7 Last Minute Summer Vacations in the Philippines to Avoid Crowds

Contributed by Tina Relampagos

The best part about summer is that it gives us an excuse to go all out on a much deserved vacation. The worst part is that everyone else is thinking of the same thing. We’ve all been up in Subic and Baguio as kids, Boracay as we grew older, La Union for surfing, Tagaytay for weekend getaways, and Batangas for a quick beach photo op. 

But summer isn’t as satisfying until we have a quiet, all to ourselves, quality-time type of vacation, right? The kind that gives a refreshing and rejuvenating feeling. No loud music at night, no noisy drinking crowd in the middle of the day – a No-to-Crowd Summer Vacation. Don’t worry, you can still hack it! Yes summer is almost over but there’s no harm in extending it a bit just for you, right? Here are our seven (7) all about you type of vacation that even we can’t wait to go to.

1. Palaui Island

Untouched white beach is something Palaui Island is known for. Located in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the island is best for snorkling, hiking to Cape Engano and simply relaxing at the beach. Here, you can get up close and personal with nature because there are no accommodations. Yes, you read that right, no Agoda or Booking.com to help you here. And yes again, it can be a good thing. Just bring your own tent and food for your overnight stay. If you have doubts about your resiliency in camping, you can take a trip back to port and town.

For more information about how to get to Palaui Island, check out this entry from The Pinoy Solo Backpacker.

Source of images (counter clockwise from top left): 2.bp.blogspot.com, islandsofthephilippines.com, wikimedia.org, outoftownblog.com

2. Siquijor

White sand coastline of up to 102 km is one of many reasons to take a trip to Siquijor. Mystics and supernatural aside, Siquijor boasts several picturesque and awe-inspiring beaches like Salagdoong Beach and San Juan Beaches. If you have the time, take a trip further into the island to get to the more hidden Kagusan Beach. If this beach doesn’t inspire you to become a poet, nothing will. If you bring your family or friends with you and are looking for other things to do, there are several caves, waterfalls and the Bandilaan Natural Park to visit.

The Wandering Juan has a helpful itinerary you can consider. 

Source of images (counter clockwise from top left): beyondcebu.com, 1.bp.blogspot.com, rappler.com, islanders-paradise-beach.com

3. Dahican Beach

For a beach that’s untouched by commercialism, go to Dahican Beach in Davao Oriental. The spacious shoreline is perfect for lounging for some sunshine and the sea is ideal for skimming and surfing. Who knew there are other places aside from La Union and Baler to surf, right? There is one humble accommodation in the beach but if you’re brave enough for a tent, ask around for the Amihan boys who can help you with it as well as with your skimming or surfing and even island hopping.

To get to Dahican beach read through The Lost Kids blog. 

Source of images (counter clockwise from top left): pinoypresyo.com, ironwulf.net, 3.bp.blogspot.com, interaksyon.com

4. Tubbataha

That’s right, we’re putting this in. Why? Because it’s the diver’s dream! Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park offers clear waters of up to 100 feet and abundance of underwater wildlife that will make you reconnect with mother nature – sea turtles, manta rays, tuna, tropical marine fish, corals and… sharks. They have white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, tiger, whale shark and more! If you dive, I’m sure your excitement made you scream a little inside. Uncharted Philippines offers one of the best liveaboard trip to Tubattaha, because no, you can’t just fly there for a day trip. It is a group trip but it’s a group of people you’ll share an 82-foot three level steel yacht with. As UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park will be the best diving trip you will e-v-e-r have in your life.

To know more about Tubbataha Liveaboard Dive Trip, check out Uncharted Philippines. Invite your dive buddies with personalized greeting cards and Uncharted Philippines gift certificates. Make sure to get the latest and best in diving gear from MARES Philippines. 

Source of Images: Uncharted Philippines

5. Apo Reef

For a not so intense diving expedition, I suggest Apo Reef. Apo Reef is an island off the coast of Occidental Mindoro. Here, the waters are so clear that you can see all the underwater beauty by just snorkling. Not only that, there’s a mangrove forest that you can explore, lighthouse that offers the best view of the island and its shores, white sand beach and clear skies for stargazing at night. Tent is the only way you can stay over and I recommend that you do. You can coordinate with Occidental Mindoro’s tourism office about it.

Lakwatsero.com has a helpful guide on how to get to Apo Reef. Don't forget to get your swimming fashion on for that inevitable selfies. Check out I Love Koi for the latest in swimwear. 

Source of Images (counter clockwise from top left): Tina Relampagos, sea turtles - divecal.com

6. Aruga by Rockwell

Of course we didn’t forget about those who just want a convenient yet relaxing summer vacation. For you, we recommend Aruga by Rockwell. Exclusively luxurious is how we love to describe it because no one delivers it best like Aruga. It is ideal for families with children, letting them enjoy their pool while you lounge or with your best friends for some indoor catching up over drinks, pizza and TV.

Aruga by Rockwell is located in Makati and you can share your staycation with friends and family with Aruga by Rockwell gift certificates at Gifted.PH.

Source of Images (counter clockwise from top left): lovealwayssummer.com, tripadvisor.com, arugabyrockwell.com, q-ec.bstatic.com

7. Airbnb

Another quick staycation trick I like to do is to book a place at Airbnb at in-city destinations that brings out your “might be nice to live there” thought bubble. Like somewhere in Greenbelt area if you’re shopping with friends, somewhere in Burgos Circle if you’re having looots of drinks tonight, in Azure for that not so far beach vibe, or a bungalow type of place in Tagaytay for a homey feel. Airbnb has an abundance of accommodations for you and for things you’re looking for – if you’re bringing your pet, if you prefer heated shower, or having cable TV and so on.

Book at Airbnb and find your ideal staycation destination today!

Source of images: businesstech.co.za, Airbnb accommodations in BGC, Makati and Tagaytay

There are a lot more to discover in this precious country of ours and to know more about them, check out Best of the Best Philippines by Eastgate Publishing. This coffee table book does not only feature our country’s best tourist destinations, they even have an itinerary ready for you. It is just a matter of getting you off the couch. For more summer fun with your friends and family, check these summer ideas from Gifted.PH!