15 Awe-Inspiring Places in the Philippines Where You Can Go Soul-Searching

Somewhere in the western Pacific Ocean lies the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’, the Philippines. It is composed of 7,107 lush, green islands, which are divided into three main groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each of these three islands have several unexplored, majestic, and simply captivating sites that would surely make you feel like you’re in paradise.

Check out the 15 astonishing places in the Philippines where one can do some serious soul-searching. The beauty and grandeur of these places will definitely help you relax and get a clearer perspective on things.

#15. Sagada

It may take approximately 10 hours to get to Sagada, but the long grueling commute would be worth it once you see the Kiltepan peak, Sumaguing and Lumiang caves, and the Hanging coffins.

#14. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

The clear, blue-green waters and the powdery white sand of Calaguas Island is a true haven for those who want to escape the busy and crowded city.

#13. Mount Apo in Davao City

Mount Apo stands more than 9,000 ft. above sea level;thus, making it the highest mountain in the Philippines. Mountain climbers will surely be in awe of the view from the top, which overlooks Digos and Kidapawan City.

#12. Islands of Guimaras

Guimaras is located in Western Visayas, and is well-known for its world-class mangoes and first-rate beaches.

#11. Batanes

This beautiful, small island is located in Cagayan Valley, the northermost region of the country. Batanes is also least populated, so anyone who is up for a ‘quiet’ vacation will definitely love this place.

#10. Oslob, Cebu

Those who want to experience how its like to swim with whale sharks, or bathe in pristine beaches and tranquil waterfalls should visit Oslob. You can also check the historical ruins in this awesome province.

#9. Bantayan Island, Cebu

Otherwise known as “Boracay sans the crowd”, this piece of heaven on earth is located in the northern end of Cebu.

#8. Sambawan Island, Biliran

Sambawan Island is endowed with beautiful white sandy beach, rich marine life and coral gardens, which invite intrepid divers and snorkelers especially on summer season. During high tide, Sambawan transforms into three beautiful islets.

Sambawan Island has a stark, mountainous coastline and a spectacular sunrise, a stunningly beautiful view, which will surely melt your heart.

#7. Anawangin Cove, Zambales

Anawangin Cove is a crescent shaped cove with a pristine long white beach. It is located in San Antonio, Zambales. The primary distinction of the cove is the towering pine trees flourishing around the vicinity. There are no roads leading to Anawangin. The only way to get there is either a 30 minute boat ride from Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales or by a six-hour trek through hot, open trails thru the Pundaquit range. The cove’s relative isolation has kept it free from development as of this writing, there are no resorts on this sparkling piece of natural beauty, save for a few huts and deep wells.

Just behind the beach is the pine forest and a marsh, where one can find natural springs feeding to the sea. The area is home to a number of bird species.

#6. Palaui Island in Cagayan

Palaui is a secluded island located at the northeastern section of Luzon. You might enjoy trekking through forests, bathing in cool waterfalls, or simply visiting the lighthouses in the island.

#5. San Juan, Siquijor

Siquijor has always been associated with witchcraft, magic, and other supernatural beings. Whether it be true or not, those who will visit this province will be enchanted with the beauty of its beaches, waterfalls, and nature parks.

#4. Apo Island, Negros Oriental

Apo Island is part of the town of Dauin, Negros Oriental. It takes pride with its magnificent white sands, unique and fantastic rock formations and enormous amount of natural marine resources. Listed as one of the top 100 diving spots in the world by Sport Diver Magazine.

#3. Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

It is known that this clear, blue-green river flows into the Philippine Sea, but nobody can exactly specify where the water comes from. The darker spots indicate the deepest sections of the river, and no one has reached its bottom yet.

#2. Bellarocca Island, Marinduque

Bellarocca Island is located in the southwest coast of Marinduque. The Santorini-inspired edifices in the island looked rather elegant against the clear sea. Bellarocca is also a great place for trekking, windsurfing, and spelunking.

#1. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido was awarded the “Best Beach and Island Destination of the Philippines” by CNNGo. Here you can find white sand beaches, breathtaking lagoons, underground rivers, and dense mangrove forests.

Amongst these 15 breathtaking places, where would you want to go? Did we forget something? Feel free to tell us what you think by writing in the comment section below.