Visayas is probably the most popular group of islands for those travelling to the Philippines. The region is known to tourists from all over the world as one of the best beach destinations in Asia as it offers a variety of attractions such as pristine beaches, happening nightlife, cultural attractions and magnificent natural sights.

Here are the top places to visit while in Visayas:

Cebu

Cebu is the oldest city in the country and is also known as the center of commerce and education in the Southern part of the Philippines. In spite of its continuous industrial group, the city still manages to keep its ancestral heritage alive. Cebu is a mix of the old and the new as you can find old historic structures alongside modern buildings and infrastructure.

Boracay

For those who love the sea and the sand, Boracay is the top favourite in this region. The island is located on the northern tip of Panay and is well connected to major cities all over the country with scheduled flights being provided daily. The island is every bit a tropical paradise with its white sand beaches, tropical scenery and interesting water sports opportunities.

Boracay was formerly the country’s best-kept secret but these days, it has continuously attracted tourists from all over the world. Because of this, it has become a bustling metropolis offering diverse culinary fare from native Mediterranean to Asian and even local cuisines.

Bohol

This province is another one of the natural havens in the Visayas region. It is not as internationally famous as Boracay but this is probably where its charm is coming from. It’s not as crowded as other tourist destinations in the country so you will still be able to enjoy the beauty of the island at its finest. It is known as the ultimate destination for divers as well as those who simply want to experience nature up close.

Visayas is an island group located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. This area is a known travel destination because it is mostly composed of islands with pristine beaches, interesting cultural festivities, historical sites and a number of attractions suited for every kind of traveller.

If you’re going to travel around Visayas or if you’re looking to stay on one of the islands, you have to be well-prepared. Understand that travelling to one of the islands of the region or even backpacking across the different provinces will need a certain set of gear to ensure your comfort during travels.

Sun protection

You’re going to spend most of your holiday on the beach if you’re going to Visayas so you need to take a large bottle of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If you’re going sightseeing, make sure to don sunglasses and a hat because the heat of the sun can be really unbearable especially if you’re travelling during the summer.

Comfortable footwear

For those looking to go around the many interesting attractions in Cebu, Bohol or any other province in Visayas, make sure to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes. You might also want to bring hiking shoes with you in case you want to go trekking or if you’re looking for a different kind of holiday adventure while you’re in the islands. Rubber sandals are also great for those days that you will be spending on the beach.

Cool clothing

If you’re going to travel around Visayas, your suits and sweaters will have to be left behind. You will need clothes made of cool cotton material. A thin cardigan will be great to have if you’re travelling during the colder seasons because the evenings can get a bit chilly.

Bohol boasts breathtaking sceneries and an interesting history that helped shape the modern Filipino society. Its historical significance dates back to the time of the 1565 blood compact between  the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and the then Chieftain Sikatuna.

The charming landscape of Bohol draws attention to the formations, structures, and natural elements that helped define the island, such as the Baroque mission churches of the Jesuits, the watchtowers dating back to the 16^th century, and of course, the Chocolate Hills. Consisting of 1,268 hills shaped like cones, it is the province’s most famous attraction, and really put Bohol on the map.

Bohol is also the home of the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. It is a nocturnal animal that measures only four to five inches with a long tail that is longer than its entire body. If you are interested to see or watch the tarsier, you can visit its natural habitat up on the hills of Corella town, where you will be welcomed by the locals.

The coastline of Bohol is also worth seeing. Bursting with tropical charm, the province’s coastline is characterized by white sand beaches and gentle coves that lead to diving sites like Balicasag, which is one of the best in the Visayas. There is also a forest of black corals worth visiting for its beauty. You should also spend time in Cabilao, where you can see hammerhead sharks swimming along the crystal clear waters. If you are lucky enough, you may also find yourself swimming along dolphins.

Bohol is a tourist-friendly province where you are provided with accommodation options ranging from classy resorts to affordable hostels. Transportation is easy – the resorts usually provide cans you can rent for the day, and for the budget-conscious, there are motorized tricycles for hire, too. If you’re lucky, your driver can double as a tour guide.