33 little-known destinations around PH for your bucket list

1. BUSAY FALLS

Bani, Pangasinan

Bani town in Pangasinan province is known for its white sand beaches, mangrove parks and sweet watermelons. It also hosts a waterfall that is now beginning to attract tourists.

Busay Falls at Barangay Calabeng cascades down a 50-meter high rocky mountain side, creating a pool below it wide enough for 30 people. The water then flows downstream, where three smaller pools are located, before it is collected in a dam for irrigation.

The place, about 6 km from the national highway, may be reached through Barangay Calabeng or Barangay Ranao, both a 30-minute drive from the town center. GABRIEL CARDINOZA

2. BALINGASAY RIVER

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Watch the birds fly. Sail on airplane wings. Observe fish in their natural habitat. Eat a unicorn fish.

These are what one can expect in a visit to Balingasay River in Bolinao, a coastal town in Pangasinan near the West Philippine Sea and the Lingayen Gulf.

The 7-km Balingasay River is enclosed on both sides by thick mangrove forests, with clearings that serve as pathways to creeks where “bagwis” (boats manufactured from airplane wings) often cruise.

There, one can listen to the sounds of nature—birds chirping and mangrove branches singing with the wind.

One can also ride a floating “kubo” (hut) pulled by two motorized bancas and have a feast of grilled “sungayan” (unicorn fish), blue crabs, shrimps, salad and other produce of the town. YOLANDA SOTELO

3. BULALAKAW FALLS

Bagulin, La Union

Reaching Bulalakaw Falls in the mountainous area of Alibangsay village in Bagulin town, La Union province, is an adventure in itself.

The trip begins with a 45-minute tricycle ride to Bagulin from Naguilian town. Guests then take a two-hour motorcycle ride through picturesque views of agricultural fields, meadows and forested hills until the drop-off point where they hike for 30-45 minutes through a steep trail.

A misstep could mean plunging down the mountain. There’s also a river that has to be crossed. A log placed on top of rocks serves as a bridge.

But fear would vanish when they discover the clear, cool waters that burst out of massive rocks and flow into a deep pool below. Three smaller falls complete Bulalakaw, a charming spot up in La Union’s mountains. YOLANDA SOTELO

4. KABAYAN BURIAL CAVES

Kabayan, Benguet

Long before cemeteries existed, the Ibaloy living in what is now Kabayan town in Benguet province used natural and manmade caves as final repositories of their dead.

Kabayan officials claim there are hundreds of these caves—all considered sacred ground—across the town’s 13 villages. Many are kept secret to preserve them.

Tourists, however, are allowed to visit eight burial caves, where mummified remains are encased in wooden coffins.

The biggest caverns are the centuries-old Tinongchol and Timbac burial rocks. Tinongchol has more than 20 coffins, with anthropomorphic designs on opposite sides, located in four cavities. Due to the desecration of some coffins, however, the stairs leading to the caves have been removed so tourists have to view them from the ground.

In Timbac, the first rock contains five coffins while the second rock hosts eight. An oval-shaped coffin houses a mummified baby.

Other mummy repositories are in the Bangao and Naapay caves. Skulls and bones are neatly piled like the catacombs of Rome in the Manenchen and Opdas mass burial caves. KARLSTON LAPNITEN

5. PINSAL FALLS

Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

Pinsal Falls is not just admired for its beauty and serenity. It is also credited for being the largest waterfall in the Ilocos region, towering at 26 meters (85 feet).

It is surrounded by natural pools, two of which catch the cascading water. A hot spring on the top of the falls and a cave behind the main waterfall also draw visitors.

While most people consider Pinsal Falls an Ilocos Sur attraction, Abra actually inspired its legend. Pinsal’s natural pools, according to Abra lore, are the footprints of the mythical giant, Angalo, who wandered through the Ilocos in search of his partner, Aran. In Abra mythology, Angalo and Aran were the first humans. VALERIE DAMIAN

6. MARLBORO COUNTRY

Sagada, Mountain Province

People visiting Sagada town in Mountain Province may have not realized they have ventured into a scenic “Marlboro Country” and the blue soil of Kaman-Utek Hills, after visiting its caves.

