10 places in the Philippines that look like foreign destinations
Traveling to foreign lands and international destinations can take a lot of planning and money. Not everyone has the means and time to plan long trips right now. But that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of travel opportunities.
You can also get a taste of your dream destinations closer to home.
Need suggestions of where to travel around the Phhilippines that will make you feel like you've stepped foot in foreign countries? Check out a few suggestions in our list below!
Camp Netanya, Anilao, Batangas (Santorini, Greece)
If you’ve been dreaming of spending a luxurious summer in the island of Santorini, Camp Netanya lets you live out your dream of a Greek getaway minus the costs of international airfare. Located in Anilao, Batangas, this tranquil seaside resort will take you on a journey that can be enjoyed abroad with its similar Santorini landscape, architecture and ambiance.
La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag, Ilocos Norte (Dubai)
You don’t have to travel all the way to Dubai to get the unique desert safari experience. In Laoag, you can find La Paz Sand Dunes, a sandy coastal desert and beach where you’ll be able to enjoy thrilling activities such as ATV rides and sandboarding.
See how Will Dasovich made the most of his tour in Ilocos’ Sand Dunes.
Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort, Batangas (Maldives)
Maldives is home to many luxurious beach resorts accessible by wooden walkways over the water, and you can enjoy the same tropical vibe in Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort in Batangas. The resort lets you stay in a selection of floating cottages that gives you a view of the vast beach and where you can enjoy simple weekend getaways with family and friends.
Miniloc Island Resort, El Nido (Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
Surrounded by crystal blue water, Bora Bora is one of the most expensive and luxurious islands that you can visit abroad. If you want to experience a local take on this island, a more accessible place to visit is Miniloc Island Resort in El Nido, Palawan. Hidden between tall mountains, the entire stretch of the island is surrounded by small floating cottages and trees.
Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig (Venice, Italy)
Need a really quick travel fix in the metro that doesn't involve any domestic flights or long road trips? Venice is home to the romantic Grand Canal where you can hop on a gondola and enjoy the architecture of buildings surrounding the channel. While nothing can beat the real deal of traveling to Italy, busy urbanites who want a breather can still enjoy a tiny taste of it in Taguig where the Venice Grand Canal Mall is located.
The Old Grove Farmstead, Lipa, Batangas (Netherlands)
Ever wanted to personally admire the lush pastures of the Netherlands? With Old Grove Farmstead, you won’t find the need to go far. Enjoy a moment of country living in Lipa, Batangas as you visit the farm for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also live out the European province of your dreams by taking photos with their barn and windmill. The Old Grove Farmstead has become a popular spot for pre-nup pictorials and weekend road trips because of its unique and Instagram-worthy setting.
Windmill Lausanne, Crosswinds, Tagaytay (Europe)
Inspired by Danish and Swiss architecture, Windmill Lausanne takes you on the cozy European experience. While you enjoy and take pictures to capture the countryside vibe of the destination, you can also dine and keep yourself warm in their restaurant and cafe.
Sirao Garden Little Amsterdam, Cebu (Amsterdam)
For those based in or are traveling to Cebu, one of the most popular tourist spots is the European-inspired destination known as Sirao Garden’s Little Amsterdam. With windmills and farmlands similar to the scenery of Zaanse Schans in Amsterdam, you can strike a pose around the stunning farm and admire the flowers along the way.
Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas (Athens, Greece)
Fortune Island has long been a popular getaway among backpackers and photographers because of its unique landmarks. Take a boat trip to this famed island located in Nasugbu, Batangas where you can experience a spot that could pass for the ruins of Athens, Greece on a local beach. You can strike a pose in the resort’s ancient-like pillars that resemble the archaic temples of Greece.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Spain)
Influenced by Spanish colonialism through landscape and architecture, it’s no surprise that the city of Vigan resembles the streets of Madrid. Along the famed Calle Crisologo, you can ride the kalesa along the cobblestone streets and shop from novelty stores hidden among the ancestal houses while learning more about the rich history of the city.
