From the beautiful beaches to the lush jungle, there are an infinite amount of different trips you could plan for your Philippines travel itinerary. Each trip will take you on a journey through incredible landscapes and amazing hospitality, but depending on what time of year you go, some locations may be crowded with tourists. These four unique places are a bit different from your standard Philippines travel destinations, but you’ll be sure to beat the crowds. From the hanging coffins of Sagada to swimming with sea turtles near Dumaguete City, you won’t be disappointed by these Filipino gems.
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Siargao
The Philippines has no shortage of beautiful islands (over 7,000 in fact!), but not all of them offer the same range of activities as Siargao. Siargao is still a relatively underrated island, so you won’t face the same influx of tourists as Boracay, although it’s rapidly growing in popularity. The best time to visit Siargao is during the low season for the rest of the Philippines, making it the perfect complement to any itinerary.
Although somewhat challenging to get to, the natural beauty makes it absolutely worth the flight. With its world class waves and laid back vibe, the island has become somewhat of a surfer’s paradise. There are a plethora of surf breaks that will appeal to all levels. But there’s still plenty to do for non-surfers as well. You can go island hopping to off shore islands in the area, check out the lagoon and mangroves, relax on the warm white sand, or grab a board and take a surf lesson. Hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
Puerto Galera
If you’re coming to the Philippines to dive, Puerto Galera is your spot. The island has over 40 dive spots, with some of the country’s best diving. From the gorgeous Coral Gardens, where you can see vibrantly colored coral reefs, to Shark Cave, where you can see white tipped sharks, there are a variety of dive spots depending on your interests.
Non-divers can enjoy one of the island’s beautiful 30+ beaches, with local favorites being White Beach and Sabang. Puerto Galera is always perfect for families with plenty of resorts and activities to do outside the water, as well. Hiking to beautiful local waterfalls for a picnic is a great afternoon activity. The island also offers a good nightlife scene if you’re looking to have some fun after the sun goes down.
Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City may not be the first choice for things to do in the Philippines, but this university town is a great jumping off point for local sites. The city itself is the bustling little center of the Negros Oriental region and has plenty to see and do. Walk the Rizal Boulevard along the ocean and stop at one of the many seaside cafes and restaurants. Visit one of the city’s churches and museums to learn more about the local culture. Once you’ve had your fill of Dumaguete City, it’s definitely worth exploring some of the local attractions of the region.
One of our favorites is nearby Apo Island where you can snorkel with sea turtles. The waters around the island have been protected as a marine sanctuary and it’s one of the few places you can swim with sea turtles right off shore. There is also excellent diving available in Apo Island. There are plenty of other beaches around Dumaguete City including the very popular Manjuyod white sandbar, as well as plenty of waterfalls in the area.
Sagada
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the island life, Sagada could be the perfect stop on your Philippines itinerary. Sagada is a remote mountain town and during the months of November to March, it’s a welcome cool relief from the heat of the rest of the country. It’s not easy to get to, but if you can withstand the windy, bumpy roads, you’ll be in for a real treat.
Sagada is famous for its “hanging coffins,” which is a traditional burial method where the dead are placed in coffins that hang off the side of mountains. As morbid as it sounds, visiting these coffins is actually a really interesting glimpse into the local culture. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to do in the area, including hiking, swimming and rappelling through the local caves. Watching the sunrise at Mount Kiltepan is also another local treasure as it boasts incredible views of the sun rising over the Cordillera mountains.
Each of these unique Philippines travel destinations offer something a little different and would be a perfect addition to any travel itinerary. If you’re looking to book a tour package, check out Philippines Travel Package. Yoav, and his team of travel experts, can arrange tours and transportation to all of these destinations and many more!
This post has been sponsored by Philippines Travel Package. However, as always, all thoughts and opinions are our own. We would never recommend a product or service we didn’t trust and believe in.
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While reading your article, i started to put interest in traveling in some place in the Philippines. The most known place i visited was in Bohol. I had Bohol Day Tour experienced only and it was memorable to me. Hope in your article i can visit some places you wrote.