It’s almost summer! And although the temperature has not reached dizzying heights yet, one can almost feel summer slowly creeping in.
Enjoying summer holidays on the beach is something I look forward to. So lately, I’ve been fantasizing about where I can spend my precious vacation leave this year. Here are a few places I’d like to go to (note that these are just three of the 7,107 Philippine islands just mine for the picking!).
1. Puerto Princesa
I can’t believe I haven’t been to Puerto Princesa yet. There were several opportunities to go in the past but somehow, I was either busy or sick. So now that getting to Palawan is easier and more affordable, there is really no excuse.
Puerto Princesa is not only home to one of the richest marine biodiversities in the Philippines and in the world. It is also home to the Subterreanean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Incidentally, it is the Philippines’ official nominee to the Search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. (Click here to vote.)
2. Balicasag
I’d like to go back to Balicasag Island in Bohol. It’s one of those beautiful places that you simply can’t forget. I wrote about it a couple of years ago:
If scuba diving is your thing, then Balicasag is perfect for you. It boasts of a magnificent marine life teeming with healthy coral reefs. One can also spot large fishes such as barracuda, parrot fish, jack fish and garoupa in its pristine waters. And maybe even hammerhead sharks and dolphins on a good day! Since there is only one resort on the island, there’s a general feeling that you have the island all to your self. But sometimes, daytrippers flock to the island especially during the summer. This is because Balicasag is easily accessible by pumpboat and is only about 30 minutes away from Panglao Island.
It would be a treat to go back to Balicasag, even for just an overnight trip. 🙂
3. Bantayan Island
Fine powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, spectacular sunsets… Nope, I’m not talking about Boracay but the latest hidden gem in Cebu, Bantayan Island. Just off the northwest coast of Cebu, it seems that Bantayan Island will soon be following the footsteps of Boracay. So I need to go there before that happens!
So many choices, so little time. I wish seat sales run all year round!
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Hi Pol! I love Puerto Princesa and Bantayan Island! Such idyllic spots, especially Bantayan. It’s been called the next Boracay but (thankfully?) it doesn’t get the crazy crowds of Boracay (we went in December), unless it’s Holy Week daw. Then all the resorts get fully booked! It doesn’t have the super clear waters of Boracay, but it’s still lovely. If you do decide to go, this might help 🙂
http://slouchingsomewhere.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/one-day-in-bantayan-island/
Would love to see Balicasag 🙂
Hi Mabes, oo nga you went to Bantayan last year! Thanks for the link (good, because I don’t really know much about Bantayan). Gosh I really hope we’d be able to go there before it becomes the next Boracay. I just don’t like crowded beaches.:( Balicasag is beautiful. You should go there!
great beaches on your list, I love snorkeling in Balicasag Island and just bumming on the beach at Bantayan Island. Unfortunately, I haven’t explored yet the beaches at Puerto Princesa, we only had a short stop over here while en route to El Nido.
thanks, claire. i know, right? nothing beats Philippine beaches. i can’t wait for summer to kick in!
i loved what’s below in Balicasag! We had Kevin Costner, whom we called Manong Claudio to show us the underwater sites… Free diving was exciting, i wanna go back and do it again!
Kevin Costner? That’s one for the books! haha! Balicasag is a must-see and should be on everyone’s list!:)
great list! true, Philippines has one of the best beaches in Asia and in the world not to mention the greatest dive sites as well.
thanks! you’re absolutely right. our dive sites are breath-taking!:)
Really can’t wait to go to Bantayan next month. Hoping that work won’t be too hectic by then 🙂
Gogogo! I’m glad that you’re going to Bantayan. Let us know about your trip, ha. 🙂 Ingat!
Love this post, it gave me great travel ideas. Balicasag looks awesome! I hope I get the chance to visit it soon. I’m going to Cebu this August so I’ll try to visit Bantayan Island. It seems like a good alternative to Boracay. 🙂
Hi Marisse, Yup, Balicasag IS awesome. And they say Bantayan is worth the visit. Thanks for dropping by!