TOP 10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 2024

Today, just noticed that the weather is changing from cool to a warm humid air - a proof that summer is almost here. To help you, I listed 14 best and must visit and destinations in the Philippines. First, the world famous Boracay Island. It is listed as one of the best beaches in the world according to the travel agencies, websites, blogs, magazines and other people’s reviews. The shoreline has fine white sand, the waters are crystal clear, cool and fresh air and there's a lot of activities to choose from. READ: BORACAY ISLAND GUIDE | 

Laguna Tourist Spots

1. Mt. Romelo

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

Mt. Romelo + Buruwisan Falls, Laguna

Hiking Mt. Romelo and rappelling the Buruwisan Falls was fun and amazing experience because the area has rich bio-diversity, both flora and fauna. There is a body of water that flows on its terrain, thus, this mountain has a high concentration of trees and other plants. It can bring a good combination of adventure and relaxation. Having said that, Laguna, together with the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, makes the region the center for outdoor activities.

Bunga Falls

During our Mt. Kalisungan and Mt. Mabilog hikes, Bunga Twin Falls was our side trip and post-climb destination. The ambiance in the area is cool and relaxing because it is surrounded by trees, coconuts and other plants. Its name was derived from the "bunga" plant or "beetle nut" in English; that was many years ago when the area was still abundant with this plant. Today, this twin falls is definitely one of the summer destinations in Laguna.

Buntot Palos Falls, the Hidden Falls in Laguna

As I've been telling on my Laguna posts, this province has a lot to offer. Today, I am bringing you to one of the majestic waterfalls of Laguna. Buntot Palos Falls, others call it "the hidden falls," is the grandest waterfalls in Southern Luzon as it stands 80 meters with a high amount of water falling. It's name literally translates to "Eel's Tail" in English because, according to our guide, the trails to the falls is a long, curvy and slippery, similar to Eels's body or Palos in Filipino. Did you know that it has a hidden feature? It is a cave beneath the water falls, so passing through the water is needed.

Mt. Mabilog

Aside from the historical sites, food, and rich culture, Laguna also has great flora and fauna that can be found on the mountainous and forest areas. Mt. Mabilog is just one of the mountains lying in the province where a vast diversity of wildlife can be found. Hiking this mountain can definitely bring an extreme and remarkable experience because of its muddy trail but there's a wide picture of the Laguna and the nearby mountains, such as Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Not only that, the reflection of the skies can also be seen on the water of the seven lakes. 

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Another historical landmark in Laguna is the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. It is a burial site which is 15 meters below a small chapel; a chapel which was designed for funeral masses in 1845 by Franciscan Priests lead by Fr. Vicente Velloc. In the Philippines, burial sites are situated in different spots, like hanging in Ifugao, placed inside the cave in Palawan and Cagayan, and concrete crypt (in the modern era). This burial site is unique because of its architectural design and purpose.

Pandin Lake

Pandin Lake is just one of the seven lakes in Laguna, and it is a certified tourist destination because of its unique and amazing picturesque. With the reflection of the skies, the water greets the visitors with its Instagrammable landscape. The water is cool and crystal clear surrounded by forest which preserve the area's tranquility. This is also the perfect jump-off or side trip for hiking Mt. Mabilog. The province of Laguna has a healthy culture, stories, and travel destinations.

Digging the History of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Today, I can feel the Halloween season; at the office we're already preparing for an amazing costume party with the touch of Disney characters and while searching for a stunning outfit, I encountered a photo of the oldest cemeteries in the Philippines - the reason why I am now posting these photos taken at Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, in 2014.