5 Tourist Destinations in the Philippines that will surely take your breatheaway

 


What comes to your mind when you hear the Philippines? To most people the Philippines is known for having an Abundance of beautiful beaches, Delicious foods and Hospitable people.


But, if you dig a little deeper, this country has a lot more to offer.  This country has been blessed with a variety of beautiful natural landscapes, active volcanoes, white sand beaches, crystal blue water, breathtaking mountain panoramic views, waterfalls, rice terraces, and more.  

Here are the 5 Tourist destinations in the Philippines that is worth visiting and experience their beauty .


1. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

 If your are looking for a destination that will surely take your breatheaway, then this place is one for you. Banaue Rice Terraces was listed as one of the “Eight Wonders of the World”, this proudly Filipino made terraces is worth the sight and the long hour trip. Hotels and Accommodations in this area are situated on the cliffs, providing you the experience of the beauty of the terraces and it will for sure give you a memorable experience and get a Panoramic View at Banaue Viewpoint., But don’t you worry, it is definitely safe.

 

Trivia☝: Did you know that the Banaue Rice Terraces were built by the indigenous people's ancestors about 2000 and 6000 years ago? The Ifugaos built the rice terraces for a variety of reasons, the most important of it was to provide food for their family. It's incredible that the people continue to plant rice and vegetables on the terraces. They only had basic tools when they built it thousands of years ago, yet the Ifugao managed to produce an engineering marvel rice terraces sustained by an elaborate irrigation system.

There are many things to do at Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, aside from the tourist attraction itself and learning about the ifugaos' traditions and culture. Here is a list of activities that you must try:

1. Dance to the sound of gongs or watch an Ifugao cultural show

the Ifugaos use brass gongs in celebrations and rituals. Locally called the “gangsa”, their distinct clanging sound provides the rhythm for traditional Ifugao dances. Visitors can arrange for a cultural show, which includes gong playing, dances, and chanting

 

2. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site up close, the Batad Rice Terraces 

A trip to Batad Village is recommended if you are not satisfied with snapshots of the terraces at Barangay Viewpoint Village and would want to wander around the terraces. The terraces at Batad are among the best preserved in the province. It is also the site that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors used to have to hike for 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there, but today vehicles can drive right up to the village's entrance.




3.  Take a cool dip at Tappiya Falls 

From Batad Village, Tappiya Falls is a one-hour hike. It is recommended that you stay overnight in Batad if you want to visit the falls. The hike takes you through the rice terraces on a trail with some steep stairs that is mildly dangerous, so becareful and always watch your steps. You should also bring a walking stick, according to the guides. You may swim in the falls and enjoy the refreshing water, however guests/travelers should not remain past 3:00 or 4:00 p.m, As going back in the village will be more difficult if it becomes dark.



5. Take a hike at  Awan-Igid-Pula-Cambulo Trek

This all-day hike, offers some of the most breathtaking views in Ifugao.

 


6. Ride An Ifugao Wooden Bike

If Intramuros have their own Bambike for tourist, then ifugao also offer a Wooden Bike. During the Imbayah Festival, you will witness very unique wooden scooter race from Viewpoint Village down to the center of town. 

 


Travel tips ☝:

The best time to go to Banaue is from March to May, which is the summer or dry season in the Philippines. If you are doing a lot of outdoor activities, this would be the best time to visit. Since it is the peak season, Travelers are advised to confirm their hotel reservations early.  

Most hotels have access to local guides, so you can arrange your hikes as soon as you arrive in Banaue. The town does not have an ATM or a cash machine, so be sure to bring along enough cash. Always remember to plan ahead if you can, but it is also best to keep an open mind for other things that can happen.

Getting there ☝:

The trip from Manila takes about 9 hours and air-conditioned buses have daily trips straight to Banaue. There are many terminals from where you can get the bus, but it is more indicated to visit the airport’s info desk and get the right information. During the trip to Ifugao, the bus will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and the sights won’t be few.

 

2. Batanes

Batanes is one of the most picturesque and fascinating destinations to visit in the Philippine. As a tourism student, for me Batanes is one of the beautiful provinces in the Philippines and this is one of my dream destination and I hope I can visit this wonderful place soon.

