lost, Generali Global Assistance can help provide reimbursement for covered essentials.

4. Concierge Services

Need help finding a romantic restaurant in Boracay or the best dive shop in Coron? Generali Global Assistance offers complimentary Concierge Services to enhance your travel experience.

Final Travel Tips for Visiting the Philippines

Visa-Free Travel: Many countries (including the U.S.) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but carry cash for remote areas.
Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card (like Globe or Smart) at the airport for affordable data.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season from November to May is ideal, especially for island hopping and beach activities.

Explore the Philippines With Confidence

Whether you're island-hopping in Palawan, surfing in Siargao, or diving into local history in Manila, the Philippines offers adventure, culture, and beauty. With smart planning and the right travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance, you can explore with peace of mind.

Don’t let trip delays, illness, or lost baggage ruin your adventure—start by getting your fast free quote with Generali Global Assistance.