6+ Philippines UNESCO World Heritage Sites: How To Visit Them

The Philippines is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These places are truly special and show off the best of the country’s history and nature. From old rice fields in the mountains to colorful reefs under the sea, each site has something unique to offer.

This article will take you on a trip to all these UNESCO Sites in the Philippines. I’ll explain what makes each place special, tell you some cool facts about them, and give you tips on how to visit. Plus, we’ll look at some other amazing spots that might become World Heritage Sites someday.

What Are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places that are so important and special that they belong to everyone in the world. The Philippines UNESCO World Heritage Sites include both man-made and natural wonders. These destinations are chosen very carefully and are protected so that people can enjoy them for many years to come.

The Philippines joined the UNESCO World Heritage list on September 19, 1985. This meant that important places in the country could be added to the list. The first UNESCO-inscribed sites in the Philippines were added in 1993.

As of 2024, there are six Philippines UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Three of these are cultural sites, which means they were made by people. The other three are natural sites, which means they are amazing places in nature.

Here’s a quick look at the current UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines as of 2024:

Site Name	Year Listed	Type	Location
Baroque Churches of the Philippines	1993	Cultural	Various locations
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park	1993	Natural	Palawan
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras	1995	Cultural	Ifugao
Historic City of Vigan	1999	Cultural	Ilocos Sur
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park	1999	Natural	Palawan
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary	2014	Natural	Davao Oriental

Now, let’s learn more about each of these amazing UNESCO-recognized sites in the Philippines.

1. Baroque Churches of the Philippines: Old and Beautiful Buildings

The Baroque Churches of the Philippines were some of the first UNESCO-listed sites in the Philippines. They were added to the list in 1993. These churches are special because they show how European and Filipino styles of building came together during the time when Spain ruled the Philippines.

San Agustin Church: The Oldest Stone Church in Manila

San Agustin Church in Manila is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was finished in 1607 and has survived many earthquakes and even World War II.

Inside, you can see beautiful paintings on the ceiling that look 3D, and altars with lots of detail. There’s also a museum where you can learn about the history of the church and see old things from Spanish times.

If you want to visit San Agustin Church, you can join a tour of Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila. One company, Rajah Travel Corporation, offers a tour called “The Walls of Intramuros” for 3,748 pesos per person if you’re in a group of 10.

On this tour, you can ride a bamboo bike or a horse-drawn carriage, and see other famous places like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral.

Paoay Church: An Earthquake-Proof Church in Ilocos Norte

Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is famous for its style called “Earthquake Baroque.” This means it was built to stand up to earthquakes.

The Paoay Church has 24 big buttresses (support structures) on its sides and is made of coral stone. The bell tower stands separate from the church to keep it safe if there’s an earthquake.

You can visit Paoay Church as part of a tour of Ilocos. One company, Northbound Gems Travel and Events, offers a 3-day, 2-night tour for 3,799 pesos per person in a group of four.

This tour includes a visit to Paoay Church, a fun ride in the sand dunes, and a trip to see the Bangui Windmills.

Santa Maria Church: The Hill-Top Church in Ilocos Sur

Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur is different from most churches in the Philippines because it’s built on top of a hill. You have to climb 85 steps to get to it!

The Santa Maria Church is surrounded by a wall, which made it easier to defend in the old days. From the top, you can see a great view of the town.

If you want to visit Santa Maria Church, you can join a day tour with Happy Juanderer. Their Ilocos Sur Adventourismo tour costs 2,015 pesos per person for a group of six. This tour also takes you to Pinsal Falls and shows you how traditional Abel cloth is made.

Miagao Church: The Church with a Story on Its Front in Iloilo

Miagao Church in Iloilo is known for its beautiful front, or facade. The facade tells a story with its carvings. You can see St. Christopher carrying baby Jesus, surrounded by trees and plants that grow in the Philippines. Inside, there’s a golden altar that’s really impressive.

Many tours of Iloilo include a visit to Miagao Church. These tours often also take you to other historic places in Iloilo, like the Calle Real Heritage District.

2. Rice Fields on Mountains: The Cordillera Rice Terraces in Ifugao

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines in 1995. These terraces are like giant steps cut into the mountains, and they’re used to grow rice. What’s really amazing is that the Ifugao people have been farming these terraces for over 2,000 years!

