By Vince Tiu, Year 9
During the hyped run-up to summer, many of us might choose to not go out of the country, but just stay in the Philippines. With more than seven thousand islands scattered around the country, some of the best places to visit over the summer might be closer to home than you would expect. Here are our top 5 places to visit around the Philippines this summer.
First on our list is Siquijor, a small province located in central Visayas and south of Luzon. Featuring several hidden waterfalls and lakes, there are many places on the island where you can splash in the water other than the beach. Like many other Philippine islands, Siquijor boasts crystalline beaches and vast expanses of coral reefs. This is a great place for people who want to get a taste of everything this hotspot has to offer.
No. 4: Siargao
For a diver, snorkeler, or frequent beach visitor, Siargao may not even sit on your top 10 list. However, Siargao features spectacular surf destinations, such as the world famous Cloud 9. The island is relatively small, with the primary form of transportation being motorcycles and tricycles. Despite this, there is a wide variety of restaurants that serve various types of food around the island, like pizza, tapas and sushi! If you are a surfer, definitely consider Siargao as your next holiday destination.
No. 3: Boracay
Boracay is a well known vacation site in the Philippines with a vast selection of different hotels, restaurants and leisure activities. This is a great place for young kids, as the coast is relatively shallow and dangerous marine life is very rare. Because of this, however, there is not a lot to see underwater, and most coral reefs have been destroyed by dynamite fishing in the past. Nevertheless, this is still a great place to visit if you are with your family.
No: 2: Mindoro
There are some coral reefs dotted around the island, and the beaches are some of the most pristine in the Philippines. However, the real prize lies in Apo Reef, a large marine preserve located just west of the island. Populated by a diverse range of fish, crustaceans and corals, it covers approximately 34 miles of the ocean, and is the largest continuous coral reef in the Philippines. If you are a diver, this is going to be on your list for its astounding underwater life.
No. 1: Coron
Coron is the third largest island in the Philippines, however, at first glance, it does not seem to contain much. But after further exploration, one will discover Coron contains one of the best thermocline dive spots - the Barracuda lake. In addition, it also has the Calauit zoo, an African-style safari with giraffes and zebras. Shipwrecks and coral reefs located in the surrounding ocean truly put the cream on the cake for Coron and help boost it to the top of our list.
These are just some of the many places that exist in the Philippines, and maybe, this year or next year, you will discover something much more wonderful closer to your home. In our modern world, stress and anxiety are big problems in our lives, and a relaxing excursion to a unique place will surely help you embrace the nature of the Philippines and enjoy everything that this country has to offer! Have safe travels everyone!
References:
https://backpacklocals.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/siquijor_feb2015_0240.jpg
http://xtremes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_0869.jpg
http://dailyhotels2.cafe24.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/0-featured-1.jpg
http://www.asisbiz.com/Philippines/Sabang/images/Local-tourist-and-dive-hangout-Sabang-Beach-Oriental-Mindoro-Philippines-Jan-2005-03.jpg
https://jackinetic.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/coron-2012-284.jpg
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