PHILIPPINES BEST SUMMER DESTINATIONS
The Philippine archipelago has many natural wonders waiting to be discovered. We have listed below Philippines Best Summer Destinations found all over the country. This list is progressive, and we will be adding more places on the list as we go along.
SIPALAY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Known as the Jewel of Negros Occidental, Sipalay City became known because of it ’s beautiful and almost white sand beaches, fantastic dive sites, and caves. The beauty of Sipalay can rival any famous beaches in the country.
Must Read: List of Resorts in Sipalay | Things to Do In Sipalay
How to get there:
Sipalay City can easily be reached by Ceres bus from Bacolod City and Dumaguete. The road towards the city is perfectly okay, so it would be and safe to bring your car.
APO ISLAND, NEGROS ORIENTAL
Famous for its protected marine reserve, Apo Island is a popular dive site and snorkeling destination of both local and international tourists. The island crystal clear water is home to over 650 documented species of fish and approximately 400 species of corals.
How to get there:
The nearest airport on the Island is Dumaguete. If you are in Cebu, you can take a fast craft to Dumaguete. From Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, there’s a bus traveling to Dumaguete almost every hour.
From Dumaguete City, take the Ceres bus to Zamboanguita (just ask at the terminal). Go down at Zamboanguita Malatapay Market and proceed to the Apo Island Information. You need to register before going to the Island. Some resorts in Apo Island has private bats for their guests. Otherwise, you can charter a boat if you come in groups (approximately between PHP 2,000 – 3,000 depending on your number). If you are traveling alone, you join other boats for an approximately PHP 300/way.
BADIAN, CEBU
Badian Cebu offers exciting activities which will undoubtedly be fitting for summer – the Canyoneering. This activity includes death-defying activities like cliff jumping, trekking, swimming and much more. The canyoneering starts at Brgy Alegria and exits in Kawasan where amazing Falls awaits the adventurers.
Must read: Cebu Canyoneering
Getting There:
From Cebu City
From the Ceres Terminal, take the bus bound for Bato via Barili. The Ceres Bus bound for Bat ova Oslob will not pass by Badian. So simply ask the conductor which bus to take.
From Bacolod City
Take the Bacolod-Cebu Ceres Bus via Mabinay. This bus will ride the barge with you. Simply ask the conductor to drop you at Bato terminal in Liloan, Cebu. From Bato Ceres terminal, take the bus which will pass Badian.
From Dumaguete
From Dumaguete City, take public transportation going to Sibulan. Port. From Sibulan port you can choose either a ferry or fast craft going to Liloan, Santander, Cebu.
In Sibulan Port you need to cross to the Port of Liloan, Santander. You have three choices here – ferry, fast craft, and motorboat. The moment you arrive at the port of Liluan, take a tricycle going to the Ceres terminal in Bato, Samboan. From this terminal get the bus going to Badian. To be sure, just ask the driver which bus will pass Badian.
BOHOL
Known for its Chocolate Hills, Old Churches and Tarsiers, Bohol island is also home to beautiful beaches. Its white sand in Panglao Island and Anda Beaches made Bohol as one great place to visit this summer.
Must read:
List Hotels and Resorts in Bohol
How to get there:
The nearest airport in Bohol is in Cebu City. From Cebu, take a ferry to the Island.
BAGUIO CITY
Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines. Because of its cold climate, the place is the favorite destinations of many who don’t like the beach scene. Baguio City offers a wide array of activities and sites which can make your summer vacation memorable. These activities include a visit to Camp John Hay, Tamawan Art Gallery, Camp John Hay and a lot more. You can also try horseback riding at the park. While at the place take, time to visit La Trinidad, Benguet for strawberry picking experience. La Trinidad is just 30 minutes away from the Baguio City. Strawbery picking season is from November to May.
Must Read: 8 Ways to Enjoy Baguio City
How to get there:
The bus is the most practical and budget-friendly transportation ride to Baguio City from Manila.
Bus companies like Victory Liner and Dagupan Bus have routes going to Baguio, and their terminals are found in different places in Manila. The fare is between 500-750 depending on the bus type and travel time is approximately 6 hours.
