TOP PHILIPPINE DESTINATIONS
The Philippines has 7,500 islands has many tourists destinations. Admittedly, I have just visited a few Island in my own country. But being a travel blogger, it is my desire to at least visit popular destinations in the Philippines.
Below is a list of beautiful Philippines destinations. This list will continue to grow in the future.
Biri Rock Formation, Samar
BIRI ROCK FORMATION, SAMAR
Awe-inspiring, marvelous, magnificent…just a few adjectives one can describe Biri Island. Now included in Top 10 Philippine Gem by Isla Lipana & Co.
For me, Biri Island is the most exciting towns of Northern Samar. It is known for its beautiful rock formations carved thru time due to big waves of the San Bernardino Strait that lap up the eastern portion of its shore.
Read the review of Biri Rock Formation
Getting There
Biri Island can be reached in 14 hours by bus or private vehicle from Manila or approximately 1 hour and fifteen minutes flight from Manila to Catarman, the capital town of Northern Samar. From the Catarman, you can take a jeepney for more than an hour to Lavezares for PHP 40.00. From Lavezares, you can rent a boat for approx PhP1,000-1,500.00 depending on the size of the motorize-boat. The boat can be rented from 1,000-1,500 depending on its size. The boat will stand by for the whole day.
CANYONEERING IN ALEGRIA AND BADIAN, CEBU
An exciting activity which any tourist will surely enjoy the Alegria and Badian in the Province of Cebu is the Canyoneering.
Any outdoor enthusiasts will surely enjoy the adrenaline-pumping or death-defying activities like jumping from the cliff and a relaxing activity like swimming and a little of trekking.
Getting There
If you are traveling from Cebu City, Badian can be reached in 3 hours by bus from the South Bus Terminal, Cebu City. Please ride the Ceres Bus bound for Bato via Barili. Do not take the bus Bato via Oslob as this will not pass by Badian.
For people traveling from Bacolod City, you can take the Ceres bus going to Cebu via Mabinay. This bus will ride a barge with you, after which ask the conductor to drop you at Bato Terminal. From Bato Terminal, ask which bus can bring you to Badian.
Please click here for our experience in Badian Canyoneering
Samal Island, Davao
SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO
Samal Island is part of the Metropolitan Davao area. Samal’s official name is the Island Garden City of Samal. Samal is made up of Samal Island and the smaller Talikud Island in the Davao Gulf. Samal is the largest resort city in the country. It has fantastic beaches and houses many beautiful beach resorts.
Getting There
For International Visitors, you can fly directly to Davao City, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Airlines or SilkAir from Singapore. Or if you’re entering the Philippines via the capital city of Manila, take a domestic flight to Davao City. The local trip to Davao City from Manila is serviced by four major airlines in the country.
In going to the Island from Davao City, there are three established entry points: 1) Sta. Ana Wharf (near Magsaysay Park, downtown area) where motorboats are available to ferry passengers directly to Kaputian and Talikud Island.2) Sasa, Km. 11 Wharf, where motorize-boats are available to transport passengers direct to Babak wharf. 3) Sasa, Km. 11 Ferry Boat landing, where passengers will be riding the Island City Express Bus from R. Castillo and Cabaguio St. (satellite terminal) and be transported by a ferryboat to the Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District.
El Nido, Palawan
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
One of the most beautiful places to visit in the country. Mark by its magnificent beaches and fantastic sea life. It is just my desire that Palawan will be protected to preserve its natural beauty and it can still be enjoyed by the future generations.
Getting There
I have not tried flying directly to El Nido, but there several flights from Manila, Iloilo, Cebu to Puerto Princesa. The most popular way to reach El Nido is by land travel from Puerto Princesa. From Puerto Princesa, you still have to cover about 220 kilometers of the highway to get to El Nido so it is better to get a flight which will arrive Puerto Princesa morning to so that you still have the daytime when reaching El Nido.
Click here for an Island Hopping at El Nido
Click here for Tips when Traveling to El Nido
Tagaytay
TAGAYTAY
Famous for it’s mild or cold climate, Tagaytay is a popular destination south of Manila. Tagaytay sits on a ridge above Taal Volcano Island, an active volcano surrounded by Taal Lake. Overlooking the area, People’s Park in the Sky occupies the grounds of a never-finished presidential mansion. Tagaytay’s Picnic Grove is a recreation area with trails and a zip line.
Getting There:
Tagaytay is connected by national highways to the Metro Manila area and the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. It is also connected by secondary roads to the adjoining municipalities of Amadeo, Mendez, Indang, Silang, and Alfonso in Cavite towards the northwest, and to the cities of Calamba and Santa Rosa in Laguna in the northeast and the town of Talisay in Batangas in the south.
Tagaytay is roughly about two hours drive from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway depending on the traffic, exiting at Santa Rosa then via Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. It can also be reached via the Coastal Road Expressway and then taking Aguinaldo Highway heading south towards Tagaytay.
