Take note of these tourist spots in the Philippines that resemble famous foreign destinations!
Earning a lot of stamps on your passport is every traveler’s dream, but not everyone can afford that privilege—and it’s harder to plan out-of-the-country getaways these days. Lucky for you, there’s never a shortage of exciting places to see and experience in the Philippines. We have countless beaches, historic destinations, and nature spots that can make you feel like you’re in your dream destinations abroad!
Here, we will acquaint you with foreign-looking tourist spots in the Philippines to take note of so you can also help support the country’s tourism recovery for the foreseeable future.
Tourist Spots in the Philippines
- Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (Palawan) - Maldives
- Coron Bay (Palawan) - Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Miniloc Island (El Nido) - Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
- Calauit Safari Park (Palawan) - Serengeti National Park, Africa
- Cintai Corito’s Garden (Batangas) - Bali, Indonesia
- Binondo (Manila) - Hong Kong
- Intramuros (Manila) - Tarragona, Spain
- Bamboo Eco Park (Baguio) - Kyoto, Japan
- Cadapdapan Rice Terraces (Bohol) - Sapa Valley, Vietnam
- Batanes - New Zealand
- La Paz Sand Dunes (Ilocos Norte) - Desert Safari, Dubai
- Marlboro Country and Blue Hills, Kamanbenang Peak (Sagada) - Werfen Picnic Meadow, Salzburg, Austria
- Hinatuan Enchanted River (Surigao del Norte) - Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- Sirao Flower Garden (Cebu) - Keukenhof, Netherlands
- Kaparkan Falls (Abra) - Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey
1. Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (Palawan) - Maldives
Maldives' luxurious accommodations and world-renowned beaches are just a few reasons this paradise is on every beach lover's must-visit list. Good thing there are plenty of tropical islands in the Philippines that can rival its beauty. One of them is in Culion, Palawan, which is home to Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort.
Just 45 minutes away from Coron town proper, the biggest single privately-owned island resort claims a true island getaway because of its scenic beauty and impressive array of amenities. They also offer several packages or tours to explore famous tourist spots in Palawan!
Travel safe and with less worry and avail a Fly+Stay+Dine package for Sunlight Eco Tourism Resort via Klook! This package includes a 3D2N or 4D3N stay at this luxurious resort inclusive of roundtrip flights and dining credits from Php 18,900!
2. Coron Bay (Palawan) - Halong Bay, Vietnam
For travelers seeking a touch of history on their beach vacation, Coron Bay, Palawan is the place to be. Coron Bay is one of the more famous tourist spots in the Philippines among divers because of its fascinating underwater shipwrecks and vibrant marine life! From the Japanese gunboats, aircraft carriers, tanks, and ammo from World War II wreck near the bay, to the breathtaking cliffs and semi-freshwater lakes around the island, it’s sure to remind you of the Halong Bay in Vietnam.
3. Miniloc Island (El Nido) - Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Known as one of the most enchanting beaches around the world, it's no wonder why Maya Bay in Thailand is swarmed by tourists almost all year round. But if you want to stay local, a less-crowded alternative is the unspoiled Miniloc Island located in El Nido in Palawan! This tourist spot in Palawan is full of exciting sights including pristine beaches surrounding Miniloc Island and Small and Big Lagoons that look a lot like Maya Bay––minus the flock of tourists, of course.
4. Calauit Safari Park, Palawan - Serengeti National Park, Africa
Take the perfect travel OOTD while you’re having an African safari-like experience at this unique tourist spot in Palawan! Located on Calauit Island, the Calauit Safari Park is known as “Little Africa” because it is home to many African animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Aside from that, this tourist spot in the Philippines also highlights endemic species like the Calamian deer, Palawan peacock-pheasant, and the Palawan bearcat, to name a few.
Book a private day tour of the Coron Calauit Safari and Busuanga Town via Klook for only Php 1,877 (from Php 2,048)! Inclusive of attraction tickets, roundtrip hotel transfers, snacks, lunch and boat transfers.
5. Cintai Corito’s Garden (Batangas) - Bali, Indonesia
There's no need to buy a ticket to Bali, Indonesia to experience the island paradise that’s known for its natural beauty and colorful culture. Cintai Corito’s Garden is a Bali-inspired sanctuary in Balete, Batangas that is situated amid lush greenery and a temperate climate––indeed a relaxing staycation spot to seek refuge from the frantic pace of the city. The garden resort offers several spa treatments to help guests unwind and recharge, too!
6. Binondo (Manila) - Hong Kong
Best known for its wide variety of authentic Chinese restaurants, Binondo is sure to remind you of the streets of Hong Kong. Being the oldest Chinatown in the world, its history traces back to the Spanish colonization and American occupation. Binondo becomes even more alive during the Chinese New Year, where people can watch dragon and lion dances and indulge in the best Chinese street foods in the district.
7. Intramuros (Manila) - Tarragona, Spain
Away from the traffic and towering buildings lies the oldest district in Metro Manila, lined with Hispanic architecture preserved from hundreds of years ago: Intramuros. Dubbed as "The Walled City" due to its stone wall enclosure, Intramuros is a known tourist spot in the Philippines and popular shooting location for its old-world charm likening the city of Tarragona, Spain. There are walking tours available and bamboo bikes you can rent too if you wish to explore and learn more about Manila's rich history and culture.
