The travel bug has been constantly bugging me to fly out and here’s a list of the places I’d like to go to after the pandemic

Summer 2020 has passed with us safely quarantining at home but I’m pretty sure all of us have been day dreaming of a more exciting summer around the beautiful islands of the country. In all my Zoom hangouts with my friends, I never fail to say “Tara na, let’s go to the beach” and immediately feel disappointed because the way it is going, we still don’t have a clear time in the future when we can go back to travelling. But in any situation I try to stay positive and just stick to daydreaming for now. These 5 local island destinations are the current places I imagine myself in when all this is over:

Mam-on Island, Siargao

The last trip I had before the lockdown started was in Siargao. Aside from the vibe of the place that everyone loves, It’s also great to do some island hopping and one of the places I swear by is Mam-on Island. Apart from the common three-island tours, there are some tours that go exclusively to Mam-on Island. I opted to go with Galatea Siargao because they had their own exclusive hut to hang out in. The island had pure white sand and turquoise waters that already had corals a few feet away from the shore. The best part about it is that you’re the only tourists staying in the island for a whole afternoon. Check out @galateasiargao before you fly out as slots easily run out!

Black Island, Coron, Palawan

Probably my favorite island in the Philippines, Black island in Coron, Palawan is named after the dark facade of the massive rock formation that centers the island. It is not part of the lettered tours around town but staying with Casa Fidelis made it easier to avoid the tourist crowds and even explore other islands around Coron. Aside from the beautiful shoreline and a massive rock on the water where you can climb and jump off from, there is massive cave at the center of the island that had clear pools to swim in! If you’re planning to head out to Coron make sure to visit Black Island with @casafidelis.

Danao Adventure Park, Bohol

I have been to Bohol quite a few times and obviously it has some of the best beaches in the country but what I found unique about Bohol is Danao Adventure Park. Adventure seemed such an underwhelming word when you actually participate with the extreme activities that the park offers. The most extreme one would be the plunge where they drop you in a gorge and swing from mountain to mountain for a good few minutes! If you’re down for a more extreme adventure after a day of chilling at the beach Danao Adventure Park is the best place for you.

Batanes

I have never been to Batanes before but I have only heard the best things from friends about this untouched paradise. Some even compared it to the rolling hills of New Zealand! Probably a tropical version of Salzburg where they shot The Sound of Music? Aside from nature I’m pretty excited to check out and stay in stone houses as well as try the different local delicacies like the Payi, which is Batanes’ local version of lobster

Siquijor

This is another place I haven’t been to but has been on my list for the longest time. You can probably figure out by now that i’m a lover of beaches so Siquijor comes to no surprise but aside from the islands I’m also interested in Siquijor’s lore and history with witchcraft. From curses to love potions it’s interesting to witness the mysticism of the place first hand and it doesn’t hurt that it has beautiful beaches and waterfalls too!