DO YOU know where you’re going to this 2018? You can refer to your bucket list and visualize where you will be or ask Wittybunny and receive your boarding pass to some exotic place as your next destination.
But how about asking the frequent travelers and your friendly neighborhood travel bloggers? In doing so, you get tips from someone who had first-hand experience of the place, like some unknown attractions of popular destinations worth checking out.
Here are 8 destinations for 2018 recommended by travel bloggers and writers. You may have been there but did you take the unbeaten path to a new discovery? If not, then it’s time to revisit. For those who are still on the hunt for adventure, let these wanderers point you to the right direction.
Ian Garcia. Writer at Wander Lust on Facebook
Where: Siargao.
Why: Enjoy the island in your solitude ASAP. It's starting to get crowded with the deluge of tourists brought about by recent flights that bring tourist from Manila & Cebu direct to Siargao and the media mileage it got from the recent Paul Soriano movie.
Tip: Make sure to check out the Tayangban Cave Pool, which is not far from Magpupungko, a spring water-fed sinkhole. There are also caves that you can explore on both sides of the emerald colored pool.
rGlen Santillan. Blogger at escapemanila.com
Where: Batanes
Why: Experience a different Philippines in the island of Batanes - the northernmost province of the country. It offers breathtaking views that will surely amaze you.
One must-check out Marlboro Country and Vayang Rolling Hills and enjoy the view of the sunset.
Tip: If you are adventurous, you should take the faluwa (boat) to Itbayat, the northenmost inhabited island in the Philippines. It's a ride you will not forget. The journey itself is an adventure you will cherish for a lifetime.
rIda Damo. Writer at Choose Philippines
Where: Laswitan ocean waterfall in Cortes, Surigao del Sur
Why: When the ocean water wave from the Pacific hits the black limestone outcroppings, it creates a huge splash and forms a "waterfall".
Tip: Make sure to check out the place from November to last week of January when the waves are big to enjoy a surreal experience. Just be mindful by not throwing trash just anywhere and follow the rules of the guides not to climb on the outcroppings.
rOlan Embuscado. Blogger at thetravelteller.com
Where: Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental.
Why: Aliwagwag Falls is the highest waterfalls in the Philippines and considered as one the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. With more than 130 series of cascading waterfalls, locals call it as the Stairway to Heaven.
Tip: Aside from Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, check out the Creamsand Longbeach, which boasts of 9-kilometer stretch of pristine cream-colored sand.
rPotpot Pinili. Blogger at traveltrilogy.com
Where: Ilocos Norte
Why: It’s is one perfect place for a holiday because it captures all your travel fancies in the Philippines. From summit to seas, sand dunes to white sand beaches, heritage buildings to museums, traditional arts & crafts to colorful festivals & delectable cuisine -- they have it all.
Tip: Food is always the best & the most lasting souvenir of a place, and Ilocos Norte is in excess of this delightful culinary wonder. Anyone who journeys into the Ilocandia must not forget to sample its kick-ass cuisine simply because there's nothing quite like it in the country. Monuments & heritage houses may be gone, waterfalls & rivers may find a new course or beaches could recede in time, but memories of place's food will linger forever.
rJinggoy Salvador. Blogger at jeepneyjinggoy.com
Where: Dumaguete
Why: It’s a relaxed, walking city inhabited by charming people. Dumaguete is also a jump off point to a world of eco-adventures. From trekking caves and mountains to immersing in blue waters, you’ll wish could stay longer.
Tip: The city is a culinary paradise offering delights that go beyond the famed sans rival. Head to the market early in the morning for some freshly made budbud sa Tanjay suman and very “ispiso” sikwate, then dine in the many restaurants serving Spanish-Filipino fusion food. Don't forget to reminisce your college days and grab a bite at the Silliman University cafeteria after your tour of the campus. The cost? Don't worry food is quite inexpensive in Dumaguete.
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Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com