philippine travel photography

A Photographer’s Travel Guide to the Philippines

Mar/2023 | Locations , Digital Photography , Film Photography , Trips

Picture photography in the Philippines and there’ll be a few scenes that immediately come to mind: pristine white-sand beaches enclosed by jagged limestone cliffs, colourful jeepneys meandering through a bustling cityscape, and probably a few more white-sand beaches.

While none of these sights can be aptly described as uncommon, the Philippines is so much more than that .

The Philippine archipelago

Prior to 2016, the archipelago of the Philippines officially consisted of 7,107 individual islands, of which around 2000 are inhabited. Then in 2016, as if to further illustrate just how many islands it comprises, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority of the Philippines threw in another 534 previously uncharted islands that had somehow flown under the radar.

It is, therefore, hardly surprising that many pick out its tropical, beach-crested islands as the main environment they associate with the Philippines, which leaves its jungles and mountains, its volcanoes and its countless waterfalls with a relative lack of visitors.

In addition to its diverse natural environment, the Philippines’ rich tribal and colonial history make it a fascinating place to travel for those willing to venture slightly off the beaten track.

As always, let’s begin by discussing the cultural considerations to be aware of when travelling to the Philippines, before delving into the parts of the country that, both as a photographer and as a traveller, you will not want to miss.

The culture of the Philippines

Ask anyone that’s travelled there, and you’re likely to hear a thing or two about the friendly and hospitable people that call these islands home; it’s no surprise that the Philippines often ranks among the happiest countries on earth.

Travelling to the Philippines is unlikely to invoke the same level of culture shock as many other south-east Asian countries. Its long history of western colonialism has created a blend of cultures that will allow most to understand it and assimilate to it fairly quickly.

Filipinos, generally, are very respectful towards their elders, friendly and courteous to strangers and very prone to lovingly teasing their close friends and family. While guidelines on acceptable clothing are not as strict as they are many in other Asian countries, they still dress more modestly than people in Europe, so that’s best to keep in mind when packing your bag.

Another important aspect to understand about Filipino culture is that, as a directly result of their friendliness, many Filipinos are reluctant to say anything that may be considered negative or disappointing. I learned this the hard way by asking around for directions to a Kodak shop that closed years ago – I was pointed in every conceivable direction before eventually learning that it no longer existed.

Finally, something that as a concept is certainly not unique to the Philippines is that of ‘filipino time’. Given their relaxed and laid-back culture, in general it’s best not to place too many time constraints on your plans. You can rest assured that your bus or ferry will arrive, but they will do so in their own time.

Film or digital?

The Philippines used to be a much better destination for film photography. While you will still find studios that will develop your film, finding somewhere outside of the largest cities in the country to buy rolls of film is significantly more difficult. Therefore, if you intend to shoot film in the Philippines, it’s best to stockpile all the film you’re likely to need before you leave. Just be sure to take care of it and refrigerate it whenever possible – the Philippine’s hot and humid climate is not particularly forgiving when it comes to storing your film. That’s not to say that you won’t get nice results, just that you should probably expect a bit more grain in your film photos than you might otherwise be used to.

That being said, I love shooting film in the Philippines. I took my Nikonos V on my most recent trip there last year and used it to capture some of my favourite shots from that trip.

If spending your trip lugging around rolls upon rolls of film and having to be mindful when transporting or storing them doesn’t sound like a great time to you, then shooting digital photography in the Philippines is undoubtedly a safer bet. We should mention that depending on the time of year you travel, it’s a good idea to take some weatherproof photography kit with you if possible.

The rainy season in the Philippines spans from roughly June to October, though in recent years climate change has made this much less predictable. I was in the Philippines from the beginning of March until June last year and we were receiving red rainfall warnings via text message in early April. 

Luckily, I was prepared for the rain as alongside my trusty Nikonos, I had my weatherproof Fujifilm X-T2 kit in tow.

Photographing the islands of the Philippines

As I’ve covered already, the many thousands of islands and beaches the Philippines consists of are among their more recognisable landscapes. Let’s begin with the best islands in the Philippines for photography, before travelling north into the lesser-known and, in my view, underappreciated mountains of Luzon.

The archipelago of Palawan

Palawan is a province made up of close to a quarter of the islands of the Philippines. Its 1,769 islands, between them, share close to 2000km worth of coastline. If you’re looking for more white-sand beaches than you can visit in a lifetime, Palawan is the place.

The best-known spots in Palawan are found on the northern side of the main island of Puerto Princesa. Most visitors arrive through the airport in Puerto Princesa, after which they’ll get a lift to El Nido on the north coast of the island.

My tip for this journey – always take one of the minibuses as opposed to the public bus here. They’re not much more expensive than the public bus tickets and unlike the public bus, they have air conditioning. Moreover, they tend to overpack the public busses and they will also stop a lot, extending the journey by a couple of hours at least. The public busses here definitely operate on Filipino time.

I went with the public bus last time I visited and I spent the final 3 hours of my journey with 7 people squeezed onto the 5-seater back-row and with my rucksack on my lap.

For those with a bit more time, particularly those who enjoy scuba or freediving, should also take the ferry from El Nido to Coron, a small island away from the main island of Puerto Princesa. Given the additional journey from El Nido, it’s a little less busy and it’s a diver’s paradise.

From Coron, you can access many world-class dive sites and even 12 Japanese shipwrecks that sunk during WW2. If you’re reading this and you’re into underwater photography, Coron is not a place to be missed.

Negros Island

Negros is another island that lies to the east of the Palawan archipelago. And yes, that’s actually what it’s called.

Negros is one of the lesser-known islands in the Philippines, meaning you can expect to encounter far fewer tourists than you would in Palawan. Despite not being as well-known, Negros Island has plenty to offer to those willing to make the trip over.

The island is split up into two halves: Negros Oriental to the east and Negros Occidental to the west. On the Negros Oriental side, some of the best places to visit are its many waterfalls. The largest of these is Casaroro Falls, although the much smaller and less powerful Pulangbato Falls is easier for those keen for swim.

It was on the Negros Occidental side, however, that we had probably our most incredible experience. We decided to go for a late-night swim during probably the starriest night I’ve ever personally witnessed (more so than even the Sahara or Wadi Rum). And as soon as we got into the water, it was instantly illuminated by thousands of bio-luminescent plankton. While I didn’t manage to snap a photo of the illuminated water, it was easily among my more memorable swims in the Philippines.

Because of this, I’d find it very difficult not to recommend a visit to Negros Island for anyone that visits the Philippines.

Another area of the Philippines that’s often overlooked by tourists travelling in the Philippines is the province of Iloilo. The main island, Panay, lies to the northwest of Negros and while its largest settlement, Iloilo City, garners some tourism, much of the rest of the island remains unexplored by the vast majority. Staying in Iloilo city, you’ll also be treated by some incredibly colourful sunsets so it’s best to keep your camera with you later in the evening.

Just off the coast of the north-eastern corner of the island of Panay lies a chain of islands known as Islas de Gigantes (no points for guessing under which colonial rule these were named). These islands harbour countless caves, lagoons and beaches scattered around them, making them well worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.

Accessible by ferry from Iloilo lies another far more frequently visited province of the Philippines: Cebu. Whether you’re travelling to Cebu via ferry or by flying into its international airport, Cebu City is the first place you’ll arrive. From there, it’s easy to travel by bus or taxi to virtually any other part of the island.

Cebu, like Palawan’s El Nido and Coron, is a diver’s paradise with diverse and unique dive sites found on every side of the island. You can dive with whale sharks in a town to the south of Cebu called Oslob, you can freedive through the sardine run in Moalboal to the western side of the island, before travelling just off the north coast to catch a glimpse of a thresher shark in Malapascua, one of the only locations on earth where you will consistently encounter these notoriously shy sharks in the water.

One important tip for swimmers, snorkelers and divers in Cebu: bring a long-sleeved rash guard with you if possible. These will be incredibly useful both for protecting against the sun and also against the stinging plankton that seem to be everywhere in these waters. You may not feel them in the water but believe me you will feel the itch for several days after.

For non-divers, Cebu still has plenty of in-land activities to offer: the island of Cebu is home to more than 100 waterfalls. There are so many to choose from that we often had the waterfalls to ourselves when we visited them, so renting a scooter and passing by a few of them is a great way to spend a day.

Finally, another part of the Cebu that’s worth checking out is the hike to Osmena peak , which ends with a view of Cebu’s coastline over dozens of similarly shaped hills. Since this is a very quick hike that only takes around 20 minutes from the bottom, the effort-to-reward ratio of this hike should place it firmly on anyone’s itinerary.

The final island that we couldn’t exactly miss out is the island of Bohol. Many tourists visit Bohol just to visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, but there is much more to Bohol than its tiny primates, particularly for those practicing photography.

Undoubtedly one of the most surreal landscapes in all of the Philippines are Bohol’s chocolate hills. According to UNESCO, there are around 1,776 mounds of almost identical shape scattered around the landscape of Bohol. Think the hills you can see from Osmena peak in Cebu, but on a much greater scale.

The reasoning behind calling them the chocolate hills becomes more apparent during the dry season when, due to a lack of rainfall, the grass dries out and turns these hills brown.

Photography in the mountains of the Philippines

Now onto the side of the Philippines that very often flies under the radar for many travelling to and through the Philippines: the mountains.

The main mountainous areas in the Philippines are found on the two largest islands of the Philippines: Luzon and Mindanao. Luzon is found in the northern tip of the country, while Mindanao occupies the south end of the Philippine islands.

In this section, we’ll focus mainly on Luzon as Mindanao is currently not considered a safe place to travel. In fact, many governments including the UK’s advise against all but essential travel to the region due to the potential threat of terrorism and kidnapping.

The mountains of Luzon, however, are some of the most beautiful and under-appreciated areas of the Philippines that are well worth a visit. Just keep in mind that life here differs quite a bit from life on the Philippines’ many beaches – you won’t get constant sunshine every day and you may even have to wear shoes from time to time.

Travelling north from Manila, the first city we stopped at was Baguio. Also known as the ‘City of the Pines’ thanks to, you guessed it, the large number of pine trees and forests in the area. One such pine forest can be found to the south-east of Baguio and is known as the yellow trail. It’s a very comfortable trail which is more of a walk than a hike, but it’s well worth taking an afternoon to explore the area if you’re stopping in Baguio.

