Some 48 hours or so is all it takes to see the whole Philippines in a single car trip. The whole thing—from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—seen in one adventurous sweep of a long driving escapade. And this is probably the longest, most daring car trip possible in the country.
The trip is from Ilocos in the north to Davao in the south—an exciting 1,364-mile drive or about 3,000 kilometers. Called the Philippine Tourism Highway (Maharlika Highway before), it is vivid with rustic life and color.
The trip starts in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. A short visit to Vigan, Ilocos Sur can be rewarding. Then proceed to Cagayan Valley. Along the coastal roads are patches of scenic beaches like Pagudpud and Patapat. There are caves to see in Penablanca but that could extend the trip too much. Maybe next time.
From Cagayan continue towards Manila, though a short stop over Salinas Salt Springs and Dalton Pass in Nueva Viscaya probably wouldn’t hurt. While at it, see Biak-na-Bato and Bustos Dam in passing Bulacan.
After Manila comes the Southern Tagalog region and the first sceneries would be those of Laguna’s towns of local arts, crafts, and sweets, and a crazy burgeoning of hot spring swimming pools everywhere.
Then old fashioned Quezon Province, and much later the Bicolandia, where a short rest in Legasapi City would afford a good view of the famous Mayon Volacano. Then, onwards the road leads to the port of Matnog, Sorsogon, the end tip of the Luzon road.
A ferry ride from the Matnog port takes the adventure to the Visayas, landing in Allen or San Isidro in Samar. There, a stop to view the landing site of General Douglas MacArthur in Palo is recommendable.
From there to the famous San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte. Then finally, Tacloban, where the night can be spent in comfortable inns.
Liloan, southern Leyte is the next stop the next morning, where another ferry ride takes the trip to Mindanao. Watch for welcoming dolphins during the ferry trip—one of its amusing features. After some two hours, the trip is continued on the roads of Surigao Del Norte.
Now, why not drop by Butuan City, a mere 7-mile (15 kilometers) deviation from the main route? By taking the Cagayan De Oro road, one cannot miss Butuan. From there, try to view Lake Mainit as you proceed to your last stop, Davao City.
The Automobile Association Phillipines (AAP) promotes this tourist route that takes visitors from tip to tip of the Philippine archipelago via land travel—in one sweep. No other land trip in the country can afford the eager tourist with a comprehensive survey of how diverse the Philippine Islands really are.
Puerto Princesa is a tropical island paradise ideal for honeymooners and families who want to spend some quality time together. There are several Puerto Princesa destinations that help strengthen family bonds or prepare newlyweds for their exciting life together. Even the busy businessman could go to a Puerto Princesa destination to relax and unwind.
Honda Bay has done a great deal in helping Puerto Princesa become the leader in ecotourism in the Phiippines. Honda Bay is a good Puerto Princesa destination because of its beautiful beaches. This Puerto Princesa destination stands out because of the seemingly endless stretch of fine white sand and clear, turquoise sea. There are actually several islets surrounding Honda Bay that are a considered a part of it but the ones most frequented are Snake Island and Bat Island. What makes Honda Bay a favorite Puerto Princesa destination is the fact that once here, there are a lot of activities that one can do and one is not just confined to admiring the natural wonder that it is. Island hopping is commonly done in Honda Bay to see the limestone caves and the bats inside. Swimming, diving and snorkeling are the other activities that one can do when in Honda Bay and for those who want to stay dry, a banana boat ride to see the surroundings is a good way to pass the time.
Another Puerto Princesa destination is the Calamian Group of Islands. Found in the northeast, there are many islets that make up the Calamian Group of Islands such as Coron and Busuanga. The beaches here amazing and one should wait until sunset when it becomes even more picturesque. This Puerto Princesa destination boasts of a thriving diving community and it does have several dive sites from World War II that one can take a look at. No need to worry though that one will miss out because one doesn't know how to dive, there are diving lessons offered at the Calamian Group of Islands with certified dive instructors. Busuanga which is one of the islands that make up this Puerto Princesa destination is considered the biggest island in Palawan and it is surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. There is also a very diverse marine life at the Calamian Group of Islands and the history of this place is just as vibrant. The inhabitants of Calamian Group of Islands are very friendly, welcoming guests with the warmest smile upon arriving at this Puerto Princesa destination.