NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Natural attractions are named features which appeal to tourists because of the nature
of the landform or the beauty of the landscape in which the attraction is set. Natural attractions
include: Some natural attractions are free to enter and for some there is an entry charge.

Banaue Rice Terraces

These ruggedly beautiful rice terraces, which have been declared a National Cultural
Treasure, were carved into the mountains of Ifugao more than 2,000 years ago. Today, the
indigenous community continue to maintain the traditional farming practices that their ancestors
started; however, more young people are migrating to the urban areas of the Philippines, leaving
fewer people to work the fields. Pay a visit before the terraces deteriorate.

Chocolate Hills

If there’s one thing that Bohol is famous for, it’s these conical, symmetrical haycock
hills. There are more than 1,200 of them spread out across 50km2, each standing at a height
between 30m and 50m. At the end of the dry season, these grassy hills turn from vibrant green to
chocolate brown hence their name.
Hinatuan Enchanted River

The eye-catching light and dark aquamarine hues of the river will leave you in awe, but
what’s more mysterious about this idyllic hideaway is its unknown origin — it appears to spring
from nowhere. Legend has it that the river is home to protective supernatural beings. Visitors
still flock to this must-see destination to swim in its clear waters, which run as deep as 50ft in
some areas.

Mount Mayon

This majestic stratovolcano south of Metro Manila is a hugely popular tourist attraction,
despite being the most active volcano in the country. It’s perfectly conical shape, which can be
seen from just about anywhere in Bicol, makes it one of the most picturesque peaks in the world.
The best time to climb it is between February and April, weather and volcanic activity
permitting.
Puerto Princesa Underground River

The journey to Palawan’s most famous tourist attraction involves traveling by air, land
and sea, but it’s well worth the trip. The impressive subterranean cave system, which is 8.2km
long and flows directly into the South China Sea, is filled with remarkable karst landscapes. Join
a boat tour to fully appreciate the amazing rock formations inside this UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
MAN MADE ATTRACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Filipinos have always been aware of the natural wonders in our country, and that is why
we’ve always been proud to show off to tourists how much more fun it is here. We’ve since
added many more sights, crafted by hand and sweat, to showcase our culture. Here are some of
the best, man-made sights we have.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

While Sagada is now known as a place “where the broken hearts go” (courtesy of the
popular movie That Thing Called Tadhana), there are certainly a lot of unconventional spots
here than what you might expect.Perhaps one “attraction” that makes the place known long
before its movie setting stint is the Hanging Coffins in the Lumiang Burial Cave. From the word
itself, the coffins are stacked on the high rock formations beside a cliff, a burial tradition
practiced by the ancient Igorots to honor their family. According to local tourist guides, the
coffins are positioned significantly depending on how they were valued by their loved ones, the
highest being the most valued, since it is the one “closest to heaven”. A proof of the rich culture
of the old Filipinos, this old tradition is completely fascinating, as it showed how much they care
for the dead in the ancient times, to make such complete effort in pinning their coffins near the
edge of a cliff. To history junkies, this place is worth the visit despite its somehow spooky
background because it says a lot about us as Filipinos and it’s a tale worth passing to the next
generation.
Corregidor Island

While the island is entirely a natural spectacle, some underground caverns in the place
are man-made, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers. Strategically located at the entrance
of Manila Bay, Corregidor is formerly the headquarters of the allied forces during the Japanese
Occupation era; hence it was named a naval landmark. But aside from its rich contribution to our
history, it’s a great adventure place for adrenaline junkies as it has hosted its own version of
the Amazing Race, clearly an excellent choice for activities like rock balancing, camp adventure,
and island runabouts, among others.

