Off the beaten track: See the Philippines in a whole new light!

Summer is here, Kasambuhays! Where are you off to this sunny season? Thankfully, beaches and waves are just a few hours away, wherever you are in the country. It really is more fun in the Philippines! :)

Road trips: More fun in the Philippines!

Our tropical country is filled with postcard-pretty destinations.  Some that instantly come to mind are Boracay, Chocolate Hills, Mayon Volcano, and Magellan's Cross.  But this year, try something different and go off the beaten track.  Explore what else our beautiful islands have to offer, and see our country in a whole new light.  Pay any of these places a visit – and don't forget to take pictures!
 
Anawangin Cove, Zambales
If you and your family are beach bums, then you'll definitely want to drop by Anawangin Cove.  This white-sand beach in Central Luzon is secluded, and so resorts and restaurants don't dot its shores.  There's also no cell-phone signal and electricity.  Bring your whole bunch here for some back-to-basics camping, as well as peace and quiet.  Here's another reason why you should go: On overnight stay at Anawangin won't cost you more than a thousand pesos (transportation, meals, and entrance fees included).

Getting there:  Take a 30-minute boat ride from Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales.

Camiguin
Found off the coast of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao, this “island born of fire” is home to seven volcanoes and other natural wonders as well as historical locales.  Troop to the most popular volcano on the island, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, where you can take a dip in its hot springs and waterfalls.  Visit the ruins of the Catarman church, which was damaged by a volcanic explosion during the Spanish era.  And before you go home, buy lots and lots of lanzones from Camiguin – known to be the sweetest of its kind in the world.  

Getting there: From Manila or Cebu, fly to Cagayan de Oro (CDO).  At CDO, hop on a bus going to Balingoan Port (a two-hour ride), and then take a ferry to Camiguin.  

South Cotabato
South Cotabato in Mindanao boasts of pineapple plantations and the beautiful Lake Sebu, which has seven spectacular falls coming from the mountains to the ravines 300 meters below.  If you are the adventurous type, ride the zip-line from Falls 1 to Falls 2 and enjoy the wonderful view.  If you are a culture vulture, visit the T'boli; watch their traditional performances and bring home some brass ornaments and tinalak fabric.  Trivia: This textile apparently depicts the weaver's dreams.

Getting there: Fly to General Santos City, and then drive to the city center, which is 15 minutes away from the airport.

Have a picnic in one of our country's scenic locations

Siquijor
There's more to Siquijor in Central Visayas than just magic.  This enchanting place is rich in natural wonders like beaches, springs, waterfalls, and forests.  Colonial-era churches can also be found on this mystical island such as the St. Francis of Assisi church.  Some must-visit spots in Siquijor are Cambughay Falls (which has several levels), the San Isidro Labrador church and convent (which was the largest convent in Asia), and the Bandilaan National Park (which has a butterfly farm).   

Getting there: From Dumaguete City, ride on a ferry that will bring you to the Siquijor port in an hour.

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