2017 Long Weekends - A Travel Guide
2016 had very few long weekends since most of the Philippine holidays fell on a Saturday or Sunday. This 2017 looks more promising though with at least nine confirmed long weekends for the year. This means more opportunities of travel and discoveries.
It's never too early to plan ahead and book a flight. Just make sure to fully enjoy and make the most out of these long weekends. Here's my personal travel guide for the upcoming long weekends of 2017.
April 13-16: Holy Week
For Catholics, Holy Week is an important period of repentance and recollection. With the 4-day holiday break, try a Visita Iglesia in Cebu and visit one of the city's oldest and most renowned churches: the Basilica Del Sto. Nino. One may also take a short pilgrimage to the Birhen ng Simala and offer intentions to the miraculous statue. On Easter Sunday, cap off the trip with a swim at the beautiful Bantayan island or try the famous canyoning activities that will trek Alegria to Kawasan falls.
May 1: Labor Day
Discover the many gems of Surigao del Sur during the Labor Day long weekend. Take a swim at the Enchanted river that captivates many locals and tourists alike. Visit the majestic Tinuy-an falls and take a shower under its mighty waters. Be amazed by the Laswitan lagoon as huge waves crash against the massive rock formations and form into waterfalls and pools. If there's extra time, try island hopping at the pristine Britania group of islands.
June 12: Independence Day
Try a more physically challenging travel with a trip to Bukidnon to trek the D2K trail. This trail will traverse Mt Dulang Dulang and Mt Kitanglad that will surely captivate one's nature loving hearts. Be mesmerized b the eerie beauty of the mossy forests and the serene views at the peaks. Ensure physical fitness, substantial trekking provisions and good weather conditions for this travel.
June 27: Eid'l Fitr
The final date for this holiday is yet to be confirmed. But here I am assuming (and hoping!) that it will fall on a Tuesday for a 4-day holiday break, long enough to visit the stunning islands of Coron, Palawan. Prepare to fall in love with Coron's famous Kayangan and Barracuda lakes and the nearby Twin lagoon. Go island hopping and explore the Dimakya and Calauit islands. Don't forget to scuba dive at Siete Pecados, one of Coron's famous diving spots
August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day
Davao is scheduled to begin its Kadayawan festivities on August 17, Thursday. Take advantage of the long break to see the festival's highlights such as the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (street dance competition) and the parade of festival floats which are held during the weekend. Go visit the nearby Samal Island and enjoy its white sand beaches and adventure resorts. Explore the city's famous nature destinations such as the Crocodile Park and Eden Nature Park and Resort. If there's more than enough time, visit the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden.
August 28: National Heroes Day
Experience the beauty of Baler, Aurora and its many tourist destinations. The municipality is a famous surfing site in the country. Learn or improve some surfing skills and challenge the strong waves of Sabang beach. Drop by the Dicasalarin Cove where one can visit the famous Baler lighthouse. Also, visit the Ditumabo falls which is locally known as the Mother Falls for its natural grandeur.
November 1: All Saints Day
Take a 5-day vacation during this holiday and visit the breathtaking islands of Batanes. This most sought after trip to the northernmost region of the country will be very well worth the long break. Be captivated by Batanes' well preserved stone houses and mesmerizing landscapes. Visit the famous Basco Lighthouse, run around the incredible Marlboro Hills and take a long walk in the Vulugan beach.
November 30: Bonifacio Day
Bohol is an island teeming with many natural wonders and tourist spots. Take a picture with the famous Chocolate Hills in the backdrop with a side trip to the Tarsier conservatory. Visit the Bohol Bee Farm and don't forget to try their delicious organic honey. Take a sumptuous lunch at the Loboc river where the river cruise will pause by serenading group of Loboc children. And despite the ruins from the previous earthquake, Baclayon church remains to be a beautiful tourist spot and a nostalgic remembrance of the Spanish era.
December 25: Christmas Day
Baguio is one of the best places to be during Christmas. With its cold weather being the closest we can get to winter, Baguio is filled with exciting activities for the holiday season. Visit the usual tourist spots such as the Bencab Museum and Burnham Park. Try a different Christmas adventure by climbing Mt Pulag, the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. Take a dip in the Asin Hot Springs and stop by the Bridal Veil waterfalls.
December 30: Rizal Day
The last holiday of the year is connected to 2018's New Year holiday. Take advantage of the season's celebrations and be in one of the most popular year-end destinations of the Philippines: Boracay. Dine out, have some drinks and party hard 'til dawn at the White Beach. Try out some activities off shore or cliff dive at Ariel's point. One may also enjoy a more peaceful vacation at the Puka Shell Beach. Explore other interesting places in Boracay such as the Diniwid Beach and Crystal Cove Island.
2017 is quite an exciting year. I hope to be able to set some plans for my long weekends with this travel guide. Let's do this!
