2016 Travel Bucketlist: The Philippines

Whether you are into scuba diving, hiking or enjoying pristine beaches, the Philippines has a lot in store for travelers and backpackers around the globe. This beautiful island country will make a great addition to your 2016 travel bucketlist.

Foreign travelers flocked to the stunning shores of this tropical country are always a welcoming sight. Travelers revel in the warm climate and the feel of the soft and powdery sands on their feet.

Tourists arrive on the islands to experience the land of warm water beaches, rugged coastlines that you can have to yourself. See smouldering volcanoes, intricate cave systems and undiscovered backpacker trails.

The people of the Philippines are predominantly of Malay ancestry. You will also find a small sprinkling of Chinese, Spanish, American and Arabic language and heritage amongst the citizens of the islands.

2016 Travel Bucketlist : The Philippines

Visitors to the islands are welcomed by the genuine vibe of the Filipino people. Below is the list that will make you want to update your 2016 travel bucketlist pronto.

The Best Philippines Beaches

This country has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.The Philippines is the home for some of the award-winning islands and beaches in the world. They have white, beige, golden, black and pink sand beaches that will surely satisfy your wanderlust.

Philippines Beach Videos

View these videos showcasing some of the amazing beaches, coves and coastal areas to be found across the shores of the Philippines.

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The breathtaking Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan (photo credit: gesttoutopia.blogspot.com)
The breathtaking Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan (photo credit: gesttoutopia.blogspot.com)

Hiking in the Philippines

For adventure-seekers, the Philippines offers moderate to extreme hiking destinations. The Philippines are the second largest island archipelago on the planet. There are more than 7,000 individual islands.

Most of these islands in the Philippines are small and uninhabited. However the larger islands feature mountains, even volcanoes and deserted lowlands. The Philippines largest island, Luzon, has several exceptional hiking areas.

Philippines Hiking Videos

Check out these videos showcasing some of the exotic hiking and treking areas to be found across the islands of the Philippines.

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Other islands also attract many eager hikers. Hiking trails in the Philippines vary from beginner to expert. Many hiking trails can even be completed in a day. Hiking across the rugged terrain overnight is also high in demand and night time backpacking trips are also popular.

The treacherous peak of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, considered as one of the most challenging mountain trails in the Philippines. (photo credit: tripsiders.com)
The treacherous peak of Mt. Guiting-Guiting, considered as one of the most challenging mountain trails in the Philippines. (photo credit: tripsiders.com)

Diving in the Philippines

The waters have a rich and diverse marine life. They are perfect for free divers and scuba divers as well as snorkelers.

With 36,289 km of coast, the islands in the Philippines are part of the “coral triangle.” An area of ocean that is home to more marine species than anywhere else on the planet. Over 2200 individual types of fish live here within the coral triangle.

Diving in the Philippines is normal possible all year round save for periods of volatile weather, the Philippine islands do experience Typhoons. Water temperatures are always warm at 27 to 31 oC. The hottest months in the islands are in April, May and June. Here day time temperatures can exceed over 32 oC.

Philippines Diving Videos

Check out these videos showcasing some of the amazing diving spots and scuba areas to be found across the shores of the Philippines.

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Christmas, Chinese New Year and Easter are particularly busy times of year in the islands. The best time to dive and explore the waters around the Philippines is probably between the months of December and April.

During these months the wind changes from NE to SW for the monsoon season of June, July, August and September. This in turn opens up some dive spots that are not so accessible for diving in the drier months of the year. It is also quieter at this time with less tourism and activity..

A diver exploring a Japanese shipwreck in the underwater of Coron Bay. (photo credit: twoseasonsresorts.com)
A diver exploring a Japanese shipwreck in the underwater of Coron Bay. (photo credit: twoseasonsresorts.com)

The Countryside of the Philippines

The Philippines is not just well-known for its tropical beaches; their countryside is also worth checking out. Visitors can go for scenic hikes in rice terraces. They can try out some of their vegan restaurants with a stunning view. Plus, a steaming cup of organic coffee is best enjoyed in a chilly weather.

Batad Rice Terraces
Batad Rice Terraces

UNESCO World Heritage

The Philippines has a great number of places that are listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Strolling through the streets of Vigan in Ilocus Sur is like being transported back into the past centuries.

Travelers can also marvel at the picturesque landscapes in Batanes, an archipelago province.

The stunning landscapes in Batanes (photo credit: philtravelsites.blogspot)
The stunning landscapes in Batanes (photo credit: philtravelsites.blogspot)

Whatever the purpose of your trip to the Philippines islands, be it diving, hiking or exploring the countryside and culture. Visitors can be sure of a unique travel experience like no other.