Sinugdan Quincentennial Tour: Seven Heritage Stone Churches + Limasawa Island. Travel back in time through this tour which highlights the role the Eastern Visayan islands of Samar and Leyte played in the historic first contact with the West. It is a three days and two nights tour that incorporates pilgrimage, historical and cultural experiences, as well as a taste of natural adventure.

Guiuan-Balangiga Ancestry Tour. This four days and three nights tour will bring guests to the historical towns of Guiuan and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, highlighting the following nationally-significant events: the first landing of the expedition crew of Ferdinand Magellan in Philippine soil (Homonhon Island) in 1521; the Balangiga Incident during the Philippine-American War in 1901 where the Americans suffered defeat, but in retaliation, they “burned” Samar and plundered the land, carting away the three Bells of Balangiga as war booties; the American Forces took Suluan Island in Guiuan, where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory in 1944 during the Leyte Gulf Landings; and the arrival of thousands of White Russians who took refuge in Tubabao Island also in Guiuan after President Elpidio Quirino allowed them to seek asylum in the Philippines following the fall of Kuomintang Government in China in 1949.

Sogod Bay Dive Site Tours. Nature and adventure lovers, you would want to check out the Sogod Bay Dive Sites, which have been dubbed as the rising star of Philippine dive destinations. This relatively undiscovered divers’ paradise has something to suit every diver’s level of experience, preference, and expectations.

More good news: Divers also get to swim with the whale sharks. DOT said that the activity is 100% sustainable and ethical because artificial feeding is not allowed.

Leyte Bike Tours. These aim to introduce circuits, including the Leyte-Samar Interface and the Northwest Leyte Corridor Leyte Biliran Tour Circuit, among others, that are positioned to become the bike tour routes in the region for both bicycles and motorized bikes. This program targets to promote health and wellness among the bikers as well as to give them the opportunity to visit different points of interests within the bike loops.

The DOT reminds the public to always wear a face mask and practice social distancing when outside. For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Perspective-Changing Eastern Visayas Tours to Take Note of appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

As tourism has a multiplier effect—creating not only jobs but also livelihood opportunities through offering of goods and services—sustainability ensures the preservation of destinations, thriving of culture and traditions, and inclusive growth. Moreover, as sustainability measures often involve the community, the locals themselves become part of the meaningful experience of their hometown’s visitors. 

Here are the top sustainable tourism destinations for your next adventures in the Philippines and the communities that you will encounter on an unforgettable journey.

The eco-friendly locals of Mt. Hamiguitan and Mt. Apo in Davao

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental is Mindanao’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with attractions such as a pygmy forest where trees are stunted to only about 4.5 feet in height. There are 1,974 endemic plant and animal species that have been identified so far, including carnivorous pitcher plants, the iconic Philippine Eagle, Philippine cockatoo, and golden crowned flying foxes.  The locals are engaged not only in tourism but also in sustainable livelihood programs. One of these is beekeeping using the native stingless bee species called ‘kiyot’. This also helps with pollinating and protecting Mt. Hamiguitan’s vegetation.  

The Mount Apo Natural Park is home to 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic, including the Philippine Eagle which is the largest in the world. The mountain is also inhabited by several indigenous groups: the Manobos, Bagobos, and Klata who consider it as a sacred mountain. They perfectly demonstrate how to coexist in harmony with the environment. Trek porters are equipped by the local tourism offices to share their knowledge of the mountain and its conservation. 

The artisans of Ilocos, Panay Island, Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao

The women of Ilocos, particularly in the towns of Paoay, Vigan, Pinili, down to the towns of Santiago in Ilocos Sur and Bangar in La Union have been weaving from their homes since pre-Hispanic times. Their hand-loomed Inabel fabric, made from cotton blends is made into blankets, table covers, and even apparel, such as bags, shoes, and face masks for the new normal, with traditional designs that have been passed down through generations. 

Panay Island also has a proud tradition of weaving, with several weaving communities across the island. In Aklan, they dexterously weave the fibers of the piña or Red Bisaya pineapple plant into delicate-looking cloth made into home decor and even formal apparel. Aklanon weavers are known for their piña and silk cloth creations that are embroidered with floral designs while the weavers of Iloilo and Antique are known for employing the suk-suk or inlaid weft technique in hablon and patadyong cloth.

Weavers in Eastern Visayas use materials harvested from plants that grow abundantly in their area to craft mats that can be used for sleeping or fashioned into decorative items such as place mats and plant holders or even bags and fans. These materials range from abaca, buri palm, coconut leaves and ribs, rattan and tikog or reed grass, pandan, pawa which is a type of thin bamboo, and seagrass. 

