philippine travel photography

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13 filipino travel photographers who will inspire you to explore, 6. jeremy kruis, quezon city, instagram: @jeremykruis.

A big part of taking good photos is presenting fresh perspectives, and that is what Jeremy Kruis shows us in his Instagram feed. Not only does he go the distance (literally) by exploring lesser-traveled destinations, he also has a visibly creative eye for telling stories as can be seen in his unique portraits and photos.

Originally from the USA, Jeremy is a freelance filmmaker who fell in love with the Philippines that he decided to stay here. He shares, “I’m really enjoying my life here in the Philippines and have no plans of returning to the States. My passion is video making and am very much enjoying the stories and photos we can capture here in the Philippines.”

According to Jeremy, he only got into photography after moving to the Philippines in 2016. And it’s all thanks to the “abundant beautiful landscapes and interesting cultures” in the country.

His tip for learning photographers: “A tip to taking good photos is lots and lots of practice. Take photos everyday. Another is timing. Sometimes you have to wait for the right emotion on someones face before snapping that golden photo.”

5. AJ Buenavista, Bulacan

Instagram: @dashbuenavista.

AJ shares he was always fascinated about landscape photos, ever since he was young. So after graduating and landing his first job, he got himself a Canon camera with his very first salary. He told us the story of how he got into travel photography: “I had a lot of curiosities on learning the technicalities of taking photos and this passion made me explore new places,” AJ shared. “I invited my friends to go on a road trip where I could shoot them. The road trips became a habit, and soon enough, I enjoyed shooting my travels, from portraits to landscapes. It enhanced how I see my environment, with my bare eyes always on the lookout for some great scenes to capture.”

“I have lived with the idea that travel photography is not only about discovering beautiful destinations, but it can also be an instrument to meet new faces, experience other cultures, and hear their stories. Both travel and photography act as natural complements. One perfectly, and accordingly, complements the other.”

His tip for learning photographers: “This one is a bit cliché from a photographer but it really works for me. All my favorite shots and personal bests were taken during golden hour—that particular period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the natural light is softer than when it is higher in the sky. Make sure to keep your camera ready for the golden hour.”

You can also check out AJ’s business profile, @theweekendproj , where he posts projects from outdoor brands to food photography.

4. Stephen Green-Price, London

Instagram: @stephengreenprice.

Even though he moved to the UK when he was 10, Stephen Green-Price shares that he still always travels to the Philippines when he gets the chance, calling it his “favorite place in the world”.

He only recently got into photography—2018, to be exact—when he bought his first drone. He took it around with him during a trip to the Philippines with friends, and the rest, as they say, is history. A quick peek into Stephen’s Instagram account and what will welcome you are vibrant greens and blues of incredible landscape and aerial photos from around the Philippines (and the world).

Stephen admits there is still a lot to learn, though. “Ever since then and starting up Instagram, I’ve been trying to gain more experience,” he said. “There’s still a huge amount to learn and I’ve far from perfected my craft, but one day I hope to take up photography and social media as a full time role!”

His tip for learning photographers: “Force [yourself to] wake up before sunrise for those really stunning shots. There are loads of apps that tell you golden hour times—those are my go-to weapons before I get to a new destination to shoot. Remember to pack your bag the night before!”

Stephen is currently working on a brand new project, which he describes as “a travel blog for all kinds of travel writers and enthusiasts around the world.” It’s called Your Adventure Blog , and will be live in 2020.

3. Ivan Torres, Manila

Instagram: @iavnt.

Ivan Torres describes himself as a man of movement. In this craving for exploration, he found photography, which eventually became his constant companion. He talked about this love for photography: “This field allowed me to meet people and bring me to places that give unique perspective and experiences each time. The sights, problems, lessons, stories, adventures, and misadventures are ever changing. Nothing was ever the same. The thrill of discovering something new and unfamiliar fuels my explorations, and those are what I take with me on every photograph and film I create.”

This relationship, he explained, started in 2015 at a time when he faced the ultimate dilemma that many of us know: stability or passion? For Ivan, the latter was of a far greater deal. So he bought his first camera. He tells us, “I couldn’t stop, and the rest was beautiful history.”