The environment at Kaman-Utek has been attributed to the reaction of minerals in the ground, but plants continue to thrive there. Villagers asked experts to study the phenomenon and were told the blue soil and its environment were safe.

To reach this hill, visitors need to trek for hours through Kamanbaneng Peak or “Marlboro country,” known as a scenic sunrise destination with a 360-degree view of Sagada and the towns of Bontoc and Sabangan. It is also an area where wild horses roam.

Guests may start hiking at 4 a.m. to catch the sunrise and the sea of clouds. RICHARD BALONGLONG

7. LATANG UNDERGROUND RIVER

Sagada, Mountain Province

The popular Mountain Province destination of Sagada has a secret known only to some tourists—the Latang underground river.

The river lies below an ancient burial cave which was closed to visitors after an accident involving a tourist and a local guide. The two slipped through a chasm at the burial cave and fell into the underground river.

Latang is open to swimmers. The underground river can be reached after a 30-minute walk from the town center, using a path beside a gasoline station that is surrounded by walls of limestones. Latang flows through a short connecting cave and guests have an easier time crossing through the river caverns compared to the more popular Sumaguing and Lumiang caves.

Once they exit the other side of the underground river, guests can wade through the shallow river for 15 minutes to visit Bokong Falls. RICHARD BALONGLONG

8. SPRING OF ENCHANTED EELS

Tadian, Mountain Province

At Barangay Cagubatan in Tadian town, Mountain Province, visitors are welcome to see the springs that serve as home to enchanted eels that guard the waters feeding their rice fields.

Tadian mythology says the eels were two maidens of overprotective parents, who wanted to attend a cañao (village feast). They went to the spring and filled up water containers—a part of their tasks, but the wily parents emptied them and ordered their daughters to repeat their chores, hoping to prevent them from enjoying the feast. Angered, the maidens went to the spring and never returned.

Villagers searched for them, and discovered their garments scattered at the spring where eels swam.

In a dream, their mother learned that the eels were her daughters who preferred to live in the waters where they could interact with people.

While in Tadian, visitors may also check out the healing springs of Barangay Kayan East, a 10-15 minute walk from the town center. The “Danum Kabunyan” (water from God) is supposed to be a cure for skin diseases. Visitors are required to register with the barangay office and may bring home as much as 40 liters of spring water. KIMBERLIE QUITASOL

9. MOUNTAIN MIRROR

Hungduan, Ifugao

A “magical” hill, called Mountain Mirror, sits atop Mt. Napulawan, the highest peak in Hungduan town, Ifugao province, which tourists may want to visit.

Ifugao lore says the mountain itself is the home of cloud spirits, so called because they ride on clouds to visit ricefields and rivers. They prefer peace and quiet at the summit and bring down heavy rain when they are disturbed.

“Mountain mirror” refers to an optical illusion. The dwarf trees and bamboos at Napulawan summit makes a person appear like a giant, towering over a forest.

Napulawan is one of the remaining mossy forests in Ifugao. It contributes to the headwaters that fill the Magat Dam and community irrigation systems serving Isabela province.

To reach Napulawan, visitors may take the Hungduan, Hapao and Balentimol trails. To get to Hungduan, take a jeepney ride from Banaue town. KIMBERLIE QUITASOL

10. LOOC WHITE BEACHES

Looc, Romblon

Looc town in Romblon province lets visitors enjoy nature through its pristine white sand beaches.

Looc is composed of islet villages and located along the shores of Looc Bay at the southern portion of Tablas Island.

Among its attractions is Barangay Ambil’s Balabara beach. With its fine white sand, the beach is a known dive site and a perfect place for snorkeling and game fishing.

Ambil Island is also perfect for hiking, bird watching and mountain climbing.

