The Philippines offers endless possibilities for travellers seeking things to do in Philippines, from pristine beaches to vibrant cultural experiences. This archipelago of over 7,000 islands combines natural beauty with warm hospitality, creating unforgettable memories. Staying connected throughout the journey enhances every adventure, making it easy to share moments and navigate with eSIM Philippines from TravelKon.
Key Highlights:
- Over 7,000 islands offer diverse activities from beach relaxation to mountain trekking across the Philippine archipelago
- eSIM activation works before arrival, ensuring immediate connectivity upon landing in Manila or other Philippine airports
- World-class diving sites include Tubbataha Reef and Apo Island with visibility exceeding 30 metres year-round
Research from the Department of Tourism Philippines shows that 82% of international visitors rate connectivity as essential for navigation and booking activities during their stay.
Can Tourists Activate Their Philippines eSIM Before They Arrive?
Activating an eSIM before departure eliminates connectivity stress upon arrival at Philippine airports. TravelKon’s unlimited eSIM Philippines allows travellers to install the digital SIM card while still at home. The process takes just minutes through a simple QR code scan, with the eSIM remaining dormant until landing in the Philippines.
Pre-activation offers significant advantages for seamless travel planning:
- Instant internet access immediately after landing, avoiding airport SIM card queues and overpriced roaming charges
- Ability to book transport and accommodation during the flight or upon touchdown
- Immediate access to maps, translation apps and emergency contacts without delay
The eSIM automatically connects to local networks once the plane touches down, providing instant 4G or 5G coverage across major cities and tourist destinations.
Explore the Stunning Beaches of El Nido
El Nido’s limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons create one of Southeast Asia’s most photographed destinations. The Small Lagoon requires kayaking through a narrow entrance, revealing a hidden paradise surrounded by towering karst formations. Big Lagoon offers calmer waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling amongst colourful marine life.
Island hopping tours provide access to secluded beaches and secret lagoons:
- Tour A covers the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach
- Tour C features Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Secret Beach with crystal-clear waters
- Private boat rentals allow customised itineraries visiting less crowded spots
Beach lovers should visit during the dry season from November to May for optimal weather conditions and calm seas.
Dive Into World-Class Underwater Wonders
The Philippines ranks among the world’s top diving destinations with over 400 coral species documented. Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts experienced divers with hammerhead sharks and manta rays. Apo Island’s marine sanctuary showcases vibrant coral gardens and sea turtle encounters just metres from shore.
Premier diving locations across the archipelago include:
- Coron’s Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, now artificial reefs teeming with marine life
- Malapascua Island for thresher shark sightings during early morning dives at Monad Shoal
- Anilao’s macro photography opportunities featuring nudibranchs, frogfish and pygmy seahorses
Diving certifications are available through PADI-certified centres in major tourist areas, with courses conducted in multiple languages.
Trek Through the Banaue Rice Terraces
The 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces demonstrate the Ifugao people’s engineering brilliance carved into mountain slopes. These living cultural landscapes still produce rice using traditional irrigation methods passed through generations. The terraces transform with the seasons, showing lush green during planting and golden hues at harvest time.
Trekking options suit various fitness levels and time constraints:
- Easy walks through Batad village offer panoramic terrace views and local homestay experiences
- Moderate hikes to Tappiyah Falls combine terrace scenery with refreshing swimming opportunities
- Challenging multi-day treks connect remote villages showcasing authentic Ifugao culture and traditions
Local guides provide cultural context and ensure respectful interaction with indigenous communities throughout the region.
Experience Manila’s Historic Intramuros District
Intramuros preserves Spanish colonial architecture within the original 16th-century walls of Manila. Fort Santiago served as a military defence and later a prison, now housing the Rizal Shrine museum. San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, survived multiple earthquakes with its Baroque architecture intact.
Exploration methods reveal different perspectives of this historic quarter:
- Walking tours with local historians explain the district’s role in Philippine independence movements
- Bamboo bike tours navigate cobblestone streets while reducing environmental impact significantly
- Evening calesa (horse-drawn carriage) rides provide romantic views of illuminated colonial buildings
The area comes alive during cultural festivals when traditional music and dance performances fill the plazas.
