Yes, the summer heat is on! Most of us are choosing if we like to spend the summer on a white sand beach or in the place where the smell of the pine trees and the cold climate is evident but the bottom line is, we all need a summer vacation. All of us need to release the stress from work and find a place where we can unwind and relax from the busy city. Indeed, the view of the beach and the glamour of nature and pampering service from the top summer destination is very relevant. Here in the Philippines we have those summer spots that we can be proud of. Definitely IT'S MORE SUMMER FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES. :)
I listed some of the TOP SUMMER DESTINATION that you might want to check. I also posted some promo that you might consider if you have a tight budget :)
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Top 2 BORACAY
Boracay is a tropical island surrounded by stunning white sand beaches about an hour's flight from Cebu or Manila just off the larger Philippines island of Panay.
Boracay is voted as one of the best beaches in the world by BMW Tropical Beach Handbook in 1990. It is also voted as the number one tropical beach by British publication TV Quick in 1996. Enjoy fun activities and beach relaxation with its famous white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
Place to Visit: White Sand Beach, Kalibo Aklan, Bulabog Beach, Yapak, Tibiao Whitewater River, Mount Luho, The Bat Caves, Dead Forest
Activities: scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite boarding, boardsailing, caving, horse riding, yachting,
Must-Try Food: seafood dishes especially Kinilaw (raw fish or shellfish marinated in vinegar and spices) , lumpiang ubod (vegetables mix with shrimps and pork wrapped in crepe), pancit molo (noodles)
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TOP 3 BAGUIO CITY (Summer Capital of the Philippines)
Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for U.S. soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything.
Baguio is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. It is considered as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country. Baguio is a mountain retreat that is visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists alike.
There are numerous of family activities in store for you. The additional breathtaking scenic views will definitely complete your summer vacation in this city.
Place to Visit: Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, Lourdes Grotto, Mines View Park, The Mansion, Ifugao Woodcarvers Village, Kennon Road, Baguio Cathedral, Mummies of Kabayan, Philippine Military Academy, Botanical Garden,
Activities: sightseeing, horseback riding, play golf, boat rides, skating rink, biking,
Must-Try Food: strawberries, peanut brittle, strawberry jam, purple yam, fresh and green vegetables
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TOP 4 CEBU
Cebu is a perfect mix of ancestral roots and urban flair. Remnants of the past are abundant as Cebu is the Philippines' oldest city. Amidst all this history that envelops the city is a hustling and bustling metropolis that caters to businesses and entrepreneurs around the country. Fondly referred to as the Queen City of the South, Cebu has long been one of the country’s top business and tourist destinations.
With lush beaches and business districts breathing together alongside the genuine hospitality of its people, Cebu is definitely a sight not only to see, but to experience. Cebu City is among the well-developed cities in the country boasting of posh hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers considered among the finest in the country. Cebu is famous for sweets and delicacies and the best brands of acoustic guitars.
Place to Visit: Magellan Marker, Monument of Lapu-Lapu, Fort San Pedro, Basilica del Minore del Sto. Niño, Taoist Temple, Cebu Heritage Monument, Pasalubong Shops at Otap and Taboan Public Market, Guitar and Ukelele Factory, Shellcraft Store
Activities: sightseeing, swimming, boat rides
Must-Try Food: lechon cebu, danggit, Chorizo de Cebu
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TOP 5 TAGAYTAY
Tagaytay is as close to paradise as one can find. This site is presented in the spirit of sharing this exceptional city and country with as many visitors, both Filipino's and visitors from abroad alike
Tagaytay is like a mini-Baguio, simply because of it's cold climate but don't expect that it's freezing point though. This is one of the best place for team building or just a getaway from the hustle bustle of Manila. Tagaytay is a favourite spot for both the locals and foreigners. Its cool climate makes Tagaytay as a refreshing summer destination. It is referred to as the second summer capital of the country. This city also provides the best views of the Taal Volcano, a volcano within the Taal Lake. The scenic views around the city are stress free relievers. That is why Tagaytay is one of the best relaxing vacation spots in the Philippines.
Place to Visit: Taal Volcano and lake, Tagaytay Highlands, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 41st Division USAFFE Marker, People's Park in the Sky, Filipino-Japanese Friendship Garden, Residence Inn Mini Zoo, Calaruega Church,
Activities: sightseeing, play golf, ziplining, cable car, picnicking,
Must-Try Food: mushroom burger, beef bulalo (beef shank stew), fried tawilis (small fish)
Travel Summer Promo: Metrodeal, Ensogo, Cash Cash Pinoy
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TOP 6 BOHOL
a first class island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Bohol is famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts in the Visayas region. It is also well known for its diving locations. In fact, it is listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Bohol is also the popular home of tarsiers. The native tarsiers are the second-smallest primate in the world. It is a must for tourists to check them out!
