Summer season is finally here! 

IMAGINE yourself lying on white sand wearing your favorite beach outfit, basking under the sun while sipping a glass of cold coconut juice—this is the epitome of summer vacation anyone can ever dream of. 

But dream no more as you can experience all of these imagined scenes in your head by visiting some of the top pick summer destinations in the Philippines. 

Crowned as the leading beach destination in the world, the Philippines is gifted with numerous beaches and unique landscapes that can help you beat the heat during the summer season. 

Here are the top seven destinations you should include in your summer trip plan this summer: 

Batanes

Located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, Batanes is dubbed the ‘Home of the Winds’ due to its hilly topography and windy weather. 

Despite being the smallest and least populous province in the country, Batanes is home to many hidden gems that many people have yet to see and experience. 

At first glance, one may not see the province as a perfect destination for summer vacation. But a simple probe into its three biggest islands—Batan, Ibtayat, and Sabtang—will surely change your perception of Batanes. 

On the island of Sabtang, for instance, tourists will surely get mesmerized by the landscape of the well-known Morong Beach. 

The beach is packed with the whitest sands in the province and much calmer waves, making it safe for swimming and water skating. 

But what makes it even more attractive is the famous rocky arch located on its shore named the Nakabuang Arch. 

The rocky formation has become the icon of Sabtang and Batanes as a whole. It is considered the most photographed spot in the province. 

Surrounded by grass-carpeted small hills, tourists can freely walk and admire the refreshing winds of the place. If you are fond of walking, you can visit the Sabtang Lighthouse near the beach.

It is the only lighthouse on Sabtang, revealing the beautiful horizon and hilly landscapes of the island when you step on the top of its observation deck. 

Sabtang Lighthouse is just one of the famous three lighthouses in Batanes. The other two are the Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao and the Basco Lighthouse in Batan.  

The three lighthouses were originally part of the project of the national government under former Representative Butch Abad to serve as a guide for seafarers sailing the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea. 

Later on, they were turned into tourist spots. These lighthouses are made up of rubble stone to withstand the strong winds and heavy rains in Batanes. 

Baguio

When talking about summer staycation, the city of Baguio is definitely on the top of the mind for many tourists.

Known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines,’ the city is deemed unique and special due to its cold weather and serene ambiance—no wonder why it has served as a studying hub for students reviewing for board examinations and a romantic place for couples. 

At the heart of Baguio lies the famous Burnham Park, which offers a bunch of exciting activities for tourists. 

Tourists can go boating at the Burnham Lagoon. The boat is available for rent at an affordable price and is easy to operate so you can row it even without any assistance. It is best to ride a boat at sunset if you are with your special someone. 

You can also have a picnic and lay on the grass-carpeted ground of the park or visit some of its best spots, such as the Igorot Garden, Picnic Grove, Rose Garden, and Orchidarium. 

At night, a part of Harrison Road near Burnham Park turns into a lively night market, offering cheap yet well-crafted clothes and accessories. 

The night market also offers Filipino cuisines, including Filipino barbeques, kakanin, and tusok-tusok. 

A short walk from the park, Baguio’s very own Session Road will greet you with colorful buildings and numerous restaurants. One part of the road is also cordoned off every Sunday for a weekly chalk art event, where anyone could participate for free. 

A Baguio trip will not be complete without visiting one of the famous tourist attractions in the city—Camp John Hay. 

A former recreation facility for American soldiers, the place is a perfect spot to unwind and relax. Tourists will surely enjoy the cold breeze and relaxing smell of pine trees while walking along Camp John Hay. 

The place also offers various activities, including hiking on the Yellow Trail, thrilling rides in Treetop Adventure, and an eco-nature tour in Butterfly Sanctuary.

Camp John Hay is also perfect for staycation as numerous accommodation rooms are available at an affordable price. 

Baler 

Only a few kilometers away from Manila, Baler is considered one of the best tourist attractions in the province of Aurora. 

Last year, the municipality was officially declared the birthplace of Philippine surfing with the passage of RA 11957. 

It is believed that surfing began in the province in 1972 after a surfer named Steve Scott discovered the waves of Baler, which led to the creation of the oldest local surfing community in Aurora until today. 

