Philippines' Best Destinations

BORACAY ISLANDS

Among all destinations in the Philippines, Boracay obviously is the most visited and the most popular. This butterfly-shaped island off the northwest coast of Panay have moved the island’s image from innocent to one of the most known islands in the world. A small island surrounded with white powdery sand, similar to that of icing sugar, uniquely made its way to worldwide recognition. Along with Boracay’s white-sand beaches, dramatic sunset showering the whole island with golden silhouettes, crystal clear water, and serene coves are as well bars, restaurants and hotels which tropical and international ideas blended together to satisfy the necessities of all tourists.

The kept promises of Boracay

Considering over a hundred side by side gatherings of hotels, resorts and cottages all over the island, resorts range from plush airconditioned rooms to simple thatched huts cooled only by electric fans. There are banks equipped with automated teller machines for instant cash needs, and credit cards are accepted in almost all restaurants and resorts.

A wide range of sports activities, nightlife and social affairs regularly happens from December to May. Regatta- a sailing competition, Bikini Open, a competition of sexy bodies, and other fun-gearing activities famed Boracay holiday an addictive tropical delight.

For water activities, Boracay’s western coast is ideal for windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and diving. Every establishment in the island has diving gears for rent. In Boracay, locals alternate source of living as tourist guides leaves you no worries for touring around. Bancas or pump-boats are visibly lined up along the stretching coast of most tourist-packed areas. Snorkeling and fishing to quiet coves at the other side of the island are their best offered activities. Other than that, discovering the interiors of the island by motorbike, horseback riding or simply walking barefoot around the sandy streets of the coast are daily routines most tourists pass their Boracay holidays. For little necessities, although small, and somewhat far from the industrialized metropolis, Boracay provides its visitors every little necessities within few meters away.

If your energy is still up for the night, Boracay is a trendy island filled with discos and loud bars ideal for dancing, drinking and to dropping your head at the beach. No one leaves Boracay without trying the famous shooters of cocomangas bar or dancing barefoot at open discos by the beach. These are the hypes not a single tourist failed to do when in Boracay. "So much to do for such limited time." Visitors of Boracay taste the fun and get addicted to it. They come back and explore more but most of the time they choose to stay...

BAGUIO - SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Originally, Baguio City was a settlement camp of American troops during their occupation in 1900s where they patterned the architecture of houses and buildings after their homes in the United States. And to easily access the neighboring towns, they have constructed Kennon Road; a highway known for its narrow and challenging turns. Apparently, this changed its peaceful face to a city of merchants and uncontrolled migrants from surrounding towns. When Americans left, more settlers invaded the thriving city and soon turned into a crowded district of mixed locals and vacationing tourists who come mainly for its temperate climate.

Wright Park

The city’s economy moved progressively despite the absence of the founding Americans. Parks, Gardens, Museums, markets and shopping malls were established everywhere and perhaps elevated the rapid rise of tourism. Big growth on hotels, lodging houses, restaurants and bars is increasing every year. Aside from farming, locals shifted to handicrafts to sustain the rising demand of market coming from tourism. Because of this Baguio famed itself as the best place to go for cheap wood carvings and fabric weavings. These shops are all over the city market and nearby town markets of Asin and Trinidad.

Fresh Flowers of Baguio

Baguio illustrates an ambiance of people wearing warm outfits all year around. If you only see Philippines as a tropical country, visiting Baguio somehow changes that view. Filipinos regarded this city amidst the towering peaks of the Cordillera, as the summer capital of the country, where they can move away from the irritating heat during summer.

Massive malls, congestion of population, and real state developments, nowadays, reduced Baguio’s appeal as the greenest mountain city of the north. For people who have known Baguio twenty years ago and seeing how congested it is now with unsightly views of houses instead of trees on top of the mountains can be terribly disappointing. For sure back then, less cars, less houses, less people, but with lots and lots of pine trees harmonized the simple and natural living of Baguio. Within Camp John Hay luckily pine-covered forests have been preserved but almost all hills nearby La Trinidad have been fully constructed. Although Baguio has moved this far, it is still the largest commercial district in the Cordillera that is chartering its neighboring towns an ample assurance of economic progression.













Burnham Park

TAGAYTAY

Because of its cooler climate and fresher environment, Tagaytay is considered the closest alternative to the temperate climate of Baguio. It is frequented by Visitors from Manila who are mainly reatreating from the polluted air of the city. The town’s focal attraction is the presence of this miniature-like volcano that is sitting in the middle of Taal lake. According to history, its bizarre location evolved from its huge eruptions that created a crater lake then another crater lake within that lake and another lake within that crater and it, as well has a small island. Widely known as the smallest volcano in the world, Taal Volcano is a scenic view that can be seen from the stretching slopes of Tagaytay highways elevated at 2500 ft. above sea level.


