Philippines Destinations

Indeed, #itsmorefuninthephilippines! There’s never been a better time to explore our own turf with the low fares and discounted rates offered by airline and travel agencies! While it’s almost an impossible feat to step foot on all 7, 107 of our islands, at least you can start with these local destinations we’ve rounded up for our readers—we believe these places should be visited by every Filipino at least once in their lifetime!

1) BUKIDNON

Why visit: Because you love nature.

Bukidnon is reachable by land travel from jump-off point Cagayan de Oro, which you can access by plane. Bukidnon is usually a two-hour drive from Laguindingan airport. Many people have sworn to falling in love with the place because of its clean and serene landscape. A great place to include in your Bukidnon itinerary is Dahilayan Adventure Park. It boasts of having the longest Dual Zipline in Asia. Be your own Superman or Wonder Woman while zooming from point A to point B, hoisted securely on a line which is more than 4, 000 feet above sea level. You can actually see the lush greenery of the place from where you’re ziplining. Visit the Del Monte Pineapple farm as well. If you’re a nature-oriented person, this is definitely a place to visit.

2) MOALBOAL, CEBU

Why visit: Because you want to relax and forget about work momentarily.

Moalboal is a small town in Cebu and is a city person’s perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life. They’ve got great food at cheap prices. In fact, your five hundred pesos can already buy you really fresh, off-the-boat seafood and puso or rice boiled in coconut leaves. The scenery is superb and the locals very warm; they would smile at you even if they barely know you. Their beaches have pristine white sand that could definitely give Boracay a run for its money. The place may not give you a lot of things to do but you can spend your time there diving, swimming, or snorkeling. If you’re after relaxation, unwinding, or even a little soul-searching, then you should definitely consider going to Moalboal.

3) DUMAGUETE CITY

Why visit: Because you’re into snorkelling and bonding with marine life.

Dumaguete has the right amount of country and city mix—not too urban, not too rural. It also has a very rich and solid historical foundation that makes it a very interesting location to explore. The people here are so warm and gentle that you just can’t help but smile and wave at every local you meet. Take a side trip from Dumaguete to visit Apo Island and marvel at the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary and Protected Seascape. The water is so clear that you get this feeling that you’re instantly bonding with marine life while snorkeling around the area. Remember to eat Silvanas in Dumaguete because that’s their delicacy. And tourists from all over the world have been falling in love with this pastry for many years now.

4) BATANES

Why visit: Because you want to unplug from your highly wired life.

Batanes is a place with a very old soul. Prehistoric, if you will. The calmness, the serenity that the place offers–it can whisk you away from your fast-paced city life and into the most fundamental way of life that you can ever experience. The place is very laid back that some people attest to forgetting about their problems while in the island. Because life here is very simple, you can actually forge human connections with the Ivatan locals. Take a side trip to Basco and visit the Basco Lighthouse for a better view of Batanes’s open sea. If you’re up for a challenge, try slurping on some Lumot Soup, which is a local delicacy in Batanes.