With the year 2012 quickly eating up our calendars and the summer just around the corner, I made a compilation of 12 hottest destinations in 2012 based on the search keywords that landed on my blog on the first 15 days of the year, thanks to Google Analytics 🙂

These are the places that most lakwatseros and lakwatseras out there are planning to see based on their searches.

1 Calaguas Islands

Topping the list is the pristine fine white sandy beach located  in the Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte. Once a secret destination, Mahabang Baybay of Tinaga Island is fast becoming a tourism hotspot due to its serenety and divine beauty. Prepare for a camping trip and bumpy boat ride and head on to see the real paradise that is Calaguas.

2 Palaui Island

An island off the coast of the north easternmost town Sta. Ana in Cagayan Provice, Palaui beckons everyone with its  white sandy beaches, amazing rock formations, rich diversity of flora and fauna and hidden waterfalls. But what makes the island enchanting is the Farol de Cabo Engaño, an 18th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards that guides ships entering and leaving the coastal town. The so-called long lost sister of Batanes, Palaui Island’s fusion of rugged coastline and grassy terrain surrounded by howling waves are truly worth the long journey going there.

3 Anawangin

What used to be a mountaineers’ secret getaway after a climb is a now a famous camping site of tourists from all walks-of-life. A smaller version of Nagsasa Cove, it has a placid stream that flows directly to the roaring South China Sea, and a beach of ash and sand mixture dotted with Agoho trees. Anawangin can be reached via half an hour boat ride from Barangay Pundaquit or San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales or via a four to six hours trek of Mt. Pundaquit.

4 Caramoan

Beyond Naga is the town of Caramoan, famed for white sand island beaches and limestone cliffs. The filming of various international franchises of Survivor paved the way for its international exposure,thus making it one of the most sought after destination not only for local tourists.

5 Nagsasa

The rise of Anawangin Cove in the western area of Zambales paved the way for other coves in the area to be known too, including Nagsasa Cove. Farther, twice as big and more appealing than Anawangin, Nagsasa Cove is one of the best places near Metro Manila for a weekend camping trip. The beach of ash and sand mixture, beautiful landscape, Agoho trees, and the calm stream merging with the roaring water of the South China Sea are what make Nagsasa Cove a truly breathtaking destination.

6 Callao Cave

The seven chamber Callao Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan is perhaps the most famous cave in the country. Its main attraction is The Chapel, a chamber turned into a cathedral by the locals. The place draws a dramatic picture as the skylight illuminates the hall through its opening.

7 Capones Island

The bone shaped island of Capones, off the coast of Barangay Pundakit in San Antonio, Zambales is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in the country – the Faro de Punta Capones, one of the lighthouses originally built by the Spaniards. Aside from this old heritage, the island boasts of its white sand beaches conducive for overnight camping, day picnic and swimming; turquoise water; and rich marine life that is great for diving and snorkeling.

8 Kalanggaman Island

A popular dive site of operators from Malapascua, Kalanggaman is an island blessed with long stretches of white sandbar on both ends. It is a fast rising tourist destination of the town of Palompon in the province of Leyte.  From afar, the two white sandbars on both ends shine like a pearl as the sunlight touches the island – so beautiful, so tempting. The clear turquoise water surrounding the island is so inviting, that you will want to quickly get off your boat to experience the paradise that is Kalanggaman.

9 Pagudpud

 

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on the northern shore of the main island of Luzon is an ideal place if you love the beach minus the crowd. Its white sand, pristine beaches and crystal blue waters are the reasons for tagging this place as “Boracay” of the north. It is said to have the longest contiguous white sand with mighty waves and strong winds in the Philippines, making it another haven for surfers. Pagudpud’s other attractions include the Kabigan Waterfalls, Patapat Viaduct, Blue Lagoon, the windmills of Bangui, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations and the old Lighthouse in the neighboring town of Burgos.

10 Tagaytay/Caleruega

Tagaytay’s, with its temperate weather, fresh air, astonishing landscape, beautiful scenery and great food, is still a favorite destination for tourists. Just few hours drive from Manila, Tagaytay has been evolving constantly to be one of the best cities in the Philippines without sacrificing nature and its scenery. Set in the backdrop of the world’s smallest active volcano and just stone throw away from Caleruega Chapel of Nasugbu, Tagaytay’s timeless charm continues to draw crowd.

11 Camotes Islands

A group of islands composed of four towns of Cebu (Poro, Tudela, Pilar and San Francisco), geographically located east of the province mainland and two hours by boat from Danao is a piece of paradise… Of beautiful white sand beaches, great underwater treasures, amazing caves and lake, rich culture and history and lovely people – Camotes Islands!

12 Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete is one of the jewels of the Quezon Province. Located in the Lamon Bay fronting the Pacific Ocean, it is surrounded by white sand that are significantly exposed during low tide. Home to a diverse ecosystem, with variety of birds, rich marine life, and the abundance of unique species of plants, the island is a complete paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.