*Featured guest post (see author’s bio below)
Comprised of 7,641 islands, the Philippines is undeniably a beautiful country that people must visit at least once in their life.
Located in southeast Asia, the archipelagic country is known as a tropical country that gives off warm and humid weather all year round. So for those who love the tropics, this country is perfect for you.
But more than its weather, the Philippines is also popular for several natural wonders that most travelers find irresistible. The country is rich in flora and fauna, beaches, mountains, islands, forests, an underground river, and many more.
Planning to visit here soon? Here are the top 9 natural wonders worth visiting in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Recognized as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World in 2012, Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Underground River is also one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The 8.2 kilometer-long subterranean cave system flows directly to the South China Sea. It’s filled with remarkable landscapes and years-old beautiful limestone.
It’s highly recommended that tourists join a boat tour to fully appreciate the beauty of this site and all the rock formations inside.
The Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces is declared as the country’s National Cultural Treasure. It is also formerly called the Eighth Wonder of the World.
These ruggedly beautiful terraces were carved into the Ifugao mountains over 2,000 years ago. Today, the indigenous community continues to maintain the place and all its traditional farming practices, planting rice and other crops on the historic ground.
Taal Lake and Volcano
This next natural wonder of the Philippines is only a few hours away from Manila. Taal Lake is a deep lake that houses the world’s smallest volcano, Taal.
Though found in the province of Batangas, these two wonders are best viewed in Tagaytay City. It has remarkable scenery that every tourist must see at least once in their life.
Some of the best, picturesque places for viewing are the Tagaytay Highlands, People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, Sky Ranch, and many more. Most open-air restaurants in Tagaytay have perfect views of the Taal Lake and Volcano allowing you to dine next to this breathtaking sight.
Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag is known to be Luzon’s highest peak, standing at 2,922 meters above sea level. This beauty is located in Mt. Pulag National Park, straddling the boundaries of three provinces Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.
The park itself is famous for the abundance of flora and fauna, but climbing the mountain is an unbeatable and one-of-a-kind experience. Campers can stay overnight and wake up feeling like they’re on top of the world, being greeted by a beautiful sunrise and a sea of clouds within arm’s reach.
Hundred Islands
The Hundred Islands in Pangasinan is also a popular tourist destination and one of the country’s top natural wonders to date. It’s mainly composed of about 124 islands, with only three significant islands developed and accessible to the public.
These islands are composed of stunning white sand beaches and beautiful forests. The rest of the islands are not commercialized; hence these remain unspoiled and preserved by the local government.
Tubbataha Reef
Palawan has yet again another site to boast. Tubbataha Reef is also regarded as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This is a dream paradise for divers as diving spots are composed of clear waters and diverse marine life.
A variety of manta rays, tuna, whale sharks, and barracuda thrive on the island. As for non-divers, you can freely enjoy and catch a glimpse of the underwater beauty by snorkeling or taking a boat ride.
Mt. Mayon
Mt. Mayon in Albay, Bicol rises more than 2,400 meters above sea level. It has this perfect cone shape that dominates the flat plains of Albay.
It’s another protected site, which is why the local government chooses not to allow establishments within the area, especially if it’s going to disrupt the beautiful view of the volcano. You can ride an ATV or trek to the top for a much more fantastic view.
Image source: Pexels
You’re lucky if Mayon chooses to reveal itself when you visit. It’s often labeled as a “shy volcano” because of the sea of clouds that cover it from time to time. However, it’s best that you still check with local authorities for warning levels, since Mayon is an active stratovolcano.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol is a unique tourist destination with over a thousand round hills spread across five towns. The grass dries off during the summer, which gives off this chocolate color, so it’s the best time to visit.
However, if you’re the type who would opt for mint chocolate-covered kisses, you might want to visit during the colder season as the round hills turn from a chocolaty hue to lush green. To date, the Chocolate Hills is a geological wonder that continues to amaze the whole world.
Pinatubo Crater
The Pinatubo Crater is known to hold the country’s deepest lake, which is what the crater exactly left after the second biggest eruption in the 20th century. This remnant features beautiful emerald-green water within the stone walls of the mountain.
Today, its deep-seated beauty continues to awe hikers visiting the place. It’s exactly what most tourists claim it to be – a beautiful disaster.
Concluding Thoughts
The Philippines is a beautiful country that no one should miss, especially if you’re looking for a place where you can come out of your comfort zone and unleash the inner adventurist in you.
Why not book your next flight here? Who knows? You might just fall in love with the country and want to keep coming back.
Author’s Bio:
Angelo Castelda is a known feature writer and contributor for a news magazine in Asia. One of his most featured articles talks about the beauty of the Philippines. On his free days, he loves to travel around the country and wishes to explore all 7,641 islands in all 81 provinces.