Kansulit and Tubahin beaches, at Barangay Bonbon, boast of fine white sand and naturally sculpted rock formations. MADONNA VIROLA

11. POLILLO GROUP OF ISLANDS

Quezon

Aside from the upscale Balesin Club resort in Polillo Island in Quezon province, there are also several unexplored yet equally charming tourist destinations in the northern part of the province facing the Pacific Ocean.

Polillo Island is composed of the towns of Polillo, Panukulan and Burdeos and the separate island towns of Jomalig and Patnanungan.

Most of these islands have unspoiled spots that can rival popular beach destinations. Among places of interest on Polillo Island are the Pulong Kokok or Cocok shoal, Bucao beach with its floating cottages, Kabalu sandbar and Minasawa bird sanctuary.

The farthest island town of Jomalig has pristine beaches and waiting to be discovered, like Salibungot beach.

The islands can be reached via ferry boats from the port of Real town. DELFIN MALLARI JR.

12. PAROLA ISLAND

Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte

Parola Island, Camarines Norte’s newest tourism gem, has become popular on social media due to its turquoise green and blue waters and Instagram-worthy pink sand.

Located in Jose Panganiban town, Parola is one of the three islands that the local government is pinning its tourism program.

The other islands that feature pristine beaches are Calanay, a favorite of campers, and Isla ni Cion, an ecotourism park covered with thick mangrove forest.

Parola is accessible via a short boat ride from the town center of Jose Panganiban, which is 48 km away from the provincial capital of Daet. SHIENA BARRAMEDA

13. BUNTOD SANDBAR AND MARINE SANCTUARY

Masbate City

The Buntod sandbar and marine sanctuary can be reached through a short boat ride from the city center of Masbate.

The little strip of white sand hugged by a mangrove forest is surrounded by 235 ha of coral reef that is home to giant clam (Tridacna gigas) and helmet shell (Cassinae), locally known as “budyong,” a threatened species of shellfish seldom seen alive in Philippine waters.

Buntod is a family destination perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, diving and swimming. Visitors can also avail of various local dishes that they can have cooked at the main cabana on the sandbar.

The marine haven is under the joint protection and maintenance of the Masbate City government and resident fishermen and their families collectively known as Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Puro-Sinalikway from the two sitios of Barangay Nursery in the city. SHIENA BARRAMEDA

14. BEACHES AND FISH SANCTUARY OF PASACAO

Camarines Sur

The town of Pasacao in Camarines Sur is blessed with long, uninterrupted seashore, a bird watching area, an iconic rock islet surrounded by clear waters and rich coral reefs at a fish sanctuary.

Pasacao is mostly known for its gray beaches dotted with mangrove forests and coral reefs that span the villages of Caranan and Balogo.

Its proximity to Naga City (26.8 km) and the affordable rates that beach resorts there offer makes the town one of the summer favorites of families in Bicol region.

Among the attractions in the quiet fishing town is Daruanak, a dome-shaped rock and pebbles islet that juts out of coral reefs surrounded by clear waters similar to Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte and El Nido in Palawan.

Caranan has Stampa Beach, a pebble beach on a fish sanctuary that was declared a protected site by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. SHIENA BARRAMEDA

15. TINGLOY ISLAND

Tingloy, Batangas

The island of Tingloy in Batangas is the province’s rising star among its known tourist destinations.

Off the famed Anilao, a diving village in Mabini town, Tingloy is about an hour ride by boat.

Tingloy offers long, white sand beaches on Masasa and Sepoc, without tourists having to travel too far from the metropolis. Thanks to social media and online travel blogs, the island drew thousands of beachgoers this year, especially during summer.

Tingloy has a population of only 19,000. There are no hotels but households began to open their doors as “home stays” for visitors opting to spend the night.

Electricity is available only from noon to midnight and inland traveling is commonly via tricycles or by foot.

Sylvia Marasigan, Batangas tourism chief, said her office will train locals to improve on accommodation. There are currently about 400 transient homes that charge P300 to P700 per stay, while backpackers either set camp on the beach or return to mainland Mabini in the afternoon. MARICAR CINCO

16. TWIN ISLANDS OF PANDAN

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Sablayan town in Occidental Mindoro is known as a tuna capital and for the world-famous diving sites at Apo Reef.

