Pearl of the Orient: Unveiling the Charms of Travel in the Philippines

With precisely 7,641 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean, The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia gifted with interesting geograph...

With precisely 7,641 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean, The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia gifted with interesting geographical features and stretches of pristine white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. If you want to experience Mother Nature at its finest, there is no better way to do so than by booking Philippines trips right now. 

The Philippines is a vibrant country brimming with a rich history and culture, an endless variety of scrumptious food choices, jaw-dropping sceneries, and warm, welcoming locals who are consistently voted to be the friendliest and happiest in the world. The weather in this tropical haven is also primarily sunny, which is perfect if you want to escape the bitter coldness of winter.

This small yet geographically diverse country is also home to many world-renowned wonders of nature, such as the underground river in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; the Banaue rice terraces; the chocolate hills in Bohol; and the biodiverse diving spots in Tubbataha, among others. If you want to visit all its incredible sights, you would need months and months to fully explore the Philippines and experience the enormity of its beauty. But if you don’t have that much time for vacation, here are the most breathtaking tourist destinations in the Pearl of the Orient Seas that you should add to your itinerary:

Boracay Island

The best, finest, and whitest sand in the whole wide world can be found on none other than Boracay’s White Beach. Curling your toes around this bone-white, powder-soft sand already feels incredibly relaxing—and even more so when you lay your eyes on its picture-perfect surroundings. Everywhere you look, you will see tall coconut trees lining the white sandy shores being gently lapped by its crystal-clear calm waters. Boracay’s beach is kid-friendly because you won’t have to worry about being swept by the waves. After all, Boracay’s waves are as gentle as they can be. Also, make sure to bring some sunglasses with you because the intensity of the sunlight being reflected by the white sand and clear waters might simply be much too bright for your eyes to handle. 

For the best experience, don’t skimp out on your accommodations. In fact, you should go all out and book only 5-star hotels or beach resorts in Boracay with the best amenities, in-room service, pools, and beachfront access. These 5-star luxury hotels are also a stone’s throw away from the shopping and dining squares where you can buy all sorts of “pasalubongs” (souvenirs) and eat all kinds of scrumptious food—from local Filipino dishes to Spanish, Italian, and even Greek cuisine. Don’t miss out on the “paluto” buffets, where you can choose any freshly caught seafood you want and tell the cook what dish you want to be cooked out of it. This tailored dining experience is truly one for the books! It is also at the center of the lively nightlife scene. After witnessing the gorgeous sunset by the beach, wear your best clubbing outfit because Boracay comes alive with upbeat music and bright neon lights from the numerous bars and pub crawls lining the shores. 

As for the many other things you can do in Boracay, you can go island hopping on Puka Beach and Diniwid Beach, both of which offer a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the main island. These are also excellent places to take vacation pictures while kayaking. You can also engage in various water sports, such as banana boat riding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, paraw sailing, snorkeling, helmet diving, and parasailing. 

Coron, Palawan

If you want an escape from the chaotic bustle of the city, then the secluded island of Coron in Palawan is the perfect place for you. Coron is among the top tourist destinations in the Philippines for both local and foreign travelers—thanks to its unspoiled beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and tranquil, laidback island vibes. It is also among the best spots for deep diving as its waters are home to various World War II-era wreckage, along with limestone karst landscapes, pristine freshwater lakes, and shallow-water coral reefs.

Another popular spot in Coron is Kayangan Lake, which features jagged limestone cliffs and islets surrounding the lake. Together, these elements make for a dramatic landscape that is best viewed at the top of the hill. The lake’s glass-like waters also hide treasures such as various rock formations and schools of colorful fishes, thereby making the area an exceptional snorkeling and free-diving spot. 

Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan

It is in the Philippines’ Last Frontier, where you will find the world’s longest navigable underground river—the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a world-renowned attraction featuring jaw-dropping cave formations, breathtaking limestone cliffs, and pristine waters that almost seem like they’re glowing from underneath.

When you book a tour for the underground river exploration, you will come aboard paddleboats along with experienced tour guides who will tell you all about the history of the underground river as you cruise through scenic limestone cliffs. 

The Puerto Princesa Underground River also abounds with wildlife like crab-eating monkeys, humongous bats, and monitor lizards. It is also recommended that tourists join island hopping escapades in Honda Bay and visit the Crocodile Farm.

Cloud 9, Siargao

Yet another spectacular surfing haven is Siargao’s Cloud 9, whose claim to fame is its phenomenal waves that can reach as high as 12 feet. Unsurprisingly, it claimed the title of the surfing capital of the Philippines. Some would even regard it as the surfing mecca of Asia. However, one must be warned that the treacherous waves of Cloud 9 are best reserved for expert surfers, as the force of the waves is much too strong for beginners.

However, if you are not into surfing, you can still enjoy Siargao and all it has to offer, as there are other tourist spots you can visit, including various rock pools, waterfalls, and the Sohoton Lagoon, where you can swim alongside thousands of jellyfish that do not sting. You can also go island hopping in Siargao to visit attractions like the Sugba Lagoon, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.