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The Atlas Obscura Guide To The Philippines

84 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in the Philippines

Updated March 20, 2025

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  1. Baguio
  2. Bontoc
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  8. Puerto Princesa
  9. Quezon City
  10. Sagada
  11. San Juan

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Stories About the Philippines

Our planet frequently gets dinged with smaller, harmless asteroids like RW1. Planetary defense systems able to detect them should also be able to spot bigger threats.

Asteroid 2024 RW1 Just Hit Earth. That's a Good Thing.

The asteroid that exploded over Luzon was not a threat—but it was a victory for our planetary defense systems.
by Robin George Andrews
An overlooked character on the Victoria ship possibly got to his homeland before the Europeans arrived in theirs.

Did an Enslaved Man Beat Magellan to Circling the World?

The unsung hero may have also been instrumental in defeating the colonizers.
by Kate McMahon
Before joining the Central Luzon Huks as Commander Liwayway, Remedios Gomez-Paraiso was known in her rural town for her poise and beauty.

Commander Liwayway and Other Filipino Women Who Fought During World War II

The “Huk Amazons” were military commanders, leaders, soldiers, spies, and more.
by Sarah Durn
Biko’s toppings vary depending on the region, but toasted coconut and coconut-cream curds are favorites.

The Disappearing Philippine Tradition of 'Souling' for Rice Cakes

Pangangaluluwa means singing, costumes, and treats.
by Barbara Woolsey
“It takes years to perfect Kalinga tattooing,” says Oggay.

A 105-Year-Old Tattoo Artist Is Teaching Girls to Ink for Independence

Filipino tribal tattooist Fang-od Oggay has built an economy on the back of skin art.
by Lynzy Billing
An artist’s rendering of one of the three new giant cloud rat species.

Giant Cloud Rats Hint at a Prehistoric Biodiversity Paradise

Oversized, fluffy rodents in the Philippines may have been hunted by our evolutionary cousins. 
by Gemma Tarlach
The purple hue traditionally comes from pirurutong rice, but cooks often use ube flavoring for color.

Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice

Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.
by Pam Casis
The penanggalan detaches from her body to approach mothers, pregnant women, and infants.

The Malaysian Penanggalan Haunts Pregnant Women and Newborns

These provincial specters are as gruesome as they are hungry.
by Josh Levine

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