What are the 2 Most Scenic Tourist Spots in the Philippines?

In October 2021, it topped the charts of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Islands: Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 in Asia. Siargao is home to the famous Cloud 9 Surf Break, where surfers from all over the globe flock to enjoy the mighty Pacific Ocean waves. Off the coast of the municipality of General Luna is the majestic Mam-on Island, an idyllic refuge with the finest white sands and the clearest, bluest waters, as well as the captivating Daku, Guyam and Naked Islands that evoke a laidback vibe. Corregidor Island, on the other hand, boasts beautiful coves, palm tree-covered hills and beautiful beaches well-loved by its adventure-seeking guests.

Tourism in Siargao started to flourish years before the pandemic and during this time, several resorts, restaurants and small businesses have blossomed there. However, just like the rest of the world, the restrictions brought about by the pandemic made a major impact on the island’s tourism dependent economy. “This pandemic came as a surprise and drastically affected the lives of both the locals and foreigners who have found home in the island. However, amidst the confusion and anxiety, the Siargaonons did not flinch in their resiliency and perseverance. The pandemic stimulated the people’s drive to help those who are in need,” says Nelia Arina, regional director of the Department of Tourism in Caraga.

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With the strict implementation of health protocols, Siargao has started reopening gradually. “People, especially the tourism industry workers, see a ray of sunlight as tourists start to flock the island. The local economy is slowly picking up and the tourism related establishments are now keeping their businesses afloat,” she adds, her voice full of hope. In this time of uncertainty, the tranquil island of Siargao still beckons.

Known for its majestic towering limestone cliffs, spectacular marine life and unspoilt
beaches, El Nido is a gem to behold, meriting its consistent inclusion in some of the most prestigious travel lists including the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World by Condé Nast Traveler.

This year, one of its famous beaches, the secluded Nacpan Beach, ranked 18th among the most beautiful in the world by Trip Advisor. Bordered by the West Philippine Sea, Linapacan Strait and the Sulu Sea, it is part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, the largest marine sanctuary in the entire Philippines covering an area of more than 900sqm.

Besides its stunning landscapes and seascapes, El Nido also has a natural history with national significance and several archaeological sites that tell the life of the early inhabitants in the region. 

Read more: Why You Should Visit San Vicente, Palawan on Your Next Travel

While the pandemic has been a challenge for the tourism-centric town, the native Tagbanwas and Cuyonons as well as the migrant settlers found rays of hope in agri-tourism. The community also used this lull time to put in place mitigating measures to tourism’s impact on the environment.

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This story was originally published on Tatler Philippines' November 2021 issue. Download it on Magzter for free.