Category: Blog

Sand, Sea, and Surf: The best diving spots in the Philippines

The first reason travelers like us go to visit the Philippines is cheap beach vacations. We’re not talking cheap because it’s not worth seeing, but because compared to other tropical vacations in the world, the 7,107 islands of this country is something you can appreciate without breaking the bank. But if there is a second … Continue reading “Sand, Sea, and Surf: The best diving spots in the Philippines”

The first reason travelers like us go to visit the Philippines is cheap beach vacations. We’re not talking cheap because it’s not worth seeing, but because compared to other tropical vacations in the world, the 7,107 islands of this country is something you can appreciate without breaking the bank. But if there is a second reason that makes Philippines the ultimate destination for holiday travel, it’s the diving spots.

Travelers and tourists who consider themselves adventurers and beach-lovers are more often than not surfers or aspiring ones. If you’re one of these people, then we’re willing to bet you probably look for all inclusive beach vacations that offers not just pristine waters or powder white sand but also a view beyond what’s above sea level. No worries, Philippines is rich in aquatic wildlife that could paint you a kaleidoscopic, panoramic picture of the best underwater views ever.

1. Tubbataha Reef in Cagayancillo, Palawan

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in December 1993, the Natural Marine Park part of Cagayancillo Municipality of Palawan boasts of its world-renowned marine biodiversity. With over 600 fish species, 11 shark species, 13 dolphin and whale species and over 360 coral species, this amazing dive spot is everything a diver’s dream is made of. It may be 150 kilometers southeast of the white-sand beaches of Puerto Princesa (about 10 hours away if you go by boat) but believe us when we tell you, it’s all going to be worth it.

2. Yapak in Boracay

If you think Boracay is just fine sand and nightlife, you are wrong. This popular beach destination is also home to Yapak, one of the best dive spots in the world. This place is has built a strong reputation for macro photography with its colorful marine life that go from small to big. Catch a glimpse of Barracudas, Manta Rays, Dogtooth Tunas, and White Tip Sharks and get Instagram-worthy photos of its vibrant corals. And the best thing about it? It’s only 15 minutes away by boat from Boracay proper so you can easily go back to the pulsating night life right after.

3. Malapascua Island in Cebu

The beauty of Malapascua Island in the northernmost tip of Cebu is getting a steady reputation as being one of the most breathtaking islands in the Philippines, next to Boracay and Palawan. This dive spot is about a 5 hour travel from the city (4 hour bus ride and 45 minute boat ride) and is the go-to place in Cebu if you want a dive experience like no other. The pristine waters of this island is home to Thresher Sharks, rays (Manta, Devil, and Marble Rays) as well as turtles and whale sharks. Another islet near Malapascua is the Gato Island where you can also find a wide array of marine life from sea snakes, blacktip sharks, and harlequin shrimp to frogfishes and blue ring octopus.

Who says cheap beach vacations won’t have you going back home without fun-filled and colorful memories of the sea? Get your dream tropical vacation and adventure and head out to these amazing dive spots in Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu! See more here.

Top 5 mountains to climb in the Philippines

Spending your dream vacations in the Philippines doesn’t just mean sinking your feet in the fine sands of its world-famous white beaches. If you’re not one for just lounging around and getting tan but more up to adrenaline-pumping adventures, then going mountain hiking is your cup of tea. The 7,107 beautiful islands of this archipelago don’t … Continue reading “Top 5 mountains to climb in the Philippines”

Spending your dream vacations in the Philippines doesn’t just mean sinking your feet in the fine sands of its world-famous white beaches. If you’re not one for just lounging around and getting tan but more up to adrenaline-pumping adventures, then going mountain hiking is your cup of tea.

The 7,107 beautiful islands of this archipelago don’t just boast of its beaches but its amazing peaks as well. If you want Instagram-worthy photos of you looking like you rule the world, then no one can compete with an image of you on top of a mountain, arms outstretched and feeling like a boss.

Here are top 5 mountains you could climb in the country (for Beginners):

1. Mount Maculot

Mt. Maculot, located in Cuenca, Batangas, is a view to behold at 930 meters above sea level. This beauty is just an hour and a few minutes away from Manila, making it the ideal go-to spot for amateur climbers. Besides the summit and the campsite, you could also bask in the glorious view of Taal Lake.

2. Mount Batulao

Another gem of Batangas is Mt. Batulao, with its green landscapes and rolling slopes. This mountain is just 811 meters above the sea (just a few meters shorter than Maculot) making it the perfect mountain to climb for first-timers. With its close proximity to the city, you can easily escape the hustle and the bustle of the metropolis.

