10 Most Amazing Places to Visit in the Philippines 2017

Sometimes you have to get away from home or the usual monotonous work to have a little time for yourself to reflect on your life. Traveling to beautiful places is one of the best ways to de-stress and relax. You will have the time and space that you need to just let let your mind wander and not worry about anything at all.

You don’t really need to travel far to get the relaxation and pleasure that you very much deserve in this time where stress and anxiety are prevalent. Here in the Philippines, there are more than 7,000 magnificent islands to choose from. The country has a wide and impressive array of bucket list-worthy places that can get your mind off the stresses of life.  

Not only can you de-stress your mind and body by traveling to beautiful places, but one of the best things that you can do when you visit a new place is to learn about its history and culture. Here are some of the most beautiful places that you can visit in the Philippines.

1. Huma Island, Palawan

Photo Courtesy: Humaisland.com

If you don’t have the budget to travel to Maldives, head on to Huma Island. Huma Island Resort and Spa is situated on a remote island in Busuanga, Palawan. It offers breathtaking turquoise waters with world class facilities, fun-filled adventures, and friendly accomodations. Huma Island is among the top 10 best diving areas in the world.

2. Manjuyod Sandbar, Bais City Negros Oriental

Photo Courtesy: iSTORYA.NET

Manjuyod Sandbar is also another perfect testament on nature’s majestic prowess. It is also deemed as the “Maldives of the Philippines.” The sandbar can be compared to a white jewel that emerges from the sea floor when the tide recedes. It will definitely make you even wonder more how Mother Nature can create such astonishing panorama. You will find cottages that looks like they are floating on waters, which gives the place the Maldivian feel.

3. Boracay

          Who can ever forget Boracay? The island has always remained as one of the places to visit in the Philippines. The pristine soft white sands, clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets are what tourists are after in this paradise. You can find almost anything in Boracay. Its crazy nightlife quivers with bars and restaurants that give tourists great food and entertainment until dawn.

4. Siquijor Island

        Cambugahay Falls, Coral Cay Resort and Dive Shop, Lazi Church, Paliton Beach, Capilay Spring Park, Butterfly Sanctuary, Marelle’s Underwater World Museum, Salagdoong Beach, Lugnason Falls, and Lagaan Falls are just some of the places that you can visit when you go to Siquijor.

5. Hundred Islands National Park

          The Hundred Islands in the city of Alaminos, Pangasinan is another place you can go to if you literally want to take a break from all the hassles that the modern world bring. From the port, you will be taken to islands where you can spend the night. You can either pay for the lodging in a house where solar panels are used or you can camp out in a tent by the beach. You won’t hear any rooster happily cooing in the morning. It is a quiet place far from the hustle and bustle of the busy world. There are bangkeros who can take you to see the beautiful islands when you go island hopping.

6. Camiguin

          Camiguin is labeled as the “Island Born off Fire.” It holds the record for the island with the most number of volcanoes (such as Mt. Hibok Hibok, Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Mumbajao, and Mt. Uhay) for very square kilometer in the world.

7. Batanes

          Batanes can also treat you to a relaxing adventure. In addition, you can also have a taste of their Ivatan Cuisine and be educated about their culture. Batanes also offer traditional handicrafts that you can take home as pasalubong.

8. Carnaza Island Eco Park, Cebu

Photo Courtesy: Dyanlang.com

Carnaza Island Eco Park is the one of the best backpacking destination in Cebu. It is a great place to relax and bond with your family and loved ones. The islands has white sands and snorkeling spots. You can get to try the “habal-habal” ride to get to the beaches.

9. Bohol

       You can take a boat ride from Cebu to reach Bohol, which is another good spot to visit. One of the top tourist attractions in Bohol is the ever so famous, “Chocolate Hills.” The Chocolate Hills are made up of 1,268 geological formations scattered throughout the island of Bohol.

Panglao Island can also be found in Bohol. This island has powdery beaches. Scuba-diving, snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and even fishing are some of the activities that you can enjoy in the island.

10. Mayon Volcano, Albay

         The perfectly shaped cone, Mayon Volcano, in Albay has an amazing view that can be admired from a distance. You don’t need to come close to appreciate its majestic view. The volcano is an active one so it is advisable not to climb as it spit ashes out of the blue.

Aside from these wonderful places, the Philippines also boasts a number of festivals. During your vacation leaves and days off, take advantage of the opportunity to find out about the cultural differences of the following festivals.

Ati-Atihan Festival – held on the third Sunday of January in Kalibo, Aklan

Sinulog Festival – held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu

Dinagyang Festival – held on the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City

Panagbenga Festival – held during the month of February in Baguio City

Moriones Festival – held during Holy Week in Marinduque

Binatbatan Festival of the Arts – held the first week of May in Vigan City

Pahiyas Festival – held May 15 in Lucban, Quezon

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival – held June 29 in Leyte

Kadayawan Festival – held the month of August in Davao City

Maskara Festival – held from October 19 to the 22 in Bacolod City