Exploring the Philippines is FUN! I do get why foreign tourists often complain that they’re only allowed to stay in the country for 21 days (although they have the option to extend their visas) because there’s just too much to see – from beaches to the highlands to rich culture. The Philippines has a lot to offer!
I’ve been to a number of favorite Philippine Tourist Destinations, but there are some places that I haven’t visited despite the fact that they’re just hours away from home. Friends invite me to visit these places and go with them, but the timing isn’t right or funds are not enough (it’s always the latter haha).
Now I present you five Philippine Destinations I’m planning to visit this year!
SAGADA , Mt. Province
I often get that puzzled look when I tell people that I haven’t been to Sagada. I can’t blame them. Some travelers made it a ritual to visit Sagada at least once a year. The journey from Manila to Sagada is easier compared to how it was six years ago. What I’m proud of is at least I’ve been to Batad – which I originally thought was part of Sagada. Toinks.
Hanging coffins viewing, Spelunking,Hiking, Emo-ing (LOL). There’s loads of things to do in Sagada and I’m hoping to visit this year.
PUERTO GALERA, Mindoro
Puerto Galera is the nearest party island from Metro Manila. I remember initiating a trip with travel buddies way back in 2011, but I wasn’t able to join them due to family reasons. It would be hard to party while someone close to you is in pain. I heard some crazy feedbacks about Puerto Galera and I’m eager to see it on my own eyes. I want to go there with my gay friends! Puerto Gay-lera, rampage time!
PORT BARTON in SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN
During the 80’s, backpackers would visit Palawan to stay in Port Barton. According to a Palaweno I talked to, public transportation going to El Nido was scarce way back and the journey is never easy. It is the reason why backpackers would settle in Port Barton. There is an obvious decrease on the number of visitors, but I still want to experience this part of San Vicente, Palawan. Based on the photos I’ve seen online, this is a good spot for relaxation.
MALAPASCUA, CEBU
I’m a certified Cebu addict. In fact, I have a scheduled trip this month! I think it’s my 10th or 11th time in Sugbu. I enjoyed the sardine run in Moalboal and beach bumming at Bantayan Island, but I haven’t been to Malapascua. They say it is a diver’s haven, but I can only snorkel Haha 😛 I still want to go though. Snorkel Morkel Galore!
MT. PULAG, Benguet
Mt. Pulag is the second highest mountain in the Philippines. The sunrise photos shown to me by friends secretly made me envious. I wanna go there too! I want to climb the mountain, starve myself ‘till I’m on the top, set-up a tent (uhm, can someone do this part for me? LOL), eat lots of canned goods, bond with friends on bonfire session, sleep, wake up and appreciate the sunrise while the sky is within reach! Yipee! Take me there!
I’m giving you five for now. I am still contemplating which destinations to post on this list since I really want to visit loads of places! These five are in my priority list since these are the most ‘realistically reachable’ places for me –geographically and financially! 😛
Do you also have a list of must-see Philippine destinations for 2014? Share! Happy 2014 to all!
If ever you are in Port Barton you have to meet Nandaleng. Siya yung nagdala sakin from San Vicente to Port Barton. At 60 she is still active and determined. Galing. Anyway, sama ko sa Puerto Gallera. Lol
Read your blog entry about her. Very inspiring! 😀 Sige, sama kay sa Puerto Gaylera hehe
Tara na sa Puerto Galera! Bahaha! 😛
Yun talaga ang pinili mo eh haha 😀
Haven’t also been to San Vicente, Palawan and Malapascua. You’ll visit these 5 destinations this year. Claim it! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks Gracey! ipu-push ko na yan! 😛
Yes to Port Barton And Malapascua! So much great feedback about them I know I just have to see them, too.
Thanks Paul. I’m excited to visit these destinations! 😀
sagada-virgin here. apir! 🙂
Woot! Hindi pala ako nag-iisa haha 😀 Sabay tayong pumunta! 😀
One day Im going to go to these places too! Pera lang talaga ang kailangan! hahah
Hi ate! Found you through thatbackpacker.com 🙂
Time to save up! Hehe glad you found me through Audrey’s site 😀
I miss traveling with you. I also want to travel this year, sana may extra change. XD
I miss traveling with you too, Banana! I-push na yan lol
Medyo natuwa ako sa Mt. Pulag! Lumelevel up ka na teh!! Shet gusto ko ng bumalik dyan and magtravel ulet :-/ MISS YAAAAH
True! Nakapag-Mt. Pulag ka na ba? Punta kayo dito ni Josh, tara! 😀 I miss you badet
Messagethat blue sky is so vivid
Same tayo sis! nakapag-Palawan na at lahat hindi pa rin nakakarating sa Puerto Galera! lolz… Hopefully this year, matuloy narin at maalis na sa bucket list ko ang Mt. Pulag 🙂
Sabay tayo, you want? 😛
My brother and I were just talking about the Philippines yesterday. He’s been, but it’s still on my list of places to go. It looks so beautiful and everyone always has positive things to say about it. Port Barton in Palawan looks absolutely amazing! I hope you make it to all of these places on your list, and hopefully I will too someday soon!
You must visit the Philippines! Let me know if you’re coming 🙂
On the other hand, I am envious that you’re in LA now 😀
Ohhh. I have been to Cebu a couple of times but never I have been to Malapascua. I really got to be there. I would love dive. thank you for the list of tourist spot. I really appreciate it. Thank you!