Places to Travel

Danjugan Island 1/37

Cauayan, Negros Occidental (Check available Flights and Hotels)

Yoshke Dimen and Vins Carlos of The Poor Traveler say

“Danjugan Island is a rainforest-covered island and rich marine sanctuary that can be reached after a 4-hour drive from Bacolod and a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Cauayan.

The island has five lagoons, two of which you can explore by kayak. Since it’s a protected area, fishing is not allowed here, allowing marine life to explode in full color. The best part is, you don’t need to be a scuba diver to enjoy it, you can simply do so by snorkeling. There you can see the bluest giant clams, humongous table corals, and all sorts of fish including juvenile black-tip sharks (if your timing is right).

Danjugan Island can accept only a handful of guests per day – this ensures that the island’s pristine conditions will remain so for a long time.”

Sundang Island 2/37

Lumot Mahipon Lake, Cavinti, Laguna (Check available Hotels)

JB and Renee Macatulad of Will Fly for Food say

“Have you ever fantasized about having your own private island? Well, you can with Sundang Island in Cavinti, Laguna. For as low as about P3,400 a night, you can rent this small island and house in the middle of a lake. The island in Lumot Mahipon Lake can be booked online, and it comes complete with boat transfers for groups as big as ten. Just hop into your car and make the 3-4 hour drive southeast of Manila to become king or queen of your very own island. Awesome!”

Bayugin Falls 3/37

Bulusan, Sorsogon (Check available Flights and Hotels)

Nina Fuentes of Just Wandering says

“Visitors in Bulusan flock to the Bulusan Volcano National Park, but not many make it to Bayugin Falls. It’s a small waterfall, but the water is very cold and refreshing, especially on a hot and humid day.

To get there, drive or take a tricycle up to Bgy. San Francisco. Admission fee is only 15 pesos per guest, vehicle parking costs 20 pesos, and cottages can be rented for 150 pesos. You can also get a guide, but there is no set amount for his fee. Once there, you need to take a short trek, and climb 278 steps down to reach the waterfalls.

You can swim and take countless selfies near or under the waterfalls, but there is also a bigger swimming area towards the other end where the water flow is not as strong. Make sure to bring some food and drinks with you, because there are no stores there!”