Ernesto Barreiro is the owner of Barreiro Management Consultancy. Because he’s spent his life in the Philippines, he knows all the best travel destinations. He’s here to provide you with the top 5 travel destinations in the Philippines.
1. Boracay – Best for Beach Goers
Boracay is known as the beach capital of the Philippines. The tiny island has more than 12 beaches. White Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’ll find blue water, white sands, and breathtaking sunsets.
Shell hunters will love the aptly named Puka Shell Beach. It was once lined with puka shells. The sand is coarser than the fine sand of White Beach, because it’s mixed with small grains of coral.
2. Bohol – Best for Nature Lovers
If you want to see the natural beauty of the Philippines, you can’t go wrong with Bohol. Chocolate Hills in Carmen is an amazing natural geographic formation. It features over 1,200 formations. During the dry season, these formations turn brown. It resembles chocolate candy kisses.
Another attraction in Bohol is the tarsier sanctuary. The tiny primate has large striking eyes that make them adorable as well as fascinating. Visit the family owned sanctuary and walk within a few feet of the unforgettable tarsier.
3. Best Diving – Cebu
Ernesto Barreiro says Cebu has sea caves that are popular with photographers and divers.They offer a striking view that you won’t see anywhere else. Divers and snorkelers also have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Of course, there’s plenty to do on land in Cebu as well. The Sudlon National Park sits an hour away from Cebu City. It features several underground caves, and heritage structures. It also houses endemic species. Ernesto Barreiro says it’s a must for anyone interested in the natural or cultural history of the Philippines.
4. Manilla – Best for Urban Explorers
Urbanites, or anyone who wants to get a feel for the culture of the Philippines, will love Manilla. Ernesto Barreiro says Manilla is known as the “Pearl of the Orient”. There are many historic buildings from the Colonial period, including the San Agustin Church.
This Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1595. Its most notable feature is its ceiling, which is painted in the tromp l’oeil style. This gives the artwork a 3-dimensional effect.
For shoppers, Manilla has the SM Mall of Asia. It has an impressive array of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and a concert hall. It’s so large you can spend the entire day at the mall, without seeing the same store more than once. There’s even an amusement park outside for those who need a break from shopping.
5. Sagada – Best for Advanced Outdoor Adventurers
Sagada is located in the Cordillera Mountains. Sagada has a high elevation and steep paths, which offer challenges to even the most experienced adventurer. It is still inhabited by native tribes, some of which welcome visitors. The hanging coffins are one of the most fascinating destinations. However, this is not a tourist attraction. It’s an authentic tribal region. To get there, you’ll need an experienced guide.
Ernesto Barreiro
Ernesto Barreiro is the owner of Barreiro Management Consultancy. He was born March 9, 1967, in Manila. He has 3 children. He’s spent the last 12 years with his partner, Deeda Garcia.
