The Most Popular Place in the Philippines: An Overview of the Country's Top Destination

Voting rules: Choose the location you think is the most popular!

Updated on Sep 19, 2023 10:19

Welcome to StrawPoll, your one-stop hub for fascinating polls and rankings! Today, we're on the hunt for the most popular place in the Philippines, a country brimming with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and lively culture. With thousands of islands to explore, we've narrowed down the list to provide you the cream of the crop, but we need your help to decide the ultimate winner. Dive into our interactive ranking and cast your vote for your favorite Philippine gem, or suggest a hidden treasure we may have missed. Be a part of the excitement and join the conversation today as we uncover the Philippines' most beloved destination, only here on StrawPoll!

What Is the Most Popular Place in the Philippines? (September 2023)

1

64
votes
ESA Copernicus Sentinel-2 · Attribution

Boracay Island

Known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It offers a variety of water sports and activities, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
Description

Boracay Island is a popular tourist destination located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Boracay attracts visitors from all over the world who come to relax on the beach, indulge in water activities such as snorkeling and diving, and experience the lively atmosphere of the island's bars and restaurants.

Location: Western Visayas, Philippines

Land area: 10.32 square kilometers

Beaches: White Beach, Bulabog Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Diniwid Beach, etc.

Water activities: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Parasailing, Jet skiing, Stand-up paddleboarding, etc.

Nightlife: Numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a vibrant party scene
Boracay Island in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular island in the Philippines
2

30
votes
Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0

Palawan Island

N/A

Dubbed as the "last ecological frontier" of the Philippines, Palawan Island boasts of stunning limestone cliffs, crystal clear lagoons, and diverse marine life. It is a popular destination for travelers who love nature and adventure.
Description

Palawan Island is a stunning tropical paradise located in the Philippines. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes. The island offers a diverse range of attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant coral reefs, and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

Area: 1,489,655 hectares

Length: 450 kilometers

Width: 50 kilometers

Capital: Puerto Princesa City

Number of Islands: 1,780
Palawan Island in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular island in the Philippines
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful view in the Philippines
3

14
votes
Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Manila

As the capital city of the Philippines, Manila is a bustling metropolis that offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. It is home to a number of iconic landmarks such as the Manila Cathedral, Rizal Park, and the Intramuros.
Description

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. It is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse attractions. With a population of over 1.7 million people, Manila serves as a major center for commerce, government, and entertainment.

Area: 38.55 square kilometers

Population: 1,780,148

Official Language: Filipino and English

Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (PST, UTC+8)

Climate: Tropical savanna climate
4

16
votes
P199 · Public domain

Cebu

Known as the "Queen City of the South," Cebu is the second largest city in the Philippines and a popular destination for its beaches, diving spots, and historical sites. It is also famous for its lechon (roast pig) and the Sinulog Festival.
Description

Cebu is a stunning island located in the Philippines. It is known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Cebu offers a perfect mix of natural wonders and vibrant city life, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Location: Central Visayas, Philippines

Size: 4,468.6 square kilometers

Population: Approximately 4.6 million

Language: Cebuano (Visayan), English, and Filipino

Capital City: Cebu City
Cebu in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful island in the Philippines
5

11
votes
Adkranz · CC BY-SA 4.0

Batanes

Located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, Batanes is a group of islands that offer breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and a peaceful way of life. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Batanes in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most underrated place in the Philippines
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful island in the Philippines
6

16
votes
patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Baguio

Daniel Burnham

Dubbed as the "City of Pines," Baguio is a mountain resort town that offers a cool climate, scenic views, and a vibrant art scene. It is also known for its strawberries, ukay-ukay (second-hand clothes) markets, and the Panagbenga Festival.
Description

Baguio is a charming city located in the northern part of the Philippines. Often referred to as the 'Summer Capital of the Philippines,' it is known for its cool climate, lush mountains, and scenic landscapes. Baguio attracts millions of visitors annually, seeking respite from the heat of lowland cities and exploring its natural beauty.

Elevation: 1,540 meters (5,050 feet)

Average Temperature: 15 to 23 degrees Celsius (59 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit)

Tourist Attractions: Mines View Park, Burnham Park, The Mansion, Camp John Hay

Flower Festival: Panagbenga Festival (held annually in February)

Architecture: Baguio Cathedral, The Mansion, Diplomat Hotel
7

7
votes
Siargao Island

Known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," Siargao Island offers world-class waves, stunning beaches, and a laid-back island vibe. It is a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers.
Description

Siargao Island is a small tear-drop shaped island located in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao Island is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surf breaks. The island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Location: Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Shape: Tear-drop

Famous for: Surfing

Beaches: Pristine

Water clarity: Crystal-clear
Siargao Island in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Mindanao
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular island in the Philippines
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful view in the Philippines
8

8
votes
Ray in Manila · CC BY 2.0

Vigan

Located in the northern part of Luzon, Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the Spanish colonial era of the Philippines. It is famous for its cobblestone streets, old houses, and the Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) rides.
Description

Vigan is a historic city located in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, which makes it a popular tourist destination.