Now, Ivan is a professional photographer and filmmaker who works with people, brands, and companies who always want to capture extraordinary stories and adventures through the lens of a camera.

His tip for learning photographers:  “To take truthful and genuine images, first be an observer before you even bring out your camera. Immerse yourself in your subject. If it’s a place, spend time to look around and observe the natural process of which things unfold. If it’s people, converse with them, eat with them, and learn their ways. If your goal is to bring home experiences and reflect the emotions of those moments, the good visuals will follow. If you can make your audience truly connect and feel, then that to me is a well-captured story in an image. ”

You can also find Ivan Torres over at his website www. ivantorresstudio.com   and on Facebook: www. facebook.com/iavntcreate

2. Alexis Lim, Manila

Instagram: @sinosijuan.

Alexis Lim is a street and travel photographer from Manila. He is one of the co-founders of Sino Pinas , one of the biggest Filipino travel communities on Instagram. If you love travel and follow a bunch of travel accounts, you’re probably already familiar with the page. Alexis does freelance photography as well, and is the social media manager at Yabang Pinoy , an NGO that advocates for local brands.

Alexis shared that when he first got into the craft, back in 2009, his passion was for street photography. It wasn’t until a memorable trip that he fell in love with travel photography. “It was during a November 2014 trip in Baler when I realized how a beautiful thing exploring is,” he recounts. He also shared that what he loves most about travel photography is how it allows him to learn the stories of other people, discover places, and appreciate different cultures. “Thanks to photography, I was able to freeze all these moments.”

His tip for learning photographers: “ This is probably an overused statement but my biggest tip is to just keep on shooting. Just keep capturing. You can start from simple objects in your home to streets near you. Then once you find your niche, start channeling your energy and passion towards it.”

See more of Alexis Lim’s work at www.litratonijuan.com  and @litratonijuan . Also check out his projects at @SinoPinas and @YabangPinoy on Instagram.

1. Lyka Gonzalez, Makati

Instagram: @lykagonzalez.

Lyka Gonzalez’ bio on Instagram says, “Telling stories that move us”—and for this 26-year-old documentary filmmaker and photographer, it is through the power of her images that the important stories are told. Her work often takes her around the globe, and as a humanitarian, her projects are mainly advocacy-oriented.

The subject of Lyka’s photos are not of breathtaking landscapes and the awe-inspiring sights we see in travel; her photos are of the intimate, fragile moments in between—friendly strangers manning their shop in Kathmandu. Pilgrims in the middle of their solemn ritual. Sleepy travelers enduring a long commute.

Lyka tells us of how her photography came to life. “Covering stories for various organizations would require travel, and photography is simply integral to the process. There are times when I would be on mission (for an organization) or an assignment (for a publication), and my team and I would stop by sideroads or side streets before arriving at our destinations,” she explained. “Those spontaneous layovers and unplanned detours are usually where the magic happens.”

Her tip for learning photographers: “ Be present . Watch the world. Closely. Intimately. Fully. Be open to the people around you and the circumstances you find yourselves in. If something calls to be  shared , capture it. If it is just meant to be experienced, let it. Just observe… and  listen. Nothing should ever be forced. Travel and photography are lifestyles that require  only  your  full attention. And with the attention you offer to the world, the world might present to you in different ways.”

You can see more of Lyka’s work over at her website, www.lykagonzalez.com

Who’s your favorite Filipino travel photographer on Instagram? Send us your recommendation. And follow our travel page on Instagram too, When In Manila Travel & Adventures ( @wimadventures )

About The Author

Managing Editor of WhenInManila.com. Connect with her on Instagram: @nicvillaluz

• Philippines
• Top Filipino Photographers To Watch...

Top Filipino Photographers to Watch Out For

Filipino travel photographers have always been blessed with a wealth of stunning scenery on the islands and in the cities, street photography, portraiture, and fashion photography are on the rise. Among the many notable Filipino photographers practicing, we’ve picked these seven whose work you should keep an eye out for.

