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It's a small but tiring hike because of its terrain. Though separated by the Wawa River from Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan almost has the same features in terms of difficulty and trail types. Some fruit-bearing trees and shrubs bloom like ornaments, and the lullabies from birds can be heard. You will be certified as a "revel in trekking" because of the rock climbing and scrambling on the boulders and limestone cliffs with sharp edges.
It is a mountain in Cavite that can give you relaxation because everything is surrounded by green, while the mountain slopes from afar are picture-perfect. With that in mind, Mt. Marami is getting its own record as one of the hiking destinations in Southern Luzon. Not only that, it is also one of the most visited mountains in the province because of its simple and gradual trails. You can't stop yourself from a death-defying pose on the rock formation called "silyang bato." Fruit-bearing trees, coconuts, bananas and other crops can give you a farmville feeling while the birds are singing their lullabies.
Though no trees are dancing and birds singing, the nude shape of Mt. Talamitam makes it one of the hiking destinations in the Province of Batangas. Considered a friendly mountain for beginners, this mountain can bring a remarkable hiking experience to seasoned hikers because of its soil type, which is slippery and muddy during the wet season and hot during summer. As you can see in the photo above, this mountain is covered with green, which brings a relaxing aura to the eyes.
This mountain has a combination of beauty and trekking adventure; it has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and richness. Birds are singing, colourful flowering plants on the ground, orchids hanging on the branches, bananas, and fruit-bearing trees like coconuts and mangoes. Reaching the top of the Monolith or the Parrot's Beak is a must-have because it will measure your fear and agility. Just to share, it is also known as Mt. Palay-palay located in Ternate, Cavite. Its name was given by the Spanish sea-fairer because it looks like a ‘parrot’s beak’ from afar.
It's a mountain in Tarlac with amazing views on its summit, healthy forest areas, and cool weather. Although, until now, Mt. Damas is under debate if it’s really a minor or a major hike. Others would say it’s minor because of its elevation, but others would say it's major because of its trail type and technicalities. During our ascent, they were both correct; the entire journey was composed of an uphill and downhill trek with a river crossing. That doesn't end there; since it's wet season, the muddy and slippery terrains made our journey remarkable.
This is a perfect place to relax and re-energize your body. When we saw the gorgeous photos of this mountain, we thought it had calmness and the positivity that nature possesses. Also, hiking this mountain and crossing the Tinipak River can definitely give you a unique experience because the place is surrounded by relaxing greens, and the sound of the rushing water by the river preserves tranquillity. Aside from this mountain, the province of Rizal has a lot to offer, from arts, crafts, food, rivers and mountains.
I'll place Mt. Maculot as the second must climbed mountain in Batangas because of different factors. Can also be one of the best options for day hikes because of its minor trail type and terrains that are covered with trees and surrounded by grass and shrubs, the air is the fresh, cool ambience and a perfect location for a stunning shot with the world famous and most active Taal Volcano on the background. In addition, the Rockies are the best and most famous part of this mountain.
Mt. Hapunang Banoi is situated beside Mt. Pamitinan and separated by Wawa Dam from Mt. Binacayan. This mountain is now famous to the mountaineering world because it is surrounded by luscious green trees, making the area looks so relaxing and the wind is cool, clean and fresh. Plus, the exhilarating terrains added an adventure to hikers; a perfect place to relax and Instagram worthy.
This is one of the famous mountains in Luzon because of the countless stories, rumors, and legends about "ghosts" and other extraterrestrial events. As a result, the title "devil's mountain" was given to this pride of Quezon. Aside from those, Mt. Cristobal also hides amazing terrains, surrounded by dense forest areas. There are mosses, ferns, and orchids hanging on the branches, proof that this wildlife sanctuary is still preserved. Also, the ambiance and weather are cool.
