More fun in Phl? Huffington Post lists top reasons to visit

MANILA, Philippines - From a mind-blowing collection of natural wonders to unique modes of city transportation, a New York-based online news aggregator has listed eight reasons why a trip to the Philippines is the “best tropical vacation you could ever dream up.”

The Huffington Post cited the Philippines’ natural wonders as the top sites to visit including the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the world’s most perfectly formed volcano Mount Mayon in Bicol, 2,000-year-old rice terraces in Banaue and the pristine beaches in El Nido, Palawan with its “magnificent limestone formations and crazy-colorful coral reefs.”

In an article posted Saturday on its website, The Huffington Post enumerated “good-quality” Filipino cuisine such as seafood which vary from spicy to tangy, sweet and savory pork adobo, crunchy crispy pata, peanut buttery kare-kare, and tasty deep-fried banana turon for dessert.

Various pink beaches, black beaches and blinding white beaches surrounded by lush green mountains and other tall rock formations are the “stuff dreams are made of.”

Notable beaches mentioned in the article are El Nido, Palawan, Caramoan peninsula in Camarines Sur and Boracay island.

Hiking up a volcano in Taal to the Tukuran waterfalls or wandering in the mountains and forests in the Cordilleras is a rare outdoor adventure, the article said.

Nathan Allen, world traveler and creator of the travel blog I Dreamed of This, described Philippine beaches and mountain regions as “nothing short of spectacular” and “still has an element of rugged adventure that is missing from other more touristy destinations.”

Diving spots such as Malapascua Island, with four different shipwrecks to explore, the uncrowded and incredible reefs and diving sites Apo and Balicasag islands and swimming with whale sharks in some islands were also cited as reasons the country is the best tropical destination.

Philippines’ modes of transportation – from jeepney to the traditional banca or canoe - are worth the unique experience, the article said.

The Huffington Post also mentioned Filipinos’ worldwide hospitality, describing them as “exceptionally humble, modest and gracious, earning kudos for their outstanding hospitality from hundreds of people on travel review sites and bloggers.” The article even quoted a New York Tribune post about Filipino hospitality: “these people will share with the stranger who comes to their little hut of bamboo and nipa their last bowl of rice and their last little fish, and will make room for him overnight on the floor of their house, where all the family sleep side by side.”

The article noted the country’s mousedeer as cute and prancing adorably in Philippine forests.