Dako Island in Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has been the host to numerous surfing contests enticing in both local and foreign surfers. Aside from its famous waves, Siargao is as well a haven for white sandy beaches, numerous islets, abundant marine life, mangroves and caves. Of the many islands found in Siargao, Dako is the largest (Dako is the Visayan term for large). Unlike the Naked Island, Dako Island grows coconut trees and some cottages so island hoppers can really enjoy its pure white sand and clear blue waters.

PEARL FARM

SAMAL ISLAND

Buenavista Island in Davao del Norte

The Island Buenavista is an exclusive island resort in Samal, Davao, Philippines, thriving with lush tropical vegetation and numerous palm trees.

A white sandy beach, as well as crystal clear waters of the Davao Gulf, envelops this four-hectare paradise. 

This 4-hectare island is a perfect place to go this summer. It has a beautiful view, especially the one that is facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder why the owners named it The Island Buenavista (the latter comes from two Spanish words, buena for “good” and vista for “view”).

The Buenavista Island Resort offers not only a parcel of the island but the entire island itself, yours alone or you can share it with your special someone, your family or friends for a day.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

One of the famous landmarks of the resort is the three-tiered Parola wharf (named after the local term for “lighthouse”), which was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm.

For scuba divers, the Pearl Farm is a paradise. This natural haven offers spectacular diving amongst the huge shoals of fish and the giant taklobo clams, without the need for tedious boat rides. Just 60 meters away from the resort are two sunken Japanese World War II ships that await discovery.

Britania Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

The Britania Group of Islands is the next best thing to Boracay in the Philippines in terms of pristine white beaches some people at a time can enjoy. 

It’s a group of islands that faces the Pacific Ocean; the islands are stunningly beautiful and will take your breath away.

Most of the islands are uninhabited with minimal or no vegetation. But all have one thing in common: they are surrounded with crystal clear waters.

Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental

Swimming is not the only thing you can do while you are in Dahican Beach. If you like water adventure like skimboarding, this is the best place in Davao region.

This is located some 15 minutes from the heart of the city. The Dahican Beach is South Sea dream come true.”If you like water adventure like skimboarding, this is the best place in Davao region.

Kopiat Island in Mabini, Compostela Valley

Kopiat Island is part of the protected area known as Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape. It was declared as such during the time of President Joseph Estrada and for good reason. It is a known breeding ground of marine turtles, a “protected and regulated” species. As such, it is a good place for snorkeling and diving.

 87-hectare island is off the coast of Pindasan. Sea travel around the island takes about 20 minutes by motorized boat, while in-land tour takes about 45 minutes. A portion of the island encircles a seven-hectare lagoon.

This whole island is fully planted with coconut trees. There are also some wild fruit trees inside the heart of the island. Since it is still undeveloped, there are no stores where you can buy soft drinks or food.

Times Beach Davao

Times Beach Davao is one of my personal favorite places in Davao City, and I am featuring this beach under this special post. 

Times Beach is a public beach widely popular among the locals, and a must-see attraction in Davao City. It is where Dabawenyos from all walks of life gather for picnics or leisure walks on weekends and holidays.

Needless to say, Times Beach will always remain part of my family's itinerary whenever we find ourselves back in Davao City, my family and I call home.

Mount Malindang

Mount Malindang is a complex volcano located in the province of Misamis Occidental in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Mount Hibok Hibok

Mount Hibok-Hibok is a strato volcano on Camiguin Island in the Philippines. It is one of the active volcanoes in the country and part of the Pacific ring of fire.

Hibok-Hibok volcano (also known as Catarman volcano) is the youngest and the only historically active volcano on Camiguin Island, which is located 9 km off the north coast of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Hibok-Hibok volcano are often Pelean-type, i.e. dome building and the generation of nuées ardentes (hot pyroclastic flows generated by partial dome collapse). 

Prior to the 1948 eruption, sulfur was mined at the crater of Hibok-Hibok. 

Dahilayan Forest Park

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Which you can experience the longest Zipline in the Philippines.

Mantigue Island

The island is a 4 hectares of evergreen forest fringed with white sandy beaches. A fishing village is found in the north side of the island. One side of the island is a white sand beach with coral offshore, while opposite side provides a deep drop-off for snorkeling and diving.

