Have you been dreaming of an out-of-the-country trip but the current pandemic is keeping you from booking a flight? It may take awhile before things get back to normal. But as there are already provinces in the Philippines that have already opened their doors for tourism, you might as well know your best options.
Though at this point, you’re better off by staying home until things are back to normal, it won’t hurt if you’ll do a bit of research on the top Philippine destinations that can give you international feels!
To start with, here’s an infographic that presents a comparison between famed world-class attractions and the top Philippine destinations that greatly resemble them.
21 of the Best Philippine Destinations that Will Remind You of World-Class Attractions
Get a feel of world renowned sites and attractions without leaving the Philippines!
Here’s a side by side comparison of the top Philippine destinations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and their popular international counterparts!
LUZON
1. HạLong Bay, Vietnam vs. Coron Island, Palawan
Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam has been declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. With around 2,000 limestone formations, it is truly a sight to behold.
However, you don’t have to travel far to see such spectacular sights.The Philippines also boasts of jaw dropping nature’s wonders! Coron Island in Palawan is comparable to HaLong Bay but actually holds more surprises. Aside from limestone cliffs it features spectacular sights above and below the water! Gigantic cliffs, World War II wreckages and abundant marine life are just some of the things you can explore in Coron!
2. Maya Bay, Thailand vs. Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan
If you’ll ask about the most beautiful beaches in the world, Maya Bay in Thailand would definitely be among the top choices. However, its popularity has made the beach crowded, too.
So if you’re looking for a beautiful beach that has the charm of Maya Bay but less crowded, Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan would be your best option. Find yourself kayaking amongst small and big lagoons or uncover the secret and unspoiled beaches around the island!
3. The Rivers of Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico vs. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan
The longest underground river in the world can be found in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is 95 miles long and surrounded by limestone walls and passages.
However, before its discovery, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines holds the record as the longest underground river. Equally enchanting as the one in Mexico, it features stalactite and stalagmite formations and one of the largest cave rooms in the world. With its undeniable beauty, it has also been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of nature.
TRIVIA: Palawan is an earthquake proof province and is regarded as the most stable island in the country. There are also no known active volcanoes, faultines or deep trenches in the province. These are just some of the reasons why Palawan real estate is a booming industry.
4. African Savanna vs. Calauit Safari Park, Palawan
The African savanna is known for its largest combination of wild animal population and diversity. There, you can find large carnivores and herbivores roaming open plains freely.
The Philippines has its own version of the African Savanna and you can find it in Palawan, too! The Calauit Safari Park was opened in response to the plea of Kenya’s then-President Jomo Kenyatta to help save the African wildlife. It currently houses free-roaming giraffes, zebras and the local Calamian deer. It also holds wild animals like the Philippine crocodile, porcupines, pythons, tortoises and a wild boar in captivity.
5. Maldives vs Amanpulo, Palawan
When planning a luxurious island getaway, many people will have Maldives on their list. Why not when it’s known for its pristine and luxurious beaches coupled with world-class accommodations.
But don’t head off to Maldives without taking a look at what Amanpulo in Palawan has to offer. Luxury is not a question in this private getaway in Palawan and has become a favorite destination of local and international personalities. It creates a posh destination with its gorgeous seascape, and world-class amenities that are comparable with what Maldives has!
TIP: On a budget but still wants a luxurious beach escape? Head off to Manjuyod Sandbar in Dumaguete. Like Maldives, they also have bamboo cottages right by the beach and a beautiful view of the beach minus the huge expense!
6. New Zealand vs. Batanes
When you think of New Zealand, you’ll think of the vast rolling landscape that made it worthy to be the setting for the famous Lord of the Rings movie.
For the movie’s fans as well as those who love captivating natural scapes, Bataan is the place to be. True enough, the northernmost province of the Philippines doesn’t run out of sights to behold ranging from rolling hills and mountains across its three islands.
7. Dubai Desert Safari vs. La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos
Want to experience an epic desert safari adventure? The Dubai Desert Safari isn’t your only choice. It only takes a drive to the Ilocos region to experience sandboarding or a rough 4×4 adventure. The La Paz Sand Dunes is a coastal desert with steep sandy slopes. After a desert adventure, you can even treat yourself to an escape to the beach!
8. Spain vs. Vigan, Ilocos Sur
While in the region, you can also have a taste of Spain by going to Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The Vigan Heritage Village is one of the most famous heritage sites in the Philippines that will allow you to travel back in time. It doesn’t fall short of Spanish flavor with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the Spanish Colonial architecture that is very distinct in the place.
9. Werfen Picnic Meadow, Austria vs Sagada
The picnic scene of the Sound of Music has made Werfen Picnic Meadow in Austria really famous. If you have fallen in love with it, you can recreate the famous scene without leaving the country.
The Blue Hills of Sagada truly sets green landscapes alive. Its cool breeze will also set your mood for a relaxing adventure. A visit to the place spells a relaxing retreat!
10. Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China vs. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Not far from Sagada is the Banaue Rice terraces in Ifugao which is a counterpart of the Honghe Hani Rice terraces in China. While the rice terraces in China is a UNESCO Heritage site., the Banaue Rice terraces on the other hand is also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Moreover, its five terrace clusters, namely Nagacadan, Hungduan, Mayoyao, Bangaan, and Batad have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
11. Iwo Jima, Japan vs Corregidor Island
If you’re a history buff who wants to visit Iwo Jima, Japan for a taste of history, you need not go farther.
