The Most Underrated Place in the Philippines, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the place you think is the most underrated!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:57

Picture finding a hidden gem where the buzz of mainstream tourist spots doesn't drown out the calm whisper of nature. In the Philippines, countless underrated destinations are tucked away, waiting to be acknowledged and appreciated. This list aims to shine a light on those places through your votes and experiences. By participating in the ranking, each vote you cast helps others discover these lesser-known locales. It's not just about climbing to the top of a list; it's about broadening the horizons of fellow travelers and locals alike, encouraging exploration beyond the familiar. Let your voice help guide the curious and the adventurous.

What Is the Most Underrated Place in the Philippines?

1

36
votes

Batanes

The northernmost province in the Philippines, Batanes is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique Ivatan culture. Despite its beauty, it is often overlooked by tourists due to its remote location.
2

37
votes
Siquijor

This small island province in the Central Visayas region is often associated with mysticism and supernatural beliefs. However, Siquijor is also home to pristine beaches, waterfalls, and historical landmarks.
Siquijor is a mesmerizing island in the Philippines known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located in the Central Visayas region, Siquijor offers a tranquil and enchanting escape for travelers seeking a tropical paradise.

Location: Central Visayas, Philippines

Area: 343.5 square kilometers

Population: Around 95,984

Beaches: White sand and crystal-clear waters

Waterfalls: Mag-Aso Falls, Lugnason Falls, and Cambugahay Falls
3

21
votes
Siargao

A surfer's paradise, Siargao is a small island in the province of Surigao del Norte. It is home to world-class surf breaks, but also offers other activities such as island hopping, diving, and visiting the Sohoton Caves.
Siargao is a stunning island located in the province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. It is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and world-class surfing waves. Siargao is often referred to as the 'Surfing Capital of the Philippines' and attracts surfers from all over the globe. Apart from its surfing spots, Siargao also boasts lush greenery, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and exotic marine life.

Location: Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Famous For: Surfing and beautiful landscapes

Beaches: Pristine and scenic

Surfing Waves: World-class

Greenery: Lush and vibrant
4

18
votes
Camiguin

Known as the "Island Born of Fire", Camiguin is a small island province in Northern Mindanao. It is home to several volcanoes, hot and cold springs, and beautiful beaches. Despite its natural wonders, Camiguin is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations.
Camiguin is a small volcanic island located in the southern region of the Philippines. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and serene atmosphere. The island is often referred to as the "Garden of Eden" due to its lush landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Location: Southern region of the Philippines

Size: Approximately 415 square kilometers

Volcanoes: Seven volcanoes, including Mount Hibok-Hibok and Mount Vulcan

Hot Springs: Several hot springs, including Ardent Hot Springs and Tangub Hot Spring

Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls, such as Katibawasan Falls and Tuasan Falls
5

15
votes
Baler

Located in the province of Aurora, Baler is a popular surfing destination that also offers historical landmarks such as the Baler Church and Museo de Baler. It is also known for its beautiful countryside and waterfalls.
Baler is a town located in the province of Aurora in the Philippines. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Baler offers a perfect mix of natural wonders and historical attractions that appeal to all types of travelers.

Sabang Beach: A popular destination for surfing enthusiasts, with its consistent waves and stunning shoreline.

Historical Importance: Baler is renowned for being the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines and is also famous for its significant role in the country's history as the site of the Siege of Baler during the Philippine Revolution.

Museo de Baler: A museum that showcases artifacts and memorabilia that depict the town's history, especially during the Spanish colonial period and the Siege of Baler.

Dicasalarin Cove: A secluded and pristine beach known for its crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and breathtaking rock formations.

Ditumabo Falls: A majestic waterfall located in the nearby town of San Luis, offering a scenic trek and the chance to take a refreshing dip in its cool waters.
6

3
votes
Marinduque

Often referred to as the "Heart of the Philippines", Marinduque is a small island province that offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to several beaches, waterfalls, and historical landmarks such as the Boac Cathedral and the Moriones Festival.
Marinduque is a charming and underrated island province located in the heart of the Philippines. Often referred to as the 'Heart of the Philippines' due to its geographical shape, Marinduque offers a rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and a tranquil environment that captivates every visitor.

