Here are 7 of the Philippines’ Most Instagram-Worthy Summer Destinations

Featuring some that are only a few hours by car from the Metro.
by Abu Poblete | March 31, 2016

Instagram has changed vacations forever. We all have to admit that. Vacations aren’t anymore just about white sand and crystalline waters, or comfort, or amenities—not even just the adventure. They also have to be picture-perfect—a healthy combination of chic, rustic, fun, and a dash of glorious (especially if you’re photographing nature).

To help you out, here are seven gorgeous local destinations you can check out this summer. Get your booking apps ready, and go!

Spin Hostel in El Nido, Palawan

Modern meets local at #spinhostelph love the place! #palawan#letsgoforaspin 💛

A photo posted by Marie-Claire (@mclutters) on Mar 5, 2016 at 9:16pm PST

Cor., Balinsasayaw Rd, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines | +63 917 566 7746 | Facebook | Website

Spin Designer Hostel is situated beside a Mangrove forest in beautiful Palawan. The hostel—unlike many of the local accommodations—features a modern and stylish nautical-on-rattan-and-white interiors. It’s perfect for peaceful reconnection with nature, and of course, really good Instagram shots.

You can get to El Nido via a bus or van from Puerto Princesa. Shuttle vans from the Puerto Princesa Airport cost about P600 to P700.

Real Surf PH in Real, Quezon

Mend the heart from the sea and the sand ’til the sun comes up again ☀️ #roamriaroam #travel #travelph

A photo posted by Andrea Isabel (@riagambs) on Jan 3, 2016 at 3:52am PST

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25-26 HAVE A BLESSED EASTER! 🙏🏼 📷 @knifebox

A photo posted by airalalota (@airalalota) on Mar 26, 2016 at 4:27pm PDT

Brgy. Malapad, Real, Quezon | realsurfPH@gmail.com | Facebook | Instagram

Real Surf PH in Real, Quezon is the perfect getaway for surf babies. But aside from being one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in the country, it’s near (about a little more than three hours by car) and it makes for a really pretty backdrop for #sunsetfunsets.

To get there, you can go through Antipolo up to Tanay on a van or Raymond bus from Legarda, Manila to Infanta, Quezon.

Tinipak River, Tanay, Rizal

This #godfilter tho. Tinipak take two, and it’s as breathtaking as ever 💎 #roamriaroam #travelph #tinipak

A photo posted by Andrea Isabel (@riagambs) on Feb 29, 2016 at 5:15pm PST

Tara!

A photo posted by @jefy viva la vida (@j3fymacasuhol) on Mar 11, 2016 at 5:55am PST

Tanay, Rizal | Facebook

Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal has the kind of natural beauty that will put you in featured posts. The marble rock formations and the clear blue freshwater will take your breath away. What’s more amazing is that it’s only two hours away. It’s the perfect place to take a breather (and a few Instagram shots) after you go trailing around nearby Mt. Daraitan.

You can use a private vehicle via the Tanay-Infanta Road. You can also ride a jeep or van from EDSA-Shaw Crossing to Tanay that will take about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Tanay, take a jeep to Sampaloc where you will ride a tricycle to Barangay Daraitan.

Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal

Daranak in long exposure #tanay #rizal #philippines #daranakfalls #waterfall #mountains #nature #landscape #outdoors #travel #travelphotography #livetravelchannel #nikonph #phil_spots #traversephilippines #wheninmanila #vpinoy #fotografiaunited #tuklas_pinaskalikasan #amazingphilippines #bbctravel #gothere #worldplaces #woogoph #visitphilippinesagain2016 #thephilippinesinsiders #traluluphilippines #beautifuldestinations #sinopinas

A photo posted by @pauljeffreypacheco on Mar 23, 2016 at 4:07am PDT

22.03.16 #daranakfalls

A photo posted by Patricia Rafael (@patriciarfl) on Mar 23, 2016 at 12:40am PDT

Tanay, Rizal | (02) 736 1059 | Open from 8am to 5pm| Facebook

At the foot of the Tanay Mountains lies the 14-meter high Daranak Falls. The enchanting gem features cascading waters and cliffs that beckon to the brave. It’s the perfect spot for the cliff shot you’ve always wanted to have. And you don’t have to go the rugged trail because there’s a resort complete with picnic tables and sheds, and guides.