This up-and-coming photographer has already launched his first book, titled Push: Muses, Mischief, & How To Make It In Manila. His Instagram account is virtually exploding with followers eager to take in his perfectly staged and timed images of the country’s hottest young celebrities. BJ’s eye for fashion has made him a favorite with magazine editors (he took summer classes at Parsons in New York and the International Center for Photography.) Still under 30, this self-taught photographer has already shot more than 100 magazine covers.

Marc Nicdao

Although Marc Nicdao is not exactly new on the scene, his photography created a stir from the moment it showed up—and still does. Marc took an internship with celebrated Filipino photographer Francis Abraham while studying Fine Arts at university and never looked back. His career has expanded beyond the Philippines, and he’s photographed the likes of Catherine Deneuve, Tommy Lee Jones, and Adam Levine. Marc’s energetic, interactive imagery features everywhere in the Philippines, from fashion pages to billboards. He was nominated for Fashion Asia’s Top Fashion Photographer Award in 2011.

Paul Quiambao

A post shared by Paul Passion (@paul_quiambao) on Jan 5, 2017 at 6:51am PST The early success of Paul Quiambao’s work is inextricably linked to his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas. Paul’s dramatic and unforgettable images were sought for the university’s 400th-year celebrations. His atmospheric pictures of the university’s ancient grounds and buildings were culled into a book and a photo exhibit, which launched his career in the Philippines. Quiambao has since found his niche in travel photography , and has founded The Thomasian Photographers Guild.

Xyza Bacani

Xyza Bacani is one of the most remarkable successes in Philippine photography. Xyza worked as a nanny in Hong Kong for more than a decade before taking her first photos with a camera she bought with a loan from her employer. She began taking images of street life in Hong Kong and on the strength of her work, won a scholarship from the Magnum Foundation and the chance to hone her craft in New York City. She uses her photography to draw attention to human rights stories, and has picked up a number of accolades, including BBC’s 100 Women of the World 2015, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2016.

Niccolo Cosme

A provocateur by nature, Niccolo Cosme is a visual artist and conceptual photographer who has tapped his talents as much to raise awareness as he has to express his creativity. One of Niccolo’s best friends was diagnosed with HIV in 2008. The experience led him to his first photo exhibit, “Aware,” which went on to be featured at UNAIDS in Geneva. It was the first of several causes Niccolo would tackle through his lens. So far he’s held two solo exhibits of his stylized photographs in New York.

Geloy Concepcion

A post shared by Geloy Concepcion (@geloyconcepcion) on Feb 4, 2017 at 8:26pm PST A young street artist and photographer with a passion for shooting the streets, Geloy Concepcion’s images show the struggles of life in Manila in a way that is immediate and human. The portraits in his portfolio are natural and unscripted, which isn’t a surprise as Geloy often shoots the same streets where he grew up. Before the age of 20, Geloy’s pictures caught the attention of the 7th Angkor Photo Workshop, and he’s exhibited his work as far afield as Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Nico Villegas

The son of noted Filipino photographer Arnel Villegas, Nico Villegas grew up surrounded by art. He mastered digital and film photography in college, and went on to shoot for local newspapers before pursuing the subject at The Art Center Design College in the United States. In New York , Nico landed an apprenticeship with Xander Angeles, a Filipino photography and film-making icon, and spent two years working in The Big Apple. These days, he shoots fashion and advertising projects for Edge of Light, one of the Philippines’ most high-profile studios.

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23 Photos That Will Make You Want to Travel to the Philippines

• 1. Caramoan, Camarines Sur

2. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

3. kalanggaman island, leyte.

• 4. Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud

5. Kawasan Falls, Cebu

6. batan lighthouse, batanes, 7. chocolate hills, bohol, 8. mount pulag, benguet, 9. mayon volcano, albay, 10. lake sebu, south cotabato, 11. hinatuan enchanted river, surigao del sur, 12. northern blossom flower farm, benguet, 13. mount pinatubo, zambales and tarlac, 14. sunken cemetery, camiguin, 15. long beach, san vicente, 16. imbayah festival, banaue.

• ​17. Loboc River Cruise, Bohol
• ​18. Puka Shell Beach, Boracay

19. Paragliding in Cagayan de Oro

• ​20. Badian Canyoneering, Cebu

21. Sinulog Festival, Cebu

• 22. Apo Whang Od Tattoo in Buscalan, Kalinga

23. Lulugayan Waterfalls, Samar

The Southeast Asian country, the Philippines, is one of the most popular destinations for travelers all around the world to escape to.

