Even this pandemic stopped our normal lives, it wouldn't stop summer season here in the Philippines! Thinking of best places to visit after this quarantine? Well, here's a list of 10 mesmerizing places in the island of Luzon to appreciate and indulge the wonders of nature!
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| Photo by Marieclaire04 for her review in tripadvisor.com.ph |
Known as the jewel crown of Pagudpud, Saud Beach was also one of the best beaches in Asia because of its fine white sand, crystal clear waters, spectacular scenery and reserved attraction. Aside from all those reasons why you should visit this beach is that there is no too much people who are visiting this attraction making it not to be a commercialized place. You would love it more because there is no too much noise and pollution.
How to get there?
- By Land: There are certain bus stations that are bound to Ilocos province located in Cubao and Manila. The common bus companies for these routes are Florida Bus and Partas. You must ride buses that will be going to Vigan or Laoag. But it is advisable that you ride bus that is bound directly to Laoag. If you took bus going to Vigan, you’ll need to board again another bus bound for Laoag when you get there. Once arrived at the terminal of Laoag, take a tricycle to another bus station bound for Pagudpud. Alight at the Municipal Hall - several tricycles are waiting on that location for tourists to take them to their preferred resorts in Saud Beach. (Estimated total fare: P1,050.00 - P1,100.00)
- By Air: Either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air have regular flights from Manila to Laoag International Airport. If you will be checking in at your booked hotel upon arrival or from the city proper, there are several tricycles waiting for tourists to take you on your preferred resort in Saud Beach.
2. Lahos Island (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)
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| Photo by jblaza for his review in tripadvisor.com.ph |
Lahos island is a part of the famous Caramoan Island/ Caramoan National Park located at Camarines Sur. It's name came from the Visayan word "lahus" which means you can pass through and through because you can easily transfer on each side of the island easily. It is also considered as a small yet a stunning island due to its splendid super fine white sand, stunning rock formations and magnificent clear waters.
How to get there?
- By Air: You can have your flight either of the following airlines that are bound to Naga Airport or Virac Airport: PAL express, Air Asia or Cebu Pacific. It would take 45 minutes for you to arrive at the terminal.
- By Land: These are the bus companies that will bring you to the province of Naga: PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co. and Peñafrancia Bus Lines.
- From Naga Central Terminal take a jeepney or a van bound to Sabang Port / Talisay Port in San Jose (1.5 to 2 hours travel time). From Sabang / Talisay Port catch a passenger boat bound to Guijalo Port in Caramoan (2 hours travel time). Public boats are only available from 7:00AM to 11:00AM. From Guijalo Port, ride a tricycle or motorbike to Bikal Port or wherever your accommodation is located.
3. Dicasalarin Cove (Baler, Aurora)
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| Photo by J.P. Leo Castillo for his upload in flickr.com |
This beautiful getaway attraction is located at Baler, Aurora. It is known to be owned by the famous political family of Angara. This is open to all who wants to explore the cove but you should pay P300.00 for the entrance fee. The cove is your nearest gateway to the amazing Baler lighthouse. When you reach the lighthouse, it will give you a 360-degree view of the coast of Baler. Not only the lighthouse, but also of the unique features such as white sand beach, amazing sanctuary of nature and blue clear waters of the cove that will make you to love it.
How to get there?
- By Land: Take a bus from Genesis Transport bound to Baler. It may take an approximate of 7-8hrs travel time for you to arrive at the province. Upon reaching the terminal, tricycle is the common mode of transportation. You can tell them to bring you at Costa Pacifica Resort. It is not necessary for you to stay at the said resort, you will just pay the entrance fee to enter Dicasalarin Cove.
- Secure a pass from Costa Pacifica Resort’s reception counter and they will also give you a map. Tricycle driver needs you to transfer to a motorbike going up. You can also hire a motorbike from Sabang beach straight to Dicasalarin cove so that you don’t need to transfer.
4. Tappiyah Falls (Batad, Ifugao)
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| Photo from www.cordilleranow.com |
To reach the majestic hidden Tappiyah Falls, a challenging trekking is on your way. Tappiyah Falls is one of the wonders of Ifugao that the residents is really proud of. This 70-meter waterfalls will give you a relaxing feeling after climbing the world-renowned, amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces. The term "Tappiyah" is a local term that mean "splash". Get ready to have a tiring yet fulfilling journey on your way to Tappiyah Falls.
How to get there?
- By Land: Be prepared with the 8 to 9-hour travel from Manila to Banaue. You must take bus from Ohayami Transit, that is located in the corner of Lacson Street and Lacson Avenue in Sampaloc Manila. You can also ride buses of Dangwa Transit that is operated by Florida Lines. Upon arriving in Banaue, you can ride a tricycle going to Batad.
