Tourism Spots You Can Visit in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourism Spots in the Country

Philippines is a beautiful country. With breathtaking tropical islands, rich tradition, hospitable locals, popular festivals, and numerous tourism spots, it is no wonder this country is an exceptional escape for both locals and tourists.

Also, it is definitely More fun in the Philippines with Filipino dishes like Sinigang, Bicol Express, and Adobo. If you have watched Nas Daily’s video on why Philippines is his favorite country, he shared that the only country where everyone speaks English, where he can eat cheap, and lost his breath on nature, is the Philippines.

Each of us deserves a break from all the stresses in life and there are plenty of tourism spots in the country to visit and come back too. Here, we listed some tourist spots in the Philippines you should visit with the family or with your squad.

Beaches in Puerto Galera

Diving-Puerto Galera

Amidst nature’s splendor lies an exciting night life in Puerto Galera. Unlike other destinations in the Philippines which requires you to ride a plane, Puerto Galera is just a few hours away in Manila.

There are plenty of water activities which can be done in the island. Such activities include kayaking, banana boat ride, diving and island hopping. The island hopping includes trip to Bayanan Beach, Sandbar Island, Haligi Beach, San Antonio Island, and Coral Garden.

If you are not into extreme water activities, you can just walk around the white sand beaches and take some pictures. At night, there are fire dancers in the beach and live bands to cap off the night. Since Puerto Galera is expanding and bars are flourishing, people are getting more and more interested to visit this island on the weekend, especially that it is just near the metro.

This year, one of the much-anticipated festival in Puerto Galera, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival will be held on March 23 to 25. This annual festival features musical performances and art exhibits. The 3-day festival will be held at the grass-terraced amphitheater at the foot of Mount Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay.

There are plenty of villages in Puerto Gallera, and each have lodges and resorts where you can stay. Most popular among locals and tourists is the Sabang and White Beach.

How To Go There

In Manila, ride a bus going to Batangas and alight from the pier. From there, there’s a ferry boat which will take you to Puerto Galera.

 

Mount Samat Cross in Bataan

Vigattin Tourism

If you wanted to escape the bustle and hustle of the city life but do not want to break the bank, then head over in Bataan. There are plenty of tourism spots in Bataan you definitely should pay a visit. Sometimes, it is best to immerse ourselves in the rich history of our country, and at the same time, appreciating the breathtaking scenery on the place.

One of the most recommended place you should visit if you want to get the best view of the sunrise and sunset is the Mount Samat Shrine. It is located at the summit of Mount Samat in the town of Pilar. The Mount Samat Shrine or Shrine of Valor — perched atop Mt. Samat in Pilar —was built to honor the bravery of the Filipinos and Americans who fought during the second world war.

This Bataan Icon houses the 92-meters memorial cross marble colonnade where you can see the Bataan art mural engraved by Maximo Vicente, the glass mosaic designed by Professor Cenon Rivera, and all the artwork and sculptures majestically made by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. To reach  the cross, you need to walk in the  448-step zigzagging footpath covered bloodstone, which is said to be the rocks from Corregidor, stained by Japanese blood.

To get an amazing panoramic view of Bataan, there’s an elevator inside the Mt. Samat cross, which would take you to the viewing gallery encased in its arms.

You can also visit the Wetlands, the Balanga Cathedral, and the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan.

Bataan also take pride in their annual festival, the Pawikan Festival. It is usually held on the first week of November.

How To Go There

From Manila, ride a Genesis bus going to Balanga. From the Balanga Central Terminal, ride a jeepney going to Cabog-Cabog and tell the driver to drop you off Mt. Samat. From there, ride a tricycle going to the shrine. It will cost you P200 per person, back and forth.

 

White Beaches in El Nido

El Nido is one of the must-visit tourism spot in the Philippines. With its powdery white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, El Nido turns out to be a paradise visited by travelers around the world. In 2016, it was even declared as World’s Best Island by Conde Naste Traveler, a lifestyle and luxury magazine based in the United States. Last year,  it was voted as Travel + Leisure’s World Best Island based on readers’ ratings, getting a score of 93.15.

One of the most done activities here is island hopping and basking in the sun. In between your island hopping, tourists can even eat prepared lunch in one of the Islands they are going to visit.

Some islands you should include during your tour is the Dilumacad Island or popularly known as the Helicopter Island because it looks like a helicopter from afar. There is also the Matinloc Island where you can find the secret beach which can only be accessible through swimming inside a small limestone cave. Included also in the tour is the  Simizu Island  surrounded by towering cliffs and white sands. Make sure to bring your waterproof cameras because snorkeling is one of the main activity you can do here. Plenty of colorful fishes can also be found in the area.

 

How To Go To El Nido

To visit El Nido, Palawan, book an airplane going to Puerto Princesa. From Puerto Princesa International Airport, you may ride some buses and vans that are bound to El Nido. The bus ride will take five to six hours.

