Why I love my Philippines (Tavelogue)
There are so much to love in the Philippines. You'll love the people, food and the beautiful destinations that only Philippines can offer. Check this out!
El Nido, Palawan
Named as the most beautiful island beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine in 2015,
El Nido is one of the must-visit and must-return places in the
Philippines in 2016. When in El Nido, experience different island
hopping tours to white sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, and crystal
clear waters, where you can swim, snorkel, do kayaking, or just relax
and embrace the hidden beauty of Mother Nature.
Boracay Island, Aklan
Boracay is probably the most popular beach island in the Philippines.
It’s every Filipino’s dream to visit this island located in the province
of Aklan. With its soft white sand, bright blue waters, beautiful
sunset view, and unforgettable night life experiences, Boracay has been
included in the top 20 best islands in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine
Batanes Islands, Batanes
Batanes is one of the most wanted tourist destinations in the
Philippines. A trip to the province will give you the most unique
sceneries of the country, which include unspoiled islands that will
satisfy nature lovers, livestock freely roaming above endless green
hills, massive cliffs overlooking oceans under the blue skies, rocky
shores and white sand beaches, and the rich cultural heritage of the
Ivatans.
Camiguin Island, Camiguin
Camiguin province holds the record of having the most number of
volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on the planet. But
beyond volcanoes, the province also boasts natural attractions,
including an uninhabited white sandbar, hot and cold springs, and
waterfalls. Moreover, you can also witness the Lanzones festival in
October, visit centuries-old churches, old ancestral homes and the
infamous sunken cemetery.
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and home
to the world-renowned surfing wave called “Cloud 9”. So if you love
surfing, this island must be in your bucket list in 2016. However,
Siargao is not only a perfect place for surfers but for any type of
tourists. Unknown to many, the island is also hiding pristine white sand
beaches, enchanting lagoons, natural pools, waterfalls, amazing caves,
incredible rock formations, and more.
Coron, Palawan
Coron is a tropical paradise in the province of Palawan. The
postcard-perfect scenery of Kayangan Lake with its towering limestone
cliffs and crystalline waters is one of the must-visit places in the
Philippines. Visiting Coron will give you an opportunity to swim at
Kayangan Lake, dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. Coron is also one of
the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the country.
Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao Del Sur
The clear, clean and bluish Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Image by 2il org via Flickr.
If Surigao Del Norte is famous for its legendary Pacific waves in
Siargao, Surigao Del Sur is known for its Enchanted River in Hinatuan.
The clear bluish waters of Hinatuan’s Enchanted River can go as deep as
80 feet deep. A popular story among the locals tells that fairies and
mermaids swim and play in the waters, protect the river, and maintain
its cleanliness.
Mayon Volcano, Albay
Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. Image by Ronnie Rey Manjares via Pixabay
Mount Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines. But in
contrast of its threat lies a perfectly cone shaped volcano that can
surpass the beauty of any volcano on Earth. The breathtaking landscape
of Mayon Volcano is already a very popular landmark of the Philippines,
as you can see it in the Philippine money and in common postcards in the
country. Mayon is also named as one of the world’s most photogenic volcanoes by CNN Travel.
Taal Volcano and Tagaytay, Batangas and Cavite
Taal Volcano as seen from Tagaytay
Tagaytay City in Cavite is a popular holiday destination located
south of Manila. It’s an ideal place for leisure and recreation
activities, such as picnic, horseback riding, zipline riding, and
catching the picturesque view of Taal Volcano Island surrounded by Taal
Lake. For more adventure, tourists can head to Talisay, Batangas to
cross Taal Lake on a motorboat and reach Taal Volcano Island to trek to
the crater of the smallest active volcano in the world.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan
Palawan seems to never run dry of amazing destinations for tourists.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also called Puerto
Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2 km long Underground River is said
to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. The cave
system contains stalactites, stalagmites, small underground waterfalls,
and more river channels.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Banaue Rice Terraces. Image by Cabajar via Wikimedia Commons
A national cultural treasure and considered by Filipinos as the
“Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Rice Terraces of Banaue is a perfect
place for sightseeing, getting closer with nature, getting to know the
tribes of Ifugao, and even consulting with a Mumbaki (a traditional
Ifugao witch doctor) to perform spiritual healing rituals. The Rice
Terraces were built 2,000 years ago by our ancestors using stone and mud
walls to construct pond fields for rice cultivation in the mountains of
Ifugao.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Photo by P199 via Wikimedia Commons.
