The Pearl of the Orient
-
The Best 3-Day Cebu City Itinerary + 5-Day Extension
Planning a Cebu City itinerary can be tricky because Cebu has so many places to visit. You can spend your entire trip exploring the city, or use Cebu City as…
-
10 Beautiful Beaches in Dinagat Island You Won’t Want to Miss
If I have the chance, I’m never going to pass up a beach, especially one in the Philippines. For example, the beaches in Dinagat Island, where you’ll find clear water,…
-
How to Get From Cebu to Dumaguete: A Complete Travel Guide
Traveling from Cebu to Dumaguete is fairly straightforward, with several options depending on your budget and how quickly you want to get there. You can take a direct ferry, travel…
-
7 Must-Do Cebu City Tours for Every Type of Traveler
Cebu City is one of those places where you can spend a full day sightseeing and still have several places left on your list. You can explore centuries-old churches and…
-
17 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Beyond
Cebu City is often the starting point for travelers visiting Cebu Province. While many people head straight to Moalboal, Oslob, Bantayan Island, or Malapascua, spending at least a day or…
-
Kawasan Falls Cebu 2026: How to Get There, What to Expect & Travel Tips
Kawasan Falls in Cebu is one of those places you’ve probably seen all over social media, and yes, it really is that blue in real life. Its turquoise water alone…
-
Planning Kawasan Falls Canyoneering? Read This First (2026 Complete Guide + Tips)
Are you up for a bit of adventure? If yes, Kawasan Falls canyoneering in Cebu should be on your list. A trip to Kawasan Falls isn’t really complete without trying…
-
How to Travel from Dumaguete to Siquijor: A Complete Guide
Discover the best way to travel from Dumaguete to Siquijor with our comprehensive guide. Our guide includes updated schedules and fares for ferries plying the Dumaguete to Siquijor route. With its white sandy beaches, laidback vibe, friendly locals, marine sanctuaries, and Gatorade blue waterfalls, Siquijor is packed with epic things to do and stunning tourist spots to visit. Check out our guide to plan your trip today!
-
Cebu to Bohol: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Dreaming of island hopping in the Philippines? The Central Visayas region has a stunning combination of vibrant culture, natural wonders, and idyllic beaches. To see them, you can choose either…
-
The Best Way to Get from Cebu to Siquijor: Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations
This guide will explore all your options for getting from Cebu to Siquijor in 2026, providing valuable tips, alternative routes, and recommendations to make your travel as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
-
Where to Eat the Best Empanada in Vigan
Trying Vigan empanada isn’t optional. Not if you ask me. It’s one of the best foods in Vigan! If you’re figuring out where to find the best empanada in Vigan,…
-
Looking for a Beach Resort in Vigan City? Read This First
There are a few beaches in Vigan and nearby, so you might be wondering if there’s a beach resort in the area. The options for a beach resort in Vigan…
-
Manila to Dinagat Island: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Traveling from Manila to Dinagat Island takes more planning than visiting most tourist destinations in the Philippines, but that’s also one of the reasons the province has remained relatively untouched….
-
Best Restaurants in Vigan and Other Great Food Spots
Vigan is famous for its cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses. But what most people don’t know is that the food is just as much a reason to visit. If you’re…
-
Vigan Itinerary: How to Spend 2-3 Days in This Heritage Town
I’ve been to Vigan multiple times, usually with family and friends. That means there’s always someone else deciding where we eat next or how long we linger at a museum….
-
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Calle Crisologo in Vigan
For most travelers, Calle Crisologo is the highlight of a trip to Vigan. It’s one of the most photographed streets in the Philippines, but there’s more to it than a…
-
3 to 5 Days Dinagat Island Itinerary: Everything I Did and Would Recommend for First-Time Visitors
When I first started planning my Dinagat Island itinerary, I realized there weren’t many detailed guides available online. Most articles only talked about how to get there or listed a…
-
Best Beaches in Vigan and Nearby
Vigan gets talked about for its cobblestone streets and Spanish-era mansions, but there’s a coastline hiding just past the heritage village (and beyond) that most visitors never think to look…
-
Pottery in Vigan: A Guide to Burnay Jar Making
Burnay is Vigan’s centuries-old pottery tradition that’s still very much alive today. I visited both pottery workshops in town, and at one of them, I got to see the whole…
-
Best Food in Vigan: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Eat
Vigan is known for its cobblestone streets and old Spanish colonial town feel. What most people don’t know is that it is also rich in food. And in this list,…
-
11 Best Day Trips from Manila Worth the Drive
Manila doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but that’s a separate conversation. A while back I did a day trip through the Tagaytay Loop and ended up surprised at…
-
Best Attractions in Vigan: Things to Do & Places to Visit
Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial town in Asia. Walking through it, you half-expect to be back a few centuries ago. If you love history, there’s really nowhere else…
-
Where to Stay in Vigan: 12 Best Hotels for Every Budget
Almost every hotel in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is a restored heritage building. This means, wherever you end up, you’re likely sleeping inside a piece of history. Most hotels in Vigan…
-
Ultimate Travel Guide to 16 Dinagat Island Tourist Spots and Hidden Gems
Dinagat Island is like one of those places people accidentally discover and then wonder why nobody talks about it more. Travelers usually head straight to Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, or Siargao,…
-
Cebu to Dinagat Island: Step by Step Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
While destinations like Siargao and Bohol usually get most of the attention, many travelers now look for routes like Cebu to Dinagat Island as they explore the lesser-known side of…
-
1 Day in Manila: A Local’s Guide
With so many stunning islands and destinations across the Philippines, Metro Manila might not be the first thing on your travel list. But since most international and domestic flights pass…
