With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a tropical paradise filled with pristine beaches, exotic ocean life, and island wonders—not to mention, cheap food, heritage towns, and friendly locals. So if you’re looking for that ideal summer destination, here’s a round-up of ideas for your vacation!
Island Hopping in El Nido
El Nido is one of the major islands of the Palawan Province, and has quickly earned a reputation for its stunning natural beauty. With brilliant lagoons and unspoiled beaches, El Nido is an island paradise.
With so much to see, it’s quite impossible to explore the best of El Nido in just a day. Check out this comprehensive guide on tours, activities, and travel tips if you plan to take a trip here this summer.
Scuba Diving in Coron
Coron Bay, which lies just north of Palawan island, is home to the Philippines’ largest marine sanctuary. If you’d rather spend your summer exploring underwater, then you should definitely head here. Take a traditional bangka boat out into the sea, and explore the colorful tropical waters through a guided scuba diving experience.
Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
If you’ve got the time, we highly recommend stopping by the town of Puerto Princesa before heading out to El Nido or Coron. This small town is full of its own island charms and wonders, but it’s most known for the underground river.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a definite can’t-miss attraction when in Palawan. Book this tour, and take a river raft equipped with a search light, and witness the cave’s stunning cathedral-like ceilings. It’s a surreal mountain-to-sea experience that will leave you breathless.
Swim with the whales in Oslob, Cebu
There’s something about summer that brings out everyone’s adventurous side. And it’s not just us humans! The famous whale sharks of Cebu—locally called butanding—make their rounds in the equator area in search of warm climate and abundant fish supply.
They are completely harmless, and often regarded as the ocean’s ‘gentle giants.’ With local fishermen to guide you, you can witness these majestic creatures up close over here.
Visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Not far from Cebu is another island full of natural marvels. Bohol Island is only an easy boat ride away (which you can book online), and is best known for the Chocolate Hills—over a thousand sprawling hills that become a warm, chocolate-y brown during the summer season. No one knows how these 1,268 hills were formed, but the locals swear not a single one is man-made.
Another local resident worth visiting in Bohol are the Tarsiers. These adorable, monkey-like creatures are endemic to Bohol and are considered the smallest primates in the world. They’ve grown endangered over the years, but tourists can visit them in the Tarsier Sanctuary. This easy day tour takes you to both sights with convenience.
Explore Baguio City
If you’d rather spend your summer escaping the heat, then cool off in Baguio City. Its cool mountain climate is a stark contrast to the rest of the country’s humid heat, making it the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” The city of full of charming sights and attractions for everyone: There’s Strawberry Picking at Good Shepherd, a visit to the famous Ben Cab Museum (one of the country’s National Artists), and thrift shopping at the small stores by Session Road.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur
History comes alive in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. This Heritage City will take you back in time with its beautiful ancestral homes, cobbled streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Many of the sights here have been preserved since the Spanish colonial period, making it an absolute delight for history buffs and travelers. The city is even more beautiful at night.
Sagada, Mountain Province
Summer in the Philippines is also a great time to explore its beautiful, landscaped mountains. And a hike in one of Sagada’s many scenic trails is sure to leave you breathless. Get an early start, and head up to Kiltepan Peak for a stunning sunrise view. Or if you’d rather go and and chase waterfalls, head to the famous Bomod-ok Falls on through scenic but challenging 3-hour hike.
Stumble upon Kawasan Falls
Feel the thrill of diving into a pool of crystal-blue spring waters. Make your way through the lush forest of Badian Island, and stumble upon one of Cebu’s best kept secrets: Kawasan Falls. This magnificent three-tiered waterfall gently roars from the mountain and falls into a pool of crystal-blue. The whole sight is an intimate oasis, and the perfect summer getaway.
River Cruise in Cebu
This immersive river tour in Aloguinsan, Cebu lets you not only experience the stunning beauty of the Bojo River, but it also gives you a rich look into the lives of the locals. Take a traditional barato boat and cruise through the Bojo River, where scenic mangroves grow nearby—which, we learned, is essential to the river’s natural ecosystem.
Enjoy a hearty lunch of traditional Cebuano food, where your guide will happily teach you about the history, conservation efforts, and culture surrounding the Bojo River community. Proceeds of this guided tour go to the guides as well as the local government to help preserve the river.
Get away from the daily grind and head over to the Philippines. Whether you’ll be diving in the oceans, hiking up the mountains, or strolling through cultural towns, book your tours with KKday for that perfect summer vacation.
