Beyond its capital Manila, the Philippines offers travellers a menu of slow food, coastal activities and festivals not to miss.
An archipelago of more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers everything from coastline and tropical rainforests to volcanic peaks.
Speaking to Euronews Travel at World Travel Market in London, Marga Nograles, COO at Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, described the country as tropical, and one that welcomes visitors in every season.
There is an “authentic experience for every traveller” at any time of the year, Nograles said. “From December to May, we have whale watching activities, which can be done in four destinations around the Philippines. Around that time also, we [have] perfect island hopping experiences, [for travellers] visiting all our award-winning beach resorts.”
For adventure tourists, she recommended visiting Siargao Island from September to January for watersports when waves can reach as high as around nine feet.
“We have many surfers coming into the Philippines at that time,” she said. “That is also the best for canyoneering and doing the sardine run.”
Hidden gems in the Philippines
Beyond the capital, Manila, Nograles shared the Philippines’ must-visit destinations.
“Siquijor remains one of our hidden gems, with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and rich local tradition,” she said.
The third smallest province across the country, Siquijor features white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, trekking and snorkelling in the Caticugan Marine Protected Area, among other popular activities to do on the island.
In Pampanga, Nograles recommended Clark for being an accessible getaway and an area that has a “rich history, exciting culinary culture, and growing leisure opportunities”.
She also spotlighted how Camiguin, an island home to 14 volcanoes, was listed among The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026, making it the only province in the Philippines to receive such international distinction.
“Its volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and natural springs make it a wonderful destination for nature and adventure,” she said.
Food tourism: Where to eat in the Philippines
Nicknamed the “heart of the Philippines”, Iloilo City was named as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023 by UNESCO and is home to more than 300 restaurants.
“It’s very interesting to come visit because their cuisine is heavily inspired by the culture and traditions of that city,” Nograles said.
UNESCO recognises Iloilo for its culture of “fiesta” and tradition of festive banquets. Since 2021, the province has also held Timplada, an event that showcases local cuisine. This includes educational activities focused on Iloilo culinary heritage.
Bacolod, an urbanised city on the northwest coast of Negros Island, became the first international Slow Food Hub in Asia and the Pacific, according to the Slow Food Foundation.
“Bacolod City is a slow food hub in Asia and the centre for sustainable gastronomy,” said Nograles. “Negros Occidental also is the organic capital of the Philippines.”
She recommends visiting Carbin Reef in Negros Occidental. It’s a sandbar where visitors can sample “kinilaw”, which is a traditional Filipino seafood dish where raw fish is marinated in vinegar, diced into cubes and accompanied with tomato, red onions, ginger and lemon zest.
Colourful celebrations of faith, flowers and harvest
Nograles told Euronews Travel that the country hosts more than 40,000 festivals each year. And there are three in particular that she highlights for travellers.
“First is the Sinulog, which is in Cebu in the Visayas,” she said. “Sinulog is a celebration of faith. In the Philippines, they celebrate the Señor Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus).
“During this time, the whole city stops because everyone is celebrating in the streets. They take out their boats. And everyone has their face painted. The energy is unlike any other.”
In the southern city of Davao, the Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of harvest. “There are different concerts, also street dancing,” she said. “[There are] also the freshest fruits around that time so, we also get a lot of visitors coming in – so it would be nice to come visit and try the fruits of the south of the Philippines.”
Further north of the archipelago is where the month-long Panagbenga Festival takes place. “That is a celebration of the flowers,” she said. “So all kinds of flowers are in bloom up the mountains during that time.”
Source: www.euronews.com
