Where to Go in the Philippines for First-Time Visitors
The Philippines in Southeast Asia is home to an abundance of stunning islands and white sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains and natural formations. It contains more than 7,000 islands, including Siargao, Palawan, and Boracay, which are regularly awarded as among the greatest in the world by prominent travel publications.
Organizing a multi-destination trip is the ideal way to get the most out of your tropical holiday in the Philippines, especially for first-timers. Yet, it could be challenging because you have to plan many flights or transfers. This is why you should think about making a reservation with a reputable travel agency like Guide to the Philippines, the largest online travel marketplace in the Philippines.
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines soon, here are some of the top destinations that you should include in your itinerary:
1. Boracay
Boracay, a vibrant tropical island in Aklan, is one of the best islands in the world. Due to its beautiful, white sand beaches like the famous White Beach, diving and cliff diving places like Ariel’s Point, breathtaking sunsets, exhilarating water activities like parasailing and banana boat ride, thriving nightlife, island hopping activities, and other tourist attractions, this Visayas island has attracted both locals and international visitors to its coast.
2. Cebu
Cebu is the oldest city in the Philippines, and is often known as the Queen City of the South. It is one of the most urbanized cities in the country outside of Luzon. While in this Visayan island, visit its beautiful beaches, such as those in Moalboal and Bantayan Island, as well as the islands of Mactan and Bantayan. You can also swim with thresher sharks in Malapascua and millions of sardines in Moalboal, engage in thrilling activities like canyoneering, and embark on culinary explorations to sample Cebu lechon (whole roasted pig) and other regional cuisines.
3. Bohol
A short ferry ride from Cebu would take you to Bohol, another renowned Visayan island. The Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, may be found here, as well as its most popular geological attraction known as Chocolate Hills. Apart from it, some must-see Bohol attractions include the Bilar Man-made Forest and the Loboc River, where you can enjoy a Filipino buffet while on a boat cruise. Bohol is also a popular beach and diving destination, with attractions such as Alona Beach, Balicasag Island diving, and Pamilacan Island.
4. Palawan
If you enjoy swimming, lounging on inhabited islands, and exploring diving spots, Palawan, the Philippines’ largest island province, should be on your holiday itinerary. It is known for its white sand beaches and islets, turquoise waters, a diverse array of marine life and shipwreck sites, and dramatic towering limestone cliffs. Around 1,700 beautiful islands and islets are scattered across Palawan’s four main destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron, and San Vicente.
Its capital, Puerto Princesa, is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage and New7Wonders of Nature site. On the other hand, El Nido is renowned as the perfect tropical paradise, home to natural wonders like Nacpan Beach and Big Lagoon. Coron, located near the northern extremity of Palawan island, is noted for its shipwrecks and crystal blue lagoons, such as Kayangan Lake. Last but not least is San Vicente, home of Long Beach, the Philippines’ longest beach, and the famed beach town of Port Barton.
5. Siargao
Siargao, a tear-drop-shaped island in Mindanao, has been recognized as the Philippines’ top surfing destination. The annual International Surfing Cup, which is often held at General Luna in Siargao’s most well-known surfing area dubbed Cloud 9, draws surfers from different parts of the world. Together with surfing, island hopping excursions, where you can visit Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island, are a must-try.
6. Cordillera Region (North Luzon)
Some of the Philippines’ most breathtaking mountainous destinations may be found in North Luzon, such as Baguio, Banaue, Sagada, Batad, and Kalinga. Baguio, known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” is the entry point for the Cordillera region. Aside from its cold weather, it is popular for family-friendly attractions like Camp John Hay and Burnham Park.
Meanwhile, the magnificent rice terraces of Banaue and Batad, as well as the mountain village of Sagada with its caves and iconic hanging coffins, are highlights for first-time visitors. Lastly, the secluded town of Buscalan in Kalinga has become popular among visitors who are up for the long journey to get inked with traditional tribal tattoos by Apo Whang-od, renowned as the the oldest traditional tattoo artist of her tribe.
7. Bicol Region
Bicol,a region located in the southern tip of Luzon group of islands, is home to the iconic Mount Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. This active volcano is dubbed as having the world’s most perfect volcanic cone because of its symmetry. Aside from Mayon Volcano, Bicol is stunning and far from ordinary, with a plethora of underrated islands and beaches, historic churches, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders such as the white beaches of Caramoan, pristine islands of Calaguas, and the experience of swimming with the gentle whale sharks of Donsol in their natural habitat.
With Guide to the Philippines, you can plan your ideal tropical vacation in the Philippines in a matter of seconds. Check out the website and social media profiles of Guide to the Philippines to learn more about what the Philippines has to offer, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
Guide to the Philippines website: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/
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