TOP 12 preferred DESTINATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES (So Far)

This year is the 10th anniversary of The bad Traveler. When we started this blog, we just wished to chronicle our misadventures. We were able to do that, as well as then some. This blog has enabled us to see the world while building a profession in travel.

To celebrate the occasion, we were expected to go on a three-month backpacking trip around the globe, however as you most likely guessed, that plan has gone out the window. like many, we are staying house up until the pandemic is over. instead of going out, we chose to look back on the very best trips of the past decade in a series of blog posts. as well as what much better method to begin than with the Philippines!

Like many Pinoy travel bloggers, our practically charming affair with seat sales as well as boarding passes very first took shape by checking out our extremely own islands. We are fortunate for being born as well as increased here, within touching distance of lovely tropical destinations. with the years, we were able to go farther as well as set foot in practically 60 provinces.

We still have a great deal of destinations to visit, however in this post, we’re noting down our preferred locations so far. This is just based on our personal experiences as well as in no specific order. right here we go!

Batanes

How we got to Batanes was pure luck. At the time, only Philippine Airlines had flights to Basco as well as it’s seldom included seat sales. however one day, it happened! I was able to get affordable tickets. It was worth the wait! We expected to be blown away by Batanes, however it likewise snatched our hearts.

Remote as well as isolated, Batanes is the northernmost province in the Philippines. It’s a 10-piece archipelago, with the three most significant islands being the only ones inhabited: Sabtang, Batan, as well as Itbayat. Sabtang as well as Itbayat are their own municipalities, while Batan is even more split into Basco, Ivana, Uyugan, as well as Mahatao.

We have returned a couple of times because our very first see as well as we’re always excited to go back. Batanes is one of those destinations that captivates effortlessly. It is visually spectacular as well as culturally fascinating, however what sets it apart is its reclusive calm. Batanes has a natural capability to force you to reflect, get lost in thought, as well as discover peace even for a moment.

? much more INFO: BATANES travel GUIDE

Ilocos

Ilocos is one of the very first locations we went to together. We weren’t travel blog writers yet at the time, however I still keep in mind exactly how impressed I was by the diversity of the attractions here. From sand dunes to beaches to heritage sites, the Ilocandia has it all. We started the trip in Vigan as well as made our method with Bantay, Batac, Paoay, Laoag, as well as Bangui up until we reached Pagudpud. It provided us numerous memories that are still vibrant as much as now.

Years later, we lastly braved the Paoay Sand Dunes, something I’ve always wished to try because our very first visit! as well as we have likewise returned to Vigan on one more occasion.

Cagayan

On her extremely very first travel assignment, our teammate Astrid headed off to one of the farthest corners of Luzon — Cagayan. Upon arrival, you’ll be surrounded by a blend of pleasure as well as triumph, after being on the road for long hours. however the paradise that is Cagayan benefits travelers who go the additional mile.

One of the most breathtaking destinations right here is Palaui Island. Climb to the top of the Cape Engaño Lighthouse as well as feast your eyes with the postcard-worthy scenery. one more must-visit area is Anguib Beach, nicknamed the “Boracay of the North” for its sparkling white sand as well as turquoise waters. other than swimming, let the gentle wind lull you to sleep in one of the hammocks scattered around the area.

Don’t leave the province without stepping into Callao Cave, a seven-chamber limestone cave, which homes a practical church. It is likewise the site where they found a new types of pygmy archaic human now called Homo luzonensis, which resided in the area around 50,000 years ago.

Sagada

The very first time I set foot on Sagada was during our business trip in 2009. even before we hopped out of our rented vehicle, I already fell in love. Within a minute because we went into the town, I had already chose that I should return. as well as return I did. The next time I visited, I was with my closest friends, all of whom had been dying to be there. It was one of our barkada’s finest trip ever.

Located in the mountain Province, Sagada is a fifth class municipality with only 11,000 residents as of 2015. believe of it as a small, somewhat established village at the heart of the Cordillera. It has a typically cold climate year-round, much chillier than Baguio, something that attracts domestic tourists. aside from the cooler temperature, it likewise hasa great deal to offer to adventurers, sightseers, as well as history buffs alike. It’s finest understood for the hanging coffins, waterfalls, as well as a network of caves. The great news is, the regional government as well as the residents themselves are environment-conscious as well as have enforced specific regulations.

