Palawan: The Emerald Paradise
It’s almost a sin to speak of the Philippines and not whisper the name Palawan with reverence. Often dubbed “the last frontier”, this slender slice of paradise unfurls across the Sulu Sea with jade-green cliffs, limestone karsts, and lagoons so clear they feel surreal. There’s a serenity here that hums quietly beneath the rustling palms, especially in places like El Nido and Coron.
El Nido’s island-hopping tours are the essence of dreamscapes — secret beaches cloaked by towering rock formations and translucent waters teeming with marine life. Each stop feels like a well-guarded secret only recently entrusted to you. I remember floating silently in the Small Lagoon, the kayak drifting gently as the afternoon sun painted watercolor reflections onto the cliffs. There was a hush, almost sacred.
Meanwhile, Coron is the siren call for divers. Beneath its turquoise waters lie hauntingly beautiful World War II shipwrecks, now crusted with corals and alive with technicolor fish. Even those who don’t dive can find magic in the emerald lakes strung across its rugged terrain, like Kaynagan Lake — crystal-clear, surrounded by ancient rock, and said to be one of the cleanest lakes in Asia.
Bohol: Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Dreams
Bohol is an island that seems to smile at you. Home to the curiosity of the Chocolate Hills — over a thousand perfectly rounded hills that shift from green to cocoa brown in the dry season — it feels like Mother Nature had a playful moment. There’s something delightfully whimsical about driving through this landscape, especially as the hills roll endlessly into the horizon like scoops of gelato scattered by a giant hand.
Step into the dappled forest and you might meet the wide-eyed Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. Their tiny fingers and curious gaze offer an intimate encounter with the wild, and the conservation centres ensure it’s ethical and non-intrusive. Don’t be surprised if your heart melts a little — mine did, quite completely.
Bohol also unfolds quiet coastal towns like Panglao with its ivory beaches and gentle reefs, perfect for snorkelling lazy afternoons away. And for a dash of history, the Baclayon Church, made of coral stones and dating back to the 1700s, stands as a whisper from the Spanish colonial era.
Siargao: Where Waves Meet Wandering Souls
If Palawan is nature’s calm embrace, Siargao is its wild, laughter-filled hospitality. Known as the Philippines’ surfing capital, this teardrop-shaped island hums with an energy that is both laid-back and electric. Cloud 9, a world-class surf break, draws wave-chasers from around the globe, but even if you’ve never stood on a board, Siargao welcomes you.
The rhythm here is slow and salt-kissed. Days begin with barefoot walks under coconut trees and end with music echoing under the stars. I recall sipping fresh calamansi juice at a beach shack, barefoot in the sand, while a stranger with a ukulele played something that sounded suspiciously like Jack Johnson.
Beyond surfing, Siargao unravels secrets like the Sugba Lagoon — where teal waters reflect forested cliffs — and the Magpupungko Rock Pools, where tides reveal crystalline, natural swimming pools at low tide. Each adventure feels intimate, personal.
Banaue & Batad: Stairways to the Clouds
Tucked high in the Cordillera mountains of Northern Luzon lie the ancient rice terraces of Banaue and Batad, hand-carved into the hills over 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people. They ripple across the landscape like green amphitheaters, dizzying in their symmetry and scale. Walking amongst them feels like stepping into a living tapestry woven by time and devotion.
The air up here is thinner, crisper. Mornings begin with a gentle mist rolling off the mountains, and the occasional crow of a rooster echoing through the valley. Hiking to Batad, a more remote cluster of terraces, is no small feat but delivers moments of quiet triumph. Each step up the stone trails leads to vistas that are pure poetry — rice paddies glowing under the sun, water glinting in golden channels, barefoot farmers tending the fields with age-old grace.
Spend a night in a native homestay, savor warm mountain meals and listen to tales passed down through generations. It’s a place that doesn’t just enchant; it teaches patience, reverence, and awe.
Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire
Lesser-known yet utterly captivating, Camiguin is a mystical island formed by volcanoes. With more volcanoes than towns, its dramatic topography weaves a landscape of hot springs, waterfalls, and lush interiors that seem to breathe legend. Known as the “Island Born of Fire”, Camiguin invites explorers to dive deep into its quiet charm.
Swim out to White Island — a sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide, offering panoramic views of volcanic peaks mirrored against cerulean skies. Visit the sunken cemetery, where a lone cross rises from the sea as a haunting monument to a town swallowed by eruption in the 1800s. It’s history, nature, and reverence merged in one breathtaking vista.
Hiking enthusiasts can scale Mt. Hibok-Hibok for sweeping views, while those seeking rest will adore the island’s Ardent Hot Springs, perfect after a long day of ambling through lush trails and century-old Spanish ruins.
Cebu: The Island That Has It All
For travelers who dream of variety — beach, history, cuisine, and adventure — Cebu is a veritable treasure chest. This central island weaves contrasting experiences with elegant ease. In the city, Spanish-era churches like the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño narrate layered histories, while surrounding islands promise azure escapades.
South of Cebu City, in Moalboal, snorkelers enter the swirling ballet of the sardine run, a dizzying spectacle as millions of fish move as one. Further along, the Kawasan Falls beckon with their aquamarine tiers — ideal for those with a soft spot for canyoning and natural plunge pools.
But perhaps one of my most vivid memories was swimming alongside whale sharks in Oslob — enormous, docile beings that glide with quiet nobility. While the experience sparks debate over ethical tourism (and rightly so), responsible operations and informed choices can create meaningful moments of connection rather than intrusion.
Practical Tips for an Enchanting Philippines Journey
- When to Go: The dry season runs from November to May, with March to April offering the sunniest days. However, off-peak seasons mean fewer crowds and lower costs.
- Currency: Philippine Peso (₱ PHP). Carrying cash is wise in smaller islands where ATMs may be scarce.
- Getting Around: Inter-island flights are abundant, and ferries connect many destinations. Tricycles, jeepneys, and scooters are common for short-distance travel.
- Travel Etiquette: Filipinos are warm and welcoming. A smile goes a long way. Dress modestly in rural areas and always ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites.
- Food Must-Try: Don’t leave without tasting a fresh mango, a piping-hot halo-halo on a humid day, or a steaming bowl of batchoy in a local eatery.
The Philippines is not simply a destination — it’s a slow dance of islands, a place where time trickles like water over stones, where each sunrise feels like a beginning. Whether you find yourself diving through coral gardens, hiking misty terraces, or sharing a mango with a fisherman’s family, this country invites you not just to see but to feel. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find a part of your heart quietly deciding it never wants to leave.