The beautiful Island of Camiguin is home to many beautiful spots which any vacationers will surely enjoy. While in Camiguin, you can visit two of its Islets on the White Island and Mantigue Island. Apart from its beautiful beaches and its sunken cemetery, you can also get a relaxing dip at Sto. Niño Cold Springs and Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool in Catarman. You may also visit the two of its popular waterfalls, the Kaibawasan and Tuasan Falls.
Must read: Hotels and Resorts in Camiguin
How to get there:
Cebu Pacific is serving Cebu City to Camiguin Airport to Cebu 5 days a week. Visitors from Manila may fly to Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City. From the airport, take a jeepney to the Agora Bus Terminal located in the downtown of Cagayan de Oro City. Take the eastbound buses to the port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Then take a ferry to Benoni Port, Camiguin.
SAGADA
The Pride of the Mountain Province, Sagada is well-known for its rice terraces. One unique sight which the place can offer is the hanging coffins in Sumaguing Caves. Sagada is an amazing place for spelunking, trekking, and much more. Catch the coldest time in Sagada, mostly happen every February wherein the temperature drops to 12 degrees Celsius.
How to get there:
From Manila take a bus going to Baguio City. Big bus companies like Victory has buses leaving every hour and they have some terminals that are spread in Metro Manila. From Baguio City, take a 6-hour ride to Bontoc, Mountain Province.
BATANES
Batanes, I’m sure is on the bucket list of most travelers. The beautiful landscape of Batanes will surely make any traveler or photographer crazy. The spectacular view of the beaches, the iconic Ivatan houses and the refreshing greens offered by the pastureland are just a few of the many reasons why Batanes is a must-visit summer destination in the country.
How to get there:
Getting to Basco, Batanes from Manila is by plane. The Philippine Airlines via PAL Express operates once a day direct flights every day. Sky Pasada and SkyJet are also flying to Basco, Batanes.
SIQUIJOR ISLAND
Siquijor Island, known to many as the enchanted island because of its stories about supernaturals and faith healing activities. The island takes pride in its many natural features like waterfalls and beautiful beaches.
Must Read: Things to Do in Siquijor | List of Hotels in Siquijor
How to get there:
There’s no airport in Siquijor. The nearest airport is the one which is located in Dumaguete City. From the Airport, take a tricycle to the port for the ferry ride going to Siquijor Island. The fare is from PhP 160- 350 for an approximately an hour ride to the island.
CORON
The scenic Coron is one of the must-see destinations in the Philippines. Its diving sites attract various divers from all over the world. Apart from its sea life, fantastic rock formation, and beautiful beaches, Coron has wildlife destinations which houses several African Animals like zebras, giraffe, gazelles, and much more.
How to get there:
Coron can be accessed easily by plane from Metro Manila. Major local airlines fly some times daily to Busuanga. From the airport, take a van to reach the town of Coron. The fare is 150 PHP per person or 1,500 PHP for the whole van rental.
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
El Nido’s beautiful could be one of the best in the world. Its sea life is so rich making the place ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. El Nido’s natural wonders will surely be amazed by any of its guests especially when you engage in an island hopping which is one of the significant activities offered by the place.
Must read: Amazing Ways to Enjoy Your El Nido Vacation | List Of Hotels and Resorts in El Nido | 33 Things to do in El Nido
How to get there:
There’s no direct flight in El Nido. The most popular route is to take a bus or van from Puerto Princesa. I suggest taking the van as it is one of the fastest modes of transportation in going to El Nido with few stopovers. These vans are available at the terminal or outside the Puerto Princesa.
SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO DEL NORTE
Samal Island is a small island in Davao del Norte filled with beautiful beaches and attractions which are perfect for any summer getaway. The island is just a few minutes away from Davo City.
Must read: 20 Things to do In Samal Island | List of Resorts in Samal Island
LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO
Experience a temperate climate at Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. The early morning sight of blooming water lilies, majestic waterfalls, and verdurous mountains, the place will never fail to amaze any of her guests with her natural wonders. For the adventurous souls, you can try canoeing, riding a 700-meter zip line which offers an amazing view of the seven falls, or you can go river trekking.
