Cherry Blossom in the Philippines 2025

Sakura season is just around the corner, but you don’t necessarily have to go to Japan to enjoy the spring-spirit show performed by nature. The Philippines offers some of the finest flower-blooming destinations with their own version of cherry blossoms.

The thing is, Filipino residents have always wanted to witness gorgeous sakuras but didn’t want to go to Japan for it. That’s why they decided to plant their own cherry trees and enjoy the bloom at home. The trees are generally medium-sized, with white or light-pink flower clusters, resembling Japanese sakuras. If you want to see them for yourself, take a look at the best destinations in the country.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines to See Cherry Blossoms

In the Philippines, cherry blossom season offers a stunning spectacle, with blooms gracing regions like Palawan and Cavite from early March to late April, lasting around six weeks. Meanwhile, in Atok, where authentic Japanese cherry blossoms thrive, the season runs from late January to early March. Keep in mind that these dates can vary depending on weather conditions.

Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossom in the Philippines

Puerto Princesa

Palawan province is famous for its balayong trees, which look just like Japanese sakuras. Although the balayongs can be grown in urban conditions, they originated in Palawan province. The best city in the region to witness the gorgeous cherry blossom is Puerto Princesa.

It boasts a breathtaking balayong tree park—the perfect spot to enjoy the bloom. Puerto Princesa also hosts a huge balayong festival, which kicks off the last week of February and lasts until March. Besides the massive tree planting, the festival involves street dancing, a floral parade, and other awesome activities.

Malungon

Tabebuia trees are the Palawan balayongs. Tabebuias are a bit bigger than sakuras, but their flowers are just as beautiful, giving visitors the same vibe. The trees can be found along the National Highway in Sitio Pulatana, Malungon, Sarangani province. There is also a suitable area in Barangay Malalag Cogon, along the Digos-Makar road.

Dasmariñas

The Cavite province also offers excellent sites for relishing cherry blossoms. For example, there is a botanic garden on the territory of La Salle University Medical Center. The trees look like magnificent magnolias and are a mix of the balayongs and tabebuias. The garden is normally for students and professors to enjoy, but tourists are also welcome to witness the beauty of pink blossoms both on branches and beneath their feet.

Atok

Of course, you can always find real cherry blossoms in the Philippines. Around thirty cherry trees were planted in Sakura Park, Atok, back in 2015. Today, the place symbolizes spring, renewal, and friendship between Benguet province and Japan, which donated the trees. The park features not only cherry trees but also a horse statue, a Japanese torii gate, and a small shrine to symbolize the strong friendship between the two countries. T

Pangasinan

In Pangasinan, particularly in the town of Binmaley, you can experience cherry blossom-like blooms from the Palawan Cherry Blossom trees. The trees are similar to Japan's sakura, with flowers in hues of pink and white. The initiative to plant these trees in Binmaley started as an initiative back in 2014 so that it can be a destination for tourists when the balayongs bloom beautifully. Over the years, these trees have flourished, contributing to the town's natural beauty and attracting visitors during the flowering season.

The Difference Between Palawan Balayongs and Japanese Sakuras

Palawan balayongs, with their light-pink or white flower clusters, are smaller than Japanese sakuras, which typically have pinkish blooms. Unlike sakuras that thrive only in specific cold climates, balayongs can grow in urban settings, making them more adaptable. In Filipino culture, balayongs hold profound significance, symbolizing purity and hope.