Top Summer Getaways of the Philippines

It’s official! Summer heat is on, and summer parties are everywhere in the Philippines. 

Are you ready to get soaked in fun, thrill and excitement? If you have plans to travel to the Philippines, you should know where the top summer destinations are. Read on and know why the Philippines should be on top of your list this summer.

The country's more than 7, 107 beautiful islands surely lure both local and international tourists alike to spend their best summer vacation and enjoy its most popular and attractive islands; indulge in sports activities along white sand beaches, fine weather and much more!

Luzon

Luzon is the largest among the three main island groups of the Philippine archipelago. It is home to lots of wonderful places and amazing tourist spots. Here are the top 5 places you should go to at this northern part of the archipelago.

1. Baguio City (Baguio, Philippines)

Topping our list among the favored summer destinations in Luzon is Baguio City. It is one of the most popular cities in the Philippines and has been considered the country`s Summer Capital for the past 99 years.

Otherwise known as the City of Pines, this summer capital is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. The city is known for its cold climate owing to its elevation, which is why most tourists in the country flock the city in the verge of the summer heat in the Philippines.

Explore its famous attractions such as the astounding view of Mines View Park, the Mansion (home to Philippine Presidents during their visits to Baguio), the Wright Park (just near the Mansion, with its beautiful gardens and landscape), Camp John Hay (which prides itself with 18-hole golf course), Burnham Park (where tourists can go picnic or row boats and relax), or stroll around and enjoy the views of Session Road where commercial and business structures abound. First class hotels, restaurants, department stores and shopping centers are to be found in this area.

Not only its amazing scenic views but its variety of historical and cultural attractions, Baguio has become a desirous tourist destination for Filipinos and foreign tourists alike.

And oh, don't forget to pack along with you your thick coats!

2. Mayon Volcano (Legazpi City, Albay)

For the longest time, Mayon is the answer to Japan's Mt. Fuji; exuding a panoramic beauty that attracts a myriad of tourists from around the globe. (www.filipiknow.net/mayon-volcano-shocking-facts)

Mayon Volcano is world famous because of its reputably perfect cone shape and form among all volcanos in the world. It is also the most active volcano in the Philippines.

Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. Proud with its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon Volcano rises to 2460 meters above Albay Gulf. Its last eruption was in May of last year.

3. Hundred Islands (Alaminos, Pangasinan)

Yes, it's difficult to choose which among the 7107 islands to explore first in the country. But if you'd like to hit about 100 islands all at once, come to the Hundred Islands Natural Park in Pangasinan.

There are 123 islands and some of them are called as "Devil's Island," "Governor's Island" and "Kissing Island." And of course, don't forget your bathing suits because its clear blue-green hues of water will surely get your attention!

4. Underground River (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

This Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished protected areas of the Philippines. It contains an 8.2 km long river that directly flows to the sea. It was recently declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nicknamed as a city in a forest, Puerto Princesa is where this underground river can be found. This underground river is part of the national park which is home to 800 plant species, including almost 300 trees, 195 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles, and 8 bat species--truly a model of biodiversity!

Don't forget to visit the astounding view of Coron Palawan when you get there! ;)

5. Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)

Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, Puerto Galera has been the where-to-go summer destination for city-dwellers for beach activities.

Water is certainly the main attraction of Puerto Galera. Crystal clear and shimmering especially during hot summer months, the sea framing Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Tourists who had gone there certainly look forward to the next visit!

Visayas

The second largest group of islands in the Phillipines next to Luzon is Visayas.

Lying at the heart of the Philippine archipelago, the Visayas group of islands is well known and highly visited for its top selection of sun-sational summer destinations. It is composed of the major islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay and Samar.

Below are the top places you should never miss when you go to Visayas.

1. Boracay Island (Boracay, Aklan) ---- TEMPORARILY CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Out of all islands all over the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012.

Also, voted the world's best beach by the Sun Herald Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the perfect island getaway with its warm blue waters, powdery fine white sand shoreline, and a palm-fringe 4-kilometer beach.

