Philippines famous tourist spots

There are few natural wonders as breathtaking as the rice terraces of the Ifugao province. Dubbed as the “8th Wonder of the World, ” the terraced rice paddies were carved to perfection 2, 000 years ago by the early Ifugao people.

This man-made marvel, equipped with an ancient irrigation system, is a testament to man’s harmony with nature. And for a while, we believed it’s the only existing terraced rice field in the country. Or so we thought.

When Emmanuel Lerona of UP Visayas was browsing Google Earth’s 3D virtual map in early 2014, he was expecting to see forest areas. But nothing could have prepared him for what he stumbled upon that day: a cluster of rice terraces hidden from view by three mountains in the San Remigio town in Antique province.

The hidden gem, as it turned out, is owned and being maintained by the local indigenous group called Iraynon-Bukidnon. Prior to its “rediscovery, ” the majestic landmark was rarely visited by outsiders because the nearest neighboring barangay is 18 kilometers away. And although the rice terraces have enabled them to produce four crops in a year, the Iraynons don’t sell the rice and only use it for their own consumption.

We can only hope that the Iraynons will continue to sustain the untouched beauty of Antique’s rice terraces. As for its counterpart in the north, the continuous migration of younger Ifugaos to urban areas and their aversion to farming have led the iconic structure into a state of deterioration. So much has changed in Banaue Rice Terraces that it has been on the list of “World Heritage in Danger” since 2001.

2. Chocolate Hills of Bohol versus Green Hills of Albay.

We associate Bohol with either tarsier or the world-famous Chocolate Hills. The latter is so named because the grass covering these dome-shaped limestone hills turns brown during the dry season, making them look like giant Hershey’s Kisses. Most of the time, however, these iconic hills look like anything but chocolate.

It is during these times when they are covered by lush green grass that we are reminded of another landmark in a province more famously known for its perfectly-formed volcano–the Green Hills” of Albay.

The said rolling hills, also known as Quitinday Green Hills Formation Reserve, is a less-explored geological treasure located in Barangay Quitinday in the town of Camalig. They may not be as symmetrical as their counterparts in Bohol, but Albay’s “Green Hills” are the closest thing to Chocolate Hills that nature lovers can explore.

The Green Hills–sometimes referred to by locals as “Pili Nut Hills” (named after Bicol’s famous product)–are located approximately 15 kilometers from the town center. Other things you can try or visit in Camalig are Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, the Japanese war tunnels in Mt. Kitwinan, the spicy local delicacy called pinangat, and the 17th-century Church of St. John the Baptist.

3. Puerto Princesa Underground River versus Quitinday Underground River.

Its inclusion on the list of New 7 Wonders of Nature needs no explaining. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, or simply Puerto Princesa Underground River, leads tourists to one of the world’s finest and most jaw-dropping cave systems. The river is unique on its own: it flows directly into the sea and is surrounded by forests where a rich ecosystem is cradled.

Unknown to many (yes, including the locals), there’s another underground river in Albay waiting to be explored. Known as the Quitinday Underground River, it is the only underground river in the Bicol region. It pierces through the Naglaus Cave which is located at the heart of Barangay Quitinday in the town of Jovellar in Albay. Note that this is different from Barangay Quitinday in Camalig where you can find the Green Hills (see #2).

The cave and the underground river are surrounded by nature, making it a perfect spot for those looking for a place to unwind. The bats and deep, crystal clear water inside the cave can be accessed through a bamboo raft which carries up to 5 persons.

For only 20 pesos per head, one can already explore the cave’s stunning stalagmites and stalactites. A breathtaking beauty similar to Puerto Princesa’s–only a little bit cheaper.

4. Boracay White Beach versus Anguib White Beach.

It didn’t earn the title “Boracay of the North” for no reason. Located at Barangay San Vicente in the town of Sta. Ana in Cagayan, the Anguib Beach is hands down the most deserving of the title among the places who claim as such.

But while Boracay’s 4-kilometer white beach is now dotted by restaurants, bars, and hotels brimming with local and foreign tourists, the hidden paradise of Cagayan begs to differ. Few tourists visit the place, since Anguib requires up to 17 hours of travel from Manila. But the long travel time is definitely worth it; apart from a peaceful ambiance, the beach heaven is surrounded by hills and tall trees.