Going to the Philippines on your college trip? Well, get ready for some sensory overload! This diverse archipelago has it all, from tropical beaches to neon cities. That’s why, to help you travel like a pro, we’ve put together a list of the ten most sensational travel destinations, perfect for any college student. Get your camera and flip-flops at the ready, and read on!
1. El Nido, Palawan: Your Island Paradise
El Nido is stunning, with staggering landscapes, crystal clear waters, and vertical limestone cliffs. You can island-hop, snorkel on coral reefs, or just sunbathe on a beach; El Nido is definitely the place to build your friendship bond with your classmates over a beach barbecue or a sunset that paints the sky with pastel colors. To keep your travel stress-free, ensure that your college projects are handled for the duration of your trip. You can research “Who can write my dissertation academized?” and find skilled writers to outsource your academic tasks to. This will help you enjoy your trip without sparing a thought on your studies.
2. Boracay: The Party Never Ends
Boracay, the Philippines’ most popular island paradise, features white sands and a loud party scene. Here, you can kite-surf, helmet-dive, or dance the whole night directly in front of your beachfront party place or just chill along the world-famous beaches with a postcard-perfect view of the turquoise sea.
3. Cebu City: A Blend of Old and New
If you love history and staying up late, going to Cebu City is a must! Go see Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro, then shop your heart out – SM Seaside City Cebu is the second biggest mall in the Philippines! When night falls, go out into the local karaoke bars and sing the night away. Cebu City does not sleep, so no one will ever tell you to keep it down while you’re there!
4. Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers
Bohol is home to the Chocolate Hills – more than 1,200 symmetrical mounds that brown up like cocoa beans in the dry season. It’s also home to the nocturnal tarsier, the cutest primate on the planet, its big eyes dwarfing its tiny head. This is the place to see nature and take a few magical photographs to give your feed some character.
5. Baguio: The City of Pines
Escape to Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, to cool off and explore:
- BenCab Museum: Dive into local art and culture.
- Burnham Park: Enjoy a leisurely walk or a boat ride.
- Ukay-ukay Shops: Hunt for unique thrift shop bargains.
- Local Cafés: Sip coffee with a view of mountain vistas.
Baguio offers a refreshing break from the tropical heat with plenty to do and see!
6. Davao City: Durian Capital and Eagle Center
At Davao, you can eat the world’s smelliest fruit, durian, as well as the country’s best seafood and fruit at some of the world’s freshest, cleanest, and cheapest markets anywhere. Spend some very special time with the world’s biggest eagle, the Philippine Eagle, at the Philippine Eagle Center. Davao is a city that will please all the senses!
7. Vigan: A Stroll Back in Time
Vigan feels like time travel to the Spanish colonial era, from its historic cobblestoned streets to its centuries-old buildings that have been preserved perfectly. You can choose to ride in a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) around the old district, make your own pottery, or sample Ilocano food classics such as empanadas and bagnet. Living history may sound stuffy to students, but this place will make it worth it.
8. Siargao: Surf and Yoga Retreat
This island is not just for surfers looking to shred waves – it’s also a place where everyone may find enlightenment or humbly revel in the present moment. Siargao is home to some of the best waves to be found anywhere on Earth. Besides outstanding surfing opportunities, Siargao also offers stunning yoga retreats and meditation workshops. If you’re up for a bit of decompressing from those too-long rushed college days, a solid surf session followed by a dawn Savasana may be just what you need.
9. Manila: The Capital’s Hustle and Bustle
Catch the ferry across to Cebu Island, touted as the fastest-growing city in the Philippines, and catch the charms of its Spanish colonial heritage, nightlife, and secret beaches. Manila is not to be missed; it’s a pulsing hub buzzing with a frenzied cacophony, part of its charm in witnessing the country’s tangled history. Pay homage to that history at the gated Muslim stronghold at Intramuros, ramble around the enormous malls where you’ll find pan-Asian and global luxury brands, and sample Filipino, Chinese, and other international cuisines.
10. Batanes: The Northern Frontier
Batanes is a travel destination that offers beautiful coastlines with towering cliffs and partly submerged old fortresses, traditional Ivatan houses, and a charming atmosphere a world away from typical beach escapades. If there’s ever a place to go to when you want to revel in pure nature with your good friends, it’s Batanes.
Unforgettable Memories Await
And here they are, ten fantastic Filipino destinations that are sure to thrill, inspire, and relax a busy student. From chilling to partying to exploring, these locations have it all Bring your bathing suit and a good insect repellent, and get ready to make some awesome stories you can tell to your grandkids!