4 Travel Destinations in the Philippines that you should Check out this 2019

The Philippines, my realm, my pride, who wouldn’t feel gratified of their own roots? This time we’ll give you the Top 4 Travel Destinations in the Philippines according to travel bloggers.

Since Pilipinas (The Philippines) is my country, I’d love to feature more of its beauty and grace to show to my countrymen and other people around the globe.

There are many tourists enchanted by the Philippines. An archipelagic country in Southeast Asia composed of 7,641 islands with three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Despite its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons. On the other hand, it is abundant in natural resources and some of the world’s greatest biodiversity.

For this 2019, I have reached out other travel bloggers. To get to know about their individual experiences and preferences when it comes to the top destinations in the Philippines.

Let me say thank you again to these wonderful people who shared their experience with us. More success and happy traveling!

Top 4 Malapascua Island

There are countless diving destinations in the Philippines. But Malapascua is one-of-a-kind. Malapascua is unquestionably one of the best scuba diving destinations in Southeast Asia. Offering one main attraction that you cannot find anywhere else in the world – the thresher sharks.

Malapascua Island, at the north tip of Cebu, attracts travelers from around the world who wish to get a peek of the elusive and graceful shark with a distinct feature of a long, whip-like tail.

Monad Shoal at Malapascua is the only dive site in the world where these majestic thresher sharks grace the divers with their presence every morning at sunrise.

The cleaning stations at Monad Shoal are located between 25m to 35m deep. So either an Advanced Open Water license or a Deep Adventure Diver license is required to book a thresher shark dive.

If you only have your Open Water license, worry not! You can book a course with any of the +30 dive shops that are now established on the island so that you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the threshers.

But Malapascua is more than a shark diving destination. From warm tropical weather, pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters to the laid-back tropical island vibes, this idyllic island is a dream come true for anyone looking for a paradise getaway!

Contributed by Mo of Travelust 101, follow her on Instagram @mosparadisediaries

Top 3 Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Siargao is a tear-shaped island which can be found in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. We’d been to Surigao Island twice now and planning to go back again in the future! It’s the kind of place you’ll fall in love with.

Siargao has a laid-back beach vibe. It’s famous as a surfing destination, and locals and foreigners alike visit here to practice surfing or join competitions.

Siargao, however, is also a paradise for non-surfers. If you’re regular tourists, you can simply visit the Board Walk, explore lagoons and caves, and island hop.

For island hopping, there are standard tours that will take you to beautiful islands. Namely, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.

It’s also possible to get your rented boat to do a stopover in Sohoton Cove. A nearby jungle maze where you can take a boat ride amidst lush surroundings, swim in an underwater cave and visit the jellyfish lake.

There are many accommodations in Siargao ranging from modest inns to resorts and hip cottages.

For the food, there are Filipino delicacies, fresh seafood, and healthy fruit bowls.

If you’re visiting Siargao, allot at least 3-5 days in staying there. Although you’re likely to extend your vacation or immediately plan a trip back to this tropical paradise.

Contributed by Katherine of Tara Lets Anywhere, follow her on Instagram @taraletsanywhere

Top 2 Oslob, Cebu

Probably the most famous activity in Cebu is whale shark watching in Oslob. The location for watching these gentle giants is South of Cebu island in a small town called Oslob.

It is wonderful to experience to snorkel or dive with them while they swim around eating the food. It is recommended to stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses near the briefing area.

You can possibility enter the water with the first group. But if you have limited time or stay only in Cebu city. You can book a tour from Cebu city to Oslob and back on the same day.

It is recommended to bring a waterproof camera with you to capture amazing animals.

During my experience, while watching whale sharks in Cebu, I have seen a couple of them. One of them was very close to me. Although these animals are not aggressive, it is forbidden to touch them. Enjoy your swim with the giants, but also respect them!

Contributed by Juozapas from Juozapas Žygas, follow him on Instagram @kaminkretys

Top 1 Bohol, Philippines

Bohol, Philippines is quite well-known for the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary. However, the reason that I picked Bohol to visit was not for the land attractions, but for the underwater attractions.

Bohol is an amazing destination for a dive vacation in the Philippines. Panglao Island, the southwestern portion of Bohol Island, is a popular dive destination and dive shops littered along the beach front.

There is quite selection of dives to participate in at Bohol, from large wrecks to cliff walls colored in colorful coral. Bohol’s underwater world has a variety of ocean life to see from the ever-popular anemone fish and all types of variety of reef fish.

A popular attraction is the large mantis shrimp. You are almost guaranteed to encounter a sea snake during a dive here (one of the most poisonous snakes in the world).

There is plenty to do on land as well. From visiting the Chocolate Hills to the Tarsier Sanctuary. As mentioned before, to relaxing along the popular beaches on Panglao Island with a drink in hand. However, the best attraction is what lies under the surface.

Contributed by Amy of Oceans to Alpines, follow her on Instagram @oceanstoalpines

4 Travel Destinations in the Philippines