Thinking of traveling but want to maintain a safe distance? Have a look at our top 6 picks of Filipino destinations where isolation and beauty go hand in hand
If part of your planning involves searching for destinations where it is easier to avoid the crowds, this is the perfect list for you!
Iva Agüero
@philandiva
As sailors and natural explorers, Phil and I often prefer going off the beaten path. There is something uniquely exciting about discovering places that seem a little more remote, where the horizon is uninterrupted by signs of civilisation and where the only noises you hear come from the animals, plants and insects around you.
Travel can be a great way to rest and recharge but holidays often come with unintended stress. The planning, the preparation, the logistics and even the other travellers can all get in the way of an opportunity to really relax. It is in moments of solitary exploration that we are able to unplug completely, dive inwards and experience a stillness within ourselves. The hustle and bustle of everyday life slowly subsides and the cares melt away once we find ourselves alone and face to face with the splendour of these filipino landscapes.
With the world slowly adjusting to life and travel during a pandemic, now is the chance to venture a little further and seek out destinations where social distancing comes naturally. They may be a little harder to access but having been there ourselves, we can tell you it’s more than worth the journey!
Below is our list of top 6 social-distancing friendly destinations in the Philippines. Starting from the most accessible and ending with the most adventurous!
Maricaban Bay at the North of Busuanga with striking views and amazing dive sites – Photo taken at El Rio y Mar Resort @philandiva
#6 Busuanga
The largest of the Calamian group, this island is often overshadowed or thought of only as a departure point from which to visit Coron, but the truth is that Busuanga has so much to offer. It is a vast, and sparsely populated island where the concentration of activity is towards the south and the other areas are largely ignored by tourists. Busuanga Island is divided into two municipalities, Busuanga and Coron. The Francisco B. Reyes Airport is located in Coron. The Northeast of the island is particularly beautiful, with many bays to explore and an incredible wealth of diving destinations. Our recommendation, rent a motorbike and explore the northern coast of the island. Both on land and in the water, there is so much to see.
Planning your trip
Busuanga has its own airport and is easily accessible from Manila. Prepare your pandemic- friendly passage by ensuring that you meet all travel requirements before flying. Respect all safety measures at the airport and make sure to find a travel operator accredited by the Department of Tourism. If you are renting a motorbike, ask for the vehicle to be disinfected and bring hand sanitiser along with you to regularly clean the handlebars throughout your trip.
Listen to the Bolo River and look out at Tinaburan Mountain range from Adams – Photo taken at Ilyn’s Homeyplace @philandiva
#5 Adams
Nestled deep in the mountains, the town of Adams is like something out of a storybook. Surrounded by forests, rice fields and waterfalls this is a destination for travellers looking to unwind and listen to the sound of the Bolo River rushing past. Perched at the north of the island of Luzon, Adams is accessible by car and once you turn off from the main highway, small winding roads will take you further up the mountain. From Adams you can visit up to 18 different waterfalls, with Anuplig being the most famous. The area is surrounded by virgin forests and you can hike up to “Lover’s Peak” for 360 views of the Tinamburan Mountain range. This peaceful spot is perfect if you want to stay in Luzon but feel like you are completely tucked away in the forest.
Planning your trip
As it is accessible by land, you can visit Adams by taking a bus or car. Land transport services now require their employees to use PPE so expect your driver to be wearing a facemark and shield as well as gloves. The number of passengers will be limited with buses running at 50% and vans allowing only two passengers per row. Book your trip ahead of time or rent a car to be more independent!
Perfect spot to cool off after a long hike through the mountains of Adams – @philandiva
#4 Linapacan
Linapacan is part of the Calamianes Group of Islands, located in Palawan Province.
A gem sitting right above the island of Palawan, Linapacan is a well-kept secret. This island is home to some of the clearest waters in the Philippines and has even made international headlines as one of the top 35 places to swim in before you die! The island’s unique shape means there are many bays to discover and you could have a beach playground all to yourself.
With little accommodation available on the island but so many bays to explore, we recommend camping. While filming for Dreamcatchers we met two travellers that had decided to spend a month circumnavigating Linapacan on inflatable kayaks. If your idea of a good time is cruising over crystal waters in the day and camping on deserted beaches at night, this is the place for you from April to June!
Stunning islands dot the horizon around Linapacan – @philandiva
Planning your trip
Linapacan can be accessed by air from Manila via Coron or El Nido. Regular boats are available in Coron and El Nido going to Linapacan. Book a seat in advance as travel operators will be operating at reduced capacity in compliance with the travel guidelines during the New Normal. There is very little accommodation available in San Miguel, the main barangay of the island so we recommend an extended camping trip so you can explore more on your own!
