Alternative Vacation Spots In The Philippines, Any Suggestions

I am looking for any alternative vacation spots here in the Philippines. Asides from the usual Boracay, Baguio, Bohol, Palawan and all the famous spots here. I would like to go to other spots here which aren't that commercialized yet. It could be a mountain resort, a water falls, Island, or any other tourist spot. Your suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks

[question posted by Andyvil]

responses and comments:



YOu can also check out bantayan Island if you love the beach... ^^ [yresh12]
That's what I think to.. You can actually enjoy the place when they are not around. It would be much fun and exciting at the same time... [yresh12]


Bantayan Island here in Cebu is something that should be considered. Though it's somewhat not that developed yet, it's a perfect getaway for tourists or people who just simply love to take some time off and feel the beauty of nature. Other than that, it's way cheaper than Boracay and other known resorts in the Philippines. I've been to Bantayan Island twice and it became one of my favorite places already. Some of the things that I really loved about Bantayan is that the place is so peaceful especially at night, a perfect set up after a long day of going to the beach. Fresh seafoods are also abound and we were able to get it for a very cheap price. Transportation in the island isn't a problem too because there are some motorcycles for rent and the very good part is that we were able to haggle down the price. Imagine a P300 rent for the motorcycle for 24 hours already. Going to Bantayan is somewhat a long ride though. A 4 hour bus ride from Cebu City to Hagnaya and about an hour of travel on a ferry to the island itself. Other than Bantayan Island, Leyte's Canigao Island is also worth the look. Like Bantayan, it's still not commercialized yet but food, transportation, and other needs are a little scarce there. But for people who really love camping, it's one of the best places to be. Seafoods are cheap and they come straight from the catch. [boybato]
I think I'll check Canigao Island. I regularly visit Leyte but I haven't been to Canigao Island. Thanks for the input. [Andyvil]



On my list is Batanes and Caramoan Island. I saw in Executive Class Misibis Island and looked really awesome. Dumaguete is also a good place, not too well-trodden but has enough tourist amenities. [TheAdvocate]
Batanes and Caramoan Island seems a good place to visit. I've been to Dumaguete and visited great places there. Thanks for your suggestions. [Andyvil]


hi! I am so happy that you chose Philippines as your vacation destination. I am from the Philippines and I live in Iloilo City. I would recommend to you the Island of Guimaras. It is a 15 to 20 minutes ride from Iloilo City. It is an island full of noncommercialized land and water forms. It is peaceful and you can easily commune with nature. Please checkout in the web. There are a lot of info's regarding the island. Hope you will enjoy your vacation! More smiles from the Philippines! [ivymariejeruta]
I've heard a lot of great things about Guimaras and I'll try and contact some of my friends there in Iloilo to accompany me there. Thanks [Andyvil]



i would suggest come and visit davao city, there are lots of tourist spots here in mindanao. explore mindanao and you will see the beauty spots here. if you are looking for little baguio come to davao city, if you want cold and hot spring you can go to camigun island. do a research about beauty spots here in davao and experience the beauty in here. good luck! [gennyk]
nice, i havent been there also hopefully i will in the near future. i was invited by my friend last holy week, all expense paid, but my father didn't allow me. no trips for holy week, thats his policy.huhuhuhu since camiguin is on your list, good luck and have fun. have a nice day! [gennyk]


mountain resort, water falls, island, tourist spot, you'll find them here in cebu. they have sites like mountain view, tops (good view!), island in the sky are some of the spots. they also have two famous falls... kawasan is the best falls ever (i did jump from the top, it was awesome. they also have sumilon island as well as bantayan. diving spots? pick you choice from every town available. tourist spot? they have plenty in the city. you should try coming here in january, it'll be a blast [marvz023]
Forgot to mention in my discussion. I am from Cebu and I've visited most of the tourist spots here. You are right about most of the things you mentioned in your comment. You can find almost anything here in Cebu. Thanks for your reply. [Andyvil]


I suggest you visit Siargao Island in surigao del norte or Pagudpud in norte. I heard they have beautiful beaches there and still not that exposed like boracay. [ajarvaise]
I regularly go to surigao del norte but I have never been to Siargao. I think the next time I visit surigao I'll drop by Siargao. [Andyvil]


hi there Andyvill, just like what yresh suggested, Bantayan is a good place to have your vacation, not commercialize and has a cheaper rates, you can enjoy the view of the beach, clean and white sand beach.. Here in cebu we have a lot of beach here from north to south to lapu2x city.. you try to explore here, for me Bantayan is better thans boracay.. Have a great vacation and happy mylotting..happyhappyhappy [dorothy09]
Hello Dorothy, I am also from cebu. I just got back from bantayan last holy week.hehehe I've visited the island a couple of times already and I never get tired of their beaches. Thanks for the suggestions. [Andyvil]


Try Camsur, I've never been there but I've heard of it many times. Its the newest tourist spot in the country. [laniekins]
I'll research more on Camsur and the tourist spots to visit there. Thanks Laniekins. [Andyvil]


Try Sagada, Mt. Province there's alot of wonderful spot that you can see there. Happy lotting!!! [frkfininte]
If you are from Cebu you might want to try visiting Alegria, Cebu. You can find peace and serenity in the place. I also uploaded a picture of the resort that we visited there, it's under my profile pictures. [caliya]


So you have been to Bohol? I am from Bohol and I think that is the only best place I know since I have never been anywhere else anyway.rofl Cebu has great destinations. My friends are also saving up for Camiguin. You might want to try Tagaytay as well if you haven't been there which I doubt. I'd like to know whioch spots in Bohol you've visited because there might be other places you have missed. [Theresaaiza]

Leyte and Samar - Especially Samar - Lots of places to go there, it's actually known for it's waterfalls and outdoors activities. Here's something you can check (I just googled it) : bonifaciojoni.blogspot.com You can actually find more, it's pretty popular. Be careful though, lots of dangerous / shady spots - not to mention you usual NPA friends *nudge, nudge, wink, wink*. And yes, i'm from Tacloban city :) So, i've tried those places. [dminotaur]

Bulacan or Laguna? I heard they have good spots in those places.. :P But of course, I still prefer Puerto Galera in Palawan. XD [snowdoll487]

You are right! I think those places that you have mentioned are the most popular places for people to go and going to another place for a change is good. I think its also good at Camiguin. Have you been there? A lot of people are saying that its really a nice place but experiencing it ourselves will make all the difference. I am planning to go there but maybe not this time. [p3ks626]

I will suggest Caramoan, Camarines and Daraga, Albay. These are tourist spots that are not publicized yet too much. Caramoan is a good place for beach lovers and seeking for adventures. There are a lot of small islands here that you'll surely like it. Daraga, Albay is one of the famous tourist destination in Bicol Regoin because of its active Mayon Volcano (Mt. Mayon. If Boracay has white sand beaches, Albay has its own unique black beaches also that is located a few hours drive from city proper. There are a lot of websites now telling about these places. Tou can browse in there just to have more ideas before going there. Goodluck and have a good day. [Pigeonrose]

these days, beach resorts and other known summer vacation places are probably filled with vacationists already. why don't you try to visit historical places in our country. it's a vacation while learning too. anyway, there are many resorts everywhere so after having a visit of our history, you can relax to some resorts and have a taste of some local delicacies. [mspitot]
You are absolutely right. This is one of the advantages of living in an archipelago. We have abundant beaches here.hehehe I'll try and look for historical sites near my area. I don't want to over spend on my vacation.hehe [Andyvil]