Public buses that ply the route to Tagaytay from Manila are available daily. Various bus terminals servicing Tagaytay are found in Cubao, EDSA, Pasay, and at Baclaran, beside Coastal Mall Integrated Provincial Bus Terminal below LRT, Manila. Jeepneys that ply from Cavite (Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang) to Nasugbu, Batangas also pass by Tagaytay via the Aguinaldo Highway.
From Batangas, the best way to reach Tagaytay is to head to Talisay, Batangas, then go up to Tagaytay via the 12-kilometer (7.5 mi) Tagaytay-Talisay Road, which ends at the Tagaytay City Circle. From Laguna, one may head to Santa Rosa, Laguna and take the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road.
Sipalay
SIPALAY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
Known for its excellent diving spots, Sipalay is a place one should visit. Unlike other destinations in the country, Sipalay is not yet that crowded. If one desires a peaceful vacation, visit Sipalay.
Getting There
2. Manila – Dumaguete by plane: From Dumaguete, you have two choices on how to get to Sipalay, either by private Van or riding a public Bus. Van takes 3 to 3,5 hours. With the Bus are more difficulties, then there is no direct ride. You have to make cutting Trips, meaning 3 times to change the Bus until you will reach Sipalay City. From there, you have to take a local transportation to Easy Diving and Beach Resort.
Click here for information about Sipalay
ILIGAN CITY
Because of the numerous waterfalls found in the area, Iligan is known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. There are about 24 waterfalls in the city. One of the Landmarks in the place is the famous Maria Cristina Falls.
Other famous waterfalls in the city are, Tinago Falls, accessible through a 300-step staircase in Barangay Ditucalan. Mimbalut Falls in Barangay Buru-un, Abaga Falls in Barangay Suarez, and Dodiongan Falls in Barangay Bonbonon.
Getting Here
The nearest airport to Iligan City is the Laguindingan Airport. Flight time from Manila to Laguindingan Airport is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
From Laguindingan Airport, get a taxi (to take you directly to Iligan), or get a taxi to drop you off at Laguindingan Terminal (Northern Mindanao). At Laguindingan Bus Terminal you can find buses going to Iligan. Travel time from Maguindanao to Iligan is approximately one hour.
From Manila, you can take a boat going to Cagayan de Oro seaport, and then get a taxi or bus to Iligan City.
From Cebu, there is a daily boat schedule going to Cagayan de Oro seaport.
Read our review of Tinago Falls
Read our review of Maria Cristina Falls
BOHOL
Apart from its Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, Bohol has many to offer to its visitors.Its old churches are treasures just waiting to be visited. Bohol’s Panglao Island is located southwest of Tagbilaran City. Panglao is famous for its diving locations and is routinely listed as one of the top ten diving spots in the world
Getting There
Manila to Tagbilaran (Bohol)
There are a few Philippine Airlines flights and Cebu Pacific per day from Manila to Tagbilaran Airport (1 hr 15mins flight). See Flight Schedules Cebu Pacific, Philippines Airlines
Cebu to Bohol
There are about eight ferries per day between Cebu and Tagbilaran, from 6.30am to midnight. Fast boats take around 2hrs. There are other pump boats taking 4-5hrs. Ferries for Tagbilaran leave from either pier 1 (Ocean Jet, Lite Shipping) or Pier 4 (ToGo and Weesam Express recommended). It’s best to check with the ferries office for actual schedules and prices since they tend to change frequently and have promos all the time.
APO ISLAND
Apo Island is a volcanic island covering 12 hectares in land area, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete in the Philippines.
The marine habitat around Apo Island is a marine reserve making it a popular dive site and snorkeling destination with tourists.
Getting there
1) Take a flight to Dumaguete
2) Take a bus from the airport to Malatapay, Zamboanguita (this is where the bangkas leave for Apo island). You can also take a jeepney or bus from Dumaguete that drops you at Malatapay.
The most convenient way to get to the Island is to ask your hotel to arrange the transport to Apo Island. This may be more expensive than the usual bangkas.
VIGAN CITY
Vigan which was established in the 16th century is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. One will be amazed by its well-maintained architecture which reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
Getting there:
By Land. There are several bus lines that ply the Manila-Vigan route. Among these is The Philippine Rabbit us Line, Partas Co., and Dominion. The 405 km distance from Manila to Ilocos Sur is a comfortable and scenic seven-hour ride.
By Air. International guests, the fastest way to get to Ilocos Sur is through the Laoag International Airport. Laoag International Airport is in Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte. Laoag International Airport caters to international flights from the USA, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. If you’re coming from Manila (via Manila International Airport), you can take Philippine Airlines, which flies to Laoag City four times a week (except Wednesdays). Make sure you check with the airlines as schedules do vary. To get to Ilocos Sur (Vigan) from Laoag City, you can quickly take public transportation. Travel time usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes (80 kilometers).