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte

It isn’t a complete trip to Ilocos if you don’t pass by this Instagenic wind farm.With the
province’s close proximity to the ocean, it is no doubt that it is a good spot for wind energy
generation, thus giving birth to the Bangui Windmill. Started in 1998 with the help of a Danish
firm, the wind electrical powers from the large turbines contribute to nearly 40% of the
province’s electrical power. It’s great to swing by the place if you’re visiting the nearby
Pagudpud
Intramuros, Manila

Dubbed Manila’s Walled City, Intramuros by far is still one of the man-made spectacles
that figures in much of Philippine history. Dating back to the Spanish colonial era, the story goes
that it was built by Filipino and Chinese workers, has more or less stood the test of time,
bombings during WW2, and man-made disasters and was restored in the 1980s. Being one of the
oldest districts of Manila, it is really worth the visit if you want to escape the bustle of the metro
without actually leaving it.There’s always a lot to do in Intramuros aside from the cliché calesa
ride. You can visit its museums, try the art and culture activities, join a parkour group, learn
photography, explore the place through ecobikes, indulge yourself with great food,  among
others.

San Juanico Bridge

This widely-famous bridge connecting sister provinces Samar and Leyte is one of the
main attractions of Eastern Visayas and said to be the longest bridge in the Philippines inside a
body of seawater.Formerly called the “Marcos Bridge” since it was built during President
Marcos’s time it was also Ferdinand Marcos’s gift to his wife, Imelda, a native of Leyte. Your
Eastern Visayas experience wouldn’t be complete if you haven’t passed by this majestic bridge,
as it offers a great view of the narrow San Juanico strait, especially during sunset and sunrise. If
you fancy a long road trip with plenty of fresh sea air, you need to put this on your bucket list
ASAP.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Cultural attractions allow travelers to experience mankind's physical and intellectual
creations. Culture in its broadest sense is everything made by humans; however, some feats make
greater impressions than others. The UNESCO World Heritage List contains some of these sites,
together with natural attractions.

Rizal Monument
The Rizal Monument is a memorial monument in Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines built
to commemorate the Filipino nationalist, José Rizal. The mausoleum consists of a standing
bronze sculpture of the martyr, with an obelisk as his backdrop, set on a pedestal upon which his
remains are interred. A plaque on the pedestal front reads: "To the memory of José Rizal, patriot
and martyr, executed at Bagumbayan Field December 30th, 1896, this monument is dedicated by
the people of the Philippine Islands".
Taoist Temple
Taoist Temple is the most popular and visited tourist destination in Cebu City. Temple is
considered as one of the most impressive structures and the only temple open for general
public.This makes it a major tourist drawing factor among the tourists those who are having
some interest in religion. The temple exhibits Chinese style architecture and is situated amidst
the exotic views of Beverly Hills making it a bit difficult for first timers to reach. It is situated
around three hundred meters high above sea level offering excellent surrounding views. The best
time to visit the temple is on Wednesdays as one can catch the rituals of the followers.

MANILA CATHEDRAL
The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, officially known as the Cathedral-Basilica
of the Immaculate Conception and informally as Manila Cathedral, is a prominent Latin Rite
Roman Catholic basilica located in Manila, Philippines, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines. Located in
the Intramuros district of Manila, it was originally a parish church owned and governed by the
diocese of Mexico in 1571, until it became a separate diocese on February 6, 1579 upon the
issuance of a Papal bull by Pope Gregory XIII.
SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL
Cathedral of San Sebastian was founded in April 27, 1876 by Bishop Mariano Cuartero
but the cornerstone was laid and it was inaugurated in the January 20 in the year 1882. Now,
referred to as the Bacolod Cathedral is located along the Rizal Street across the Bacolod City
Public Plaza. The structure of cathedral is made up of coral stones and lime quarried of Guimaras
Island and Palawan wood. Visitors of the cathedral will instantly notice the baroque architectural
style as the pillar, walls; foundations of the church are coral stones.

CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Filipino: Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, or
CCP) is a government owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and
promote arts and culture in the Philippines. The CCP was established through Executive Order
No. 30 s. 1966 by President Ferdinand Marcos. Although an independent corporation of the
Philippine government, it receives an annual subsidy and is placed under the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts for purposes of policy coordination. The CCP is headed by
an 11-member Board of Trustees, currently headed by Chairperson Emily Abrera. Its current
president is Raul Sunico.