Last Updated on November 29, 2021 by Cody Livingston
Travellers from different corners of the world consider the Philippines to be loaded with a plethora of options and activities to explore. You can find an amazing amalgamation of natural blends and bustling city corners, making it a perfect mixture of hustle and quiet. Amidst all this, there are a few breathtaking UNESCO world heritage sites in the Philippines that are spectacular in all ways.
While the Philippines offers pristine white beaches and great local cultures, the country also offers some awe-inspiring things that you cannot simply miss while you are here.
We have curated the list of 6 official UNESCO world heritage sites that you can see on your next trip to the Philippines.
1. Baroque Churches of the Philippines
There are four Baroque churches in the Philippines that are an interpretation of Baroque architecture which is a remarkable example of an ancient architectural style, made with local items and decorations available in the Philippines. You can see how unique these massive structures are and that is why they were chosen to be the UNESCO world heritage sites. These churches were built during the 16-18th century when Spanish culture had a deep influence in the Philippines. While you are in the Philippines make sure that you at least see one out of these amazing and eccentric churches, namely, San Agustin Church in Manila, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo.
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2. The historic city of Vigan
The historic city of Vigan is a superb example of cultural vividness that can be seen in a country, where you can observe a reflection of Spanish, European, Chinese and other corners of the world. This 16th-century city town will make you feel that you are not in the Philippines anymore, no wonder why it was picked to be the UNESCO world heritage sites. While you are in Vigan, you can notice how well-planned the streets are. The buildings are made of rock and wood with mindful renovations being done from time to time to preserve and maintain this prolific town.
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3. Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras
Rice terraces are a generational practice that can be seen in the remote areas of the Philippines. This is a 2000-year-old culture and tradition that is still alive, giving all of us a greater look at the harmonious way of living with nature. This practice belongs to the Ifugao community who passed this knowledge to their families in form of ways, charms, chants and practices that allowed this art to flourish naturally. Useful measures are adopted by the welfare associations keeping in mind the changing weather conditions so that this practice doesn’t die down. You can see these amazing rice terraces in remote areas of Luzon, so make sure you do not miss seeing this while you are in the Philippines.
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4. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
It is the ideal place to see some endangered species of flora and fauna while you are in the Philippines. Located in the San Isidro, Davao, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place for preserving the unique animals and plants that are only found here and not anywhere else in the world. The government has been active in preserving this unique attraction of the country by taking the help of tribes living close by this sanctuary. You can find here over 400 plant and 146 animal species, including Philippine warty pig, Hamiguitan hairy-tailed rat and more.
5. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
When you come to Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, you sign up for natural beauty, dense forest, exotic biodiversity and a stunning cave system that you get to see here. This UNESCO world heritage sites is a wonderful natural place where you can see underground caves that merge to the sea. While you are exploring the caves, you can spot interesting rock formations that are unique and spectacular in all ways.
6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Located in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is going to quench the thirst of the diver inside you. Here you can spot over 300 species of coral and 700 species of fish that includes whales, dolphins, sharks and more. Did you know that the Tubbataha reefs natural park work wondrously towards breeding some of the most endangered species that live here? That adds to all the more reasons as to why this striking location is on the list of being a UNESCO world heritage site. A dozen or so locations are added to the tentative list of becoming a UNESCO world heritage sites located in the Philippines. So, why not visit them before they ring the bell in every tourist’s ears? Get budget-friendly flight tickets to Manila, Cebu, Davao and more today.
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