Mt. Guiting-guiding in Sibuyan, Romblon, is famous for mountaineering because of its majestic beauty and is listed as one of the most challenging mountains to climb in the Philippines. Garnered a nine over nine rating regarding difficulty, this mountain hides an unspoiled beauty and vast diversity of flora and fauna on the summit. Plus, trekking on forested mountain slopes can provide a great hiking experience. Also, G2, another name given to the mountain, is just one of the must-visit spots in Romblon. Aside from the marble products, the province also has many gorgeous and breathtaking beaches and dive sites awaiting discovery.
Traversing Mt. Ugo is long because it is one of the giants in Luzon. Our traverse was a two-day hiking itinerary from Brgy. Kayapa, Nueva Vizacaya to Itogon, Benguet. The terrain has a relaxing and cool ambiance, surrounded by stunning greens. This mountain bears colorful ornaments spread on the trails and hanging on the trees. Of course, birds are singing their lullabies, definitely one of the must-visit attractions and destinations in Benguet.
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| The stunning view on the summit of Mt Timbak. |
I've been hearing from friends that this mountain and Mt. Tabayoc are just two of the must hiked mountains in the Cordilleras. In terms of altitude, Mt. Timbak stands at 2,717 MASL and garnered an easy trail class - which I think is true. Among the provinces in CAR, Benguet is really a bomb and prominent to tourists, especially hikers, because of its rich forested mountain slopes, hike-relaxing ambiance, and beauty that can only be found in nature, plus a glimpse of the local livelihood.
For me, the Province of Tawi-Tawi is the hardest province to penetrate because of its geographical location. Not only that, it is always associated with "war" and, most of the time, being judged and considered as "unsafe" for travelers, which I disagree with! Bongao, its capital, is the busiest municipality in the province but has a lot of stunning tourist spots and destinations that are just waiting to be recognized.
The Province of Basilan is an island province in the Bangsamoro Region. Its old name was Tagime, and it was named after a Datu who ruled the island before the arrival of the Spaniards in the province. Its name was changed several times until BasihBalan, derived from their legendary weapon called “pira”, which was made of basic iron and Balan, meaning magnetic, which was shorted to Basilan. Not just history, the province also hides amazing tourist attractions.
This branch of the National Museum houses a collection of relics discovered in the region. There are ceramics, earthenware, locally woven fabrics, paintings, books, jars, skeletons, and many more. Each of the items is enclosed in glass cabinets, while the others are on the walls.
The Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat is situated in Isulan, and according to reviews, it is one of the most beautiful capitols in the Philippines - it's definitely a big YES for me. The capitol compound is 9.2 hectares covered with well well-maintained landscape, while the artistic structures are based on Islamic architecture, painted with white and gold. On the other hand, in the middle of the capital ground, there's a gigantic golden statue of Sultan Kudarat, whom the province was named after.
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| A gorgeous view by the beach of Isla Jardin del Mar. |
Upon arrival, I easily heard the relaxing rushing waves hitting the shoreline. After paying the entrance fee, with excitement, I headed to the side where the sound came from and found a stretch of fine white sand and playful crystal clear water. Not only that, this beach has emerald seas, the coconuts, and the trees by the beach serve as a perfect backdrop. By the way, the wind is cool and fresh and the area has a relaxing ambiance - perfect for family outing and weekend getaway.
After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City, but I chose this place because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands, but when I arrived in the center, this city was the same as the other cities, business establishments were on every corner, transportation was continuous, and the streets were undeniably busy. From the Integrated Terminal, I rode on a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions, and destinations.
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| A photo of the stunning Katibawasan Falls. |
Every time I hear the word Camiguin, I usually think of the best lanzones in the Philippines and the Sunken Cemetery. But during our visit, we saw how wealthy the top tourist spots and destinations in the province are in terms of natural beauty, making the province one of the best tourist attractions in the Philippines. Backpacking is not a big problem here because at the port of Camiguin, multi-cab, with a driver, can be chartered for the whole day tour (and that’s what we did).
