The Most Popular Place in the Philippines, Ranked

Choose the place you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:46
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a wide array of breathtaking destinations ranging from pristine beaches to lush mountains, making it a challenging task to pinpoint which spot stands out the most. By voting for your preferred locations, you help create a user-generated ranking that reflects real, popular opinions about the best places to visit in this beautiful country. This dynamic list is constantly updated based on new votes, giving you the freshest perspective on what is currently trending. Whether you are a local explorer or a foreign traveler, your input is invaluable in shaping an authentic snapshot of where to experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the Philippines.

What Is the Most Popular Place in the Philippines?

  1. 1
    64
    votes
    Boracay Island
    ESA Copernicus Sentinel-2 · Attribution
    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.
    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
  2. 2
    32
    votes
    Palawan Island
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
    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.
    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
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    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.
    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. 4
    18
    votes
    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.
    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
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    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.
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    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.
    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
    8
    votes
    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.
    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
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    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.
    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. 9
    4
    votes
    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.
    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. 10
    7
    votes
    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.
    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.

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Ranking factors for popular place

  1. 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.
  2. Tourist Attractions
    Evaluate the range of attractions available in each location, including natural wonders, historical sites, cultural landmarks, and recreational activities.
  3. Accessibility
    Consider the ease of reaching each destination, including availability of flights, public transport, road networks, and alternative modes of transportation like ferry services.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Awards and Recognitions
    Assess the number of accolades and distinctions a destination has received from reputable travel publications, organizations, and award-giving bodies.
  9. Environmental Sustainability
    Consider the environmental practices and eco-friendliness of each destination, including waste management, energy conservation, and preservation of natural resources.
  10. 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 location is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2242 views
  • 188 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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