Summer is
almost here, and it’s time to search for the perfect travel destination. You'd
better get your calendar ready for awesome vacations with family, friends and
love ones!
Good news,
you don’t have to travel beyond the country’s borders to make your escapade
worthwhile. Whether you’re you’d like to get away to an island with world-class
amenities or go backpacking in underrated beaches, summer is indeed more fun in
the Philippines!
GUIMARAS ISLAND
This island
will truly satisfy its visitors. Guimaras has also been blessed with beautiful
beaches with white sand. And of course, when you say Guimaras, who can forget
the mangoes? After all, their mangoes are one of the reasons that make this
province known to almost everyone.
Guimaras, an
island province in Western Visayas, produces the best export-quality mangoes in
the Philippines, earning it the title “Mango Country.” The locals celebrate the
fruit in all its glory during Manggahan Festival every May 22.
The province
of Guimaras is among the smallest islands in the country and consists not just
of Guimaras Island, but also of other neighboring islets namely Guiwanon,
Inampulugan, Nadulao, Natunga and Panobolon, among many others. The best
beaches to check out in Guimaras include those in Alubihod, Guisi, Guiwad,
Mabalud and those of its surrounding islands.
CAMIGUIN
If you’re
never been to Camiguin Island in the Philippines, now is the time to stop
procrastinating. An island “born of fire”, this beautiful tourist attraction in
Mindanao, was formed mostly through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
If you have
the luxury of time (and money), then head down south to favorite desitinations
such as Camiguin. This beautiful island is filled with lots of great
destinations for you to enjoy. It is the place where you can find not just hot
and cold springs but also springs whose water tastes like Soda! Yes! You read
it right, it taste like Soda.
Camiguin
almost defies description and is said to
be the country’s most peaceful island-paradise.
It is a tiny island of lush forests, volcanic splendor, eternal springs,
pristine patches of black and white beaches, majestic waterfalls, year-round
festivals, exotic marine life, a glorious past, serene sorroundings, idyllic
lifestyle and jovial people. Camiguin beckons you to come and discover the many
ways one can unwind, joyfully dwell, taste, touch and feel on the island’s
cdfa. The truth is, Camiguin is best
experienced than described as one gets enchanted by her mystical charm.
MANILA
The capital
of the Philippines - its heart and soul -- is Manila. It sets the rhythm of
life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with
the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary.
Without
having to go too far, Manila brings the best of everything with the attractions
only a few minutes apart. Want to get a glimpse of Philippine history? Simply
visit Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, Museo Pambata or the National Museum of the
Philippines. To check out wildlife in person, give the Manila Zoo a try. If you
would like to cool down after a long day around the city, visit the Snow
Village at the Manila Ocean Park and experience snow right at the heart of the
city.
Manila is
not the easiest place to explore, not least because of the road congestion, but
a ride on one of the city's outrageously decorated jeepneys is a tourist
attraction all by itself. And if it all gets too much, buses, flights and
ferries connect Manila to every corner of the Philippines.
CARAMOAN
Caramoan
Island is located in the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in the Bicol
region of the Philippine archipelago. It's a first-class municipality, a rugged
place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the north and
east and Lagonoy Gulf on the south. It has a 4,000- hectare limestone forest
well endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It boasts of having
perfect white sand beaches, tranquil lakes, deep caves, coves and rich marine
life.
You have
probably seen this beautiful island as the setting in one of the seasons of
Survivor. The way I see it, there will never be a dull moment in your visit to
Caramoan with a whole bunch of beaches to check out and laze around. Try to see
if you can get Cotivas, Gota, Guinahuan, Lahos, Lahuy, Malarad, Matukad or
Sabitang Laya into your itinerary.
TAGAYTAY
Another
popular summer destination due to its proximity to Manila is Tagaytay City in
Cavite. If you can't travel too far from Metro, then Tagaytay would be your
best bet for summer. It is near enough for you to reach it within a couple of
hours yet there are plenty of awesome views for you to enjoy. Located 55 km.
south of Metro Manila, Tagaytay is just two to three hours away from the city.
Here, visitors can take in the cool breeze as well as explore the wonders of
nature. One of these is the Taal Volcano, the smallest active volcano in the
world. Tourists can walk up the main crater by following hiking and trekking
trails, or go by boat to Volcano Island from Talisay town. For family-friendly
destinations, there’s People’s Park in the Sky, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Puzzle
House Mansion and Sonya’s Garden. The place is great at your destination or
just a sidetrip for going to other destinations in the province.
