ISLAND HOPPING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Because of its numerous natural marvels, including crystal clear water in various hues of blue to powder white sandy beaches encircled by tall limestone formations, the Philippines is known as the ideal summer getaway. The Philippine territory contains more than 7,000 islands, so there is always somewhere new to check off your bucket list. If you want to go island hopping in the Philippines, these are the top 5 locations.
1. Palawan
Photo by Jess Castillo
For good cause, Palawan, one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, is frequently named one of the finest islands in the world. It features islets and beaches with white sand, crystal-clear seas, an amazing diversity of aquatic life, shipwrecks, and imposing towering limestone cliffs. This largest island region in the Philippines ought to be on your trip wish list if you enjoy swimming, island hopping, and diving.
El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron, and San Vicente are the four major tourist sites in Palawan, and together they contain more than 1,700 unspoiled islands and islets.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as the Underground River, is one of the best places to visit in Palawan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Because most of your activities in Palawan take place outside, the weather has a significant impact on them. To prevent cancelled tours or choppy currents, particularly when taking island-hopping tours in Palawan, it is best to schedule your journey during the dry months in the Philippines.
Travelers can take land, sea, or air routes to reach the region of Palawan and its best attractions. Since more planes arrive here than at other airports, Puerto Princesa frequently serves as the entry point to the region of Palawan. It is best to consider which location best suits your tastes as your choice of entry point will impact both your money and schedule.
2. Cebu city
Photo by Ralph Olazo
Cebu Island is 196 kilometres length from north to south and only 32 kilometres broad at its widest point. Even though there are endless coves and beaches there, you will fall in love with the nearby small islands. They are vacation-brochure perfect, but without the throngs, with sugar-white beaches, crystal-clear azure seas, and amazing coral reefs just offshore.
The most well-known island is undoubtedly Bantayan, which is known for its dazzling white beaches, refreshing winds, and hospitable locals. Camotes Island also has stunning beaches, especially in the Mangodlong and Santiago Bay areas, but it also has other things to do for tourists. Visit Danao Lake, Bukilat Cave, or hike to the Altavista observation point for an incredible perspective of the entire island.
A diver's paradise, Cebu and the islets that encircle it. The aforementioned Nalusuan Island is encircled by a protected maritime sanctuary. One of the finest locations in the world to see thresher sharks is Malapascua Island. Additionally, the diving area of Moalboal, which is located just off the shore of the main island, has steep underwater cliffs that descend from 3 metres to 65 metres. You can dive with marine turtles there, see amazing coral gardens there, and get up close to hammerhead and white tip sharks.
Cebu is home to a staggering number of magnificent cascades thanks to its mountainous spine and an abundance of jungle. The most alluring waterfalls are undoubtedly Kawasan Falls, which have a stunning location and a pool of water that is a remarkable shade of blue. It's ideal for thrill-seekers as well; the region is a well-liked location for canyoning, rock climbing, cascade leaping, and rapelling.
The nearby Tumalog Falls are also worthwhile exploring. There are many useful natural crevices inside the waterfall that make ideal chairs for a relaxing water massage.
3. Boracay
Photo by C Rayban
The primary reason Boracay, a small island in the western Visayas area of the Philippines, has become a popular vacation spot in this vast nation is because it has some of the best beaches. When you reach in Boracay, expect picture-perfect surroundings with soft white beaches, turquoise seas, and coconut trees lining the shore. Even with the island's fast growth, the beaches of Boracay have managed to maintain their charm.
Despite being a relatively tiny area, Boracay has 17 beaches altogether. The most well-known ones couldn't be more dissimilar from one another; some are crowded, some are quiet, some are tiny, and others are longer than a kilometre.
Although the stairs up were made for giants, the viewpoint towers high above the east shore and offers breathtaking vistas of the entire island. A stark juxtaposition to the coast is the green cross-country route that connects it to the major road.
4. Bohol
Photo by Aldrino
Few locations on earth are able to blend natural beauty with fascinating man-made structures as well as Bohol Island, which is why it is considered one of Southeast Asia's finest travel destinations. You can spend one day exploring the forest and seeing some of the oldest primates in the world, the next day appreciating the colonial architecture of the island, and the third day relaxing on a stunning beach.
Bohol, an island rich in history, has a strong sense of identity and culture, which is best displayed in the interior of the island's buildings and its stunning natural surroundings. The island's bizarre caverns and rock formations are probably the second most popular draw after the Chocolate Hills. Whatever type of sights you favor, Bohol's charm will not fail to entice you.
The tallest summits of the Chocolate Hills, which range in height from 30 to 50 meters, are 120 metres high. They typically have a conical form and are largely identical. Although they are always covered in grass, during the hot, arid season the grass turns chocolate dark, giving the area the appearance of endless arrays of "chocolate kisses," thus giving rise to the name.
One of the many myths that attempt to explain the peculiar characteristics of the Chocolate Hills describes two giants fighting and hurling sand and stones at one another. After the battle, they put their differences aside and grew close, leaving the island as companions. The debris was left behind.
The slopes may have been exposed limestone karst rocks that have undergone weathering, according to more rational hypotheses.
5. Siargao
Photo by Jake Irish
Siargao has a diverse eating scene that embraces foreign cookery, vegan and other healthy fare, and local dishes with or without a contemporary spin. The island draws daring tourists from all over the world, many of whom are on a limited budget. Filipino faves not to be missed include the seafood brawl at Daku Island and the unusual Pan de Surf bread, which is fashioned like a surfboard. Talking to locals is the best way to figure out where to go because Siargao has a vibrant nightlife scene that is concentrated on various clubs on different evenings of the week. Bravo, RumBar, Viento, and the Jungle Shack are frequented locations. The locals' enjoyment of karaoke, both in their own houses and in specialised clubs, is a different way to get to know them.
General Luna (GL) is the primary attraction for tourists visiting Siargao, while Dapa Town, the island's capital, has supermarkets, pharmacies, dining establishments, and coffee stores.
Outside of these, travel hasn't really impacted the island much. The ideal location for those who enjoy paddling, paddleboarding, cliff leaping, tunnel swimming, island hopping, and a host of other outdoor activities, as well as plenty of eco-friendly lodging.