10 Interesting Cemeteries in the Philippines You Should Visit

It’s fascinating how cemeteries in the Philippines reveal so much about our faith, history, and culture. From ancient caves to colonial camposantos and even underwater burial grounds, each one tells a story of how Filipinos honor the dead. Across the country, I’ve visited several remarkable cemeteries that reflect both the solemnity and creativity of our traditions.

1 Libingan ng mga Bayani (Taguig City, Metro Manila)

The Libingan ng mga Bayani stands as a tribute to over 49,000 soldiers, heroes, and statesmen. Established in 1947, it preserves the memory of those who fought in World War II and later became the resting place of national artists and presidents. The neatly lined crosses and elegant tombs remind every visitor of sacrifice and honor.

2 La Loma, Chinese and North Cemeteries (Manila, Metro Manila)

These three adjacent cemeteries form one of the most architecturally rich areas in Manila. La Loma, opened in 1884, is the oldest Catholic cemetery. The Manila Chinese Cemetery, built soon after, became a haven for non-Catholic Chinese residents. Meanwhile, the Manila North Cemetery holds the remains of many notable Filipinos. Walking through these grounds feels like a journey through time, with tombs reflecting neoclassical, art deco, and modernist styles.

3 The Lumiang Burial Cave (Sagada, Mt. Province)

The caves of Sagada hold one of the oldest burial traditions in the Cordillera. At Lumiang Cave, wooden coffins stacked on top of each other mark the resting place of ancestors. Many were carved from tree trunks and adorned with tribal symbols. These sites, including the famous hanging coffins of Echo Valley, show how mountain communities preserved their customs through the centuries.

4 Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery (Nagcarlan, Laguna)

Built in 1845 by Franciscan friar Vicente Velloc, the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is the only one of its kind in the country and one of the unique cemeteries in the Philippines. Beneath its octagonal grounds lies a crypt reserved for priests and town elites. The chapel above remains well preserved, offering a glimpse of Spanish colonial architecture and quiet devotion.

5 San Joaquin Camposanto (San Joaquin, Iloilo)

Iloilo has several beautiful cemeteries in the Philippines. Declared a National Cultural Treasure, the Camposanto de San Joaquin impresses with its grand staircase and baroque chapel. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it remains one of the most beautiful heritage cemeteries in the Philippines. The nearby Janiuay cemetery, though larger, has sadly fallen into decay, making San Joaquin a gem of preservation.

6 Inday Potenciana Shrine (Anda, Bohol)

Inside the small cemetery of Anda lies the glass-topped tomb of Inday Potenciana, a local woman believed to have miraculous powers. Her body, said to be incorrupt since her death in 1953, continues to draw pilgrims who come to pray and seek healing. Locals still keep her memory alive with devotion and quiet faith.

7 Ornate Sepulcher (Bogo City, Cebu)

In Bogo City’s Catholic cemetery, I once stumbled upon an ornate coral-stone sepulcher, perhaps the only one of its kind. Its intricate carvings and well-preserved details make it a rare find among heritage cemeteries. Simple yet elegant, it reflects Cebuano craftsmanship and enduring reverence for the departed.

NOTE: The September 30, 2025 earthquake in North Cebu badly damaged this tomb.

8 Sunken Cemetery (Catarman, Camiguin)

Off the coast of Camiguin lies the Sunken Cemetery, buried underwater after the eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan in the 1870s. A giant cross now marks the site, visible from shore. Divers can explore coral-covered gravestones below, where marine life thrives among relics of faith and loss. It’s haunting yet beautiful, one of the unique cemeteries in the Philippines.

9 Bud Bongao Sacred Burial ground (Bongao Peak, Tawitawi)

At the top of Bud Bongao, one of Tawi-Tawi’s most sacred peaks, lie the tombs of early Islamic preachers. Pilgrims climb the mountain barefoot to pray, leaving offerings and food for the monkeys that guard the area. The air smells faintly of incense and perfume, a serene reminder of devotion that transcends generations.

10 Sta Cruz Island Badjao cemetery (Zamboanga City)

On Zamboanga’s Sta. Cruz Island, famous for its pink sand, you’ll find a Badjao cemetery unlike any other. The graves have boat-shaped markers with hand-drawn faces, symbolizing the sea journeys of the departed. During certain months, families return to visit, their rituals blending color, rhythm, and reverence in true Badjao fashion.