5 Summer Destinations In The Philippines To Soak Up The Sun

written on April 22nd, 2015 by Marijim Dy

Summer is definitely here; time to bring out those bikinis and flaunt that beach body! The Philippines, with its pristine beaches and beautiful history, has five of the best places to visit for your sunny vacay. Whether you want to just chill and have fun with your friends or enrich yourself with the country’s culture, this archipelago definitely has surprises in store for you in its 7,107 nooks and crannies.

Boracay

One of the top summer destinations for tourists and locals alike, Boracay Island has become renowned for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. This Western Visayas isle in Aklan never runs out of tourists and has even been deemed as the “Best Overall Island” by Travel+Leisure Magazine in 2012.

There are three stations for every type of vacationer in Boracay. Station 1 is where the 5-star and most expensive resorts and hotels are located. Station 2, the center of the island, is where people go to eat and party. Finally, Station 3 is for travelers who want to enjoy their summer in a leisurely manner. It is, by far, the most serene and quiet place in the island.

Palawan

Catapulted to fame by “The Amazing Race” season 3, which was filmed in El Nido, Palawan, this island paradise is home to gorgeous beaches as well as several unique species of flora and fauna. Three popular spots in Palawan are El Nido, as mentioned above, Coron and Puerto Princessa.

Most islands have pockets and secret coves of white sand beaches which are perfect for sunbathing and picnic lunches. UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reef Marine Park showcase the wonders of this island.

Cebu

Cebu is one of the most-developed provinces in the Philippines. Located at the heart of the country, it is home to the oldest city in the Philippines. Tourists can visit historic attractions such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Taoist Temple, Fort San Pedro, Lapu-Lapu shrine, Magellan shrine and Magellan’s Cross. Sinulog, its most famous festival, is held during the third Sunday of January.

Beautiful white sand beaches are also abundant in this province especially in the Southern part of Cebu. Places such as Alcoy, Moalboal, Sumilon Island, Bantayan and Camotes are just some of the must-visit sites in the area.

Bohol

Considered as Cebu’s sister island, Bohol is another popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. Alona Beach, Panglao Island and Pandanon Island are three of the more renowned vacation destinations. Home to the world-famous Tarsier and Chocolate Hills, Bohol will certainly captivate you with its natural resources.

Vacationers can also enjoy a cruise at Loboc River while being served with sumptuous Filipino cuisine and delicacies. The E.A.T. Danao Adventure Park is a recent addition to Bohol’s tourist spots. Tourists can engage in various exhilarating activities  which will surely be an unforgettable summer experience.

Camiguin

Camiguin is an island in Mindanao which is famous for its Lanzones, a small grape-sized tropical fruit. It even has a colorful festival to commemorate the fruit. The province also has its own fair share of rich culture with its old churches and ancestral homes such as the Catarman Church Ruins (Gui-ob Church) and the Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery.

Some of Camiguin’s natural attractions are the Tanguines Lagoon, Katibawasan Falls, Tuasan Falls, Tangub Hot Spring and Macao Cold Spring. The island has one active volcano named Mount Hibok-Hibok and its peak offers a magnificent view of Cebu, Negros and Bohol. The White Island is the province’s popular sand bar and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.