This Year Ender List of the Good News in Philippine Travel showcases the world-renowned beauty of the Filipino people and the Philippine islands which remained in travelers’ top choices for places to visit after the worldwide lockdown that halted tourism eases.
The Philippines’ volcano and nature parks, scenic island roads, biodiversity, even retirement offerings to foreign nationals kept the country in the mind of both world and domestic travelers planning their post-Covid travels.
These are the 6 Best Good News in Philippine Travel in 2020 that received the most love from GoodNewsPilipinas.com readers:
6. Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher
The fledgling of the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx mindanensis) was photographed for the first time in 130 years by eye surgeon and field biologist, Dr. Miguel David De Leon.
The photograph was revealed in May as the first time anyone is able to see the image of the rare small forest kingfisher found only in Mindanao since the bird was first sighted in Southern Philippines in 1890 during the Steere Expedition.
Miguel David De Leon photographs rare Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher for 1st time in 130 years
5. PHL among Top Places for American retirees
In February, before the worldwide lockdown was set in place, the Philippines was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 25 Top Places recommended for American Retirees in the year 2020.
The Southeast Asian archipelago was recommended “hot spots for retirees” for the ideal cost of living, quality and cost of local healthcare, overall safety, political stability, taxes, local hospitality, weather, food, culture, how easy it is to get by speaking only English, and getting permission to stay.
In June, Forbes again named the Philippines as a world-class travel destination after the coronavirus pandemic has subsided to allow international travelers to visit.
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Forbes Magazine hails PHL among Top Places for American retirees in 2020
4. Camarines Norte’s Boracay-like “Mahabang Buhangin” beach
In February, Camarines Norte’s Boracay-like “Mahabang Buhangin” beach was made more accessible by a new 2-lane paved road that provides travelers a scenic view of the Calaguas Island’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
Camarines Norte’s Boracay-like “Mahabang Buhangin” beach now accessible on scenic view road
3. Antipolo’s Hinulugang Taktak
In March, Hinulugang Taktak Nature and Adventure Park was renovated and offered with new attractions and activities that included the Spider Web, wall-climbing, hanging bridge, and rappelling.
LOOK: Antipolo’s Hinulugang Taktak offers beautiful new attractions
2. Daang Kalikasan old road directly linking Pangasinan to Zambales
Daang Kalikasan, an old road directly linking Pangasinan to Zambales used by illegal loggers, partially reopened in February and quickly became a local tourist hot spot in Northern Luzon.
The reopening of the scenic Daang Kalikasan’s Mangatarem, Pangasinan side was discovered by people to have a beautiful view from the winding road on the crest of hills and mountains. The road instantly became an Instagrammable and selfie spot for travelers with its commanding view of the awe-inspiring surrounding areas, even with its deforested state.
1. Mayon Volcano sunset photo
An image of the Philippines’ Mayon Volcano during sunset won the top Tourism Prize at the 2019 PR-Bild Awards in Hamburg, Germany awarded in January.
The photo “Volcano Life/It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, shot by tourism photographer Per-Andre Hoffman, placed first in the Tourism Category of the PR-Bild Awards or the PR-Photo Awards which recognizes and honors the use of photography in publication and communication.
Mayon Volcano sunset photo snaps top Tourism Prize in Hamburg, Germany
SHARE in the comments below, which is your favorite Best Good News in Philippine Travel this 2020?
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