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Top 10 Dream-Phil Destinations

Born and raised in the busy city of Manila, surrounded with buildings, malls, traffic and noise; I’ve always dreamt of exploring and experiencing the beautiful and breathtaking places my beloved country (Philippines) magnificent treasures.  Philippines archipelago is consists of 7,107 islands with total land area of approx. 300,000 km2. Having the 5th longest coastline in the world it is blessed with astonishing beaches, mountains and forests haven to variety of species.
But having limited resources I‘ve only managed to visits some places such as Baguio City (summer capital of the Philippines), Pangasinan (home of Hundred Islands), Laguna (resorts & hot springs), Tagaytay (chillax scenery & atmosphere), Batangas (beaches), Subic Bay (former US naval base), La Union (plantation fields) and Corregidor Island (historical military defense field). So I’ve listed my top ten Philippines destinations I’m looking forward to see if time and budget permits.J

1.       Palawan
Palawan is biogeographically part of Sundalan (regions of Southeastern Asia which envelops the areas of the Asian continental shelf that was exposed during the last ice age), a sanctuary to distinctive wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. Here nestled the Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park included to the World Heritage List and majestically comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

It features more than a thousand islands and islets with white-sand beaches, picturesque rock formations, underwater rivers and amazing caves. Some of its renowned places include El Nido well-known for its awesome seascape and limestone cliffs; Saint Paul’s National Park which takes pride of caves that lays an underground river; Caluit Island, habitat of Philippine-African wildlife; and the ancient Busuanga Island.

2.       Siargao Island
A tear-drop shaped island in the province of Surigao Del Norte, Siargao is a classic tropical island lies sheltered within its surrounding coral reef with dozens of coconut palms in-circled in the center of the Island. It possesses the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao at Del Carmen, longest stretches of wetlands and miles of white sandy beaches. Siargao Island is a perfect place for the sun, beach and surf buffs due to its Cloud 9 break which is rated to be among the best in the world. It’s also ideal for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing and kayaking.

3.       Camiguin Island
Camiguin is of volcanic origin, this 62 km2 island-province has more volcanoes per km2 than any other island on Earth. Aside from Lanzones festival in the month of October, it is also famous for its white-sand beaches, waterfalls, spring resorts and astonishing caves haven to exotic and endemic species. Among its popular natural attractions are the White Island, Mantigue Island, Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls, Ardent Hot Springs, Tangub Hot Springs, Sto. Niño Cold Springs and Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool.

4.       Guimaras Island
Situated in the Western Visayas Region known for its 238.3 kilometers coastline, Guimaras Island is notable for its clear blue waters, marine life and long stretches of white powdery sand considered among the finest in the world. It’s also famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world and the Manggahan Festival (Mango Festival). Its major attractions include Roca Encantadia, Guisi Lighthouse, Tiniguiban Islet, Isla Naburot, Lombija Wildlife Resort, Taklong-Tandog Island, Igang Marine Station, Toyo Reef, and La Paz & Pamankulan Fish Sanctuaries.



5.       Boracay Island
Famous for its pure fine talcum powder-sand beaches, Boracay Island belongs to the Western Visayas island-group. It has countless hidden coves dotting the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches, on top of its azure seas and stunning sunsets. Thus, it’s voted as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook (1990) and the world’s number one tropical beach by British publication TV Quick (1996). Its serene crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite boarding, cliff diving, sunbathing, and beach relaxation.

6.       Sagada
A pastoral upland valley Sagada enjoys cool weather and magnificent sceneries; early in the morning its infinite vast of mountain ranges is clothed by fogs. It is blessed with limestone cliffs, subterranean caves, unexplored forests, underground river and falls. Some of its many natural wonders include Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls, Sumaging and Lumiang Caves, Rice Terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Lake Danum, Kitongan bottomless pit, Calvary Hill, Alipine Lake Banao, underground river and the most notable hanging coffins (err, which I’m not really that eager to experience J). It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature in its best by trekking, hiking, exploration, spelunking, rappelling, bonfires and picnics.



7.       Albay
Albay is part of the Bicol Region and most notable to its main landmark Mayon Volcano, the nearly perfect cone shaped active volcano that forms a scenic backdrop to its capital city of Legaspi. Besides the majestic Mayon Volcano other notable tourist spots include Spanish Galleon wreck site, Putsan beach, Cagsawa ruins, Sogod Beach, Bugsucan Falls, Palale Falls, San Lorenzo beach, Parian Mainit spring, Hayop-hayopan caves, Calabidongan caves, Busay falls, Naglaus underground river, Balubagon boiling cave, Ilologan beach, Mataginting Falls, Del Rosario Caves and Minaroso Caves.

8.       Bohol City
Located at the Central Visayas region, Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its coastline glided by gentle coves and white-sand beaches, numerous mounds of limestone formation and crystal springs. It’s well-known for the rolling hills and plateaus of Chocolate Hills; and haven to the Philippine Tarsier considered as the second-smallest primate in the world. Panglao Island regarded as one of the top ten diving locations in the world also nestled in Bohol.

9.       Cebu City
One of the most urbanized provinces in the Philippines, Cebu is consists of narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, coastal plains, rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. It is named as the “Island of Festivals “for its various celebrations of festivals such as Sinulog, Paskuhan and Kadaugan sa Mactan. Cebu is also famous for its historical landmarks such as Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Lapu Lapu Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, Magellan Shrine and Cebu Taoist Temple.

10.       Ilocos
Ilocos is collectively refers to two provinces, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur; both rich in heritage and natural wonders. Its most notable landmark is the Heritage City of Vigan inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its preserve houses of a Spanish colonial town in Asia. Other notable attractions include Kapurpurawan rock formation, Ilocos Windmill, Pagudpud Beach and Paoay Church.

(Sigh). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that soon I’ll have the luxury to explore all these awesome places and I can actually account here all the experiences and fun I have when it happens. “A whole stack of memories never equal one little hope.” (-Charles M. Schulz)

2 comments:

  1. wow sheng! i'm so proud of you. clap!clap!clap! cheers to your new found hobby. and i wish i could be with you when you explore all that places..palibre ako sau hahhaa! happy for you friend! keep it up..next blog.. countries you want to visit soon..^_^ suggestion lang

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