After Ozamis City and Misamis Occidental, I travelled to Pagadian City, Province of Zamboanga del Sur, which is the last province on my list. It was a three-and-a-half-hour land travel with a huge picture of how the people of the Zamboanga peninsula live. At the integrated terminal, I rode on a motorcycle to the centre of the city, passing by the famous rotunda. I was wearing a sando, and I easily felt the fresh and cool wind while we were on a descending road with a clear view of the stunning sunset.
Dapitan City Plaza (“Liwasan ng Dapitan”), also known as the Town Square, is the plaza that Dr. Jose P. Rizal beautified and developed during his exile. It has an estimated land area of 1 hectare, and it is laid out in the traditional rectilinear Spanish colonial manner. The plaza already existed when Dr. Jose P. Rizal arrived in Dapitan on July 17, 1892. Making this area one of the top tourist attractions in Zamboanga del Norte. Details from Dapitan City Official Website
The top tourist spot and destination in Southern Leyte is Maasin Cathedral, a catholic place of worship in Maasin City. It was originally built in 1700 by the Jesuit priests; however, it was severely damaged because of the Moro’s rebels. The bricks and the mosses on the façade give an older and unique look, which is perfect for modern selfies. This cathedral is definitely one of the historical pillars of the province. Since it is situated in front of the plaza and a few meters away from the City hall, it is one of the busiest area in city.
The San Juanico Bridge is the most visited tourist spot in Samar and Leyte. A few years ago, the province captured the world's attention because of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda. But did you know that Samar also hides something in their mountainous and forested areas? These are breathtaking and definitely a splendor of nature’s beauty that needs to be discovered. Some of Samar Island's must-visit tourist spots and destinations are historical landmarks, waterfalls, and caves.
This island is one of the must-visit gems of Northern Samar. This island municipality can bring you back because of the famous century-old lighthouse and church. If you’re into outdoors, you can explore the hidden and majestic caves or hop on and off the rock formations by the shore; it’s your choice. If you just want to relax, no worries. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and the continuously blowing cool fresh air. The coconut and other trees create an amazing backdrop by the shore, which is highlighted by the white sand beaches.
The McArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte, is one of the most visited landmarks in the Province or even in the Philippines; this is to commemorate the historical landing of General Douglas MacArthur. The actual landing in October of 1944 was the start of the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese occupation – the Second World War. The statues were created by Anastacio Caedo. The significance of this park can be read on the historical markers placed in front of the park.
Biliran has a lot of stunning tourist spots and destinations to offer. Ulan-Ulan Falls and Tinago Falls are famous and majestic waterfalls hiding in the Province's mountains. Naval, its capital, is now highly urbanized, making it easy for travellers to discover and experience what they have. Since it has many mountainous areas, nature's magnificence is still waiting to be discovered. Not only that, they also have stunning beaches, great products, and friendly people.
Commonly known as the Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva is an old baroque church in Iloilo. Miagao Church is one of the world-famous baroque churches in the Philippines, and it has become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of this church began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao, and Domingo Libo-on was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and served as the fortress against the Muslim Raiders. In 1898, this church was destroyed during the revolution, but it was rebuilt.
Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic when we talk about mangoes because they are said to have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” With that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. The residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning beaches, historical sites, and other activities. They also have the Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank for their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day, but they can offer a lot to visitors.
Roxas City is the capital of Capiz Province – the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” in Western Visayas. If you are on Panay Island, it is highly recommended that you visit this rich city to witness and experience the heritage sites of the modern generation. Also, the province has the most controversial and awaited annual festivity in the Philippines – the “Aswang Festival.” Politically, the city is prominent because it is the hometown of the late Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas.
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| A photo of Apo Whang Od while tattooing a tourist. |
Apo Whang Od is an indigenous tattoo artist from Kalinga province who uses an old style of tattooing called "Batok," or traditional hand-tapped tattooing. She became prominent because she has been featured on local TV shows, international documentaries, magazines, and others.
