Best Photography Locations in the Philippines

There are many good reasons why droves of foreigners flock to the Philippine islands. Some say it’s about the beautiful beaches, while others particularly enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the locals. In this article, we share the best photography locations in the Philippines.

No matter what your reason is, there are many picturesque regions in the country. And if you’re a photographer by passion or profession, you will be having a field day, guaranteed.

In this list of our best photography locations, we’ll be taking a look around the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the Philippines. Hopefully, this guide serves you well for your next visit to this ever-stunning country.

Boracay Island

If you’re a foreigner researching the best places to visit in the Philippines, Boracay Island usually comes up first. With just a two-hour trip from Metro Manila, you’ll get to enjoy powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Many even brand it as paradise on Earth.

The island did get a bit too commercialized over the past few decades, urging the current Administration to shut it down for six months. Upon rehabilitation, it’s been restored to its more rural, less-urbanized state, with just a few bars and restaurants near the shoreline.

You’ll never run out of subjects to photograph in Boracay, whether it’s the local delicacies or the gorgeous sunset that’s attracted its visitors, both local and foreign.

Coron, Palawan

If you look at the Philippine map at an atlas, you will likely see a resemblance to a seated cat. The group of elongated islands on the left-hand side (which looks like the cat’s leg) is Palawan, another renowned beach town in the region of Luzon.

Coron, in particular, attracts many tourists for its scenery. It is the home of Kayangan Lake, aptly dubbed the ‘Cleanest Lake in Asia.’ The lake itself is surrounded by rock formations you’ll likely only see in movies or postcards, making it a surreal experience altogether.

There are several tours you can take, which stops by several beaches along the island. All of which are equally breathtaking, but unique in their own way, at the same time.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Some call it the ‘Grand Staircase of the North,’ and rightly so. The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Ifugao region is indeed one of the noteworthy spots in the country. So much so, that it is occasionally dubbed as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

What makes these rice terraces more fascinating is that it was carved by hand by indigenous tribes from thousands of years back. It’s quite difficult not to be in awe upon the sight of this majestic natural formation.

So if you do get the chance to visit, snap as many photos as you can. You will not regret it.

The Walled City of Intramuros

While nearby provinces do have a lot to offer in terms of picture-worthy spots, the same goes for the capital city of Manila. The Walled City of Intramuros, for one, tells a lot about the nation’s history during the Spanish and American occupation.

The walls were built by the Spanish Imperial Government around the 16th century to ward off invaders. It did encounter its most stringent test during World War II, when American and Japanese troops fought it out, almost leveling the entire city. Intramuros endured significant damage, but not enough to demolish it entirely.

Today, there are walking tours around the area, in which foreign visitors can get to know more about this particular piece of Philippine history. Many of them make the most of these scenic views and take remarkable images, capturing the city’s beauty among ruins.

If you have any more places that you think should be considered to be in the best photography locations in the Philippines, share them down below.