58 - 5 Underrated Destinations In The Philippines To Visit

5 Underrated Destinations In The Philippines To Visit

When someone utters the name Philippines, we instantly imagine clear blue waters, beautiful white sand beaches, and those dreamy sunsets. There is no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
But with this blog, Travel Gooru brings you five underrated places that you need to visit the next time you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines.

Anda, Bohol- The untouched paradise

While Bohol remains the country’s top tourist destination, what you have been missing out on is the scenery and tranquility of the meandering seaside drive cannot be overstated.
Deep blue waters adorned with colorful bancas, fishermen casting their nets in the anticipation of a nice catch, can be seen to the right.
To the left, tiny attractive settlements are nestled between lush verdant hills and lime-green rice terraces. The drive itself is unique. Quinale Beach is a long expanse of beautiful white sand that meets the bright blue seas of the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s calm and pristine, and it’s mostly known only by locals. There are isolated coves and bays not far away from where you may rent a boat and go dolphin watching. Lamanoc Island provides a mystical and one-of-a-kind experience. A canoe will transport you across to the mythical island after a short walk on bridges through a mangrove forest.

Catandunes- Happy Island

With its windswept hills, rocky cliffs, and deep emerald oceans, the island province of Bicol, located east of Camarines Sur across the Maqueda Channel, is a great destination for nature enthusiasts. Binurong Point is a dramatic scenery of grassy stone slopes that plunge into the sea, reminiscent of a scene from Wuthering Heights.
The island’s perimeter is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, secret coves, and lagoons with crystal clear waters. Both Tuwad-Tuwadan Lagoon and Soboc Cove are worth visiting. Beautiful waterfalls like Solong Falls and Hicming Falls can be found further inland, nestled in the rainforest.

Zamboanga- The cultural pot

This underrated destination is quite unique for its richness in culture, history and tasty delights are some of the starting elements of this location. With the world-famous pink sand beaches, Zamboanga is also home to several indigenous tribes such as Balanguingui.
The local vernacular, Chavacano, is a combination of many languages and dialects that best represents Zamboanga’s Spanish past. It is reported to be 80 percent Spanish, with Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Portuguese, and Italian thrown in for good measure. Zamboanga has gained the title of Asia’s Latin City thanks to the numerous colonial buildings that dot the city.

Bacolod, Negros Occidental- A haven for your taste buds

There is something for everyone, from savory delights like finger-licking chicken inasal and cozy batchoy to sugary treats like napoleones. Visit some of the spectacular heritage mansions of the great plantation dons to have a peek at the glamorous days of the old. Great examples include Balay ni Tana Dicang, Daku Balay, and The Ruins.
The exciting MassKara Festival is also held in Bacolod. People celebrate and march in vivid, multicolored costumes in the streets every October. The city is exploding with color and is alive with music and dance. Those who want to combine a city visit with a trip to the beach might visit the neighboring islands of Sicogon (in northern Iloilo), Lakawon, or Danjugan.

Siquijor- The island of fire

It is said that this region has witnessed a massive earthquake along with a thunderous storm. It is then that this island rose mysteriously from the depths of the ocean. This island is known to be a safe haven for witches, shamans, and mystical creatures alike.
With its natural beauty of almost snow-white shores, it is a call to all those who’d enjoy serene biking around the island. Snorkeling can be done solely by jumping into the water, but experienced divers can explore a coral wall that stretches from Paliton Beach to Tubod Beach.

Waterfalls and lagoons hide within the lush greenery, showing themselves to anyone willing to venture into the heart of the island.

These places may have grown in popularity in just the recent years but still are underrated compared to the scenic destinations in The Philippines. With these places being a part of your next trip to The Phili, it can be said that these five places along with a few select others, make up for the perfect summer destination this year!
If you have already been to The Philippines and have visited some places that you feel should have been a part of this list, comment below and let the future travelers enjoy the beauty that you did.

Happy Travelling!
59 - 7 Secret Travel Destinations in France

7 Secret Travel Destinations in France

France is the most popular travel destination in the world, with Paris bagging the place as ‘most visited city in the world’. While every part of France is beautiful and scenic in its own unique way, larger masses usually plan to visit the same old places that have been repeated in travel lists for god knows how long.
Travel Gooru is here to help you plan an offbeat experience for your next trip to France. Worry not as these locations are equally beautiful and as these may not be as crowded as the hot spots of France, you can enjoy your time and wouldn’t have to wait to get that perfect click.

Clos Montmartre

This is indeed a hidden gem when compared to the famous Eiffel Tower. Clos Montmartre is an actual vineyard that is right in the middle of the French capital. Those who have actually been able to include this place in their itinerary have expressed that this is one location that should not be missed. So the next time you are in or around Paris, make sure to spend a delightful walk in this hidden vineyard!

Gorges du Verdon

This beautiful canyon is formed by the Verdon river. The deep blue water here is just too relaxing and appealing. Just by spending some time among the white limestones and blue waters in the backdrop, we assure you to have a very calm and relaxing visit.

Viaduc de Millau

An architectural paradise for those who bridge, the Viaduc de Millau is the tallest bridge in the world. Looking at this bridge in the photos and then looking at it in real life has a huge difference. The pictures don’t do the real structure any justice. Cruise down this bridge and enjoy the experience of driving on the world’s tallest bridge.

Etretat

Etretat or The white cliffs of Etretat are along the Alabaster Coast of France. This 80-mile stretch of beautiful coastline with a height of 300 feet is something that you should experience at least once in your life. The beauty of this place is such that it has attracted many artists from the 20th century and continues to do so.

St Malo

This historic walled city was famous among the pirates in the olden days so pull out your pirate hats and visit this city to know more about its rich culture and maybe live the private’s way for some time. The tranquil streets of this city are lined with small eateries and cafes where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a few pieces of cheese.

Honfleur

Impressionist painters such as Monet and Boudin enjoyed Honfleur, a Normandy harbor. They were inspired by the changing light and gorgeous quays, and even today, if you take a photo in the same area every day, you’ll notice that no two are alike. Visit the town’s vibrant market on Saturday and stock up on local cheese. A word of advice if you are to visit this picturesque town is to carry a blank canvas and paint your heart out. The panorama is just too beautiful and ever-changing.

La Camargue

The vast Rhone River splits south of Arles, France, on its final push for the Mediterranean, creating the Camargue, a triangle of wetlands, grasslands, dunes, and salt flats. Long-horned bulls and white horses gallop semi-free in this wide, marshy environment, flamingos fly overhead, and gardians—cowboys—work on their manades (ranches) in France’s version of the Wild West.

These were seven secret travel destinations that we feel you should include the next time you plan a trip to France. If this has sparked your interest in exploring places that are still underrated and hidden from the masses, make sure to check out other blogs.

Happy Traveling!