The much-awaited summer season is finally here, and if you’re among the many travelers seeking adventure, there’s a myriad of fascinating vacation spots and tourist destinations in the country that you can add to your bucket list.
Filipinos are eager to travel again as seen in a study conducted by Klook, with 87 percent of respondents planning to travel. Domestic travel is expected to fully recover this year, with the country’s hotels and resorts association reporting that occupancy rates have exceeded 2019, driven mostly by local tourism.
With 2023 being dubbed as the year of “revenge travel, there’s no better time to plan your trip, pack your bags and head-off for an unforgettable adventure. But before you do, ensure your travels are hassle-free by getting Travel Master Insurance with COVID-19.
“Traveling should be fun, stress-free, and hassle-free, this is why we created Travel Master insurance to provide our travelers the peace of mind and protection from any kind of eventuality so they can make the most out of their trips,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.
Created in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master with COVID-19 provides travelers coverage including for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection.
To get the Travel Master coverage, simply access the GInsure page available on your GCash app and select Travel and Travel Master with COVID-19. Fill in the form with your travel details and it will immediately provide you with coverage benefits and the premium contribution and you’re set to go.
Travel Master with COVID-19 is available whether you’re planning to travel locally or internationally – making it a flexible and much-needed travel companion anywhere you go.
So if you’re looking for destinations to add to your vacation bucket list, here are six spots around the Philippines to get you started:
Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte
Located in the Davao Gulf, Island Garden City of Samal is the largest resort island in the Philippines, with over 30 resorts along its 118-kilometer coastline. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the Coral Garden and Marine Park, exploring the botanical garden and nature park, and observing the world’s largest colony of fruit bats at the Monfort Bat cave. It’s just a 15-minute boat ride from Davao City, making it a convenient stop for travelers seeking stunning landscapes and seascapes.
Alona Beach, Bohol
Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol, is an excellent addition to any beach lover’s travel bucket list. With a 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear blue waters, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. For those who want to explore more, nearby Balicasag Island offers rich marine biodiversity, including a 400-meter coral garden and marine sanctuary, which can be reached by a short boat ride. The famous Chocolate Hills, Mahogany Forest, and Loboc River Cruise are also must-visit destinations while in Bohol.
The Ruins, Bacolod
The Ruins, also known as the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” is a popular tourist spot in Talisay, Bacolod City. Originally the ancestral home of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, it was built in memory of his wife Maria, who died giving birth to their 8th child. Despite being burned down during World War II, the mansion’s foundation still stands and is admired for its Italian-inspired architecture. The Ruins has become a popular wedding venue due to its romantic history. Visitors can also take a day trip to Silay to explore its well-preserved heritage houses, such as the Golez Heritage House and the Balay Negrense heritage house and museum, to appreciate the old-age architecture of the Philippines.
Museo Orlina, Tagaytay City
This museum in Tagaytay City is a great destination for a relaxing adventure in a cooler climate. It showcases the glass sculptures of Filipino artist Ramon Orlina and features a four-floor exhibit area, including the Reflections Gallery and the Naesa Gallery, which exhibits the work of up-and-coming Filipino artists. Visitors can also take a walk in the Sculpture Garden and Amphitheater to admire Orlina’s work alongside nature and enjoy a beautiful view of Taal Lake from the roof deck.
Tam-awan Village and Bell Church
As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, many vacationers travel to Baguio in search of respite from the hot weather. The cooler climate alongside the beautiful nature makes it a must-go destination for anyone regardless of their preference for adventure.
Those who’ve been to Baguio several times would undoubtedly know of its most famous landmarks including Wright Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and more. But for those who want to discover more about the city and its culture, there’s no better place to visit than the Tam-awan Village and the Bell Church.
Tam-awan Village in Baguio City showcases indigenous craftsmanship, Ifugao architecture, and local art pieces set within a beautiful mountainside forest. Meanwhile, Bell Church in La Trinidad, Benguet is a 63-year-old Taoist temple where visitors can appreciate the temple’s architecture and lotus pond, and have their fortunes read by the monks.