HOT SPOTS: 2007’s favorite destinations

Whether you’re a beach bum, a food connoisseur, a culture seeker or an adventure freak, the Philippines has everything that you’re looking for in a tourist destination. And each spot has something unique to offer.

The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) recently reported that the country continues to be a favorite tourist destination among Asians and a growing number of visitors are from the U.S. and Europe. According to their data, from January to November 2007, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) registered a total of 4,863,221 foreign arrivals, with Americans topping the list followed by the Koreans, Japanese, Chinese and the British.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DoT) expects to exceed its 2007 target of three million in tourist arrivals.

Now, ever wondered where these tourists go?

Based on the statistics of the DoT and our survey, here are the top 10 favorite destinations of 2007.

1. CEBU is known for its narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains — all things typical of a tropical island paradise. It is one of the most developed provinces in the country with five-star hotels, casinos, white-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centers, and shopping malls to boot. The center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the central and southern parts of the archipelago, Cebu was also hailed by UK-based Conde Nast Travellers Magazine as one of the best island destinations in Asia Pacific.

2. LAGUNA is considered as one of those "common places" for its usual offerings. But its close proximity to Manila has made it a convenient destination for a quick weekend getaway. The resort town in Calamba offers clusters of resorts which tourists can rent at an affordable rate. Shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan Falls has long been a perennial favorite among locals and tourists. It still continues to draw huge crowds until today.

3. AKLAN is famous for two things: The Ati-Atihan Festival and the island of Boracay. The worldrenowned white beach is packed with tourists even during the rainy season. The annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo is held every January to pay homage to the Sto. Niño. It is a much-celebrated spectacle with visitors joining in the revelry that includes dancing and getting faces painted with black soot.

4. PALAWAN is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races. The province is a rich nature sanctuary with mantels of rainforest, dive site enclaves, majestic mountains, caves and pristine beaches. It also boasts of a diverse marine environment within its miles of sub-surface corals and reef walls. Coron Bay, located north of Palawan, is among the world’s most famous wreck diving destinations.

5. BATANGAS has its share of fine beaches and excellent dive spots. Some of the more notable ones are Anilao, Matabungkay, Calatagan and Laiya. The province is also home to the Taal Volcano with its water-filled crater sitting on an island in the center of Taal Lake.

6. BOHOL is home to some of the country’s surreal natural wonders: The luscious Chocolate Hills; the coral gardens of Panglao; and the Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate, which never fails to fascinate visitors.

7. DAVAO is among the most important cities in the country. In recent years, this sprawling urban metropolis has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub in Mindanao. The city boasts some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country including the Pearl Farm Resort.

8. IFUGAO, a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon, is located in the mountainous region characterized by rugged terrain, river valleys and massive forests. It is famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved from the mountains without the aid of machinery, the 2,000-year-old terraces, are a showcase of the Ifugao’s ingenuity and a testament to their hardwork.

9. ILOCOS NORTE is not only known as the land of tobacco but also where the best of culture and nature meet — the whitesand beaches of Pagudpud, sand dunes of Suba, old light houses and Spanish churches.

10. CAMARINES SUR is undoubtedly the hottest thing that happened in 2007. The province opened the first world-class watersports complex in Asia which has been drawing wakeboarders from around the world. CamSur likewise, has a lush environment ideal for adventure trips and stunningly beautiful beaches like Caramoan.

[ Matabungkay Beach Wiki ]