Experience water sports and activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkelling, diving, and jet skiing. Fun here doesn't end when the sun sets; Boracay's nightlife lures one and all to bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.

2. Bohol Island (Bohol, Philippines)

Bohol is popular for its enchanting and captivating scenic views like the chocolate hills, world class beach resorts, beautiful diving spots, and astounding wildlife including the smallest known primate, the Tarsiers.

Get to relax at the pristine waters and white beaches that abound in Panglao Island. Or better yet, be amazed at the 1268 beautiful and perfect cone shaped chocolate hills. The shape of the hills are almost uniform and ranges from 30-50 meters high!

Summer is the best time to go if you want to witness the Chocolate Hills of Bohol!

3. Cebu City (Cebu, Philippines)

Dubbed as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is the second most important city of the country next to Manila. It has its own international airport and seaport. It is the home of  Sinulog Festival with colorful costumes and street dancing. The oldest known Spanish settlement in the country is in Cebu City, dating from the 15th century.

Tour around Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino cathedral, various beach resorts and more!

4. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

Do you love adventure and exciting excursions under the sea? Then come to Apo Island which is just less than an hour trip from Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. Be in love with marine nature at its best as you go on scuba diving. At present, Apo Island is home to at least 650 documented species of fish, and estimated to have over 400 species of corals. Apo Island is one of the world's best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such, it has been well documented by the global science communities.

Mindanao

1. Camiguin

Camiguin is the second smallest province of the Philippines. Nevertheless, this small island has promising wonders you must see. Camiguin is referred to as "Born of Fire." This spectacular island has 7 volcanoes and several volcanic domes. It has also clear waters and thus acclaimed as one of the top dive spots worldwide.

2. Davao

Davao is where Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is located. Grab the chance to trek its popular nature trails for an unforgettable summer adventure. Famous spots you can visit in Davao include Mt. Apo, Philippine Eagle Center, Crocodile Park, Samal Island and Pearl farm, Paradise Island and much more!

Activities you will enjoy in Davao include but are not limited to beach and water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, boat sailing, river rafting, and the like! You also must try their famous durian fruit and durian candies!

3. Bukidnon

Bukidnon is a highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao. It is home to the world's biggest pineapple plantation and boast of a classic golf course dating back in 1928. Landlocked by mountain ranges and forest reserves, Bukidnon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The entire place is tailored-fit for eco-adventure activities like mountain climbing, trail hiking, trekking, rappelling, and more!

One must definitely agree that the Philippines is a haven for fun and adventure. Its geographical setting is tailored fit for an exciting and fun-filled summer getaway.

Blessed with a rich environment-lush forest, tropical islands, white beaches, rivers, lakes, and mountains, friendly and hospitable people, who are always happy to welcome guests and visitors, the Philippines should on top of your list for your next summer vacation.

BONUS TIPS:

When planning your activities outside for summer, take into account the following:

1. Be free to do anything (just don't break the law!).

Fun and excitement can be enjoyed the most when you free yourself from all inhibitions. Experience life at its best, savor the moment by doing things beyond ordinary and when you go home, you'll surely have a moment worth keeping for! Be active to do anything for a fun-filled summer, just don't break the law!

2. Learn something new. Okay, this is something that we actually should be doing every day. Summer is usually a time to relax and be free from your usual routine at work, at home. So, why not use your spare time to learn a new skill, a new language perhaps?

Whatever the case maybe, go, and grab the opportunity to learn something new.

3. Relax. Summer wouldn't be fun at all if during this time you won't be able to relax. Our human body needs rest. Summer calls for a relaxing experience. Give yourself a break and relax, free yourself from stress and other worries. Just like other people, you too, deserve to relax.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and give yourself a chance to personally experience that indeed, IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

(All photos are from public domain and based on search results from Google Images. The author of this blog doesn't own them, credits to the rightful owner.)