This is the sixth time that I will be doing a Top 10 Travel list. As I look back on my past years' list, I can't help notice that most of them are really popular tourist places. I must admit that I lean towards off-the-beaten paths and even on those more popular places, there will always be a spot where you can wander and explore sans the crowd.
Basilan joined the elite club of Calaguas (2010), Sagada (2009), Boracay (2008), Siquijor (2007) and Anilao (2006) in my Numero Uno spot. What I love about Basilan is that very few outsiders travel into this place because of what media perceived it to be. Although they have every reason to caution travelers, still, beneath the alleged dangerous exterior, Basilan has some of the most beautiful and exotic spots you can enjoy.
Dangerous Beauty |
"the kind of beach not everyone would dare go. though not exotic but still because of fear... less people apart from those from basilan get to see this beach." Dong Ho of Escape Islands commented on Malamawi Island White Beach.
The Unknown Side of Ilocos |
"You have very lovely pictures of Adams, and the sunrise you captured is definitely a must visit for me. I enjoy watching the sun rise, but yes, it takes a whole lot of effort to reach a mountain's ranges just to see the clouds envelope it. I want to go there! And prolly enjoy the bugnay wine!" Sheng of Anything Goes commented on Catching Sunrise at Lover's Peak.
Multi-Cultural Wonder |
"I'm eyeing to visit Zamboanga as well in the future. Only few think people have dare to blog travels in Zamboanga and I think it deserves a limelight. Looking forward for your summer travel stories..." Ian of Going Places commented on Pasonanca and the Boy Scout Connection.
Never Second Best |
"sombrero yung sabi nila pero iba sya sa paningin ko. kulang ng kapares. hahahaha! pero ganda nga. ansrap languyin (kung ganun talaga kalapit!) wag na lang baka biglang maghigh tide. magbabangka na lang ako. :D " Ed of Soloflighted commented on Daruanak Island @ Pasacao.
Catch The Wave |
"This is beautiful. It's really worth dropping by and reflecting (or just merely enjoying) the life you capture on a regular basis. thanks very much." Sakura of Withdrawal Pangs commented on Spendin' Sometime on Bagasbas Beach.
The Lake Town |
"The view is definitely a sweet one, awesome photos as always!" Lakwatsera de Primera commented on Nothing Sour @ Sampaloc Lake
The Endangered Sanctuary |
"This is a great place for birders! Just hope the owners won't completely destroy the wetlands." The Nomadic Pinoy commented on Candaba Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary.
The City Blessed by "Ina" |
"I remember climbing the Porta Mariae... nice view there... :)" Pinoy Adventurista commented on Naga: Porta Mariae.
Saved by a Small Monkey |
"i super love the pic Oman. pang Magazine! :) sabe nga ni Dom date, d ka na daw maxado nakagala bec of work. hays. pano na tau mag travel nyan ha? hihi pero ok lang Oman, buti ka nga kahet epic fail nakit mu ang Chocolate Hills, ako hindi pa tlga. lold Yaan mu, malay mu nxt time magksabay tau. haha" Gael of The Pinay Solo Backpacker commented on Lawstude versus Work
Day Tripper |
"as long as there's a good wave, ubra na jan! gusto ko magsurf!". Chyng of No Spam, No Virus commented on Nasugbu Beach - Is it worth it?
It does look like you had a wonderful travel year, Oman! I always enjoy the trips you take us on through your incredible captures! Hope your new year is off to a great start! I look forward to following more of your journeys! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Basilan as your number 1?
ReplyDeleteWOW!
2011 has been an achievement, I love the collage. :)
Aww. That Basilan beach is gorgeous by the looks of it. Mukhang serene. I wanna go there, too.
ReplyDeletesa pictures lang tumpak na ang 2011. ano na lang ang 2012.
ReplyDeleteKaramihan sa nilagay mo dito hindi ko pa napuntahan. Actually, lahat! :D Dapat this year magtravel na rin tayo! :D
ReplyDeleteHats off for managing to travel and hold a full time day job.
ReplyDeleteWhat's on the itinerary for 2012?
looking forward to your next journey.
ReplyDeleteawesome pics!
So many gorgeous places and lovely shots!
ReplyDelete2 out of 10 napuntahan ko. i am such a loser in traveling hahaha. di ko alam kasi itong mga lugar na to.
ReplyDeleteAmong these, I'd love to visit Adams someday. I reckon that's some place that's really worth exploring.
ReplyDeleteAmazing trips all in one year. Do you still have your job?
ReplyDeleteGood choice for Number 1. I enjoyed reading your Basilan adventure.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Hope to see Batanes in this list for 2012.
ReplyDeletenice coverage bro... thanks for the entertainment and education :)
ReplyDeleteMore blessings and more travels in 2012.
ReplyDeleteLawstude, pareho ba kayo ng work ni DongHo? I wish I could do the same but I think these jobs are best suited for bachelors like the two of you.
ReplyDeleteamazing ang mga napuntahan...
ReplyDeletegreat documentation :)
Astig ang Number 1. Kakatakot pumunta dyan pero nakaya mo. Galing.
ReplyDeleteI love these places and would love to go there someday. More travels for 2012.
ReplyDeleteWin ang Oman in Basilan!
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, it's blogs like these that make me appreciate the country more dahil sobrang daming pwedeng puntahan. I never really realized that were were so many interesting sights sa PH until I started reading travel blogs.
Cheer to more travels for 2012!
pangarap ko yung #1 dangerous beauty. Wala ako guts puntahan yung part na yan eh. Tapos kanina lang sa news about tawi tawi. tsk tsk .
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looks like all that I've heard about things being more fun in the Philippines seem to be true. That's a lot of interesting tourist spots. I'm a little apprehensive about your top choice though.
ReplyDelete