The surfing communities of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar

The surfing hotspots of the Philippines have produced not only a burgeoning tourism industry but also world-class local surfers. Those living in the islands have picked up the sport and the waters of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar have increasingly seen more locals on their boards. These friendly Filipino surfers are the embodiment of the laidback local surfing lifestyle and are also staunch advocates of caring for their marine environment. 

The culinarians of Iloilo City, Bacolod, Zamboanga City, and Davao City

Visiting the different regions of the Philippines is a taste trip, with each province contributing richly to the food map of the country, with recipes that make use of what is easily available in their locality. A cultural awareness of these dishes and the resulting food tourism ensures that not only the recipes are handed down to the next generation but heirloom produce will continue being planted by the local farmers.

Iloilo city is considered as one of the food capitals of the Philippines, with flavorful delicacies such as bowls of La Paz Batchoy noodles and Molo Soup. Negros Occidental is called the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines for its fields of sweet sugarcane. Among their preferred dishes for guests especially those visiting its capital city, Bacolod are Inasal (chicken grilled over hot coals), Piaya (unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado sugar), and Kansi or beef shank with bone marrow cooked in broth flavored with a local souring agent called Batwan.

Seafood abounds in Zamboanga, and their must-try dishes include ingredients such as a crustacean locally called Curacha, Imbao or mangrove clams, snails called Kulo, and Lato — a seaweed that resembles small green grapes, or commonly known as green caviar. Davao is known for its fruits, ranging from pineapples, bananas, sweet pomelos, and the infamous durian. For a memorable meal, try the specialties that make use of fresh seafood such as Kinilaw, the local version of ceviche, and Sinugba or freshly-grilled seafood.           

The farming communities of Negros Occidental

To experience life on a Filipino farm, visit the 14 farm tourism sites that have been accredited by the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. These farms highlight the potential of sustainable agriculture that can provide income streams for the communities who profit from both the produce and their eco-tours. Visitors can relax and appreciate the bounty of nature while learning the technology applied to the farming practices suited to the climate and soil conditions of the area.

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post These Local Communities are Thriving with Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

In 2021, the Philippines celebrated its pivotal role in the Quincentennial commemoration of the first circumnavigation of the world by navigator and explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He arrived in 1521 and discovered a thriving civilization. Many of these ancient cultural traditions are still in practice today together with the influences that have been introduced by other cultures. This has made the Philippines an interesting destination where various cultures from different eras come together.  

With the country’s rich heritage and culture, sites of interest abound all over the country. Many of these historic places can even be visited conveniently in one city. Here are some places to visit on your visit to the Philippines:

Ilocos 

Up North, the influences of the Spanish era abound, from the Baroque churches such as the San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century, it was also named as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973. The Museo Ilocos Norte gives visitors a glimpse of life in the region’s diverse cultures with displays of Ilocano, Igorot and Itneg traditional clothing, household utensils, ceremonial objects, and more. The museum is housed in an old tabacalera, or cigar factory, with tobacco being one of the main agricultural industries of Ilocos. 

Vigan is another charming city to visit for a cultural trip. The Bantay Church in Ilocos Sur is a must-see with its bell tower structure that also served as a lookout point against pirates still standing to this day. The whole street of Calle Crisologo is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North, with its old-world charm of cobblestone streets and heritage structures transporting tourists back in time. Vigan is also where one can watch the traditional art of pottery making at the Pagburnayan, while travelers can watch locals, in Brgy. Camangaan still in Vigan, weave the local cotton fabric called Inabel on their handlooms.        

Cebu

One can find remnants from Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in the Philippines at Cebu, with a monument called Magellan’s to commemorate the first baptism held in Philippine shores, and the Sto. Nino Basilica across the street houses the image of the Child Jesus that was gifted by Magellan to Hara Humamay and Rajah Humabon of Cebu when she was baptized into Christianity. One can also visit the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to view its Sino influences such as carved reliefs of phoenixes and the two dogs standing guard at the entrance. 

Plaza Hamabar is named after Rajah Humabon. Here, one can find a statue of the Cebuano Chieftain as he was described by Magellan’s chronicler Antonio Pigafetta. The Cebu Heritage Monument is a tableau of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel showing events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The Colon Obelisk can be found on Colon Street, which is said to be the oldest street in the Philippines and, as it is now still an important avenue for commerce. An imposing structure of stone, Fort San Pedro was built as a fortress against Muslim raiders by the first Spanish Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, and it is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country.      