It’s not hard to see why since it’s blessed with unspoiled beautiful beaches , numerous gorgeous diving spots with incredible sights, a multitude of fun outdoor activities and more are just the tip of the iceberg.

Just in case you’re still not convinced, here are some breathtaking photos that will make you want to book your flight and travel to the Philippines right now!

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The group of islands in Caramoan, Camarines Sur of Bicol region earned its worldwide recognition for being one of the shooting locations of the TV series Survivor.

The islands remain to be immaculate with unspoiled white sand beaches, idyllic landscapes, and gorgeous rock formations. Island-hopping in Caramoan Islands, one of the top tourist spots in Bicol , is a must when you’re in the region.

Banaue Rice Terraces in the mountains of Banaue , Ifugao is considered a National Cultural Treasure site. The creation of the terraces dates back to two millennia ago in the pre-colonial period and is one of the most unique tourist spots in Banaue  and the Philippines.

It’s believed that the 2000-year old elevated rice fields were mostly done by hand, as modern farming equipment were not available back then.

Kalanggaman Island is an idyllic destination in the town of Palompon, Leyte. It is popularly known for its crystalline water, powder-like white sand, and long sandbar extending on both sides of the island that you can experience with a day trip in Kalanggaman Island . You may also book a  Kalanggaman Island tour from Cebu .

This appears like a smaller version of the famous Boracay Island , but without restaurants and resorts lining up its beachfront. Check out other Leyte tourist spots that you should visit while in this province.

4. Bangui Windmills, Pagudpud 

Bangui Windmills in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a wind farm by the beach that produces sustainable energy and is responsible for the province’s electricity. It’s a stunning sight because of the towering windmills with the unspoiled beach as its backdrop.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

You can visit this by joining packaged tours of Ilocos  that include accommodation at Laoag hotels . It's also just a few hours away from another top destination in the Philippines, the well-preserved heritage city of Vigan .

Kawasan Falls is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in Cebu . This natural wonder has an emerald-tinged cool, natural pool that is perfect for a relaxing dip. Many travelers make the trip to witness its breathtaking beauty by joining a trip to Kawasan Falls .

• Read our Cebu travel guide for a hassle-free trip

Once in Kawasan Falls, you can swim in its refreshing waters, ride a bamboo raft, and have a lovely picnic with your travel buddies.

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Batan Lighthouse, locally known as Basco Lighthouse, is a historical site where telegraph facilities operated during the American period until the end of World War II in Batanes Island .

Not only are Basco Lighthouse adventures interesting as it's a great place to see a panoramic view of the province, but it’s one of the Batanes tourist spots that retained its vernacular architecture.

The Chocolate Hills in the province of Bohol are a stunning collection of geological formations that look like gigantic Kisses chocolates. These karst hills that change colors, green during the wet season and brown during the dry season, are actually made of limestone with marine corals and algae. 

• Read our article on the best resorts in Bohol

They are protected with sustainable geo-tourism initiatives and are best experienced by joining Chocolate Hills travel packages .

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

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Mount Pulag in Benguet is the third highest peak in the Philippines and the highest point in Luzon. Nicknamed the Playground of the Gods, Mount Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet boasts vast grasslands, mossy forests, and a majestic view at its summit, a sea of clouds like no other.

Join a hiking trip in Mount Pulag and marvel at the ethereal sea of clouds once you triumphantly reach the summit.

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This active volcano in Legazpi , Albay of Bicol region has one of the world’s most perfect cones because of its symmetric shape. Even from afar, you can already catch a glimpse of its breathtaking beauty, making it one of the top tourist spots you can’t miss in Legazpi .

You can see its beauty by joining an Albay day tour . If you’re up for the challenge, you can ride an ATV going to Mayon Volcano and ride along bumpy but fun trails.

Perched in the highlands of South Cotabato, the municipality of Lake Sebu is a living testament of how heritage and nature can attract travelers in search of tranquility and adventure.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Mindanao

It is an ideal destination for both laidback and thrill-seeking travelers. You'll explore lotus-flowers adorned lakes, bird watching sanctuaries, and enjoy activities like spelunking and ziplining.

