To explore the southern reaches of the Philippine archipelago is to step into a region where jagged, cloud-shrouded mountain peaks drop into crystalline Pacific breaks. The Davao Region stands as an exceptional example of this diversity, balancing booming urban hubs with ancestral domains and the great outdoors. This specialized Philippines Travel Guide serves as an index of my journeys across these provinces belonging to the Davao Region, highlighting exact field notes from my travel blog archives to guide your next exploration.

Lake Holon, with its picture-perfect backdrop and spectacular natural features carved by Mother Nature over millions of years, is without a doubt one of Mindanao's, if not the Philippines', most beautiful destinations.

Having celebrated its four hundredth anniversary this year, Tainan continues to hold dear the ancient culture of Taiwan. It is the country's oldest city and once served as the capital of Formosa—the previous name of Taiwan—for two hundred sixty years, spanning the rule of the Dutch, the Kingdom of Tungning, and finally, the Qing Dynasty.

Imagine Taipei, but more relaxed. That is how I would describe Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city. Despite being laid-back, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis brimming with modern living necessities such as charming cafes, walking paths, cycling routes, outdoor parks, museums, jazz bars, and art districts, all surrounded by adjacent beaches and expansive, lush, forested mountains.

Cagayan, situated on the northern tip of Luzon, typically gives visitors second thoughts due to the 12-hour or longer land journey from Manila. Doubt no more, wanderers; there are daily direct flights from Manila to Tuguegarao, the province's capital city, and the plethora of natural, cultural, and historic landmarks make a long-distance trip to Cagayan well worthwhile for those who choose to drive.

If you had booked your flight tickets to Siargao this year, the first question that probably popped into your head was, “What shouldn’t I miss in Siargao?”

When one mentions the “Holy Land,” the first thing that comes to mind for most Christians is the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is situated ten kilometers from Jerusalem. While this is indeed true, the scope of a traditional Holy Land journey encompasses three countries: Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. This route includes stops at a few historic locations in addition to retracing the footsteps of Christ, Moses, John the Baptist, and Mother Mary. Here are a few locations to inspire your own travel to the Holy Land.

Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai—aside from being the country's most populous city—was India's center of financial and commercial activities. Founded on an ancient settlement, its name was derived from the local goddess Mumba, a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva and one of the main deities of Hinduism.

The future of traveling faced uncertainties brought on by the “new normal” or, as aptly put, the "temporary abnormal," until global medical health frameworks stabilized. Until then, travelers expected travel to become heavily reliant on strategic precautionary measures such as social distancing. Overcrowded tourist destinations would—for the meantime—be out of travel plans. This, however, challenged travelers to be extra creative in exploring alternative locations. Great news, though: beachgoers did not need to worry. Because in a country blessed with more than 7,000 islands, there were a lot of beach choices that perfectly met the criteria for wide-open spaces. Here were some of them.

As the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of India's most popular cities among tourists. Part of the so-called Golden Triangle alongside New Delhi and Agra, the city draws travelers eager to experience an environment teeming with palaces, temples, magnificent forts, colorful bazaars, and, of course—plenty of roaming cattle. All these, combined with stunning architecture, rich culture, and a lively culinary scene, make what is widely known as “the Pink City” an unmissable destination in India.

The heritage town of Hoi An in Vietnam possessed a vintage charm dating back to the fifteenth century. Punctuated by well-preserved structures that shaped the storied past of that former Southeast Asian trading hub, it stood as a major tourist draw in Central Vietnam. Stepping back in time did not require a time machine; a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An achieved this beautifully. As I boarded my bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, I had already pictured a beautiful, age-old town awaiting me.

Located on the beautiful island of Panay, the province of Antique tended to get overlooked by tourists heading to Iloilo City down south, to Caticlan in Boracay up north, and to Gigantes Island in the east. Thanks to some travelers who wound up in Antique, word-of-mouth was spreading, raving about how that province teemed with wonderful destinations set across all types of terrain: mountains, forests, rivers, islands, and even quaint seaside towns. If you needed more convincing on why you should visit Antique, here were several things to do and places to visit.