Amanda LimWith over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is rich in natural wonders and cultural treasures. But when it comes to sheer visual impact, some places truly stand out.
From rolling hills in the far north to limestone lagoons in the west, these 10 destinations offer postcard-perfect views that will leave you speechless.
Also read: The Best 2025 Holiday Destinations in Southeast Asia for Rest, Wellness and Relaxation
Batanes
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Way up in the country’s far north, Batanes looks like a painting come to life. The landscape here is often compared to the Scottish Highlands or New Zealand’s pastures, but with a uniquely Filipino soul.
Head to Marlboro Hills at sunrise, when soft light spills over grassy slopes and grazing cows. At Basco Lighthouse, you’ll get panoramic views of cliffs meeting wild sea. Even the winding roads feel cinematic, curving elegantly through the hills with little else in sight but sky and green.
Vigan
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One of the best-preserved colonial towns in the Philippines, Vigan is a delight for lovers of history and architecture. Its centrepiece, Calle Crisologo, is paved with cobblestones and flanked by ancestral homes with capiz windows and wood balconies.
By day, horse-drawn carriages clatter down the street. At night, warm lamplight glows against centuries-old walls. Explore the ochre-toned Syquia Mansion, admire the intricate woodwork of traditional homes, and don’t miss St Paul’s Cathedral. For a quieter scene, stroll along the Mestizo River at sunset and watch the church towers reflect in the pastel sky.
Taal Lake & Volcano
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A couple of hours south of Manila lies Tagaytay, a popular retreat known for one of the Philippines’ most iconic views: Taal Volcano. Here, you’ll see a volcano sitting within a lake that sits inside another volcano’s crater. It’s a surreal sight you won’t forget.
Enjoy the view from a ridge-top café or garden, with cool mountain air and sweeping panoramas all around. It’s an easy day trip with scenery that looks like a fantasy landscape.
Banaue & Batad rice terraces
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Carved into the mountainsides of northern Luzon over 2,000 years ago, the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. These dramatic stone and earth terraces follow the contours of the Cordillera Mountains, forming wave-like patterns that catch the light in golden and green tones depending on the season.
Batad, accessible only on foot, offers an especially stunning amphitheatre-shaped view, with small Ifugao villages tucked among the terraces. The air is crisp, the scenery vast, and the silence profound.
Intramuros, Manila
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Inside bustling Manila sits Intramuros, the old walled city from the Spanish era. Here, cobbled streets, colonial churches and thick stone walls offer a rare pause from the chaos outside.
Walk past the moss-covered ruins of Fort Santiago, or step into the baroque beauty of San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Lantern-lit alleys, church bells ringing, and the hush of old courtyards create a mood that’s hard to find elsewhere in the capital.
Mayon Volcano, Albay
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Few natural landmarks are as striking as Mayon Volcano. Known for its perfect cone shape, Mayon rises above the rice fields and towns of Albay, commanding attention from every angle.
On clear mornings, the volcano glows under the sun, its reflection dancing in nearby paddies. Head to Cagsawa Ruins, where a church bell tower stands alone, a haunting reminder of past eruptions. It’s a picture of beauty, danger and deep-rooted history all in one frame.
El Nido, Palawan
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On the northern tip of Palawan lies El Nido, a coastal town surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and jade-green lagoons. It’s no surprise this is often ranked among the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Hop on a boat to discover Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, or the coral-strewn shallows of Shimizu Island. Each stop reveals water so clear you’ll want to dive right in. From the cliffs above to the ocean floor below, El Nido delivers cinematic views in every direction.
Also read: 4 Days 3 Nights El Nido, Palawan Itinerary for Your Summer Getaway
Coron’s Kayangan Lake & Mt Tapyas, Palawan
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Further north in Palawan, Coron offers a different kind of visual magic. Kayangan Lake, tucked between limestone cliffs, is often hailed as the cleanest lake in the country. Its waters are so clear they reflect the sky like glass.
Climb the short trail to the lake’s view deck for one of the most iconic photos in the Philippines. Back in town, hike up Mount Tapyas for a sunset panorama over Coron Bay involving orange skies, island silhouettes, and endless sea. It’s a view you’ll never forget.
Baguio City
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High in the Cordillera mountains, Baguio City offers misty hills, pine-scented air, and a cooler pace of life. Nicknamed the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”, it’s known for its gardens, heritage lodges, and artistic flair.
Visit Mines View Park for sweeping mountain scenes, stroll through the flower-filled Botanical Garden, or explore the creative corners of Ili-Likha and the BenCab Museum. With its soft light and cosy atmosphere, Baguio feels like a mountain retreat with a cultural soul.
Kaparkan Falls, Abra
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Tucked deep in the mountains of Abra, Kaparkan Falls is unlike any other waterfall in the Philippines. Rather than a vertical drop, it fans out over natural limestone terraces, layer upon layer of flowing water in a jungle setting.
The falls are only accessible during the rainy season and require a 4×4 journey through forest roads. But once you arrive, the sight is spellbinding. Water glides over mossy rocks, reflecting sunlight in shimmering tiers. It’s peaceful, hidden, and almost dreamlike.
Also read: Best Autumn Destinations to Visit: Where to Go for Stunning Scenery and Seasonal Charm
A country made for the camera
From the rice terraces of the north to the lagoons of the west and the stone towns in between, the Philippines offers scenic wonders in every direction.
These are landscapes and cityscapes that tell stories, stir emotion, and leave travellers speechless. These ten destinations will show you why the Philippines is one of the most breathtaking countries in Southeast Asia, and why one trip will never be enough.