Taal Volcano

Trekking up to the volcano crater is a worthy experience. Many guided tours are oftenly operated by resorts nearby. Though if you want to go without them, the best access is from Talisay. Bancas are available for transfer up to the island where horses also are chartered for tourists who may hesitate to walk up to the crater. The uphill hike takes about1 hour. Bring enough water, wear comfortable shoes and expect strong dusty winds throught out the hike. The water can be rough in the afternoon, so it is best to depart in the morning. Be aware, however, of those people that may run after your cars offering boat rides or trekking guides. They are nuisance and may only cause you troubles and lose of time. It is always advised to go there with ample information of the place and activities to do.

For experienced mountaineers planning to head further deep into the volcano crater, be cautious of the hot surroundings and its sulfuric emissions from the steam vents. The hot water of the crater can cause severe skin irritation due to its high concentration of harmful chemicals. And last but most importantly, the volcano may look peaceful from a far but don’t forget that it can erupt anytime.


Taal Lake

Tagaytay is a peaceful getaway from the fast lanes of urban life. Its cool natural ambiance yields an abundant display of fruits and vegetables mostly seen along the highway or at the busy market of the town.


ALBAY and the looming threats of Mount Mayon

Albay Province is home to the majestic Mayon Volcano. Named after a beautiful maiden, "Magayon", which means beautiful, this scenic beauty is sighted to have the most perfect cone among volcanoes in the world. It has an exquisite appearance that disguises an startling behavior known only to residents of Albay. This volcano unpredictably behaves like a raging dragon, chasing the jumbling locals with flaming lava and layers of ashes out of their houses. Undecided whether to desert their hometown or to live with the dreadful presence of its shadow, they, however, choose to stay and consider the presence of Magayon a lingering phantom that is periodically haunting them with fearful visits.


Mayon Volcano

Despite these discouraging facts about Mt. Mayon, it is still regarded an ideal destination for an ultimate climb. Many aspire to reach its summit but because of its intimidating nature, Philvocs advise those who only come for sightseeing to stay at the view point located at the mid part of the volcano. There are skilled mountaineers who have already reached its crater but only a few encourages others to go. It is no doubt a thrilling experience but the climb is tough and may require strong endurance, courage, and knowledge on volcanic topography. Interested climbers should first consider their skills before going. Consulting PHILVOLCS for its precise volcanic activity before heading and taking an experienced guide is a must, or climb with someone who had been there. The climb and descent takes about 2 days.

For passers by, the ruins of a community buried by Mayon’s raging eruption in 1814 whereas boulders of lava submerged the whole town and ran over the Cagsawa church filled with townspeople is undoubtedly informative and somewhat nostalgic. It is located along the national highway; just few kilometers out of the city.

Other points of interest start from the city to the hot spring town of Tiwi where Mayon is at her photographic best. Try visiting ancient churches of albay, caves around Camalig and beaches within the area. On the way back to Legaspi City, handicrafts and local delicacy stores are found near the market, where bus terminals are also located. Transportation is well organized and very safe. However, nothing else is here unless you get out and look for a more natural getaway. Moving down south brings you to the lovely quiet town of Sorsogon.

BULUSAN

Mt. Bulusan may not appear as majectic as Mt. Mayon but mountaineers will experience a more challenging climb than struggling with the rocky terrains of Mayon. It has abundant rain forest that is maintaining the presence of some of the wildest animals in the country. Wildlife is rich in the area where nights can be filled with roaring sounds of owls and presence of deers and boars at daytime. At night, darkness is brightened by the sprinkling lights of fireflies. Thus climbing Mt. Bulusan does not only invigorates a mountaineer’s obsession for heights, it also promises surprising encounters with wild animals and peculiar vegetation.

Bulusan Volcano

Mt Bulusan is located in the inner district of Sorsogon where a jeepney takes you to its town and a trycicle to its entry site, Bulusan Lake- a lake oftenly mistaken as the volcano’s main crater. It is in fact a body of emerald green water by the peripheral crater surrounded by a densed gathering of trees and lush tropical plants. If not planning to hike farther to the volcano’s summit, a refreshing one hour walk around this lake is a worth-trying activity. And consider it as the beginning of a more interesting adventure if moving farther ahead. Expect challenging sights of thicker dense forest on the way that surprisingly emmerge to an open field of towering grass carpeting the surroundings towards the old crater valley called Agingay. This hike promises an extreme jungle experience but without the threat of distressing incidents.