Enchanted River in Hinatuan Province, Surigao del Sur is as mysterious as its name. Its stunning shade of blue, apart from its crystal clear waters, will urge you to take a dip.

You can even feed the different fish species here as they have a daily feeding session at around 12 in the afternoon. 

Northern Blossom Flower Farm is a must-see attraction in North Luzon because of its rose cabbages plantation and several other varieties of colorful flowers.

Aside from a majestic floral carpet running along the mountains, the flower farm is also a good point to get a view of the country’s third-highest peak, Mt. Pulag.

Joining a Benguet day trip will take you to this and other top attractions in the province.

Mount Pinatubo ’s eruption in June 1991 was recorded as the second-largest terrestrial volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The lake has since evolved into a nature park that concludes an adventure-filled trek from Capas, Tarlac.

• Book a Mount Pinatubo tour
• Check out our Inararo Pampanga eco tour

It is best to trek Mount Pinatubo in the summer season of March and April when you can do an hour-long ride on a 4x4 jeep which will take you through the ruins of the lahar flooding, swaths of greenery, and a picturesque crater lake.

One of the most iconic tourist spots in Camiguin is the Sunken Cemetery. After the Mount Vulcan eruption in 1871, a local cemetery and the capital city sunk below sea level. A big cross was erected above the cemetery as a marker and remembrance.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Camiguin Island
• Book a  Camiguin White Island & countryside tour

Aside from tombstones, underneath the surface lies a breathtaking diving and snorkeling spot where you can swim with a variety of fishes and corals. Discover the island of Camiguin  and fall in love with its enchanting beauty. 

Dubbed as the longest white beach in the Philippines and a potential contender as the next Boracay, Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan has a 14.7-kilometer beachfront. The peaceful and uncommercialized long white sand shoreline is almost three times the length of Boracay’s White Beach.

Explore this emerging tourist spot during your trip to Palawan for a more relaxing and laidback getaway. From San Vicente, you can also explore Port Barton and go island-hopping  or try other tour activities in Palawan . 

• Explore the Puerto Princesa underground river during your trip to Palawan

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There’s more to the mountain province of Banaue than just the rice terraces. The cultural festival of the Ifugao indigenous tribes in Banaue is their thanksgiving and celebration of a good harvest.

Events during this festival include weaving exhibitions, rice milling contests, a display of wooden scooters, and traditional games.

​17. Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

The Loboc River Cruise will take you along the palm tree-lined Loboc River in Bohol for a unique and relaxing cultural experience.

• Read our article on the  top tours you can do in Bohol

The boats that you will be riding in a Loboc River tour are actually floating restaurants where you will be serenaded by local singers and musicians while feasting on classic Filipino dishes.

​ 18. Puka Shell Beach, Boracay

Puka Shell Beach is one of the quieter spots on the popular island of Boracay . One of the top places to see in Boracay , it’s ideal for those who are looking for a more peaceful and relaxing beach experience.

It is named as such because of the abundance of crushed “puka” shells that are mixed with the white sand.

• Check out our list of best beachfront Boracay Island resorts
• Read our article on the best golf courses in the Philippines including one found in Boracay

One of the top beaches in the Philippines , it is roughly 800 meters long and does not have a plethora of hotels, resorts, and clubs that adorn the line of the more hectic White Beach.

See Cagayan de Oro from the highest peak where you can also enjoy the fresh air and enjoy the sights when you try the paragliding activity.

• Read our article on the top tourist spots in Cagayan de Oro
• Check out our  Cagayan de Oro whitewater rafting package
• Book a  Cagayan de Oro airport transfer

This will treat you to a majestic panorama of the province, where you might also catch an outstanding view of top attractions such as High Ridge, Rock Chapel, and Amaya View. It’s one of the best Cagayan de Oro activities to try! Since you're already in the area, you may also want to go on a  Cagayan de Oro city tour , book a  Seven Seas Waterpark Cagayan de Oro day pass with transfers , or enjoy a  Cagayan De Oro Sinulom Falls & Bolao Cold Spring tour .

