3 stunning PH islands to visit this holiday season

With traffic building up and gatherings being held left and right, sometimes all you’re looking for at the end of the day is some peace and quiet. Luckily, living in a versatile country like the Philippines allows for loads of options for a quick and easy getaway from urban living. 

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Philippines takes pride in its tranquil and picturesque provinces. Hidden among the bigger cities are sandy white beaches, fresh mountain trails, and crystalline bodies of water that are sure to ease your mind and settle your soul. With thousands of these gems tucked away all over the country, why not gift yourself and your loved ones a visit to one (or several) to relax and peacefully retreat to this holiday season. 

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Where to rent bikes in La Union

Want to try biking in La Union on your next beach vacation? Most tourists go to Elyu to enjoy the beach and the waves. But if you’re looking for new things to do in La Union aside from learning to surf, food-tripping, going grape picking, or sightseeing, biking might be a good activity. Biking can let you discover a different side of La Union.

Mebuyan’s Vessell, La Union
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Travel Guide: Things to do in Subic Bay (2023)

The Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, simply known as Subic Bay, is a coastal northwest of Manila frequented by families and water sports enthusiasts for weekend getaways. Formerly the location of U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay before it was decommissioned in the early 90s, the area is now known for its beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and dive sites.

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Island-hopping in Zambales: Beach resorts in Anawangin, Nagsasa and Silanguin Cove (2023)

Friends who were fortunate to have traveled to Anawangin Cove and nearby spots like Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, and Capones years ago often talk about how the area was once a pure and raw area for camping and getting away from it all.

This area in a secluded part of Zambales facing the West Philippine Sea separated by mountain ranges from the mainland used to offer secluded spots for back to basics camping where mountaineers would head after trekking through by land. 

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Travel Guide: Zamboanga City (2023)

Zamboanga City is one of my favorite destinations in Mindanao. With its stunning natural sights, vibrant culture, preserved history and amazing cuisine, it’s a place I don’t mind revisiting again and again. “Asia’s Latin City” is known for strong Hispanic and Latin influence. Zamboanga City is the center of economic activities in Mindanao, with its modern international seaport and airport serving as the entry point in the country to many destinations in Southeast Asia.

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Travel Guide: Biking from Laiya to Malabrigo Lighthouse, Batangas

Laiya Beach, located in Laiya-Aplaya in San Juan, Batangas, is one of the most popular beaches within driving distance of Manila. The whole stretch here is a favorite weekend destination for families. You can enjoy water-based activities here like banana boats, kayaking, and island-hopping, or just chill out by the beach at one of the many resorts.

Since we’ve traveled to Laiya several times before, last May 2022 we decided to take our bicycles and spend a day just biking to experience a different side of the area.

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Where to stay in Laiya, Batangas: Sabangan Beach Resort

After biking through coastal areas and up steep mountain roads, it’s always great to just head back to a comfy base to have beer by the beach, enjoy meals, and chill out without having to drive back far to the city the same day.

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Anilao Underwater Shootout stages a successful comeback

Banner photo: Winner, Special Award – Wide Angle, Paul Joseph Aristorenas

Amateur and professional underwater photographers, divers, and marine enthusiasts once again masterfully captured the beauty of Anilao in the entries to the 7th Anilao Underwater Shootout (AUS), recently mounted by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Winner, Special Award – Blackwater, Dennis Corpuz

Dubbed as the “World Cup of Underwater Photo Competitions,” the event highlighted the town’s teeming marine biodiversity, including its world-famous nudibranchs.

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Casa Escondida Anilao Resort & Dive Center, Batangas

Anilao in Batangas is known as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines. The small barangay in the coastal town of Mabini is one of the most popular diving destinations accessible by land travel for those who live in Metro Manila. Anilao is said to be the home to more than half of the Philippines’ documented shore fish species as well as over 300 species of coral.

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Camiguin Travel Guide: New Guidelines (as of October 2021)

The island province of Camiguin is finally reopening to tourists for responsible travel starting October 25, 2021.

Camiguin was the last destination I traveled to in early March 2020 before the pandemic lockdown restrictions were imposed and I can’t wait to revisit again when I have the chance.

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