Trekkers can camp overnight or leave the same day but caution should be maintained, this volcano is still active. Be sure to wear thick hiking boots, long pants and jackets to protect from unexpected presence of leeches and stingy insects. Taking at least one guide is highly advised.

On the way back, you will pass by tiny roads heading to some falls and hot springs with varying temperatures for a short healing bath.

DONSOL, home of Whale sharks


Whaleshark

This place at the southern tip of luzon recently made a huge break on the country’s falling tourism when hundreds of whale sharks were spotted congregating in the muddy but plankton-rich waters of Donsol. Whale shark spotting in sorsogon became a word of mouth passed on to every tourist exploring the Philippines. As thousands of visitors arrive each season to swim and witness their friendly behavior, the unknown town of Donsol, in which its economy was initially reliant to fishing and cottage industry alone, now benefits from higher revenue brought by the presence of these giant fish locally called "Butanding".

These gentle giants arrive from as early as November but the official season starts from February and runs until end of May, where the sea of Donsol is at its clearest and calmest. Local tourism officials and professional divers have established guidelines on proper whale shark watching intended to maintain safety and to defend the creatures from over exploitation.
The town of Donsol is 1 hr drive from Sorsogon and slightly similar if you would be coming from Legazpi City. These two cities are jumping-off points to Donsol: both have decent accomodations, and transporting facilities. Lodging in Donsol can be fussy and rental shops for snorkeling equipments are still scarse. It is recommended to bring your own gears and packed lunch if staying there for the day.

The calmer the water, the more whale sharks get close to the surface and there are more chances of interaction.


A whaleshark close encounter

Best time to go is in March or April when these creatures are most present. It is guaranteed to witness minimum of 8 to 10 whale sharks in two hours. So take your time, swim with them and enjoy more of their sociable behaviour. Only cameras without flashes are allowed to use.

Because of their mysterious congregation, the once "never heard" town of Donsol became a common word of mouth relayed to every tourist arriving in the country.

BATANES GROUP OF ISLANDS

Batanes is a windswept province gathering 14 islands 310 km. north of Luzon. Batang, Sabtang, Ibuhos and Ibayat are the main islands inhabited by not more than 20,000 people. These natives are called Ivatans, which refers to "a place where boats are cast ashore". Basco is the capital and the center of

Batanes is geographically volcanic, which is evidently shown in its rugged and rocky land formations. The wide and rough ocean between Philippines and Taiwan isolated the islands from the mainland of the country, providing its people with skills, unique and tough characters for survival. Because of the frequent visit of destructive typhoons, houses are built of stone and tiles designed primarily for blocking strong winds. Natives rely basically on farming, while fishing is a supplementary activity.

Mt. Iraya, a dormant volcano standing 1,517 meters above sea level and Mt. Mutarem, with a height of 495 meters are two major peaks considered as hiker’s paradise for mountaineering visitors. There are interesting routes that feature variety of terrains from flat to rough signifying levels of difficulty. Despite the peaceful environment Batanes is famous for, it is still advisable to take at least one local guide when heading for a hike. Sabtang has six minor peaks, all of which stand from 200 - 350 meters, running down the backbone of the island and best recommended for easy hikes.

The Batan shoreline has sheer limestone cliffs, great boulder beaches, white sand beaches and incredibly fresh environment enough to unwind one’s exhausted spirit. Aside from the above mentioned luxury, your entire visit will also have remarkable opportunities for photography, water sports, and serene encounter with nature.

SAGADA
Sagada is a town out of 10 municipalities, nestling in the middle of a valley at the upper end of malitep tributary of the Chico river , 1,500 meters above sea level. Its lofty little town, dirt-free air, and sights of towering pine trees, for every visitor, represents an ambiance of tranquility and peaceful life. There are no televisions, phone lines and aggressive merchants that are yet invading the quiet neighborhood of Sagada. At nine in the evening people are sent home to follow the curfew carried out by local authorities. Quite negative if done in the frantic metropolis but for Sagadans, this system helps them preserve their town’s organized life and to avoid strangers go beyond their traditional culture. When in Sagada, don’t be surprised by the locals’ distant behaviour. For them it is a simple way to avoid opportunists who have plans to exploit their land and peaceful living.