BATANGAS
The
beautiful beaches of Batangas are popular in local movies and soap opera/TV
drama scenes. So, if you want to check out the lovely spots yoi often see in
the Philippine cinema scenes then Batangas would be a great place to visit.
With clear
waters and cream-colored sand, Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas, draws in
tourists for the summer season. There are both high-end and budget resorts in
this developed seaside community. On the other hand, Anilao in Mabini, Batangas
is a popular diving destination. There are 30 dive spots in Anilao, most
notable of which is The Cathedral, a marine park sanctuary which is reputed to
be one of best dive sites in the Philippines.
For those
who want to see a beach that is untouched by commercialization, the sleepy town
of Tingloy holds the hidden gem that is Masasa Beach in Maricaban Island.
There’s also Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Cavite which has been making rounds in
social media. Here, one can find Instagram-worthy Greek-inspired pillars from
what remains of an exclusive resort, set against a stunning backdrop of
turquoise blue waters and white sand.
BAGUIO
Another
excellent travel destination during the summer months, Baguio continues to be
among the top places to visit. This list wouldn’t be complete without
mentioning the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. Of course, it
does help the that this is the Summer Capital of the Philippines! In 1908,
Governor-General William Taft built The Mansion, his official residence in the
City of Pines, to get away from the heat of Manila. The idea has since caught
on among Filipinos, who come to visit Baguio in droves during summer. You'd
love how the temperature of Baguio surrounding areas remain low even on the
hottest summer days.
For families
going to Baguio, Burnham Park overlooking Mount Kabuyao provides ample
entertainment options for everyone like boating, biking and ice skating.
There’s also Camp John Hay, a former recreation facility for American soldiers.
This popular tourist spot offers extreme rides, trekking and horseback riding.
Lastly, there’s Mine’s View Park where onlookers can get a glimpse of abandoned
gold and copper mines in the Cordillera mountains. For a seasonally appropriate
activity, visitors can pick their own strawberries with Ibaloi farmers at the
strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet.
SAGADA
Made even
more popular due to the local romantic-comedy film, That Thing Called Tadhana,
Sagada is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who love to
experience cooler climates than those in the lowlands. Among the places to
check out are the Hanging Coffins, the terraces and Mt. Kiltepan, where the
climax of the said film happened.
Sagada is a
small town in the mountain province of Luzon in the Philippines. Many visit for
its cool and refreshing climate, beautiful caves and hanging coffins as well as
the serene mountains. Take enough cash with you, when you visit it. The whole
town only has one ATM, which is not always working. Although exchange rates are
quite bad.
When in
Sagada, there is no boring moment. Sagada is blessed with natural wonders.
Begin your day with the sunrise view in Kiltepan, trek to the North and dive in
the cool waters of the big Bomod-ok Waterfalls, or choose the smaller pool of
Bokong Waterfalls, or dip in the cascading waterfalls of Pongas Falls South of
town. Shout out your life's problems in Echo Valley, leave your worries under
the trees while walking around the Episcopal Church Mission Compound, imagine
good times while watching the water in Danum Lake. Behold the beauty of the
rice terraces, enjoy the thrilling adventure in the Sumaging cave or dare to
test your durability in the Cave Connection wherein you get into Lumiang Cave
and exit in Sumaging Cave. Seal the day watching the setting of the sun in
Danum Lake, or commence the night with a bonfire while stargazing.
VIGAN
Vigan City
is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines found in the Ilocos
Region. Its establishment can be traced back to the 16th century and considered
as the most intact planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.
The
architecture of Vigan City manifests the mixture of cultural elements from the
Philippines, China, and even Europe.
Vigan City
is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the preservation of
almost 200 houses, and various structures that brings any tourist in the past
era. Most of the old houses in Vigan City are still used by the descendants of
the original owners while others were converted into museums and galleries.
Vigan is
said to be a fifth class city in the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines.
Most importantly, it is a marvelous place which has been included in the roster
of heavenly and alluring sites; with endearing and worth knowing historical
significance. Accordingly, it is a city province which has a Hispanic
atmosphere which can be clearly seen in its cobblestone streets. In addition,
this truly mesmerizing and awesome feature of Vigan, Ilocos Sur is an
architectural masterpiece which has perfectly and harmoniously combined both
Oriental and Philippine building designs. Construction wise, the varying
architectural works and wonders in this continuously developing city-province
of Ilocos Sur were inspired by the European world. The population of this
province is estimated to be at 47, 246 in inhabitants and with active and hardworking
households of 91,193, and still counting. As to its timeless legacy and
contribution to Philippine history is concerned, Vigan, Ilocos Sur is the
birthplace of the sixth president of the Republic of the Philippines, in the
person of Elpidio Quirino.
