Plan Your 2014 Travels Now

Heed your wanderlust and let this be your travel guide this year, depending on what month you’ll be available to travel

When to go: February-March

Batanes

What to do

If you want to experience the crisp, cold air of Batanes, travel during these months. The Naidi Hills Lighthouse is popular amongst couples and the green hills serve as a picturesque background for your leisurely walks.

Who to bring

A special someone or your big barkada, if they’re dying to unwind.

Budget

PAL Express offers direct flights that cost around P7000, round trip. Check PAL online for promos. For accommodation and tour packages, the more people you go with, the cheaper the rates. For two persons, expect accommodation and tours to cost around P7450. For seven to nine persons, rates go down to P5950.

Tip

Ask to see the House of Dakay, the oldest Ivatan house in Batanes—and say hello to the owner, Lola Ida!

When to go: April-June

Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

What to do

Snorkel and scuba dive to your heart’s delight! The beautiful underwater scenery provides a sense of respite during a heated summer.

Who to bring

Your diving buddies—or adventurous friends who are up for anything new

Budget

A trip to Tubbataha takes six days and five nights aboard a ship, costing around $1600 (approximately P69800). This includes air tickets to and from Puerto Princesa, accommodation, meals, three boat dives per day and one night dive, diving equipment, and airport transfers

Tip

Daunted by the price tag? Calculate how much a six-day, five-night stay would cost for a scuba trip elsewhere.

When to go: July-September

Corregidor

What to do

Soak up some culture at this small island just at the entrance of Manila Bay. Going into the ‘ber’ months, expect a cooler climate—just right for long walks around the World War II ruins, the 830-foot-long Malinta Tunnel.

Who to bring

Friends who are photography enthusiasts and history buffs

Budget

P3000 will be enough for hostel accommodations and a tour package. Going all in will cost you around P5500.

Tip

Travel to Corregidor involves a cruise, so bring medicine for sea sickness if you’re prone to that.

When to go: October-December

Siargao

What to do

Head to this teardrop-shaped island during the surfing season. Concentrate on catching that perfect wave. There’s an appeal to Siargao’s pristine surroundings; it’s still unencumbered by large commercial infrastructure

Who to bring

Your surfing buddies for sure! Ask friends who might be able to afford the trip and are in need of a break.

Budget

offers a package of hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, tours, and covers entrance fees plus shed rentals for P10995 per person. Additional tours range from P1575-6965.

Tip

Take a break and tour the small island. We love OND (October-November-December) because the weather is much more forgiving in terms of heat.