But to reach to the world’s second largest coral reef, next only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, can be quite exhausting and costly for tourists.

“(So) if you’d like to have a taste of Apo (Reef), this is it,’” said Sablayan Mayor Eduardo Gadiano of Pandan islands.

Sablayan’s twin islets of Pandan Piqueno and Pandan Grande offer an almost equally stunning experience as that from visiting Apo Reef, named in the tentative list of the Unesco’s World Heritage Sites.

The 30-ha Pandan Grande has white sand beaches and glass-like waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.

From the mainland, tourists can take the glass-bottom boat for a trip around the island’s coral garden and peek through the mesmerizing underwater scenery. The island also serves as nesting ground for sea turtles.

There is a 1.4-km zipline, the longest island-to-island ride across the sea in the Philippines, from the town’s Parola Park to Pandan Piqueno. MARICAR CINCO

17. MIRISBIRIS GARDEN AND NATURE PARK

Sto. Domingo, Albay

Imagine seeing rocks formed when dinosaurs still roamed the planet. Just in front of the Mirisbiris Garden and Nature Park in Sto. Domingo town in Albay province are rocks said to be formed 100 million years ago.

Earth science enthusiasts and tourists have been flocking to Mirisbiris Garden and Nature Park for its unique attraction, said Rome Candaza, a tourism and heritage advocate.

Mirisbiris is owned by Christopher Newhall, a retired volcanologist, and his wife Glenda, a retired educator and nurse. Aside from being advocates of good land use, the couple also sends scholars and support village livelihood through donations from Mirisbiris guests.

Guests are served with dishes prepared from organic ingredients in a coffee shop inside the visitors’ center. Those who want to learn while enjoying the beach, garden and forest are also treated with educational displays.

Sto. Domingo is a coastal town 11.4 km away from Legazpi City. REY ANTHONY OSTRIA

18. SPRINGS OF BURAUEN

Burauen, Leyte

The town of Burauen in Leyte has indeed lived up to its name.

According to legend, Burauen was coined from the word “buraburon” which means a lot of springs.  Indeed, springs are abundant in this town of 52,000 people.

Carmela Corazon Cuebillo, local tourism officer, said they had counted 30 springs in the town that led to the construction of at least 10 mountain resorts.

The first to venture is the Espada family who put up Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort about five years ago located on a family property in Barangay Cansiboy, 17 km from the town center. Its main attraction is the spring gushing from the mouths of Mt. Sinukhan.

Adjacent to the Espada property is the Cansiboy Natural Spring Resort which was put up by 70 residents of the village.

“We decided to develop our own resort by putting up an association and generate an income which we used to develop further the resort,” village chair Bella Cardaño said. JOEY A. GABIETA

19. TWIN LAKES OF SIBULAN

Sibulan, Negros Oriental

Those looking for a different destination would not be disappointed by a visit to the twin lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao at Barangay Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan town.

The twin lakes, separated by a hill, are in a protected landscape of more than 8,000 ha, nestled almost a kilometer above sea level. Environmentalists have hailed the twin lakes as one of the jewels of Philippine biodiversity.

Named after small birds which are also called swiftlets, the twin lakes are surrounded by protective mountain ranges which form a watershed that supplies water to the cities of Tanjay and Dumaguete, as well as the towns of Sibulan, San Jose and Amlan.

It is surrounded by thick forest cover which is also home to at least 27 species of mammals, including the endemic Philippine deer, warty pig and various species of bats and birds. ALEX PAL

20. WATERFALLS OF SOUTHERN CEBU

Samboan, Cebu

In the southern tip of Cebu, at Samboan town, lies eight waterfalls that are slowly attracting attention from tourists.

Of the eight, half had been opened to the public. These are the Aguinid Falls, Dao, Balay’g Sawa (literally means home of the snake) and Hidden Falls.

The five-level Aguinid Falls in Barangay Tangbo is the most accessible. The most challenging is the third level since it is an almost 90-degree climb, supported only by the rocks.

