Itching to travel when the pandemic ends? Excited for your post-pandemic travel?
Thankfully, all these travel restrictions are temporary. We will have the privilege to walk on Earth again and travel to beautiful places with a renewed perspective.
Better days will come and it will be worth it! Tourism will come back better than ever once the travel season resumes.
Here is a guide for your first post-pandemic travel to the Philippines.
Will Travel Change After COVID-19 Pandemic?
Travel habits, buying behavior, choice of destinations as well as how much we are willing to spend, will ALL change.
Safety and privacy will be taken more seriously. Travelers will be hesitant to visit popular destinations known to be overcrowded. We might be looking at the rise of private tours, small group tours, solo travels, off-the-beaten path, minimal contact points, off-peak travels, low-density population and more investment on travel insurance.
Travel will evolve.
How we deal with it and our reactions to it are integral to the success and safety of tourism. We have to level up and go beyond our traditional ways. We have to embrace the shifting needs. We must learn, live and adapt to the “new normal”. When we experience a global pandemic like this, change is a must.
Best Places to Visit For Your Post-Pandemic Travel
Here is a list of suggested places for your first post-pandemic travel. These are places that offer so much in terms of nature, culture and history and are mostly unexplored destinations by the “average traveler”.
1. Siquijor
When you think about top destinations people want to visit, it’s a safe bet that Siquijor will probably not come up.
The “mystical island of Siquijor”, known for its stories of magic and sorcery both attracts and repulses visitors. Brought about by media and tv representations, voodoo dolls, witchcraft, shaman, haunted spirits on Balete tree, black magic and love potion, have become the most vibrant impressions about this island.
In fact, 95% of the population here are Catholic. Siquijor is known for its unique culture of blending Catholicism with traditional religious practices – a major part of its cultural heritage and identity. Having been there myself, I can attest to how safe, friendly and peaceful the community is. There is so much more to this island than just these trivial stories.
The island’s interior is green and hilly and its coastline is alive with vibrant corals and other marine life. It is surrounded by white sand beaches, caves, lakes and majestic waterfalls. In fact, one of the most Instagrammable waterfalls in the Philippines is found here – Cambugahay waterfalls. Learn more about Cambugahay on this blog https://kapwatravel.com/blog/most-beautiful-waterfalls-in-the-philippines/
To date, Siquijor is recognized as one among the 17 provinces in the Philippines that remains to be “coronavirus-free”. Thus, making it even more qualified to be included in our list for post-pandemic travel.
2. Anda, Bohol
Approximately 2.5 hours away from the capital city of Tagbilaran, this part of Bohol remains far less traveled, with scarce tourists.
It is a destination home to pristine white sand beaches, Cadapdapan mini-rice terraces, the tallest waterfalls in the entirety of Bohol called Can-umantad Falls, unspoiled greenery, colorful marine life (with numerous sea turtles!) and unparalleled opportunity for outdoor adventure.
Anda’s natural wonders begged to be explored. You need to see it to believe it.
3. Batanes
Located in the northernmost tip of the Philippines, you will feel like you entered an entirely different country or era when you come to Batanes. It has been dubbed as the “New Zealand of the Philippines” and its entire province is a nominee for inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The population here is notably scarce, leaving much room for social distancing. It is home to only around 17,000 population. It has a density of 70 inhabitants per square kilometer or 200 inhabitants per square mile.
Fishing villages, family-owned restaurants, sustainable transportation, fresh seafood, majestic hills, authentic Ivatan culture – Batanes has got it all.
Here, culture and nature blend in a fascinating way set to a backdrop of absolute jaw-dropping scenery. Basco Lighthouse, Racuh a Payaman (more popularly known as Marlboro Country), Tukon Chapel, are only some of the marvelous viewpoints found in Batanes. It is also home to one-of-a-kind “stone houses” and an “honesty store” which have already become a tourist attraction on its own.
This breathtaking province of Philippines has to be experienced to be understood. Along with Siquijor, Batanes also remains free from Covid-19 transmission – perfect for your first post-pandemic travel!
4. Port Barton, Palawan
The appeal of Palawan is undeniable! It attracts crowds of tourists because of its limestone formations, beautiful beaches and a promise of total relaxation. Palawan was once dubbed as the “best island in the world”. For this reason, most islands are crowded with tourists.
However, this part of Palawan called the Port Barton, remains absent from the typical tourist itinerary. It is located at the north-west coast of the island. Unlike El Nido, Puerto Princesa or Coron, expect lesser crowd here. This remains to be relatively undiscovered which also promises equally beautiful white islands and divine sunset for sure.
There are also island hopping options operated here that can incorporate beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing villages and waterfalls, depending on your preference.
Accommodation while limited and basic, know how to pamper guests with its charming cabanas and excellent beachfront location.
5. Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Located in Negros Occidental, this is a slice of unspoiled paradise. Danjugan can feel like your own private island getaway.
Unlike any other islands in the Philippines, the management of Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), limits the guests to a minimal number. It refuses to be called a resort, but prides itself to be a “sanctuary”. There is very limited accommodation on the island so be sure to make advance arrangements and coordinate with PRRCFI.