Here are detailed instructions on how to get there.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort in Bagac, Bataan

Twinning. 👭 #newwordtoday

A photo posted by 🌸 Donna Imson-Lecaroz 🌸 (@donnaimsonlecaroz) on Mar 24, 2016 at 10:35pm PDT

Spent the weekend time travelling into the past. New photos up on my photography profile! 📷 @shotbykhalilr #shotbykhalilr

A photo posted by Khalil Ramos (@thekhalilramos) on Mar 27, 2016 at 5:42am PDT

#LasCasasFilipinasDeAcuzar #HeritageHotelandResort #Historical #Philippines #Wanderlust #SharingMyLifeBeLikeMoment #ProudPinoy #BagacBataan #Oldhouses

A photo posted by RonaLukban (@ronaluu) on Mar 29, 2016 at 12:46am PDT

Here’s how to get there | 0907 906 3551 | Website | Facebook

Take the ultimate #TBT photos at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The compound houses elaborate Spanish-style houses with majestic staircases and wall details. The place just screams new portrait/selfie. Oh, and did you know that you can stay in the actual houses?

Get to Bataan via the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from Cubao, Quezon City. There are also Genesis Buses to Bagac proper.

Kanlaob River Canyon in Alegria, Cebu

That view before jumping. Second time later! #canyoneering #kanlaob #kawasan #cebu July 2015

A photo posted by @kachich on Dec 11, 2015 at 2:15pm PST

Tag a travel buddy 🙋🏼 Kanlaob River Canyon, Philippines ✨ Photo by: @ninjarod #TravelingOurPlanet and follow us to be featured!

A photo posted by Travel | Earth | Nature (@travelingourplanet) on Jan 25, 2016 at 9:23pm PST

#southeastasia #philippines #cebu #alegria #badian #canyoneering #kanlaob #river #waterfalls #bluewater #jungle #adventure #explore #earth #paradise #lagoon #waterlust #wanderlust #backpacking #globe_travel #the_ph

A photo posted by Flo Wiechert (@flooriwi) on Mar 28, 2016 at 11:07am PDT

For adrenaline junkies in search for the perfect downstream canyoneering spot, meet the Kanlaob River. Kanlaob River is where the trek to Kawasan Falls of Badian starts, but it’s a true beauty on its own—lots of sunlight, clear blue water, and lush tropical flora.

From the Cebu South Bus terminal, you can ride a bus to Bato and go down at Barangay Malabago, Bandian.

Jomalig Island in Quezon Province

Summer is upon us. An aerial.photo @thezanderwander . #jomalig #LENGFilmsAerial #iJuander

A photo posted by Ervin Tansingco David🔒 (@iamervindavid) on Mar 9, 2016 at 6:26pm PST

“Now to escape involves not just running away, but arriving somewhere.” – Bernhard Schlink #jomalig #beachlife #sandbar #fu_RulesAreSimple #FotografiaUnited

A photo posted by ujin (@kokeysian) on Apr 26, 2015 at 5:11am PDT

As if God took a giant comb and rippled through the golden sand bars of #Jomalig #AkyatAral

A photo posted by Dave Montemayor (@dave.montemayor) on Mar 26, 2016 at 9:21pm PDT

Quezon Province | Facebook

Jomalig isn’t just a normal beach, it features golden dunes against turquoise waters, with a sandbar in the middle. The quiet, uninhabited island is the answer to your Blue Lagoon-esque fantasies. If you have a drone, make sure you bring it to this trip. The aerial view is surreal.

You can ride a van or ordinary buses in Legarda, Manila to Infanta, Quezon worth about P200. You can also ride another bus from Buendia to Sta. Cruz, Laguna worth P140. From Sta. Cruz you can ride a jeep to Pagsanjan where you can ride another one going to Real, Quezon.

Got more? Post them in the comments!