(SPOT.ph) Social distancing or public distancing is the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That means staying away from tourist destinations to slow down the spread of the virus. And as soon as this is over, we're pretty sure a lot of travel junkies will be giving in to their itchy feet—and maybe even consider going solo just because we've all become so used to it.
The Philippines, with 7,641 islands, has all kinds of vacations you can think of: from an exciting spelunking day in a historic cave to an adrenaline-pumping canyoneering adventure, from a quiet afternoon along the coast to a Zen-filled morning while you kayak down a winding river.
Here are our picks for 10 of the best Philippine destinations for traveling alone:
If you love the beach, then you're in luck because the Philippines has a beach for practically any personality: Surfers can head to Zambales, La Union, or Pagudpud, all accessible by public bus plying the roads of northern Luzon. If you'd prefer to take on more challenging waves, Siargao—also dubbed the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines"—is just a plane ride away. Island-hopping tours are popular in Coron and El Nido—both located in Palawan, which has been hailed time and again as one of the world's most beautiful islands.
Bohol, an island province in the Visayas, has a whole slew of experiences to choose from. You can explore the countryside on an ATV, enjoy a lunch buffet while on a cruise down Loboc River, or visit the famous Chocolate Hills.
Cebu, its neighboring island, is famous for the storied past of its main city. But if you're looking to go off the beaten path, Bantayan Island to the north is your best bet for a vacation in tropical paradise.
And of course, who can forget Batanes and Sagada? With limited cell signal, you're sure to find some peace and quiet in their postcard-worthy scenery.
Main photo by Ernette Jaganas, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)