Tag Archives: Luzon

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Beach Destinations in the Philippines

With thousands of tropical islands, the Philippines is known for being home to some of the world’s best beaches, and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Whether you are looking for action and adventure, or peace and tranquility, these are some of the very best beach destinations in the Philippines.

Beach in the Philippines
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido in Palawan has been voted as one of the best beach destinations in the world so many times now, and its spectacular beauty needs to be seen first-hand in order to be truly appreciated. There are about 50 beaches to choose from, making this the perfect destination for beach lovers, and the waters that surround the island are rich in marine life. With one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, El Nido is truly spectacular, both above ground as well as under the sea.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island is known for being a surfer’s paradise, with the waves here being absolutely perfect when it comes to feeling that addictive rush of adrenaline. The pristine waters and consistent waves at Cloud Nine Reef have made Siargao Island the host of many popular surfing tournaments and events, with waves reaching up to 20 feet in height in peak season, guaranteeing to draw quite the crowd.

Bantayan Island, Cebu
Cebu is another Philippine destination that has frequently been voted as one of the best in the world, and Bantayan Island, which is at the northern end of Cebu, takes you away from the crowded and busier parts of the island. With spectacular sand bars and stretches of gleaming white sand, this is the ideal tropical paradise for those who simply want to relax and reflect, although there are a number of skydiving opportunities here too if you feel the urge for some adventure.

Panglao Island, Bohol

Panglao Island, Bohol
While Panglao Island boasts the same white sands and clear waters as the famous beach destination of Boracay, it is famous for being home to some of the best diving spots in the country. With researchers recently discovering that Panglao Island has more marine diversity than both the Mediterranean Sea and Japan combined, this is definitely a destination for those who want to get closer to native marine life.

Anguib Beach, Luzon
One of the main issues that many travelers now have with several Philippine beach destinations is that they are becoming increasingly commercialized. While Anguib Beach may be on the same island as Manila, it takes about 12 hours by bus to access, on some incredibly rough roads, meaning that this long stretch of powdery white sand is often completely deserted. With the same crystal turquoise waters that you will find at other Philippine beach destinations, the main feature that sets Anguib Beach apart is its remoteness and isolation, giving you the opportunity to really soak up the beauty of your surroundings.

Even those that have lived in the Philippines all of their lives will not have had time to explore all of the country’s beaches. However, whether you decide to head to Cebu, Palawan, or anywhere else, you can be sure that you will be greeted with intensely blue waters, soft white sand, and a tropical charm that cannot be beaten.

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Taal Lake and Volcano Island Tours

Taal Lake and Volcano Island

Situated on the Philippine island of Luzon, in the province of Batangas, Taal Lake is a haven of greenery and serenity, and is actually a crater lake that fills the caldera of a prehistoric volcano. After this caldera was formed around 500,000 years ago, the subsequent volcanic eruptions later created another volcanic island within Taal Lake itself, and was named Volcano Island. While Taal Volcano may be the smallest active volcano in the world, its unique location, being situated on an island that is within a lake that is on another island, makes it quite the geological wonder, attracting thousands of visitors each and every year.

Filipino Travel Center
The Filipino Travel Center offers private tours of Volcano Island, picking up guests from Metro Manila in a luxury minibus before making the two-hour journey to Tagaytay Ridge. Here, you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Taal Lake, Taal Island and Mount Macolod, before heading down to the shores of the lake to hop on to a motorized outrigger. The 30-minute boat ride takes you to the Volcano Island village of Talisay, and, from here, you will begin your trek up towards the volcano’s rim. The hike itself lasts for about 45 minutes and is considered to be one of the easiest hikes in the Philippines, making it accessible to those of all abilities. After taking in your stunning views of Crater Lake and its surroundings, you will then head back to the mainland, stopping off at the Taal Yacht Club for a watersports session before being driven back to Metro Manila.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a company that offers an eight-hour adventure across Taal Lake and Volcano Island. Just like the tour mentioned above from the Filipino Travel Center, you will be driven from Manila to Tagaytay City, after which you will board a boat and be taken for a hike up the volcano. By the sulfuric lake, there are a number of rental companies where you can rent a kayak, banana boat or paraw, to see the caldera from a unique perspective. For those who want even more of an unforgettable experience, GetYourGuide also gives their guests the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride among Taal’s basalt rocks, and you can even ride all the way up the trail to the top of the volcano if you so desire. In addition to seeing the lake and the volcano, this tour also includes a visit to the Caleruega Church, the Palace in the Sky park, which was built for president Marcos, and a mushroom burger factory that is located in Tagaytay City.

No matter which tour you opt for, you will still be able to witness the splendid views from Volcano Island, which are considered to be some of the most scenic in the Philippines. The natural surroundings here are filled with layers of complexity that have built up over thousands of years, and this is most definitely a trip worth taking if you are ever in Manila, or elsewhere in the Philippines.