Because of its temperate weather, undisturbed environment and the presence of towering pine trees, foreign visitors simply describe Sagada as their home in the Philippines. For Filipinos from the lowlands, Sagada is beautiful but still appears an unfamiliar backdrop away from their usual tropical soil.

Sagada is not just a place for sightseeing. Things to do and activities are plentiful right from the center of the town. To start with, follow the sights proposed by the tourism office. You will be given instructions and a map indicating places of interest. These are subterrenean caves used as burial grounds by the natives, eminent limestone cliffs and nearby scenic falls. Some caves like Sumaging, the deepest and the biggest, requires strong endurance and enthusiasm.

Exploring Sumaging Cave
Sumaging Cave

Other stunning destinations are Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Danom Lake and Weaving Shops. Trekking the nearby mountains is an ultimate experience although must be done with local guides. There are simple trails for short hikes which are leading to some picturesque summits, and can be easily done in one day, or longer for those who may want to camp out. Those who came with motorbikes and mountainbikes, all trails inside Sagada are excellent courses for hi-adrenalin trips. Sagada may not have the luxury of hi-tech society but it has the abundance not even a well traveled man have ever experienced anywhere in the Philippines.

Sagada may be far from being invaded by lowland merchants, however, food and relevant needs are bountiful. Green products are good, fresh, juicy and green. Food is served generously and reasonably cheap in all restaurants. Try the homemade yoghurt covered with granola and a choice of fresh strawberries, bananas and mangoes at the Yoghurt House. It is fresh and creamy; good enough to supply a long energetic day. Before going at least prepare enough cash calculated according to your duration of stay. There are no banks or any financial institution that can help in case you run out of cash. For accomodation, inns and lodging houses though with simple facilities are plenty in Sagada- all situated together at the center of the town. Alfredo’s Inn, Ganduyan Rest House, the Green House, and St. Joseph Resthouse are among the most visited.

Sagada - St. Mary’s Church

PALAWAN

Palawan is popularly known as the “Last Frontier” pointing to Borneo and is also located just north of Malaysia’s Sabah island. It is the largest province in the Philippines with an area of 1.5 million hectares and has 1,769 islands and islets.

This huge island yet still unexplored, possesses the largest rainforest, unusual plants and animal species. These are

the Palawan Peacock, the sea cow or Dugong, the mouse deer, tabon birds, colorful butterflies and some of most beautiful orchids in the country. In short, the island has the biggest reservation of wildlife among other places in the country. Aside from these treasures, Palawan has exceptional landscapes consisting of mountainous ranges, unusual rock formations & hidden caves. It is as well an island known for its numerous fishing villages and dive sites.


Crystal-clear water of Palawan The main tourist destination is the group of Calamian Islands. It has the richness of white sand beaches, clear water and a wide range of marine resources perfect for scuba diving. Some places of the main island of Palawan are recommended for trekking particularly in the deep dense forests of the central district. But be aware, heading further south where Malaria is common should be avoided. Other attractions are St. Paul subterranean National Park that has underground river, Tabon Caves, where fossils of 50,000 years old ancient man were found and El Nido Village, the home of Nido Soup that is made out of bird’s nest. This is place known for its world-class resorts, powdery whitesand beaches, limestone hills, scattered islets and marine-rich dive sites.

The Calamian Group is a cluster of stunning islets dominated by three main islands in the north of Palawan: the islands of Busuanga, Coron and Culion. They all have abundant marine life, impressive rock formations and crystal clear tropical seas. Diving and kayaking are main activities mostly based in Coron.

Beaches of Palawan

Palawan is home to several tribes named Tagbanuas, Batac, and the cave dwellers Tau’t Bato. They inhabit mostly the interiors of Calamian Islands and some parts of the mainland. To avoid any exploitation of their cultural traits the government limited outsiders from exploring their occupied territories. Even without this law, some of these tribes as expected also restricted themselves to have close contact with anyone unfamiliar to them. Others such as Batac tribe have frequent contact with tourists working as guides. They are more sociable and easily approached.

Limestone Cliffs of El Nido

El Nido

MOALBOAL IN CEBU

Located at the west coast of Cebu, nestles a humble little town of Moalboal, and three kilometers from the town center, is the sleepy coastal village of Panagsama beach, homing to a small community of unexploited locals and friendly foreign divers. Moalboal is known for diving yet accomodation and food is affordable.