BOHOL
The island
province of Bohol has much to offer in terms of history and natural
attractions. One of the loveliest islands in the Visayas, Bohol's coastline is
skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches Many highways snake along
pristine beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and
jump in. The province’s dive spots, of which there are about a dozen, are said
to be among the world's best. Bohol is a small piece of the lost paradise with
full of wonders and captivating sites. It is one of the prides of every
Filipino. It is not just known locally but as well as globally. Truly, an ideal
place for everyone because of its terrific tranquil ambience.
Bohol is the
tenth largest island of the Philippine archipelago, and a top tourist
destination of the Philippines. Bohol is blessed with a number of amazing
pristine white beaches as well as the famous world- known Chocolate Hills of
Bohol.
Bohol is
located in the central portion of the Visayas lying between Cebu to the
northwest and Leyte to the northeast. The province is about 700 kilometers
south of Manila and 70 kilometers southeast of Mactan Island.
Bohol is
like a jade brooch set on a velvet-blue sea. Its fertile land has hills that
roll gently around lush forests and grassy meadows. Marine life - from schools
of tiny reef fish to bigger pods of dolphins and whales - teem in the
surrounding waters. The province is the perfect arena for scuba diving,
kayaking, trekking and cave exploration. For the less adventurous, it offers leisurely
pursuits like cruising, swimming, snorkeling or, simply, collecting seashells
by the seashore.
BORACAY
A list of
summer destinations is never complete without including Boracay. Even with
recent backlash over the island's ovder-commercialism, Boracay is still
considered to be the mecca for travelers trying to escape the summer heat by
cooling off in its cool waters.
With a
spectacular beachfront filled with endless options for dining and leisure, sun
worshippers will find their tropical paradise in Boracay. Boracay boasts of at
least a dozen beaches, so it’s only appropriate to call it the “Beach Capital
of the Philippines.”
At the heart
of all the action is White Beach, a four-kilometer stretch of beach with
powder-like white sand and clear blue waters. Called the “finest beach in the
world,” one can find budget resorts side to side with luxury hotels at White
Beach. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and dive shops catering to
local and international tourists.
For those
who’d like to veer away from the crowd, alternative spots like Diniwid Beach
and Bulabog Beach offer quality accommodations in a more serene setting.
While in
Boracay, one is spoilt for choices on what to do. Up to 350 tourist
establishments offer various recreational activities like sailboating,
kayaking, wind surfing and scuba diving, to name a few, so guests will always
have something exciting to do in this tropical paradise.
PALAWAN
Palawan is
slowly pushing to the top of almost every list of favorite destinations in the
Philippines. It has the right combination of modern developments and awesome
natural tourist spots that make it the ideal place to visit, whether it is
summer o just about any time of the year.
If you think
Boracay and Boohol are getting too commercialized, then Palawan is your best
bet. Plus, there are tons of great activities for you to enjoy in this
beautiful place.
Dubbed the
last frontier of the Philippines due to its rich biodiversity, one of the
must-see places in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
Park. Also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the park is a United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage Site since 1999 and was included in the New7Wonders of Nature poll in
2011. A guided boat tour of the 8.2-kilometer river takes visitors to cave
systems with limestone karst landscapes and a complete mountain-to-sea
ecosystem.
El Nido, one
of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, boasts of over 50 beaches.
There are island hopping tours with an option to kayak from one island to
another. On the other hand, Coron, part of the Calamian group of islands north
of mainland Palawan, is famous for lagoons and coves nestled between limestone
cliffs. For experienced divers, Palawan also holds treasures under the sea,
like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is also UNESCO World Heritage Site. At
Coron Bay, experienced divers can go wreck diving to see Japanese navy ships
which date back to World War II.
Coron is a small, rapidly developing town on the island of Busuanga where most people stay when they visit the Calamianes Group of islands in northern Palawan. It’s not to be confused with Coron Island which is near the town and where most of the island hopping takes place. You can easily walk across the main area in about ten minutes. There’s not much to do in town itself so it’s basically a jumping point for all activities. It’s directly accessible by about an hour plane ride from Manila, Philippines.
