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Christmas Guide
Top Places to Visit in the Philippines During the 'Ber' Months
Here are the best places to travel to this "ber" season as voted by you!
By: Peter Parcon | October 01, 2020
Due to changing quarantine measures, the activities, destination/s, store/s, establishment/s featured in this article might be temporarily prohibited or closed under the latest government policies. LGUs might also implement health protocols and travel requirements. Please get in touch with the establishment/s before visiting. Stay safe!
Traveling during the “ber” months in the Philippines can be a refreshing experience for both local and foreign tourists.
The Philippines has the world’s longest Christmas season. It starts on the first day of September and ends on the Feast of the Three Kings in January. During this season, family and friends normally spend some quality time together. While you may think of staying at home during these months, there are several places to visit in the Philippines for you to consider if you plan to travel.
We asked our readers about the places they like to visit during this time of the year. Check out the following list of the top places to visit in the Philippines during the “ber” months.
9. Siquijor
Despite the mysticism surrounding the island, Siquijor Island features several tourist spots that have remained relatively untouched.
Image: Siquijor Tourism Facebook Page
Ninth on the list is the Island of Fire, Siquijor. The island has long been cloaked in mystery with its mystic traditions that have existed long before the Spaniards arrived. Located to the south of Cebu, it was named the Isla del Fuego (Island of Fire) by the Spaniards due to the eerie glow emitted by swarms of fireflies living in molave trees. Its reputation for magic and sorcery has intrigued local and foreign tourists alike. The island also features several natural wonders that are relatively untouched. These places include the three-level Cambughay Falls, the Lugnason Falls, Paliton Beach, and Tubod Beach. You may also try to conquer your fear of heights by jumping a cliff at the Salagdoong Beach. For culture enthusiasts, Siquijor has some churches for them to explore. Another popular spot to visit is the four-century-old balete tree, which features a freshwater spring in its base.
8. Sagada
Staying the night allows visitors to commune with nature with the simple yet functional accommodations available in Sagada.
Image: Sagada Heritage Village Facebook Page
When you someone mentions Sagada, the first thing that comes to mind is the 2014 romantic-comedy movie The Thing Called Tadhana (That Thing Called Meant-To-Be). While the movie brought some attention to this Mountain Province municipality, it already has its share of visitors long before the script was written. Sagada features a climate as cool as Baguio. It is also known for the hanging coffins, which are found in Echo Valley. The area also has a cave network that adventure-lovers can explore. The biggest cave is the Sumaguing Cave, which was aptly nicknamed “The Big Cave.” It features natural formations that mimic familiar shapes, including an elephant, bear, and a chocolate cake. Moreover, Sagada also has three waterfalls: Bokong, Bomod-ok, and Pongas.
7. Palawan and Bulacan
Seventh place is shared by the second-best island in the world and the birthplace of the first constitutional democracy in Asia: Palawan and Bulacan.
Visiting the lagoons on a kayak is one of the many activities visitors can do while in Palawan.
Being selected as the second-best island in the world by the readers of Travel+Leisure magazine is no mean feat, which means Palawan deserves its place in the list. The most famous destination on the island is the underground river, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also go on a mangrove paddle boat tour of the Sabang Mangrove Forest, take a dip in one of the many beaches of Palawan, or go island-hopping. Moreover, visiting Calauit Island and Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center will surely delight animal lovers.
Visitors can learn a thing or two about being a social entrepreneur at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan.
Image: GK Enchanted Farm Facebook Page
While people normally head to Bulacan during the holidays for their fireworks, the province has more to offer to its visitors. It is a place where culture, history, and nature lovers will enjoy visiting. Tourists can visit the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, San Juan de Dios Parish, and Guiguinto Old Train Station. Moreover, the Pinagrealan Cave is a destination for both history buffs and adventure-seekers. The Biak na Bato National Park features a river system, cave network, and trails with ecological and historical significance.
6. Manila
The San Agustin Museum once housed Augustinian friars who first arrived in the country in the 16th century.