​ 20. Badian Canyoneering, Cebu

Badian canyoneering in Cebu is an outdoor recreational activity that mainly involves traveling through canyons with azure waters by various methods such as hiking, walking, rappelling, jumping, swimming, and rock climbing.

• Check out our list of the  best hotels and resorts in Cebu

Don’t miss the opportunity to try canyoneering adventures when in Cebu even as a rainy season activity in the Philippines when the water current is at its most suitable level, you’ll definitely enjoy it.

One of the best festivals to attend in the Philippines is the annual Sinulog Festival held in Cebu every January. It’s a thanksgiving celebration for Santo Niño; devotees and supporters flock to the province to spend a weekend full of exciting events, parades, and traditional dances. 

• Read our article on the best beaches in Cebu

The main essence of Sinulog Festival is it’s a celebration of people’s acceptance of Christianity. You’ll definitely enjoy joining the crowds shouting “Pit Senyor!” while dancing to the festive music. Check out other activities and attractions in Cebu that will make your trip even more memorable. 

22. Apo Whang Od Tattoo in Buscalan, Kalinga

Get a traditional tattoo by Apo Whang Od of Buscalan, Kalinga, the oldest tribal tattoo artist or ‘mambabatok’ in the Philippines. At over 100 years old, she has made a name for herself because of her traditional method of inking and has shared this legacy with her grandchildren.

In the old times, traditional tattoos were only given to male warriors of the tribe after a successful battle and to females as decorations on their bodies.

There are a ton of waterfalls in the Philippines , with most of them still under the radar of many travelers yet deserve praise and recognition because of their beauty, and one of them is Lulugayan Falls in Samar.

Dubbed the Mini Niagara Falls of the Philippines, it’s a gorgeous waterfall with a wide stream and a strong current of crystal clear waters.

Discover the Beauty of the Philippines 

The Philippines has a lot more to offer than the beautiful attractions and destinations included in this list. If you’re convinced and you want to jumpstart your trip to this tropical country, read our Philippines travel guide  and find out the top places to see .

You can also read our article on the 13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to the Philippines Now  if you need more convincing!

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• Where Have We Been?

Ohh the Philippines. We spent nearly two months in the Philippines , and while we visited many islands, we only began to scratch the surface. We plan to go back, but until then, I will reminisce about the mind-blowing beauty of the tropical seas, stunning waterfalls ,  rock formations, diving , and picture-perfect sandbars. The Philippines is one of the places to be in 2018, and it is easy to understand why. The Philippines has been one of my favorite photography locations, especially with drone photography. The views are unreal, and unlike anywhere else we have been. Below are some of our favorite photos from the Philippines. Check out these 50 Philippines photos to inspire your travels!!

Port barton, palawan.

The popular White Beach, a 15-minute boat ride from Port Barton

A private beach next to White Beach

Inaladelan Island and Double Island while island hopping in Port Barton

El Nido, Palawan

Big Lagoon (left) and Small Lagoon (back right), part of Tour A

A small lagoon while on Tour A+C in El Nido

Limestone cliffs near Big Lagoon

Our lunch stop while on tour A+C in El Nido

Secret Beach and Secret Lagoon

Entrance to the Big Lagoon

Aerial view of a heart-shaped island

Swinging around at Papaya Beach, a 45-minute kayak ride from El Nido

Coron, Palawan

Top-down view of the Twin Lagoon, Coron Island

Inside the Twin Lagoon, Coron Island

An old shipwreck at Black Island

Top-down view of Pass Island

Sailing the tropical waters around the Calamian Islands

A sandbar while exploring the Calamian Islands

Two small lagoons at Coron Island

Sunset at Pass Island

View of the dock at Kayangan Lake

WW2 wreck diving in Coron

Cebu Island

Our favorite waterfall, Inambakan Falls

Sitting atop Kawasan Falls

At the summit of Osmena Peak

Drone view of Inambakan Falls

The third tier of Kawasan Falls, a 20-minute walk

Dao Falls, a 45-minute hike

Kawasan Falls

Bohol Island

Another White Beach, this one in Panglao

A resort at White Beach, Pangloa

Just before sunset at the Chocolate Hills

A tiny Tarsier at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Siargao Island