For those looking to experience Cebuano arts and crafts, there are tours to the Alegre Guitar Factory and the furniture makers such as the atelier of Kenneth Cobonpue and the workshop of Dedon furniture. Other cultural stops are the Casa Gorodo Museum which is a National Historical Landmark with its glimpse into the way of life of a Chinese-Filipino family in the Parian District, 1730 Jesuit Museum or Parian Museum which is the old retreat house of the Jesuit Order in Cebu, Museo Sugbo, the former Cárcel de Cebú, which houses pre-colonial artifacts and Chinese wares, and the Carmen Copper Museum and Heritage Center which presents the history of the copper mining industry in the country. 

Greater Manila Area 

Corregidor Island served as a fortress of defense during the Spanish period because of its strategic location near Manila. During World War 2, it was used as a garrison against the Japanese forces by Filipino and American soldiers. Its ruins can be visited today as a memorial to those who lost their lives on the battlefield. 

The Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite was the home of the first Philippine president. It was here that the Filipino flag was formally unfurled for the first time and where the National Anthem was also played as a sign of independence from Spanish rule. In the neighboring Cavite town of Maragondon, stands the Roderico Reyes Ancestral House, better known as the Bonifacio Trial House where the leader of the Katipunan revolution Andres Bonifacio was tried and found guilty of treason by the government established by Gen. Aguinaldo. 

For artful pursuits, one can go to Tagaytay and visit the Museo Orlina of modern glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and the Puzzle Mansion of enthusiast Georgina Gil-Lacuna who holds the Guinness World Record of having the most number of completed jigsaw puzzles on display. In Angono, which is known as a hometown of artists, one can find the studio home of Carlos “Botong” Francisco, the second National Artist for Visual Arts who specialized in capturing rural folklife. He was also the one who is credited for discovering the country’s oldest form of art, the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs which are located in a rock shelter just outside his town. 

Manila

Fort Santiago in Intramuros was a Spanish fortress where the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was incarcerated before his execution at Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park. The fort, with its stone ramparts still intact, is now a public park with remnants of history on display in a museum celebrating Rizal’s life. The Baluarte de San Diego is another part of Intramuros that was part of its stone fortifications. Crossways and a staircase lead visitors to where cannons were strategically placed as protection against invaders.  

For more historical content, tourists can visit the Casa Manila Museum which is a replica of a typical Spanish colonial mansion furnished with items of Philippine, Chinese and European origins. The National Museum, houses some of the country’s most important works of art from Juan Luna’s Spoliarium which won Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid to the works of contemporary artists. The San Agustin Church in Intramuros is the oldest church in the Philippines. It exhibits remarkable features such as Baroque altars, wall buttresses and ceiling paintings in the tromp l’oeil style.

Rizal Park in Manila is a popular tourist spot for locals and international travelers for its wide-open spaces and its attractions that include a dancing fountain and a bas relief map of the country. There is also a Monument to mark where Dr. Rizal was buried and a stature in honor of Rajah Lapu-Lapu, the country’s first hero, who defeated Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan. 

Western Visayas

Bacolod is known for its sugar plantations and the heritage houses nearby that illustrate how the hacienderos lived during the Spanish era. Among the houses that one can visit are Balay Negrense which was built in 1898 by Victor Gaston, son of Frenchman Yves Leopold Germain Gaston who is considered the first to popularize sugarcane cultivation on a commercial scale in the region, and The Ruins, which are what’s left of a mansion that Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built for his wife Maria Braga Lacson after it was razed in a fire. 

For a taste of heritage, stop by El Ideal, the city’s oldest bakery for a snack of their baked specialties that include bañadas, kinamunsil, masa podrida, lubid-lubid, biscocho de caña, and biscocho prinsipe.

Eastern Visayas

The region is rich in history and culture. One of the new circuits that have been developed is the Sinugdan Quincentennial Tour which brings travelers on a pilgrimage to seven heritage stone churches: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church and the St. Isidore the Laborer Chapel, both in Baybay City; the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Church in Hilongos, Leyte; Saint Joseph the Worker Church in Matalom, Leyte; the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Maasin City; the Sto. Niño Church in Malitbog; and the St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan, all in Southern Leyte. The tour also brings tourists to other attractions in the area, such as San Pedro and San Pablo Islands in Hinunangan or Molopolo – Sta. Cruz Fish and Bird Sanctuary in Macrohon before heading to Limasawa Island where the historic first Catholic Mass in Asia was held on March 30, 1521.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur famously promised Filipinos, “I shall return”, upon retracting American troops in World War II. He returned on October 20, 1944, and his landing on the shores of Palo, Leyte has been marked with a bronze monument.

