The UNESCO Sites in the Philippines have recognized 6 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines and 19 locations on the Philippines UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in the Philippines are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations.
In addition to these 6 sites in the Philippines UNESCO list, many other places to travel to the Philippines are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.
To help visitors discover these remarkable Philippines tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in the Philippines.
Philippines UNESCO Map
Click markers to show information and photo.
World Heritage Sites in Philippines
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
There are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines
- Historic City of Vigan
- Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
- Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
- Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Philippines are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.
Baroque Churches of the Philippines
The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Philippines. The site features four churches: San Agustin Church in Manila, Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Iloilo. These churches were built during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines and are excellent examples of the Baroque style in Southeast Asia. Their interiors feature unique architectural elements, such as ornate facades, bell towers, and intricate details. The Baroque Churches of the Philippines represent a fusion of European and Filipino cultures and are important cultural and historical landmarks in the Philippines.
Historic City of Vigan
The Historic City of Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern part of the Philippines. It is a well-preserved example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia known for its unique blend of Asian and European cultures. The city features well-preserved architectural and cultural landmarks, including Spanish colonial-era houses, public buildings, and churches. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and traditional craft industries. The Historic City of Vigan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in colonial history, architecture, and culture in the Philippines.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northern part of the Philippines. The site comprises five clusters of rice terraces carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago. The terraces are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Ifugao, who developed a sustainable and ecologically friendly farming system allowing them to cultivate rice in the mountains for generations. The rice terraces are a remarkable example of human creativity and adaptation and a beautiful and peaceful landscape that attracts visitors from around the world.
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines. It is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The sanctuary is also home to several endangered species, such as the Philippine eagle and cockatoo, and features unique rock formations and ancient burial sites. The sanctuary is considered sacred by the local Mandaya community and an important site for ecological research and conservation efforts. The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and the unique cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Philippines. It is home to one of the world’s most impressive underground rivers, which runs for over 8 kilometers through caves and caverns before flowing into the South China Sea. The park is also home to many plant and animal species, including many endangered or endemic to the region. Visitors can take a boat tour of the underground river, explore the surrounding forests and limestone cliffs, and learn about the park’s unique ecology and conservation efforts. The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural wonders and biodiversity.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Philippines in the Sulu Sea. The park is known for its diverse marine life and is considered one of the best diving sites in the world. The park covers an area of over 97,000 hectares and includes two coral atolls with over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral. It is also home to endangered sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. The park’s pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine conservation and natural beauty.
Philippines UNESCO tentative list
- Batanes Protected landscapes and seascapes
- The Tabon Cave Complex and all of Lipuun
- Paleolithic Archaeological Sites in Cagayan Valley
- Kabayan Mummy Burial Caves
- Butuan Archeological Sites
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension)
- Petroglyphs and Petrographs of the Philippines
- Neolithic Shell Midden Sites in Lal-lo and Gattaran Municipalities
- Chocolate Hills Natural Monument
- Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park
- Mt. Pulag National Park
- Apo Reef Natural Park
- El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
- Coron Island Natural Biotic Area
- Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park
- Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and outlying areas inclusive of the buffer zone
- Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape
- Mayon Volcano Natural Park (MMVNP)
- Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary
Tours in the Philippines
Our choices of tours in Philippines are divided into thematic features such as Palawan, Boracay, and the Manila Experience.