Magpupungko Tide Pools

Aerial shot of Sugba Lagoon

A palm tree line road in Siargao

A rocky coastline near Magpupungko Tide Pools

Having fun jumping at Sugba Lagoon

Naked Island while on the “Three Islands” tour

Guyam Island while Island Hopping the “Three Islands” in Siargao

Camiguin Island

White Island with Camiguin in the background

Sunset at White Island

Katibawasan Falls

Top-down view of Katibawasan Falls

Tuasan Falls on Camiguin

Kalanggaman Island

The beautiful sandbar with Kalanggaman Island in the background

Enjoying the sandbar at Kalanggaman Island

Sunrise at the sandbar on Kalanggaman Island

Top-down view of the sandbar

The treehouse at Kalanggaman Island

Sunrise at the rocks on Kalanggaman Island

Can’t get enough right? Check out this video of our time in  the Philippines for Kris and Yahia’s wedding and their honeymoon trip!

Are you ready to go to the Philippines yet!???

Drop me a comment and tell me what you think, or where was your favorite place in the philippines, check out our other top blog posts:, like this post pin it.

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30 Philippines Pictures To Inspire Your Next Vacation

Looking for some travel inspiration? The Philippines is one of those places that everyone dreams about but few people actually visit. This is an utter shame! Which is why we’ve put together some of our favorite Philippines pictures to convince you to visit. 

The country is absolutely stunning and while most people think only of the beaches, which there are plenty to be found, the country also offers a rich diversity both under and above the water with its colorful culture.

Our goal with these Philippines photos is to have you put in for your next vacation.

You can imagine that selecting a limited number of images to showcase here was a challenge, but these are some of the photos we feel the best capture the essence of what it is like to travel in the Philippines . 

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Philippines (Country Guide)

(All photos created and owned by Lina Stock & Divergent Travelers)

If these Philippines pictures don’t have you scanning the internet for plane tickets, well, then I don’t know what will.

Of course, these Philippines pictures only scratch the surface of this beautiful and diverse country and these photos only showcase the experiences of our travels and those of our contributors.

The Philippines leaves much more to be discovered and of course, I have thousands of more photos I could share.

Take Better Travel Photos

Below is a shortlist of what travel photography gear we carry to get photos as you see above. If you would like to see the full list check out our Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List.

This travel photography gear list is not the be-all, end-all of travel camera gear lists. These items are the ones we prefer to use based on our styles, needs and wants when in the field.

More on the Philippines:

• 30 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines
• 20 Beautiful Places in the Philippines for Your Bucket List
• 15 Incredible Islands in Coron You MUST Visit
• Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown
• 25 Amazing Drone Photos of the Philippines
• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Manila (For First Timers!)
• Coron Palawan: Best Things to Do & Itinerary
• Kayangan Lake in Coron: The Philippines Most Famous Photo Spot
• Culion Island Palawan: Is This the Next Philippines Hot Spot?
• Busuanga Island Palawan: Ultimate Guide to the Last Frontier
• Calauit Safari Park: African Animals Roam Free in the Philippines?
• 15 Stunning Things to do in Palawan, Philippines
• Ultimate Puerto Galera Guide: Diving & Beaches
• How to Get From Manila to Puerto Galera
• 24 Bohol Tourist Spots & Things to Do That You Cannot Miss
• Travel Recap: 4 Weeks in the Philippines

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

30 thoughts on “30 Philippines Pictures To Inspire Your Next Vacation”

These are really amazing, Lina! I can’t believe these amazing places (some of them) existed. I am familiar with some of the places you have listed above and some are new to me. I love all the photos, it looks so stunning and the views too are just so amazing. I wish I could go there someday. Anyways, thanks for sharing this, Lina!

Awesome post! We spent the last Christmas in the Philippines and loved it… check out our blog if you need more inspiration or tips.

You weren’t kidding were you?! I need to be there now! That camping spot looks like an incredible place to wake up!

Amazing photos! Palawan looks fabulous!! The Philippines are definitely on My Travel Bucket List. Hopefully sooner than later. 🙂

Absolutely gorgeous photos – thanks for sharing! We were really disappointed that we did get the chance to visit the Philippines when we were in Asia last year – but we will definitely make it there some time soon!