Five Types of Rice Terraces You Can See in Ifugao

There are five main groups of rice terraces that are part of this UNESCO site:

Terrace Cluster	Unique Feature	Best Viewing Spot
Batad	Amphitheater-like shape	Batad Saddle
Bangaan	Traditional village	Bangaan Viewpoint
Mayoyao	Terraces with houses	Mayoyao Proper
Hungduan	Spider web pattern	Hapao Rice Terraces Viewpoint
Nagacadan	Two rows with river	Nagacadan Viewpoint

These rice terraces aren’t just for growing rice. They’re living proof of how people and nature can work together. The Ifugao people have passed down their farming knowledge for generations, keeping their traditions alive.

How to Visit the Rice Terraces in Ifugao

If you want to see the Rice Terraces, you can take a tour. One company, Trip Quest Travel and Tours, offers a two-day, one-night package to Banaue for 8,400 pesos per person in a group of five. This tour includes:

• A hike to the Batad terraces
• A visit to Tappiyah Falls
• A stop at the Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint
• A trip to the Kiangan Shrine and Ifugao Museum

The best time to visit the Rice Terraces is from June to July or October to November. That’s when the terraces are greenest and most beautiful. But be ready for some tough hiking and basic places to stay.

It’s important to know that these Rice Terraces need a lot of care. From 2001 to 2012, they were on the list of World Heritage in Danger because not enough was being done to take care of them. This shows how important it is for visitors to be respectful and for the government to protect these special places.

3. Vigan: An Old Spanish-Style City in Ilocos Sur

The Historic City of Vigan became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines in 1999. This city is special because it shows what a Spanish colonial town in Asia looked like in the 1600s.

Why Vigan Looks Different from Other Cities in the Philippines

Vigan covers an area of 28.88 square kilometers and has 233 old buildings. The most famous street is Calle Crisologo, which has old stone houses lining both sides.

These houses belonged to rich Filipino-Chinese families long ago. Now, many of them are shops selling local crafts and foods.

Vigan is also a place where different cultures – Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish – all mixed together. This mix can be seen in the architecture, the food, and the traditions of the city.

Things to Do and See in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

If you want to visit Vigan, there are many tours you can join. One company, Happy Juanderer Travel, Inc., offers a Vigan Heritage Tour that lasts 5-6 hours. It costs 2,355 pesos per person for a group of six. On this tour, you’ll see:

Attraction	What to See	Best Time to Visit
Calle Crisologo	Old houses, souvenir shops	Early morning or late afternoon
Vigan Cathedral	Spanish colonial architecture	Anytime
Syquia Mansion	Home of President Elpidio Quirino	9am to 5pm, closed Mondays
Bantay Bell Tower	Panoramic view of Vigan	Sunrise or sunset
Pagburnayan (Pottery Making)	Traditional pottery making	7am to 5pm

You can also see how local crafts are made. Vigan is famous for making pottery called burnay, weaving cloth called inabel, and making items from red clay.

4. The Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines in 1999. This park is in Palawan and is famous for its underground river. The river flows for 8.2 kilometers under a mountain before it reaches the sea. It’s one of the longest underground rivers in the world!

Animals and Plants in the Puerto Princesa National Park

The park covers 22,202 hectares and is home to many plants and animals. There are about 800 plant species and 254 animal species living here.

Some of these, like the Philippine cockatoo and the green sea turtle, are in danger of disappearing forever. The park also has beautiful forests and limestone cliffs.

How to Ride a Boat in the Underground River of Palawan

You can take a boat tour to see the underground river. El Mundo Travel and Tours offers a tour for 2,700 pesos per person in a group of six. This price includes:

• A guide
• Lunch
• Boat ride
• Van transfers

The boat ride in the cave lasts about 45 minutes. Inside, you’ll see amazing rock formations. Some look like animals or familiar objects. The guides often make jokes about these shapes, which makes the tour fun as well as interesting.

Take note that only a certain number of people can visit the underground river each day to protect the environment. So, it’s a good idea to book your tour ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season.

