Travel mode: on! New must-see local destinations

Filipinos need not look far when booking that much-deserved trip, as our homeland boasts of world-class local attractions. The figures show it: the Department of Tourism reported an upswing in domestic travels, with a total of 37.27 million local trips done in 2021, a 38.6 percent increase from 2020.

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Round up your family and friends and discover these must-see local attractions and wonders you haven’t experienced before:

Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato. If you’d love to see pristine waters gushing down an entirely green mountainside, this is the best new place to go. Asik-Asik, or “sprinkle-sprinkle” in Hiligaynon, is the name given to this newly discovered oasis in North Cotabato. The lush greenery that covers the whole ravine adds mystery to the water’s source, which is most likely springs deep inside the mountain or a subsurface river.

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. From North Cotabato to the South, this place dubbed as “The Land of the Dreamweavers” is worth a spot in your travel list. Lake Sebu has earned a reputation as one of the Philippines’ must-see destinations due to its breathtaking scenery, lovely people, rich culture that is deeply ingrained in its heritage, and enticing wanderings, providing a one-of-a-kind taste of Filipino culture. You can go on a canoe-ride tour on the three majestic lakes, experience waterfall-hopping, ride a zipline, immerse yourself in the culture of the T’boli and Ubo tribes by seeing the T’boli museum and the Grand T’nalak Weaving Center, and a lot more. 

Biak na Bato National Park, Bulacan. For adventure-seekers, this protected park in San Miguel, Bulacan is ideal, as it offers pleasant hiking trails, waterfalls, and hundreds of caves to explore. Being in the Sierra Madre Mountain range, there is plenty of lush forests to enjoy. During the tour, you get to know about the history of the place, plus you can also spelunk in the caves and set a picnic by the Madlum river, where you can also take a dip in the waters.

Bituin Cove, Batangas. If glamping is your go-to activity, this serene pocket of a beach in Nasugbu, Batangas is the place to be. Only three hours away from Manila, this cove offers a peaceful and budget-friendly getaway where you can indulge in the clean sand, snorkel, or simply gaze at the stars from the comfort of your tent.

Culion, Palawan. This town offers the best of both worlds, as it provides the perfect mix of a heritage trip and beach vacation. This municipality transports visitors into the past with Spanish structures such as a fort, a church, and heritage houses that are still standing. Because of its distance from other Palawan islands, it also has a flourishing reef system teeming with corals, hundreds of fish species, and seagrass. Culion’s coastline is also lined with mangroves.

As you pursue your travel goals, planning ahead in order to have peace of mind is crucial, wherever your next destination may be. This includes securing travel insurance to have a significant financial safety net, as well as access to emergency assistance as you explore local wonders. 

AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nandy Villar shares, “Travelling is one way to improve our mental well-being, by having new experiences and seeing new places, people, and cultures. AXA Philippines wishes to be a part of every Filipino’s worry-free vacation by providing security and protection while they enjoy their much-anticipated getaway.”

For a more enjoyable trip, Smart Traveller by AXA Philippines provides convenient and best-value travel protection, so you and your travel buddies can hop on your next adventure worry-free. It gives you comprehensive coverage including medical and evacuation expenses, personal accident insurance, personal liability insurance, and 24/7 travel assistance. It also helps in the management of travel inconveniences by protecting your luggage in the event of loss or damage and covering refunds in the event of trip cancellation and postponement for non-refundable expenses. 

You can purchase Smart Traveller for as low as P255 for three days of domestic travel, or enjoy best value packages when you purchase for a group. If you have multiple trips ahead, AXA also offers an annual multi-trip plan for adventure-loving travelers. When heading to international trips in the future, Smart Traveller is also Schengen accredited, so you’re covered for your visa requirements.

Go to https://www.axa.com.ph/travel-insurance and be ready to discover new destinations!