One of the best views we saw during our stay, however, was strangely enough from a viewing deck of Baguio’s SM City Mall, which itself lies at the top of a hill. Going around sunset will definitely provide some very nice views of the city.

Just a quick 5-minute walk downhill from Baguio’s SM City mall lies its bus station. From here, we jumped on another night-bus to Banaue. Banaue is a municipality in the province of Ifugao, which is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage site: the Batad Rice Terraces.

Before heading to the region’s famous rice terraces, the town of Banaue is a great place to stop first. Banaue’s town has plenty of its own sights to see including its own, albeit less famous, rice terraces. It’s a nice place to stop for a meal overlooking the beautiful scenery and experiencing the Filipino culture that has been westernised to a much lesser extent when compared to the parts of the country that lie further south.

During our first night in Banaue, we were caught in a torrential rainstorm with heavy thunder and strong winds – a stark reminder that we weren’t on the sunny islands of Palawan and Cebu anymore. It did, however, make for some nice photos from our (thankfully covered) balcony.

As mentioned, one of the main reasons that travellers visit Banaue is to visit the Batad rice terraces, which were built by the indigenous Filipinos of the area more than 2,000 years ago. The rice terraces became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, being described as “a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty”.

When travelling from Banaue’s town to Batad, a jeepney will take you most of the way before dropping you off, at which point you’ll have to hike down into Batad. As you can imagine, these huge and steep rice terraces aren’t the best place for vehicles to travel, meaning everything you see down in the village was carried down on foot.

It’s easy to spend hours wandering up, down and across the vast expanse of rice terraces in Batad – it’s hard to comprehend how large the area is until you see it in person and, of course, how long it must have taken to carve out and build the area into what it is today. I’d recommend staying at the very least 2 or 3 nights in Batad to get the full experience, although be aware that internet is essentially non-existent in this part of the Philippines.

Another place to visit from the rice terraces is Tappiya Falls, which is roughly a 45-minute hike from the bottom of the Batad rice terraces. Tappiya Falls is a huge waterfall with some refreshingly cool water, exactly what you need after what is likely to be a hot and humid hike to reach it.

It’s also possible to break off from the bath between Batad and Tappiya falls to follow the river down-stream. Here, you’ll find plenty more pools and mini waterfalls with fewer people around as well.  

Our final stop on our trip through the mountains of Luzon was in the tiny mountain town of Buscalan. Like Batad, there are no roads leading into Buscalan, meaning that a short hike of around 30 – 45 minutes from the nearby town of Bontoc is required to reach it.

Today, visitors largely flock to Buscalan for one reason, or rather, for one person: Whang-Od . Often described as the last mambabatok of the ButBut people of Kalinga, Whang-Od is a legendary Filipina traditional tattoo artist. She has been tattooing members of her tribe, and more recently travellers that have flocked from other parts of the Philippines and the world, since she was 15 years old. Given that Whang-Od turned 106 in February 2023, it’s fairly safe to assume that she is one of the longest, if not the longest continually practising tattoo artist on earth .

Buscalan and its surrounding area are a great place to visit and given the town’s altitude of around 1,010 metres (or 3,313 feet) above sea level, the mountains can make for some interesting compositions, particularly when some clouds begin roll over them. There is also a short walk to the Whang-Od ‘museum’ (and I’m using inverted commas because, while it’s definitely worth a visit, it’s basically just a single room of images, paintings and framed news articles). From here, you can see the entire town of Buscalan, which really puts into perspective just how small this town is.

Wrapping up

So, there we have it: our guide to travel and photography in the Philippines . While there are some areas we’ve discussed that you’ve undoubtedly heard of and were always going to include in your itinerary, hopefully we’ve given you a few more ideas for some other areas that shouldn’t be missed out.

If you’re interested in reading more photography travel guides like this one, why not read through some of our other recent content and sign up for our newsletter below?

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When In Manila Search

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.

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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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• 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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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!

See our popular Philippines Tour Packages

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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.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

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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.

See our popular Baguio Vacation Packages

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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

See our popular Coron Vacation Packages

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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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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

Travel Photography Courses

Philippine photography tours, feb 10 - 19, 4 people maximum,    ​led by alfonso calero (date request accepted), ( photographer/tutor/guide - fluent in filipino).

10 Days Travel Photography 

More Info Here:

Price includes:

All ground transport & guide

All Domestic flights

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International Flights, Hotel Transfers, Travel Insurance, Tips are not included.

International flights should be booked separately once your Tour booking is confirmed

Curious about South East Asia but haven't yet found the best way to explore? Our Philippines Photography Tour will introduce you to the beauty and diversity of Asia with an experienced, fluent guide in professional photographer Alfonso Calero.

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truly authentic travel experience - a trip of lifetime!

What to Bring: Photographic & General Gear minimum.

DSLR camera

Wide angle lens

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Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop

Moderate Level of Fitness is required with around 10,000 steps a day (2hrs)

Day 1 - Old Manila Photo Walk

Day 2 - Batanes Island 

Day 3 - Batanes Island

Day 4 - Sabtang Island

Day 5 - Sabtang Island

Day 6 - Flight to Manila & Bohol

Day 7 - Bohol - Island Exploration

Day 8 - Bohol - Chocolate Hills & Tarsier

Day 9 - Bohol - Island exploration & sunrise shoot

Day 10 - Flight Manila & editing session 

Deposit and Cancellation Policy per person

A deposit of $US1000 per person is required to secure booking

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Cancellation More than 120 days before a trip: 100% refund 

Cancellation Between 90 and 30 days: 50% refund 

Cancellation Less than 30 days: 0% refund

Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop/trip starts.

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George tapan: beyond travel photography.

George Tapan defines the essence of travel photography

EMBODYING A RAGS-TO-RICHES STORY, George Tapan didn’t let his rough start in life hinder him from pursuing what he loved most: photography. Winning not only one but two Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) Gold awards, his determination to sustain his passion lives on to this very day.

I t all started when he submitted “Into the Green Zone” — a breathtaking shot of a rainbow on the horizon of the clear blue sea — to National Geographic and won. After this life-changing event, Tapan has continued to amaze others with his photos, making him the legend that every photographer aspires to be.

Years later, his eye for photography still inspires many to consider a career in photography. Balikbayan Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with him and delve into the depth of his passion.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your career in travel photography?

A: To help the country, because the Philippines is a very nice country. We need to show the world through visuals that the Philippines is more than meets the eye.

Q: How do you get the subject that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip, or paper in just the way you want?

A: All the pictures that I wanted to take, I’ve studied first. Whether it be through books or publications. I’m thinking of the future! Not only the present, because all pictures are part of history. Photos aren’t just for Facebook , that’s why my concept portrays beautiful and timeless shots — not the postcard type.

Q: What advice would you give to upcoming or young travel photographers who want to improve in travel photography?

A: You must love your career or you must not think only about yourself but for your fellow countrymen. Cameras are only tools, you can take good pictures using good cameras but the important thing in photography is your concept — your idea. Just because you have a good camera doesn’t mean you’ll take good photos. You need to put your soul into the shots that you take.

Q: Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your mindset towards your career in photography?

A: My father is a photographer who lived in a small town. In our Quezon province, we would accept gigs for different functions like baptisms, graduations — just to sustain our family. Though, those gigs didn’t hinder me from growing as a photographer.

I would browse through National Geographic, Life Magazine and other famous publications in America to inspire myself. The character of the Filipino is to study first. You cannot become an outstanding photographer overnight by just taking pictures.

Q: Where were you able to find the National Geographic magazine that changed your life? Was it given to you by your father or did you find it at a store?

A: I love going to bookstores, that’s how I found National Geographic . National Geographic had very nice photos. I loved looking at photos of people, places, culture, and just about everything! I love the things that inspire me. I also enjoyed looking through Life Magazine at the time. In Life Magazine , there were a lot of photo essays — telling your story through pictures. My dream was to become a photographer for those kinds of photos.

Q: What message do you want your photographs to convey? And how do you get your photos to do that?

A: I want the people who view my photos to feel something. I want people to feel the soul of each picture and be moved. A photo that will keep people thinking [about] how I was able to capture the subject without depending on the quality and price of a camera.

Q: How did you get from being an aspiring photographer to making it a full-time job for a living?

A: If you get on the right track of photography in the Philippines like me, you will be able to earn more than a CEO of an important company. For example, I was able to buy a house for capturing just one photo and this is one of the main reasons why photography is important. It is a full-time job for me.

Q: What technology/software/camera gear do you use to keep focused on what you do best?

A: Technology is in the camera. I’m not a man of technology. But I mainly use Nikon D800 and Fujifilm XPro for digital. I also have Leica and Hasselblad film cameras.

Q: Do you have Instagram or any form of social media?

A: I’m planning to. I would like to make my own Instagram account. Many people have advised me to post my photos through this form of social media.

— Follow and support George Tapan’s National Geographic profile at https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/350540 . For inquiries, contact George Tapan on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/georgetapan .

— Editor’s Note: This interview was first published in the August & September 2016 Issue of Balikbayan Magazine

Balikbayan Media Center

Balikbayan Magazine's Media Center serves an audience in 60 countries and 101 cities throughout the World to ignite, drive, and fuel the economic development, progression, and modernisation of the Philippines. Our Media Center curates only the most critical, vital, useful, entertaining, and sometimes amusing information released from both the public and private sector. Our editorial team strongly believes that a well-rounded and well-informed society is a thriving society.

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The Philippines with Karl Grobl & Patrick Firouzian – February 2025 | Trip Full!

The Philippines, known as Pearl of the Orient, is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travelers, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach and explore it. Because it’s off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the multitudes who descend upon other parts of Southeast Asia. The country is the second-largest archipelago in the world, being composed of more than 7,000 islands. The Philippines boasts a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveler, such as: the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Banaue with its amazing the Rice Terraces (called by many the 8th wonder of the world) and fascinating reminders of the islands’ rich history in places such as Vigan. But that’s not all the Philippines has to offer. If you’re after palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, the Philippines offers that too, on a scale and beauty that one might have expected to find in Hawaii decades ago.