 

Bathala Caves in Marinduque

Experience an extraordinary trip and witness the enchanting Bathala Caves in Marinduque. Skip the usual beach vibes and explore the 3 popular caves inside – Simbahan Cave, Secret Cae, and Kay Coke or Python Cave.

As the name suggest, the Simbahan cave possesses a church-like rock formation, making a dramatic when lights passes through the it. Next, the Secret Cave which is a unique rock formation of stalactites and stalagmites featuring impressive wall sculptures and formations at the entrance. What keeps it more interesting is that there are also unnamed caves inside which houses an underground rivers and skeletons of the remains of World War II soldiers.

If you awnt to go swimming, here at Marinduque, you can also find the Tres Reyes Island. You can go and have a picnic, and have a sight of its blue waters.

Marinduque is also the home of the popular Moriones Festival. The week-long festival coincides within the holy week, but what differs is that the Marinduque is all surrounded with pomp and colour, dubbing the province as the Lenten Capital of the Philippines. Also, one of the highlights of the festival include a parade where local folks men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical Roman soldiers.

How To Go to Bathala Cave

By land-sea travel: From Manila, take a bus going to Dalahican, Lucena Port. Different bus companies travel from Manila to Dalahican so you have various options. Jam Transit and JAC Liner are two bus companies bound for Marinduque. JAC Liner plies a direct Manila-Marinduque route.

To go to Bathala cave, take a tricycle infront of the Catholic Church. Travel time is about 30 minutes. At the Barangay Road of Bathala, trek time to the cave is about 20 minutes.

 

Pearl Farm in Samal Island, Davao

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This beach-resort hotel in Samal Island, Davao is best known for its oasis of perfection. If you are wondering where this place is located, it is just half an hour away from the bustling city of Davao.

You will definitely ran out of words when you step at the exceptional Island. This resort houses beautifully designed houses on stilts and the Pearl Farm’s iconic parola, a lighthouse from which ancient mariners would keep watch over their coastline. Today, it is a place of welcome, with a fully stocked bar, plenty of space for relaxation, and amazing views of the ocean.

Its unique character and private location combined with outstanding service and hearty cuisine from its excellent dining outlets make the Pearl Farm Beach Resort one of the country’s most ideal havens. The beach-resort hotel has 70 accommodations, made up of suites, executive villas, and cottages. Each rooms and amenities are carefully designed with Mindanaoan and Filipino culture in mind.

They even have the Infinity and Mandaya pool with the view of the Mt. Apo. There are also aqua sports activity for adrenaline junkies.

With their proud Mindanaoan hospitality and impeccable facilities, Pearl Farm Beach Resort lives up to its name of being the only five-star hotel in Davao.

How To Go To Pearl Farm Beach Resort

To get to Pearl Farm Beach Resort, you’ll have to get to Pearl Farm Marina—the docking area for the boat transfer. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes and boat schedule is only from 10am and 2pm going to the resort. Going back to Davao, it’s 8:30am and 1pm.

 

Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur

Amazing adventures await travelers at Caramoan Islands. It was an underrated tourism spot before when TV series “Survivor” billed Caramoan to the list of the world’s most sought-after tourist attractions.

This place is a perfect island getaway that caters to all types of travelers – from backapackers, local and foreign visitors. Some activities you can do at Caramoan includes trekking, bouldering, kayaking, island hopping, caving, rappelling, and caving.

To check on the accommodation, visit their official website at www.caramoanislands.com

Tourists also flock to Camarines Sure to witness the  Tinagba Festival. This annual festival is held at Iriga City and is also a yearly celebration in honor of the abundant prosperity of the land. In addition, they also celebrate the festival of Our Lady of Lourdes. The locals re-enact the ancient traditional ritual that involves making offerings.

How To Go To Caramoan

Book a direct flight from Manila to Pili Airport. The Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly from the Manila domestic airports to Pili airport.

 

Underground River in Puerto Princesa

Dubbed as the New7Wonders of Nature and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Underground River in Puerto Princesa in Palawan continues to attract tourist from all over the world to witness its majestic beauty .

As you head over the boat ride, tour guides will tell you to get ahold of your personal belongings as there are monkeys in the forest which can get your things.

The 8-km subterranean wonder is also the world’s longest navigable river. Once you get into the island, you will be given a headphone that narrates each part of the cave. You will be riding in a boat, paddling in the dark cave with only light from the boatman’s head lamp. Underneath the belly cave are giant cavernous cathedrals, food-shaped limestones, and bats. The tour will last for only 20 minutes as some parts of the cave is prohibited.

Puerto Princesa hold its annual festival, the Balayong Festival which commemorates the founding anniversary of the City of Puerto Princesa highlighted by balayong tree-planting, street dancing and colorful floral parade depicting the Palawan Cherry Blossoms from which the festival derived its name.

How to go to the Underground River

There are daily flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa. From Puerto Princesa, ride a van going to Sabang. It will take you a half an hour to get to there. From Sabang, you will ride a boat going to the Underground River.