This is a my compilation of 10 best places to go backpacking in the Philippines.
I based my judgement on the travel reviews (as to how beautiful the place is) from different sources -tv, print ads, internet, word of mount of people who I personally know and have been to any of these places and of course some are based on my humble experience on backpacking.
These are the places I wish to go to this year.I know I might not be able to go to all these beautiful spots for financial reason. And because I prefer to stay longer in each place in order to really enjoy every moment of being there.To stop and smell the flower in each place I go is important to me now so I just have to take my time.
Some of these are familiar to me because I have been to these places before and still want to go back to for a more backpacking adventure.
Here's the list in no particular order:
1. Palawan -This is one if not the most popular of all destinations.The popularity grew even bigger when its Underground River (in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan) became one of the provisional winners in last year's New Seven Wonders of Nature search.The official winners will be declared early this year according to New7Wonders Foundation. Aside from that there are beautiful beaches in the municipalities El Nido and Coron (both are also part of the province of Palawan)
2. Bohol- The chocolate hills is still a popular destination ever since I was a child.I heard that there are also beautiful river resorts there.
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| Loboc-Loay River |
3. Boracay - I have been here once (overnight only) and will go back for more.Bitin.
4. Samal Island - I know I'm biased for including this one.I'm from Davao City and Samal is a neighbor city.But in fairness to me it is really popular and beautiful.The white-sand,crystal-clear beaches here attract constant visitors (tourist and local) many came from Davao city.
5. Ilocos- I include this place because I want to go to the beaches in Pagudpud hailed as the "Boracay of the North" sans the gazillion tourists.
6. Metro Manila/NCR- Ok, others might raise their eyebrows on this one.(How come Manila?! the traffic is crazy, dirty streets, pollution, etc...) But being a Davaoeno, of course I wish to visit the capital city of our beloved country.There are many beautiful places in metro Manila.These are:
- Intramuros - being the oldest and historic district of Manila, you'll find many structures where you can enjoy the nostalgic legacy of Spanish Colonialism like San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago (where Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896) and many others.
- Binondo, Manila - here is where the oldest Chinatown in the world. I want to eat Chinese cuisine in the many restaurants here.
- Makati - the best pubs are here.
7. Baguio - I have been here once (overnight only) and I want to go back for more.I love the weather here you can wear chic boots, jackets, coats just like winter and fall outfits.
8. Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur - I've read a lot of praises on how beautiful the river and falls are.And I saw the pictures from my close friend who went there, I never mind asking her how beautiful the place is because the photos speak for itself.I just have to be there one day.
9. Lake Sebu - This municipality is under the province of South Cotabato which is also the hometown province of my husband (he was born in the municipality of Surallah).He grew up going to lakes and waterfalls of Lake Sebu which is not too far from Surallah.I have been here once (overnight stay) and was not satisfied with it (my days of stay I mean).I have to go back for more.
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| the gorgeous Lake Sebu |
10. Batanes- the last but not the least.There are many beautiful spots here - beaches,caves,lighthouses,churches.Even the surrounding pasture overlooking the hills, farm fields and Pacific Ocean are just gorgeous view.This is my ultimate dream destination.
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| Batanes |
I know there are still many more beautiful places in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines but I just have to stop there. Again, this is just MY compilation, my own view of what is the best AT THIS MOMENT.I might change my list anytime especially when I visit somewhere more deserving to be included in my top 10 list.
photo source: http://www.e-philippines.com.ph