5. Valugan Beach/Valugan Boulder Beach (Basco, Batanes)
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| Photo by www.ttnotes.com |
Valugan Beach is one of the hidden treasures of Batanes province. The 3-kilometer beach does not had the white sand that you wanted instead, numerous boulders fill the entire scenery. Swimming is prohibited and impossible because of the strong waves. What you will enjoy is the magnificent view and the amazing sunrise. You can also explore the whole beach by walking through the boulders. Loud whistling of the wind and splash of waves will make you feel overwhelmed and appreciate God's creation.
How to get there?
- By Air: You can book your flight from Philippine Airlines or Skyjet Airlines going directly to Batanes Airport. Coming from the airport or your preferred accommodation, you can reach Valugan Beach by riding a tricycle. You can hire a tricycle to be your service back and forth.
6. Minalungao National Park (General Tinio, Nueva Ecija)
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| Photo by www.tripadvisor.com |
Considered as one of the few natural environments in Metro North, Minalungao National Park is a 2,108-hectare park that is included in the protected areas of the Philippines. This unique attraction is located in the center of Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by high limestone walls in the foot of Sierra Madre mountains. The park offers a scenery of breath-taking green pristine river and unique rock formations.
How to get there?
- By Land: Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay that is bound to Gapan/Cabanatuan. Ask the conductor to drop you at Gapan. Upon arriving, ride a jeepney that is going to General Tinio and rent a tricycle going to Minalungao National Park.
7. Batlag Falls (Tanay, Rizal)
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| Photo by HendraXu for his review at tripadvisor.com |
Finally, an attraction and getaway that is few hours away from Manila. Batlag Falls is situated in the same area of Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal), it will be just a 10-minute hike for you to be able to reach it. If you want to explore more falls located in the area, this one can be your destination. The hike might be a tiring one but upon reaching Batlag Falls, a very cool and refreshing water will wash away your weariness.
How to get there?
- By Land: You can ride either a jeepney or a van going to Tanay, Rizal. Those transportation can be accessed in Cubao and Mandaluyong (Shaw Boulevard). Once arrived in Tanay, you can hire a tricycle and take you to Daranak Falls.
8. Mt. Caglago (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)
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| Photo by Nikky C in her review in tripadvisor.com |
Aside from Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary Grotto that is located in this mountain, there is a hidden treasure below and that is the unspoiled white sand beach in Mt. Caglago. After taking the 350-step staircase going to the top, take a splash in the clear, cool water of the beach.
How to get there?
- By Air: You can have your flight either of the following airlines that are bound to Naga Airport or Virac Airport: PAL express, Air Asia or Cebu Pacific. It would take 45 minutes for you to arrive at the terminal.
- By Land: These are the bus companies that will bring you to the province of Naga: PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co. and Peñafrancia Bus Lines.
- From Naga Central Terminal take a jeepney or a van bound to Sabang Port / Talisay Port in San Jose (1.5 to 2 hours travel time). From Sabang / Talisay Port catch a passenger boat bound to Guijalo Port in Caramoan (2 hours travel time). Public boats are only available from 7:00AM to 11:00AM.
9. Hoyop-Hoyopon Cave (Camalig, Albay)
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| Photo by CraigM172 for his review in tripavisor.com |
Hoyop-Hoyopon cave is one of the attraction that Bicol province is proud of because of its dirrefent unique rock formations. This is where our beloved ancestors found their safety during the Japanese occupation. It served as a refugee camp, hospital and orphanage. The cave is about 16 kilometers from the famous Cagsawa Ruins and can be reached within 20-30 minutes from the town proper.The term "Hoyop" in Bicolano means "blowing air in the wind". The cave was named after that because the fresh air inside it passes freely through the different openings.
How to get there?
- By Land: Ride a bus going to Legazpi or Tabaco - these bus companies are located in Cubao and Pasay. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Camalig. From the town proper, you may ride a jeepney bound to Barangay Cotmon and tell the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. You may also hire a tricycle to take you there and back but it will be more expensive.
10. Tondol Beach (Anda, Pangasinan)
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| Photo by www.explora.ph |
Tondol beach is considered as one of the hidden gem in the Philippines that is located in Anda, Pangasinan. The beach was described as having a "clear, azure waters" with "fine-cream white sand". During low tide, numerous sand bars appear in different areas of the beach, that will make other island/s easier to reach. Tondol beach is one of the perfect place where you can find peace, relaxation and refreshment.
How to get there?
- By Land: Ride a bus going to Anda, Pangasinan. If there is no available bus that is bound to Anda, you can still choose to ride the one that is going to Alaminos. From there, you can again ride a bus to Anda. After that, ride a tricycle going to Tondol.
Can't wait to visit all those places until this quarantine ends? Well, patience is a virtue 😂. Make your quarantine days productive. Plan ahead and make your itinerary, list all the things that you need to bring and don't forget to create your budget. Prepare your sunglasses and swimsuits because soon this crisis will end and you can freely visit all those amazing places!
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