Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 16. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

As our boat was wading through the dark and chilly Underground River, I remember the cranky bat sounds and the hilarious jokes of our tour guide, Kuya Roger. He kept us entertained with his snappy comments about the major formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside the chambers of this world wonder. He was too funny! Overall, it was a quick tour, but definitely a fun and wonderful experience for me. 

Besides visiting the Underground River, some of the things I recommend doing in Puerto Princesa City are:  foodtrip (Badjao Seafront, Ka Lui, Bilao at Palayok, try  the local dish tamilok); city tour -  Butterfly Garden, Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, Tiange, Tiange (buy goodies like cashew nuts and some souvenirs), Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel; Ugong Rock adventure; and Honda Bay Tour. 

More stories about my Puerto Princesa adventures here.

Tourists at Puerto Princesa Underground River

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 15. Boracay Island

Named as one of the best island getaways in the world, Boracay Island is arguably the tourism capital of the Philippines. It draws in a year-round flux of visitors from around the world -- tourists out to bask in the glorious sun and sand of this famous island. 

What to look forward to in Boracay? Don't miss the spectacular sunset, gastronomic adventures (best food trip), morning walks and people-watching along the beach, and well, of course, swimming. 

Despite the dangers of massive developments, Boracay is still one of my personal favorites (I visited it six times and still hopes to go back). I really believe that Boracay deserves all the accolades and recognition it's been getting. I only hope that the local government will have more authority to contain over-development so as to stop the gradual demise of our own beautiful paradise Boracay. NOTE: tIf you can, take back home your trash next time you visit Boracay. 

More of my Boracay Island stories here. 

View of the famous White Beach

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 14. Catanduanes

There's a lot to love about Catanduanes -- time grinds slow, friends are everywhere, Sundays are about family and churches, mornings are crisp and cold, and beaches are within close radius. Growing up in this island was about things that matter most and these make me look forward to going back again and again and again - like family, friends and nature. 

Our province has not been in the radar of many seasoned travelers I know, which I find both fortunate and unfortunate. Fortunate because many of our beaches remain unspoiled and a strong sense of provincial life is retained. But unfortunately because I see a lot of potential for it to be the next BIG adventure destination. 

So what's in Catanduanes, really? Well, for one we have one of the country's best surfing spots, the majestic Puraran (the mighty swell!!); we have  pretty beaches with pretty sunsets and sunrises; we have old and historic churches, we have beautiful cascades; we have rugged and contoured mountains (if you're up for adventure climbs); and yes, of course, the people, the warm and gentle Catandunganons. 

See it for yourself. Visit Catanduanes! :)

Check my posts about Catanduanes here. 

Locals cruising the Bato River

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 13. Biri Island

Biri Island was once the best-kept secret of Northern Samar, a place out of the tourist trail because of its remote location. But apparently now, it is fast becoming the face of tourism in this province and is attracting many local and foreign visitors.

Along with my adventurous friends, we road-tripped Eastern Visayas last year and had Biri Island included in our itinerary. From Tacloban City, we stopped at Catbalogan City, passed by Calbayog City, and slept overnight in Catarman. The following day, we took a long drive to the small town of Lavazares which is the jump-off point to Biri, and after a rough banca ride, we reached our final destination.

The challenge of getting there paid off when I saw the magnificent Magasang Rock Formations. I was left in awe with these incredible gift from nature, many thanks to the ferocious waves of the Pacific Ocean. I can only imagine how many million years it took to be formed to how we see it today!

If you want to deviate from the usual tourist destinations and opt for more off-the-beaten paths, Biri Island in Northern Samar is definitely a perfect choice. Just make sure to bring comfortable footwear and sunnies, and be there in time for the sunset or sunrise for postcard-perfect photos!

My full story about Biri Island here.

The rocky beach of Biri

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 12. UP Diliman Campus

University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the main campus of the country's premier university, is definitely my most favorite spot within Manila. Not only it is called the cradle to many of the country's great minds and thinkers, it is also home to many cultural icons like the Oblation and the ikot jeepneys. 

Called a "microcosm of the Philippines" because of the many things going on around there, UP is not just your regular university campus. I personally visit it for a myriad of reasons: to eat (and have coffee), to attend mass, to meet friends, to walk (or jog or bike), and to sit still (and breath). And a true Diliman experience for me is never without spending a good deal of time people-watching at the Sunken Garden, digging on Mang Larry's famous isaw, and a hearty tapsilog meal at Rodic's. 

Especially during sunsets, the green canopy of the acacia trees providing shades to the joggers and students along the Academic Oval is quite a beautiful sight. It is like a refuge, a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city crowd that surrounds it.  

Visit UP Diliman whenever you can, and just take time to commune with trees and nature (without leaving the city). 

At UP Diliman during my interview with GMA7's 24 Oras. Check the story here.

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 11. Enchanted River

Another reason to visit Mindanao is this river that looks a lot like a sea in the middle of a forest. Hinatuan Enchanted River has the stunning blue hues and clear water enough to gaze fishes even from above the water.

After an agonizing (and depressing) travel along the bumpy roads of Surigao del Sur (the logging in this province is of large scale leaving a vast area denuded), seeing this hidden treasure at the end was definitely a treat.  The place was packed with tourists when I went there, but the river hasn't lost its charm on me.  I was awed by the sight of it, just the way I've imagined before actually getting there.

I hope that cleanliness is maintained  in the area despite the heavy influx of tourists recently eager to get a share of the enchanted river experience.

For more details. here's my blog about Enchanted River.

Enchanted River and its stunning hues

Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 10.Palaui Island

CNN's 10th on its list of World 100 Best Beaches is also my personal 10th favorite spot in the Philippines, the sensational Palaui Island.

Nothing quite matches up to the solo adventure I had to this tiny island located in the northernmost part of Cagayan Valley. I had to brave a difficult terrain (cross three hills, pass by a long beach,  thick forest, streams, a mangrove park and a rice field) so I could get to Faro de Cabo Engano or Cape Engano Lighthouse, a centuries-old lighthouse standing atop a hill covered with verdant grass. A spectacular sight awaited me to my final destination which is worth the pain of actually getting there. 

Ok, so don't think that this place is that remote and unreachable. There are boats that directly docks to the beach near the lighthouse, saving you a good 5-hour painful hike. But here's the thing, the hike isn't bad at all! The terrain is full of interesting local flora and fauna you'd actually enjoy! It is also declared a National Marine Reserve and home to a vast variety of fishes and undisturbed corals, a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming. 

There are no commercial establishments (just one or two sari-sari stores, as far as I can remember) in the entire island so be prepared for a rural island life. But, I'm telling you, more than the wonderful site, one of the things that stands out to my Palaui adventure was the genuine kindness of the people I met there. 

To get there and other stories about Palaui Island, please check my blog here.

A panoramic view from Cape Engano