Top 9 Best Tourist Spots in Guimaras: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

When we talk about mangoes, Guimaras will definitely be brought up on the topic because it is said that they have the “Sweetest Mango in the Philippines.” In relation to that, their local delicacies, with mango, are just mouth-watering. The residents must be proud of their breathtaking and stunning beaches, historical sites and other activities. They also have Manggahan Festival, an annual festivity to thank their bountiful mango harvest. It is a small island province that can be visited for the whole day but they can offer a lot to visitors.

Top 8 Best Tourist Spots in Capiz: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Roxas City is the capital of Capiz Province – the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” situated in Western Visayas. If you are in Panay Island, it is highly recommend visiting Roxas City to witness and experience the heritage sites in the modern generation. The province has the most controversial and awaited annual festivity in the Philippines – the “Aswang Festival.” Politically, the city is prominent because it is the hometown of the late Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas. To complete my Western Visayas list, I listed the “9 Must Visit Tourist Destinations.”

Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Albay: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes are part of my solo-backpacking list, however, the reality started when I planned my Bicol itinerary two months ago - to complete Region 5. Legaspi City in Albay is the center of the Bicol region that showcases a lot of tourist spots and destinations; from historical sites, beaches, gorgeous landscapes, and to the remarkable activities and sumptuous delicacies. Here are the top tourist spots and destinations in Albay.

Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Zambales: Beaches + 2024 Places to Visit

Again, the province of Zambales became more popular because of the issue about the West Philippine Sea with China. The long stretch of shoreline, facing the West Philippine Sea, has fine white sand, crystal clear waters, the ambiance is absolutely refreshing and more to offer. Having said that, since it is considered top tourist destination, beach resorts created a variety of water activities like scuba diving and island hopping. Below are the best attractions to visit in Zambales:

Top 5 Best Tourist Spots in Bataan: Itinerary, Places to Visit, Activities, Travel Guide

Historically speaking, Bataan is one of the provinces in the Philippines that has a huge contribution to Philippine history, political or not. Bataan belongs to Region 3 or commonly known as the Central Luzon provinces. This province is separated by Manila de Bay from the NCR and the province of Cavite. During my visit in the province, I noticed that the people are accommodating and are living in a simple way. Aside from that, Bataan also has a lot to offer in terms of tourist destinations.

Top 6 Best Tourist Spots in Ilocos Norte: 2024 Itinerary, Beaches, Places to Visit

1. Pagudpud.

Pagudpud is definitely one of the top tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte. Situated at the Northern tip Luzon, Pagudpud is one of top tourist attractions and destinations in Ilocos Norte. It also claims the title: "Boracay of the North" - that's according to the tourists and travelers who experienced its beauty. Pagudpud has a similarity with Boracay from the white sand shoreline, to the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, to the relaxing and cool sea breeze, to the golden sunset, up to the remarkable activities during the day and parties in the evening.

Top 10 Best Tourist Spots in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

The thrilling white water rafting is the main attraction and destination in Cagayan de Oro City. But, did you know that they are also  known as the "City of the Golden Friendship?" Though there's a language barrier, I totally agree that they are the city of friendship because I was able to experience such hospitality from the jeepney driver and the taho vendor I met. By the way, nothing special happened during my stay here. Since it's the center of Northern Mindanao, transportation to my next destination (Bukidnon) is not a problem. It is also the gateway to the province of Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan and the city of Davao.

Guisi Lighthouse, Guimaras

Touching the walls of Guisi Lighthouse or Faro de Punta Luzaran is the most exciting part of my backpacking in Guimaras. It is the second oldest lighthouse in the Philippines, lighted up for the first time in 1894. This structure was erected in the 18th century to guide the mariners passing by the waters of Ilo-Ilo and Guimaras. Its structure is made of metal from France, tisa from Portugal and cement from England. The floor plan, based on the ruins, is similar to Burgos Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte and the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island. Today, the thick walls are covered with mosses and plants and the rusty metal lighthouse remains erect. The ambience in the area is relaxing because of the cool sea breeze.

Location, How to Get Here, My Travel to Guimaras: 

The nearest airport in Guimaras is in Ilo-Ilo City. From the airport, take a cab to Parola Port (the gateway to Guimaras). In my case, since I stayed in Ong Bun Pension House Ilo-Ilo City, I followed the instructions provided by the guard. Just two blocks away, I rode in the jeepney with ARU/GPU signboard and alighted by the entrance of Parola Port, for a minimum fare. Then, bought a ferry ticket bound for Guimaras Wharf. The dock and go of the ferries are continues every 30 minutes. The travel time from the port to Guimaras is only 15 minutes.

