The Philippines recently made history for seeing 6.6M visitors last year. Boracay and Cebu are the top destinations. The Popcorn team loves both Boracay and Cebu, but these other places in the country deserve to be on top destinations, too. Will they make it this year?
The Department of Tourism (DOT) released data showing 6,620,908 foreigners visited the Philippines in the year 2017. According to a report by the Inquirer, this beats the over 5 million visitors recorded in 2016. Who were the top visitors last year? That would be South Koreans with a total of 1,607,821 arrivals.
5 Philippine Destinations you should have on your list
1. El Nido, Palawan
El Nido has been popular among locals and tourists alike. With its white beaches, clear waters, mangroves, world-class marine diversity, limestone cliffs and a scenic archipelago of the islands, more and more find it a better option than Boracay and Cebu for vacations and getaways. El Nido and the entire province of Palawan is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is now known as El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area as stated on the official website of UNESCO.
2. Bohol
Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines and it definitely has a lot to offer. If you love the beach, the Panglao Island offers great choices including the popular Alona and Dumaluan beaches. If you’re into skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, or parasailing, then Bohol’s beaches will not disappoint. If the beach isn’t much of your thing, you could always visit the infamous Chocolate Hills and visit the Philippine tarsier which is indigenous to the island.
3 Vigan City
Vigan City is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the few towns left in the Philippines where old structures remain intact. If you aren’t the type who loves beaches that much and would prefer admiring the ruins of years and years of history, then Vigan City is just the place. In May 2015, Vigan City was officially known as one of the New7Wonders Cities along with Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur and La Paz.
4 Siargao
This tear-drop shaped island has slowly become a favorite to many most especially to pinoy celebrities lately. Its white beaches, rock formations, mysterious caves and mangrove forests seem to have captivated local and tourists alike. Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and one of the well-known surfing waves is called Cloud 9.
5 Batanes
Not likely to make it, because of risk issues on weather changes, but definitely one of the best gems we have. The entire province is on standby for making it as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Usually called a dream destination for most, it is sometimes likened to that of the mountains and scenery found in the movie called, “The Sound Of Music.” Surreal landscapes, historic attractions, white sand beaches, well-preserved culture and traditions are what make Batanes a must-visit place.
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