✅ much more INFO: SAGADA travel GUIDE

Palawan

I set foot in Palawan for the very first time under horrible circumstances. My grandfather had passed away as well as I needed to fly to Puerto Princesa to go to the wake as well as the funeral. In the middle of mourning, I was mind-blown. prior to this trip, I had never traveled far for leisure, not counting the young boy Scout jamborees I joined as a child.

After that trip, I discovered myself composing about a location for the very first time. I organized to return just to check out the city, something I wasn’t able to do that time, however it didn’t occur soon sufficient for monetary reasons. It would take much more than two long years; thanks to one more business outing. bit did I understand that it was only the begin of my numerous affairs with Palawan. We returned once again as well as once again as well as again.

Palawan is a gift that keeps on giving. Coron‘s nooks as well as crannies are teeming with natural charm as well as cultural significance: from the lakes as well as lagoons of Coron Island, to neighboring beaches, to shipwreck dive sites as well as coral gardens, to saltwater hot springs. Heck, they even have an African Safari nearby.

El Nido is a treasure trove of marine life as well as remarkable seascapes, earning it a consistent location among the very best beach destinations in the world. Puerto Princesa is house to an underground river, which was hailed as one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature. The tourism industry right here is extremely organized as well as an suitable destination even for first-timers, seniors, as well as children.

And these are just three of the top destinations in the province!

Batangas

I’m biased, of course, since I was born as well as increased in the Land of the Valiant. before ending up being a blogger, I had not truly explored my hometown, which was a shame. I fixed my eyes on the sights in the distance, overlooking the gems within my own backyard. I always set it aside since it was close to home.

Masasa Beach
But there’s so much much more to Batangas than its proximity to Manila. It is a blessed land. It cradles a broad range of diverse landscapes — beaches, a lake, dive sites, rivers, mountains, as well as a volcano. These locations have likewise nurtured neighborhoods from the pre-Spanish settlements to the increase of the province’s numerous metropolitan centers in its long history. Thus, it is no surprise that Batangas has a rich culture as well as heritage, as well as has ended up being house to a few of the country’s many considerable national heroes whose functions as well as tradition cannot be stressed enough.

My favorites are the coasts of Nasugbu, Calatagan, Tingloy, as well as San Juan. Yes, they tend to be congested in top seasons. however the excellent thing about living not as well far away from paradise is that I might go there any type of freakin’ time I want. (Probably not now, however you get what I mean. Haha.)

Northern Samar

When it concerns very first impressions, few might rival northern Samar. We went off the beaten path as well as paid a see to Laoang, an island municipality that stays off many travelers’ radar. On two wheels, we hopped from one beautiful cove to one more as well as shared them without any other tourist.

Our fave was Onay Beach, a golden stretch blanketed in a radiant blend of white, black, as well as brown grains. There was nothing much delegated do however to eliminate our sandals as well as just walk on the sand as well as feel its very soft as well as fine grains make like with my soles.

But the genuine highlight of our trip was Biri Island, on the other end of the province. It is practically untouched. Its rock formations are enormous, with views absolutely spectacular. I still keep in mind that moment when I reached the top of one of the rock formations as well as had my very first peek of the surrounding landscape. “This is one of the most lovely locations I have been to!” I yelled to my friend. six years later, I was able to lastly return. Biri Island stays just as amazing as I remember.

Cebu

Doesn’t matter where you go — staying in Cebu City, diving off the northern islands, or trekking up its southern peaks — Cebu is the supreme destination for adventurers.

Within the city center, essential historic landmarks stand just next to every other. as well as while public transportation (i.e. jeepney routes) can be confusing in the beginning, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Cebu as a whole is tourist-friendly. Locals are typically hospitable as well as helpful.

Our preferred location in Cebu? Bantayan Island. What utilized to bea sleepy fishing village years back has been enjoying the fruits of tourism as tourists look for laid-back options to Boracay. Bantayan has discovered its method to Cebu all inclusive travel bundles however stays a top option among backpackers for its sheer charm as well as peaceful atmosphere. It is a three-hour bus trip as well as a one-hour ferry trip away from Cebu City.

