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6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Explore in the Philippines
In this article:
- Tour the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
- Explore Baroque Churches of the Philippines
- Wander Through the Historic City of Vigan
- Discover Tubbataha Reefs National Park
- Venture into Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park
- Trek Through the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
- Plan Your Trips
Dreaming of your next adventure? The Philippines is blessed with UNESCO World Heritage sites that take your breath away. Picture yourself hiking ancient rice terraces, exploring an underground river, and diving around pristine coral reefs.
These wonders, chosen for their unique beauty and cultural significance, offer a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich history and stunning natural beauty. Keep reading to learn more about these incredible sites and plan your journey today.
1. Tour the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The rice terraces are one of the country’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Image Credit: John Renzo Aledia / Pexels
Go on a trek to the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and discover a 2,000-year-old masterpiece carved into the mountains. Built by the Ifugao people on steep slopes, these man-made wonders are a testament to their ingenuity and determination. The rice terraces contour the mountains of the Cordillera Region at elevations as high as 1,500 meters above sea level. These impressive terraces are divided into clusters, each with its own charm.
While the rice terraces cover a large area, UNESCO recognizes five well-preserved rice terrace clusters as World Heritage Sites:
Nagacadan in Kiangan is known for its two ascending rows of terraces divided by a river.
Hungduan has a distinctive spider web pattern.
Central Mayoyao features traditional houses and granaries interspersed among the terraces.
Bangaan in Banaue offers a stunning backdrop to a traditional Ifugao village.
Batad in Banaue is famous for its amphitheater-like formation with a village nestled at its base.
Where to Stay
Planning to explore multiple rice terrace clusters? Consider staying in the area for a few days. Here are some lodging options to enhance your experience:
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The Banaue Grandview Hotel offers comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and easy transportation options.
Details: Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao, 3601 -
The Batad View Inn and Restaurant is a lodging house with some of the best vistas in the area. Its restaurant serves local organic food.
Details: Chungchung, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, 3601; (+63)956 066 1327 -
Roberto’s Abung Inn and Restaurant keeps you in glorious proximity to the Banaue Rice Terraces, just 700 meters away.
Details: Chungchung, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao, 3601; (+63)906 131 1814
2. Explore the Baroque Churches of the Philippines
The San Agustin Church in Intramuros is the most famous of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Image Credit: Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook page
Marvel at the beauty of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses four magnificent churches built during the Spanish colonial era (16th to 18th centuries). These include:
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The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin in Intramuros, Manila
Details: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila -
The Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
Details: 4 Santa Maria–Burgos Road, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur -
The Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Details: Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Ilocos Norte -
The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miagao, Iloilo
Details: Zulueta Avenue, Miagao, 5023, Iloilo
These structures fused European aesthetics with local materials and building techniques. Builders constructed them from lime-reinforced stone or brick, resulting in a distinctive, fortified design that could withstand earthquakes.
Where to Stay
Looking for a place to rest and recharge during your explorations? Here's a recommended hotel in each city:
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The Bayleaf Intramuros in Manila is known for its historic charm and features a rooftop bar with city views.
Details: Muralla cor. Victoria Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002; (+632) 5318 5000 -
Hotel Luna in Ilocos Sur is a stylish boutique hotel with a museum-like ambiance, showcasing contemporary Filipino art. It’s a great base that lets you easily visit the Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, which is a 30-minute drive away.
Details: V. Delos Reyes cor. Gen. Luna Street, 2700, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; (+63)917-564-0727 / (+6377) 3020506 -
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag, Ilocos Norte in Ilocos Sur is a 20-minute drive to the church in Paoay. It offers cozy rooms, traditional Ilocano cuisine, and a cultural experience.
Details: Barangay 37, Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, 2900, Philippines; (+63)917-599-4863 -
Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo provides affordable and comfortable accommodation. From there, it’s a one-hour drive to the church in Miagao.
Details: Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 5000; (+63 977) 808 8111
3. Wander Through the Historic City of Vigan
The cobblestoned street known as Calle Crisologo is the most iconic landmark in the Historic City of Vigan.
Step back in time as you explore the Historic City of Vigan, a remarkably preserved 17.25-hectare Spanish colonial town. Established in the 16th century, Vigan developed an iconic architectural style influenced by Europe, China, and other regions of the Philippines. UNESCO describes the city’s cultural fusion as having “no parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.”
Here are some must-visit landmarks in Vigan’s historic streets:
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Calle Crisologo is one of the town’s most iconic locations, featuring a cobblestoned street and buildings in the colonial style.
Details: Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur -
Plaza Salcedo is famous for its fountain and its dancing light show, which takes place every evening.
Details: Located next to the Vigan Cathedral, at the center of the city -
Plaza Burgos is great for foodies with its varied street food stalls—try the local empanadas, longganisa, and coffee.
Details: Florentino Street -
Arce Mansion, Crisologo Museum, and Syquia Mansion are ancestral houses and mansions that give a glimpse of what life was like during Spanish colonial times.