Location: Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Architectural Style: Spanish colonial

Year Founded: 1572

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes

City Type: Historic
9

3
votes
Pascalll · Public domain

Davao

Known as the "Durian Capital of the Philippines," Davao is the largest city in the southern part of the Philippines and a popular destination for its natural attractions, such as the Mount Apo and the Philippine Eagle Center. It is also famous for its durian fruit, pomelo, and the Kadayawan Festival.
Description

Davao City is a highly popular destination in the Philippines known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and diverse attractions. Located in the Mindanao region, Davao is the largest city in terms of land area in the Philippines. It is a bustling urban center with a mix of modern infrastructure and natural wonders.

Population: Approximately 1.6 million

Area: 2,444 square kilometers

Geography: Situated between the slopes of Mount Apo and the Davao Gulf

Culture: Known for its rich ethnic diversity and vibrant festivals

Tourism: Features popular attractions such as the Philippine Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park, Malagos Garden Resort
10

5
votes
PIA-Bohol · Public domain

Bohol

Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Bohol is a popular destination for its unique geological formations such as the Chocolate Hills, diverse marine life, and the tarsiers (one of the smallest primates in the world). It is also known for its beaches, diving spots, and the Loboc River Cruise.
Description

Bohol is a breathtaking island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Known for its stunning natural wonders, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the country. The island offers a perfect mix of enchanting landscapes, historic sites, stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and relaxation seekers alike.

Geography: Bohol is a oval-shaped island province situated in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines.

Chocolate Hills: Famous for its unique and perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn chocolate brown during the dry season.

Tarsier Conservation Area: Home to the world's smallest primate, the Philippine tarsier. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.

Panglao Island: Connected to Bohol by two bridges, Panglao Island offers pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving spots.

Loboc River: A picturesque river where visitors can enjoy a relaxing river cruise while being entertained by local musicians and indulging in delicious Filipino cuisine.
Bohol in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful island in the Philippines

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Ranking factors for popular place

Tourism Statistics

Analyze the number of visitors, both local and international, to each destination. Popularity can be measured by the footfall and occupancy rate of accommodations in the area.
Tourist Attractions

Evaluate the range of attractions available in each location, including natural wonders, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and recreational activities.
Accessibility

Consider the ease of reaching each destination, including availability of flights, public transport, road networks, and alternative modes of transportation like ferry services.
Accommodations and Infrastructure

Assess the quality and variety of accommodations, restaurants, and other tourism establishments in each location. This includes luxury hotels, budget accommodations, and options for different types of travelers, such as families and solo backpackers.
Safety and Security

Evaluate the safety of each destination, taking into account factors like crime rates and the presence of tourist police or assistance centers.
Affordability

Determine the overall cost of visiting each destination, considering factors like accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. This can help gauge whether a place is popular among budget travelers or luxury travelers.
Online Presence and Social Media Buzz

Analyze the online popularity of each destination, including the number of mentions, check-ins, hashtags, reviews, and rankings on travel websites, blogs, and social media platforms.
Awards and Recognitions

Assess the number of accolades and distinctions a destination has received from reputable travel publications, organizations, and award-giving bodies.
Environmental Sustainability

Consider the environmental practices and eco-friendliness of each destination, including waste management, energy conservation, and preservation of natural resources.
Local Culture and Hospitality

Evaluate the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the local people, as well as the richness of their cultural heritage and traditions. This can greatly impact a traveler's overall experience and perception of a destination.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular place in the Philippines. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite location is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1651 views
174 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each location once every 24 hours. The rank of each location is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular place in the philippines

The Philippines is a stunning archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, each with its own unique character and charm. From bustling cities to tranquil beach towns, this Southeast Asian nation has something for everyone. With such a diverse landscape, it's no wonder that the Philippines is a popular travel destination. But where exactly do visitors flock to the most? We've compiled a list of the top places in the Philippines, as voted by our users on StrawPoll. So whether you're planning your next adventure or simply curious about the most beloved spots in the country, read on to discover the most popular places in the Philippines!

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