Hi guys! It has been a while. I faced 2017 with a lot of things on my plate and was not able to spare some time to write. But since I miss traveling but cannot afford to do such as of the moment, I will just feed my wanderlust by writing this post.

I was contemplating on what itinerary to share next, when I thought of this idea of coming up with a list, ranking the places I  have been in the past two years that I would recommend best or go back to for some quiet time. So here it is!

Rank 5: Cagbalete Island, Quezon

In the past two years, beautiful islands in Quezon province became a hit to Manileños for their weekend getaways. Not so long ago I joined the hype and checked out the wonderful Cagbalete Island.

How to get there: There are trips straight to Mauban town via Jac Liner at 4am and 11am daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal and look for buses to Mauban port. From there, you can catch a ferry to Cagbalete Island. Trips are at 10am and 4pm only.

Island is not crowded. We were the only ones booked when we got there. Electricity in the island is only available from 6pm to 6am only. So you will become real beach bums finding ways to kill time probably with beach volleyball, drinking sessions by the beach, maybe by swimming in knee high waters or by lounging at the shore trying to forget the problems you left at home.

There are quite a few decent resorts you can find online. Huts and cottages ranges from 3k-5k depending on size. I suggest try non aircon huts for experience as it is not that humid at night.

Key points: Accessibility, exclusivity, ambiance

Rank 4: Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

I recently posted a full travelog about my Sorsogon trip and for those who read it, you would know why this is part of my list.

How to get there: 12 hour bus rides to Matnog are available at DLTB which departs 3pm daily. Alternatively you can take Legazpi, via land or air, and take a van to Sorsogon City. From there, get ready for a long jeepney ride to Matnog proper where you can rent boats for Calintaan island.

With its unspoiled pinky white sand beaches, one would not mind the excruciating land travel to this paradise. Island has electricity and good network signal so that is a plus for peeps who cannot leave their city lives 100%. Accommodations are fairly cheap but comfortable. Cold breeze at night would not require air conditioning for their nipa tree houses.

While basking on the beach until the sun sets would be my activity of choice, guests can also try island hopping which would take less than 2 hours. There are not much action available in this island but it is the main reason I am recommending this to people trying to find a place to lay-low for a while.

Key points: Electricity and network availability

Rank 3: Coco Grove, Siquijor

 Siquijor became popular to tourists just recently. Myths about witchcraft in the province repulsed travelers for the longest time. My experience at Coco Grove proved to me it is indeed a mystical place, not because of existence of magic but because of its pristine beauty.

How to get there: From Dumaguete, you can catch a 1hr ferry ride to the island. Coco Grove offers shuttle service from the port to the resort.

There are a number of resorts you can choose from in Siquijor, specifically in San Juan town. Coco Grove is quite expensive compared to my usual accommodation limit but certainly, it was worth it. Rooms are amazing and really pleasant. Food is quite pricey but sumptuous. A band will even serenade you while dining. The place is huge with 2 pool areas, 2 restaurants, souvenir shop and a spa. Splurging can be a reward sometimes.

Ambience is great and truly perfect for a time off from the fuzz of our everyday lives. You can either wait for the sunset at the beach, relax by the pool or treat yourself at the spa. Given a chance, I’d go back to this magical place and stay there for an entire week! For adrenaline junkies, you can explore the rest of Siquijor and be amazed by its beauty.

Key points: High end accommodation, comfort and pleasure

Rank 2: Bantayan Island, Cebu

When I traveled to Cebu and Bohol, I wanted some peace and quiet in my itinerary, thus I looked into Bantayan as my last destination. While looking for a resort, I opted not to join the crowd in Sta Fe and found a less crowded resort in Bantayan proper. Goal achieved!

How to get there: From Cebu proper, take a bus to Hagnaya port at North terminal. From the port, catch a fast craft to Sta Fe port.

Although many travel guides online would suggest exploring Bantayan via habal habal, you can opt enjoy its astonishing beauty by lounging at the beach listening to the calming sound of the ocean. Electricity and network signal is working fine here. Resorts have restaurants too so you would not really need to step out and continue indulging the peace and quiet offered by this tourist destination.

Bantayan sunrise is one of the best I have seen. Reminded me that the present day is a chance for us to get better. This is so true to this island being blessed to survive and rise again after typhoon Yolanda.

Key points: Exclusivity, accessibility and resource availability

Rank 1: Calaguas Island, Cam Norte

For the past years, Calaguas packages are being offered by travel agencies all year round. And when I visited the island, I learned why it is appealing to travel bugs like me.

How to get there: Take a bus to Daet from Manila, approximately 8-10hr travel. You can do this DIY but to cross out worries on arranging accommodation and travel from bus station to the port and finally a boat ride to the island, I suggest book packages online. Choose those with full board meals to fully experience the island.

Island has no electricity. They have generators which they open around 6pm but for camp masters to use. You can use your charm if you want to recharge your battery packs. Its white sand beach is truly inviting even if it is scorching hot. Time moves slow in the island, you can stroll along the beach back and forth and still have enough time to loll at the shore and swim.

We booked a package which includes buffet full board meals and drinks. We were lucky they have open bar at night too. The camp masters would just call us in our cottages or tents when food is ready. Talk about real vacation here!

There are two hills at both sides of the beach you can opt to hike as well to kill time. That particular hill in the picture above shows the view of the island. If you’re lucky, you might catch network signal here, which I don’t really need. 😊 I ranked this as my beach of choice for soul searching because literally time moves slow in this island which is a plus for lazy travelers like me. And for active tourists, there are readily available activities around the island to keep them busy.

Key points: No electricity and network signal. Full island experience.

I hope this post can help those planning to escape the buzz of city life for a while. 😊 Thank you for reading!