Activity	Duration	Cost (per person)
Underground River Tour	45 minutes	Part of 2,700 peso package
Sabang X Zipline	5 minutes	500 pesos
Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour	1 hour	About 200 pesos
Ugong Rock Adventures	1-2 hours	450-900 pesos depending on activities

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the natural UNESCO sites in the Philippines that shows how amazing nature can be. When you visit, you’re not just seeing a unique river – you’re experiencing one of the wonders of the natural world.

5. Tubbataha Reefs: The Big Underwater Park in Palawan

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines in 1993. It’s located in the middle of the Sulu Sea in Palawan. This park is huge – it covers 96,828 hectares – and it’s all underwater!

Fish and Sea Animals in Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan

Tubbataha is home to an incredible variety of sea life. There are over 360 types of coral and almost 700 kinds of fish living here.

The Tubbataha Reef is also a place where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, and where many seabirds make their nests. The park is part of the Coral Triangle, which is like the underwater version of the Amazon rainforest because of how many different species live there.

How to Plan a Diving Trip to Tubbataha Reefs

Tubbataha is a favorite place for scuba divers, but it’s not easy to get to – you can only visit from March to June when the sea is calm enough. You also have to go on a “liveaboard” trip, which means you stay on a boat for several days.

One company, Discovery Palawan, offers a 7-day, 6-night trip to Tubbataha. It costs 125,536 pesos per person. This includes:

• All meals
• A place to sleep on the boat
• 3-4 dives each day

Remember that diving in Tubbataha is for experienced divers. The currents can be strong, and the dive sites are in deep water.

Dive Site	What You Might See	Difficulty Level
Delsan Wreck	Sharks, old shipwreck	Advanced
Amos Rock	Wall of coral, big fish	Intermediate to Advanced
Washing Machine	Strong currents, schools of fish	Advanced
Shark Airport	Reef sharks, manta rays	Intermediate

6. Mount Hamiguitan: The Mountain with Small Trees in Davao Oriental

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is the newest of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines, added to the list in 2014. It’s located in Davao Oriental and covers 26,652 hectares. This place is special because it has many different types of environments, from low-lying forests to a unique “pygmy” or “bonsai” forest on the mountaintop.

Special Plants and Animals on Mount Hamiguitan

Mount Hamiguitan is home to many plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Some of the special animals that live here are the Philippine eagle, Philippine cockatoo, and several types of pitcher plants.

The Hamiguitan mountain is also famous for its pygmy forest. Here, full-grown trees are only about 4.5 feet tall because of the soil and weather conditions.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Mount Hamiguitan

Visiting Mount Hamiguitan is a bit tricky. To protect the environment, only 15 people are allowed to trek on the mountain at a time. If you want to go, here’s what you need to know:

• The trekking fee is 3,000 pesos per person (1,500 pesos for people from Davao Oriental)
• You need to pay extra for guides and porters
• You need to bring two valid IDs and a medical certificate saying you’re fit to climb

If you can’t make the trek, there’s Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park in the buffer zone. This park has a museum, a research center, and a place to watch birds. You can also walk on a nature trail that’s easier than climbing the mountain.

Attraction	Description	Best Time to Visit
Pygmy Forest	Short, old trees	Year-round
Twin Falls	Two-level waterfall	Rainy season (June to October)
Hidden Garden	Unique dwarf trees	Year-round
Tinagong Dagat	Small mountain lake	Dry season (November to May)

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the natural UNESCO sites in the Philippines that shows how special and varied the country’s environments can be.

Philippines UNESCO Tentative List: Future World Heritage Sites

Besides the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines already has, there are more places that might become World Heritage Sites in the future. These are on something called the UNESCO Tentative List. As of 2024, there are 27 sites on this list. 

Site Name	Location	Type	Year Added to Tentative List
Chocolate Hills	Bohol	Natural	2006
Mayon Volcano	Albay	Natural	2015
Batanes Islands	Batanes	Mixed (Cultural and Natural)	1993
Apo Reef	Occidental Mindoro	Natural	2006
Mt. Pulag National Park	Benguet, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya	Natural	2006
Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park	Isabela	Natural	2006
Petroglyphs and Petrographs	Various locations	Cultural	2006
Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves	Benguet	Cultural	2006
Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary	Tawi-Tawi	Natural	2015

Chocolate Hills: The 1,700 Same-Looking Hills in Bohol

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol is one of the most famous places on the Philippines UNESCO tentative list. There are over 1,700 hills that look almost exactly the same. They’re called Chocolate Hills because in the dry season, the grass on them turns brown, which makes them look like giant chocolate drops.