-
Is Wawa Dam Still Safe to Visit? Recent Safety Concerns Explained (2026 Guide)
If you’ve been planning a visit to Wawa Dam lately, you’ve probably asked the same question I keep seeing online: “Is Wawa Dam still safe to visit?” And honestly, I understand why people are asking. Over the past few…
-
Did You Know the Philippines Islands Total 7,000+? Your Simple First-Timer’s Guide
It shocks a lot of travelers when they learn the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, making it one of the largest island groups on Earth. When you…
-
Life-Changing Encounters in Mindanao: Hidden Spots, Culture, and Local Stories
Have you ever found a place that completely shifts how you see the world? Mindanao is full of moments like that. This underrated island hides untouched beaches, mountain landscapes, colorful…
-
How to Navigate Mindanao Hidden Gems Like a Pro and Enjoy Every Moment
Mindanao is big, exciting, and full of surprises. The island mixes mountains, beaches, waterfalls, food markets, heritage sites, and warm local communities in a way that makes every stop feel…
-
Surprising Stories of Hidden Treasures Found by Accident in the Philippines
Have you ever found something amazing by accident? The Philippines is full of hidden places that many locals don’t even know about. You might take a wrong turn and end…
-
Beware: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Philippine Outskirts
Dreaming of exploring the quiet side of the Philippines? The countryside is filled with rice terraces, clear rivers, and green mountains that feel untouched by time. But remember, traveling in…
-
Best Season to Visit the Philippines: Avoid Typhoons, Catch Sunshine, and Travel Smart
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, each one offering its own rhythm, weather, and charm. But if you’ve checked the forecast lately, you’ll know the seasons here…
-
How to Plan a Week Exploring the Philippines’ Hidden Treasures
If you’ve already seen the Philippines’ top tourist spots and want to dig a little deeper, this 7-day plan is perfect for you. In a week, you’ll visit hidden gems…
-
Explore Mindanao’s Secret Waterfalls and Ancient Landscapes by Trail
I was born and raised in Mindanao, an Indigenous local and proud pure-blooded child of this island. The mountains, rivers, and waterfalls here have always felt like home. Each trail…
-
15 Hidden Adventures in Visayas That Prove Paradise Still Exists
The Visayas is a place full of surprises. Each island has something special to share, from quiet beaches and green mountains to hidden caves and small islands. Beyond the famous…
-
10 Incredible Volcano Experiences in the Philippines for Adventurers and Nature Lovers
The Philippines is home to more than 20 active volcanoes, making it one of the best places for outdoor adventures. From the perfect cone of Mayon in Albay to the…
-
Philippines’ Best Kept Historical Sites You Won’t Find in Guidebooks
The Philippines is full of places that tell real stories from the past. Old churches, forts, and towns show how people lived during the Spanish and American times and in…
-
10 Underappreciated Architectural Gems in the Philippines
The Philippines isn’t just about beaches and islands, it’s also home to some seriously underrated architectural gems. Beyond the usual tourist spots, you’ll find old churches, forts, and heritage sites…
-
The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel in the Philippines
Traveling the Philippines doesn’t mean you need fancy hotels to feel at home. Some of the best places to stay are small, locally run spots that give you the real…
-
Avoid These Hidden Dangers in the Philippines’ Remote Areas
We all love the idea of escaping crowds and finding that secret island or mountain view nobody else has seen. But remote adventures in the Philippines come with their own…
-
13 Hidden Eco Villages in the Philippines You Need to Discover Now
If you’re craving a break from crowds and noise, these 13 hidden eco villages in the Philippines are worth checking out. Each one offers a simple, nature-filled way of living,…
-
11 Thrilling Activities in the Remote Mountains of the Philippines
Ever dreamed of going somewhere that makes you feel truly alive? Imagine waking up to cool mountain air, tall trees all around, and trails waiting for you to take the…
-
Iconic vs. Hidden: The Philippines Landmark Showdown You Didn’t Know You Needed
The Philippines is full of showstoppers, from world-famous sights to those secret spots that quietly steal hearts. Some landmarks built their fame over decades, while others wait off the beaten…
-
13 Best Filipino Dishes You Must Try — From Iconic Classics to Hidden Gems
Filipino food is all about bold flavors, comforting meals, and recipes passed down through generations. Each dish tells a story, from family gatherings to local celebrations, showing just how food…
-
Which Philippine Island Has the Best Hidden Spots? A Surprising Comparison
The Philippines has plenty of well-known destinations, but the real gems are often the ones that don’t make it into every travel guide. You’ll find secret beaches, calm lagoons, and…
-
13 Quick Itineraries for Spontaneous Road Trips Across the Philippines’ Hidden Trails
Get ready to hit the road and explore the Philippines in the most exciting way—through quick, unplanned trips that spark adventure. From quiet coastal spots to scenic mountain trails, every…
-
Trade Boracay for These 10 Secluded Beaches in the Philippines That Won’t Break the Bank
Boracay may be the star, but these hidden beaches each have their own magic waiting to be explored. From quiet coves and soft white sand to sunsets you’ll never forget,…
-
Which Philippine Island to Visit This Season?
If you’ve ever visited the Philippines, you know just how much some islands shine when the weather’s right. The great thing about planning a trip here? It’s not as tricky…
-
5 Hidden Tidal Pools in the Philippines You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
The Philippines is full of beautiful beaches and clear waters, but there are some secret spots that even many locals don’t know about. Hidden away in remote places, these tidal…
ABOUT THE BLOG
Philippines Hidden Gems is a blog about travelling to and in the Philippines. We post information on all aspects of travel to the Philippines, from planning a trip to finding the best places to stay and things to do.
We will not just cover the most popular tourist destinations, but also the lesser-known places that are just as amazing. These hidden gems are often the most authentic and rewarding places to visit, and we will help you discover them!
