Off the Beaten Path – Philippines

The Philippines is home to some of the most amazing sights and sounds, not to mention the warmest and friendliest people that you might meet on your travels. You will undoubtedly fall in love with the beaches, mountains, and more importantly, the people. Well, it’s pretty hard not to. With crystal clear waters, many pristine white sand beaches, amazing sunsets, stunning mountains and caves, the Philippines has it all. Most backpackers tend to stick to the usual places like Boracay, Cebu, Sagada, and Palawan. Although visiting these places mentioned above are still an awesome experience, perhaps try exploring these off the beaten path destinations in the Philippines to get a feel of what the country and its best kept secrets are truly like.

Gigantes Island, Iloilo
While slowly gaining in popularity, this amazing group of islands is the last frontier of untouched beauty where you can do absolutely nothing apart from lazing around a secluded beach as you feast on fresh seafood. Located off of Estancia, Iloilo, this pristine paradise is a haven compared to the more crowded and over developed tourist spot like Boracay. 

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered-which is why it is best to visit it now! Picture perfect is an understatement as all you can see is a long stretch of white sand beach and crystal clear turquoise waters. This place is accessible by an 8 hour bus ride plus a 2 hour boat trip from the mainland. Flying to Naga, Camarines Sur is also an option. Here you can go snorkeling, island hopping, relaxing and swimming. Currently, there are no accommodations or establishments on the island so make sure to bring a tent and food for your trip. There are also other activities in nearby islands like caving and exploring waterfalls.

Hinatuan Enchanted River, Mindanao
The Enchanted River in Surigao Del Sur was given its name due to the fact that no one knows where the water from this river comes from. The water in the river is so clear that the riverbed is outlined in colors of turquoise and aquamarine. The middle portion of the river is very deep and is fabled to have spirits living beneath. Enjoy the fresh water from the river as you go swim and cool off on a hot day. Every day at 12pm, a caretaker from the local village comes and asks everyone to get out of the water. When he rings a bell, dozens of large fish come up to the surface to feed.

Siquijor
Originally called “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire because of the eerie and mysterious swarms of fireflies that would come out at night. This enchanting island is rumored to have mystical healers and shamans. But no need to fret – the only mystery here is why not many travelers come for a visit. Pay a visit to the ancient Balete tree, check out the Cambugahay and Lugnason Waterfalls, and go beach hopping in their many hidden coves of unspoilt white sand beaches. Siquijor is also home to many old churches like the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the San Isidro Labrador Convent, which are some of the oldest and largest churches in the country.

At the end of the day, with over 7,107 islands to choose from, you won’t run out of choices as there is still so much of the Philippines to see and explore. 

Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
 rawhidetravel.com