 Batanes is known for its breathtaking views of it's nature's beauty, such as vast rolling hills, amazing lighthouses, and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and it is also home to the kind Ivatan people, who are the kindest people you'll ever meet. 

The three main islands of Batanes are Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Batanes may be the Philippines smallest and least populous province, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that there’s nothing to see in this breathaking destination. From verdant rolling hills to fascinating tribal communities, there are plenty of things to do in Batanes that will make a lasting impression on any visitor. These are the list of activities you can do and some tourist attraction that you can visit when in Batanes :

 

`1. Take a Snapshot of Rakuh A Payaman

 There is no shortage of Batanes tourist spots in Batan Island, and you can get a taste of Batanes’ history and culture as you go from one town to another. Perhaps the most photographed tourist spot in Batanes is the Rakuh a Payaman, It is also called the Marlboro Hills in Mahatao.



2. Hike to Mount Iraya

If you love to hike and to trek then this famous tourist attraction thenn youwill surely enjoy visiting here. Mt. Iraya is an active volcano offers an adventure for hikers.

Trivia☝ : Did you know that this tourist spot is a significant landmark for Ivatans. According to the older Ivatans, whenever someone important in their tribe passes away, a ring of clouds appear above the mountains


3. Visit Basco Lighthouse

When you are in batanes, visiting the basco lighthouse is a must! This is the famous landmark of Batanes. This lighthouse was Built-in March 2003 to serve as a guide to local fishermen, the 66-ft tower Basco Lighthouse offers a 360-degree view of Basco town proper, Basco port, and the West Philippine Sea that will surely take your breath away from it’s viewpoint.

 


4. See the Vayang Rolling Hills

The famous tourist attraction in Batanes! The Vayang Rolling Hills will give you an panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Iraya, as well as the province’s significant islands Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat, all at once. From afar, you can see goats and cows grazing in the greenery. You can also catch a glimpse of the beautiful West Philippine Sea when you’re in the rolling hills.

 


5. Visit House of Dakay and engage with the Ivatan People 

If you’re in Batan’s Ivana, make sure to visit the House of Dakay, the oldest surviving stone house in the island province. You should also interact with the Ivatans though they are typically shy at first but once you engage them in the conversations, they can relate with you well. Remember that when we are talking to them, always be gentle and be respectful .

Trivia  :  Did you know that the House of Dakay  is one of the only five houses that remain standing after a strong earthquake hit the island in the early 1900s.


3. Mayon Volcano, Legazpi

If you are an adventure type of traveler then this destination is the best for your since this attraction offers a lot of activities. Mayon Volcano is Once called as the “World’s Most Photogenic Volcano”, or called the ‘’world's most perfect volcanic cone’’ because of the symmetry of it's shape,  Mayon is ready to take selfies with you as it screams it’s perfectly-angled cone shape that makes it a tourist attraction, with climbers trying to get to its rim. In fact, it's not just famous among the Filipino travelers but tourists across the world. Reminder that this Volcano is an active one so becareful and always check the news about this destinations.

 


 Visiting Mayon Volcano is more than just sightseeing and picture-taking because the area offers exciting activities perfect for the thrill-seekers. Aside from the attraciton itself, here are the activities that you must try when in Mayon Volcano Natural Park.


1. Hiking Mayon Volcano

 Seeing Mayon Volcano in person is an amazing feeling but seeing it closely, that’s different! If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike and trek the Mayon Volcano to see it closely. While on Legazpi you can also visit the Cagsawa Ruins where this attraction offer the most iconic view of Mayon Volcano that's why it's one of the most-visited attractions in Legazpi. The church ruins are remnants of the interestingly heartbreaking stories of what was once an admired structure during the Spanish era.  


If you plan to go on hiking and trek the mayon volcano there are two trails you can take : Buyuhan trail and Buang trail. And take note, the hike could take about two days. But before you hike Mayon Volcano, you should first contact the Department of Tourism office in Legazpi City.

 

2. Camping around Mayon Volcano

Since hiking Mayon Volcano could take about two days, hikers usually camp in the area. You can pitch your tent there and enjoy a camp meal together with your buddies.


3. Ecological Tour

 Explore the sights of Albay by joining an ecological tour. Some sites you can visit for the day tour are Kapuntukan Hills, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, and Ligñon Hill Nature Park where you can see a 360-degree view of the area including the beautiful landscape of Mayon Volcano. You can also try the 320-meter long zip line, and go to the hanging bridge.

