Mainstream marvels

Banaue Rice Terraces

Dubbed as the eighth wonder of the world, the Banaue Rice Terraces stretch like a stairway to heaven standing 5,000 feet above sea level. If connected from end to end, its length will be 10 times longer than the Great Wall of China. There are many marvelous hiking trails leading to the top of the terraces that entice local and foreign travelers. It is considered as one of humankind’s greatest architecture and engineering feature as this spectacular creation is purely man-made. Banaue Rice Terraces is an 8 to 9-hour bus ride north of Manila.

Boracay

In 1990, Boracay was awarded as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook. Every year, about hundreds of thousands of tourists from different parts of the world hit the island to soak their feet in the divine white sand. Travelers can dive, snorkel, and parasail around the shore. At night, the island is as dazzling as it is in the morning, as people come together to witness various performances by the beach.

Boracay is 315 km from the southern city of Manila. From Manila, the plane will go to Panay Island which is the closest island to Boracay, and continued with a boat to arrive to the island.

Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are Bohol’s most iconic wonder. The 1,268 hills are covered with grass, which, by the end of the dry season, would look like Hershey Kisses chocolates. There are daily flights to Bohol (Tagbilaran) from Manila. Plenty of tourist guides will gladly bring you to the site of the hills, as well as to introduce you to the famous Tarsier.

Mayon Volcano

Famous for its perfect cone shape, the Mayon volcano is the Philippine’s most active volcano and the centerpiece in the Bicol region. Tourists can go nature hiking, marvel at the many wonderful animals, camping, and of course, take photographs. The best time to visit the volcano is between the months of March and May. There are daily flights to Legazpi, Albay from Manila.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park

Puerto Princesa in Palawan has its own treasure and that is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park being one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. The limestone landscape is already an attraction but beneath it is an 8.2 kilometer long underground river. What’s so special about this river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence. The limestone cliffs can be seen in the beautiful Sabang Beach and upon entering the park, little monkeys will welcome the tourists.

Taal Lake and Volcano

The famous volcano nestled within a lake once brought massive destruction to the Philippines. However, today, while still active, it is considered one of the most attractive destinations in the country. Various activities can be done in and around the volcano, such as climbing, rafting, and canoeing. Hotels circle around the lake, which promotes the beauty of its creation to tourists. Located south of Metro Manila, visitors can take either a bus or their own vehicle to either Tagaytay or Batangas. Upon reaching the town, take a motorized boat to take you to the Volcano lake.

Vigan

Vigan, the vibrant city of Ilocos Sur and one of the few surviving old historic cities in the Philippines. Its beauty remains timeless, as it has preserved its heritage. Walking the streets is like walking to the old Spanish colonial days, through the cobbled stone alleys and antique houses. The timeless architectures are not the only things Vigan has to offer. Vigan is oozing with flavors and spices -- from Vigan longganisa, to Vigan empanada, and Bagnet. This city will not only satisfy the eyes, but the taste buds as well.