Tourist guide to The Visayas
Visayas is home to some of the oldest settlements and cities in the country. Its colourful history is embodied through festive celebrations and historic landmarks. Despite once just being a cradle for seaside industries, the Visayas is now a major haven for tourists thanks to its many paradise islands, including the ever popular Boracay.
The region is composed of different islands, ethnicities, contrasting traditions and a medley of dialects. Despite all these differences, though, the local Visayans share two common denominators which it also shares with the rest of the Philippines – Filipino hospitality and religiosity.
 | PanayJust a stone's throw from all the glitz and glamour of irrepressible Boracay, Panay may be a more subdued neighbour but still contains tonnes of history and culture...more |  | GuimarasNo longer just an enormous mango plantation, Guimaras is fast developing into a tourist destination for those who want to get off the beaten track...more |
 | BantayanOften referred to as the 'new Boracay', this gorgeous island is easy to reach and boasts all the pearl-white sand and crystal clear water one could possibly desire ...more |  | CebuThis historic island boasts luxurious beach resorts as well as explosive carnivals, cultural museums, brilliant shopping and the best nightlife outside the capital...more |
 | BoholWith its majestic Chocolate Hills, wide-eyed taisers and unrivalled scuba diving, Bohol is fast becoming a mainstay of the Visayas tourist route...more |  | CamiguinA fast-growing Mecca for scuba divers and marine enthusiasts, Camiguin contains all the natural wonder but without the crowds of its more illustrious cousins...more |
 | SamarAlthough not yet one of the most popular tourist hotspots of the regions, Samar has striking scenery and brilliant opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural landscape...more |  | LeyteSurfers flock here for great breaks but there is a cultural side to Leyte with diverse ethnic groups, crumbling churches and fascinating markets...more |
Highlights of the Visayas
The Visayas is right at the heart of the Philippine archipelago and has a rich history. It is the second of Philippines’ three major island groups, bearing the initials V and I in the acronym LUZVIMINDA (shortened form for the three major islands, Luzon Visayas and Mindanao).
Among the must-see places in Visayas is Cebu, an island and seaport that is one of the oldest settlements of the Philippines. Cebu has a great mix of modernity and tradition, being amongst the largest cosmopolitan hubs of the country and at the same time one of the most historical.
A rich market scene can be found right at the heart of Cebu, although visitors who want to do serious shopping should not miss the action in the neighbouring islands like Panay, where the best seafood markets are located, not to mention its famous Guimaras mangoes.
Of course there’s Boracay, one of the best places to visit in Visayas. It rivals even the most popular beach destinations in the world with its iconic White Beach plus great opportunities for kitesurfing. Tribal groups are also often visited by tourists, with the binukots of Capiz especially popular.
Tour operators often offer cruises and tours around Bohol, another must-see place in Visayas. It’s where the famous Loboc river town is located along with the lovely mounds of natural wonder known as the Chocolate Hills. For surfers, the provinces of Samar and Leyte are almost synonymous to each other due to their proximity. They offer some of the best surfing locations and village areas in the region.
Great destinations to discover also await in Camiguin, another island province famous for its hot springs, and waterfalls. Camiguin is also the best place for trekking and even diving, as well as for experiencing local culture and Filipino fiestas.
blog comments powered by Disqus