One of the most famous landmarks of the Philippines, Chocolate Hills
are more than a thousand hills spread over the municipalities of Carmen,
Sagbayan and Batuan in Bohol. They are called as such because their
green grasses layers turn brown during the dry season, making them look
like chocolates. The province of Bohol is also known for white sand
beaches, rivers, centuries-old churches, and the Philippine tarsier.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan
Tubbataha Reefs. Photo by q phia via Flickr.
If Mount Apo is for hikers, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a
heaven for the scuba divers. This wonderful underwater world near the
middle of Sulu Sea is one of the best dive sites on Earth. This
protected sanctuary is home to pristine coral reefs, manta rays, sea
turtles, clownfish, lionfish, sharks, and the endangered hawksbill sea
turtles. The Natural Park which was also declared as a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO is also a sanctuary for a hundred bird species.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur
The Spanish period houses in Calle Crisologo, VIgan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by Adrian Enriquez via Pixabay.
There are many Spanish colonial period houses and mansions that are
scattered in the Philippines. But if you like to see an entire district
that is exceptionally intact from its Spanish period architecture and
scenery, Vigan is the place to be. The historic town of Vigan is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along Crisologo Street to experience an
ambience dating back to the 16th century.
Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila
The walled city of Intramuros in Manila.
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is abundant with
historical and educational attractions. The 400-year old historic walled
city of Intramuros is home to Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO
World Heritage Site), Manila Cathedral, Palacio del Gobernador, Plaza
de Roma, centuries-old canyons, cobblestones, and other buildings and
ruins from the Spanish period. A walking distance from Intramuros is
Rizal Park, the most famous park in the country and home to the iconic
Rizal Monument, the country’s tallest flag, KM Zero, and much more.
National Museum of the Philippines, Manila
The huge painting, Spoliarium by Juan Luna
Another must-visit destination in Manila is the National Museum of
the Philippines. If you like to learn more and appreciate the national
cultural and historical treasures of the Filipinos, the museum is a
place you shouldn’t miss in 2016. See for yourself the giant painting
Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the Manunggul Jar and other prehistoric
artifacts dated back from 890 to 710 B.C., the treasures of Spanish
Galleon San Diego, the Balangay or Butuan boat, the different paintings
and sculptures of various Filipino national artists, and other stuff you
have probably only seen in textbooks.
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
If you happen to be on a team vacation in Cebu,
then take your members and leaders to the beautiful municipality of
MoalBoal which hosts white-sand beaches and bountiful marine world. Ever
dream of going under the waterfalls? Troop to Kawasan Falls in Badian,
north of Cebu! The Queen City of the South can serve as your first stop
for all your bucket list thoughts in the province of Cebu!
Sagada
Where do broken hearts go? Well, it’s probably in Sagada.
Find your soulmate here if you’re still a lonely wanderer. Wake up
after the night chat with the inspiring view of its cliffs from the
Kiltepan Peak. Immerse in the burial culture through the Sagada Hanging Coffins. And don’t forget to taste the local lemon pie and yoghurt!
Guimaras Island
The Western Visayas island of Guimaras
is an interesting summer destination. There’s so much to do here from
soaking in the crystal clear waters serving Raymen Beach, exploring its
sea-level Baras Cave, walking up the Giusi lighthouse, snorkeling at
Soly Luna, and of course, tasting their export product and an ultimate
favorite fruit, Mango!
Dumaguete City 
Next in the list is Negros Oriental’s Dumaguete City. Visiting delicacy shops should be definite. Everybody loves Sans Rival and their local street food lined up in their bay walk! You may also go to Dumaguete Zoo to see for yourself some of the country’s endangered species. And then, there’s the Dumaguete City Public Market which a tourist should never ever forget to visit for its cheap produce. If you have time left, go to Siliman University, the oldest American university in Asia.
Siquijor Island
For a totally private and romantic hideout, go visit Siquijor – the island of fire. You’ll just love to cool breeze flowing into the island. Just want to hear the soothing sound of water? Take a ride to the island’s Cambugahay Falls and Lugnason Falls. Adding to the island’s charm are its centuries old Balete trees, butterfly sanctuaries, and dive spots.
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