Just like Aguinid, the entrance to Hidden Falls is just along the highway, a 10-minute walk away.

Hidden Falls, which has two levels, has a higher drop, making it appear like a three-tiered falls.

Balay’g Sawa at Barangay Poblacion is more difficult to access because the 10-minute motorcycle ride from the highway is followed by 15-minute trek down to the secluded falls composed of big lagoons.

Dao Falls in Barangay Suba is the highest 90 meters. It is not visited often since it takes about two hours to reach the fall, passing through dangerous route, and another two hours back. JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA

21. CHURCH HISTORY AT LAZI

Lazi, Siquijor

A church and a convent are among the attractions in the town of Lazi, an hour’s drive from the port of Siquijor.

The Lazi convent—or the rectory which was built as a resting place for the friars—is 127 years old. Across the convent is the San Labrador parish church, which was completed in 1884 under the supervision of Fr. Toribio Sanchez. The church is 133 years old this year.

Both structures were built from coral stones and wood.

For years, these two—declared by the National Historical Institute as national landmarks in 1978—became must-see destinations for tourists who visit Siquijor.

Restoration work on the convent by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines was completed last year.

The P40-million restoration of the church started this year and is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2019. CRIS EVERT RUFFOLO

22. SUMMER CAPITAL OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental

Salvador Benedicto town, called the summer capital of Negros Occidental, offers a soothing escape from city life.

Motorists are greeted by pine trees and flowers that lined both sides of the highway. The air is so cool and fresh that it is best to just roll down the windows and savor the scent of pine.

Salvador Benedicto is also where many vacation homes of the province’s rich have sprouted.

Along the highway, one can stop and buy the town’s famous sweet and juicy pineapples, and flowering plants.

About an hour’s drive or 42 km from Bacolod City, two-thirds of the town covers part of the Northern Negros Natural Park, which is home to 140 bird species and two endangered animals—the Philippine spotted deer and the Visayan warty pig.

One of its famous landmarks is Lantawan (viewing deck), overlooking the Malatan-og Waterfalls, also known as “Cigarette Falls.”

One also gets a clear view of Mt. Mandalagan and Mt. Kanla-on from the town. CARLA GOMEZ

23. NATURE PARK IN EASTERN SAMAR

Hernani, Eastern Samar

There is one place in Hernani town that is perfect for selfies—the Canhugas Nature Park which known for its rock formations carved by strong waves of the Pacific Ocean.

For the perfect shot, one has to stand on a rock formation as giant waves crash in the background.

Visitors can swim in the park’s clear waters, explore several caves or just enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.

Canhugas is derived from “hugas,” meaning “to wash,” since local fishermen are said to wash their catch and fishing gear in these waters before heading home. JOEY GABIETA

24. PERFECT HIDEAWAY AT DIMIAO

Dimiao, Bohol

Dimiao town’s waterfalls have brought tourists away from the white sandy beaches that Bohol is known for.

The Ingkumhan Falls at Barangay Bauhugan is surrounded by a lush green forest, rocky moss and vines making this place a picture-perfect hideaway. Those looking for adventure can use the rope tied around a tree to swing and jump into the lagoon below.

A few kilometers from Ingkumhan Falls is Pahangog Falls (also known as Twin Falls) at Barangay Guingoyuran.

To reach this area, one needs to walk down a hundred steps amid lush vegetation where native orchids thrive. LEO UDTOHAN

25. CEBU’S STRAWBERRY FARM

Dalaguete, Cebu

The ill-effects of pesticides and toxic fertilizers drove an engineer-contractor to turn to organic farming and grow strawberries in what has become one of Cebu’s top tourist attractions.

Tourists flock to Sergio’s Strawberry Farm at Barangay Maloray, Dalaguete town, 103 km south of Cebu City, who are surprised to discover that strawberries are being grown on the village’s fertile valley.

Farm owner Paul Revalde, 50, dedicated the strawberry farm to his father, Sergio, who was only 51 when he died of lung cancer.

