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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Philippines

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

Updated November 3, 2022

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Unusual Attractions in Philippines

Hinatuan, Philippines

Hinatuan Enchanted River

A magically clear, blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

San Pablo City, Philippines

Waterfalls Restaurant

An eatery in a shallow river where diners can enjoy their meal mere feet from the base of an artificial waterfall.

Alamada, Philippines

Asik-Asik Falls

This wondrous waterfall rushing down a green-covered mountain wasn't discovered until 2010.

Philippines

Vulcan Point

An island in the middle of a lake, in the middle of a volcano, in the middle of a bigger lake, in the middle of a bigger island, in an archipelago, in the Pacific Ocean.

Sagada, Philippines

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Hundreds of wooden coffins dangle from cliffs and caves in the Philippines.

Lemery, Philippines

Fantasy World

The abandoned medieval theme park was meant to be the "Disneyland of the Philippines."

Coron, Philippines

Barracuda Lake

This curious fresh and salt water lake holds a secret that draws in deep divers from around the world.

Corella, Philippines

Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary

A patch of Philippines forest devoted to saving the lives of an emotionally sensitive species of googly-eyed primates.

See All 54 Things To Do in Philippines

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Philippines

San Pablo City, Philippines

Waterfalls Restaurant

An eatery in a shallow river where diners can enjoy their meal mere feet from the base of an artificial waterfall.

Mexico, Philippines

Atching Lillian Restaurant

In her ancestral home, one chef preserves ancient Filipino recipes and serves up traditional, home-cooked food to history-loving foodies.

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Stories About the Philippines

The Disappearing Philippine Tradition of 'Souling' for Rice Cakes

Pangangaluluwa means singing, costumes, and treats.

by Barbara Woolsey

October 24, 2022

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

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

Why Filipino Christians Greet the December Dawn With Purple Rice

Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.

December 22, 2020

The Malaysian Penanggalan Haunts Pregnant Women and Newborns

These provincial specters are as gruesome as they are hungry.

October 29, 2020

At 'Soda Springs' in the Philippines, the Seafloor Bubbles Like Champagne

The bubbles are mostly carbon dioxide, and gurgle up from the ground in streamers or curtains.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

January 30, 2020

Ash From the Taal Eruption Will Stick Around ‘Pretty Much Forever’

Some ash particles will blow or wash away, but others will get sealed into the sedimentary record.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

January 15, 2020

The Man Making Hats Out of Vegetables

Teofilo Garcia may be the last Filipino to turn gourds he grows into headwear.

by Richard Collett

September 24, 2019

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