The 1979 film ‘Apocalypse Now’ directed by Francis Coppola is also said to have influenced the surfing community in Baler. The film was shot in the little fishing town in Baler, where most of the locals witnessed some surfing scenes. 

Later on, they got inspired from these scenes and eventually learned surfing by themselves, leading to the emergence of the local surfing community in the province.  

Every year, the Aurora Surfing Cup is held to promote and help the surfing community in the province to grow. 

The declaration is not surprising as the place is home to many of the best surfing beaches in the world. One of them is the Sabang Beach. 

The beach is said to be the birthplace of surfing in Aurora, with its gray sand and crystal-clear waves. 

If you are planning to learn surfing during your summer vacation, going to this beach is a must, as many shops along its shore offer surfing training for both beginners and experienced surfers. 

Aside from Sabang Beach, tourists and passionate surfers can also visit Diguisit Beach, known for its white sand and unique rock formations. 

The beach houses the Aniao Islets, the two well-known small islands formed and shaped by constant strong waves slamming against them. 

But in terms of rock formations, nothing can beat the breathtaking landscape of Ampere Beach. 

Although the beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong waves, the unique rock formations surrounding the place are still worth the visit. 

Tourists can also create their own rock formations using the naturally shaped smooth pebbles, which can be found on the shore of Ampere Beach. 

La Union

If you think surfing in the waters of Baler is not enough for you, well, we’ve got another option for you: the Surfing Capital of the North, La Union.

Located in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon, La Union, commonly referred to as ‘Elyu,’ has been widely regarded as one of the best surfing areas in the world. 

Several films and publications praised and documented the trailblazing landscapes of the province, particularly its crystal-clear beaches with perfect waves. 

In the municipality of San Juan, one beach holding the reputation of having the country’s consistent waves is located—Urbiztondo Beach. 

Like Sabang Beach in Baler, this area in La Union is home to many aspiring and seasoned surfers across the world. 

A simple gaze at its surroundings will tell you why: the beach waves are perfectly consistent, and skateboards are accessible to anyone at a cheaper price. Surfing lessons are also being offered to tourists. 

It is best recommended to do and learn surfing at Urbiztondo Beach from October to April. 

Near the beach, various restaurants offering local, Asian, and Italian cuisines are located. Room accommodations are also available in this area. 

Tired of surfing and looking for something chill? Immuki Island in the Balaoan is the perfect place for that. 

The island is a treasure trove of different lagoons with crystal-clear waters and beautiful corals. The entire surrounding area is quiet and relaxing, a perfect escape from the crowded environment in Urbiztondo Beach. 

The waters from lagoons are so clear that tourists do not need to wear goggles to see the corals and fishes underneath. The place is indeed perfect for a serene swimming experience during summer.

Boracay

It is no secret that Boracay is recognized as the world’s leading beach destination. 

In fact, the Boracay island has been given various recognitions for years from different esteemed travel awards and magazines due to its breathtaking and one-of-a-kind geographical landscapes. 

Located in the province of Aklan, the island is known for its world-class white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. During the summer season, Boracay is undeniably the go-to beach of many tourists in the Philippines. 

Boracay is divided into three stations to help the visitors navigate the island. Station 1 is where most five-star hotels and resorts are located, making it less crowded than other stations on the island. 

This station is also home to Willy’s Rock, the island’s iconic landmark and the most visited site. Named after the resort in front of it, this volcanic formation is famous for its must-see grotto. 

Station 2 is often considered the ‘heart’ of the island as most activities and parties are held in this area. Cheap hotel and resort accommodations are also available here. 

If you are fond of meeting new people and partying at night, this station is definitely for you. 

Meanwhile, Station 3 is for those people who just want to relax and lie down on the beach sand, away from the noise of the crowd. 

Various beaches on the island are also worth the visit and exploration. 

For instance, Puka Shell Beach is a perfect alternative to the party-dominated beaches in Boracay. Tourists who seek to experience a serene and peaceful summer vacation should visit this area. 

If you are looking for something thrilling, Ariel’s Point is a perfect place for you. The place is suitable for kayaking, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and even diving. 