GUIMARAS TOURIST SPOTS: The Smallest Plaza - a 2021 travel guide

The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines is located in Guimaras, the first tourist destination we visited. It was also the former Guinness Book of World Records holder of the same title. From the port of Guimaras, it's 15 to 20 minutes habal ride. The plaza is around 200 to 300 square meters area with the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in the middle, and right beside the highway and residents houses. According to Kuya Ken, my habal driver/tour guide, during their annual fiesta, all the attendees are being fit into this small plaza. This means that this tiny plaza also witnessed most of the gigantic historical events in the province.

Top 17 Best Tourist Spots in Bohol: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

1. The Plunge, Danao Adventure Park

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Visayas region because of the stunning "chocolate hills" and the weird-looking primate called "tarsier;" these are just two of those in the limelight. As we dig deeper, there are a lot of gems that the province can offer. Historical landmarks and old churches are always part of the itinerary, but during summer or even rainy season, the fine white sand beaches and the beauty of the flora and fauna underwater became top of the list of the must seen. In addition to that, there are extreme activities that can be tried, like the Top 1 on my list - THE PLUNGE of Danao Adventure Camp, situated in the  Municipality of Danao.

PROJECT 81 PH: ALL PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Aim for 81 is my personal agenda for the next few years; other's call it Project81 or Project81PH. Its main purpose is to save money to be used for visiting and discovering the hidden treasures in 81 Provinces in the Philippines. I totally understand that it will not be as easy as my previous backpacking but, I know, I CAN DO IT! As of August 2020, I have 6 remaining in Luzon, done with all the provinces in the Visayas and one remaining in Mindanao.

Silay City: Historical Sites (Top Tourist Spots)

1. Balay Negrense

Balay Negrense is one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Balay Negrense is a Hiligaynon phrase which means: Balay or a house and Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros. It is a century old house in Silay City owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 to 1901, then abandoned in the mid-1970’s, repaired by the government and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Explore Intramuros (History, Guide, Itinerary)

I visited Intramuros and Binondo several times but I thinking am missing something in and outside The Walled City in Manila. Inspired by the question: “Hanggang saan aabot ang isan daang piso mo?” Our journey today explains that budget is not a problem to see the gorgeous artifacts erected centuries ago. Without a formal itinerary, we walked on the streets in Intramuros Manila.

Fort San Pedro, Cebu City

The Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro situated inside the Plaza Independencia, Cebu City. It is is a military defense structure built by the Spaniards and the locals of Cebu under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador. The date of its construction wasn't sure but there are claims that Jesuit Antonio Campioni built the fort in 1630. Like the other century old churches in the Philippines, there are a lot of major renovations in the 19th century for the structural improvements of Cebu.

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Cebu City

The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House was originally owned by Chinese merchant, Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido. It is one of the oldest residential house in the Philippines. It was built between 1675-1700 and was made from Coral stones, used egg whites as glue and "Tigas" or clay for the roof. The wooden pats of the house were made of "balayong" and "tugas" or molave which is the hardest woods in the country.

Rajah Humabon Monument, Cebu City

Rajah Humabon, also known as Rajah Hamabar, was the Rajah or a leader of Zubu (now Cebu) during Ferdinand Magellan's exploration in the Philippines in 1521. According to the writings on the marble plate that can be found in Plaza Hamabar Marker: Rajah Humabon was the first Filipino chieftain to embrace Christianity. Regraded as the wisest and bravest man in the island. When Ferdinand Magellan landed on Cebu on Sunday, April 7, 1521, Rajah Humabon made a blood compact with Magellan as a symbol of their new found friendship. Captivated by its noble teachings, Rajah Humabon was converted into Christianity.

Cinco de Noviembre, Silay City

Cinco de Noviembre is a small landmark in Silay City that played a huge part during the revolution. It served as the drugstore and a hideout where Negrense Revolutionaries secretly helped plan the revolution against the Spanish Colonial Forces on November 5, 1898. This is the perfect location where Negros Republic was created.

MARCOS ANCESTRAL HOUSE, ILOCOS NORTE: TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY, HISTORY AND HOW TO GET HERE

The first thing that captured my eyes when I entered the house was: on the right side of the ground floor, there was the old wooden staircase, covered with red carpet. On the left side, is the presidential table, with three armchairs. Then, the management provided mono-block chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Then, the whole second floor is divided into different panels, please see the photos below.

Apo Whang Od, Buscalan (Tattoo Healing)

A lady named Apo Whang Od (locals pronounced it as Fang Od) is 103 years old and she's the oldest mambabatok from the Butbut tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga, Philippines. The tattoos on her skin prove how powerful she was during her time.

Top 11 Best Tourist Spots in Romblon: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

Romblon is my home town and I am very proud that I was raised in this small archipelago. My early years was surrounded by rice field, trees, and marbles, I thought the province of Romblon is composed of such but I was wrong. When I started traveling that's the time that I discovered that my home town has a lot to offer. From the untouched beaches, unexplored caves, mountains, underwater richness and may others. This article will show you how beautiful Romblon is. Allow me to introduce to you the gorgeous tourist destinations in Romblon.