Moalboal’s exciting dive sites made it an extraordinary diving destination in the Visayas. Apart from its unique location and its lovely people, visiting divers usually get magnetized by the staggering life form decking out the inclined wall right by the shore of Panagsama beach. The dive starts at the beach, heading straight down to a recepting beauty of stunning hard and soft corals, anemones and sponges hosting thousands of inhabiting tropical fishes.

Another point of interest is Pescador Island Marine park. It is a shallow reef that shelters lively dancing gorgonians, fan corals and sharks such as whitetip and hammerheads. These are stunning sights that famed Moalboal to divers from around the world.

BOHOL

Located in Central Visayas, Bohol is an island famous for its well preserved natural environment. The island’s reigning pride are the world-famous Chocolate Hills, its little islands surrounded by white sand beaches, and Tarsier- the world tiniest primate. Considering its features Tarsier has been calculated a confusion of normal primates’ evolution. Characterized by its bizarre looks, this timid creature with big bright round eyes unfortunately faces the threat of extinction. Their habitat are destroyed and have these animals sold to mostly unwitting foreigners for souvenirs. Other distinct animals that also are suffering from this local ignorance are the lovely flying lemurs.

Apart from strips of white sand beaches, chocolate hills and Tarsier, touring the interiors of Bohol will give you sights of historic edifices built with strong European influence, lavishly designed with
carvings and painted ceilings. With a few efforts to exert, these magnifique sights of Bohol are enough to comprise a worthwhile touring vacation.It has an area of 3,864 sq/km with mainly coastal settlement except the town of Carmen, which is surrounded by a low central plateau. Its volcanic core is mostly covered by coralline limestone. The rivers are short and there are few good anchorages. The spectacular Chocolate Hills or Haycock Hills are named for their brown appearance during dry season. They are limestone remnants of an earlier erosion cycle, a phenomenon known to be present in only two or three other places in the world.

Motor biking is the easiest and the most exciting way to see these classic landmarks. If you are staying in Panglao Island, resorts’ staff are best source of information regarding bike rentals. When you reach Loboc town, don’t miss to pass by "nuts huts", a hidden restaurant resort up in the mountains overlooking Loboc River and Busay Falls. The ride can be tough and tricky but as soon as you get there, you will see what its worth. Then follow the road to Chocolate Hills. This trip gives you sights of sleepy towns, rolling hills, green fields, rivers and dark roads amidst thick forest.

White-sand beaches and nearby reefs inhabited by thousands of tropical fishes obviously account for the island’s invincible fame for water activities. The richness of Bohol’s marine life sited nearby Panglao Island is world-known destination both for beginners and advance divers. Even for swimming in its prestine water or simply walking on its sugar-like sand bars are just enough reasons to visit Bohol. Among these known destinations is Panglao Island, which has nice resorts, lively bars and delightful restaurants scattered along its wide strips of whitesand beaches. See Points Of Interest for details on adventure activities in Bohol.











Panglao Island

CAMIGUIN

Camiguin is a small island lying in the north-west coast of Mindanao. It is a volcanic island hosting seven volcanoes of which one of them remains unpredictably active. Mt Hibok-hibok submerged Camiguin’s old capital, Bombon, in 1871 and suffocated almost 2000 inhabitants from its raging eruption in 1951. Since then, the volcano rested quietly giving its inhabitants an assurance of normal living. And due to its volcanic debris from previous eruptions, most of Camiguin’s beaches are covered with pebbles and dark sand.

Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin

It’s capital, Mambajao, has a friendly small community of mostly Visayan and Chinese origin. Their source of livelihood comes from the produce of their land and the surrounding ocean. Every October, Lanzones Festival transform the island into an explicit sight of towsfolk dressed up in their traditional costumes to celebrate the harvest of this small, sweet tasting, light-yellow fruit that grows in bunches at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. The festival is remarkably good-natured, filled with colors and properly organized.




Camiguin Lanzones Fruit

Aside from these natural landforms huddling in the island, Camiguin is an area of forested mountains mixed with coconut trees along its coasts. Some stunning waterfalls are also good sights that should not be missed when touring the island.

The best way to enjoy the sights of Camiguin is by motor biking along the 64 km coastal road. Piercing into the dense forests of the island, plunging into the waters of natural pool down of Katibawasan falls and enjoying the warm waters of Ardent hot spring are worthwhile activities. Climbing the famous Mt. Hibok-hibok is tolerated but somehow requires strong endurance and trekking skills. It takes about 6 hours for skilled climbers to reach the summit and it is always advisable to take at least one guide for a hassle-free climb.












View of Mt. Hibok Hibok, Camiguin from White Island