25 must-see Philippine attractions in 2015

By Coconuts Manila

There’s more to the Philippines than Boracay and Palawan. Don’t believe us? COCONUTS MANILA lines up 25 sweet spots you simply must visit during Visit Philippines Year

• 1. Mount Pinatubo, Zambales

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  Mount Pinatubo, roughly 87 km northwest of Manila, is an active volcano that last erupted in 1991. Today, many adventurers make the trek to see—and swim!—in its crater-lake.

• 2. Vigan

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  The town was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, has survived the natural elements and war, and is now a World Heritage Site. A visit to Vigan will feel like traveling back in time.

• 3. Sagada

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  A 15-hour bus ride from Manila, Sagada is a little town offering big adventures: hiking, trekking, caving—you name it. But it is also a laidback place with friendly people and really good food. 

• 4. Cotabato

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  Quickly becoming an eco-tourism province, Cotabato is right at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain. You can bet nature-lovers will get a trip out of this place. 

• 5. Tubbataha Reef

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  Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the innumerable species of marine life found there, this reef covers an incredible 130,028 hectares and can only be visited during the summer.

• 6. Coron

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  A Palawan wonder, Coron is tops for its many limestone islands, dive sites, and pristine beaches. The area suffered from Typhoon Haiyan, but its beauty is still intact. 

• 7. Banaue Rice Terraces

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  The ingenius strategy of using gravity for irrigation in this seemingly impossible farmland is a must see for people worldwide. Walking through the terraces is no joke, but it’s definitely worth it. 

• 8. Baroque churches

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  Having been colonized by Spain for about 300 years, you’ll find many Baroque churches across the 7,000 islands—a lot of them are still standing today! The Paoay church in Ilocos is the most popular.

• 9. Siargao Island

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  The Red Hot Chili Peppers made time after their Manila gig last year to fly to Siargao and try the waves of world-famous “Cloud 9.” Even non-surfers are in for a treat: Beaches here are ace.

• 10. El Nido, Palawan

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  45 islands, jaw-dropping cliffs, clear waters, soft sand and sunsets await you in El Nido, in north Palawan. It’s amazing that the place isn’t overrun by tourists yet.

• 11. Palaui Island

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  Another mysterious, virtually uninhabited area in Cagayan Valley in northeast luzon, the Palaui Island is a natural marine reserve that was recently exposed by ‘Survivor.’ Get in before others do. 

• 12. Calaguas Island

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  A frequent mainstay in “best beach” lists, Calaguas in Camarines Norte is rather hard to get to. But once there, pristine beaches, warm waters, isolation, and peace are all yours and yours alone.

• 13. Taal Volcano

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  A quick trip from Manila and you could be standing on top of the world’s lowest and smallest volcano. The lake in the middle is pretty unique too.

• 14. Lake Sebu

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  The waters of Lake Sebu flow through the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, allowing irrigation for farmers. Get to know the T’Boli and Ubo tribes, who are the traditional dwellers here.

• 15. Caramoan Islands

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  Located just off the province of Camarines Sur, Caramoan islands are fairly disconnected making visitors feel like they’re on their own private beach. Many ‘Survivor’ editions have filmed here.

• 16. Boracay

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  Careful, Boracay can get very busy during the tourist season, but it is still considered one of the the best beaches in Asia year-after-year. The area is great for those who enjoy nightlife.

• 17. Biri Island, Samar

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  Biri Island is located in Northern Samar in the Visayas. Its odd bluff of rocks—natural forces from 23 million years ago forced the rocks to spike from the ocean—has made it quite a site to behold.

• 18. Mt. Kanlaon

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  This is a popular spot for hikers because it’s the highest peak in Central Visayas. While it’s been dormant for many years, Mt. Kanlaon is considered an active volcano, adding a bit of a thrill.

• 19. Danjugan Islands

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  Another natural paradise, these islands are covered in rainforest and the lagoons filled with life as well. Danjugan, which lies in the Sulu Sea, is a great spot for turtle sightings, too!

• 20. Panglao Island

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  Voted a top destination in the Philippines because of the white sand beaches, this Bohol spot has a few less tourists than, say, Boracay, so it may be a good, quieter alternative to the party island.

• 21. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

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  Another odd geological formation of 1,268 mounds, the explanation for existence has yet to be discovered. In the summer, grass turns brown, which is why they are called the Chocolate Hills.

• 22. Apo Island

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  Clear waters and diverse aquatic life including big-eyed jacks, hump-head wrasses, hammerheads, manta rays, tuna and more turtles, Apo Island is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. 

• 23. Batanes

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  Beautifully preserved lands, rolling hills, and rocky beaches make this a hot spot for nature lovers and adventurists. The Ivatan settlers and their homes are beautiful additions to the sites, too. 

• 24. Donsol, Sorsogon

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  If you visit between December and May, you’re bound to experience why Donsol is the whale shark capital of the world! You get to swim with one of these gentle giants. Oh the experience!

• 25. Puerto Princesa Underground River

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  The limestone mountain of St. Paul hides the 8.2 km river, which is believed to be the longest of its kind. Monkeys and lizards will greet you at the entrance.