Filipinos love to travel - whether it’s for the food, the scenery, or simply the chance to unwind. Summer 2025 was no exception. After years of limited travel due to the pandemic, this year marked a significant return to both local and international adventures. From beach getaways to cool mountain escapes, Pinoys explored with renewed excitement. But where did most Filipinos go this summer? We've rounded up the hottest (and coolest) spots that dominated social media feeds and travel blogs. Whether you're planning your next trip or just feeling the wanderlust, here’s a look at the top destinations Filipinos visited this summer.

1. El Nido, Palawan – The Eternal Paradise

Still undefeated in beauty, El Nido remained a top choice for many Filipinos. With its postcard-perfect limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, it’s no wonder the town welcomed thousands of tourists this summer.

Why It Was Popular:

Budget airlines offered promo fares to Puerto Princesa.

Many couples and barkadas sought out private island-hopping tours.

Instagrammable spots like Big Lagoon and Nacpan Beach drew influencers and vloggers.

Traveler Tip: Book your accommodations early—El Nido tends to sell out quickly during peak months!

2. La Union – Surf, Sunsets, and Sambal

LU proved that you don’t need to fly to experience a beach holiday. Just a few hours' drive from Manila, this surfing town continued to draw young travelers, freelancers, and digital nomads.

Hot Activities:

Surfing in San Juan

Cafe-hopping along MacArthur Highway

Watching the sunset while sipping craft cocktails at beach bars

Why It Clicked with Gen Z:

La Union’s hip, artsy vibe and sustainable tourism approach appealed to younger crowds who are both eco-conscious and experience-driven.

3. Baguio – Still the “Summer Capital”

While some chased the heat, others chased the cold. Baguio remained a classic summer destination for families and couples looking to escape the scorching lowland temperatures.

Top Picks:

Night Market along Harrison Road

Strawberry picking in La Trinidad

Newer attractions like the Baguio Botanical Garden's revamped installations

Modern Vibe:

New co-working cafes and boutique hotels gave Baguio a fresh feel, perfect for travelers who wanted both relaxation and productivity.

4. Siargao – The Comeback Island

After rebuilding from Typhoon Odette’s devastation, Siargao made an epic comeback. Local businesses reopened with renewed energy, and travelers were eager to support.

Why It Topped the List:

Surfing in Cloud 9 is back in full swing.

Natural wonders like Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Rock Pools captivated adventurers.

A strong online campaign promoted responsible tourism and “slow travel.”

The Shift: More eco-conscious travel packages and homestays became popular, thanks to younger Filipinos wanting deeper experiences.

5. Japan – The Pinoy Favorite Abroad

When it comes to international travel, Japan still holds a special place in Filipinos’ hearts. With the reopening of borders and the resurgence of budget tours, many spent their summer exploring Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and even Hokkaido.

Popular Spots:

TeamLab Planets and Shibuya Sky in Tokyo

Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Osaka’s street food haven: Dotonbori

Why Pinoys Loved It:

Visa processing was smoother in 2025.

The yen’s exchange rate favored Filipino tourists.

Many Klook and Airbnb Experience promos helped stretch the budget.

6. South Korea – K-Drama Dreams Come True

Fueled by K-pop and K-drama fandoms, Filipinos continued to flock to Seoul and Busan this summer. Cherry blossom season had just ended, but the vibrant cityscapes and cultural experiences remained a major draw.

Famous Itineraries:

Visiting Nami Island and Petite France

Dressing in hanbok and touring Gyeongbokgung Palace

Cafe-hopping in Hongdae and Gangnam

Cultural Connect: Beyond sightseeing, many Filipinos took part in Korean cooking classes, language immersion tours, and even K-beauty shopping sprees.

7. Bali, Indonesia – Spiritual and Scenic

For travelers wanting something a bit more laid-back yet exotic, Bali emerged as a strong favorite this year. From yoga retreats to digital nomad hubs, Pinoys embraced Bali’s tropical charm.

Trendy Among:

Wellness seekers and solo travelers

Freelancers and small business owners working remotely

Newlyweds on budget honeymoons

Best Experiences:

Ubud’s monkey forest and rice terraces

Sunset at Tanah Lot temple

Vegan cafes and smoothie bowls galore

8. Hidden Gems: Exploring Lesser-Known Spots

Aside from the popular destinations, many Pinoys explored lesser-known places like:

Catanduanes – For unspoiled beaches and surfing

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato – For cultural immersion with the T’boli tribe

Marinduque – For heart-shaped island vibes and unique festivals

These off-the-beaten-path destinations became viral thanks to TikTok travel content and vloggers who showcased their hidden beauty.

Travel Trends Noticed This 2025 Summer:

More Eco-Travel: Sustainability became a top consideration. Travelers booked eco-resorts and supported local communities.

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: More Pinoys worked while traveling, blurring the lines between leisure and career.

Slow Travel: Instead of jampacked itineraries, people preferred staying longer in one place to truly experience the culture.

Content Creation Trips: TikTok, Reels, and travel vlogs inspired how itineraries were planned—many visited spots just for the “aesthetic.”

Conclusion:

This summer, Filipinos truly made the most out of the sunshine, both locally and abroad. Whether it was surfing in Siargao, cooling off in Baguio, shopping in Seoul, or finding peace in Bali, one thing is clear—travel is back, and the Pinoy spirit of adventure is stronger than ever.

So, saan ang sunod mong lakwatsa?