The Philippines has three major regions; Luzon to the north, Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. Manila, located in Luzon is the capital. The Filipino culture, has affinities with the Spain due to three centuries of colonial rule, and has an American influence, largely the result of a major military presence during World War II. The rich culture and tradition reflect the diverse indigenous groups from its many islands. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, being the only Catholic country in Southeast Asia. Tagalog is the official language though English is widely spoken.

Travelers who have been to the Philippines will universally comment that it’s the Filipinos themselves who make the country such a joy to visit. Photo friendly and full of smiles, the people open themselves and their lives to visitors on a scale only matched by places like India and Myanmar. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in Southeast Asia. This is your chance to be among the few to explore and photograph this amazing destination.

Day 1, Feb 14: Arrive in in Manila, where you will be picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel. This evening around 6:00 pm we will have an orientation meeting followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Spend the night Manila.

Day 2, Feb 15: Today, cameras in hand, we set out for a Manila City tour. Some historical landmarks and interesting parts of the city we’ll view include Rizal Park, the country’s premier park and the site of many important events in the country’s history; and Intramuros, the Spanish colonial city. Its historical landmarks include Fort Santiago, the old Spanish military headquarters; San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the city which has a museum of religious and secular art; Barrio San Luis, a complex of reconstructed period houses depicting the Filipino lifestyles of the 19th century. The tour also includes Quiapo, a district popular with the locals for its open market and its church which enshrines the black statue of Jesus Christ. Finally, we’ll see the Chinese Cemetery known for its peculiarity of having grandiose mausoleums with a fascinating blend of different religious elements. We’ll spend the night in Manila.

Day 3, Feb 16: This morning about 8:00 we set out in our own private Jeepney to visit and photograph a bustling fish market, and then Manila’s largest flower market. In the afternoon we ride a mini, man-powered train, and explore life along the railroad tracks. We spend the night in Manila.

Day 4, Feb 17:  Today we’ll depart Manila via SUV’s for on our journey north through Luzon to Vigan. In pre-colonial times, Vigan was an important trading post for Chinese junks, trading gold beeswax, and other products from the central Cordilleras for exotic Asian goods. Many Chinese traders settled in the mestizo district, marrying locals and starting new bloodlines. Vigan was captured and settled by the Spanish in 1572, and grew to become a center of Spanish political and religious power in the north of Luzon. The architecture and cobblestone streets make for some lovely photos. We’ll spend the night at our hotel in the heart of the historic district of Vigan. Overnight in Vigan.

Day 5, Feb 18:  This morning we are up early and head out to explore Vigan. We visit the Mestizo District which offers a wonderful glimpse into the Philippines’ colonial past. The ancestral houses were mostly built by Chinese traders using an eclectic mixture of local, Asian and Spanish architectural styles. St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral was built by Augustinians around 1790 and features a unique design intended to minimize earthquake damage; a style that came to be known as “earthquake baroque”. We’ll see a Feng Shui inspired bell tower and see Plaza Salcedo, the site of resistance leader Gabriela Silang’s public hanging in 1763. Close by is the Ayala Museum, with Ilocano artifacts and Burgos Memorabilia. After our evening shoot in this historic district, we have a nice, outdoor café dinner and then spend our final night in Vigan.

Day 6, Feb 19: This morning we’ll leave the coast and head southeast to Sagada in beautiful Mountain Province. Sagada is a small town nestled in the middle of a valley at the upper end of Malitep tributary of the Chico River about 1,500 meters above sea level. It’s a lofty little town, dirt-free air, with the smell of towering pine trees. Our 5 hour journey will take us past stunning valleys and several small, quaint towns. On arrival, we’ll check into the rustic Rock Inn, just outside Sagada. After lunch, we’ll set off to explore the famous hanging coffins and burial caves of Sagada. Sagada’s hanging coffins are an ancient funeral custom. Coffins of various shapes can be seen hanging either on beams projecting outward from vertical faces of the mountain, others are placed in caves in the face of cliffs, or sit on natural rock projections. Overnight in Sagada.

Day 7, Feb 20: Today we’ll continue our exploration of the region. We’ll continue our journey along the Halsema Highway, the main thoroughfare through the Cordillera Mountains, towards Bontoc. We’ll take in the beauty of the Maligcong rice terraces. Overnight in Archog.

Day 8, Feb 21: Bontoc-Banaue-Batad viewpoint-Bangaan-viewpoint Mayao Cultural Dance-Cauayan. Overnight in Cauayan.

Day 9, Feb 22: Cauayan to Cebu via Manila. Today we’ll leave Luzon and fly to the island of Cebu. Overnight in Cebu.

Day 10, Feb 23: Today we’ll photograph a bustling local fish market and then boxing at a local gym in an impoverished part of Mandaue. (Boxing is only 2nd to Basketball as the most popular sport in the Philippines.) If time permits, we will visit and photograph preparation of Cebu’s famous Lechon at a local restaurant. Spend the night in Cebu.

Day 11, Feb 24: Today we’ll visit a starfish processing plant on an adjacent island. In the evening, we’ll make our way into Cebu City to photograph the “Sinulog dancing candle ladies of Santo Nino Basilica. Spend the night in Cebu.

Day 12, Feb 25: After breakfast at our hotel in Cebu we’ll board a ferry to the neighboring island of Bohol. After checking in at our resort hotel, there will be time for a quick swim, relaxing or photographing on the beach. At sunset we walk the beach photographing the seascape, fishermen and children frolicking in the water. This evening we enjoy photo sharing and an open-air dinner overlooking the ocean. Spend the night in Bohol.

Day 13, Feb 26: This morning we rise early and head to the Tarsier Research and Development Center to photograph the Tarsier, a strange, tiny monkey with large eyes. After photographing Tarsiers, we take a boat ride through the local jungle, and on the way back to the hotel make a short stop to photograph the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills are a rolling terrain of nearly symmetrical limestone mounds. During the dry season, the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of “chocolate kisses”. We spend the night in Bohol.

Day 14, Feb 27: Today we’ll do a portfolio review, relax at the beach and/or arrange optional excursions throughout this tropical island. We spend the night in Bohol.

Day 15, Feb 28: Group will return to Manila Airport to connect with flights home.

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Philippines , Travel Guides

Top 100 philippine travel blogs to follow in 2024.

• October 1, 2023
• No Comments

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, has long drawn tourists attracted by its unique landscapes, lively cultures, and unmatched beauty. There has never been a better moment to explore the world of Philippine travel blogs than as we get ready for 2024. These blogs offer up-to-date travel advice, unique perspectives, and exciting new locations. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are just organizing your first trip to the Philippines, reading these blogs will definitely improve your experience.

1. Adventurous Feet ( adventurousfeet.com )

A site that documents travelogues, advice, and stunning photos from a variety of travels in the Philippines.

2. Ambot-ah ( ambot-ah.com )

This site showcases well-known and unusual vacation spots with travel advice, recommendations, and anecdotes for a range of destinations in the Philippines and outside.

3. A wanderful sole ( awanderfulsole.com )

A blabbermouth blog written by someone with an insatiable hunger for adventure and new discoveries, as well as a talent for crafting wonderful narratives about their incredible journeys.

4. Adventures of a Pseudo Backpacker ( adventuresofapseudobackpacker.com )

Greetings and welcome to my website, where I provide a variety of miscellaneous content (such as travel advice and tales). Hope you pick up a new skill or three.

5. Angelo The Explorer ( angelotheexplorer.com )

A simple and entertaining travel blog called Angelo the Explorer highlights the advantages of visiting many different places across the world.

6. Adrenaline Romance ( adrenalineromance.com )

Adrenaline Romance is a photo blog where we share pictures of our incredible journeys and thrilling experiences across the Philippines and eventually, the rest of the world. Adrenaline Romance is not your average travel site where users post travelogues, images, and commentary. 

7. Becoming Filipino ( becomingfilipino.com )

While discovering the splendor and culture of the Philippines, Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann talks about his travels and experiences.

8. Blissfulguro ( blissfulguro.com )

Discover a public school teacher’s travels and how she finds happiness in everything. 

9. Chasing Philippines ( chasingphilippines.com )

This blog chronicles the author’s travels around the Philippines, showcasing various locations, cuisines, and experiences.

10. Chasing Potatoes ( chasingpotatoes.com )

Glen shares her travels with breathtaking photographs, concentrating on outdoor pursuits and the Philippines’ natural wonders.

11. Detourista ( detourista.com )

The blog of Marcos Detourist provides in-depth travel advice and suggestions for seeing the Philippines and other nations.

12. Drift Stories ( driftstories.com )

A site that highlights the cultural and natural beauty of the Philippines via photography and narrative.

13. Daniel’s Eco-Travels ( danielsecotravels.com )

Showcasing the top off-beaten travel destinations. Salutations, fellow travelers! Although you can call me Kumar, my name is Daniel. That is my native name. I was raised in Barlig, Mountain Province, in a little community known as Lias. I’ve seen the majority of the Philippines, and I’m just one step away from taking my first international trip. I’ve traveled to some of the most well-known places in the Philippines and seen urban extremes firsthand.

14. Discover The Philippines ( discoverthephilippines.com )

The website is set up to make it easier for you to quickly and completely understand what you need to know to make the most of your journey, including information on the Philippines’ islands, towns, and areas of interest.

15. Escape Manila ( escapemanila.com )

The blog of Glen Santillan includes a broad variety of subjects, such as cuisine, lodging, and travel advice in the Philippines.

16. EAZY Traveler ( eazytraveler.net )

Edgar Alan Zeta-Yap, a Filipino travel writer, photographer, and internet influencer, is who I am.

17. Exotic Philippines ( exoticphilippines.info )

The blog of G Dumaguing offers advice, hotel reviews, and travel recommendations with an emphasis on Philippine locations.

18. First-Time Travels ( firsttimetravels.com )

By offering advice, ideas, and experiences from her personal travels, Claire Madarang’s blog seeks to inspire and assist aspiring travelers.

19. Freedom Wall ( freedomwall.net )

The blog of Sonyboy Fugaban, which chronicles his trips and experiences and includes travel advice, anecdotes, and guides from all around the Philippines.

20. Filipino Travel Center ( filipinotravel.com.ph )

The soul of the Filipino Travel Center is a driving desire for offering personalized travel options with first-rate service at affordable prices, and for treating all clients and others with real care. Over the course of its history, Filipino Travel Center has grown from a little Boracay enterprise to become one of the most reputable brands and significant participants in the Philippine travel and tour sector.

