Top 20 emerging Philippine tourism hot spots
APO ISLAND
APO REEF NATURAL PARK
Apo Reef is recognized as one of
the largest coral reef systems in the world, second only to the Great
Barrier Reef in Australia. The Apo Reef Natural Park consists of three
islands which are surrounded by lush mangrove forests. These serve as
nurseries and spawning grounds for coastal and marine species, as well
as a sanctuary for different avian species. It is a Mecca for both
divers and environment enthusiasts.
BATANES
The Batanes group of islands is
located at the northernmost tip of Philippine territory. It is known for
its scenic waters and terrain and clean environment. Batanes is also
recognized for the unique culture of the islands’ first settlers, the
Ivatans. Batanes is open for swimming, snorkeling, diving, lighthouse
visits, biking, and visits to century-old Ivatan houses.
BIRI ISLAND ROCK FORMATION
The Biri Island rock formation
is composed of four small, rocky islands located in that perilous area
where the San Bernardino Strait meets the Pacific Ocean. The incredible
strength of these natural forces has caused the islands to take on
distinct and interesting shapes. Geologists from the University of the
Philippines state that the rocks date back from the Early Miocene
Period, and their ages range from five to 23 million years old.
BUCAS GRANDE ISLAND
Surfing is not the only thing
that Surigao has to offer. In the town of Socorro in Surigao del Norte
lies the Bucas Grande Islands or the Sohoton Cove National Park. This
island is packed with numerous caves and white sand beaches, waterfalls,
mangroves, iron woods, inland lakes, fishing grounds, and corals. The
famed Blue Lagoon which is a labyrinthine place made of limestone islets
.On the other hand, the Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon is home to millions
of no-sting and friendly jellyfish.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
Cagayan de Oro is famous not
only for its white rapids but also for its people. Cagayan de Oro may
very well be the happiest place in the country. The “City of Golden
Friendship,” as it is sometimes called, is home to especially friendly
and warm Filipinos. Their ready smiles are a fitting welcome, with
Cagayan de Oro’s accessible location also making it the “Gateway to
Northern Mindanao.”
CALAGUAS ISLAND
The Calaguas Islands are located
in the Municipality of Vinzons, in the Province of Camarines Norte. It
is known for its pristine beaches—the most popular among these is the
Mahabang Buhangin beach, which is made up of a long stretch of powdery
white sand.
BUSUANGA AND CORON
Both located in the municipality
of Coron in Palawan, these destinations have been cited by the National
Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of the Top 10 scuba sites in the
world. These destinations are the most popular sites for wreck diving in
the Philippines. Other activities which can be done here are swimming,
hiking, diving, snorkeling, and trekking.
CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Camiguin is the country’s
second-smallest province. In spite of this, the island packs quite a
punch. It has three mountains, three hot springs, two waterfalls, and
one active volcano. It even has an underwater cemetery, which has been
featured in TV programs both here and abroad.
CAMOTES ISLAND
The Camotes Islands are located
in the Camotes Sea, off the coast of the Province of Cebu. It is known
for its crystal clear waters, extremely fine white sand, and the
spectacular view of sunset that it offers. It even has a place in
Philippine history-- Antonio Pigafetta, one of survivors of the Battle
of Mactan, stayed there for several days before going to Cebu. (
CARAMOAN ISLANDS.
The Caramoan
islands stem from the rugged Caramoan Peninsula, which is located in the
province of Camarines Sur. The islands, however, are isolated from the
main province. This makes it perfect for island hopping, hiking, diving,
and even spelunking. The unexploited and uninhabited islands of
Caramoan have been featured in several franchises of the hit TV show
Survivor.
DANJUGAN ISLANDS
Danjugan Island is a marine and
wildlife reserve, located in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros
Occidental. It is covered with a rainforest and has five lagoons, three
of which are landlocked and two of which are flooded at high tide and
colonized by coral and reef fish species. The island is fringed with
beaches where turtles nest. It is also surrounded by diverse coral
reefs.
DONSOL
Donsol is known primarily for
whale watching. Here tourists can interact with whale sharks (butanding
in local parlance) by snorkeling, diving, or by simply waiting for them
in areas where they come right up to the surface. Donsol has been
recognized as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World”. Whale sharks are
best sighted from February to April.
APURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION
The Kapurpurawan rock formation
is located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is known for
its creamy white and streamlined limestone formations, which have been
sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. Burgos is located on
the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte.
LAKE SEBU
Lake Sebu is one of the
Philippines’ most important watersheds and a major provider of
irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. It is
located in the ancestral domain of the T'boli and Ubo tribes. The DOT
has promoted the lake as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in
Mindanao.
MT. KANLAON
Mt. Kanlaon bisects the Negros
Island, and it is also the highest peak in Central Visayas. This makes
it popular among mountain climbers and hikers. The fact that it is an
active volcano adds a certain kind of thrill. Mt. Kanlaon is truly only
for the daring. Apart from trekking, it also has an art gallery, a
zipline, and it also offers river trail adventures.
MT. PINATUBO
Mt. Pinatubo is no longer the
terror that it was more than two decades ago. It is now a prime tourist
destination which offers various kinds of adventures for those gutsy
enough to go through it. You could trek through Pinatubo’s Crow Valley
Canyon, view its crater through a chartered light aircraft, visit the
Tayawan Caldera, and even get a Pinatubo spa using lahar sediments left
by the eruption.
MT. PULAG
Mount Pulag borders the
provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. It is the Philippines’
third highest mountain and Luzon’s highest peak. The mountain hosts more
than five hundred plant species. The dwarf bamboo, for instance, is
endemic to the mountain. It also houses several endangered species of
mammals. Mount Pulag is definitely a haven for nature lovers.
PAGUDPUD BEACH
Pagudpud is a coastal town
located at the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte. It is known as the
“Boracay of the North”, but it has so much more to offer apart from its
pristine coastline. Pagudpud’s Bangui Bay also features 20 wind
turbines, which makes it Southeast Asia’s first windmill farm. Pagudpud
is also a highly popular surfing site.
PANGLAO ISLAND
Panglao is found in the
Municipalities of Dauis and Panglao, in the province of Bohol. It is
known for its white sand beaches, several resorts, and over the years
has emerged as one of the Philippines’ top beach destinations. It has
been cited in CNN Travel as one of the Philippines’ best beaches and
island destinations.; It is a pleasant alternative to the much more
popular Boracay.
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