This event was an urgent decision. We met at Victory Liner Bus Terminal in Cubao and rode in a bus bound for Baguio. From Baguio City, we chartered a jeep to Bakun, Benguet. Travel time was within 4-5 hours. But before reaching our destination, we passed by different landmarks of the North, one of which was the Highest Point (photo above). The entire travel period was an adjustment period for our group and other participants.
Kaparkan is a paradise where crystal clear and cool water is free-flowing on terraces. Thus, social media sites and travel blogs helped it to become one of the top destinations in the North. According to the tsimis, there are a total of 200 terraces from the top to bottom. Each of the terraces or pools is filled with water, overflowing and creating a relaxing sound. Plus, it is really safe to walk on the surface of the pools because they are covered with minerals.
We finally arrived at the Pink Beach in Sorsogon. Day 2: Backpacking in Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes. There is no direct route from Legaspi City to Matnog. So, from Daraga Shell gas station, we rode in a bus with “Bulan” signboard and alighted in Trece. The travel time was about 3-4 hours, passing by Sorsogon City and the nearby municipalities. In Trece, we chartered a tricycle, alighted in front of the municipal hall and met Christian, our boatman.
Apuao is a deserted island with much to offer, from the cool and crystal clear emerald waters, wealthy underwater, breathtaking landscape, tranquility, and relaxing ambiance, and, of course, the good people. I know, for beach lovers, if we're talking about the beauty in Camarines Norte, Calaguas is on top. Now, I'm bringing you to one of the unrated paradises in the entire Bicol region and one of the small islands in the Mercedes Group of Islands. Well, travel time is about 7 to 8 hours from Manila to Mercedes via private van, but I have seen and experienced remarkable beauty.
Around 11 AM when we started our adventure. From Lita's Lodge, we walked to our first destination - the historical Albay Cathedral. It is also known as the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great situated in front of McDo and beside Legaspi City Hall. According to its historical data, this cathedral started as a chapel built in the 1580s by Spanish missionaries. The early structure was made from local products such as wood and nipa. Then, it emerged as a stone structure in 1800.
Kayangan Lake (Photo by Cheng Santos) is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Coron. This attraction is perfect for people aiming for adventure and a picture-perfect landscape. Getting on top of the viewing deck will take a 10 to 15-minute trek but will certainly be half for fun because there's a rich diversity of floras on the trails. Upon reaching the spot for viewing, you can quickly feel the tranquillity in the area and see the artistic coral stone formations dipped in the calm waters that mirror the image of the skies, which added a stunning color to the landscape.
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| A view of the White Beach, Puerto Galera. |
White Beach is an area near the crowded center of Puerto Galera, one of the island's hopeful destinations. If you just want to relax on a beach with fine white sand and cool crystal-clear water, you can find it here. The area has a gorgeous landscape because of the trees by the beach. The serenity of this island is still maintained, so you can have a relaxing day tour.
Dampalitan is one of the top destinations in Quezon Province. This stunning island (photo above) is located in Padre Burgos, an hour travel from Lucena City. It became famous to travellers because it has an untouched beauty. The island has fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, a gorgeous landscape, the atmosphere is cool, and has no huge concrete structures just camping by the beach. READ: DAMPALITAN ISLAND
Hiking the mountains of Laguna and chasing the waterfalls is a good option. Hiking to Romelo's campsite and the Buruwisan Falls is always challenging because the trail is usually covered with mud. After all, it is being used by the locals, with their horses and carabaos, to transport goods to the low-lying areas. The trail is covered with hardwood trees, coconuts, and fruit-bearing trees that create a cool ambiance. The water on the river and waterfalls is crystal clear and totally refreshing. If you're looking for extreme, some organizers set up ropes for wall climbing and canyoneering. READ: MOUNT ROMELO
The top tourist spots in Batangas are easy to visit, so if you're looking for gorgeous places to relax near Metro Manila, I've listed them for you. The province has a collection amazing landscape by the beach, paradise in the middle and top of the mountains, colorful bio diversity underwater, historical sites, and many more. First on the list, Manuel Uy Beach Resort which is one of the must-visit place in the Calatagan, a 3-4 hours road travel from Manila. Travel time might be tiring but the journey can be unforgettable.
