All Philippines

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Philippines

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

Updated March 29, 2023

Email

Cities

Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Baguio
  2. Cavite City
  3. Cebu City
  4. Manila
  5. Marikina
  6. Puerto Princesa
  7. Quezon City
  8. Sagada

Unusual Attractions in Philippines

See All 55 Things To Do in Philippines

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Philippines

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore the Philippines

Nature 9
Water 9
Natural Wonders 8
Abandoned 7
Sacred Spaces 7
Cemeteries 6
Geology 6
World War Ii 6

The Philippines Leaderboard

Recent Philippines Activity

Stories About the Philippines

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
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly stuck in a bubbly drink at a picnic?

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
The ash fell thick, and some will stick around.

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

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.

Learn More