Underrated Places To Visit In The Philippines!

Underrated Places To Visit In The Philippines!

The popular destinations of Palawan, Boracay and Cebu aside, the Philippines has so much more to offer. In this article, Gem from Travels With A Hobo shares with you 3 underrated places to visit in her home country of the Philippines.

The Philippines is known for its mesmerizing beaches and spectacular islands. In fact, Travel + Leisure awarded one of the Philippines’ islands as the ‘Best Island in the World’. The exotic paradise of Palawan has been voted as the best for the second time around. Thanks to its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

Also included in Travel + Leisure’s list of best islands in the world are Boracay and Cebu. But, apart from gorgeous shorelines and captivating sunsets, there are other places in the Philippines that can provide you with the best outdoor adventure!

Laguna

If you ask for road trip destination suggestions, seldom will you hear someone recommend Laguna. While there are dozens more of getaway destinations closer to the metro, none are quite like what we experienced at Lake Caliraya, Laguna.

My boyfriend, Beep, and I, always keep our eyes open for private getaways. We have tried renting out an entire villa, apartments, and houses but nothing is as private as our night at Eco Saddle.

Eco Saddle is a beautiful hideaway where you can rent a floating cottage. Yes, the fully-furnished home floats. The floating cottage was initially built for Philip, the owner of Eco Saddle. But, due to popular demand, the buoyant home has been made available to the public. Who needs a yacht when you can cruise around the lake in a house?

If you want to know what it is like to have an island all to yourself, try out the floating cottage at Caliraya Lake. As a plus, did you know that spending time outdoors especially in places like Eco Saddle where you’re one with nature can help boost your immune system?  Maybe that’s why we felt well-rested after our weekend trip there.

Siquijor

The mystical island of Siquijor is believed to be enshrouded by dark tales and creatures of the night like ghosts and witches. The idea of spending a day in the remote isle can send chills down the spine.

Then again, its blue turquoise waters and pearly white sand beaches are too beautiful to pass on. Siquijor might not be among the best islands in the world, but it still is a must-see place to visit.

I went to Siquijor for a week-long Central Visayas trip with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. What greeted me instead of the terrifying folklore that haunted its shores were the welcoming smiles of local fishermen.

It this really a place to be feared? I think not. Read more about Siquijor in this blog post.

Pampanga

Just 5 hours away from the South of Manila, Pampanga houses a 315-hectre of luscious green fields for recreation. Whether you are a home buddy or an adrenaline junkie, Pradera Verde Wake Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Several months ago, Beep and I drove to Lubao, Pampanga for a wakeboarding adventure at Pradera Verde. We rode the waves in the wakeboarding lakes, which were just a stone’s throw away from our villa.

Do not fret if you are just starting to try out wakeboarding. There are 3 beginner lakes around the park. The staff can assist and teach you a thing or two about riding the board. So, you do not have to worry about advanced wakeboarders colliding with you. They can do their stunts in the big lakes.

Pradera Verde also offers kayaking for those who are not into extreme activities like wakeboarding. A playground is also available for young children to play. Pradera is also planning to build a waterpark for adult and kids to enjoy.

With 7,107 islands comprising the Philippine archipelago, the country has so much more to offer other than majestic mountains and sandy shorelines.

If you are travelling to the Philippines, do not just limit your trip to well-known places like Boracay, Palawan, or Cebu. Discover hidden gems and don’t forget to include these underrated places in the Philippines in your itinerary. As they say, it’s more fun in the Philippines!

Gem Muzones