A stunning view of Mt. Pinatubo crater

Not sure where to go in your next Philippine tour?

Of its 7, 641 beautiful islands, one will always have something to discover in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. While more and more travelers are frequenting the famous islands of Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and Siargao, some equally beautiful and undiscovered places remain to be safe from “social media stardom”. 

Contrary to mass tourism, some travelers would desire to go more for the less saturated, more off-the-beaten, secret hidden gems that are not frequented by tourists.

Experience peace, nature, culture and low-key adventure in places that don’t often get mentioned. Here is a list to help you find some of the beautiful secret places for your next Philippine tour:

Catanduanes

The Fertility Island on the background

Interestingly, this province has a very bizarre-looking island called “Fertility Island” because of its phallic-shaped rock formation. It is locally known as Ilihan Point or Boto ni Kurakog (Penis of Kurakog). Because of its shape, some described it as “the world’s sexiest island”.

Trivia: Legend says that Kurakog was a giant whose body was carried away by the waves after a deep slumber and it was only the protruding five-meter rock column that remained. Tourists are very scarce in this town. It can be a good thing or a bad thing, it depends on what kind of traveler you are. 

Batanes

The entire province of Batanes is a nominee for inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from its superscenic views, it boasts a strong and diverse culture that has become an attraction on its own. For example,

• Ivatan stone houses
• Vakul – a headgear designed to protect the wearer from sun and rain which is typically used by locals instead of an umbrella
• “Honesty Store” – the not-the-usual local store where customers are allowed to get any item and voluntarily pay an honest amount. The store is unmanned and 100% self-service.

One will never really run out of breathtaking views at Batanes. For instance, the province’s most iconic structure called Basco Lighthouse. It is a six-story tower stands mightily in the middle of Naidi Hills and is one of the three lighthouses in the province. It offers a viewing deck providing a fantastic view of the West Philippine Sea and the town proper.

They have also have Racuh a Payaman or more popularly known as Marlboro Country. It offers a marvelous view of the Pacific. It is one of those places where you can just sit in silence, stare at the good view and fall in love with the beauty that is in front of you. The view here is just AMAZING!

Camiguin

The Sunken Cemetery marker

The best time to visit Camiguin is in October during the annual celebration of their Lanzones Festival. Don’t miss trying their pastel – a bun filled with yema is the Island’s special delicacy.

Camiguin offers sunlust adventures to beautiful beaches, natural hot, cold and soda springs and waterfalls, beautiful white islands and sandbars. “Come again” Camiguin has certainly become a catchphrase to entice their visitors to return.

Burias Island

Burias is comprised of a group of stunning islands located in the town of San Pascual in the province of Masbate, Bicol.

Island hopping has become an alternative livelihood to most fishermen as the island offers many beautiful islands especially:

• Sombrero Island – famous for its shape that resembles a hat
• Animasola island – a small islet that offers a unique rock formation and a mermaid’s lair
• Tinalisayan Island and Sand Bar

There are already resorts on the island that offer a decent accommodation or camping option that will allow you to enjoy a lasting memorable island experience!

Masungi Georeserve

The view at “sapot” (spider’s web)

Other nearby attractions can also be included in your destinations like Nagpatong Rock, Pinto Art Museum, Cloud 9, Luljetta’s Hanging Garden, Treasure Mountain, Kawa Bath, etc. Rizal is a thriving place where more and more tourist attractions are developing.

Mt. Pinatubo

If you’re looking for a day tour adventure, then this must be a perfect option for you.

This adventure is a combination of a one-hour 4×4 ride, and 1.5 hours leisurely hike up to the Mt. Pinatubo crater. Reaching into the crater is a very rewarding experience where one can enjoy the beautiful landscape of what was dubbed to be “the beautiful disaster”.

Its eruption in 1991 was one of the most devastating eruptions the Philippine history, leaving billions worth of crops and thousands of properties covered in lahar. Long after its historic 1991 eruption, Mt. Pinatubo has become a place worth traveling to, most especially for people yearning for adventure and a breath-taking view.

Guimaras

Guimaras signage at the town center

Attractions to include in your list include: Mango Plantation at Mango Research Center, Trappist Monastery, Museo de Guimaras, Alubihod Beach, Guisi Beach and Lighthouse. You can also find Guinness Book of World Records’ Smallest Plaza here.

Island hopping is also a popular choice among tourists.  There are also lots of Mango-infused specialty foods to try like mango pizza, adobo with mango sauce, mango spaghetti.

Dapitan

Dapitan is dubbed as “the shrine city of the Philippines”. It is a humble province located in Zamboanga del Norte.

A visit to Dapitan will add a historical flavor to your Philippine tour – a remote place where the greatest Filipino hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was exiled.

Dapitan is also home to Dakak Beach, one of the first and most popular beach resorts in Mindanao. Dakak is most known for its beautifully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Diving enthusiasts will not only find a copious amount of coral reefs with thriving tropical marine life, but also a sanctuary of native plants and animals.

Biking around town is a nice experience in Dapitan where one can easily digest historical learning and imbibe the love for our national hero in all parts of the town. Take time to explore the Rizal Shrine, a land that Rizal brought when he won the lottery and where he spent 4 years as a prisoner. His stay and exile at Dapitan ultimately became a blessing to Dapitanons. Many of their infrastructures and teachings here were inspired by Rizal. Rizal Shrine also houses a state-of-the-art museum which is a great add-on to your historical sightseeing tour. 

Pagudpud

Dinagat

Probably one of the most remote places in the Philippines is Dinagat Islands. The young province is the right playground for real adventurers, offering breath-taking sceneries like the Kisses Islets near Libjo, a bonzai forest in the north, the mystical lake Bababu, and much more.

You can reach the northernmost island of Mindanao by ferry / bangka from Surigao City going to San José, the seat of the provincial government. Make sure to bring enough time with you to be able to discover the secrets of Dinagat on your next Philippine tour!