21. Happy and Busy Travels ( happyandbusytravels.com )

Travel blog maintained by a couple sharing information about their travels and offering advice, reviews, and travel recommendations for places in the Philippines.

22. Ironwulf En Route ( ironwulf.net )

The blog of Ferdinand Decena, with its amazing photos and stories about places in the Philippines and beyond.

23. Ivan About Town ( ivanabouttown.com )

The historical and cultural sites on Ivan Henares’ blog provide insights into the rich history of the Philippines.

24. Island Trotters ( islandtrotters.com )

A site that offers reviews, advice, and travel ideas for beachcombers and island hoppers with an emphasis on island excursions in the Philippines.

25. I Wander ( iwandered.net )

Bino offers location recommendations, hotel ratings, and travel advice based on his experiences traveling across the Philippines and other countries. Travels, pilgrimages, events, anything under the sun, items that catch my eye, and much more are all included on my site. 

26. It’s Me! Blue Dreamer ( bluedreamer27.com )

Travels, pilgrimages, events, anything under the sun, items that catch my eye, and much more are all included on my site.

27. It’s More Fun With Juan ( morefunwithjuan.com )

You may experience the joy of eating and travel with Juan on It’s More Fun With Juan, as he explores the Philippines and beyond. 

28. I am Aileen ( iamaileen.com )

This site aims to demonstrate to you that living a life of travel is very feasible, and I will assist you in doing so by providing you with in-depth travel guides, resources, and advice specifically for the Philippines!

29. Journey Insider ( journeyinsider.com )

The goal of Clint Mamuri’s blog is to encourage readers to see more of the Philippines by sharing travel advice, itinerary ideas, and personal accounts.

30. Juanderfulpinoy ( juanderfulpinoy.com )

This blog, which follows Lakwatsero’s exploits, encourages readers to discover the Philippines’ natural beauty via interesting stories and advice.

31. Just Wandering ( justwandering.org )

With an emphasis on independent female travel to Asia and the Philippines, Nina Fuentes’ site provides travel advice, anecdotes, and guidelines.

32. Jontotheworld ( jontotheworld.com )

By sharing his trip experiences, advice, and travelogues, Jon inspires readers to discover and enjoy the Philippines’ varied natural beauties.

33. Joanathx ( joanathx.com )

From the Philippines, we are Joanna and Nathaniel. We established this blog to discuss our experiences as a couple in business, travel, and daily life. 

34. Karla Around the World ( karlaroundtheworld.com )

Karla travels both domestically and internationally, and shares her experiences, adventures, and advice on her blog.

35. Lakad Pilipinas ( lakadpilipinas.com )

Christian Sangoyo offers some of his stunning photos and travelogues from his many trips across the Philippines.

36. Lakwatsero ( lakwatsero.com )

A wealth of travel advice, dive locations, and hiking experiences in the Philippines and beyond may be found on Angel Juarez’s site.

37. Lakwatcha ( lakwatcha.com )

A visually stunning travel site that features places, activities, and travel images from all throughout the Philippines.

38. Langyaw ( langyaw.com )

The blog of Estan Cabigas focuses on off-the-beaten-path travel places and cultural encounters in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

39. Lakwatserong Tsinelas ( lakwatserongtsinelas.com )

I work as a CPA-attorney and am a nomad full-time. I’ve traveled the world looking for answers, and my constant companion has been a pair of tsinelas, or slippers.

40. Lakbay Diva ( lakbaydiva.com )

A travel blog that highlights various Philippine locations, celebrations, and gastronomic experiences.

41. Lakwatsero ( lakwatsero.com )

Angel Juarez’s travel journal, which includes amazing photos, advice, and guidance, chronicling his travels around the Philippines and beyond.

42. Love. Eat. Wander ( loveeatwander.com )

Love. Consume. Traverse. is a parenting and travel blog about an attachment-parenting family. We are parents who have given up on traditional methods in favor of concentrating more on how to travel, eat, study, and so much more in order to build a solid, trustworthy, and healthy relationship with our child!

43. LDL Travel Stories ( ldltravelstories.com )

For everyone searching for interesting and novel places to visit, LDL Travel Stories was established. In order to keep you informed about all the most significant events taking place in the world, it also provides instructional information about cutting-edge technology and current affairs.

44. Laquatsa ( laquatsa.com )

Searching for the top dining and lodging options in the Philippines? The goal of the Laquatsa blog is to assist you in locating the top Philippine landmarks, lodging options, and dining establishments!

45. Lantaw ( lantaw.com )

One corner of the Philippines at a time. This site features travel and nature images taken in less-traveled areas. Here you’ll find pictures of pristine beaches, ethereal waterfalls, and towering mountains.

46. My Wander Story ( mywanderstory.com )

Hi everyone! Greetings and welcome to My Wander Story! My name is Lor. I created this blog to record my trip experiences. I adore cuisine, blogging, low-cost travel, and everything in between. I am excited to share with you my travel tips and experiences, maybe inspiring you along the way.

47. MS Travel Photography ( mstravelphotography.com )

Originally intended to be a personal picture blog, I made this website to compile all the images and films I’ve captured over my more than 11 years of travel. 

48. Meant to Go ( meanttogo.com )

Offers information about vacation spots, including travel advice, example itineraries, and evaluations of lodging, which can come in handy for your upcoming trip.

49. Nomadic Experiences ( nomadicexperiences.com )

Driven by the words and pictures of traveling that Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” inspired, Marky uses to share his experiences.

50. Osmiva ( osmiva.com )

A site that provides a forum for the exchange of travelogues, advice, and guidance with the goal of encouraging families and couples to go on adventures.

51. Out of Town Blog ( outoftownblog.com )

This blog is a compilation of travelogues, restaurant evaluations, lodging recommendations, and reviews of travel accessories by different writers.

52. Our Awesome Planet ( awesome.blog )

Our Awesome Planet (OAP) is a premier lifestyle blog that updates readers on our family’s real-time culinary and travel exploits.

53. Pala-lagaw ( pala-lagaw.blogspot.com )

This blog highlights a range of attractions throughout the Philippines, with an emphasis on lesser-known spots and distinctive experiences.

54. Pinoy Adventurista ( pinoyadventurista.com )

One of the best travel blogs in the Philippines is Mervin Marasigan’s, which includes evaluations of hotels, cuisine excursions, and trekking experiences.

55. Pinoy Travel Freak ( pinoytravelfreak.com )

This blog offers trip reports, experiences, advice, and itineraries for locations all around the Philippines.

56. Pinoy Boy Journals ( pinoyboyjournals.com )

A site where the author shares photos, stories, and observations from his travels around the Philippines and beyond.

57. Philippine Traveler ( philippinetraveler.com )

An extensive travel blog providing advice, ideas, and details on different places to stay, things to do, and travel across the Philippines.

58. Philihappy ( philihappy.com )

The Philippines is the subject of a joint blog with an abundance of information, travel guides, advice, and tales.

59. P.S. I’m On My Way ( psimonmyway.com )

With a focus on local experiences, Trisha Velarmino’s blog shares tales, advice, and insights from her many travels.

60. Pinas Muna ( pinasmuna.com )

Highlighting the stunning locations in the Philippines, this site offers tourists and adventurers trip plans, advice, and anecdotes.

61. Pinoy Travelogue ( pinoytravelogue.com )

First-person accounts of travels around the Philippines, including essays, travelogues, travel guides, local cuisine, photos, and all in between. 

62. PinayTraveller Philippines ( pinaytraveller.com )

This website offers a distinctive perspective from a Filipino on traveling alone for women, traveling in pairs, and traveling and learning. 

63. Project Gora Travel Blog ( projectgora.com )

Hi there! Project Gora’s extroverted introverted blogger is Milet Miranda. I enjoy traveling, getting to know other cultures, and trying out new foods.

64. Pinoy Mountaineer ( pinoymountaineer.com )

Review of Gear. evaluations of hiking equipment and devices that are objective and have been field-tested in the tropical mountains of the Philippines.

65. Pusang Kalye ( pusangkalye.net )

Antonio Carranza Jr. provides his travelogues, complete with in-depth narratives, travel tips, and images from his explorations in the Philippines.

66. Senyorita ( senyorita.net )

On her blog, Mica Rodriguez covers events, shares personal travelogues, and evaluates local and foreign cuisine.

67. Solitary Wanderer ( solitarywanderer.com )

The blog of Aleah Taboclaon specializes on solo travel and offers advice, suggestions, and motivational tales from the Philippines and other countries.

68. Sole Searching Soul ( solesearchingsoul.com )

Reflections and travel experiences are shared by LaiAriel, with a focus on the soulful and spiritual elements of discovering the Philippines.

69. Seeking Felicity ( seekingfelicity.com )

Hey! Call me Catherine. I enjoy eating, reading, traveling, and—wait—traveling. I used Couch Surfing to find folks a few years ago who were passionate about the same things I was.

70. The Pinay Solo Backpacker ( thepinaysolobackpacker.com )

With thorough instructions and advice, Gael Hilotin’s blog is an extensive resource for traveling alone and on a tight budget.

71. The Filipino Rambler ( thefilipinorambler.com )

Allan balances blogging with his full-time job as the head of recruitment for an IT solutions business in Makati. He enjoys traveling, is a devoted beach and environment lover, and is eager to discover more of Earth’s treasures.

72. The Poor Traveler ( thepoortraveler.net )

To assist tourists in planning their trips, Yoshke Dimen and Vins Carlos provide travel guides, money management advice, and anecdotes.

73. Two Monkeys Travel Group ( twomonkeystravelgroup.com )

This site, which was started by Kach and Jonathan Howe, provides a variety of travel information, advice, and guidelines for both domestic and foreign travel.

74. The Restless Soles ( pearliantravels.blogspot.com )

A blog about traveling to the Philippines for climbing and backpacking. Here are some fast and simple suggestions for your current do-it-yourself projects.

75. The Kapampangan Traveller ( kapampangantraveller.com )

Blogger from Pampanga. I’m motivated to portray the Philippines’ breathtaking natural beauty since I like this nation and have traveled to all 81 of its provinces. Advice, methods, and shortcuts for seeing the Philippines one province at a time.