Place to visit: Chocolate Hills, Alona Beach, Bolod Beach, Doljo Beach, Balicasag, Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Blood Compact Site, Hinagdanan Cave, Man-made Forest in Bilar
Activities: whale and dolphin watching, swimming, scuba-diving, snorkelling, caving, sightseeing, cable ride, zipline, sky jump, rappelling, trekking, biking, kayaking
Must-Try Food: seafood dishes, sisig (hot plate), chicken barbecue
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TOP 7 Subic (Anawangin)
Subic is a municipality in the province of Zambales, located along the northern coast of Subic Bay in the Philippines. Subic is known for its beach activities most especially sailing and yachting. It has been once a USA military base. Now, it is a commercial Freeport after the Americans left in 1991. There are lots of outdoor activities you can do in this city. Subic is truly another great summer escapade with family and friends.
Place to visit: Bat Kingdom, Mangrove Graveyard, Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, Subic Beaches, Subic Treetop Adventure, Waterfront Boardwalk, Zoobic Zafari, El Kabayo Equestrian Center
Activities: sightseeing, beach, trekking, golf, horse back riding, rappelling, canopy ride, go-kart, sailing, yachting, parasailing, jungle environment survival training, camping, kayaking, canoeing, jet ski, scuba diving, car racing, shopping,
Must-Try Food: Kinilaw na hipon (cooked with coconut vinegar), exotic delicacies such as fried insects ( beetles, locusts, crickets)
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TOP 8 BANAUE ( down to Sagada)
Banaue (or alternatively spelled as Banawe) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Ifugao, Philippines. Banaue is the home of one of the eight wonders of the world, Banaue Rice Terraces. This is how the locals refer to this amazing creation. The Banaue Rice Terraces has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1995. The World Travel and Tour Council also recognized the rice terraces as a green globe destination in the Philippines. So be prepared to witness the impressive man-made mountain stairway.
Place to visit: Banaue Rice Terraces, Matang-lag Bronze Smiths, Guihod Natural Pool, Poitan Village,
Activities: sightseeing, meeting the Ifugaos (native inhabitants), trekking, mountain biking, mountaineering,
Must-Try Food: fresh vegetables
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TOP 9 BICOL
The Bicol Region is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. Bicol is also a great place to explore the Philippines. One tourist destination you shouldn't miss is the Mount Mayon in Albay. It is famous for its "perfect cone". The almost symmetrical conical shape is amazingly beautiful once you see it in person. It is also a must to try their exquisite spicy "gata" (cooked in coconut milk) dishes.
Place to visit: Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, Calabidongan Caves, Mercedes Group of Islands, Puraran Beach, Mount Bulusan, Bulusan Lake, Butanding (whale sharks) watching in Donsol, Lake Buhi, Tumaguiti Falls, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex, Catanduanes beaches
Activities: sightseeing, caving, nature exploring (lake, falls, mountains, volcanoes), beach, Butanding whale-watching, scuba diving, water sports,
Must-Try Food: Bicol express (spicy vegetables with meat or fish cooked in coconut milk), Pinangat (taro leaves stuffed with shrimp fry), pili nut products,
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TOP 10 Davao
The City of Davao (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Dabaw, Tagalog: Lungsod ng Dabaw) is a city in Mindanao, Philippines. It is a part of Metro Davao, the third most populous metropolitan area in the country. Davao is the largest island in Mindanao. It is also where Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines is located. Grab the chance to trek its popular nature trails for an unforgettable summer adventure. Davao also has world class fine beaches and dive spots.
Place to visit: Mt. Apo, Philippine Eagle Center, San Pedro Cathedral, Pearl Farm Island Resort, Crocodile Park, Samal Island, Paradise Island,
Activities: sightseeing, beach, water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, boat sailing, hiking, trekking, river rafting,
Must-Try Food: durian fruit, durian candies, mangosten fruit, pomelo fruit, fresh seafood,
These famous summer destinations are just personal picks to suggest the best summer vacation spots in the Philippines. You can also consider these beatiful places like Batangas, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Pangasinan, Siargao, Batanes, Ilocos and many others before you consider travelling to Hongkong, China , Singapore and USA. It is indeed MORE FUN TRAVELLING IN THE PHILIPPINES. Search each of the destination's websites and plan ahead. Hope this guide can help you plan your summer escapade! Have a blast this summer!
If i might forget other places. Feel free to list it here!
-YOUR TRAVEL BUDDY neri :)