5 Amazing Places to Visit in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, with over 7,000 islands and home to an exciting variety of activities, attractions, and some of the friendliest people in the world.
The Philippines is a great place to visit all year round, and you should definitely include the following destinations in your holiday itinerary.
The Tubbataha Reef
Located in the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reef is one of the natural gems that the Philippines is known for. This marine sanctuary and national marine park consists of two atolls—the South Atoll and the North Atoll—separated by a deep five-mile wide channel; these atolls will definitely take your breath away. The Tubbataha Reef is just one of the many spectacular diving sites in the Philippines, and with its breathtakingly colorful coral walls and crystal-clear waters, it is no wonder why plenty of divers and travelers have fallen in love with this destination. The best time to visit the Tubbataha Reef is from April to June, when the waters are calm and ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Mayon Volcano
This breathtaking yet dangerous volcano got its name for the local word for “beautiful”—there truly is nothing like the almost perfect conical shape of the Mayon. The majestic volcano rises more than 2,000 meters above sea level, and the clear blue skies and clouds that often surround the nearly perfect peak make a gorgeous background for pictures. Despite its beauty, the Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, and has erupted numerous times in recent history, devastating the outlying towns.
The San Agustin Church
Located in the medieval city of Intramuros, the San Agustin Church is one of the most popular historical destinations in the Philippines. The church was built during the Spanish colonial period in 1589, and has withstood numerous earthquakes, fires, typhoons, and even the Second World War. Visitors to this church will be welcomed with exquisite wooden carvings on the entrance, as well as a beautiful ceiling painted by 19th-century Italian painters Cesare Alberoni and Giovanni Dibella.
Donsol
Donsol is the home of the majestic whale sharks, which can be seen visiting this sleepy fishing village in Sorsogon from November to June. Aside from swimming with the whale sharks, you can always enjoy cruising down the Donsol River by boat—do so in the evening when there are millions of fireflies lighting up the balmy nights of Donsol. Craving for fresh seafood? Donsol also boasts of many local dishes using the fresh catch from the sea.
The Underground River of Puerto Princesa
Located in the provincial capital of Palawan, this amazing underground river is just one of the many natural attractions of Puerto Princesa. The locals have taken active steps to preserve their natural treasures, including this subterranean river that can be navigated by a paddle boat. There are plenty of wonderful rock formations in the underground river, and the shade is a welcome respite from the heat, especially if you visit during the Philippine summer, from March to May.