The Rice Terraces of Bayyo Village, Bontoc, Mountain Province. They can be viewed along the way to Banaue, Ifugao from Bontoc – @philandiva
#3 Batad & Sleeping Beauty Mountain
Granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, this destination is a voyage back in time to appreciate ancient rice terraces and impressive irrigation systems that are still a wonder to this day. 1,500 meters above sea level in the Ifugao Province in Luzon, you can find this terraced wonderland that offers social-distancing friendly hikes for miles and miles. The town of Banaue offers a wide variety of delicious local eateries and from this starting point you can decide how far and how long you want to hike to visit the other areas such as the Batad or Mayoyao Terraces.
Phil and I decided to visit Batad and we could not stop marvelling at these amazing feats of ancient engineering and how the local Ifugao culture is still preserved to this day. Hiking up and down the mountainside, expect to be amazed at staggered terraces as far as the eye can see. While driving to Banaue, Phil and I also stopped at the Sleeping Beauty Mountain for incredible views.
Planning your trip
Book accommodation in Banaue at an establishment that has the necessary accreditation issued by the Department of Tourism. From Banaue you will be able to plan many stunning hikes in the area. You’ll be spoilt for choice with many delicious restaurants in town and they all be DOT-accredited for your safety.
Disinfectant mats at entry, 1 meter minimum between tables and diners and transparent dividers between facing guests will be in place to ensure that you can enjoy the local delicacies in a safe setting.
#2 Apo Reef
If you are looking to swap your face mask for a snorkel while on holiday, head to Apo Reef Natural Park. This incredible landmark off the coast of Mindoro holds a treasure trove of underwater life and is the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef. One of our favourite places to visit, this destination is only reachable by boat, making social-distancing all that much easier. If you’re not lucky enough to have a friend with a sailboat don’t worry, you can still visit! There are liveaboard boats from Coron, Palawan to Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental that cater to dive enthusiasts.
From your live aboard you can snorkel or dive to your hearts content as you discover an underwater kingdom home to turtles, sharks, rays and so many more magical creatures. Above the surface the ever changing colours of the water will take your breath away and don’t be surprised if you can see straight down to the reef by just leaning over the side of the boat.
Planning your trip
Commercial boats are available from Coron, Palawan to San Jose, Mindoro Occidental then land travel to Sablayan, your jump-off point to Apo Reef Natural Park. As snorkelling and diving are the main activities in Apo Reef, dive operators will be regularly disinfecting equipment but consider buying your own mask and snorkel. You will be wanting to spend most of your days in the water so it is a good investment!
Hiking the breathtaking Rapang Cliff – @philandiva
#1 Itbayat, Batanes
If the recent world events have you feeling like the apocalypse is upon us and you want to travel to a place that feels like the edge of the world, head to Batanes. The last inhabited islands at the north of the Philippines were one of the ultimate highlights of our time spent in the country. Itbayat is the northernmost inhabited island and is reachable by boat during summer. This gargantuan piece of uplifted coral offers adventurous travellers the experience of a lifetime. Rugged mountains and sprawling coastlines offer unparalleled views on the Philippines Sea. Itbayat is one of those rare destinations that offers an epic adventure with landscapes straight out of Lord of the Rings. For those wary of crowds, rest assured if you make it to Itbayat, you will not see another person or traveler for miles around.
Planning your trip
From Manila the fastest way to reach Batanes is by air. You can fly directly to Basco but be aware that the Batanes group of islands is very exposed and subject to extreme weather so check that you have a good weather window before booking. Book your tour in advance; there are very limited and spartan accommodation available. From there you will take a four-hour boat ride to Itbayat. There is very little tourist accommodation available on the island so book everything in advance to ensure your stay and also minimise on-site payments.
There are very few options for restaurants on the island so we suggest bringing plenty of snacks and planning meals in advance. You will need a local guide to visit Itbayat. Tour guides and homestays are exceptions to the stricter regulations under the New Normal but should still be accredited. It’s easy to find a knowledgable and friendly guide who will be happy to share their hometown and local culture with you.
For up to date travel information, please visit philippines.travel/safeph and DOT’s official Facebook page.
*Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
*Disclaimer: Test before you travel
A negative RT-PCR result not earlier than forty-eight (48) hours prior to travelling to Boracay is mandatory. Travellers are strongly advised to observe strict quarantine immediately after undergoing the test until the date of travel to the island.