The Philippines is a country where island hopping is second nature — and pristine blue waters, sea life and remote beaches beckon visitors the world over. Want a little visual inspiration? Check out these jaw-dropping aerial photos from the Philippines captured by Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip and prepared to be wowed.
If your idea of fun includes tropical weather, turquoise blue waters, palm trees swaying in the wind on remote islands, and endless water activities at an affordable price … then the Philippines is calling your name. There are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, and many, like Boracay, El Nido and Palawan are frequently on lists boasting the best islands in the world.
10 Breathtaking Aerial Shots to Make You Want to Visit the Philippines
Apo Island aerial photo by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
I spent a couple of weeks traveling all over the Philippines. However, I only scratched the surface of this adventurous country. These are some of my favorite photos and places in this southeast Asian country, along with some suggestions on locations and lodging.
Downtown aerial photo of Manila by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
If you’re traveling to the Philippines, you’ll likely fly into Manila or Cebu. If you have a choice, I would pick Cebu. But if you do stay in Manila, I highly recommend the Sofitel. Oh, and the breakfast buffet is actually the best in the world that I’ve experienced.
Downtown aerial photo of Manila by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
Manila is a massive city with a lot of congestion and very heavy traffic. There are some fantastic things to do in the capital city, but for me, I preferred the slower pace of the islands.
Apo Island aerial photo by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
From Dumaguete you can take an outrigger boat to the small island of Apo, where you will find alcove beaches, blue waters and lots of sea life. This is a popular area for swimming with sea turtles. Apo Island Beach resort is also a nice place to have lunch while exploring the island.
Aerial photo of Atmosphere Resort by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
Not far from Dumaguete, along the southern shores of Negros Oriental, is a wonderful boutique resort nestled within a forest of palm trees, aptly named, Atmosphere. This hotel is not far from Apo Island, I believe about a 30-minute outrigger ride (depending on sea conditions). Atmosphere offers scuba, spa, a private beach and relaxing pool. They also have a wonderful on-site restaurant. If you happen to stay in Dumaguete, I would recommend the Hayahay Treehouse Bar for dinner.
Outrigger at sea in the Philippines by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
These outrigger boats as shown above are the most common way to get from island to island, at least the ones with shorter distance between them. Larger islands and longer distances would be served by ferries or aircraft.
Infinity Heights Resort on Siquijor Island in the Philippines by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
On the island of Siquijor, you’ll find this remote hilltop resort called Infinity Heights. On the other side of the island, Coco Grove Beach Resort is another good option when visiting Siquijor. While the accommodations are somewhat modest at Coco Grove, the grounds are fantastic. Don’t miss the beach-side dining and entertainment. While on this rural island, a fun excursion is to hike down to Cambugahay Falls, where you’ll find a series of turquoise blue waterfalls and swimming holes. You’ll also want to check out the Lasi Church and Convent, a historic monument and oldest church on the island, built in the late 1800s.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort aerial photo by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip
Off the southern tip of Cebu is the tiny island of Sumilon, where you’ll find the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. Many people visit this resort to take a tour and swim with the giant whale sharks. They also offer snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking on a small pond.
Cebu City Shangri La Resort aerial photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip
In Cebu City, the Shangri La Resort is a spectacular property to unwind. They have some fantastic restaurants, beach activities and a top-notch spa, one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
Outriggers at the Shangri La Resort in Cebu City by: Mike Shubic @MikesRoadTrip.com
This last photo is looking down on a couple of outriggers and speed boats against the reef-covered turquoise blue waters. I hope these 10 photos from the Philippines have inspired some wanderlust. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Mike Shubic is an official Travelocity Gnational Gnomad. Gnational Gnomads is an exclusive group of high-profile travel and lifestyle experts who offer tips and inspiration on behalf of Travelocity. For more information on the Travelocity Gnational Gnomads, visit TravelocityGnomads.com.
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