18/04/2017
With more than 7,000 magnificent islands to choose from, picking the best places to visit in the Philippines can be a pretty mind-boggling task and an overwhelming experience for any Pinoy traveler. From mysterious tranquil islands to dramatic pasture-lands, the Philippine archipelago has an endless array of bucket-list-worthy destinations that inspire awe and wonder. Since 2016 is fast coming to an end and to help you start searching early for promo deals and to secure your travel plans for 2017, Skyscanner has rounded up the 13 must-visit places in the Philippines for the coming year!
1. El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is a sure-fire bet for Pinoy travelers looking for an epic getaway in 2017. With eye-catching beaches, clear waters and delightful inlets, El Nido truly has one of the world’s most amazing and picture-perfect seascapes. In addition, El Nido is admired by travel specialists and adventure seekers worldwide for its lush jungle and limestone cliffs that wondrously form a Karst backdrop that’s pretty amazing and can rival the other popular backdrops in Ha Long Bay, Krabi and Guilin.
2. Danao, Bohol
The remote town of Danao, Bohol has been on a fantastic upswing lately, thanks to the splendid natural phenomenon known as “the sea of clouds”. Billed as one of the rising stars in Bohol’s ever burgeoning tourism sector, this sensational spectacle mesmerizes its spectators with its beautiful sunset, verdant mountain scenery, and heavenly clouds covering its peaks. In some ways, it will remind Pinoy travelers who have been to Indonesia of the striking sea of clouds in the Bromo Mountains. It has also been compared to the famous Kiltepan Peak sunrise in Sagada.
3. Legaspi City
From the Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins Park to the perfectly-coned Mayon Volcano, Legaspi City boasts a plethora of attractions that will surely put you into a state of bliss and joy. For the adventurous, don’t forget to take a thrilling ATV adventure ride on the foothills of Mount Mayon. And, did we mention that the city has delectable pili-coated chocolates and pili nuts? The majestic and perfectly symmetrical Mayon Volcano
4. Langun-Gobingob Caves, Samar
With hundreds of breath-snatching caves mapped out and explored, it is no wonder a lot of outdoor luminaries label Samar as the caving mecca in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, Samar is home to the country’s largest caving system – the Langun-Gobingob Caves. Nestled wonderfully in the town of Calbiga, this cave system has a chamber so huge that it may easily fit a trio of football fields. So, if you’re yearning for a heavy dose of adventure, make sure to include spelunking in Samar to your travel bucket list in 2017.
5. Vigan
They don’t call the Majuyod Sandbar as the “Maldives of the Philippines” for nothing. With gorgeous waters and a 7-kilometer stretch of pristine soft white sand, this majestic sandbar will totally sweep you off your feet, and make you feel like you’re standing in one of the world’s premier beach destinations. What’s more, it has a few cottages that appear like they are floating on the shallow blue waters, adding a more Maldivian feel and flavor to this natural gem. As an added bonus, a visit here will also give you a chance to spot a bunch of amicable whale sharks and dolphins.
7. Batanes
Batanes has been, for years, a dream destination for many certified travel junkies across the archipelago and beyond. Famous for its extraordinary landscapes and sheer natural grandeur, this elusive and remote utopia will leave you speechless and in awe, with its deep canyon, one-of-a-kind boulder-lined beaches, rolling hills and steep cliffs. Furthermore, the whole province flaunts a slew of extremely sturdy and old stone houses as well as filling and mouthwatering seafood. The lovely and relaxing feel of Batanes
8. Catanduanes
Looking for a closer and cheaper alternative to Batanes? Why not book a trip to Catanduanes? Fittingly nicknamed as “the land of the howling winds”, this typhoon-prone island-province will remind you of Batanes with its towering cliffs, strong ocean breeze, picturesque grasslands and serene mountain tops. Just like Batanes, Catanduanes also boasts Instgram-worthy rock formations, and tons of historic sites.
9. Iloilo City
Want to treat your palate with the best and most authentic Pancit Molo and La Paz batchoy? Then, look no further than the city of Iloilo! More than being just a culinary haven, Iloilo is also rich in culture and history, brimming with elaborate historical sites like Jaro Cathedral, Museo Iloilo, Plaza Libertad and Molo Church. Plus, it serves as a gateway to another beloved destination for Pinoy travelers as well – Guimaras Island.
10. Boracay
No list of the best places to visit in the Philippines is ever complete without the island-paradise Boracay. Voted regularly as one of the world’s best islands, Boracay beckons travelers from all over the world with its soft white sands, lovely waters and striking sunsets. Moreover, it has an energetic nightlife that can give Ibiza, Tel Aviv, Mykonos and New York City a good run for their money. A gorgeous sunset in Boracay
11. Coron, Palawan
Admired for its spectacular postcard-perfect backdrop, this tropical hub dazzles with scenic secluded islands, imposing limestone cliffs, untouched white-sand beaches and crystalline waters. Not to mention, Coron has kaleidoscopic corals and a myriad of underwater wrecks that make it an alluring place to visit for diving connoisseurs.
12. Siquijor
Forget witchcraft and supernatural beings! Siquijor, even though it’s well-known for being a mystical land, is an incredibly safe and fascinating island that will impress even the most seasoned travelers with its laid-back feel and allure. Of course, the island also has a host of attractions to keep you occupied and entertained for the whole duration of your getaway, including Salagdoong Beach, Guiwanon Spring Park, Paliton Beach, Lazi Church, Cambugahay Falls and 400-year-old Balete Tree.13.
13. Camiguin
Camiguin, dubbed fittingly as the “Island Born of Fire”, has the most number of volcanoes for each square meter than any other island on the face of the earth. But beyond its jaw-dropping volcanoes, the island province also is blessed with a wealth of natural wonders, including waterfalls, cold and hot springs as well as a uninhabited white sandbar. To make things better, a visit to Camiguin will also let you visit old ancestral homes, centuries-old churches and the mystical sunken cemetery.
Reference: https://www.skyscanner.com.ph/news/tips/13-must-visit-places-in-the-philippines-in-2017/
To help you with your travel plans in 2017, Skyscanner has rounded up the 13 must-visit places in the Philippines.