76. The Sneaky Traveller Blog ( thesneakytraveller.com )

Here at The Sneaky Traveler, welcome! a travel website about outdoor activities and exploration. We are a group of enthusiastic travelers that like nothing more than venturing into uncharted territory and engaging with diverse cultures. Our goal is to enable and encourage individuals to tour the world by offering them recommendations, insider knowledge, and practical travel guides.

77. Traveling Morion ( travelingmorion.com )

A photo-travel blog chronicling the adventures and travels of Traveling Morion, a contemporary nomad who visits the 7107 Islands of the Philippines and beyond.

78. Tara Lets Anywhere ( taraletsanywhere.com )

The blog of Katherine and Hali offers advice, anecdotes, and instructions about their travels to both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations in the Philippines.

79. Travel Habeat ( travelhabeat.com )

Aimee’s blog, where she writes about her passion for cuisine and travel, with a focus on Asia and the Philippines.

80. Travel Trilogy ( traveltrilogy.com )

The blog of Potpot Pinili, which offers advice, anecdotes, and travel ideas for the Philippines and other countries.

81. The Travelling Feet ( thetravellingfeet.com )

The blog of Doi Domasian, which offers firsthand accounts of outdoor activities, solitary travel, and backpacking expeditions.

82. The Jerny ( thejerny.com )

The blog of Jerny Destacamento, which focuses on itineraries, travel advice, and anecdotes with an emphasis on pair travel.

83. The Mermaid Travels ( themermaidtravels.com )

Paula O’s blog, which details her travels across the Philippines’ stunning beaches, historic sites, and pristine areas.

84. The Traveling Nomad ( thetravelingnomad.com )

This site provides travel advice, reviews, and first-hand accounts from a range of experiences, covering a variety of places in the Philippines.

85. Travel Up Philippines ( traveling-up.com )

The idea of taking on missions and difficulties in video games, growing stronger, and learning lessons in life along the way has greatly impacted my travel blog.

86. The Hungry Traveler PH ( karlaniiinz.com )

Here’s to her virtual journal! You may learn more about her from here. See her culinary and travel exploits from across the globe.

87. Take Off Philippines ( takeoffphilippines.com )

Travel and food are TakeOff Philippines’ primary areas of interest. We provide travel advice, insights, restaurant recommendations, and unique food options in the Metro, as well as current interactive social events and promotion of the country’s treasures. We provide you with amazing and fascinating locations, cuisine, and activities that you may take part in with your loved ones, friends, that special someone, or just yourself.

88. The Pinoy Traveler ( thepinoytraveler.com )

A dependable source for destination guides, travel advice, and reviews of gadgets and other travel necessities, The Pinoy Traveler is a travel blog that also offers unprocessed and carefully chosen images and videos that serve as a visual aid for connecting with others and serving as a reminder of people, places, things, and stories.

89. The Adventuress ( arapatria.com )

This is the blog of Ara Patria. The Adventuress, the gal who writes this blog. A adventurer at heart, are you? She will transport you to an other realm through her reading of my travelogues and experiences. It is not intended for you to sit motionless. Come with me on travels!

90. The Transcendental Tourist ( ajpoliquit.wordpress.com )

An inexpensive traveler writes an insightful travelogue titled The Transcendental Tourist: Reflections on the Road.

91. Vivi’s Random Ramblings ( vivisrandomramblings.com )

With a focus on traveling the Philippines, Vivi offers her travelogues, personal experiences, and travel tips.

92. Wanderlass ( wanderlass.com )

Lilliane’s global travels, which include her experiences in the Philippines, provide tales, advice, and observations.

93. Wandering Ella ( wanderingella.com )

Ella focuses on low-cost travel and discovering lesser-known locations on her blog, where she offers her travelogues, advice, and experiences.

94. Windowseat ( windowseat.ph )

WindowSeat.ph provides information with the goal of improving travel experiences in the modern day. Our goal is to ignite a desire for travel among Filipinos.

95. WayPH ( wayph.com/blog )

The greatest and most reasonably priced trip packages in the Philippines are offered by WayPH, an online travel company. 

96. Will Fly for Food ( willflyforfood.net )

An online journal that explores food and travel, highlighting the delicious meals they’ve had while on the road.

97. When In Manila ( wheninmanila.com )

A community of writers, photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers, WhenInManila.com shares their travel experiences and insights on Manila, Philippines.

98. Wandering Weekend Warrior ( jonasroque.com )

Hello, I’m Facebuko, although most people just call me Jonas. I am spending consecutive weekends seeing the Philippines and other Asian nations because PIOLO! I Only Live Once, Pucha. One weekend trip at a time, let’s unleash our inner hugot and wanderlust.

99. Zigzagging Me ( zigzaggingme.com )

A personal travelogue, advice, and guidance shared on a blog with an emphasis on discovering the splendors of the Philippines.

100. 2HotTravellers ( 2hottravellers.com )

Welcome to our travel blog, where we highlight destinations, lodging options, local cuisine, and Philippine experiences. We want to show everyone how much we adore the Philippines. We exchange travelogues, destinations, cuisine, good times, reviews, ratings, and much more.

Considering a trip to the Philippines in 2024? The breathtaking splendor of this country in Southeast Asia, adorned with more than 7,000 islands, never fails to enthrall tourists from all over the world. Discover the Philippines, a treasure trove of natural wonders awaiting exploration, from its serene mountain getaways and sparkling blue waters to its busy metropolitan jungles and immaculate beaches. However, it might be difficult to navigate the abundance of attractions, particularly for first-time visitors. That’s where a thoroughly thought-out and passionately written travel blog is valuable. Additionally, the caliber, scope, and depth of information created by Filipino travel bloggers have increased in 2024.

Over the years, Philippine travel blogs have seen an absolutely amazing transformation. These blogs are becoming more than just memoirs of individual experiences. Rather, they have evolved into indispensable resources, providing readers with a blend of insider knowledge, lesser-known locations, travel tips, and cultural immersion. When making vacation plans, these blogs are frequently the first place people turn because they offer real, accessible advice that is sometimes overlooked by general travel guides.

In this day of information overload, a blog’s most important component is its credibility. When traveling, adventurers frequently take comfort in the words of a fellow traveler who has been there before, overcome comparable obstacles, and experienced the same bliss that a place may provide. This particular trust is demonstrated by the top 100 travel blogs from the Philippines in 2024. By responding to questions, exchanging advice, and—most importantly—inspiring others to go out on their own experiences, they have created communities around their stories.

A recurring theme in the Philippine travel blog scene for 2024 is the increased emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel. Amidst global environmental issues and the dangers of excessive tourism, these bloggers have made it their mission to inform readers about reducing carbon emissions, honoring local customs, and patronizing small businesses. Their blogs now discuss how to travel responsibly and with empathy, rather than just where to go and what to see.

Moreover, these blogs are no longer limited to textual material due of the continuous digital change. Many have expanded into podcasting, vlogging, and other multimedia forms to provide their audience a comprehensive view of the Philippines. These bloggers are making the most of technology to bring their readers closer to the spirit of the archipelago, whether it’s through audio guides on Philippine history or video tours of secret beach coves.

In conclusion, the top 100 travel blogs in the Philippines for 2024 are inspiration as well as informational resources. They embodied the attitude of the contemporary traveler, who is inquisitive, kind, and ever ready to learn. Reading through these blogs in-depth while you organize your trip to the Philippines can help you not only get ready for the trip but also enhance your travel experience in general. As Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Give these blogs the opportunity to make your Philippine chapter a captivating one.

“If you think I’ve missed a worthy blog, please share; your advice is greatly appreciated. At the bottom of this blog article, please feel free to submit your recommendations.”

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Photo Travelogue: A Trip to the Philippine Cordilleras [Ilocos, Sagada, Bontoc, Banaue Philippines Travel Photographer]

Photo Travelogue: A Trip to the Philippine Cordilleras Luzon, Philippines 2007

I have had these photos on my hard drive for almost 10 years now.   Who knows why it has taken so long.   I have tried several times to edit, organize, and tell the story of this life-changing trip, but somehow I have never been able to do it.   Perhaps I wasn’t equipped to do so back then in terms of writing and photo editing skills.   Perhaps I’m still not properly equipped now, but I’m going to try.   This story needs to be told, mostly to please myself and get it out of the back of my mind.   But anyone who wants to read is more than welcome to come along for the ride!

The Journey Begins

In April of 2007, my friend and business partner Eli and I embarked on a journey of chance and mishaps, which eventually led us from sunken ships to epic landscapes.  Being photographers, there were, of course, lots of photos taken along the way.

Our company, StoneDogs Photography had just finished covering a 2-day event in Ilocos (in the northern part of the Philippines).  Along the way, we made sure to take lots of photos for ourselves as well!

With a bit of money in our pocket from the gig and a great starting point, we were ready for the next adventure!  The plan was to go to Batanes , the northernmost province in the Philippines.  The island province is only accessible by plane or by ferry.  We decided to take a ferry.  A quick Internet search (not sure if it was Google back then, perhaps Yahoo) told us that the ferry, the MV Ivatan Princess departed from the Currimao Port, which was not far from where we were.  We said goodbye to our clients and headed off.

Sunken Plans

It was dark by the time we got to Currimao Port, but still early enough to make the night ferry.   As we entered the gate and approached the main building, we were overcome by a feeling of worry.   Why did the port look so dark and deserted?   We didn’t see a ferry, or any people for that matter.   A small group of men enjoying an evening drink told us that the ferry had sunk years ago!   So much for proper research!

Note: I now know that the original MV Ivatan Princess was lost in a typhoon in 2004 (LOL!).   But at the time of writing, the ferry seems to be operational again.   Websites still only offer limited information, so please call the ferry company to confirm before heading out there like we did!

We were in shock for a few minutes, but our unwavering spirit of adventure (and desire to save face) helped us pull through.   The destination was quickly changed to the Mountain Province, which was still reasonably accessible from where we were.   Within a few minutes, we were on a bus to La Union.

A bus, a rented van, and a few hours later, we were in Baguio.   From there we would take a bus to Sagada.   I don’t remember exactly how long it took, but it was a long trip with some rough roads.   I hear the roads and travel time have improved quite a bit, so it must be easier for travelers now.

