Filipinos are among the top travelers in Asia according to one study by a well-known credit card company. As of 2015, travelers from the Philippines were the 4th highest international travelers, giving the Philippines an emerging traveling class status. Along with this, most Filipino travelers preference has changed significantly. We do not only choose a place because they are “popular” or “cheap”, but they must also be Instagram-worthy. This is the new metric that most Millennial travelers are using right now. The place should be good enough for their Instagram account or their profile pictures. Just because.
So we recently asked big groups of Filipino travellers for their Instagram-worthy images taken in the Philippines and you’ll be surprised how many of these places are not heard of and some are really off-the-beaten path. So without further ado, these are the most Instagrammable places in the Philippines according to them.
1. Isla Gigantes
Shared by Jam Castillo of @jamalditahhhh, she says “This photo was taken at Cabugao, Island, the most photographed island of Isla Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo. This is also the highlight of the tour and I wouldn’t wonder why.”
2. Asik-Asik Falls
“Asik-Asik Falls is one of the Hidden Gem of North Cotabato. The water cascading from stone walls covered with lush greenery. Asik-Asik falls is truly one of the unique waterfalls in the Philippines situated in Sitio Dulao of Baranggay Upper Dado Alamada, North Cotabato.” Shared by Mae Kristine Octaviano of @take_mae_anywhere.
3. Kalanggaman Sand Bar
Another female traveler, Maria Trinity Maneja of @treenitea, says “The long stunning sandbar and crystal-clear turquoise water will leave you breathless. Kalanggaman Island has everything you ever dreamed of an ideal island vacation.” And this is the reason why it’s one of our most Instagramable places in the Philippines.
4. Batanes
“The place is amazing on postcards and pictures but experiencing and seeing the place face to face is jaw-dropping. Plus the Ivatans are very hospitable that makes Batanes even more astonishing. Can’t help but to embrace the majestic GOT-like view. No wonder Batanes is one of travelers’ dream destination.” Says one of our traveling Pinoys – Eugene of @cuiras28.
5. Alapasco Lake
I have never heard of Alapasco Lake until Christopher of @iamfatthofie shares this image with us and as per his words, “You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong”. This hidden gem can be found in Batad, Iloilo.
6. Mt. Masungki
Argi Parreño of @argrr shares this image of this rock formation in Mt. Masungki. And as he concludes, “Probably my greatest excitement in life is being able to travel and climb mountains, and experience new things that I never have before. This world truly is a magical place. And I can’t wait to see every part of it.”
7. Mt. Balingkilat
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.” According to Green Florendo of @IamGreen13 after climbing Mt. Balingkilat, another hidden gem in Subic, Zambales.
8. Mount Mayon
Who would forget the adventure that Mayon’s bring? As per our traveling Pinoy, Leslie Apongol of @leskwatsera “Heat it! Hit that ATV ride to Mayon Volcano!”
9. El Nido
Our list wouldn’t be complete without El Nido. This island in Palawan is truly remarkable and one of the reasons why Palawan is considered the best island in the world and the reason why it is one of the most sought honeymoon destinations. And as @the_travelingjeans says “El Nido, Palawan bagged the best island in the world, as Palawan lives up to its name once again. The clear waters and the majestic rock boulders are truly a sight to see. No one should miss this beauty!”
10. Mt. 387
Mt 387 –what? I have never idea what Mt. 387 is until our traveling Pinoy Jessa of @jessaarmohila shares this gem in Nueva Ecija, “Mt. 387 (Batong Amat) is also dubbed as the ‘Bohol of the North’ due to its resemblance to the Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. Just a 3-4 hours drive from Manila, the breathtaking view, morning breeze and accommodating locals will for sure make you inspire to hike and appreciate the Philippines’ beauty.”
11. Dingalan, Aurora
“Happiness and contentment at one place. Truly, Dingalan is breathtaking!” These are the words that Nikki Dela Cruz of @niixie used in describing this part of Aurora.
12. Manjuyod White Sand Bar
This is the “Maldives of the Philippines”, dubs by traveling Pinoy Nikki De La Cruz of @niixie. This impressive sandbar is located in Bais City, Negros Oriental.
13. Mayana Peak
Another gem from Negros but this time it’s in San Carlos, Negros Occidental. This peak is famous for hikers in the area due to the scenic rolling mountains view. And as for our traveling Pinoy Sharmane Abano of @wanderwo_mane, “We climb mountains not for the world to see us but for us to see the world”. Ditto.
14. Nakabuang Arch
This landmark in Sabtang, Batanes is surely a profile pic worthy and will make you feel thoughtful. “The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be to see them as they are “, shares by Rain of @adventurain.ph.
15. Magpupungko Tidal Flats and Lagoon
“When life gets you down, do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming!”, says by Leslie Jean Legara of @thenewlesliejean. I feel the same way just by looking at this lagoon, one of Siargao’s prides.
16. Puka Beach
This famous beach in Boracay doesn’t disappoint when it comes to pure white sands and pure beauty that’s enough to relax you. And as our Travelling Pinoy Joefrey shares, “When the mind is at peace and the body at rest creativity comes in naturally.”
