The summer season has officially begun. Have you started writing your summer go-to checklist yet? If not, may we suggest going local? The Philippines is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, after all. There are pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, beautiful mountains and hills, stunning architecture, a rich cultural heritage and not to mention, lots of fun to be had with your travel buddies, tourist friends and returning balikbayans.
Check out the following Philippine destinations and start planning your trip to any of the ten, stat:
1. Bukal Falls, Laguna
Take a dip in the icy cold waters of Bukal Falls, a hidden gem just three hours from the metro. A short trek leads you to this dazzling sight of crimson-colored rocks in perfect contrast with the crystal clear spring water. Makes you want to take a picture with no HDR needed, and upload on Instagram right away.
2. Paoay Sand Dunes
Want to take a truly off-the-beaten path? A trip to the north will give you the adventure that you’ve been looking for. You can try your hand at sand boarding, brave the 4×4 ride on the uneven terrain or just watch the majestic view of the sunset.
3. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan
It’s no wonder that this prime diving spot is included on the list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts of 10,000 hectares of beautifully conserved coral reefs that houses hundreds of species of fish, sharks, dolphins, whales, birds and sea turtles.
4. Mt. Pulag, Benguet
If you’re looking for a respite from all the noise of the city, why not take a walk in a sea of clouds? The highest peak in Luzon is, of course, a challenging climb. Fear not, for you will be instantly rewarded with this impressive view at the summit.
5. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
History buffs would love walking on the cobblestone streets of Vigan, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7wonders. Ride the kalesa and be transported back to the Spanish colonial period with the fusion of Asian and European architectural styles on Calle Crisologo. If you’re feeling artsy, you could visit a pagburnayan and learn the art of pottery. Don’t forget to munch on some good ‘ol empanada with sukang Iloco as you watch the lovely dancing fountain show at Plaza Salcedo.
6. Puerto Princesa Underground River
Gaze at the majestic rock formations this paradise has to offer. At 8.2 km, it is considered the longest accessible underground river in the world. Its beautifully preserved limestone karst landscape also makes it a sight to behold. Be prepared to say hi to some bats hanging around the cave.
7. Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to Cloud 9, one of the best surf spots in the world. Aside from its world-famous surf breaks, this tropical getaway is also known for its serene white sand beaches and islands worthy of a postcard.
8. Masungi Georeserve, Rizal
Explore the great outdoors in a conservation area like Masungi Georeserve. Feel like the world is your playground at the Discovery Trail, which is peppered with rope bridges and nets against 66 million year old limestone formations. Instagram-worthy spots include the Duyan, a giant hammock hanging high up on the forest and the Sapot, a suspended structure that resembles a spider web set against the view of the Sierra Madre mountains.
9. Aliwagwag Falls, Davao Oriental
Marvel at the scenic view of these multi-tiered waterfalls. Recognized as the highest waterfalls in the Philippines, it is best seen through the 55 meters high zipline for a bird’s eye view of the forest.
10. El Nido, Palawan
Expect nothing less from “the world’s best island.” Adventure enthusiasts may go on a hike at Taraw Peak or even try shark diving! Make the most out of your trip and go island hopping, which includes kayaking at the lagoons of Miniloc Island or just enjoying the peaceful view of the sunset at the beach.
Traveling without being able to use your smartphone to its full potential is akin to being off the grid – something that is just not acceptable in this digital age. A beach trip or a mountain climb is not complete without letting your friends know about it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat — either through a photo, a tweet, or a video.
All travelers need the connectivity wherever they are in the Philippines, so it’s good news that Globe Telecom has renewed its partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism to promote the Philippines as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations via its Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign as the preferred connectivity partner of tourists and balikbayans alike.
With the partnership, Globe will once again offer its Globe Traveler SIM to millions of tourists and returning OFWs for free for affordable and worry-free connectivity during their stay in the country. Globe is TPB’s first Philippine telco partner to offer affordable communication services to millions of foreign tourists and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the country with the Globe Traveler SIM, a local prepaid SIM that offers affordable local rates for mobile data, calls, and SMS services.
“We are privileged to once again partner with the TPB this year to help boost the travel experience with affordable call, text and data services, enabling them to stay in touch as well as share the beauty of the Philippines to the rest of the world through their mobile devices. With Globe, we ensure that even travelers get to live and embrace their digital lifestyle as their connectivity partner while in the country,” said Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for International Business at Globe.
With the Globe Traveler SIM, users can receive calls and texts from abroad for free and cut costs on mobile data by subscribing to TravelSurf, which allows them to surf the Internet on mobile for an affordable rate of US$11 for seven (7) days or US$23 for 30 days. Users can also call abroad for as low as US$0.40 per minute. Getting a local SIM will afford the user a more cost-efficient way to connect than using an international number which charges international call, text and browsing rates.
To get a free Globe Traveler SIM, tourists and OFWs simply need to present their passport of OFW E-Card at the Globe booths in NAIA, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, Iloilo, and Clark International Airports. They can also reserve via www.globe.com.ph/traveler-sim/reserve-now. For more information on the FREE Globe Traveler SIM, visit globe.com.ph/traveler-sim.