Philippines had been known lately for the killing several priests including an Italian and all other banditry works and kidnappings which are the handiwork of Abu Sayyaf somewhere in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula. But these are just isolated cases, so to speak, as this terror threat is only in Southern Philippines, particularly in areas dominated by the Muslims. In fact, in the greater Philippines and even in Mindanao is very peaceful. People can roam around the streets even in wee hours of the morning.

But despite this bad publicity, the country is still a beautiful place to live and vacationers from all over the globe are most welcome to wander in Boracay Island, an island which already became a haven for Americans for the past 10 years, and all other tourist destinations for foreign visitors.

Here are top 5 destinations in the Philippines you should never miss when you are vacationing in this very beautiful country. 

1. Boracay Island - This beautiful Island in Western Visayas, Philippines is now among the top destinations of vacationers and travelers all over the globe. Boracay is a tropical island 200 miles south of Manila. The island can be reached by air travel, land and sea according to your preference. Thousands of tourists, mostly Americans, visit Boracay and enjoy soaking the pristine waters in the beaches and white sands. 

2. Camiguin Island – Another good destination in the Philippines particularly in the northern part of Mindanao. Many foreign travelers have already visited Camiguin and amazed by the hidden wonders of this island province. Sadly, in recent years a German explorer who conducted expedition in Camiguin to scale how deep is the waters in the island had never came back. But reports were gathered from his team that they’ve been to many diving expeditions. It was only in Camiguin Island that he was not lucky. 

3. Bukidnon – This landlocked province is the home of the worldly-known Del Monte Pineapple Company. Hectares of pineapple plantation can be found in Bukidnon which is only an hour bus ride from Cagayan de Oro as point of origin. The sweet pineapple harvested in Bukidnon will be then brought to Cagayan de Oro City, where Del Monte’s plant is located, for canned processing. Bukidnon is an agricultural province and its stable rice and corn production is supplying the entire of Mindanao. Among the liveliest celebration in Bukidnon is the Kaamulan Festival during February to March every year. Kaamulan which means gathering of natives is also visited by lots of foreign tourists and tralvelers. Natives of Bukidnon wear their native dresses in dance in the streets during streetdancing competition after which a ritual will also follow. Kaamulan is celebrated every year by the provincial government to honor the presence of the remaining natives as well to promote the potential tourism of the province. 

4. Baguio – Baguio City which is also named as the summer capital of the Philippines is another cool destination in the country for travel savvy people as well travelers and vacationers. In Baguio you will experience the zigzag road designed by the Americans during World War II. Places of interest in Baguio include the Burnham Park as the center piece of the city. It has a rectangular lagoon and open areas for recreation. You can also visit Camp John Hay, former barrack of the Americans but is now re-develop in to a commercial area. On top of the hill of Baguio also lies the Baguio Cathedral, a historical site in Baguio, the Baguio Garden or the Igorot Village, the Orchidarium which is house of hundreds of orchids, the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary is a lovely site to visit if you love nature’s beauty. 

5. Banaue – If you have not yet visited the eight wonder of the world – the Banaue Rice Terraces – it still remains to be as beautiful as the Ifugao natives who made it according to their gods. UNESCO declared Banaue Rice Terraces as world’s heritage site. The Banaue Rice Terraces stretched up to an altitude of 4920 feet, only made through the skillful hands of the Ifugao natives. But lately the rice terraces have been threatened by erosions as many natives have migrated from nearby cities to look for greener pasture.