Negros Island

Negros Island is composed of two provinces — Negros Occidental as well as Negros Oriental — as well as they’re similarly worth a visit.

Danjugan Island
It’s a region that is finest understood for two Fs: food as well as festivities. however the fun (oh that’s one more F) doesn’t stop there. Its coastline is strewn with white sand as well as punctuated by heritage towns. Not to mention that its people are a few of the friendliest I have had the honor to meet, making a trip an unforgettable experience each time.

It’s simple to fill a week’s itinerary. From swimming with turtles in Apo Island to food tripping in Bacolod, you’ll never run out of boxes to tick.

But there’s one destination that we like to visit: Danjugan Island. found in the municipality of Cauayan, 5 hours from Bacolod or Dumaguete, Danjugan Island is a marine reserve handled by Philippine Reef as well as Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc (PPRCFI), who purchased it in 1994 from the hands of destruction. This five-lagoon island is house to 72 types of birds including sea eagles as well as the Tabon scrub fowls, 10 types of bats, 579 types of fish. as well as 244 types of corals. the very best part is that you don’t requirement to be a diving diver to see these valuable living gems. You can see numerous of them even when just snorkeling.

The typical jump off point to Danjugan Island is Sipalay City, which is hemmed by fine beaches as well as dynamic reefs.

Siargao

Siargao is currently the rockstar of Philippine destinations. A surfing mecca, the island was a best-kept trick among wave-riders up until word about its other outstanding attractions reached much more non-surfers.

You can check out the primary island as well as see the wonders it keeps in its jagged corners as well as rich landscapes like the coconut-lined roads, the IG-perfect Maasin river, as well as Magpupungko rock pools. Or you can go island hopping; Guyam Island, Daku Island, as well as naked Island are just a boat trip away.

Sohoton Cove is likewise quickly available from Siargao. It is part of Bucas Grande Islands, an elaborate network of spectacular karst hills as well as islets cradling dynamic lagoons, beaches as well as even caves. The crystal remove water of some lagoons bring stingless jellyfish. Jellyfish season begins in March however reaches its top in July as well as August.

✅ much more INFO: SIARGAO travel GUIDE

SOCCSKSARGEN

Our many unforgettable journey in Mindanao occurred in SOCCSKSARGEN. Comprising South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani as well as general Santos City, the SOCCSKSARGEN region is one of the most underrated destinations in the country.

Lake Holon
A trip across the region will take you from Gumasa beach in Sarangani to Lake Sebu as well as Lake Holon in South Cotabato to the little-known eco-parks in Sultan Kudarat. The highlight of our trip was the hike up Mt. Melibingoy as well as overnight stay by the lake. found in T’boli, South Cotabato, Mt. Melibingoy towers over the town with its greatest top at 1,750 meters. A dormant stratovolcano, it cradles a crater lake called Lake Holon, which was developed after an eruption in 1641. It has likewise nurtured wild, endemic flora as well as fauna.

For a quick adrenaline rush, try the seven Falls Zipline, named after the seven cascades discovered in the area. It is split into two lines: the very first extends 740 meters, as well as the other 420. visitors dangle as well as are swooshed 20 meters per second as they scramble to take in all the beautiful views, take photographs, as well as just delight in the moment. If you might do just one zipline in the Philippines, this is many certainly it.

Zamboanga

Ever seen a pink beach? Yes, pink! Well, just to handle your expectations, it is not bright pink. From afar, it appears like your normal white beach however the pink glow becomes much more apparent as you come closer. Fringing an edge of Sta. Cruz Grande Island (Great Sta. Cruz Island), the pink bits are pulverized red organ-pipe corals (Tubipora musica) swept to the shore. as well as yes, you’ll likewise see these bright red corals in the dynamic reef nearby.

But Sta. Cruz Grande Island is much more than just its pastel shore. It likewise cradles a lagoon that is bursting with biodiversity. You can trip a boat as well as take a guided trip around the lagoon as well as satisfy the numerous fantastic creatures that phone call it home, such as the (stingless!) upside down jellyfish! You can likewise row a vinta!

When you get to the city, get to understand its history, written on the numerous monuments scattered around. Don’t fail to remember to have a taste of the city’s irresistible