3. Mount Pico de Loro

When people talk about mountain climbing in the Philippines, there is one mountain that you won’t miss in a conversation- Mt. Pico de Loro. Since the mountain is only 664 meters above sea level, most hikers can scale in a day but there are some few who choose to stay overnight. If you are spending spring vacation with your friends, then spending the night at the amazing peaks of Mt. Pico de Loro is a great way to bond.

4. Mount Balagbag

Mt. Balagbag is part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges that Rodriguez, Rizal boasts of. With its easy trails and gradual ascend, the only thing hikers should prepare for is the sun’s mighty rays when you schedule your climb in the morning. If you want a more comfortable, skin-friendly hike, go for late afternoon or a night trek.

5. Mount Manabu

Standing tall at 760 meters above sea level, Mt. Manabu is another mountain to visit at Batangas. Mt. Manabu is part of the mountain ranges of Malarayat, very accessible from Manila. You can easily reach the peak of this amazing mountain in about 2 hours and just enjoy the view of its campsite covered with colorful flora. If you want to know if you’ve reached the peak of Mt. Manabu, there’s a large white cross waiting for you at the top.

Climb Mountains in the Philippines

There is really more to the Philippines than the sandy white beaches of Boracay and Palawan. So why not find the adventurer in you and get your thrill on these dream vacations destinations by climbing the mountaintops of some of the amazing peaks here in the Philippines.

Five things to do in Boracay for adrenaline junkies

Boracay is known all over the world as one of the must-see tropical vacations destination in the Philippines. With its clear blue waters and fine white sand,visitors will surely forget the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis once they arrive here. But any local will tell you that there is more to Boracay than … Continue reading “Five things to do in Boracay for adrenaline junkies”

Boracay is known all over the world as one of the must-see tropical vacations destination in the Philippines. With its clear blue waters and fine white sand,visitors will surely forget the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis once they arrive here.

But any local will tell you that there is more to Boracay than just lazy sunbathing and frolicking in the sea. As more and more people visit this magnificent island, the number of fun adventures and activities it can offer have increased as well. So if you are one of those spring vacationers looking to try out something new and exciting, here are five fun and heart-stopping tropical vacations activities you could do in Boracay:

Continue reading “Five things to do in Boracay for adrenaline junkies”

Five beaches near Manila

Now you don’t have to go as far as Boracay or Cebu to be able to appreciate the archipelago being home to some of the world’s greatest sand-sea-and-sky combo.

If you are looking to spend spring vacation someplace that’s closer to dream-like paradise than reality, Philippines is the place to go. But here’s the truth, once you touch down the country’s capital city, Manila, you don’t have to go as far as Boracay or Cebu to be able to appreciate the archipelago being home to some of the world’s greatest sand-sea-and-sky combo.

Ask the city locals, there are amazing beaches just outside the metropolis that won’t take you too far. Just pack your bags and go on a road trip that would only take 5 hours at most!

1. Patar White Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Considered to be the hidden treasure of the North, Pangasinan’s Patar White Beach boasts of fine, creamy white sand and pristine waters. This paradise is only 5 hours away from Manila and is fairly untouched and uncommercialized unlike more, well-known beaches in the Philippines like Boracay.

2. Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

Burot Beach us one of the many great beaches that stretch over the western coast of Punta de Santiago. The sand is not white but more of cream but there is a quaint charm to this Batangas gem that keeps tourists coming back. The great thing about this place is it won’t burn a hole in your pocket so you get to enjoy the simplicity of the place without spending too much.

3. Borawan, Quezon

It’s all in the name- Borawan is a name derived from two of the Philippines’ best spring break beach destinations- Boracay and Palawan. Its fine white sand are just like Boracay’s while its rock formations are reminiscent of Palawan. Just like the first two beaches, it takes about 5 hours to reach it. Besides the beach, adventure-seekers can also enjoy the place’s partially submerged caves.

4. Nagsasa, San Antonio, Zambales

Nagsasa Beach is a paradise located in Zambales, just 3 to 5 hours away from the city. It is an amazing ash-gray beach beautifully-peppered with Agoho trees. It is also home to awe-inspiring mountain scapes filled with bamboo and grass and since it’s not spoiled and commercialized just yet, it’s the best place to go to if you want some peace and quiet.

5. Laiya, Batangas

One of the closest beaches in Manila lie in Batangas. It’s just a 2 and a half bus ride away from the city so you won’t have to travel long to enjoy beach bumming in Laiya. The beach is a long stretch of breath-taking white sand lined up with palm trees and sparkling blue water that create a picturesque view. Underwater activities and mountain climbing are just some of the things you could to maximize your stay here at Laiya.

So there you go, the top 5 best beaches near Manila! See? You don’t have to go far from the city to see the beauty of the Philippines. What are you waiting for? Plan ahead, book early cheap flights to Manila Philippines and discover the 7,107 islands of the Philippines on your next spring vacation!