Discover the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Bohol’s Chocolate Hills comprise over 1,200 cone-shaped limestone formations spread across 50 square kilometres. These geological wonders turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate kisses dotting the landscape. The viewing deck at Carmen offers 360-degree panoramas of this unique natural phenomenon.
Bohol’s attractions extend beyond the iconic hills:
- Tarsier sanctuary protects the world’s smallest primates with strict no-flash photography rules
- Loboc River cruise combines scenic waterways with floating restaurant experiences and local performances
- Panglao Island beaches provide white sand relaxation and world-class diving sites nearby
ATV tours allow adventurous exploration of the hills’ surrounding countryside and local farming communities.
Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an 8.2-kilometre navigable underground river flowing through a limestone cave system. The one-hour boat tour showcases impressive rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Cathedral-like chambers create acoustic effects while bats and swiftlets inhabit the cave’s darker recesses.
Planning considerations ensure a smooth underground river experience:
- Advance permits are required and should be secured at least one day before the visit
- Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities inside the cave
- Sabang Beach provides post-tour relaxation with pristine shores and mangrove paddle boarding
The surrounding national park protects endangered species including the Palawan peacock-pheasant and Philippine cockatoo.
Experience Vibrant Cebu City Culture
Cebu blends modern urban energy with deep historical roots as the Philippines’ oldest city established in 1565. Magellan’s Cross marks the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines, protected within a small chapel downtown. The Basilica del Santo Niño houses the country’s oldest religious relic attracting millions of devotees annually.
Urban activities cater to diverse traveller interests:
- Street food tours sample local specialities like lechon (roasted pig) and puso (hanging rice)
- Crown Regency Sky Experience offers adrenaline-pumping activities 38 floors above ground level
- Tops Lookout provides sunset views across Cebu City, Mactan Island and surrounding waters
Night markets in the Carbon area showcase local crafts and authentic Cebuano street food culture.
Relax on the White Sands of Boracay
Boracay’s 4-kilometre White Beach consistently ranks among the world’s best beaches with powdery sand and calm waters. The beach divides into three stations, each offering distinct atmospheres from lively entertainment to quiet relaxation. Sunset views from the western shore create spectacular photo opportunities as traditional paraw sailboats glide past.
Island activities extend beyond beach lounging:
- Helmet diving allows non-certified divers to walk underwater viewing coral gardens and tropical fish
- Ariel’s Point cliff jumping offers multiple platforms from 3 to 15 metres high
- Mount Luho viewpoint provides 360-degree island vistas after a short scooter ride
The island’s rehabilitation efforts have improved environmental conditions whilst maintaining its status as a premier beach destination.
Hike Through Taal Volcano’s Crater Lake
Taal Volcano presents a unique geological formation with a lake within a volcano on an island within a lake. The active crater contains the world’s smallest active volcano, creating a dramatic landscape accessible through guided hikes. The 45-minute trek from Talisay offers stunning views across Taal Lake and surrounding countryside.
Safety considerations ensure responsible volcano tourism:
- PHIVOLCS monitors volcanic activity with alert levels updated regularly for visitor safety
- Local guides provide current trail conditions and weather information before departures
- Early morning hikes avoid midday heat and provide clearer views before clouds develop
Boat rides across Taal Lake to the volcano island add an aquatic element to the hiking adventure.
Immerse in Sagada’s Mountain Traditions
Sagada’s hanging coffins demonstrate the Igorot people’s ancestral burial practices clinging to limestone cliffs. Echo Valley’s viewpoint allows respectful observation of these centuries-old traditions without disturbing sacred sites. Lumiang Burial Cave contains stacked coffins dating back hundreds of years, accessible through guided cultural tours.
Mountain activities embrace Sagada’s natural beauty:
- Sunrise at Kiltepan viewpoint reveals a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys below
- Sumaguing Cave spelunking challenges adventurers through underground chambers and rock formations
- Local coffee shops serve organic Sagada arabica beans roasted on-site with mountain views
The town’s cool climate provides welcome relief from tropical heat found at lower elevations.
The Philippines rewards travellers with diverse experiences spanning pristine nature, rich culture and warm hospitality across thousands of islands. Staying connected with the best eSIM for Philippines from TravelKon ensures seamless navigation and instant sharing of incredible moments throughout the journey. Each destination offers unique adventures waiting to be discovered, creating memories that last long after returning home.