The long stretch of shoreline facing the West Philippine Sea, has fine white sand, crystal clear waters, the ambiance is absolutely refreshing and more to offer. Having said that, Zambales is considered top tourist destination in the region. Magalawa Island (photo above) has fine white sand, like Boracay, and is surrounded by crystal clear waters. The horizon and the sunset are amazingly remarkable. It is really hard to explain but photos will describe it for you. READ: MAGALAWA ISLAND
The province of Tarlac is situated in Central Luzon, surrounded by the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija, a 2 to 3-hour travel from Metro Manila. It is also one of the provinces that hold a huge part in Philippine history. When I visited part of this province, the wide rice fields and mountainous areas were very noticeable. The entire area, even the city, is surrounded by relaxing green colors. The photo above is the St. Michael The Archangel Parish Church, or the Camiling Parish Church.
Historically speaking, Bataan is one of the provinces that has a huge contribution to Philippine history, politics, or top tourist destinations. This beautiful province belongs to Region 3 known as Central Luzon. It is separated by Manila de Bay from NCR and the province of Cavite. During my visit to the province, I noticed that the people are accommodating and are living in a simple way.
Cagayan Province, or Cagayan Valley, has one of the top natural attractions in Luzon, and it is Palaui, one of the Virgin Islands, situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show, were held. It is small but has a lot to offer, such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, the artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas, the fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore, and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty are well preserved - fewer visitors due to its topographical location.
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| Photo: The Stunning Vigan City. |
The Province of Ilocos Sur is situated in Luzon and is part of Region 1. It became one of the top tourist destinations because of its natural and historical sites, such as the Heritage City of Vigan, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only that, you can't leave Ilocos Sur without tasting their famous Empanada and Sukang Iloco.
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| Photo: White sand of Pagudpud. |
The province of Zambales faces the West Philippine Sea so, it is well known for its gorgeous fine white sand and crystalline waters. Silanguin Cove is at the top of the list because it has a beautiful coastline highlighted by the amazing slopes of the mountains in the background. Other prominent beaches are Crystal Beach, Anawangin Cove, Talisayin Cove and Nagsasa Cove. Who doesn't know about the Scarborough Shoal, it is just a few kilometers from here.
We traversed Mt. Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove during a super hot summer vacation - it was my first time seeing this beauty. And after half a decade, I finally made a comeback and witnessed the other side. Among the coves in Zambales, this stunning beach is the most prominent and most visited place making this gorgeous spot a tent city during summer. This time, we camped at the right spot!
This place is prominent for its beach and surfing waves. Our group, Batang Hamog Mountaineers, has been participating in the annual celebration of Philippine Independence by creating an activity focusing on #Kalayaan, #Kasarinlan, #Freedom, or #Independence. This year's event was Freedom Surf 2018 held at Home Break Hostel, one of the simple resorts in Liwliwa, Zambales. If you're unfamiliar with this spot, it's normal because prominent surfing spots usually are Siargao, Baler, La Union, and many others. Now Liwliwa, in Zambales, is the newest addition to the list.
Bega Falls is the newest tourist destination in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Its name is derived from a local word "Bega" which literally translates to "flirt" in English. According to the local folk story, the area is the home of the mystical women. One that is sure, Bega Falls, is picture-perfect because of its majestic landscape. From the crystal clear waters free flowing from the towering limestone cliffs carpeted with ferns and mosses. The strong water pressure created a natural pool at the base that serves as a swimming pool.