The following is a guest post from Jason Biondo from Trekeffect

Feeling lost, and don’t know what to do with your life? Need a peace of mind? Then, the Philippines is truly the perfect place for you to go on a Eat-Pray-Love travel experience. With over gorgeous 7,000 islands to choose from, you will surely discover more about yourself and at the same time be able to experience a variety of memorable and exciting adventures. From the northern to southern part of the country, you will be thrilled how amazing the natural reserves the country offers.

For a rewarding and unforgettable experience, be sure to check out these stunning places before you book for your ultimate soul searching adventure!

Palawan

Bright blue-colored waters, flawless lagoons and splendid rock formations are just some of the phrases that easily describe the peninsula of Palawan. Coron and El Nido, whichever you would like to visit, would give an exquisite feel of nature’s relaxing view. Over the recent years, the concealed beauty of the island has become widespread in the world of travelers. Since then, it has gained a lot of attention, making it as one of the must visit islands in the Philippines. But despite the ever-increasing crowd, the locals make sure that it remains a classic and serene destination that tourists will enjoy for quite a long time.

Waterfalls in Cebu

Batanes

Located at the end of northern part of the Philippines, Batanes maintains a traditional and laid-back way of living. Nicknamed as the country’s version of Scotland, it is formed by three major islands and seven islets. With the houses made of rock stones, it remained strong and has conquered numerous disturbing storms every year. Although flying to Batanes is more expensive than any province in the country, this surreal paradise has a very small population, and anyone looking for a peace of mind would definitely commend this place.

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

This island is probably the newest discovery of travelers in the Bicol region. As there are no resorts or hotels in the area, no electricity or any shops, campers and backpackers enjoy the laid-back feel of the isolated island by setting up their tents on the powdery white sands. Being one of the lesser-known beaches in the country, one who’s looking for the perfect lone time would surely appreciate the crystal clear waters this remote surreal paradise offers.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Bantayan coast is usually compared to Boracay, but what makes people prefer this place over the former is its silence and calming environment where there are no buzzing parties or huge crowds. With its long line of sandbars and crystal waters, visitors can enjoy sun tanning and swimming. Typhoon Haiyan may have caused damage to the island a couple of years ago, but it still remains stunning up to this day.

Bohol Chocolate Hills (photo by Jason Biondo)

Bohol

Famed for many natural landscapes, Bohol remains to be one of the top tourists’ destinations in the Philippines. Aside from the Chocolate Hills and Mahogany Forests, the province is also a home of beautiful islands that are good for relaxation and soul searching. Islands like Panglao, Pamilacan and Balicasag are a good spot for exploring marine reserves and natural wonders that are decent places to retreat and spend some “me time”.

Sagada, Mountain Province

With its cool climate and lush vegetation, there is no doubt that Sagada is one of the top destinations for soul searching in the Philippines. Most of the roads to the highest and beautiful peaks are still underdeveloped and therefore it is advisable to walk through natural woodlands in order to get there. But once on top, you will surely get a small slice of heaven on earth, with Mt. Kiltipan’s sea of clouds and the smell of many scattered pine trees. Other good places to explore while on Sagada are the old-aged Lumiang and Sumaguing caves, the Hanging Coffins and rice terraces.

Sagada Terraces (photo by Jason Biondo)

Palaui Island

This island located in the region of Cagayan defines raw beauty by its jaw dropping coral gardens and marine reservations. The remote island is home to 50-hectares of undisturbed corals and 21 species of fish. This is one of the few islands that leave only two options to enjoy the place – camping through tents or home stays. The place was also featured as one of the settings of the two seasons of the popular US TV show, Survivor.

Batad, Ifugao

Famed for having the oldest and most beautiful rice terraces, Batad is considered one of the most visited places in the Cordillera region. Although it is not accessible through any form of vehicle because of its steep roads, tourists all over the globe still find this place worth visiting. Over the few years, locals have started to lease out rooms for tourists who want to experience some solitude in the isolated villages. Since the place is a remote area, resources are very limited, and there’s no internet access, making this place perfect for relaxation. And furthermore, you will be rewarded with stunning beauty of rice terraces.

photo by Jason Biondo

Hinatuan River, Surigao del Sur

Surigao del Sur is blessed with a hidden treasure called the Hinatuan Enchanted River. It is a stunning crystal blue lagoon within a mountain and covered by the dense forest. It is still unknown where the water comes from as it is located in the deepest part of a forest and no one has ever reached the bottom yet. As mystical as it seems, this place can be a perfect place to have that much needed peace of mind while you swim by the crystal clear river.

Apo Island, Negros Region

Located in a remote area of Negros Oriental, the place can be accessed by boat from the Malatapay, Zamboanguita. Apo Island is one of the world’s best diving spots, and has magnificent white sands, beautiful marine conservation and unique rock formations. And because the area is secluded (hotels, resorts and restaurants are very limited), it is deemed as a good place for soul searchers.

PIN me!

Jason Biondo is an amateur bodybuilder and a travel junkie who loves to share insightful tips to his fellow health enthusiasts and travelers. He is also a User Interface Developer Consultant and the Founder of Trekeffect. 

Comments

comments