Great Vacation Spots in the Philippines

Photo credit: frustrated photog

The Ilocos Region presents the grandeur of the Spanish-era in the Philippines. With the well-preserved Spanish buildings and cobblestone roads, you will surely enjoy as you are transported back in time...

Calle Crisologo in Ilocos Sur and Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte are considered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For more photos of the Ilocos Region, you can visit Storm-Crpyt or Huno Flickr set.

St. Augustine Church, or more popularly called Paoay Church, in Ilocos Norte is one of the the oldest churches in the Philippines and is among the major attractions of the province. It is inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage list in recognition of its unique architectural style which is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen.

The Paoay Church in particular is famous for its distinctive Gothic, Baroque and Oriental architecture. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Information from: http://www.pasyalan.net/ilocos_norte/paoay/paoaychurch.php

Places to visit while you're in the Ilocos region
- Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag, Ilocos Norte
- Bangui Windfarm and Windmills
- Paoay Church (Unesco World Heritage Site)
- Calle Crisologo in Vigan City (Unesco World Heritage Site)
- Malacanang Ti Amianan (North)
- Cape Bojeador lighthouse at Burgos
- read more...
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For hotel accommodations, your might want to read the reviews made for this cities
click here if you're in Laoag City or click here if you're in Vigan City

Photo credit: WisDoc

Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction.

The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is also famous for its diving locations and routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Numerous tourist resorts dot the southern beaches and cater to divers from around the world. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

Infromation from: Bohol - Wikipedia

For more photos of the Province of Bohol, you can visit it's official website

Things to do and places to visit while you're in Bohol
- Baclayon Church
- Panglao Church & Watch Tower
- Take a cruise on the Loboc River
- The Chocolate Hills
- See the world's smallest monkey, Tarsiers
- Sanduguan / Blood Compact
- Visit the Panglao Island
- Visit the Hinagdan Cave
- read more...

Photo credit: bingbing

El Nido is the perfect destination for island hopping and marine reserve. It has over 50 beaches to discover, also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife. The limestone cliffs of El Nido were naturally carved out of extensive and thick layers of coralline deposits. They formed 250 million years ago in the shallow sea covering the area that North Vietnam and South China now occupy. These layers slowly rose from the sea as a result of the collision of India and mainland China about 60 million years ago.

Credit: ElNido Philippines

For more photos of El Nido, you can visit El Nido Tourism

Things to do while you're in El Nido
- Island hopping (Bacuit Bay, Cadlao Island, Dilumacad Island, Miniloc Island, Lagen Island, Pangalusian Island, Vigan Island and more!)
- Mangrove tour along the Aberawan River
- Mountain Trekking and Climbing
- Snorkeling, Swimming, & Diving
- visit the Ille Cave
- read more...
- and more...

Photo credit: paw_con

Camiguin, also known as the Island Born of Fire, has 7 active volcanoes. This exquisite island province of varied ecosystem stirs the imaginations and baffles the mind. Camiguin boasts kilometers on untouched coastlines with swaying coconut trees and is dotted with hot and cold springs. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of relaxation and the clear blue water, enchanting marine life and coral reefs beckon diving enthusiasts from all over the world. The island is also listed as among the Top 10 dive spots worldwide.

Credit: Camiguin Official Website

For more photos of Camiguin, you can visit Storm_Crypt's Flickr Set

Cross Marker & Sunken Cemetery Located 16kms from Bonbon, Catarman proper; a huge cross was installed in 1982 as a remembrance for the town center and cemetery that sunk to the sea during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. Years ago gravestones were visible during low tide. The place is also good for snorkeling and picture taking.

Things to do while you're in Camiguin
- Get a splash of the therapeutic hot spring waters of Ardent Hot Spring
- or Try the waters of Sto. Niño Cold Spring
- Visit the Underwater Sunken Cemetery
- Climb a volcano
- Snorkeling, Swimming & Diving
- Don't forget to go to the White Island
- See the Katibawasan Falls

Photo credit: bingbing

Siargao offers virtually the best of what this country has to offer -- coral reef islets, white sand beaches, emerald lagoons, mangrove rivers, palm trees, rice fields, rainforests, cliffs, and caves.

The surfing season starts from August to March, but you might be lucky and catch a good wave at any time of the year. In October, an International Surfing contest is held at Cloud 9, with world class and local participants (who are learning fast).

For more photos of Siargao, you can visit Siargao Island or DiscoverSiargao.com

Things to do while you're in Siargao
- Surf up in Cloud 9
- Swimming, Diving and Snorkeling
- Boat Trips
- Visit the caves and the jungle
- Mountain biking
- Inland tour

For hotel accommodations, click here