 



4. ATV Riding

 If you’re looking for the most exhilarating way to explore the foothills, ruins, rice fields, rivers, and mud trails filled with thousands of volcanic rocks, try the adrenaline-kicking ATV ride in Legazpi. Drive an ATV to the Lava Wall of Mayon Volcano. This ultimate adventure rush takes you through gullies, rivers, and fallen rock.

 

How to get there ☝: 

 By Plane : Booking a flight is the fastes way to get to Albay from manila. The travel time from Ninoy Aquino Internatinal Airport (NAIA) in manila to legazpi airport takes about 45 minutes via airlines.

 By Bus : If you have the luxury of time and would rather experience the trip via land, you can take a bus from Manila to Legazpi. The journey lasts for 9 hours. Make sure to book in advance via the go-to bus lines like Cagsawa, DLTB, and Penafrancia.

 By Ferry : For visitors traveling from Leyte or Cebu, you can take the 12-15 hour trip through WG&A and Trans Asia shipping lines (both departing from Masbate Port to Legazpi, Albay.)

 


4. Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan

 When you’re planning a trip to Palawan and Coron, then it’s likely that the pictures you’ll be seeing in your research will be of Kayangan Lake, or rather of the bay that forms the entrance to the lake itself.

 



Because of the stunning limestone cliffs and refreshing waters, a visit to Kayangan Lake is often the highlight of a trip to Coron. , this destination has a crystal-clear freshwater lake with underwater rock formations, caverns, and islands. It is also a popular spot for photographers because of it’s astonoshing view .

Trivia : Did you know that Kayangan Lake is dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia.

 Here are some of the best activities you must try for in Kayangan Lake tour :

1. Swimming

Since Kayangan is made of 70% freshwater, it is ideal for swimming.

 


2. Freediving

Another amazing and thrilling thing to do in Kayangan Island is freediving. You’ll see one of the country’s most beautiful underwater worlds. The Kayangan Lake depth is said to be around 20 feet. But if you decide on freediving, make sure to be cautious at all times and follow the rules to avoid unwanted circumstances.

 


3. Snorkeling

If you don’t want to ditch your life vest, don’t worry. You can still enjoy its underwater view by snorkeling. What makes snorkeling in Kayangan more exciting is that the water is so clear that you can already see beneath through the surface.

 


4. Picture taking

Oh what’s a trip to Kayangan Lake Coron Island without picture taking? Since Kayangan is picture-perfect in all corners, you’ll never run out of backgrounds for your instagram.

How to get there:  Kayangan Lake location is in Coron, Palawan. To get there, take a flight to Busuanga. From the airport, ride a shuttle to Coron town. Take the Coron Island loop boat tour, which includes Kayangan Lake.

 

5. Cloud 9, Siargao

 Are you the type of traveler who loves to surf? Or who wants to learn surfing? Then this destination is the best for you to visit. Cloud 9 Siargao is located in General Luna, the southeast corner of Siargao Island in the Philippines. Cloud 9 originally gained popularity due to the surf but it has become a mainstream tourist attraction for people who aren't surfers. 

The main attraction is the 3-storey wooden hut that sits on the reef overlooking the wave is an epic spot and one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. Siargao Island's Cloud 9 was dubbed also as the top 8 among the World's Best Surfing Spots. Aside from the reason why this destination becomes famous its because of its view. The cloud 9 offers a beautiful and thick waves.

Here are the list of activities that you can do when in Cloud 9, Siargao :

 1. Stand up Paddle boarding


2. Diving





3. Surfing 



4. . Enjoy and eat at Café Loka

 

 

How to get there ☝

The best way to reach Siargao from Manila is to take a domestic flight to Mactan-Cebu Airport with Cebu Pacific Airlines, and to change there for the connecting flight to Siargao. From General Luna. From town, head north along Tourism Road, past Bravo Beach Resort and the infamous Mama's Grill, and after approximately 10-minutes you will find Cloud 9.



Hello my wanders!😉 thankyou for reading my article up until the end. I hope you learn and get alot of informations about the tourist attractions in the Philippines. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, call your friends and explore the philippines! and make your visit one of the memorable experience you will have! Hava a safe trip 💜


- Your Wandered Sould ❤

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