4 Enticing Philippine Destinations For You To Book This Summer

The Philippines is not only well known for its breathtaking beaches and beautiful landscapes but also for its amazingly rich culture and history, making it always the best place to spend a vacation.

With summer fast approaching, it’s smart to start planning on where to spend your summer getaways. Whether you only got a weekend to spare or a month-long rejuvenation, you can always find a place to explore, recharge, and learn new things about the country. After all, that’s what traveling is all about.

To kick-start your planning session, here’s a list of fascinating spots and historical places in the Philippines you should visit this summer.

Vigan

Vigan City is almost synonymous to Philippine history. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vigan is the perfect depiction of a Spanish-colonial town in Asia. It takes you back to experience the historic beauty of the Spanish-colonial era with just a stroll through the famous Calle Crisologo (Crisologo Street). Its dramatic scene of a cobble-stoned street, well preserved ancestral houses, and the clattering sound of Calesas is one experience you shouldn’t miss this summer. There are also other remarkable historical places to see in Vigan such as the Bantay Church Bell Tower, Ilocos Region Museum Complex, and the Crisologo Museum. And of course, when in Vigan, don’t forget to have the popular Vigan garlic longganisa for breakfast!

Bataan

If you are looking for a short weekend getaway, Bataan is the perfect place to go for a dose of nature and history. With just a three-hour bus ride from Manila or a one-hour ferry ride from Pasay, Bataan is very accessible and charming enough to appease your wanderlust. Bataan has heaps of wonderful beaches in Bagac, Morong, and Mariveles where you can take that much-needed beach holiday. Head over to Playa La Caleta, a small cove with crystal clear waters where you can camp, snorkel or just swim all day at the beach. For a historical plunge, check out the awe-inspiring Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Resort in Bagac where you will be transported back to the old Manila days. Make sure also to include in your itinerary the Mt. Samat National Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan) which was built as a tribute to the fallen heroes from the Bataan death march. You can also go on a side trip to the plaza of Balanga City for a stunning scene of their laid back designed mall, hotels, and church.

Cebu 

Cebu is sprawling with Historical sites and flaunts a myriad of gorgeous beaches and landscapes, making it perfect for longer getaways. For a slice of history, the Mactan Shrine, otherwise known as the Lapu-Lapu shrine, is absolutely a must see. It is a 20-meter statue of the native hero, Lapu-Lapu, who bravely fought the Spaniards and killed Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, an event now famously known as the Battle of Mactan. Other historical sites worth visiting are the Magellan’s cross, the astounding Heritage of Cebu Monument, the Fort San Pedro at Plaza Independencia, and the oldest street in the country, Colon. For beach enthusiasts, famous beaches in Cebu are Bantayan, Sumilon, Mactan and Camotes Island. Adventure junkies also have a place in Cebu at Kawasan falls canyoneering, swimming with the whale sharks at Oslob, watching the sardine run at Moalboal and hiking at Osmena Peak.

Batanes

The northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes boasts of its picturesque landscapes and incredible sceneries. Remote and isolated from the rest of the country, the culture and terrains of Batanes are well preserved. This makes it a bucket list worthy destination for you this summer. There’s so much to do and see in breathtaking Batanes.

Marvel at the panoramic rolling hills at Marlboro Country, witness the magnificent beauty of the ocean at Tinyan viewpoint and experience wearing the traditional Ivatan headdress called “vakul”. In Sabtang Island, check out the Sabtang lighthouse and the eye-catching stone houses that have stood the test of time. Be impressed with natural rock formations at Morong Beach then listen to the sea waves at the Valugan Boulder beach, a beach with no sand, just boulders. Get yourself ready for a memorable biking experience at Alapad pass where you can witness the vast Pacific ocean. Last but definitely not least, eat all the lobster you can eat at such a cheap price!