Religious Landmarks: Bohol is dotted with beautiful churches and religious landmarks, showcasing its strong Catholic faith and history.

Location: Located in the Southern Tagalog region, Central Philippines.

Size: Total land area of approximately 952 square kilometers.

Geography: Consists of a mountainous terrain, rolling hills, lush tropical forests, and beautiful coastlines.

Culture: Known for its rich cultural heritage, with colorful festivals, traditional arts, and crafts.
7

4
votes
Calaguas

A group of islands in Camarines Norte, Calaguas is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular camping and island-hopping destination, but still remains relatively unknown to the general public.
Calaguas is an undiscovered gem located in the province of Camarines Norte in the Philippines. It is composed of a group of islands known for its picturesque white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Despite its natural beauty, Calaguas remains relatively unknown to tourists, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and serenity.

Location: Camarines Norte, Philippines

Islands: Multiple islands (including Tinago, Guintinua, Balagbag)

Beaches: White sand beaches

Water Clarity: Crystal clear waters

Landscapes: Breathtaking views
8

9
votes
Apo Island

A small island off the coast of Negros Oriental, Apo Island is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling due to its diverse marine life. It is home to several dive sites, including a marine sanctuary that is protected by the local community.
Apo Island is a small, underrated gem located in the Philippines. It is a volcanic island situated in the Bohol Sea, specifically in the southeastern region of Negros Oriental province. The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity.

Location: Negros Oriental, Philippines

Geography: Volcanic island in the Bohol Sea

Size: 12.4 hectares

Population: Around 1,000 residents

Marine Life: Home to over 650 species of fish and 400 species of corals
9

11
votes
GinaD · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Sebu

A municipality in South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is known for its scenic lake and waterfalls. It is also home to the T'boli Indigenous People, who are known for their traditional music, crafts, and way of life.
Lake Sebu is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the province of South Cotabato, Mindanao. It is a series of cascading lakes surrounded by lush mountains and verdant landscapes. The captivating beauty of Lake Sebu makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mindanao.

Location: South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines

Size: 354 hectares

Elevation: 1000 meters above sea level

Depth: up to 200 feet

Water Source: freshwater springs and rivers
Lake Sebu in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Mindanao
10

5
votes
Nikswieweg · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tubbataha Reef

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef is located in the Sulu Sea and is home to a diverse array of marine life. It is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, but is often overlooked due to its remote location.
Tubbataha Reef is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coral reefs in the Philippines. It is located in the Sulu Sea, about 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The reef was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 due to its outstanding universal value and remarkable biodiversity. Tubbataha Reef is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral formations, and abundant marine life.

Location: Sulu Sea, Palawan, Philippines

World Heritage Site: Yes

Distance from Puerto Princesa City: 150 kilometers

Coral Reef: Yes

Waters: Crystal-clear
Tubbataha Reef in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful view in the Philippines

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Ranking factors for underrated place

Natural beauty and scenery

This includes the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
Cultural and historical significance

This includes the presence of historical landmarks and museums, as well as the cultural significance of the area.
Accessibility

This refers to how easy or difficult it is to reach the location, including the availability of transportation and infrastructure.
Local hospitality and tourism services

This includes the quality of accommodation, availability of food and drink, and the level of friendliness and support offered to tourists by the local people.
Sustainability and environmental impact

This includes how well the area is protected, preserved, and managed to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated 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

2213 views
165 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 underrated place in the philippines

The Philippines is a country that's renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. From the stunning beaches of Boracay to the bustling city streets of Manila, this country has no shortage of amazing places to visit. However, there are also some hidden gems that often go unnoticed by tourists. These underrated places are often overlooked, but they offer unique experiences that are worth exploring. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most underrated places in the Philippines and why they deserve more attention.