Details:- Arce Mansion, # 87 Quirino Boulevard; (+63)955 892 0333
- Crisologo Museum, A. Reyes Street
- Syquia Mansion, Quirino Boulevard; (+63)997 984 4655
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National Museum of the Philippines' Ilocos Complex is beside the provincial capitol along Burgos Street and includes multiple museums like the house of martyr Padre Jose Burgos.
Details: Burgos Street; (+63)917 504 8014 -
Bantay Church Bell Tower dates back to the 16th century and offers a great view overlooking Vigan.
Details: 003 Rizal Street, Bantay; (+63)916-452-0623
Where to Stay
Want to fully immerse yourself in Vigan's charm? Consider these inviting hotels for your adventure:
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The Vigan Heritage Mansion Hotel, established in 1885, allows you to experience a stay in a historic setting. This mansion once served as the home of the late Ilocos Sur governor, Pedro Singson.
Details: Liberation Boulevard, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, 2700; (+6377) 722 6495 -
The Vigan Plaza Hotel showcases Vigan’s unique blend of Spanish and Chinese architectural influences.
Details: Mena Crisologo Street, Barangay II, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, 2700; (+63)917 799 9874 -
Villa Angela Ancestral House is a heritage house built in 1873, which is now a charming boutique hotel.
Details: #26 Quirino Boulevard, Barangay VI, City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, 2700; (+63)928 515 1873
4. Discover Tubbataha Reefs National Park
The Tubbataha Reefs National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important areas for marine biodiversity in the world.
Image Credit: Tubbataha Reefs National Park and World Heritage Site Facebook page
Calling all eco-warriors! Prepare to be amazed by the Tubbataha Reefs National Park in the Sulu Sea. This marine protected area is known for breathtaking underwater vistas, including various lagoons, islets, and a 100-meter perpendicular coral wall.
Explore this incredible marine protected area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and discover a world teeming with life. You'll encounter hundreds of species of fish, corals, sharks, dolphins, and whales. Keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles and marvel at the abundance of birds that call this park home.
Where to Stay
Since the Tubbataha Reefs National Park is a 10-hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, you’ll need to arrange a live-aboard trip for a few days.
View options and learn about the necessary permits and fees via the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO).
5. Venture into Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the second-largest underground river in the world.
Image Credit: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park & World Heritage Site Facebook page
Navigate the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2012. The park features the second-largest underground river in the world, where you can explore two levels and witness cascading underground waterfalls. Large chambers with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites will take your breath away.
Before you begin your journey, remember to get a permit at the Underground River Booking Office at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum. Then, head north to the village of Sabang, where your subterranean river tour awaits!
Bonus tip: Make the most of your stay in the city and check out these activities:
Firefly watching along the Nagsaguipi River
Beach and island hopping around Honda Bay and Lu-Li Island
Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village, where you’ll learn about Palawan's biodiversity and indigenous people
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, where you can meet local crocodiles and even hold some of the baby crocs
Where to Stay
Try these resorts and hotels as you explore more of Palawan’s wonders.
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Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa is ideal for those who want a plush place to stay while indulging in gorgeous views.
Details: Caniguiran, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300; (+63)917 873 9574 or (+63)918 967 5132 -
Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa is a great option if you’re looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
Details: Km. 3 Puerto Princesa North Road, Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300; (+63)966 256 1625 or (+63)956 721 3739 -
Floral Villarosa promises comfortable rooms and a pretty garden with colorful blooms.
Details: F. Villarosa Road, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; (+63)917 512 1459
6. Trek Through Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Trek through Mount Hamaguitan World Heritage Park and marvel at unique wildlife, majestic waterfalls, and the pygmy forest.
Image Credit: ASEAN Center for Biodiversity Facebook page
Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park. Spanning 6,834 hectares in Davao Oriental, this sanctuary hosts over 1,300 species of flora and fauna. Tourists flock here to see its best-known residents—the Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
The area is also home to several globally threatened and endangered species, making its preservation as a natural wonder all the more critical.
Where to Stay
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is about three and a half hours’ drive from Davao City, so you may want to book at least one night’s accommodation near the park.
Mt. Hamaguitan Escape Resort, just over six kilometers from the sanctuary, offers a couple of rooms, family rooms, and glamping. It’s the closest lodging you’ll likely find near the sanctuary, with most other listings being at least 20 kilometers away.
Details: La Union, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, 8200; (+63)906 561 6480
Plan Your Trips
Whichever type of travel planning personality you have, here are a few tips when working out your itinerary to visit the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Consider the seasons. Plan your trip for the months of November to May to avoid travel disruptions during the rainy season (June to October).
Reserve early. Accommodation, transport, tours, and other arrangements may be limited, depending on your destination. Booking early gives you more chances for discounts on your stay.
Stay connected. A reliable internet connection is essential for more than just sharing your adventures online. It's crucial for safety, navigation, and accessing real-time information during your travels. Before you go, ensure you have a stable connection. Explore options like the 5G SIM for blazing-fast speeds and Go+ Promos, which offer generous data allowances. For international travelers, the Traveler eSIM provides convenient 5G access. (Check your phone's compatibility with the GlobeOne app.)