Revalde blamed his father’s death to the heavy use of pesticides.

When he took over the farm, he decided to go into organic farming and promote this to local farmers and the youth. DORIS MAE MONDRAGON

26. TALLEST FALLS IN BOHOL

Candijay, Bohol

Tired of beaches? Candijay town, located 92 km from the Bohol capital of Tagbilaran City, has something different to offer.

Visitors can go to Can-umantad Falls, the tallest falls in Bohol at 18.2 meters (60 feet) high.  Tourists prefer to swim in the main catch basin because it is shallow.

Also near from the falls are the verdant Cadapdapan rice terraces and the Canawa cold spring at Barangay Canawa.

Locals call Canawa “kawa” (cauldron) because of its aquamarine water surrounded by big trees. LEO UDTOHAN

27. SUGBA LAGOON

Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte

Somewhere within the 4,259-ha mangrove forest in the coastal town of Del Carmen on Siargao Island, lies the hidden splendor of Sugba lagoon.

Surrounded by limestone hills, the lagoon is in the town’s small barangay island of Caub, just a 40-km ride from the surfing area of General Luna’s Cloud 9. The town also has a seaport, where visitors can take a boat to Surigao City and Sayak Airport, which has daily flights from Manila, Cebu and Davao. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

28. TINAGO FALLS

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

Hidden deep in a forested ravine between the highlands of Iligan City and the town of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, is a cascading waterfall that locals call Tinago, a Visayan word for “hidden.”

Before you find the picturesque falls, you go deep into the forest to hear the rumbling sound of the water cascading down the carved mountainside.

One of the best parts of the trek is going down 436 steps, showcasing the area’s rich ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy a quick ride on a bamboo raft toward the 79.2-meter (260 feet) high waterfall, a curtain of cascading water amid thick vegetation. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

29. CAMIGUIN ISLAND

Camiguin

For adventure-seekers, mountaineers, beach bums and divers, the island province of Camiguin is one of the top places to visit in Mindanao.

Among the things to do on the island include a visit to the white island (sandbar) at Agoho, Mambajao; relax in several hot springs; marvel at Spanish-era ruins and buildings; and enjoy a trek to Katibawasan Falls and Tuawasan Falls.

A different type of green adventure awaits visitors who want to explore the island’s world class diving sites. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

30. AGUSAN MARSH

Agusan del Sur

Agusan marsh wildlife sanctuary, spanning some 20,000 hectare area, is one of the country’s most ecologically important wetlands. Declared as a protected area and wildlife sanctuary, it is home to hundreds of species of birds, freshwater fish and other rare aquatic plants and trees.

Some 4,000 Agusan Manobo indigenous people live in the marsh, which covers the towns of San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Veruela, Loreto, Talacogon and La Paz in the province of Agusan del Sur. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

31. DAHICAN BEACH

Mati, Davao Oriental

Just a few minutes drive from the center of Mati City, Dahican Beach has become synonymous to skimboarding.

The place, aside from its long stretch of white sand beaches lined with tall coconut trees, has attracted surfers and skimboarders because of its waves.

Thousands of tourists and skimboarders have been coming here every year to join competitions or to just relax and enjoy the waters of the Pacific Ocean. ARJOY CENIZA

32. MINDANAO’S MOSQUES

Cotabato City and Maguindanao

Considered the largest mosque in the Philippines and a showcase of Islamic architecture, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or the Grand Mosque is an imposing presence in Barangay Kalanganan II in Cotabato City. The best time to visit would be on late afternoons.

Just along the highway to the south, a 40-minute drive away from Cotabato City, stands the Masjid Dimaukom or the pink mosque. It was built by former Mayor Samsodin Dimaukon of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao, who considered pink as the color of love and peace. JEOFFREY MAITEM

33. PINK BEACH OF STA. CRUZ

Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Sta. Cruz Island is a small island in Zamboanga City known for its unique pink sand beach. It can be reached after a 20-minute boat ride from the city.

The sand’s pink color comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral mixed with the white sand. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS