Top Philippine Travel Destinations

Ever been to an archipelago, where there are 7,100+ islands to explore? Ever been to a place that on the surface looks like your typical and very familiar American-inspired country but underneath this shield you will find strong influences from Chinese, Indian, Hispanic and other Ethnic based cultures? You'll need a plane to get into the Philippines, one probable reason why most travelers would instead head-off to mainland Asia ----another plane trip would definitely be an added cost to a given budget trip in this part of the world. However, you'll find so many must-see attractions that are worth your while if you're a serious traveler. Check these places out:

1) Palawan

The Philippines' last frontier province along its west coast hosts the following fascinating leading attractions: El Nido Resort, Amanpulo Resort, the Cuyo Islands, Tubbattaha Reefs, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

2) Boracay

This is an island resort somewhere in the Western Visayas, that's known for its white sand beach (which is actually "baby pink" when inspected more closely) that you won't notice getting sunburned even if you spend hours on it. This island beach resort where real people actually have lived before tourists showed up in droves, ranks among the best seaside resorts the world over - check feedback from respectable and unbiased raters online, and on printed pages.

3) The Rice Terraces in Mountain Province, and Ifugao, and their surrounding communities.

These are not the same terraces as those similarly-looking and found in China and other rice-planting countries in Asia, that some travel writers are harping about. They are unique because they have not changed that much even during Spanish times, up until the Americans came to the Philippines. Make sure you include Sagada, Banaue, Bontoc, Mayoyao, Batad in your trip, and you'll be wishing to see more.

4) Mt. Apo in Davao

Being the country's tallest mountain (10,311 feet above sea level), is worth a visit, even if viewed from a distance. You may just want to stay in a resort in or close to Davao city (those in Samal island are fantastic) - the mountain's actually a dormant volcano, and it hosts atleast 7 baby peaks where you can run from one peak to another, if ever you get to have the chance to reach its peak.

5) Taal Volcano in Tagaytay city

Imagine visiting the world's smallest active volcano, and can be described as a "baby volcano within a mother volcano." You may cross the lake and actually explore the volcano, and even stay there if said so as safe by volcanologists in the area - communities are located in the volcano island itself.

6) Mayon Volcano

A beautiful mountain in Albay Province in the Bicol Peninsula that is just awesome to behold. And it's believed by local folks that if you have seen the almost perfect cone shaped mountain without clouds (which is rare) hovering around it, you may whisper your wish, and it will be granted. Those black lines you see running down vertically when you actually get close enough to the volcano are deep gullies, and ravines where lava have flowed down at periods when the volcano has erupted.

7) Siargao Island located in Surigao del Norte

It is dubbed as the "surfing capital of the Philippines," that faces the Pacific Ocean, down in Mindanao. Mangrove forest reserves can also be seen in the island, as well as extensive coral reef formations.

8) Cebu

This is a major travel destination found among other Visayan islands in the middle part of the country. It's an elongated island, that hosts a cosmopolitan city, known for its vibrantcultural life set amidst fantastic man-made and naturalattractions. The oldest city founded by the Spanish colonizers in the country can be found here, though not many physical traces of it can still be seen.

9) Makati

Considered to be the country's central business district, it amazes some to think that a highly urbanized space that has changed the skyline of the national capital region, just like this city, has been etched out of the Philippines through strategic vision, discipline, and hard work by its pioneering entrepreneurs. The story's being repeated, emulated in various stages by other cities nationwide.

10) Manila

Confounding to most younger visitors who have been to other countries, the nation's capital offers so much hidden treasures to those who are curious about what has gone wrong with it with the passing of time. Attractions include: Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo, Malacanang Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Malate, Divisoria, San Sebastian Church, the National Museum, Rizal Park, the Chinese Cemetery, and the viewing of the fabulous sunset along Manila Bay. Ever since World War II laid into ruins most parts of this city (it's reputed to be second to Warsaw in terms of destruction pounded on it during the war, by writers), this city has been confused by its heritage, and its directions. But its leaders and people still work hard. On the surface, it looks like a copy-cat of another major city in mainland Asia, but beware - only the brave, the adventurous, and those with a lively sense of humor can last that long to endure both living and loving in this challenging cosmopolitan, warm city.

So there you go, check these places out soon. After your visit, please feel free to share your own list of the country's top travel destinations.