6 Beautiful Geographic Wonders You Should See in the Philippines
The Philippines has some of the most awe-inspiring and magnificent natural wonders in the world—gifts of nature that anyone can visit anytime. This archipelagic nation is a traveler- and tourist-friendly country that has a lot to offer to visitors. It’s also very convenient that travellers can easily book cheap hotels in the Philippines while staying and sightseeing.
1.Chocolate Hills, Bohol
With more than 1,200 hills spread over 50 kilometres, the Chocolate Hills, located in Carmen, Bohol, are certainly something to behold. Often said to be reminiscent of a small child’s drawing, the uniformly shaped hills’ appearance has also been compared to that of giant mole hills and women’s breasts. It has even been likened to pieces of Hershey’s Kisses chocolate.
Covered in grass, the hills are a verdant green colour during the monsoon season but become chocolate brown during the dry season. Many people who see it in pictures can hardly believe that these hills are not man-made.
Legend has it that the hills were created when two giants threw mud at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they became friends and left the island, leaving behind the mess they made in the form of large clumps of mud. Geologists theorise that the hills are actually weathered formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay.
2.Mayon Volcano, Albay
Renowned for its near-perfect, symmetrical cone shape, Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano in the Philippine province of Albay. Locals also call it Daragang Magayon, ‘beautiful lady’ in the Bicolano language, referring to the name of the heroine in a legend about how the volcano came into existence. Reclassified as a national park in 2000, the volcano and its surrounding landscape has been renamed Mayon Volcano Natural Park.
Though very beautiful and full of flora and fauna, Mayon Volcano is a very temperamental volcano. Mayon is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and has erupted more than 50 times since the year 1616. Its last eruption was in 2014, so when visiting, it’s best to stay alert and be prepared.
3.Mount Pulag, Luzon
The highest mountain in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Pulag is famous for being a mountaineering favorite. Travelers from all over the world hike to its peak to see a majestic sea of clouds and to witness a heavenly sunrise. The Milky Way Galaxy is visible from the peak at dawn as well.
A protected landscape that is home to hundreds of rare plant and animal species, the mountain is also considered sacred by the indigenous people that reside in its vicinity. The Ibaloi people of Benguet, for example, bury their mummified dead in caverns in the mountain.
Originally named Pulog, meaning ‘bare due to growth of low grasses and shrubs on its slopes,’ Mt. Pulag offers a trail that allows visitors to see one of the most otherworldly view in the Philippines!
4.Tubbataha Reefs, Sulu Sea
Full of vibrant colors, striking undersea terrain and amazing biodiversity, the Tubbataha Reefs is an underwater treasure. Recognized as one of the most spectacular coral reefs on earth, the Tubbataha is comparable to a marine city under the sea.
Because it is isolated in the middle of the Sulu Sea in southwestern Philippines, Tubbataha Reefs can only be reached via a live-aboard boat. Once you get there though, you can enjoy diving and experience the stunning beauty of the reefs while encountering large marine animals like turtles, sharks and manta rays.
5.Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan
Often touted as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake has enchanting, crystal-clear blue waters. Located in Coron, Palawan, visitors must pay an entrance fee and pass through a small cave to gain access to the lake. Upon exiting the cave, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking view of the lake.
Kayangan Lake is sacred to the indigenous Tagbanua people of Calamianes, as it is believed that many spirits dwelled in the lake. It’s said that a meticulous ritual was done to transfer the spirits from Kayangan to the biggest lake, Cabugao, before the Kayangan Lake was opened to general public.
6.Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Puerto Princesa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Underground River is the pride of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The beautiful flowing water and large, fascinating rock formations leave visitors speechless.
This 8.2 kilometer river goes through an underground cave beneath the Saint Paul Mountain Ranges, flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea. The area where the river is located is also a protected national park and a model for biodiversity conservation, with hundreds of species calling the park home.
The thought of how these wonders came to be always amazes visitors. These were formed without the help of human hands or the use of technology, but we can all agree that these astonishing natural treasures of the Philippines should be protected and are truly worth the visit!
Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by our guest writer Tina, as always all opinions are our own