Days 1 to 3: Sagada

After checking in to our guesthouse (and perhaps a quick nap), we went off to explore.   Our first stop was Bokong Waterfall .   In Sagada, almost every route is the scenic route.   The waterfall itself was quaint, but the quiet, peaceful surroundings were just incredible!

Our next destination was the Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins .   As the name implies, this valley is known for it’s acoustic properties.   I don’t quite recall if we did any yelling into the valley, but I hope not, as one should respect the dead laying in that valley.   Here, coffins can be found high above, suspended from the limestone cliffs.   Hanging the coffins there is not an easy task and it is said that the higher the coffin, the more valued the deceased was.   Depending on who you talk to, some also say that being buried in that manner also brings the deceased closer to heaven.

Hanging coffins in Echo Valley, Sagada, Philippines

The next morning, after a cup of coffee at the Masferré Inn, we headed off on a small path behind Sagada’s main road.  There we found small villages among beautiful rice terraces and lush trees.  It was interesting to see traditional structures mixed in with the newer buildings, most notably, the traditional fire pits where meetings were held with the town elders.

The highlight of this part of the trip was stumbling upon the workshop of a traditional weaver .  It was interesting to see how the famous Sagada fabric was made.

Later that day, we were off to the caves.   Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves are must-sees in Sagada.   Dating back 500 years, the Lumiang Cave represents old Igorot (indigenous people of this area) burial traditions.   There are about 200 coffins in the cave, many of which are stacked one on top of the other.   The dark corners of the cave house the remains of the oldest Igorot ancestors.

The Sumaguing cave , on the other hand, is famous for the rock formations within.   Known as the ‘big cave’, Sumaguing has the largest chamber among the Sagada caves.   Inside you can find various rock formations with nicknames such as the ‘King’s Curtain’, ‘Shark’s Head’, and ‘Chocolate Cake’, which give you an idea of what they look like.   Descending into the cave is not an easy task, and visitors are encouraged to do so with bare feet for increased traction.

After marveling at the formations and photographing them using wireless strobes (which were still a fairly new thing back then), it was time to head back up.   It was close to the end of the day and we were the last visitors.   We were ready to head back and tackle the challenging ascent.

Then our lantern died.

We were in the dark for a good 10 minutes or so while our guide attempted to fix his lantern.   We had no flashlights or headlamps.   There we were, 100-200 meters deep in the earth with no light and a not-so-easy path back up to the surface.   We were a bit concerned, but surprisingly calm.   As we waited for the guide to sort out the lantern, we saw another, bigger group of people enter the cave with several lanterns.   Though they were quite a distance up, we thought we could join them once they came down our way.   Unfortunately, they turned around and left the cave, apparently just taking a little peek inside.   The bit of fear returned and we resorted to making jokes and pressing the test flash buttons on our camera strobes.   I was ready to use the strobes to help us get out of the cave, but fortunately, our guide fixed the lantern and we were on our way back up.   It was dark by the time we got back to our guesthouse.

Having gotten our asses kicked by Sumaguing cave the previous day, we decided not to do much the next day.   We did go out to get some food and see the St. Mary’s Church, but most of the day was spent watching the National Geographic Channel.   Yes, it was a bit pathetic watching cable TV in the middle of a Nat Geo-worthy destination, but we needed to recover.

Day 4: Bontoc

The next day, we were off to Bontoc, the capital of the Mountain Province.   We were there to see the rice terraces and hopefully see some original members of the Bontoc Tribe.   The Bontoc was originally a headhunting tribe who had distinctive body tattoos.   They engaged in tribal wars with neighboring tribes until the 1930’s.   The Bontoc Tribe lives on today as a peaceful agricultural people.   The rice terraces were amazing to say the least.   We did see a couple of elderly Bontoc women with ‘pong′-o’, the arm tattoos that were given to female members of the tribe and were actually able to photograph one of them.

Days 5 and 6: Banaue

The next day, we bid farewell to the Mountain Province and crossed over to the Ifugao Province to the town of Banaue.   Banaue is the most well-known site in the Philippines for rice terraces.   The 2000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces are a national cultural treasure and were pictured on the old 1000 Peso banknote.   What I didn’t know was the road from Sagada to Banaue has (had?) some of the most epic and dangerous mountain roads I had ever seen in the Philippines.

We were happy to arrive safely, and Banaue did not disappoint.   The rice terraces were magnificent and I will let the photos do the talking here.

After 6 days in paradise, it was time to head back to Manila.   I will never forget the sights, sounds, and experiences of this trip and it feels good to finally get this out of my head, off my hard drive, and written down after so long.   If you have read this far, thank you very much!

I said before that this trip was life-changing.   So what exactly did this trip change?   Nothing outwardly obvious.   However, in its own simple, quiet way, this journey expanded my horizons, opened my eyes, and made me realize that there is so much more out there than I can even imagine.   My mind was forever opened.   And I believe this is one of the best reasons why we travel.

Photographer’s Notes:

I had an absolute blast editing the 6 and 8 megapixel files from my Canon EOS 10D and 350D, which are ancient by today’s standards.   It was definitely a trip to see my shots from 10 years ago and how much my vision has changed over the years.   Moreover, this was before I shot in RAW and dealing with the jpegs was a bit of a headache.   Always, shoot in RAW, people!   You won’t regret it, especially if you ever need to edit old photos in new software a few years down the line!

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The Top Five Hidden Gems Of The Philippines

There are many hidden gems in the Philippines that travelers should consider visiting. Here are some of our favorite spots.

Sarah Rand • Jul 15, 2024

Hidden gems are like the unsung heroes of any given travel destination. With the threat of over-tourism and increasing crowds in the most popular attractions, travelers should try to explore more than tourist brochure sites. Visiting hidden gems can illuminate the unique charm and distinct culture available to visitors. If chosen correctly, exploring a lesser-known site or area can be the highlight of an entire trip.  

The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. The country is well known for its stunning beaches, thriving wildlife, and majestic landscapes. Tourists are typically attracted to the country for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture , and countless things to do. While this is all still true of the country, there have been issues with overtourism. Overtourism is certainly not sustainable, so travelers can do their part by practicing sustainable tourism. Visiting hidden gems can help distribute tourism profit and relieve areas overwhelmed with regular influxes of visitors. These are our favorite picks for discovering the hidden gems of the Philippines. 

Samar   

Samar is a province on the island of Samar. It is located in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines and is the third largest island of the Philippines. This hidden gem is the unofficial cave capital of the Philippines and nature lovers will enjoy checking out the area. The Calbiga Caves have one of the largest cave systems in Asia. Spelunkers and rugged explorers can explore this underrated destination. Some of the most popular sites that Samar offers are Sohoton Cave, Lobo Cave, and Tarangban Falls. Visit this lush island for more than the natural environment though. Samar has a vibrant culture and rich history that’s worth learning more about while visiting. 

Palaui Island 

Palaui Island is a protected area in the municipality of Santa Ana in Cagayan, Philippines. This paradise on the northern tip of the Philippines is a serene place to visit. The island has limited accommodation options on the mainland so visitors can immerse themselves into the local culture. Because the island is well protected, the cliffs have vibrant greenery. Some of the most interesting parts of Palaui Island are the healthy coral, white sand beaches, camping sites, and the old lighthouse. The Cape Engaño Lighthouse is a historic site in Santa Ana that highlights the Spanish colonial period and architecture. If history is not an interest, visitors can also get active and go snorkeling or capture aquatic nature with a waterproof camera. 

Taal  

Taal is a stratovolcano and caldera lake in the Philippines that is located in the province of Batangas. It is in the southwestern part of Luzon, the country’s largest island. Taal Volcano is a 984-foot structure that is considered one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes. It is located inside Taal Lake which is the third largest lake in the Philippines. The caldera that Taal volcano created in prehistoric times is complex and is one of the world’s greatest volcano-tectonic depressions. Even if visitors are not interested in geography or volcanology, Taal is an incredibly impressive site. 

Sleeping Dinosaur Island 

Sleeping Dinosaur Island is named that because of its peculiar shape which looks like a resting prehistoric creature. The land formation is located in Mati, Davao Oriental in Mindanao which is at the southern edge of the Philippines. It is a very popular hiking area since it has such vibrant and lush nature which looks more striking against the bright blue waters. Most visitors go on a trek to explore the island up close and personal. However, to see all the island has to offer, plane tours are also available.  

Caramoan Islands

The Caramoan Islands are located in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. These islands are a bit isolated from the rest of the province so this pick is intended for privacy and serenity. The Caramoan Islands are so tranquil that two seasons of the reality show Survivor were filmed there. Although these islands are known for their untouched beauty, there are things to do there as well. Travelers can take their adventures at their own pace as they explore deserted islands, hike, and try out aquatic activities.

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The Philippines is one of the most diverse places in the world. If you are planning to visit the Philippines or you just want to get a taste of the country, make sure to check out the photography section in this website. Here you can find a variety of photos of the country’s best landmarks and sceneries taken by people from around the world.

In the Philippines, breathtaking landscapes are a dime a dozen. For over 7,100 islands, the country has a lot to offer in terms of natural attractions.  The most common landscapes that tourists and locals alike photograph are beaches, mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush green vegetation. And while these are pretty picturesque, they don’t show the Philippines at its best. If we were to showcase the Philippines using only the aforementioned categories, then we be doing our country a disservice.  Instead, we wanted to share the other beautiful landscapes that are often overlooked by locals and tourists alike.

What is philippine photography?

Philippine photography is a growing community of people who are passionate about photography. The resources available for this community are limited though, and they are also scattered around the web. The ” Philippines Photography Odyssey” aims to bring all of these resources together in one place. It adds new content weekly and is open to new writers as well. The website is free and open to everyone.

Philippines Top Photographers

The Philippine Photography is a proud platform for Filipino photographers to meet, to exchange ideas, to learn from each other. It is also a place where Filipino photographers can share their work and get a chance to be recognized. In the Philippines, photography is a popular past-time. It is also a popular career. In fact, there are a lot of Filipino photographers who are working all over the world. The Philippines has produced world-class photographers who have been recognized internationally.

Our Project is to place all the photographer profiles in one place, a place where they can showcase their work, their photography and their love of it.

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Aspiring photographers often ask what makes a good photographer. If you’re hoping to become a professional photographer, it’s important to know what makes the best photographers stand out from the crowd. As you start honing your craft, you’ll need to build your skills. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right camera and other photography tools. You’ll also need to develop your character, because your personality will influence your photography.

