GUIMARAS TOURIST SPOTS: The Smallest Plaza - a 2021 travel guide

The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines is located in Guimaras, the first tourist destination we visited. It was also the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title. From the port of Guimaras, it's 15 to 20 minutes habal ride. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters area with the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the middle, and right beside the highway and residents houses. According to Kuya Ken, my habal driver/tour guide, during their annual fiesta, all the attendees are being fit into this small plaza. This means that this tiny plaza also witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.

Tappiya Falls, Banaue, Ifugao - a Travel Guide

In the middle of the mountains of Ifugao, we found a hidden gem called Tappiya Falls situated in "Batad," a secluded village in Banaue. Getting to this majestic beauty includes 7 to 12 hours land travel and 2 hours trekking. It's a bit challenging but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape that can only be found in this region, including the world famous Batad Rice Terraces. Not just artistic in creating the terraces, the people of Batad also know how to value and preserve whatever their ancestors left, such as their rituals.

Bohol Tourist Spots

1. The Plunge, Danao Adventure Park

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Visayas region because of the stunning "chocolate hills" and the weird-looking primate called "tarsier;" these are just two of those in the limelight. As we dig deeper, there are a lot of gems that the province can offer. Historical landmarks and old churches are always part of the itinerary, but during summer or even rainy season, the fine white sand beaches and the beauty of the flora and fauna underwater became top of the list of the must seen. In addition to that, there are extreme activities that can be tried, like the Top 1 on my list - THE PLUNGE of Danao Adventure Camp, situated in the  Municipality of Danao.

Batad Rice Terraces

The spectacular beauty of the Batad Rice Terraces captured the eyes of the world in 1995 when it was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was less than a thousand years when the people of Ifugao mastered agricultural practices and which includes the creation of the terraces. This agricultural landscape is living proof that the early civilization already had the knowledge of how to improve their crops by adapting to the natural factors through terracing.

Guiwanon Spring Park Resort, Siquijor

The Guiwanon Spring Park Resort is a man made resort situated in the middle of a mangrove forest in Luyang, Siquijor. Tourists need to walk on the pathway made of wood, passing by some of the cottages that can be rented. The picturesque in the area is good because of the greens, accentuated by the trunk and roots of the mangrove plants. The end of the park is an open hall where you can stay and relax with the cool sea breeze. Entrance fees are to be collected.

Mt. Manalmon, Bulacan

If you're looking for a super friendly hike, Mt. Manalmon, can give you a great experience. The trails are simple, there's a relaxing ambiance on the summit, has a gorgeous landscape and the rock formations are picture-perfect. Experience the extreme by hopping from one cave to another. There are other outdoor activities that you can try courtesy of the local government and tourism of Bulacan.

UCM Adventure Park, San Mateo

UCM Adventure Park is one of the newest tourist spots and destinations in San Mateo, Rizal. This park became prominent because it’s 1 to 2 hours from Metro Manila. For a short travel time, you’ll enjoy the beauty that the province possesses. Free up your memory cards; you’ll definitely need more to capture the gorgeous landscape surrounding the area. Since this park is situated on the higher ground, at night, there’s a wide view of the Metro Manila’s skyline with the shining lights. What makes it relaxing? I think it's the fresh and cool wind blowing. VIEW MY VLOG HERE

Britania Group of Islands

The Britania Islands are just a few of the hidden paradise of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. These are like huge boulders dropped into the water and the fine white sand exploded from the sea bed. Every islet is surrounded by crystal clear waters and fine white sand. There are several islets but we only reached found because of the high tide. If you're in Surigao del Sur, add this group of islands to your bucket list.

Marawi City, Lanao del Sur Tourist Spots

Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur, is one of the cities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. It has a colorful culture and overflowing with stunning attractions and destinations. Prior to my solo-backpacking,  whenever I share my itinerary, the common response of my friends was "it is not safe in there," that negative statement did not affect my travel plan. From Iligan City proper, I rode on a habal to the Southbound Terminal where I rode in a van to the city; travel time was about 45 minutes to an hour.

Bud Bongao

Bud Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province, is sacred and a Muslim's pilgrimage site; a place where our Muslim brothers and sisters meditate and offer prayers to Allah. Not just the center of religious activity, this mountain is an iconic landscape, thus, it is the top tourist spot in the province. By the way, "bud" is a Tausug word that translates to "mountain" in English.