8. Bamboo Eco Park (Baguio) - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
Photo Credit: @lrry.gl on Instagram
Japan is a popular dream destination among Filipinos, but did you know there’s a similar tourist spot in the Philippines you can visit instead? Bamboo Eco Park gives visitors a relaxing vibe that can make you feel like you’re in Kyoto, Japan!
Located at the St. Francis Xavier Seminary, Bamboo Eco Park in Baguio is slowly becoming a popular tourist attraction that showcases several bamboo types along its pathways. For those who have visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, you’ll be surprised at its similarity!
9. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Bohol - Sapa Valley, Vietnam
The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay, Bohol may not be as popular as the Banaue Rice Terraces. Still, it holds breathtaking views, especially from an aerial perspective and when the rice paddies are vibrant green. Its striking similarity to the Sapa Valley in Vietnam makes it one of the Philippine tourist spots reminiscent of other famous foreign destinations. Locals say that their ancestors were the ones who formed the rice terraces hundreds of years ago, but the story of how it came to be is still unsure.
10. Batanes - New Zealand
https://unsplash.com/photos/-XZuQQ83CIQ
Batanes is a dream destination for many Filipinos because of its sensational views and captivating waves that can make people feel like they're in another country, specifically New Zealand. Being located in the country's northernmost area, Batanes has a cold and breezy climate that makes it an even more refreshing and fascinating tourist spot in the Philippines.
Batanes’ COVID-19 Travel Requirements / Guidelines:
- Flights are scheduled every 16 days and accepting to a maximum of 80 passengers
- An accomplished Health Declaration form at the Basco Airport
11. La Paz Sand Dunes (Ilocos Norte) - Desert Safari, Dubai
Photo Credit: @bryanrapadas on Instagram
Photo Credit: @lawhrdes on Instagram
Care for a desert expedition? You don’t have to go far because a trip to La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos Norte will remind you of the Sand Dunes in Dubai! Also called Bantay Bimmaboy by the locals, this popular tourist spot in the Philippines has steep sandy slopes perfect for sandboarding and thrilling adventures of rough-riding in an ATV. Buckle up and wear your Indiana Jones-inspired OOTDs and take the most IG-worthy shots while riding an impressive 4x4!
12. Marlboro Country and Blue Hills, Kamanbenang Peak (Sagada) - Werfen Picnic Meadow, Salzburg, Austria
Are you a fan of "The Sound of Music''? Say no more! You can recreate the iconic Do Re Mi opening scene from the 1965 movie at the Marlboro Country and Blue Hills, Kamanbenang Peak in Sagada! The Blue Hills' awe-inspiring view of the green landscapes, blue soil, and fresh breeze looks a lot like Werfen Picnic Meadow in Salzburg, Austria, and is sure to take your breath away. Some even say that the sea of clouds at the Kamanbaneng Peak is a lot better than the more famous Mount Kiltepan.
Sagada’s COVID-19 Guidelines:
- All tourism activities in Sagada are still suspended until further notice, regardless of the point of origin
13. Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Norte - Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Photo Credit: @valentindenice on Instagram
It’s easy to imagine you’re in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula when you visit the Hinatuan Enchanted River in Surigao Del Norte. According to local legends, the luminous saltwater is from the work of fairies—but there are theories that an underground cave system is responsible for the hypnotic shades of sapphire and jade in the water. To add to its mystical charm, the caretakers play the “Hymn of Hinatuan” every day at noon while feeding the fishes to help appease the river spirits. Indeed a sight and adventure you have to experience once in your life!
Surigao del Norte’s COVID-19 Guidelines:
- A negative swab-based or saliva-based RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival
- Confirmed roundtrip tickets
- A confirmed booking at an accredited accommodation for at least 2 nights
- Valid ID
- Surigao del Norte e-Health Pass
14. Sirao Flower Garden (Cebu) - Keukenhof, Netherlands
Photo Credit: @callme_samien on Instagram
Photo Credit: @lelepongsss on Instagram
The Sirao Flower Garden is a haven filled with flowers and spectacular windmills that will make you feel like you’re in Keukenhof in the Netherlands, one of Europe’s most extensive flower gardens! Aside from the expansive field of brightly colored flowers leading up to the windmills, this famous tourist attraction in Cebu also has countless other panoramic sites you can take hundreds of photos of.
15. Kaparkan Falls (Abra) - Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey
Photo Credit: @renz.adonis on Instagram
Deep in the quaint municipality of Tineg, Abra lies the province’s hidden gem: the Kaparkan Falls, also known as Mulawin Falls. This high-terraced waterfall is likened to Turkey’s Pamukkale Thermal Pools as it highlights white limestone terraces that stretch to the Tineg River. It’s believed that the best time to visit this natural wonder is during the rainy season, as you’ll be mesmerized by the striking shades of emerald and azure found in the multi-tiered pools.
Abra’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and Restrictions:
- Abra remains close to non-residents of the province.