Great shots! I especially like the Northern Palawan hut and Chocolate Hills snapshots.

Try visiting Bukidnon and Sagada next time. 🙂 Cheers!

Thanks for stopping in. The Philippines are beautiful and we have a whole list of places to explore on a return visit. 🙂

so sweet of you guys to write this way about our country <3

wow, thank you for showing your love for the Philippines! cheers and more travel my friend.

Hey guys – thanks for sharing our photo! We absolutely loved our time in the Philippines, but three weeks was just too little. We can’t wait to get back and discover it properly!

I agree!! We spent 4 weeks there and barely scratched the surface. It’s a great country to explore with so many things to see.

Palawan is at the top of my list when I make my return visit to Southeast Asia and the Philippines … just stunning!

It is a not miss area in the Philippines, for sure! That whole area between Busuanga/Coron and the island of Palawan is just plain stunning. Enjoy when you make it back!

Each photo is so scenic and inviting. It’s hard to pick one favorite! 🙂 Philippines looks like a country I’d want to visit. The Chocolate Hills intrigue me the most!

The Chocolate hills are very beautiful and different. Totally worth a visit to Bohol to see them. The Philippines is a gorgeous country with much to see and do. Hope you make it there in your future travels!

Great photos!! We are already missing this magical country! Happy to share our pictures here!

Thanks 🙂 Nat

Hi Nat, thanks for your submission, it was our pleasure to include it. The Philippines is so beautiful in so many different ways. Happy Travels you two! 🙂

Thanks for rocketing me from my lounge room in Byron Bay straight to the Philippines. That was magical. Bulabog Beach and those hills on Batanes look amazing.

You’re welcome!! 🙂 There are so many beautiful things to see in the Philippines.

We’ve heard the scuba diving in Palawan is amazing – we’d go for this reason!

The scuba diving all over the Philippines seems to be fabulous! Not only does it have great beaches and scenery but you can dive and snorkel on some of the best reefs in the World! We got our PADI Advanced Open Water in Puerto Galera. Just a stunning country all around. 🙂

Interesting. I made a similar post like this 3 months. Glad you enjoyed the Philippines. It’s a magical place, huh?

Hi Sab! Yes, the Philippines are a magical place. We spent a month there in November and I am just getting a chance to sift through all the photos we took. So many to choose from. We’re in the process of putting together photo posts to showcase all the destinations we’ve visited. Thanks for stopping in.

Thanks for including my pic. The Philippines is indeed beautiful!

You’re welcome and thank you for your submission!

I definitely want to get back to the Philippines in the near future! 😀

Same here!! Can’t wait for a return visit to explore some of the other areas that we missed.

Love love the Philippines! So many great photos here.

Yea the Philippines are beautiful!

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Jacob Maentz

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Daklis: Traditional Fishing in Ilocos Sur – Philippine Travel Photographer

Daklis is a traditional fishing method used by the people of Ilocos, Philippines. It is a community activity that involves villagers young and old.  Essentially, the whole village works together to bring in the day’s catch. A very large “daklis”, or dragnet is carried out several hundred meters into the water. Half of the participants hold one end of the net while the other half receives the other end of the net after it is taken out to sea, forming a U-shape. They then pull the net towards shore, closing the gap between the two groups. The daklis and all of its contents are brought to shore for the villagers to share.

This particular daklis took place in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur while on assignment for Stonedogs Photography. It was a beautiful event and I could feel the sense of unity in the air as everyone worked together.  I sincerely hope that the people of Ilocos Sur can preserve this tradition for years to come.  Here are some behind the scenes photos of me and fellow photographer Eli Agabin having a blast shooting the morning’s events:

Photographer’s corner:

I used my trusty Canon 10D with a Sigma 18-125mm. It’s not the sharpest lens, but the large zoom range gave me the flexibility to take wide to telephoto shots. When documenting events like this, don’t be afraid to get “down and dirty”. It’s part of the fun and challenge of getting the shot. In this case, there was salt water, sand and fish parts flying around and we loved every moment of it. Just clean your gear properly afterwards and you’ll be fine. 🙂

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