Wether you are a into filipino food photography or a local wedding photographer, this is a place where you can call home. A place to share interest in local photography scene. Looking to be featured? Drop us a line!

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Philippines to host World Travel Awards 2024 in September

The Philippines is set to host the World Travel Awards 2024.

During a press conference held at the M.I.C.E Con 2024 by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco announced that the country will host the annual World Travel Awards this September.

As seen in the World Travel Awards website, the awarding ceremony will commence on Sept. 3 at the City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City.

For this year’s edition, the Philippines bagged seven nominations , including Asia's Leading Beach Destination, Asia's Leading Dive Destination, and Asia's Leading Island Destination.

Intramuros is also nominated once again as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction, while Boracay and Cebu is nominated as Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination and Asia's Leading Wedding Destination, respectively.

DOT, on the other hand, is nominated for the Asia's Leading Tourist Board award again.

Last year, Manila City secured its first-ever award at the prestigious World Travel Awards, earning the title of the World’s Leading City Destination for 2023.

Alongside this recognition for the city, the Philippines also maintained its 2022 titles as the World’s Leading Dive Destination and Beach Destination.

The World Travel Awards is a London-based organization established in 1993 and is known as the Oscars of the travel industry. It acknowledges excellence in travel and tourism at the national, regional, and global levels.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News

Review: The best travel camera for every type of photographer

UPDATE: Aug. 8, 2023, 5:00 AM EDT This guide has been updated to reflect Mashable's latest hands-on testing.

We live in an age of over-sharing, but the best travel cameras do so much more than help you post your adventures on Instagram, Youtube, or TikTok. Travel cameras can also help you freeze moments in time so that you never forget your favorite travel experiences. Travel photography can be a great way to capture pictures of your loved ones at their happiest, and you may look back on these photos decades in the future.

Of course, the best travel camera should also be used to show off your adventures on social media — we never said over-sharing was bad.

The best cameras for travel make it easy to take pictures without overstuffing your suitcase. While there are plenty of accessories for travel photography , modern travel cameras are lightweight, compact, and user-friendly.

As anyone who's had to sit on their suitcase to close it would know, you need to save every square inch you can when packing. You should always make sure you have the essentials , but nobody wants to have to throw things away at the airport gate because their bag is overweight .

Unless you're a professional YouTuber or National Geographic photographer, chances are you don't want to lug around a heavy-duty model, or a mirrorless camera that requires five different lens for each subject. Similarly, if you're not part of a camera crew traveling for work, a fragile camera that requires careful packing and gentle handling probably isn't worth the trouble.

Fortunately for you, Mashable is on the case, and we’ve been busy researching, testing, and reviewing travel cameras. When picking the best travel camera for every type of photographer — whether you’re a beginner, photography expert, action-adventurer, or content creator — we looked for easy-to-use and easy-to-pack cameras that won’t get in your way.

Should you bring a travel camera at all?

If you clicked on this article, you're likely planning to. But take a minute to consider your phone camera — if you have a new smartphone, it probably comes equipped with a camera that has formidable photography abilities of its own. In fact, the newest flagship smartphones have some downright futuristic photography capabilities. We're not even impressed by the iPhone's ability to shoot in 4K anymore. Give us advanced lowlight photography from Pixel phones, the Samsung Galaxy's famous ultra-zoom lens, or the Xiaomi smartphone with Leica cameras.

So, if you already have the latest iPhone , Samsung Galaxy , or Xiaomi model , is there any reason to carry an extra camera instead of just snapping pics with that?

Well, it depends. For skilled photographers, even the best smartphone cameras can't compare to a mirrorless camera from Sony or Leica . For everyone else, there are still lots of reasons to upgrade to the best travel cameras.

Are you going somewhere beachy and want to take cool underwater photos without worrying about water damage? Is this a ski trip or something active that requires image stabilization and 4K HDR video? Or would you just rather keep your phone safe in your bag at all times, so that you don't accidentally drop it while taking pictures? For all of the above, the best camera for travel will outperform your smartphone camera.

Whatever the reason (even if it's just better quality pics for the 'gram), if you want to pack the best camera for travel, you should evaluate your options based on the following:

Technical Considerations:

• Size/Weight: There's no point to investing in a professional model that doesn't fit in your travel bag. Make sure that your choice isn't so hefty that you don't end up leave your camera and lens at home.
• Image Quality: Anyone can snap a blurry picture of the Eiffel Tower, but you want a crystal-clear and totally unique photo to remember your trip. A camera's sensor size will be the biggest factor on overall image quality (more on this below).
• Zoom Range: Despite massive advances in smartphone camera technology, this is still one area in which most smartphones fall short. For close-up photography, you'll need cameras equipped with zoom lenses.
• Shooting Modes: Versatility is one of the other perks of toting around a camera — from drones that will give you aerial shots to vlogging cameras for video quality, different devices offer different advantages over your standard phone cam.
• Price: Above all, don't purchase anything beyond your means. For this guide, we've avoided $5,000 Lecia cameras, as these can be risky to travel with unless you're a professional photographer.

What's the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras?

When searching for the best travel cameras of 2023, we wanted to include the most common types of travel cameras: mirrorless cameras, DSLR cameras, action cameras, and drones. (We also decided to include a smartphone for good measure.) But what type of camera is best for your needs? Action cameras, drones, and smartphones are pretty self-explanatory, so what's the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras? And what camera is best for travel photography?

For a long time, DSLR cameras were the gold standard for high-quality digital cameras. They provide professional-level photo quality and more advanced features for experienced photographers. DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex camera. In this type of camera, light passing through the lens bounces off a mirror into a traditional viewfinder. Even the best DSLR camera for travel will be larger in size compared to point-and-shoot and mirrorless cameras, and this can be an issue when traveling.

Mirrorless cameras don't have a mirror, and thus lack a traditional viewfinder (although they typically have a digital viewfinder). For this reason, mirrorless cameras are lighter and more compact than DSLR cameras, which also make them more travel-friendly. Because of the digital viewfinder, mirrorless cameras often have a shorter battery life compared to a DSLR.

You can take equally great images with both a mirrorless and DSLR camera. Because mirrorless cameras are newer (and more trendy), many of the best new cameras fall into this category. However, DSLR cameras are often much more affordable.

The specs to look for in the best travel cameras:

To pick the best camera for travel, you'll need a basic understanding of some photography terms and camera specifications. You could spend a lifetime mastering the art or photography, but before buying a camera, take the time to familiarize yourself with the following terms.

Megapixels: The unit itself (MP) denotes one million ("mega-") pixels, which essentially describes the detail of your photos. You can have too many megapixels, depending on your purpose — Instagram, for example, automatically downsizes overlarge images to 1.2MP.

Image File Format: This refers to the image formats supported by the camera. Typically, this includes .jpeg and raw image files. A camera with easy-to-access image files is an underrated feature. This can be important if you're traveling for a long time and want to be able to access your pictures externally from your camera ASAP. Make sure you can open and, if necessary, edit photos on your laptop or even phone (an adapter or external card reader will usually be needed as well).

Sensor: A camera's sensor has a huge impact on overall image quality, which is why sensor size is the main specification professional photographers look at. Bigger sensors have more pixels, which means better low-light and dynamic performance as well as reduced noise. However, smaller sensors have a better zoom range and are both lighter and cheaper. DSLR and mirrorless cameras usually have full-frame (~36mm wide) or APS-C (22.3-23.6mm wide) sensors, while compact cameras have 1-inch (13.2mm wide) sensors. The iPhone 11 has a 1/2.55" sensor, for comparison, and that will give you 12MP images. For a more detailed guide to sensor sizes, check out this graphic .

Lens: Pro photographers will rattle off details about the makers and materials of camera lenses, but what you really need to know is mostly just aperture and focal length. So while names like the "Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 E ED VR" look intimidating, they really just boil down to naming conventions that list brand, lens type/size, focal length, maximum aperture, and miscellaneous details ("VR" here stands for vibration reduction) in that order.

Focal length denotes zoom, and aperture is how much light the lens lets in, which affects exposure and depth of field. Zoom is fairly straightforward — some lens have ranges, while others have a fixed focal length, so you'll have to move to get your subject in frame. Aperture, on the other hand, is measured in fractions. A smaller aperture, say of f/11, gives you less background blur (like, the opposite of portrait mode), aka more depth of field, and a darker image. Larger apertures — f/2.8 is pretty standard — will give you a very focused effect with lots of light.

Continuous Shooting Speed (Video Mode): Measured in fps — that is, frames per second — this number is what you look at if you need your camera to be capable of quick shots for action scenes. The higher the frame-rate, the smoother and clearer the action.

Max Video Resolution: This one is mostly for those people who want to edit a highlight reel of their travels, or vlog their trip. Otherwise, typical 1080p will do just fine for most purposes — you don't need to splurge on 4k unless you want to crop footage while retaining the quality (and you really don't need 8k unless you're a filmmaker).

While this sounds overwhelming (and it definitely can be, to be honest), if you aren't fussed about specs, our list below gives a quick breakdown of what each camera is good for, taking into consideration all its features. On the other hand, if you have a very specific lens type in mind or just want to fully understand your purchase before committing, take a look at the listed specs and how they compare.

With all this in mind, we've gathered the best cameras for travel below. Our top recommendations were hands-on tested by the Mashable team, and we've included some additional options so that you can find the best travel camera for your particular needs.

This guide is geared more toward photography beginners than pros, so we've favored cameras that are more affordable and beginner friendly. And to make sure they travel well, we've prioritized cameras that are durable, lightweight, and compact.

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Everything There Is to Know About the Extravagant Ambani Wedding

The nuptials are estimated to have cost over $300 million

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There are weddings, and then there’s the Ambani wedding.

Since their engagement in December 2023, Ambani and Merchant have been building up to their big day by hosting increasingly lavish events that sounded almost too extravagant to be true. Whether that meant a European cruise featuring performances by the likes of Katy Perry and Andrea Bocelli, or a pre-wedding party with a rare appearance by Rihanna, the two have spared no expense.

Of course, with Ambani being the youngest member of the richest family in Asia, and Merchant being the heir to her own billionaire bloodline, it’s no surprise the families have been going all out. We got a good example of what this wedding would be like back in 2018, when Anant’s sister, Isha, got married and the costs were estimated at upward of $100 million. And Anant being the last of the Ambani children to tie the knot, it’s clear the family wants to go out with a bang.

