Places to visit in the Philippines - Part 1

Time to brag about the Philippines.

The Philippines has 7641 islands and that is according to the latest data by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority. It is a beautiful tropical country that is located in Southeast Asia. The country can be divided into 3 main islands, Luzon (the largest, northernmost island, which includes Manila); a group of islands called the Visayas (including the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and Masbate); and Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, found at the southern end of the archipelago.

The Philippines is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient Seas" because of its well-known natural beauty. Yes, the Philippines is abundant with natural beauty having so many islands that you can explore. I'll share with you some of the beautiful places here in our country but only those places that I've been to, so I can tell you more about it. But first, let's start with the nation's capital of city Manila.

Manila

Manila is a bustling historic city that you can do a lot of things, a lot of places to visit that include museums, parks, theaters, shopping malls, and a plethora of restaurants to choose from. A destination for foodies too, with an array of various cuisines and if you are into street foods you can also find it in Manila. Looking for cheap stuff? You can also find it in Manila. Just visit Divisoria, Quiapo, and Baclaran, and whatever you are looking for you will find it there, seriously everything that you are looking for is in those areas. The walled-city of Intramuros can also be found in the heart of Manila.

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Cebu

Cebu is the capital of the Visayas region. And if you are looking for a perfect balance of living on an island coast and cosmopolitan living you will find it in Cebu. It is also one of the top destinations for locals and foreign travelers. It is the country's oldest city and the first Spanish settlement. It is also considered the birthplace of Christianity in the Far East.

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Davao City

Davao is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. It is also the premier tourist destination in Mindanao as well as a domestic and international gateway to other visitor destinations on the island. It offers a combination of nature-based, man-made, historico-cultural, adventure and sports, special interest, religious, educational, agro-industrial, attractions, pleasure and entertainment, festivals, dining, and shopping.

Those are the three main regions of the Philipines now let's go where the beaches are or maybe let's go where the scenery is beautiful, where your soul can find some peace away from the busy life of the city.

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Baler

Baler is located in the Northeast of Manila. It is famous for its surfing spots, offering some of the best waves you can catch in Asia. Baler also has tons of amazing places to visit plus a lot of fun things to do aside from surfing. You can also find there the biggest Balete tree in Asia, you'll be amazed when you see it with your own eyes, you can even go inside the Balete tree, and by the way, it is also called the Millenial Tree.

The Ditumabo Falls is another must-visit when you are in Baler, where you have to hike for about 15-20 minutes or less but it is worth it. You can also buy buko juice on your way to the falls.

The Dicasalarin Cove, you can go to Dicasalarin cove via boat ride for about 15-20 minutes, but there are times when the wave is too strong that the boatman will take extra care that travel to the cove will be a bit longer. This is where you can just lay around and enjoy the sun.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is a historical island that is located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island was the battleground of Americans, Filipino troops, and Japanese during World War II. If you are a history buff then Corregidor Island is for you. You can go there via boat ride that you can in CCP Complex, you can go there for a day trip or overnight trip. I'll suggest you take the overnight package because they offer a lot of activities that include ghost hunting at night. Been there twice actually the first time we went there was just a day trip that's why we go back there again for an overnight trip so we can join the hiking activity and the ghost hunting activity. Did we find a ghost? I will not tell you haha I suggest you go there and find it by yourself. And it is really worth the trip. But if you will message me and tell me what you think about the ghost story you are in for a price of $0.5.

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Zambales

There are so many places to visit in Zambales but mostly its island. You can find in Zambales the famous, Anawangin Cove, Capones Vista, and Potipot Island. Among the three my fave is Anawangin Cove where the island offers a back to basic camping trip, Potipot also offers the same and they are both worth visiting. There are other cove that you can visit in Zambales but I haven't visited the others yet so let's just talk about where I've been.

Anawangin as they say is not an island, it is part of the main land Luzon. It is a crescent shape cove in San Antonio, Zambales, Remember I said it is back to basic cove so you have to bring all the things that you will be needing. Tent, Food, drinks, if you are planning to cook there you have to bring your utensils and the stove and all the ingredients in your menu. So if you are the type that you want an aircondition room, a food that will be served to you, this places is not for you.

Potipot Island is in Candelaria, Zanbales. And because it is an island we have to hire a boat to go there. It is a small island that you can trek the whole of it in less than half a day, no much lesser than that but boy the water there is crystal clear. So clear that you will want to jump off the boat that you are riding. Here you also have to bring your food and drinks and a tent but unlike Anawangin you can already rent a cottage here.

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And I think this is it for now. We are still in Luzon and still got a lot of places to cover so wait for my next article for the rest of our Luzon tour. And remember we are only touching places that I've already visited.

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Pictures without image sources are my own shots.

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