The longer we spend in Southeast Asia, the more our so-called ‘adventurous lifestyle’ just feels a bit normal. With recent border restrictions, etc, we’ve also found ourselves hopping between our homes in Bangkok and Isaan, a month or two in Chiang Mai, and next it’s Hua Hin for a month… Even last month’s train travels from Bangkok to Singapore and back was still retracing our well-trodden paths. So it’s time to look a bit further to find somewhere new in Southeast Asia to explore. “There’s cheap flights to Boracay?”, “The Philippines it is”. Following a quick Boracay airport transfer, our new adventures begin.
It has been a good few years since our last visit to the Philippines and it seems we have barely scraped the surface. But being an archipelago of 7107 islands it’s obviously a fantastic beach destination along with the region of the Western Pacific and the World’s integrated coastline, with coral reefs, superb diving, wildlife like dugongs and sharks, and tropical rainforests. The Philippines is also categorized into 3 leading island groups, including Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao, illustrating diverse regions. Anyway, here are the top 10 destinations to visit. Let’s get started!
1. Boracay
Starting in Boracay, the jewel of the Philippines, with world-renowned beaches that have been ranked in the top 3 beaches globally. An island with several white sand beaches, captivating resorts, and vivid outrigger sailboats gracing the island. Boracay will forever be the big beach draw in the Phillippines, the first port of call with many, where people are drawn to the central White Beach where most of the restaurants, shopping areas, and beach bars are found. Not to forget the perfect white sands of the beach.
2. Camiguin for Volcanoes
Camiguin is a well-known volcanic island due to the presence of several volcanoes. Some of its renowned volcanoes are Mount Uhay, Mount Mambajao, Mount Vulcan, and Mount Hibok-Hibok. However, as hot springs and volcanoes go side by side, the natural phenomena remained mainly untouched. If you want to know more about the festivals of the Philippines, plan your visit during the Lanzones festival, which is considered the best one to attend.
3. La Union
It’s a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos area on Luzon Island. Hence, La Union is famous among tourists due to its magnificent beaches & turquoise water and is the abode of several water adventures.
If you want to unwind, snorkel, swim, or seek child-friendly waves, this popular tourist destination offers several low-key amusements. La Union has also been deemed the best surfing place in the Philippines, where the locals will offer you some top notch beach foods after a fun day of surfing.
4. Manila
If you love the hustle-bustle of a city, this Asian megacity Manila is the capital of the Philippines, which is the fly-in point for maximum travellers. Moreover, this capital city provides a bustling scope to appreciate the bounds of ancient and modern cultures.
There are several things to see and do in Manila, from lofty glistening buildings on the skyscraper gazing tour to the turn-of-the-century milestones on the self-led midtown tour.
5. Bohol
When you’re in the Philippines, an unmissable place in Bohol, which has a little bit of everything and is perfect for both enthusiast travellers and first-time visitors, one of the most popular places to visit in Bohol is Bohol Chocolate Hills.
6. Cebu
It’s an island province, surrounded by the main island and 167 encompassing islands. Cebu city is its capital and one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. In a nutshell, it’s an abode of the nation’s second international airport.
7. Samal
If you’re fearless and sporty, Samal is a must-visit place in the Philippines. It’s also known as Garden city, where you can enjoy diving, kayaking, and hiking. Moreover, from Samal, you may also take a day trip to Hagimit Falls and cherish tropical waterfalls and nature trails. The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is another prominent place to visit in Samal.
8. Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is a coastal city that is widely known as the disguised paradise of the Philippines. The jewels of Puerto Princesa are caves, rock islands, and Palawan Island. In addition, this beautiful country has The Subterranean River National Park, which has received the appellation of UNESCO World Heritage due to its 5-mile limestone caves and Underground River. Our guide to Puerto Princesa here.
9. Baguio City
This tourist destination in the Philippines is one of the coolest places because of its high altitude. As summer has its own charm and you can enjoy beach activities, Baguio city is considered the summer capital of the Philippines.
It has several tourist spots, including Wright Park, a botanical garden, and Mines View Park, where you can ride a horse. Furthermore, as lofty mountains encompass Baguio, you may try mountain climbing.
10. Davao City
It’s situated in the Southern Philippine region of Mindanao, one of the leading cities with a more extensive metropolitan area. Furthermore, in Davao City, the must-visit place is Mount Apo, considered the highest mountain in the Philippines. Lastly, if you’re willing to uncover the culture and history of Davao city, you should visit the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.