It's never too early to plan ahead and book a flight. Just make sure to fully enjoy and make the most out of these long weekends. Here's my personal travel guide for the upcoming long weekends of 2017.
April 13-16: Holy Week
For Catholics, Holy Week is an important period of repentance and recollection. With the 4-day holiday break, try a Visita Iglesia in Cebu and visit one of the city's oldest and most renowned churches: the Basilica Del Sto. Nino. One may also take a short pilgrimage to the Birhen ng Simala and offer intentions to the miraculous statue. On Easter Sunday, cap off the trip with a swim at the beautiful Bantayan island or try the famous canyoning activities that will trek Alegria to Kawasan falls.
Canyoning's last stop at Kawasan Falls
May 1: Labor Day
Discover the many gems of Surigao del Sur during the Labor Day long weekend. Take a swim at the Enchanted river that captivates many locals and tourists alike. Visit the majestic Tinuy-an falls and take a shower under its mighty waters. Be amazed by the Laswitan lagoon as huge waves crash against the massive rock formations and form into waterfalls and pools. If there's extra time, try island hopping at the pristine Britania group of islands.
One of the many white sand islands of Britania
June 12: Independence Day
Try a more physically challenging travel with a trip to Bukidnon to trek the D2K trail. This trail will traverse Mt Dulang Dulang and Mt Kitanglad that will surely captivate one's nature loving hearts. Be mesmerized b the eerie beauty of the mossy forests and the serene views at the peaks. Ensure physical fitness, substantial trekking provisions and good weather conditions for this travel.
Climbing Mt. Dulang-Dulang's forest by Allain Zeus Go
The final date for this holiday is yet to be confirmed. But here I am assuming (and hoping!) that it will fall on a Tuesday for a 4-day holiday break, long enough to visit the stunning islands of Coron, Palawan. Prepare to fall in love with Coron's famous Kayangan and Barracuda lakes and the nearby Twin lagoon. Go island hopping and explore the Dimakya and Calauit islands. Don't forget to scuba dive at Siete Pecados, one of Coron's famous diving spots
August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day
Davao is scheduled to begin its Kadayawan festivities on August 17, Thursday. Take advantage of the long break to see the festival's highlights such as the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (street dance competition) and the parade of festival floats which are held during the weekend. Go visit the nearby Samal Island and enjoy its white sand beaches and adventure resorts. Explore the city's famous nature destinations such as the Crocodile Park and Eden Nature Park and Resort. If there's more than enough time, visit the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden.
August 28: National Heroes Day
Experience the beauty of Baler, Aurora and its many tourist destinations. The municipality is a famous surfing site in the country. Learn or improve some surfing skills and challenge the strong waves of Sabang beach. Drop by the Dicasalarin Cove where one can visit the famous Baler lighthouse. Also, visit the Ditumabo falls which is locally known as the Mother Falls for its natural grandeur.
November 1: All Saints Day
Take a 5-day vacation during this holiday and visit the breathtaking islands of Batanes. This most sought after trip to the northernmost region of the country will be very well worth the long break. Be captivated by Batanes' well preserved stone houses and mesmerizing landscapes. Visit the famous Basco Lighthouse, run around the incredible Marlboro Hills and take a long walk in the Vulugan beach.
November 30: Bonifacio Day
Bohol is an island teeming with many natural wonders and tourist spots. Take a picture with the famous Chocolate Hills in the backdrop with a side trip to the Tarsier conservatory. Visit the Bohol Bee Farm and don't forget to try their delicious organic honey. Take a sumptuous lunch at the Loboc river where the river cruise will pause by serenading group of Loboc children. And despite the ruins from the previous earthquake, Baclayon church remains to be a beautiful tourist spot and a nostalgic remembrance of the Spanish era.
Bohol's famous Chocolate hills
December 25: Christmas Day
Baguio is one of the best places to be during Christmas. With its cold weather being the closest we can get to winter, Baguio is filled with exciting activities for the holiday season. Visit the usual tourist spots such as the Bencab Museum and Burnham Park. Try a different Christmas adventure by climbing Mt Pulag, the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. Take a dip in the Asin Hot Springs and stop by the Bridal Veil waterfalls.
December 30: Rizal Day
The last holiday of the year is connected to 2018's New Year holiday. Take advantage of the season's celebrations and be in one of the most popular year-end destinations of the Philippines: Boracay. Dine out, have some drinks and party hard 'til dawn at the White Beach. Try out some activities off shore or cliff dive at Ariel's point. One may also enjoy a more peaceful vacation at the Puka Shell Beach. Explore other interesting places in Boracay such as the Diniwid Beach and Crystal Cove Island.
Having some fun in Boracay
2017 is quite an exciting year. I hope to be able to set some plans for my long weekends with this travel guide. Let's do this!
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