Mantigue is a small island located about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) off the coast of volcanic island province of Camiguin province in the Philippines. Also known as Magsaysay Island, it is about 4 hectares of greenery fringed with a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand.

 Malamawi Island in Basilan

Basilan is a melting pot of ethnic groups such as Yakan, Badjao and Tausug. It was a scenic ride along the channel passing by more stilt houses, mangroves, sailboats and other locals engaged in fishing by the sea. There’s also an old functional lighthouse which you’ll pass by. And shortly you’ll find yourself on a stretch of long white beach.

 

Dako Island in Siargao, Surigao del Norte

 Siargao is as well a haven for white sandy beaches, numerous islets, abundant marine life, mangroves and caves. Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has been the host to numerous surfing contests enticing in both local and foreign surfers. Aside from its famous waves.Of the many islands found in Siargao, Dako is the largest (Dako is the Visayan term for large). Unlike the Naked Island, Dako Island grows coconut trees and some cottages so island hoppers can really enjoy its pure white sand and clear blue waters.

Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin

Camiguin has been able to preserve and develop its many wonders that the Creator has bestowed the island.Camiguin  known for its natural wonders, beautiful rural spots, historical events, festivals and unique delicacies, Camiguin is an island bursting with adventure.

Though simple and still a bit rustic, Camiguin has been able to preserve and develop its many wonders that the Creator has bestowed the island. 

Katibawasan Falls can be easily reached from Mambajao towards the southern portion, passing through a 600m- concrete road after which you start to negotiate gravel- and- mud road. Locals say that if you are interested to visit, reserve at least an hour for travel.

Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin is both a blessing to the people and the province. Natural wonders like these have put Camiguin on the map. Aside from enhancing the local tourism industry in the island.

Tinago Falls, Iligan City

Tinago Falls is the most prominent falls in Iligan City. Tinago Falls is situated in the boundary of Barangay Purakan of the town of Linamon and  Barangay Ditucalan of Iligan City.

Its name is derived from the Filipino word “tinago” which means “hidden”, because the falls is hidden in a deep ravine accessible via the 500-steps winding staircase.

Mt. Apo

Mt. Apo was the highest mountain in the Philippines is Mt. Apo, towering over Southern Mindanao, covering the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.

The Kidapawan trail, one of many trails, will take you first to Lake Agko. From there, you will have to cross Marbel river in an unforgettable adventure: you have to cross the river several times by walking through coconut logs without anything to hold for support.

Climbing the country’s summit is not to be considered a joke. The trail to the mountaintop is not advisable for beginners. It takes about three to four days for a hiker to reach the summit and get back to the plains. Yet, the sunrise at the highest point of the Philippines is truly a marvelous sight to behold.

Bongao, Tawi- tawi

BLUEST BLUE. Bongao Peak

In most travels to Tawi-tawi start off in Bongao, the capital and the most densely populated municipality of the province. The flurry of colors and movement – from the tricycles to the merchandise of fish, vegetables – all point to the vibrant life in the province.

Bongao also has dive sites, particularlyy in Pahut, where you’ll see not only corals and fish, but a World War II plane wreck as well.

A short hike up the island is Bud Bongao (Bongao Peak), the highest peak in the province. The grassy peak of the island is perfect for watching the hustle and bustle of the town below while waiting for the sunset.

Sta.Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

 Great Santa Cruz Island is a small inhabited island in Zamboanga City in the southern region of the Philippines that is famous for its pink coralline sand.

Jointly called the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape & Seascape, it was declared as such on April 23, 2000 with the signing of Proclamation No. 271.

The Great and Little Sta. Cruz Islands are simply amazing not only because it is as well a diving mecca in the Zamboanga strip, but also because of its unique pinkish powdery sand.The the sand is naturally white but red Organ-pipe Corals break down mixing its pulverized form with the beaches’ white sand, hence the sand’s pink characteristic

Dakak Beach Resort, Dapitan City, ZaNorte

 Dakak Park and Beach Resort  found in Northern Zamboanga in Mindanao, offers visitors and diving enthusiasts with not only copious coral reefs with thriving tropical marine life.

The sprawling 15 hectares of wooden land makes it an ideal getaway because of its well-preserved white sandy beach with a nearly perfect season as it is well-surrounded with large islands shielding it from typhoons.