Beyond the Shoreline: 6 Tourist Spots in the Philippines that aren’t Beaches

• Posted: Aug 07, 2025

Yes, you read that right—the Philippines’ tourism space isn’t solely defined by white sand, turquoise waters, and coconut trees.

The Pearl of the Orient is a treasure trove of lofty mountains, lush foliage reserves, and cobblestoned repositories of days of old.

And if you’re looking for places to visit on your next trip to the Philippines, consider adding these six spots to your itinerary.

1. Chocolate Hills, Bohol—Nature’s Sweet Surprise

Unfortunately, for the sweet tooths out there, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills aren’t made of real chocolate. But despite the lack of milky and sugary indulgence, they remain a sight to behold.

Over 1,200 symmetrical hills spread across the heart of Bohol; these grass-covered limestone mounds turn a rich brown during the dry season—hence their sweet name. 

What makes this geological formation so unique is its uniformity; the hills all stand almost evenly in height and shape, like scoops of chocolate ice cream with hints of green tea, frozen in time.

Beyond admiring them from the viewing deck in Carmen, you can explore the surrounding areas via ATV rides or bike trails. It’s the perfect fusion of adventure and awe. 

And let’s face it—how often do you get to say you stood on top of a giant "chocolate"?

2. Cagsawa Ruins, Albay—A Volcano’s Silent Witness

Mt. Mayon is undeniably the most majestic and beautiful volcano in the Philippines. You might have seen its symmetrical glory in postcards, paintings, and fridge magnets.

While the volcano takes center stage, a bell tower stands in the foreground, telling a tragic yet compelling tale.

The Cagsawa Ruins are what remain of a 16th-century Franciscan church that was devastated by the 1814 eruption of Mt. Mayon. What you see today is the bell tower, with the rest of the church buried under rocks and soil.

Together, they are a mix of history and natural power—eerie, poetic, and humbling. In a way, Cagsawa’s enigma mirrors how Tongits masters bluff and strategize their way in the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup.

When timed right, their card melds could deliver a volcanic blow to their opponents; alternatively, playing recklessly may drag their chances of winning to the ground.

Walk through the site, learn about the town’s history at the museum nearby, and soak in the bittersweet beauty of nature’s duality: its ability to destroy and to inspire.

3. Sagada, Mountain Province—A Journey Through Clouds and Caves

Sagada isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience.

Perched high in the Cordillera Mountains, this cool-weather sanctuary is storied for its hanging coffins, echoing caves, and the haunting yet beautiful echoes of its indigenous culture. 

Adventurous souls can trek through Echo Valley, spelunk in Sumaguing Cave, or wake up at dawn to catch the sea of clouds at Kiltepan Viewpoint.

But Sagada’s magic is more than its activities. It’s the mountain air, the slow pace, the warmth of its people, and the sense that you’re walking between the realms of nature and the spiritual.

Additionally, Sagada’s chilly and idyllic ambiance is perfectly paired with a cup of its own nutty and sweet coffee blend.

In a nutshell, Sagada isn’t just for sightseeing—it is for reflecting and appreciating both natural and human-made wonders.

4. Intramuros, Manila—The Walled City’s Enduring Charm

Before Manila became the sprawling metropolis it is today, it had walls—and stories behind them.

Intramuros, meaning “within the walls,” was the center of Spanish colonial power in the Philippines. 

Walking its cobblestone streets is like stepping into a time capsule. Explore Fort Santiago, where national hero Jose Rizal spent his last days—and wrote his farewell poem, Mi Ultimo Adios. 

Visit San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country, and surround yourself with Christian relics, artwork, and old liturgical objects. Or, perhaps, ride a bamboo bike with a local guide who knows the tales you won’t find in textbooks.

Despite being surrounded by modern Manila, Intramuros remains a proud relic of the past—well-preserved, photogenic, and endlessly fascinating.

5. Vigan, Ilocos Sur—Where the Past Lives On

You know a place is special when it gets UNESCO World Heritage status. And Vigan is that place. 

A stroll through Calle Crisologo feels like a journey to the Spanish colonial era, with its ancestral houses, kalesa (horse-drawn carriages), and antique shops. The town masterfully balances preservation with progress—offering modern comforts while maintaining its centuries-old charm.

Visit the Syquia Mansion, taste the famous Vigan empanada, or try your hand at pottery in Pagburnayan. 

Every corner of Vigan has a story waiting to be told—and retold, as often as you’d like.

6. Masungi Georeserve, Rizal—Adventure Meets Conservation

Just an hour and a half outside Metro Manila lies a surreal eco-park experience like no other.

Masungi Georeserve offers guided trails through karst limestone formations, suspended rope bridges, and lookout points that reveal stunning views of the Sierra Madre. 

But this isn’t just an Instagram dream—it’s also a model of sustainable tourism. You’ll learn about forest restoration efforts while balancing over giant hammocks and navigating spider-web nets.

That said, booking is required (and limited) to maintain the integrity and beauty of the environment, but that only adds to its air of exclusivity. 

If you love hiking, nature, and a bit of adventure with your education, this one’s a bucket list essential.

Final Thoughts: One Country, Countless Stories

From the surreal hills of Bohol to the cobblestone lanes of Vigan, these six destinations showcase the sheer range of beauty that the Philippines offers. They tell stories of natural wonder, colonial legacy, resilience, and quiet solitude—each unique, each unforgettable.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and open your heart to the Philippines. Adventure, culture, and timeless memories await you.