Down the Southern part of Luzon is the Corregidor Island in Cavite which is home to the Fort Mills ruins. It can easily match Iwo Jima in Japan when it comes to its historical background, as both play important roles during World War II.
12. Athens, Greece vs. Fortune Island, Batangas
Want to have a European tour but doesn’t have a Euro visa? A short trip from the Metro would suffice.
Also in the Southern part of Luzon is Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas which will take you to a trip that is comparable with a tour to Ancient Greece. Suit yourself with Parthenon-inspired GrecIan pillars, complete with sculptures of Greek deities and mythical creatures.
13. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia vs. Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro
Continue your tour of the best Philippine destinations in South Luzon if you want to see a world-renown coral reef system that can be compared to that of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
In Occidental Mindoro, you will find the Apo Reef which is a coral reef system that’s second in size to the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to 208 species of fish and a range of megafaunal species.
Did You Know: In 1996, Ex-President Fidel V. Ramos declared Apo Reef as a natural park. Since 2007, fishing has been banned in the reef and now only serves as a tourist attraction.
VISAYAS
14. The Bahamas vs. Boracay Island, Aklan
At this point, a lot of people are already dreaming about the beach and want to get a dose of the so-called ‘Vitamin Sea’. The jetsetters would probably wish for a vacation at The Bahamas and experience its turquoise waters and powder-like white shores. While it is really an inviting idea, the tour could be so expensive, too!
Good thing, you can have a taste of the beach–complete with turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand beaches in Boracay Island in Aklan. This world-class destination attracts tourists from all over the world. Whether you want to enjoy scenic views of nature and awesome shorelines or wants to join beach parties, Boracay won’t fail you!
DID YOU KNOW: In 2017, the island of Boracay hosted around 2 million tourists, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
15. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Japan vs Bilar Man-Made Forest, Bohol
Most people who have already visited Kyoto, Japan can’t help but marvel about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This destination is also among the most photographed places in Kyoto. It is an attraction worth going to, however, knowing the high cost of living in Japan, it will entail huge expenses, too.
But no worries because Bohol has the Bilar Man-Made forest that can also leave you awe-struck! This man-made forest features red and white mahogany trees that create a unique and relaxing atmosphere!
16. Sapa Valley, Vietnam vs. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Bohol
Another treasure in Bohol is the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay which can be compared to the Sapa Valley in Vietnam. While it is not as huge as the one in the Cordillera region, it also offers a breathtaking scenery that is truly world-class.
17. Keukenhof Garden of Europe, Netherlands vs Sirao Flower Garden, Cebu
Have you long dreamt of taking your pic with the Garden of Europe as your background? Well, you can actually live your dreams by visiting the Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu.
Here, you won’t need a European visa to get a lovely shot with beautiful flowers. The Sirao Flower Garden features flame-like blossoms with its red and yellow celosias that give the entire place a huge resemblance with the flower fields in the Netherlands.
TRIVIA: Did you know that celosia is not a native flower of the Philippines? In 1991, Cebu locals who came from the Netherlands brought home these flowers and the rest, as they say, is history!
MINDANAO
18. Gocta Catarata, Peru vs. Limunsudan Falls, Iligan City
Let’s continue the tour of the best Philppine destinations in Mindanao. Here you’ll find the Limunsudan falls in Iligan City which will remind you of the two-drop Gocta Catarata or Catarata del Gocta in Peru.
Although not as tall as the Gocta Catarata, Limunsudan falls is the 2nd highest waterfall in the Philippines measuring at 270 meters high. It is surrounded by thick jungle and trails that will lead you to a majestic view. Perfect for the adventure seeker!
19. Il Kil Cenote, Mexico vs. Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Norte
Another underrated destination in Mindanao is the Hinatuan Enchanted River. If you;ve seen the Il Kil Cenote, you’ll notice their resemblance. The good thing is you don’t have to go to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula to witness such an amazing sight!
The falls is said to be filled with mystery as no one knows where its crystalline saltwater comes from. It also has an enormous school of fish whose origin remains a mystery until now.
DID YOU KNOW: Local legends claim that fairies give the falls the shades of sapphire and jade. Everyday at noontime, a caretaker plays the Hymn of Hinatuan which is believed to help appease the river spirits.
20. Thassos, Greece vs. Magpupungko Rock Pools, Siargao
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of Siargao. It has earned the attention of the world mainly because of the surf spots that are brimming in the place. But Siargao, is not just all about surfing. If you are not much into surfing and would rather go for a good swim, you should never leave the place without visiting the Magpupungko Rock Pools which appear during low tide. What’s even more interesting is its huge resemblance with the Giola Lagoon in Greece! Definitely a must-see!
21. Floating Market in Bangkok vs. Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi
Have you seen pictures of the Floating Market in Bangkok? We also have that in Tawi-Tawi!
The SItangkai serves as a main gateway to the municipality. Here, you will see communities connected by footbridges on both sides. While it has a huge resemblance with the Floating Market in Bangkok, it is actually more inviting since the crowd isn’t that huge in Tawi-Tawi.
There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines and it won’t be difficult to find attractions with international appeal. The number of tourists flocking the country is proof to the beauty of our islands. It’s time to give enough thought about exploring the top Philippine destinations. Who knows you could be among the people who found home in one of the most beautiful regions in the country!
Citi Global is a real estate developer in some of the top Philippine destinations like Palawan. Learn more about our real estate properties by sending us a message.