The Philippines is one of the world’s most exotic holiday destinations and home to some of the most beautiful beaches. It is also quite easy to visit multiple times because of its more than 7,000 islands. On the other hand, there is one very tough decision that you have to make as a traveler – which island to visit first? The Philippines is broadly divided into the three big major island groups named Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which represent different parts of the country. The scenery in each one of these can vary from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan.
Here’s our list of places you shouldn’t miss on your trip, to make it easier for you to plan your tour –
- Boracay
The Boracay Island is the beach capital of the Philippines and home to over 12 beaches. This heavenly island in the west Visayas region is perfect for you if you are looking to simply relax under the sun or engage in some water activities. The White Beach, located on the island’s west coast, is one of the most visited beaches in the country. The Puka Shell Beach is located on the island’s tip and is a must-visit spot for shell collectors. The Cagban Beach is a quiet place with several caves nearby that are rumored to house treasure chests. The Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach located north of White Beach, that offers the best view of the island.
- Bohol
The Bohol island in the Visayas region is one of the country’s biggest attractions in terms of natural beauty. The Chocolate Hills in Carmen is a major attraction, and also UNESCO-protected site. It is basically a collection of more than 1,200 geological formations that change their color to brown during the dry season, making a landscape similar to one of chocolate candy kisses. This island also has a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny Tarsier primate, famous for its big engaging eyes. You can also take a walk through the sanctuary grounds and take a closer look at this small nocturnal mammal for a negligible fee.
- Cebu
The Cebu island, located in the central Visayas region, is home to the best diving and snorkeling areas in the Philippines. If you like underwater sports, Cebu should definitely be on your list of places to visit in the Philippines. You can get up-close to the huge whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles here, and witness some of the best underwater flora and fauna you may have ever seen. The famous sea caves near Cebu and their unrealistic scenery attracts photographers and water activity enthusiasts from around the world every year. The Sudlon National Park, that takes an hour to reach from Cebu City, is one of Philippines best places for hiking.