Tourists should also visit Crystal Cove to get the best island hopping experience in Boracay. 

The island is filled with mini caves and sturdy rock formations. 

Visit Bulabog Beach, located in Station 2, to see various windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions. Picnic dates are also recommended in this area. 

Coron

Palawan is almost synonymous with the word paradise due to its heavenly landscapes and abundant marine life. 

There is El Nido, famous for island hopping spots, and Puerto Princesa, known for its majestic underground river and lagoons. 

But aside from these two places in Palawan, one hidden paradise boasts its beauty at the northern tip of the province. 

Welcome to the ever-beautiful island of Coron. 

Once tourists set foot on this charming island, they will have a hard time leaving its heaven-like tourist spots. 

The double charm of Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake will make your jaw drop in awe. 

Kayangan Lake is considered one of the cleanest bodies of water in Asia, flaunting its clear turquoise waters and healthy marine habitat like no other. You can even almost see the bottom surface of the lake due to the extreme clearness of the waters. 

Entering the area requires tourists to ride a dock and do a short trek. Towering limestones will also greet them as they approach the lake. 

Kayangan Lake is perfect for diving and swimming activities and is the most visited spot in Coron. 

Meanwhile, the Barracuda Lake, located on the other side of Kayangan Lake, flaunts a different kind of beauty. 

Surrounded by breathtaking limestone formations, the bluish-green waters of the lake serve as a perfect diving spot for tourists where they can see barracuda fish skeletons on the bottom surface. 

While both the two lakes have enticing clear waters, the Barracuda Lake is unique as it is a thermocline lake. 

The temperature of the waters changes as you swim in different areas of the lake. 

If snorkeling and a beautiful sunset view are on your summer vacation bucket list, visiting Siete Pecados and North Cay Island is a must. 

Siete Pecados, or seven deadly sins in Spanish, is the best snorkeling and diving area in the entire Coron. Its beauty lies in its abundant and enticing coral reefs and one-of-a-kind sunset experience. 

The area is also home to various fishes, including angelfish, squids, and turtles, who will accompany you as you swim. 

A short journey from Siete Pecados, the North Cay Island in Busuanga is famous for overnight camping and snorkeling. 

Imagine watching a stunning sunset while the blue waters on the shore are massaging your feet. 

Indeed, the island is one way to experience a heaven-like moment in your life. 

Siargao 

Along with Baler and La Union, Siargao completes the holy trinity of the best surfing spots in the country. 

Located in the province of Surigao Del Norte, the island of Siargao is dubbed the ‘Surfing Capital of the Philippines.’ 

It is considered one of the top summer destinations for foreign travelers, next to the famous Boracay. 

Exploring the island often begins by visiting the well-known Cloud 9, the best surfing spot in Siargao. ‘

Here, you can see a group of both experienced and novice surfers enjoying the consistently big blue waves. Local and international surfing competitions are also held in Cloud 9 annually. 

It is recommended to visit this area between September to December for a better surfing experience. 

As the most commercialized space in Siargao, Cloud 9 is also home to many restaurants and bars that offer mouthwatering cuisines and fresh beverages.

If you want a peaceful swimming experience on the island, now is the time to visit the Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen. 

The lagoon is located in the middle of the mangrove forest, isolated from the bustling noise of Cloud 9. 

The crystal clear waters here provide tourists with a fantastic swimming experience and a place for relaxation. 

Tourists can also do paddling, kayaking, and dive-board jumping in the lagoon. 

Meanwhile, time is crucial when visiting the Magpupungko Rock Falls. This pool is only best enjoyed during low tide as it gets submerged by the water at high tide. 

Visit the place during the low tide season and experience the best cliff jumping experience of your life. 

Experience summer like never before

Whether you are looking for unique rock formations, white sand beaches, or just a serene environment to relax this summer season, the hundred islands of the Philippines have got it all for you. 

Visit the Philippines now and see for yourself the enchanting beauty it can offer. Make the best memories out of these beautiful beaches and islands in Baler, Boracay, Siargao, La Union, Baguio, and Batanes. 

For a better and hassle-free travel experience, download the Travel Philippines App, the one-tap travel guide for exploring the country.