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Palawan — El Nido & Coron
Dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and WWII shipwrecks. El Nido is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, while Coron offers the Philippines' best dive sites. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Boracay — White Beach
The 4km stretch of powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water that made the Philippines famous. World-class resorts (Shangri-La, Crimson, The Lind), Station 2 bar strip, kite-surfing, and iconic sunsets. Our pick: Henann Palm Beach Resort. Best visited Nov–May.
Siargao — Surf & Soul
Home to Cloud 9, one of Asia's most photographed surf breaks. Beyond the wave, the island has a small General Luna cafe and coworking scene, three-island banca trips to Daku, Naked, and Guyam, and the Magpupungko tide pools at low tide. Flights from Cebu or Clark — small turboprop airport, tricycle-only on the island.
Cebu — History, Diving & City Life
The Philippines' second-largest metro pairs 16th-century heritage (Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro) with IT Park condo towers and a wide restaurant range. Day-trips: Moalboal's sardine run, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, and the controversial whale-shark feeding at Oslob. CEB airport handles direct international flights, which is why Cebu draws long-stay expats over Manila.
Bohol — Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn brown in dry season (the namesake Chocolate Hills), plus the palm-sized Philippine tarsier in protected sanctuaries. Alona Beach on Panglao Island offers some of the country's most accessible reef diving and dolphin trips. The Loboc River cruise is a buffet on a slow-moving floating restaurant with Filipino guitar performances — touristy, but an easy way to fill an afternoon.
Davao — Mindanao's Gateway City
Widely regarded as one of the safest major cities in the Philippines, Davao is clean, organized, and affordable. Mt. Apo — the country's highest peak — looms nearby. Durian capital of the Philippines and a growing retirement destination for expats.
Metro Manila — Intramuros to BGC
The 16th-century walled city of Intramuros sits 8 km from Bonifacio Global City's planned-community high-rises — a single metro that spans almost five centuries. Manila has the country's widest dining, nightlife, shopping, and international school options, plus NAIA, the Philippines' main international airport. Tradeoff: the country's worst traffic and air quality.
Near BGC — Seda Hotel: One of our favorites. Affordable, super friendly staff, and walking distance to BGC malls — so shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are all right outside your door. Perfect if you want to explore Bonifacio Global City without worrying about transport. Book Seda on Expedia → Book on Klook →
Near Okada/Solaire Casinos — Kingsford Hotel: A great budget-friendly alternative if you want to be near the Entertainment City casino strip. Walking distance to Okada Manila, has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and consistently friendly service. One of the least expensive options in the area without sacrificing comfort. Book Kingsford on Expedia →
Dumaguete — The City of Gentle People
Small university city anchored by Silliman University and the Rizal Boulevard seaside walk — one of the most settled long-term expat communities in the Philippines, especially among retirees. Day-trips: sea-turtle snorkeling at the Apo Island marine sanctuary, whale sharks at Oslob (1.5 hours by ferry to Cebu), and the witchcraft-folklore island of Siquijor. Trade-off: small airport, most flights connect through Cebu or Manila.