Top 10 Places to Visit in The Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines starts this month! The wet season has passed, welcoming the beginning of dry season. In other words, the sun is out to play!
Here’s a list of 10 places you absolutely have to visit when you’re in the Philippines, cross them off as you go!
1. Palawan Island
Named the world’s best island three years in a row, Palawan definitely does not dissapoint. The sights and seas are absolutely breathtaking, and there’s so much to do! Some places to visit on the island itself would be
• El Nido – Across the sea, Bacuit Bay’s limestone islands loom in the horizon, just waiting to be discovered
• the Iwahig River – where you can canoe through a firefly show
• Calauit Island – witness a myriad of exotic and local animals up close and personal!
• Coron – go diving through six shipwrecks, for divers of all levels of experience
2. Cebu
The #1 most visited tourist destination in Philippines is filled with old Spanish-colonial heritages sites, beaches and waterfalls scattered throughout the province and nearby islands. You can also view the entire city from its lookout point, Tops Lookout.
3. Bohol
This island is famous for its heritage sites and natural attractions, including the iconic Chocolate Hills. Discover the adorable Tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, the beautiful beaches, diving sites, and even dolphins await you in Panglao Island!
4. Apo Island
If marine life is your thing, this is the place to be. Swim with the adorable sea turtles, over 650 species of fish and about 400 species of coral!
5. Siargao
If you’re looking for a quieter escape, Siargao is next to paradise, with its gorgeous white sand beaches and peaceful forests. The Sohoton National Park is not one to be missed with its exotic lagoons and rare non-sting jellyfish (which you can swim with!).
6. Banaue
The mind-boggling rice terraces around Banaue stand as one of Asia’s greatest sights, and offer superb trekking. This mountain village is also bursting with culture. Under threat from modernity, will this scenic wonder hang around long enough to be enjoyed by generations of future tourists? You need to go see it NOW.
7. Sagada
Blessed with natural splendor, Sagada is renowned for its caves and the HANGING COFFINS. Yes, you read that right. Sagada locals prefer to have coffins placed on cliffs rather than underground. This practice has been in existence for over 2000 years, they carve their own coffins in their old age before they die. Not forgetting the mysterious caves and breathtaking waterfalls, Saga is a must-see on your list!
8. Vigan
Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
9. Legazpi City
This city sits in the shadow of Mount Mayon, a 20 million year old active volcano that offers both wild adventure and captivating history.
10. Manila
Manila is one of remarkably few cities in Asia that looks out to the west over the sea.
It is also vibrant, and full of historical sites and entertainment venues, despite its overpopulation. If you’re in the Philippines, you’ve got to check out Manila at least once!
Are you heading to the Philippines for the SEA Games? Did you know that you can buy your Philippine Pesos with Merchantrade Money? And the rates are SO MUCH BETTER than your usual money changer.
What is Merchantrade Money?
Merchantrade Money Visa Prepaid Card is a Multi-Currency travel card that comes with an e-wallet that lets you store up to 20 currencies.
What you can use your Merchantrade Money card for?
- Shopping in Malls, Boutiques and anywhere Visa is accepted
- Pay for meals
- Link it to Grab, Uber or Ola to pay for your rides
- Book your stay and get cashback upto RM200 – Hotels, Airbnbs, Resorts
- Book your flights
- Online transactions on Indian e-commerce sites – Amazon India, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Jabong and more!
Why pay in Foreign Currency, instead of Home currency (Ringgit Malaysia) ?
Money Saving Tip: Always choose to pay in Foreign currency when spending abroad or making payments online on international sites.
Home currency is your own currency (MYR). Foreign currency is that of the country you are visiting (INR, USD, EURO, etc). Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is the process whereby the purchase amount is converted by a shop, restaurant, online store or an ATM to your Home currency at the point of sale. The store cashier will use their own exchange rate to convert to your home currency, resulting in a fee.
With Merchantrade Money you can lock-in great exchange rates on multiple foreign currencies and save when you make payments abroad or on international sites – No transaction fees, No hidden charges.
Why use Merchantrade Money?
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Store up to 20 currencies in ONE card
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Spend abroad with ZERO transaction fees
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Use at millions of Visa Merchants worldwide
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View daily exchange rates and lock it in via the app
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Not linked to your bank account
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Need cash? Use the card to make withdrawals at any Visa Plus ATM
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Manage your budgets on the go – check balance and view all recent transactions in real time