It is a rising ecotourism destination that boasts 5 lagoons, pristine beaches, nesting grounds, caves, diverse marine life and around 70 species of birds. Immerse in nature right here at Danjugan island – where one can find total serenity and be surrounded by the sheer abundance of nature.
Visitors can sign up for guided ecotours, bird watching activity, island hopping and more. You will be delighted to know that every money you spend goes back to nature, with its genuine environmental causes and advocacies.
6. Bantayan Island, Cebu
While Cebu still remains to be a popular destination in the entirety of Philippines, this tiny island in the northern tip of Cebu remains to be away from mass tourism. When you think about escaping the crowd and disconnecting from the hustles and bustles, Bantayan is an excellent option for you.
It is worth visiting given the untarnished beauty of the island, unreal powdery white sand and the wonderful opportunity for full relaxation in a secluded place.
Biking or riding a scooter around the island is the perfect way to get around – from one amazing white beach to another, cliff diving site to lush mangrove forest, cave pool and historical fortress, you will never run out of something to see on this island. It is also home to wide options of local foods such as beef tapa, barbecue, baked scallops, chicken sotanghon soup, lechon and a few international restaurants serving pizza, pasta and more.
This quiet island was once a hot topic in the country because of a Filipino hit-movie “Camp Sawi” (literally means Camp Unfortunate), a comedy-drama film about a group of broken hearted girls who went to Bantayan to sought refuge and healing in their heart problems.
Indeed, you can have it all at Bantayan – nature, food, refuge and solitude.
7. Pamilacan Island, Bohol
Situated south of mainland Bohol, Pamilacan is another hidden gem in the Philippines.
It is an isolated island that offers simple and basic island life. There are no big hotels, no fancy restaurants, no ATMs and no convenience stores. It is definitely not the island destination for average tourists looking for comfort and so, you can be assured that only authentic adventurers will dare stay on this island.
What’s special on this island is that, it is frequented by large congregations of different species of dolphins. Hundreds of dolphins are living in harmony with nature, protected and swimming free in the wild. Dolphins that are commonly sighted here are the Risso’s dolphin, the playful Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins and Fraser’s dolphins. It offers abundant marine life and total relaxation.
Pamilacan will make us realize that “simple is good”. The simplicity of the island allows a guilt-free trip, where you can focus on nature, wildlife, yourself and the community.
8. Catanduanes
Located on the east coast of Bicol region, Catanduanes is home to beautiful sceneries, pastoral cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, caves and ample opportunity for water activities. It is beginning to attract more tourists but still remains to be an off-the-beaten path.
Some of the attractions to include in your list are Binurong Point, Balacay Beach, Puraran Beach and Ilihan Point, also known as Fertility Island or Boto ni Kurakog – this is described as “the world’s sexiest island” because of its phallic-shaped rock formation. Read more about Catanduanes and other unique places here.
9. Burias Group of Islands, Masbate
Burias is located at San Pascual, Masbate, Bicol Region. It is another off-the-beaten path that offers eye-catching rock formations and unique beaches. Be introduced to some of the most interesting islands such as:
- Sombrero Island, famous for its shape that resembles a hat;
- Animasola island, a small islet that offers a stunning rock formation and a mermaid’s lair;
- Tinalisayan Island with pristine beautiful white beach and sand bar.
Perhaps, you might want to add a few days at Burias’ amazing group of islands the next time you come to Bicol. Moreover, be captivated by Bicol’s palatable and highly regional cuisine – Bicol express, laing, chili ice cream, kinalas, toasted siopao and more! :p
Masbate is also among the list of coronavirus-free provinces in the Philippines.
10. Camiguin
With limited development and relatively untouched by mass-tourism, this island is home to raw natural beauty – numerous springs(hot, cold and soda spring), waterfalls, diving sites, white sand beaches, breathtaking views and big skies. It is also home to a very unique attraction, the Sunken Cemetery.
No trip is complete without trying their pastel (the island’s famous delicacy which is a bun filled with yema) and the sweet Lanzones (a local fruit abundant in the island).
Travel can wait and better days will come 🙂
We may be isolating ourselves now, but I am certain that better days will come. Once the pandemic is over and we have adapted to live in the “new normal”, travel will continue. Soon. Surely, the lessons learned during this pandemic will make us better travelers.
We will be reconnected with nature again, stay in a paradise, chase our dream destinations, have an amazing adventure and feel alive again. Our wanderlust will win over!
Looking for a perfect staycation experience? Here is a list of 10 Best Boutique Hotel in the Philippines.
Plan your post-pandemic travel with us!
We at Kapwa Travel are using this time to improve and streamline processes, find “better places” and reflect on many different areas of the business to come back better when the travel season continues.
Where do you want to go first for your post-pandemic travel? Will you travel solo or bring along someone with you? What do you envision your next travel experience would be? Share us your thoughts! 🙂
Perhaps, you might also be interested to read about characteristics of a “better traveler” also called as “ecotourist”.
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