To learn more about the island, check this Boracay guide.
17. Bilar Man-made Forest
Do you want some “Twilight” feels on your profile pic? Then head to this man-made forest in Bohol for your next profile pic! At least this is what Khaye Ritual of @dorangpetite thinks.
18. Cibang Cove
“A glimpse of heaven in Cibang Cove” is what Jo Anne V. Lucero thinks on this little paradise in Calayan Island.
19. Kiltepan Peak
This famous peak in Sagada is known as the place where the broken heart goes – popularized by one local movie. Well, looking at this picture, your broken heart should be able to recover from this beauty. Shares by @alexispanlilio, I hope he isn’t one of those broken hearted who go to Sagada to recover.
20. Bangui Windmills
“Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte 2014. Facing the West Philippines Sea, this wind farm contributes to nearly 40% of the province’s electrical power. This means Ilocos Norte leaves one of the lowest carbon emission footprints in Asia. That’s one way to show love to Mother Nature, by protecting it”, shares by @the_travelingjeans.
21. Masasa Beach
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are. True beauty lies within.” Some words of wisdom from @jonawanders while enjoying this beach in Batangas.
22. Sipalay Islets
These islets in Sipalay, Negros makes @tin10tin10 want to come back! Looking at these little islands that looks like Hundred Islands, will surely give you the same feeling.
23. Banaue Rice Terraces
This Eight Wonder of the World will always be on the top destinations in the Philippines with most stunning views. Shares by Alexis Panlilio of @alexispanlilio, this landmark will surely look good in your Instagram.
24. Coron, Palawan
Coron is known for its insane seascape. But do you know that more beauty lies beneath its ocean? This Lusong Coral Garden photo is shared by Erwin Miranda of @erwinmarinda.
25. Callao Cave
This cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan is so impressive that people take a trip to the northern tip of the Philippines. As Khaye Ritual of @dorangpetite recalls, “To go here, you need to take 15 hrs of van ride, but it’s all worth it.”
26. Pink Sand Beach, Santa Cruz
This gorgeous beach and the pride of Zamboanga is the only pink sand beach in the country. You will not notice it however on the picture shares by @anejerica because of the sun light and the white sand mixed with it. The pink sand came from pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion.
27. Fortune Island
According to Alexis Panlilio of @alexispanlilio, “It feels like I’m in the Temple of Olympian Zeus, but I’m just actually here in the Fortune Island.” This little island in Batangas is getting some buzz lately due to its Roman style ruins.
28. Bantayan Island
Bantayan in Cebu is one of the top beach destinations due to its long stretch of white sand beach. The best thing about this island is, it isn’t as crowded as Boracay that you’ll have plenty of space for your OOTD pics. This awesome shot is taken by Claudine Canama of @klauican.
29. Digyo Island, Cuatro Islas
“Seas the Day at Cuatro Islas”, this is @whannderlust’ advise upon visiting these gorgeous islets in Leyte.
30. Buntod Sandbar and Marine Sanctuary
This marine sanctuary is considered as one of the most resilient coral reef areas in the country and this breathtaking beach is one of the hidden gems in Masbate according to Rizalina Mamaril.
31. Nupa Lagoon
“This photo was captured by my bestfriend in our Holy Week tour in the Land of the Howling Winds – Catanduanes, which is also tagged as Happy Island. This lagoon, located in Gigmoto, Catanduanes, is one of the clearest water I’ve ever seen”, shares by our Traveling Pinoy Jam Castillo of @jamalditahhhh.
32. Sambawan Island
This scenic island is one of Biliran’s hidden gem that you would feel like you’re the only one in the island. As per @vanlorejas puts it, “When the island is all yours to indulge.”
33. Sagay Carbin Reef
This massive marine reserve does not only have one of the bluest and clearest water, it also has one of the biggest sand bars in the country. This secret paradise of Sagay, Negros Occidental is perfect for snorkeling, picnic and definitely your Instagram-worthy shots. And to borrow the eternal words of our Traveling Pinoy @heyleinaa who shares this picture with us, “Keep calm and enjoy the view.”
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I am going to the Philippines early next year and saved this awesome post for when we start trip planning!
You have some incredible photos 🙂 xx
Wow, what beautiful places. Now I really want to go to the Philippines!
What a beautiful selection of incredible places! I have heard that Philippines are really worth the trip, and this post put it very high on my list. Saved for later reference, thank you for sharing. Now I just need an itinerary that combines all these places 😉
Pictures are amazing, looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Wow, beautiful places Christine. Great article, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Amazing pictures! Thank you for taking us on this amazing journey!
On my bucket list! So stunning!!
Amazing shots, love them, will need to put some of this great places on my bucket list
It looks so utterly stunning there! On my list to see!
Your Photographs are stunning! The Philippines have been on my bucket list for quite some time now. I can’t wait to actually visit.
I’m going to the Philippines in January and this just made me so much more excited for my trip! I will have to try and make sure to fit in more of these beautiful places!
What a beautiful selection of incredible places! Your Photographs are stunning! Thank you so much for having an article about the beautiful places in Philippines. Great blog!