Must read: Hotels and Resorts in South Cotabato
How to get there:
From Manila, take a flight to General Santos city in South Cotabato. Then, take a non-stop bus ride from Bulaong Bus Terminal in the town of Koranadal, or also referred as Marbel (travel time is 1 hour, and the fare is around 80 PHP). Once you’re at Koronadal Bus Terminal, head to Surallah via a bus ride (travel time is 30 minutes, the fare is 25 PHP). Upon arrival, take a jeepney or van ride to Lake Sebu (travel time is 45 minutes, the ticket price is 40 PHP).
BIRI ROCK FORMATION, SAMAR
Visiting Biri Island will surely amaze any visitor with its majestic rock formations sculpted by nature. The Biri Island rock formation includes four small, rocky islands located in that rugged which is facing the San Bernardino Strait and the Pacific Ocean. For approximately 23 million years as stated by the geologists from the University of the Philippines, nature crafted the rocks in the islands to take on unusual shapes and exposing different colors.
Must Read: Biri Rock Formation
How to get there:
The nearest airport in Biri is the Northern Samar’s Catarman National Airport which is just an hour away from Metro Manila. From the airport, take the jeepney flying to the town of Lavezares. From Lavezares, take a boat to Biri. The moment you arrive at the place you will still engage a Habal-habal (motorbike) to bring you to the Biri Rock Formation.
PUGUDPUD
Pagudpod is home to beautiful semi-white beaches. While at the beach you can take the zip line which crosses the sea.
How to get there:
It’s easy to reach Laoag City by plane. It is being served by several airlines daily. From Laoag, you can take a bus from an approximately 90-minute bus.
From Manila, Pagudpud can be reached by private car for an approximately 10-12 hour land trip. If you want to take the Bus, there’s a terminal from Cubao that’s serving Pagudpud area.
ILIGAN CITY
Dubbed as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan City boasts of its numerous waterfalls. One of the most popular of its 24 waterfalls is the Maria Cristina Falls which is now the primary electric power source of the city.
How to get there:
The nearest airport in Iligan is the Laguindingan International Airport which is also serving Cagayan de Oro. The airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Iligan City.
Photo credits: James Ganancial Jimenea , Malalison Island (also known as Mararison Island)
MALALISON ISLAND
The Malalison Island, also known as Mararison Island is known as the Batanes of the Visayan Region. The unspoiled Island located in Culasi Antique is a perfect contrast of its neighboring resort, Boracay. If you want to experience just pure nature and be free from the busy beach party, try to spend a night on the Island. It’s beautiful mountain ridges and hilltops which showcased the grandeur of the island, and amazing clear waters are just a few reasons why you should visit the Island.
How to get there:
You can reach Culasi Antique from Iloilo City, Caticlan or Kalibo by Bus. The moment you arrived Culasi, take a tricycle to the tourism office located on the boulevard.
You can hire a boat going to Malalison Island. It would be best to coordinate with the tourism office regarding the trip.
BORACAY
Still one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay is a great summer destination in the Philippines. Apart from its white sand beach, Boracay can be enjoyed through scuba diving, diving helmet, kiteboarding, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, cliff diving, jet skiing and of course endless beach parties.
Must read:
How to get there:
The nearest airport in Boracay is in Caticlan. From the airport, ride a tricycle to the Caticlan Jetty Port for a short ride to Boracay island.
CATANDUANES
If you love nature, then visit Catanduanes. The island is virtually untouched and unexplored. Its beautiful beaches beautifully lined by coconut trees with stunning mountains as a backdrop made the place perfect for a summer getaway.
How to get there:
Catanduanes is serviced by scheduled flights from Manila at Virac Airport. Several ferries are also traveling the Island from Albay . from the Port of Tabaco you can reach San Andres, with a travel time of approximately 2.5hours, or to Virac Seaport, at 3.5 hours, or at you can take a fast craft at about 1.5 hours.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Did I miss your place or favorite summer destination? drop us a message, as this post is progressive. We will keep on adding the best summer destinations found all over the Philippines.