Philippines: Pearl of the Orient

Putting together some of the best and most desirable places to visit in the Philippines, we are here to help you with your travel plans in 2018.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the Philippines boasts a warm, blustery climate, clear-as-crystal waters, weather-worn mountains and lush vegetation, all of which serve to make it a tropical heaven.

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Planning a tour to the Philippines in 2018 can be a grand and mind-boggling experience for any traveller. From the stupendous, peaceful rolling hills of Batanes to the fab waterfalls of Lake Sebu, the Philippines has a profusion of some tremendous destinations that are worthy of a traveller’s bucket list. These places in the Philippines will give you some inspiration and a good start to your escapade.

Bounty Beach (Malapascua Island)

This island became renowned for the thresher shark dives which entice divers from all over the world. You don’t necessarily have to be a diver to relish this piece of nirvana; Bounty Beach is a dream of every beach lover. If you plan to stay on the island, this is the place to be. There are quite a few resorts, restaurants, and bars spotted along the beach. A great place to unwind, laze, or chill out with a cocktail and watch the amazing sunsets in this beautiful part of the Philippines.

Bounty Beach makes for an awesome tropical getaway.

Batanes

Batanes, without a doubt, is a dream destination for travellers. With its photogenic beauty and laid-back experience, many travel freaks are fantasising on travelling there. It is a destination for well-travelled foodies; its fresh seafood treats – particularly the big lobsters – would completely satisfy your taste buds. Those with a sweet tooth must also try their native delicacy known as Uvud balls, made from coconut meat strips and meatballs. It is positioned northernmost of the Philippine territory with proximity even closer to Taiwan than that of the mainland Luzon.

Huma Island

This place provides travellers a dream vacation experience filled with memories to last a lifetime. Huma Island is a peaceful gateway for couples to pamper and engross themselves in the natural exquisiteness of Palawan through scuba diving, snorkeling or island hopping. It is a private enclave with copious marine life, startling white beaches, and a lush rainforest landscape. This impeccable resort boasts 81 contemporary over water and beach villas with private jacuzzis and butler service as well as an outstanding range of restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities.

Lake Sebu

It is a gorgeous inland sea on the island of Mindanao nestled into the southern Tiruray Highlands at an altitude of almost 300m (984ft). Lake Sebu consists of three adjacent mountain lakes which will promptly seize the heart of nature lovers. Out of the three lakes, Lake Sebu is the largest, Lake Siluton, the deepest and Lahit, the smallest.

Lake Sebu is also the Seven waterfalls or “Dongon Waterfalls”. You can also discover the spectacular beauty of its natural waterfalls that shower down from the rugged terrain of the splendid hills. These falls are enormous and will remind you of the supremacy of nature.

Cebu City

Positioned in the central part of the Philippines, it is an overwhelming place to spend your holiday. Jam-packed with plenty of activities and tourist spots from waterfalls to some fanciful diving - it’s a complete bundle. While you are here, find a way to spend some time underwater. Cebu is home to some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world. For most visitors taking a ride on a jeepney or a tricycle is an exceptional adventure that everyone needs to do. Similarly, it is a great way to get around to the locals.

Camiguin

Extending the best of the Philippines in a miniature with picture-perfect beaches, sparkling hot springs, jungle waterfalls, perma-grinning islanders and peculiar festivals, Camiguin is a wonderland. There’s also no shortage of adventure, with invincible scuba diving (you can spot sharks, giant clams, turtles even a sunken, underwater cemetery within metres of the shoreline). It is repeatedly called the island-born out of the fire. One of the most active volcanoes in the country, Mount Hibok-Hibok made huge changes in the island’s landscape and the lives of its citizens.

El Nido, Palawan

Boundless beaches, turquoise waters and an underwater world, this is a dreamlike place that will take your breath away. It has some of the most stunning scenery we have ever witnessed. This place is filled with striking rock formations and enclosed by intense blue waters. El Nido is not just a tropical beach paradise; it’s a place like no other.

With breath-taking views of nature, over and under the sea, El Nido is special and for sure, one of the most stunning seascapes on earth.

From the January 2018 issue of FHM India.