Some dream destinations in the Philippines
In November 2013, the Philippines was struck and devastated by typhoon Haiyan whose winds at 315 km/h and the high waves caused considerable damage and the death of several hundred people. Since then, the country has thanked the whole world for its solidarity following the passage of this powerful natural phenomenon.
Even if he stays in spirits, typhoon is now far away and generosity and enthusiasm of the Philippine people incites to come to discover one of the best assets of the Philippines: its few 7100 islands , lined with beaches of white sand and turquoise waters in which one finds an aquatic life among the most diverse in the world.
Most of these islands are relatively unexplored but if you finally decide to leave trip to the Philippines , here are the heavenly places you should not miss:
1. El Nido, Palawan
If Palawan is indeed the “last border” of the Philippines, as it was nicknamed, the small coastal town of El Nido is the gateway to the wild adventure. True paradise on earth , El Nido is the starting point for a walk bangka towards the archipelago of Bacuit, consisting of completely unbelievable islands. The landscapes seem to be drawn from retouched photos. Along the coasts of El Nido, there are majestic karst formations of limestone, lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls.
What to do in El Nido? El Nido is an ideal and popular destination for divers. Clear waters are also conducive to snorkeling, and contain more than 50 species of coral, and attract whales, whale sharks, sea cows, manta rays, dolphins and endangered turtles. Many diving clubs offer their services on site, and prices are still very low!
2. Boracay, Aklan
White Beach is the most common place associated with Boracay, the most popular holiday destination in the Philippines. Its four kilometers long welcome tourists who came to sunbath as adventurers. At night, the beach comes with candles in the sand and restaurants and bars cozy which remain open until dawn. Far from White Beach, there are quieter resorts with a less noisy side but which still offer isolated beaches, coves, caves and cliffs.
Flickr – Chewy Chua
What to do in Boracay? Beyond its aspect of the Paradise beach where it is good to simply take the sun and swim, Boracay is known for extreme sports. The first months of the year, the city attracts hundreds of kite-surfers and planchists who came to participate in the International Funboard Cup . Large waves and strong winds make Boracay an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.
3. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
This isolated island is a secret of nature, only the most courageous and persevering take the trouble of visiting it. The beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by volcanic rocks on one side embrace the blue-green waters on the other. Snorkeling and diving allow you to explore coral gardens and the rich marine reserve. Palaui Island is a pure beauty but it is quite difficult to access. Go with a trusted guide and arm yourself with patience. The nice weather is also to set for treks and hikes. To reach the most popular sand strip, it requires walking through mangroves, mud soils and thorny herbs.
A lighthouse on the island – Flickr – Ojie Paloma
What to do in Palaui Island? In the absence of resorts or hotels, Palaui has only one real option: camping in the beautiful star. You can also let yourself try to sleep in a room at the living room.
4. Panglao, Bohol
Once a peaceful island, Panglao is now the goal of many travelers looking for splendid beaches. It is a refuge for those who appreciate the diversity of aquatic attractions. You can observe the dolphins and whales, dive with the barracudas, carangues and sea snakes and see colorful coral formations.
Flickr – Mayrpamintuan
What else can Bohol do? In addition to this, the island of Bohol houses them Chocolate Hills , an unusual hilly relief gathering more than 1200 hills. They are called for their brown colour during the dry season. Also consider a trip to island Balicasag .
5. Bantayan, Cebu
Bantayan has remained relatively spared by modern life, except for a handful of foreigners who have chosen home, inspired by the white sand of the island, turquoise waters and red and gold sunsets. Beers are fresh and cheap, the premises are welcoming and the problems of the outside world are easily forgotten.
Flickr – Eric Brian Ouano
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, do not plan your stay during Holy Week before Easter. The island is invaded by Filipino tourists during this period, with rooms and services reserved months in advance.
What to do in Bantayan? Relax. Here, there is not too much action... No 5-star hotels or shopping center.
6. Caramoan, Camarines Sur
From the name of the local marine turtle, Caramoan is as spectacular as isolate. Extensions of white sand appear between huge rocks. Diving, island walks on the island and the Farniente are the flagship activities here. Caves, waterfalls, freshwater pools, underground rivers, and lagoons are also found. For the anecdote, the TV show Koh-Lanta made the 2008 season on the island of Caramoan.
Flickr – IRRI Photos
What to do in Caramoan? It is possible to make a trek to the top of Mt. Caglago and have a view of the island and its islets. Up there, we find a statue of a statue Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Notre Dame de Saint-Rosaire).
7. Samal, Davao
A tourist destination in the midst of a boom, the island of Samal tries to make known its coastline of 118 kilometers of white sand beaches. You already know the strengths of the island: crystal clear waters, lush greenery, rock formations, mangroves and coconut trees. Many resorts offer a range of choices for visitors, from luxury resorts to backpacker options.
What to do to Samal? There is a curiosity to see here: in high tide, Shanipan Shoal, a small island, disappears under the water to only reveal a wooden hut. Beautiful. Again, you can practice scuba diving or simply take your mask and tuba to observe the seabeds of the Coral Garden Marine Park .
8. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte
Despite its ideal destination status for surfing, there are only very few tourists. We can find spots for all levels of surfing: beginners, medium, and even pros (vagues of 3 meters). If surfing doesn't interest you, the beaches immaculate with soft waves are perfect to take the sun and swim.
Flickr – Miguel Navaza
What to do on the Siargao Islands? The ideal surfing days are located between mid-August and mid-December, when the swell is more constant. The beginners should rather go around April or May, when the waves are quiet.
9. Grande Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
On the Great Island of Santa Cruz, the red coral powder brought by the sea blends with white sand to produce a pink color beach. The colors here are really well associated with this rose, the blue-green water and vegetation... We can go on this beach only a day so you'll have to enjoy the full time spent here. At noon, eat locally cooked fish. Pay attention to the depth of the water that suddenly falls a few meters from the beach.
Source – bestspotsph.com
What to do on the island Grande Santa Cruz? The beach is a short boat ride from the city of Zamboanga City. We have to take precautions to go. You must have a permit from the Department of Tourism in Zamboanga City to go to the island. You will be escorted with armed men (military). This being a preventive measure against a possible threat (although not, the city is relatively calm).
Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Along the northern tip of Luçon Island (Luzon) is the seaside resort of Pagudpud. It is a quiet, sleepy and rural town. Perhaps because it takes time and effort to reach Pagudpud, the wide and welcoming beaches are generally empty, which is ideal for those who love to mix loneliness, sun, sand and surf. Quite surprisingly, there is a row of wind turbines to the city of Bangui.
Flickr – Diana Kathrina Leomo
What to do in Pagudpud? Pagudpud is often exposed to winds that blow both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, making waves ideal for surfers, especially from July to October. The véliplanchists and kitesurfers are beginning to become aware of it and come more and more here.
How to travel and travel to the Philippines?
There are several local airlines that make it possible to travel between the islands of the Philippines. In general, the journeys are not very long, the ticket price is not very high. It depends, in fact, if you organize in advance or not... Companies Cebu Pacific , Philippine Airlines , SEAIR and AirAsia are those to be preferred for intra-philippine routes. Find the best prices on the company website or on Skyscanner .
You can also choose to travel by ferry, whose network is very developed on the archipelago. The Oceanjet and SuperCat companies offer key destinations.
Have you visited one of these islands and beaches in the Philippines? Write a review by commenting below!
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