These are just 5 of the most under rated destinations in the Philippines. Blessed with many beautiful places to explore, the Philippines has a lot to offer. This makes it really difficult to pick a favorite as each location has its own unique appeal.
There are certain places around the country that are not as popular. The good news is, travelers who have visited them end up with wonderful memories of their trip. That’s why these travel destinations are worth a spot in your travel bucket list.
1. Bukidnon
Bukidnon is one of the under rated destinations in the Philippines. It is a landlocked province in the northern part of Mindanao. It is nestled in a plateau and surrounded by hills and mountains. Bukidnon actually means “mountain dweller” or “highlander”. It is considered as the country’s food basket. You can enjoy the sight of vast plantations of sugarcane, pineapples, bananas, rice and corn.
Info: Tourism Philippines Bukidnon
It has weather similar to Baguio; making it a great summer destination. Enjoy forest parks, mystic caves, spring resorts, mesmerising water falls, and great mountain views. Take your pick and create your own adventure in discovering Bukidnon’s hidden gems.
2. Camiguin Island
Camiguin is the “Island Born of Fire”. It holds the world record for the island with the most number of volcanoes for every square kilometer. Mount Uhay, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Ulan and Mount Mambajao are all volcanoes on this island. The island hosts the Lanzones Festival, which is one of the most popular festivals in the country.
The island is a secluded destination. It has refreshing waterfalls, cold and hot springs and an untouched sand bar. The sunken cemetery, the well-preserved ancestral homes and churches that are centuries-old are popular tourist spots. If you’re going to Cebu, be sure to include Camiguin in your itinerary.
3. Camotes Islands
Be sure to add Camotes Islands to your Cebu itinerary. The islands are located between Cebu and Leyte; composed of four towns in Cebu: Port, Tudela, Pilar and San Francisco.
According to local folklore, the Spaniards asked the locals the name of the place; the reply they got was the word “camote”. The locals were harvesting sweet potatoes (camotes). They thought that the Spaniards were asking what they were digging. That was how the group of islands got its name.
The islands boasts of beautiful white beaches, amazing caves and a lake. You can enjoy scuba diving, free-diving or snorkeling, and other beach sports like volleyball and frisbee. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by taking island tours. Take a tour of Lake Danao, Timabu Cave, Buho Rock, Bukilat Cave, and Busay Waterfalls, to name a few.
4. Catanduanes
Is Batanes on your bucket list? If you can’t afford Batanes yet; Catanduanes is a great altertnative. Nicknamed “land of the howling winds”; typhoons often visit the area. Prepare your travel essentials for such weather.
Photo: catanduanes.gov.ph
Aside from the howling winds and strong ocean breeze; the beauty of Catanduanes will sweep you away. Enjoy gazing in awe and don’t forget to take pictures of its serene mountain tops, scenic grasslands and towering cliffs. It has historic sites just like Batanes and rock formations that will look gorgeous on your Instagram feed.
5. Siquijor
Another one of the most under rated travel destinations in the Philippines is Siquijor. It is popularly known as one of the most mysterious places to visit in the Philippines. It has a serene cove which is believed to be the haunting ground of witches, sorcerers and even mythical, supernatural creatures. The mystery of the place is heightened by these rumors which are all untrue.
Travelers who have visited the place are mesmerized by the beauty of its natural wonders. These include waterfalls, parks and beaches like Kagusuan Beach, Paliton Beach and Salagdoong Beach. Pick a curious bunch of friends who are eager for an adventure and book a trip to this mystical location.
There are sure to be other places around the country that should be on this list. We would love to hear your recommendations.
Travel safety is a big concern for all of us. Fortunately, the safety of air travel is each airline’s major priority. Airports have stricter health and safety measures too. Don’t decide on a destination yet. Booking flights have undergone a lot of changes in the new normal. Read up on the new requirements and processes first. Don’t want to go too far? Consider going on a road trip instead.
Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 08.16.2019.
Feature Image: Original Photo by Adrianna Calvo from Pexels.