Image: San Agustin Museum Facebook Page
As the song goes, there’s “simply no place like Manila.” The heart and soul of the country comes in sixth in the list. Since it is the nation’s capital, tourists can find just about anything in the City of Manila. The city teems with spots to keep visitors busy throughout their stay. Among the places tourists can visit are the historic walled city of Intramuros, the centuries-old San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, the Ayala Museum, Rizal Park, Manila Baywalk, National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Malacanang Palace.
5. Bohol
The symmetrical-green hills in the towns of Carmen, Sagbayan, and Batuan turn brown during the dry season, which led to them being called the Chocolate Hills.
Next on the list is the island of Bohol. While the beaches and resorts of the island attract many visitors each year, its most popular attraction is the Chocolate Hills. Moreover, Bohol is home to one of the smallest primates in the world, the tarsier. Cruising down the Loboc River is another popular activity in the tenth largest island in the country. Nature conservationists may also want to drop by the man-made Mahogany Forest and the Bohol Habitat Conservation Conservatory. People looking for some vitamin sea can also visit Lamanoc Island and Isola di Francesco, which was formerly called Virgin island.
4. Tagaytay
A Ferris wheel-ride at the Sky Ranch gives visitors the chance to see Tagaytay 63 meters above the ground.
Image: Sky Ranch Facebook Page
On fourth place is the City of Tagaytay. Its cool climate made it one of the most popular tourist destinations, particularly during the summer. The city offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Taal Lake and the Taal Lake Volcano. Aside from its magnificent view of the third largest lake in the country, tourists can also check out the different rides at the Sky Ranch, try the zipline at the Picnic Grove, check out the biggest collection of puzzles in the world at the Puzzle Mansion, or enjoy a cultural show at the Café Veranda of the Taal Vista Hotel.
3. Siargao
Aside from surfing, tourists can also go island-hopping when they visit Siargao.
The “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” comes in third in the list. Siargao is an island located off the coast of Surigao del Norte. It features an extensive coastline and crystal-clear waters that can rival the best in the country. But tourists normally visit Siargao for the waves since its perfect tube waves have challenged the best surfers in the country. In fact, the island plays host to an international surfing competition every year. Aside from surfing, visitors can also catch the sunset at the Cloud 9 boardwalk and view deck, go island-hopping, or take a dip at the Magpupungko Rock Pools.
2. Baguio
Voter's comment: “Ber months for cold weather! And Baguio is very homey.” - Ejay
Visiting the BenCab Museum in Baguio is a must for admirers of the national artist.
Image: Baguio City Facebook Page
The second best place to visit during the “ber” months in the Philippines is Baguio. The “City of Pines” or the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” provides a refreshing change from the usual hustle and bustle of life in the big city. While it is a highly-urbanized city, Baguio still has several things you can’t normally find in a city. You can pick strawberries at the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, check out the sights at Camp John Hay, learn about Cordillera craftsmanship at the Tam-awan Village, rent a paddleboat at Burnham Park, or relax amid the greenery of the Botanical Garden.
1. Cebu
Cebu comes in at number one on the list for good reason.
Topping this list of the best places to visit during the “ber” months in the Philippines is the Queen City of the South, Cebu. Situated in the center of the archipelago, Cebu has something for everybody. The island was also recognized as the 7th best island destination in Asia by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Aside from its magnificent beaches, tourists can also learn about the history and culture of the island by visiting the Cebu Heritage Monument, the 1730 Jesuit House, and Fort San Pedro. For a panoramic view of the city, visitors can drop by Tops Lookout in Busay. Tourists can also swim with the whale sharks in Oslob or go scuba diving in Moalboal. The Greek-inspired architecture will also amaze visitors to the Temple of Leah. Cebu also has several mountain retreats where tourists can spend the night communing with nature.
For more things travel, visit Yoorekka Magazine.
These are just some of the places you can consider if you are planning to travel during the “ber” months in the country.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on September 08, 2019.
About Peter Parcon
After leaving spending 16 years of his professional life in the academe, Peter decided to try his luck in the world of online freelancing. For the past eight years, he has been creating content for clients all around the world. He can work on just about any topic - from tattoos to technology and food to finance. He dreams of visiting every island in the archipelago some day.
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