Here, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the official Ambani wedding weekend—from the cost to the star-studded guest list, and everything in between.

How much did the wedding cost?

The big question on everyone’s mind is: Just how much will this wedding cost?

The Ambanis have remained mum about total figures, but an event management owner estimated to the BBC that the cost is at least somewhere between 11 billion and 13 billions rupees (around $132 million to $156 million).

Other estimates have been even higher. The Daily Mail crunched the numbers and estimated that the wedding has to have cost approximately $320 million, considering the price of security, transportation, food, and money paid to performers. (When Rihanna showed up to the pre-wedding ceremony in March, it was believed she got a check for around $7 million.)

Of course, this is just a drop in the bucket for the Ambani family. Anant’s father is currently the richest man in Asia, after all, with an estimated net worth of $123.3 billion, and he ranks as the 11th-richest man in the world.

Who will perform at the main event?

Although details are still unknown, it is believed the main wedding event will feature quite the headline-grabbing name, with several outlets floating rumors that Drake, Adele, or Lana Del Rey will perform at the ceremony.

None of these stars would come as a huge surprise, given that the list of musical performers for the pre-wedding festivities has looked like a Grammys lineup.

In March, the pre-wedding party included the performance by Rihanna, whose last previous high-profile appearance was when she headlined the Super Bowl in 2023 (casual). The evening also included sets bt Akon and Diljit Dosanjh, the first Punjabi singer ever to perform at Coachella.

Then, when the families hosted a European cruise in May, the roster of performers was equally impressive, with Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, the Backstreet Boys, and Pitbull all taking the stage. As if that weren’t enough, Justin Bieber showed up for a surprise performance last week at a pre-wedding event in Mumbai, a gig he was reportedly paid $10 million for.

Given that a previous Ambani wedding featured a performance by Beyoncé, we’re guessing that no prediction is too big at this point.

What celebrities will be in attendance?

While the musical performer is sure to be an A-lister, the guest list (rumored to be up to 1,200 people) will include plenty of major names as well.

In the lead-up to the nuptials, pre-wedding festivities have been attended by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, Ivanka Trump, and Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh.

We know even more famous faces will be in attendance at the main event. On Instagram this week, Kim and Khloé Kardashian shared snaps as they arrived at their hotel in Mumbai ahead of the wedding. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas also arrived on Thursday, which comes as no surprise, given that Anant and Radhika both attended the couple’s wedding festivities back in 2018.

Other celebrities spotted in the area have included John Cena, Law Roach, Rajkummar Rao, and former British prime minister Tony Blair. According to Vanity Fair , invitations reportedly went out to other former prime ministers, like Boris Johnson, as well as celebrities like Mike Tyson, David Beckham, and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Where will the wedding take place?

Mumbai will be slightly shut down this weekend, with the Evening Standard reporting that the wedding is being considered a “public event,” much like royal weddings are.

On Friday, the couple will have their main event at the Jio World Convention Center in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, a venue that can hold up to 16,500 people. According to CNN , a red carpet will be rolled out for all the star attendees, and the dress code is classical Indian attire.

In addition, there will be other ceremonies taking place at Antilia, a 27-story Ambani family tower block that has been decorated lavishly ahead of the weekend. This residence, valued at $4.6 billion, was lit up ahead of the nuptials with various colors, and it was also decorated with strings of flowers, while musicians performed live music outside the building hours ahead of the ceremony.

This weekend, the wedding will take place over the course of three days, with the main ceremony at Jio World Convention Center taking place on Friday, July 12, followed by a “Shubh Ashirwad” divine blessings ceremony on July 13 and a “Mangal Utsav,” or reception, on Sunday, both of which will take place in Antilia.

How long have the wedding festivities been going on?

While the wedding proper is only a weekend long, the Ambani wedding festivities are going on seven months now, with the first event—the engagement party—having taken place back in January.

At the beginning of the year, Merchant took part in a mehndi ceremony, where her hands and feet were decorated with henna. The following day, there was an engagement bash, or gol dhana .

Over the months that followed, the celebrations have only gotten bigger and more extravagant, with the families throwing a “pre-wedding party” in March in the city of Jamnagar, where the celebration included fireworks, a feast, and the aforementioned Rihanna performance.

May saw the European cruise, which traveled to various spots across the Mediterranean and included such events as a masquerade ball.

And earlier this July, the couple held a mass wedding, a sangeet (a night of music and dance) and a haldi blessing ceremony.

This Sunday should mark the end of the nearly year-long wedding proceedings. And then we have the honeymoon to look forward to!

Joel is the editorial and social media assistant for HarpersBAZAAR.com, where he covers all things celebrity news. When he steps away from the keyboard, you can likely find him singing off-key at concerts, scavenging thrift stores for loud wardrobe staples, or perusing bookstores for the next great gay romance novel.

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Pops, screams and then blood: On the scene at the Trump rally shooting

A view from the press riser of the chaos surrounding what authorities are investigating as an assassination attempt against Donald Trump.

BUTLER, Pa. — The gunshots were high-pitched pops, slight and hollow in the open air.

Donald Trump , the former president set to accept the Republican nomination in five days, was less than 10 minutes into his speech here to a crowd of tens of thousands. A miles-long line of cars crawled for hours to pass through metal detectors and bag inspections, just like any Trump event, until these green fairgrounds became a sea of red hats.

Trump was almost an hour late, and his supporters waited impatiently under the blazing sun and thumping music. In the middle of the crowd, opposite the stage, a platform of TV cameras pointed at the stage, with reporters huddled underneath for shade.

Finally Trump walked out, as usual, to chants of “USA” and marveled: “This is a big crowd. This is a big, big, beautiful crowd.” A bright red MAGA cap shaded his eyes, and his white shirt was open-collared in the heat as he leaned his arms on the lectern.

He launched into his stump speech but quickly got bored with the prepared script. He offered to invite the Republican Senate candidate, Dave McCormick, to speak, but McCormick wasn’t ready.

2024 presidential election

“You don’t mind if I go off teleprompter, do you?” Trump teased. “Because these teleprompters are so damn boring.” He asked to show “that chart that I love so much,” showing border crossings across his and Joe Biden’s presidencies, and acted amazed that his producers obliged, projecting it onto the giant screens to either side. “Wow, you guys are getting better with time.”

He was pointing to one of the screens, narrating the increase in immigration since he left office in 2021. “Look what happened to our country!”

The pops came in pairs, a burst of five or six total. Trump swatted his ear, as if he heard a mosquito. Then he hunched his shoulders and ducked.

Podcast episode

“Get down, get down, get down!” Secret Service agents shouted as they rushed up onto the stage and surrounded him. The crowd screamed. Another burst of popping noises. More screaming. The people in the bleachers behind Trump shuffled, unsure about where to go. The people in chairs or standing crouched or fell to the ground. A dense cloud of smoke hung to the right of the stage, then dispersed quickly.

One more solitary shot.

More suited Secret Service agents rushed the stage, then black-clad men wearing body armor and helmets, and carrying assault rifles. The crowd shouted in confusion.

“Are we good?” one of the officers said, audible from the podium microphone.

“Shooter’s down,” another answered.

“We’re good to move.”

“Are we clear?”

“We’re clear!”

“Let me get my shoes on,” Trump said, as the agents lifted him.

“I got you, sir.”

“Hold on, your head is bloody.”

“Let me get my shoes on,” he said again, as the agents formed a ring around him.

The crowd, seeing him standing, started to cheer.

Photos from the Trump rally shooting

“Wait,” Trump said, and thrust up a fist. “Fight!” he said. “Fight!”

Then the people roared and chanted again: “USA!”

“We gotta move,” an agent said. Leaning on the agents for assistance, Trump kept his fist raised as he hobbled off the stage, down the stairs and into his black SUV. One black dress shoe remained on the red-carpeted stage.

Officers — Secret Service, county sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, U.S. Department of Homeland Security — started telling the crowd to evacuate, calling the site an active crime scene. The rallygoers walked out, calling and texting family and friends and recording videos. People were shocked but calm.

As people passed the press risers elevating the cameras, some took out their anger on the media.

“You’re not safe. It’s your fault.”

“You wanted political violence, now you got it. Hope you’re all f---ing happy.”

“The shot heard ’round the world.”

“The liberal media is responsible!”

“Every f---ing one of y’all!”

Others sought out the cameras to offer eyewitness accounts, but they were jumbled and sometimes contradictory amid the panic.

The crowd trudged glumly to the parking lot, a few stopping for a last-minute hot dog or snow cone.

A man with a cane cowered behind the bathrooms, vomiting.

They walked to their cars past Trump flags streaming in the wind over a long row of vendors selling MAGA hats and mug shot T-shirts and Trump keychains and vulgar bumper stickers and Trump visors topped with bright orange fake hair.

A man with a bullhorn wearing a homemade “JAN 6 SURVIVOR” shirt called on people to march on Main Street, “peacefully and patriotically,” echoing Trump’s speech on the Ellipse on Jan. 6 , 2021. Most everyone ignored him. One young man accused him of being an undercover federal agent and told him to shut up.

They left behind a field strewn with empty plastic water bottles. A giant American flag hoisted from two cranes flapped high above the empty white bleachers bordered with red, white and blue bunting.

Election 2024

Catch up on highlights from the third night of the Republican National Convention , where J.D. Vance introduced himself to the nation .

Trump VP pick: Trump has chosen Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate , selecting a rising star in the party and previously outspoken Trump critic who in recent years has closely aligned himself with the former president.

Presidential election polls: Check out The Post’s presidential polling averages of the seven battleground states most likely to determine the outcome of the election.

Key dates and events: Voters in all states and U.S. territories have been choosing their party’s nominee for president ahead of the summer conventions. Here are key dates and events on the 2024 election calendar .

Abortion and the election: Voters in about a dozen states could decide the fate of abortion rights with constitutional amendments on the ballot in a pivotal election year. Biden supports legal access to abortion , and he has encouraged Congress to pass a law that would codify abortion rights nationwide. After months of mixed signals about his position, Trump said the issue should be left to states . Here’s how Biden’s and Trump’s abortion stances have shifted over the years.