Mayon Volcano: The Perfect Cone-Shaped Volcano in Albay

Mayon Volcano in Albay is known for its almost perfect cone shape. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, having erupted over 50 times in the last 400 years. Despite the danger, people still live near it because the soil is good for farming.

Batanes: The Islands with Strong Stone Houses

The Batanes islands are the northernmost part of the Philippines. They’re known for their stone houses, which are built to withstand the strong winds and typhoons that often hit the islands. The landscapes here are beautiful, with green hills meeting the blue sea.

Apo Reef: The Second Biggest Coral Reef in the World

Apo Reef is the second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It’s a paradise for divers and snorkelers, with clear waters and lots of marine life.

Mt. Pulag: The Highest Mountain in Luzon

Mt. Pulag, located in Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya, is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest in the Philippines. It’s known for its “sea of clouds” view and diverse ecosystems, from mossy forests to grasslands. The summit area is considered sacred by local indigenous groups.

Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park: The Biggest Protected Area in the Philippines

This park in Isabela is the largest protected area in the Philippines. It’s home to numerous endangered species, including the Philippine eagle and the Philippine crocodile. The park covers a vast area of forests, from sea level to mountain peaks, that protects a large part of Luzon during typhoons.

Old Rock Art: The Petroglyphs and Petrographs of the Philippines

These sites include rock art found in various locations across the country. The Angono Petroglyphs in Rizal, for example, feature 127 human and animal figures carved into rock, believed to date back to the late Neolithic period.

Kabayan Mummy Caves: Where Old Mummies Are Kept in Benguet

Located in Benguet, these caves contain mummies of the Ibaloi people. The mummification process, which used salt and herbs, began before Spanish colonization and is an important part of Ibaloi cultural heritage.

Turtle Islands: Where Sea Turtles Lay Eggs in Tawi-Tawi

This sanctuary in Tawi-Tawi is a major nesting site for green sea turtles in the Asia-Pacific region. It consists of six islands and covers a vast marine area, playing a crucial role in sea turtle conservation.

The Importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines are more than just pretty places to visit. They’re important for several reasons:

• Preservation of Culture and Nature: These sites help protect important parts of Philippine culture and nature. By being on the UNESCO list, they get special attention and protection.
• Education: These sites teach people about Philippine history, culture, and nature. When you visit them, you learn something new about the country.
• Tourism: UNESCO Sites in the Philippines attract tourists from all over the world. This helps the local economy and gives people jobs.
• Pride: Having UNESCO World Heritage Sites makes Filipinos proud of their country’s unique culture and natural beauty.
• Research: Scientists and researchers study these sites to learn more about history, culture, and the environment.

Unfortunately, these sites face challenges too. Climate change, too many visitors, and lack of funding for maintenance can all cause problems. That’s why it’s crucial for everyone – the government, local communities, and visitors – to work together to protect these special places.

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines: Tips and Tricks

If you’re planning to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Philippines, here are some helpful tips:

• Plan Ahead: Some sites, like Tubbataha Reefs, can only be visited at certain times of the year. Others, like Mount Hamiguitan, have limits on how many people can visit. Book your trips in advance.
• Respect Local Customs: Many of these sites are important to local communities. Learn about and respect their customs and traditions.
• Be Environmentally Friendly: Don’t leave trash behind, don’t touch or take anything from the sites, and follow all rules about protecting the environment.
• Hire Local Guides: Local guides know the best spots and can tell you interesting stories about the places you’re visiting. Plus, this helps support the local economy.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush through these sites. They’re complex and full of interesting details. Take the time to really appreciate them.
• Learn Some History: Before you visit, read up on the history of the sites. This will make your visit more meaningful and interesting.
• Be Prepared: Some sites, like the Rice Terraces, require a lot of walking and climbing. Make sure you’re physically prepared and have the right gear.

As you can see, the UNESCO sites in the Philippines are special places that show the country’s history and nature. They help people learn about the Philippines and give jobs to locals. But these places need care. They face problems like too many visitors and not enough money. Everyone needs to work together to protect them for the future.