Note: The Leyte Gulf Landing headed by Gen. MacArthur was the turning point of the war in the Pacific theatre, his return/landing on October 20, 1944, together with former Presidents Sergio Osmeña and Carlos P. Romulo is now marked with a monument.

The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum which was built by the late President Marcos in his wife Imelda’s hometown in Tacloban is a repository of her priceless art collections and religious relics.

For a nature trip, visitors can head to the Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar for a river cruise that takes them through lush vegetation before entering a cathedral-like cave with various stalactite and stalagmite formations. A stop at Basey brings tourists to a village of mat-weavers who use leaves that have been dried and dyed before being woven into intricate and colorful patterns.

Discover the Philippines’ tangible treasures

The island souvenirs of the Philippines are unlike any other in the world. Here one can find souvenirs that showcase the rich and diverse culture of the country. Rattan is one of the indigenous materials that are used for traditional packaging, from shopping bags called bayong and boxes that are used to store items in the home. Banig or woven mats are another Filipino woven product, used for sleeping or as bags and home accents.   

Filipino pastimes include playing street games, such as trumpo or wooden tops that children use to battle it out to see whose top spins the longest.  Music is another big part of Filipino culture, with instruments like the ukulele or the kubing or jaw harp playing important roles in traditional celebrations.      

For a more modern take on the country’s culture, one can try Paradise Mango Rum which uses the sweet flavors of the Philippine mangoes in a potent drink, and the Trese komiks on which the popular Netflix show on Filipino folklore is based. 

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post Explore Filipino Culture in These Historic Cities appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Once international travel resumes, travelers will once again be able to visit the Philippines’ popular beaches as well as under-the-radar island destinations that offer the ultimate escape from the feeling of confinement, with wide-open spaces and friendly smiles from the locals.

With more than 7,000 islands in a beautiful archipelago, definitely more fun awaits visitors for their next beach escape to these pristine and quiet little pieces of paradise.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Located at the northernmost tip of Cebu, Bantayan Island boasts stunning white sand beaches and eco-tourism sites. From the Mactan Cebu International Airport, the island is easily accessible by boarding a bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal to the Hagnaya Port. The journey will take you on a scenic ride to the northern tip of Cebu, including a short ferry to the Santa Fe Port on the island. From the latter, you can take a tricycle to your accommodation.

Bantayan Island boasts a range of accommodation options, from upscale hotels and oceanfront resorts to budget fan rooms, hostels, and homestays. If you’re on a budget or simply prefer lounging right under Bantayan’s blue skies, you can also opt to bring and set up your own tent in any of the campsites located across the island.

Activities in Bantayan include swimming, cliff diving, island-hopping, kayaking, and even skydiving. One can soak in the local culture by approaching locals who engage in fishing and the production of savory dried fish as their primary source of livelihood.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

The waters surrounding this long stretch of beach are crystal clear, with a white powdery sandbar perfect for a long solitary stroll and for taking lots of photos.

Kalanggaman is derived from the word “langgam,” which means bird in the local dialect, as the two ends of the island seem to flap like bird’s wings when viewed from above.

There are no big resorts on Kalanggaman Island, and crowds are kept at bay, with the Municipality of Palompon putting a cap on the number of tourists that can visit per day. Those who want to spend the night can stay at native cottages or set up camp along the strip of beach and watch the stars put on a show against a gorgeous velvet sky. The nearest hotels are in Ormoc and Tacloban, both of which are several hours away from the island.

Traveling to the island is most convenient through Ormoc or Tacloban. Although there are currently no direct international flights to these cities, visitors can fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and take a connecting flight to either of the two municipalities. Flying to Ormoc is your best option as it will take just an hour and a half by bus or van to reach the Palompon Ecotours Office, where you will need to pay a conservation charge before boarding a 90-minute ferry trip to Kalanggaman Island on a rented boat.

Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Framed by towering cliffs and turquoise-hued waters, Secret Beach in El Nido is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered by travelers who want to experience the thrill of finding a treasure from Mother Nature. The beach is accessible only by swimming through a crevice among the limestone rocks that’s just above the water.

The quickest way to El Nido is a direct flight from Manila to Lio Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by land from the El Nido town proper. Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa and take a five-hour bus or van ride to the town center.

El Nido is known for its luxury hotels and exclusive resorts, but budget-conscious travelers can also find basic hostel and cottage accommodation options across this world-class island destination. Secret Beach itself is located on Matinloc Island, which is a boat ride away from El Nido town proper. To access this hidden gem, you can book the El Nido Tour C through any of the town’s travel operators, which will take you to the beach as well as Matinloc’s other sites.

Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental

This aptly-named beach in the sweet province of Negros Occidental is a destination known mostly to locals as Langub Beach. Locals love to spend their lazy summer afternoons swimming in its azure waters. Here, one can catch a beautiful sunset while listening to the waves and relaxing on the warm brown sand. Among the activities to try are snorkeling and paddleboarding or simply taking a refreshing dip in the cooling blue waters.

This secret oasis isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the effort. From Manila or Cebu, you can take a flight to Bacolod City, and from there take a five-hour bus ride to Hinoba-an at Ceres South Terminal. You should get off the bus at Gil Montilla junction near Sipalay City Hall, along the highway. Get on a tricycle from here and head to Barangay Nauhang river. You may rent a small boat to transport you to the southern end of Sugar Beach, where you’ll have to walk to your preferred resort. Flying into Dumaguete City is another option, which takes about the same travel time.

There’s a range of luxury and budget resorts and hotels in Sipalay City, where Sugar Beach is located. These include beachfront accommodations, each with its own sunbeds, cabanas, kayaks, and ample space for various beach activities.

Mantigue Island, Camiguin Province

A 20-minute scenic boat trip from the eastern side of the alluring Camiguin Island brings travelers to this gleaming white sand island framed by lush greenery. Mantigue Island is a four-hectare slice of tropical wonderland famous among divers because of the endangered hawksbill turtle frequently sighted in its clear waters. This island is indeed a diver’s dream because it is teeming with colorful and rare marine creatures such as colorful clownfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, sharks, and dense schools of fish with a backdrop of amazing gardens of corals and seascapes.

To complete your experience, you can admire the local wildlife of its mini tropical jungle, frolic among the waves, laze on the powdery sand, or you can grab a bite of the sea urchin (uni) offered by the locals on the beach right out of the ocean! There are no big crowds on the island as it is only open for day tours, and the number of visitors is limited to help preserve its natural beauty. If you need to spend the night, there are inexpensive beach resorts, hostels, and homestays in Mahinog and nearby towns.

The fastest way to travel to the island is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City. From the CDO airport, you can take a shuttle to Agora Bus Terminal, then board a bus to Balingoan Port, where you can take a boat to Benoni Wharf. At the Wharf, you can hire a tricycle or motorbike to take you to the Mantigue Island departure area in Barangay San Roque, Mahinog.

Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao is fast becoming a favorite surfing destination for local and foreign enthusiasts, but for those who want to experience the more idyllic side of the province, they can book a boat tour that will take them island hopping for a whole day of enjoyment among small secluded sandbars. Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island are destinations for those who want to feel what it is like to live on a tiny remote island. Guyam is a small circular island with swaying coconut trees and beach huts, while Naked Island, as its name implies, is a bare beach with deep waters suited for scuba diving. Daku, which means ‘big’ in the local dialect, is large enough to be home to a small and friendly fishing community.

Traveling by air is the most efficient way to reach these islands. If you’re flying in from another country, you’ll need to fly into either Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or Davao International Airport. And then take another flight to Siargao (Sayak Airport), located in Barangay Del Carmen, about 45 minutes from General Luna, which is the favored home base of most tourists visiting the province. There, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options ranging from traditional resorts to chic boutique hotels and hostels. The town is also home to tourist booths where you can book island hopping packages that will take you to both Guyam, Daku and Naked Island.

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

The white sand and blue seawater of Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte has become a popular destination among local beach lovers who want to experience a quick getaway from urban life. If you like a peaceful beach environment, Calaguas is the ideal location to rest and unwind. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear water, explore the island, and connect with your friends, and you will enjoy the island’s uncomplicated pleasures. Scuba diving/snorkeling (bring your own equipment), island and beach hopping, sunrise/sunset viewing, swimming, and camping are some of the other activities available. You may also choose to trek the rolling hills of the nearby Tinaga Island.

To reach the island, Naga in Camarines Sur is the closest airport with regular commercial flights from Manila. From Naga, Daet is around two hours drive. Once in Daet, get on a public van bound for Paracale (entry point to Calaguas Island). The trip takes another two hours. After arriving, look for the fish port and rent a boat bound for Mahabang Buhangin.

Tents, huts, cabanas, and air-conditioned rooms are available at beachfront resorts in Calaguas. Alternatively, you can stay in resorts and hotels in Daet and other neighboring towns.

Travel safely!

The Tourism Department, which has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducts thorough inspection and assessment to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

To ensure safe travels to these beautiful beaches, the Tourism Department enhances its health and hygiene protocols, with tourism workers undergoing constant training and tourism establishments implementing standardized safeguards in their premises to protect their guests and employees.

Through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Philippine government is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines. To know the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines, visit https://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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