Camiguin
CAMIGUIN ISLAND
One of the top destinations in the country, Camiguin is known to the island “Born of Fire” because it has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island which is full of natural wonders and historical riches.
As an island of the varied ecosystem, Camiguin’s uniqueness lies in its diverse terrain, pristine natural environment, and rustic setting. Camiguin is one of the Philippines’ most beautiful islands – a virtual paradise – as the island allows visitors to experience a sample of untouched beauty in its entirety. Locked in the eternal embrace of the sea, CAMIGUIN continues its simple existence sheltered from and unfazed by the virulent pressures of today’s accelerated lifestyles. The island is also listed as among the Top 10 dive spots worldwide.
Getting There:
From Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin via Balingoan. From CDO Airport, you can take a taxi or van to Agora Bus Terminal. From Agora Bus Terminal to Balingoan Port (88kms) would take an approximately 3hrs travel time by bus or van. An hourly Ferry Boat/Roro from Balingoan Port will take you to Benoni Port in Camiguin. The earliest trip from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port(Camiguin) is 5:00 AM.
From Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin via fast craft. From CDO Airport you can take a taxi or van to CDO Macabalan Port. From CDO Macabalan Port there is a direct trip to Benoni Port in Camiguin ( Ocean Jet – Fastcraft), the schedule is as follows:
Monday to Sunday
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: CDO Macabalan Port to Benoni Port (Camiguin)
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Benoni Port (Camiguin) to CDO Macabalan Port
From Cebu to Camiguin. A shipping company serves Cebu to Camiguin on a weekly basis. The boat leaves on Friday evening at 8:00 from Cebu’s Pier 8. The boat docks at Balbagon port.
From Jagna Bohol via Fast Craft or Ro-Ro. Fast craft from Cebu to Tagbilaran, Bohol is available. From the port of Tagbilaran, you can take a bus going to Dao Integrated Bus Terminal where you can ride a bus to Jagna Bohol. RO-RO ferry is available daily at 1:00 PM, expected arrival at Camiguin Island is 5:00 PM at Balbagon Port. Fast Ferries on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 1:30 P.M departs from Jagna to Benoni Port in Camiguin Island, ETA is 3:30 PM.
Click here to see List of Resorts and Hotels in CAMIGUIN
Click here for our review of MONTE CUEVA
Those places all sound amazing. I would love to visit the Philippines!
oh wow! these pictures are making me wish I was there right now, it all looks so beautiful
Seems like there are a lot of interesting place to see, I might skip the rock formation.
These are all beautiful destinations. I’ve never even thought of vacationing in the Philippines. I might have to stay!
I would love to visit the Philippines one day! Your pictures look like they should be on postcards somewhere! So pretty!
wow i had no idea the Philippines had so many stunning locations to visit. it would be hard to pick just one of these places to visit
I think the Philippines is just stunning in general I would love to visit and the variety of cultures is astounding.
This is really amazing, through you, you encourage not only the citizens but as well as the foreigners to experience all those wonderful places you’ve visited. I have been to a few of the places you visited and I’d like to take my family to see the place someday as well.
These all look like such beautiful destinations! I haven’t even been to the Phillipines but I would love to check all of these places out in person!
I would have never of thought to take a trip to the Philippines but those pictures are awesome!
Wow just wow I’m intregiued this just made my list !
Wish i could go right now, and stay for a month there!. Nice pictures!
El Nido and Bohol has always been on my list of dream destinations! Those places are just beyond amazing and it would be nice to stay there for a few days. Thanks for introducing me to new places like Camiguin and Apo Island!
I’ve been wanting to go to that cave. It looks so serene and pristine. I hope tourists won’t ruin that place.
Oh to take a year off and just travel those islands.
It would be amazing!
I love the photos!
Beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to visit these places with my husband and kids
Your pictures are beautiful! I would love to visit Tagaytay!
I’d love to visit the Phillipines too someday – sigh – in the mean time, thank you for your tour around!
Apo Island is so amazing. Loved it. Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures.
Wow the Philipines looks incredibly beautiful! I had never thought about travelling there before but now I would really like to see it in person!
I would love to see Philippines one of these days. I have heard so many great things about that destination
I have always wanted to go to the Philippines. It is such a beautiful destination. These are great photos.
We’ve only been to Tagaytay, Bohol, Cebu and Samal Island before. Hope to see and visit the other places in your list.
I’m so glad you shared all these beautiful places because I didn’t realize the Philippines were so full of treasures. I’m definitely going to get there now.
These all look like wonderful places to visit. I need a vacation asap!
This sounds amazing! Full of adventures everywhere! Would love to visit!
I’d love to visit Philippines one day! Amazing pics!
That is the to do list to have. Good luck on accomplishing your travel do list!
The Phillipines is definitely on my bucketlist! What a wonderful list of things to do and places to visit!