Philippines Travel Guide: Things to Do in Manila, Luzon & Palawan
Philippines Travel Guide: Things to Do in Manila, Luzon & Palawan
The Philippines is a vibrant, surprising archipelago full of culture and hidden gems.
After recently venturing here, our Travel Specialist, Jim, has put together this Philippines travel guide to help you experience everything this remarkable country has to offer.
From the bustling streets of Manila, with its mix of colonial history and modern energy, to the serene mountains of northern Luzon, and the crystal-clear waters of Palawan, he discovered a country of striking contrasts and memorable moments.
Whether hiking through lush terraces, wandering cobbled streets, or soaking up island sunsets, his journey captured the heart and imagination of the Philippines, sharing travel tips, local cuisine, and inspiration for your next island-hopping adventure.
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1. First Impressions of the Philippines
Manila skyline
"Nowhere did I find my expectations challenged quite like in the Philippines.
While firmly rooted in South-East Asia, the streets carried Spanish names, basketball dominated as the national sport, 85% of the population was Catholic, and the architecture blended Chinese, Dutch, Philippine, and Spanish influences. Sampling local delicacies, hearing Christmas music in October, and witnessing these cultural layers first-hand revealed a destination far richer and more intriguing than I had imagined.
Our week-long journey took us through the dramatic mountains of northern Luzon and the vibrant energy of Manila, before unwinding on the pristine shores of Palawan; a stretch of paradise that felt worlds away from everyday life."
- There's a reason why the Philippines has made it to one of our must-visit unique islands in the world to visit.
2. Exploring Manila
San Agustin Church, Historic Spanish-era church in Manila
"A city tour of Manila with our guide, Rey, showed us the old fortress with Spanish colonial trading houses within the walls, the second largest Chinatown outside China, a whole area of town dedicated to roasting pigs, and the Chinese cemetery, which featured residential mausoleums with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities for visiting relatives.
It also showed that Manila, like many tropical megacities, had a stark contrast between the gleaming skyscrapers and Gucci-filled malls of Makati and the shanty-town suburbs where those at the lower end of the economic spectrum scratched out a living, away from their rural roots."
- With our Island Odyssey Visayan Circuit tour, you can explore Manila’s historic streets, vibrant Chinatowns, and bustling markets before continuing on a 14-day journey through the Philippines’ islands, hidden gems, and natural wonders.
3. Journey to the Mountains of Northern Luzon
Mountains of Northern Luzon
"The next day involved nine hours of travel north; a battle with the traffic to leave the city, where most vehicles and many vertical spaces were adorned with messages from Jesus, across the plains, and then a vertical mile up into the mountains on switchback roads the Swiss would have been proud of."
4. Banaue and the Rice Terraces
Banaue and the Rice Terraces
"Banaue is somewhere I had wanted to visit since seeing the photos in a National Geographic magazine back in the 1980s.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a wonder of agricultural architecture; hundreds of tiers of paddy fields carved into the hillside and a thousand different shades of green. Traditional farming methods were still very much alive, supported by a strong commitment to preserving the original rice varieties amid pressure from faster-growing, genetically modified alternatives."
- Our eight-day Culture and Peaks itinerary lets you explore Banaue’s rice terraces, Sagada’s mountains and traditions, and Vigan’s Spanish colonial streets, all at a relaxed pace with expert guidance and smooth logistics.
5. Bontoc Museum and Local History
Sculpture at The Bontoc Museum
"At The Bontoc Museum we read how one American governor had tried, largely unsuccessfully, to introduce tug of war competitions between villages in 1907, with the aim of replacing the head-hunting which had been the traditional method of territorial aggression.
The last recorded head-hunting incident was as recently as the 1970s. Rey explained that times have changed significantly since then, with communities now resolving conflicts in far more modern ways."
6. Sagada and the Hanging Coffins
Hanging coffins in Sagada
"Then, we went on to Sagada, a mountain town famed for its mysterious hanging coffins, and a destination for weekend visitors prepared to drive 11 hours to escape the heat of Manila.
Centuries ago, it was decided to place coffins in limestone caves outside the town or hang them from nearby cliffs to avoid contaminating the water supply. The practice continued occasionally, albeit to a lesser degree, until the last hanging coffin was raised in 2012.
The local guide explained that historically, certain members of the community were laid to rest in separate burial caves, reflecting long-held beliefs about protecting the wider village from misfortune. While these traditions are no longer practised in the same way, they offer a poignant insight into the community’s ancestral customs and spiritual world-view."
- On the North to Shore Philippines Group Tour, you can witness Sagada’s iconic hanging coffins firsthand while exploring the Cordillera highlands, with expert guidance and a small group camaraderie throughout.
7. Vigan – A Spanish Colonial Treasure
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Vigan
"Leaving Sagada, we drove over the spectacular mountain passes of the Cordilleras, with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, before dropping down to the coastal city of Vigan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that had escaped damage in both the revolutionary and World Wars and retained its Spanish colonial architecture.
Strolling around the cobbled streets, I was once again struck by how unexpectedly European it felt."
- With our Highlands to Islands 12-Day Tour, you can explore Vigan’s cobbled streets, ancestral homes, and heritage architecture up close, experiencing the city’s preserved Spanish colonial charm while enjoying a thoughtfully paced journey through the Philippines’ mountains, rice terraces, and tropical islands.
8. Palawan – Beach Paradise
Cauayan Island Resort
"The final four days of our trip were spent at the wonderful Cauayan Island Resort off the coast of northern Palawan.
A short flight and boat transfer from Manila brought us to Bacuit Bay, a paradise of crystal waters and limestone islands. The resort comprised 30 thatched villas by the beach and was accurately summed up by its chosen tagline: “The art of laid-back luxury” – it was a very difficult place to leave."
- Cauayan Island Resort combines barefoot luxury with sustainability, offering eco-friendly villas, direct access to vibrant reefs, and personalised service. It's an inspiring retreat you can enjoy on our El Nido Honeymoon 10-Day Tour for the ultimate blend of romance, adventure, and relaxation.
9. Reflections on the People and Culture
Cauayan Island Resort
"They often say the Philippines' greatest economic asset is its people, and after experiencing the warmth and generosity shown throughout my journey, it’s easy to understand why.
Yet I couldn’t help feeling that the country’s remarkable landscapes, diverse heritage, and still-emerging tourism potential create an equally powerful force, one that’s only beginning to gain the attention it deserves.
Throughout my travels, I mentioned how delightfully disorienting the Philippines could be, full of contrasts that challenge expectations at every turn. But one constant remained: the genuine kindness and attentiveness of the people.
Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and their effortless hospitality, matched only by the ever-present soundtrack of festive music, made each moment feel welcoming and memorable."
Plan Your Journey Through the Philippines
Experience the Philippines at your own pace with a bespoke itinerary designed around your interests, whether it’s exploring the mountains of Luzon, wandering historic streets in Vigan, or relaxing in the crystal-clear waters of Palawan. Regent can create a personalised journey that combines culture, adventure, and luxury for an unforgettable travel experience.
Contact us today to start planning your dream Philippine adventure.