The Best Cultural Tours to Take on 2023

The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage that spans hundreds of years. From the pre-Hispanic Filipinos of Malayan blood to the influx of foreign influences such as the Spaniards, Chinese Americans, and Japanese, our culture has diverse roots that make it attractive to locals and foreign tourists.

With the easing of the Philippines travel requirements this coming year, you can invite your friends to indulge in our country's popular sites that are uniquely Pinoy. You can also get travel insurance for safer travel.

Top Cultural Tours

Here are some world-renowned destinations to include in your travel itinerary in 2023 that would raise your awareness of your heritage.

Banaue Rice Terraces

This World Heritage Site is home to the ancestors of the Igorot people, that have lived in the area for millennia. Experts believe this hand-crafted work of art and toil of our ancestors some 2,000 years ago. Also known as the "eighth wonder of the world," this agricultural engineering marvel is approximately 1.5 kilometers above sea level. 

Basilica del Santo Nino and Magellan's Cross, Cebu

A large portion of Philippine history involves the colonization of Spaniards, which started when Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu in 1521. In this city, dubbed the "Queen City of the South," you can visit the churches housing the first Catholic saint statue introduced in the country and the symbolic cross of Magellan.

Historical Village in Vigan City

Ease Walking on the cobblestone roads in the Heritage Village of Vigan would bring you back to the Spanish colonial past. From the architecture of the houses down to their intricate interiors, this city section is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its website, the UN body has chosen Vigan as "the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia."

Manila Chinatown

Known as the world's oldest community of Chinese expatriates, the Manila Chinatown in Binondo, Manila, is the center of Filipinos with Chinese ancestry. A huge area of Binondo, Manila, remains home to "Chinoys" together. Here, you can dine in Chinese restaurants, visit Taoist or Buddhist temples, and shop for Chinese merchandise.

Fiestas

There is no other event showcasing Filipino traits and culture other than festivals or fiestas. Nearly every barangays or village in the country has a patron saint to which Catholic locals pay homage. Some of the most famous fiestas are Sinulog in Cebu, Panagbenga in Baguio, Pahiyas in Lucban, Quezon, Ati-Atihan in Aklan, and many more. Just check the dates when these festive events take place next year. 

As travel restrictions become laxer in 2023, seize the opportunity to discover your heritage as a Filipino by booking a cultural trip in the country as early as possible to avoid travel issues, such as Philippines visa applications for your foreign friends. To make your tours hassle-free, you may want to apply for a travel insurance plan, such as Malayan Travel Master. Get a quote now to know more about the benefits of being insured in your travels.