Best places to visit in Philippines this summer

So most of you right now are thinking where to spend your summer vacation to chill and have fun with your colleagues this coming summer vacation, right? Some people are looking forward this summer to escape from the real world (work and school) and get ready to be kissed by the sun. Beaches and landmarks are the most in demand places every summer so if you are wondering where to spend your summer vacation this year, let’s take a tour to the best places to visit in Philippines this summer vacation. 

Before going on a trip abroad, why not explore some tourist destinations we have in our country? Philippines is rich in natural resources and named as one of the best places to go in a vacation by Rough Guides this 2014. We listed 10 best places in the Philippines to visit this coming summer, for your reference and travel guide.

1. Mayon Volcano – significant for its perfect cone, Mayon Volcano is located in the province of Albay, part of Luzon island. Tourists can enjoy climbing, camping, hiking and photography. This is the most active volcano in the Philippines having erupted 49 times in the past 400 years.

2. Chocolate Hills –  Bohol’s most popular tourist destination, and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. They look like giant mole hills, reminding us of the hills in a small child’s drawing. People who came to visit this place were impressed by the fact these are not man- made. Two of the highest hills have been developed and provided with facilities such as a restaurant, hostel and view deck.

3. Puerto Princesa Underground River – You cannot miss this one if you are in Palawan. The longest navigable underground river and reputedly the most beautiful subterranean river in the world. A place to unspoiled landscapes rich in wildlife, and at the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

4. Boracay Island – located in Aklan, Western Visayas, this island never runs out of tourists. Named as the Best Overall Island                             by Travel+Leisure Magazine on 2012, Boracay is the most famous island in the Philippines. This white beach is composed of three             sections, Station 1 - the best (and most expensive) resorts and hotels can be found here. Station 2 – the center of Boracay where                 people come here to eat and party, Station 3 – the most serene and quiet place in Boracay.

5. Tubbataha Reef – located in the middle area of Sulu, Tubbataha Reef consists of two huge atolls (named the North Atoll and South Atoll) and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef covering a total area of 97,030 hectares. Tubbataha was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  In 1999, Ramstar listed Tubbataha as one of the Wetlands of International Importance. In 2008, the reef was nominated at the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

6. Campomanes Bay in Sipalay Beach Resort- Campomanes Bay is a favorite dive site for safari divers with its beautiful coral gardens and sunken warships. It has enticing pristine waters and white sand beach. Sipalay City is located South of Negros Occidental. All roads leading to this southernmost city are fully asphalted.

7. Vigan City – If you want to experience the Spanish heritage life, Vigan is the perfect place to go. Located at the northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list since 2 December 1999 for its unique Spanish colonial history in Asia and the very well-preserved Spanish monumental buildings which where built in the 18th century. This city is a very modern and clean city with lots of restaurants, hotels and shops and many sights attractive to tourists.

8. El Nido Palawan – a perfect place for island hopping, snorkeling and diving. According toPalawan El Nido travel guide,  it has 250 million year-old limestone cliffs, 888 species of fish, 4 archaeological sites, 45 islands and 2,645 hectares of mangrove. El Nido is composed of 45 islands and islets, each with its own unique features. Most of the islands have pockets and coves of fine white sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and picnic lunches. Within some of the islands are ancient caves with fascinating drip stone formations. In other islands, limestone walls open up to lagoons. Weathering and erosion created and continue to shape these  interesting geological formations.

9. Burnham Park, Bagiuo City – Located at the heart of Bagiuo City, Burnham Park was named after the American architect Daniel Hudson Burhham who laid the plans for the city. Burnham Park is known as the ‘mother of all parks’ in the summer capital of the Philippines. Enjoy the amusement park with boating, bicycle and skating areas, sports and gaming areas, plus a few eateries.

 10. Lake Balinsasayao – Located at the west of the town of Sibulan in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. Swimming, fishing, boating, trekking and kayaking are some of the activities you will definitely enjoy while in Lake Balinsasayao. It is the habitat of many animals, and the area is surrounded by lush tropical greens and vegetation. There are still a lot of places in Philippines to be discovered and to be explored. Summer is the best time to travel with our family and friends to enjoy the best spots in the Philippines. Always remember, ones destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

source "www.eaglenews.ph"