Top 10 Tourist Summer Destinations in the Philippines 2016!!

Comprising of 7,107 islands, Philippines is really one of the “go-to’s” during summer! Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, it’s three regions got plenty to boast talking about scenery, nature, activities and culture! So if you’re planning a getaway this summer season, this list might help you decide where to go!

10. VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

The Spanish period houses in Calle Crisologo, VIgan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by Adrian Enriquez via Pixabay

Spaniards dominated the Philippines for 333 years before the Americans arrived. So, there are a lot of Spanish colonial period houses and mansions in the country. But if you want to see a place where time froze and still has that Spanish feeling and scenery, then Vigan is the place to be for you. The very beautiful town of Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. MOUNT MAYON IN ALBAY

Mount Mayon in Albay. Photo by Rdizon – Flickr

Mount Mayon, renowned as the “perfect cone” because of its almost symmetric conical shape, the volcano and its surrounding landscape was declared a national park on July 20, 1938, the first in the country. This very beautiful tourist spot is even more astounding when the sun rises to wake up the whole country.

8. CHOCOLATE HILLS IN BOHOL

Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Photo by P199 via Wikimedia Commons

If we talk about landmarks, one of the most famous is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. They are called as such because it’s green grass turn brown during the dry season, making them look like chocolates! The province of Bohol has a lot to offer with it’s beaches, rivers, and centuries-old churches!

7. RICE TERRACES IN BANAUE

Banaue Rice Terraces. Photo by Cabajar via Wikimedia Commons

A certified national cultural treasure, commonly known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, Banaue Rice Terraces are a 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao. If you want to get closer to nature and get to know more about the indigenous people, Banaue Rice Terraces is the perfect place to visit!

6. CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Camiguin Island. Photo by Allan Donque via Flickr

Camiguin Island is known for holding the record of having the most number of volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on the planet. But Camiguin Island is more than just about volcanoes. It is also famous for the Lanzones festival that happens during October and a lot of natural attractions like uninhabited white sandbar, hot and cold springs, and waterfalls. You can also see man-made beauty like centuries-old churches, old ancestral homes and the infamous sunken cemetery.

5. KALANGGAMAN ISLAND IN LEYTE

The beautiful sandbar of Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte.

The island of Kalanggaman in Palompon has one of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines, and probably in the world. No wonder why international cruise ships made a stopover on this dream island to bring hundreds of tourists from the different parts of the world. Swimming in clear and translucent seawaters that glow at night, walking along a white long sandbar, and gazing at a billion stars at clear night sky are only some of the reasons why you should visit and return on this tiny island in 2016. (via faq.ph)

4. BATANES

Batanes Highlands. Photo by Lailani Salaguinto-Jabonete

For nature lovers, this is the best place to visit! With it’s majestic landscapes, massive cliffs overlooking oceans under the blue skies, rocky shores, untouched islands with animals roaming freely around, this place is certainly overwhelming but attractive!

3. PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Photo by Carrie Kellenberger via Flickr.

Palawan is an endless stream of amazing destinations. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also called Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2 km long Underground River is said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. The cave system contains stalactites, stalagmites, small underground waterfalls, and more river channels. (via faq.ph)

2. BORACAY

Boracay Island. Photo by Hani Han via Pixabay

Probably the most famous island in the Philippines, Boracay is known for it’s fine white sand, sapphire blue waters, astounding sunset views, and exceptional night life. No wonder it was included in the Top 20 best ilands in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine for two years.

1. CORON, PALAWAN

Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan. Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Flickr.

Last but definitely not the least is Coron, Palawan! Everybody would agree that Coron is definitely a paradise! Visiting Coron will give you an opportunity to swim at Kayangan Lake, dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. Coron is also one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the country.

There you have it! Whether going on a trip or just staying home, everybody deserves a break. We, at KIYOSA Salon always say that pampering and relaxation is one of the joys in life and is very important. We hope you get to relax and unwind during this summer season!