Off the beaten track...definitely the opposite of Galera or Boracay. It's not commercialized at all and that's what makes it worth going to. No bars, no videoke, just peace and quiet. The long trip was definitely worth it. Going to Pandan allowed me to face my fear of the open sea...it was also here where i realized how beautiful the beaches of the Philippines really are.

An adventure. It's not for those who enjoy the comforts of airconditioned rooms with hot/cold showers. There's little electricity in the island and tap-unsalted water is very limited..you'll learn to shower with seawater and you have a ration of one drum of water which should last you for 2 days :) Pandan is suited for those who want to be one with nature...the island allows you to reflect on its beauty...away from the noise and the crowd. Definitely one of the most memorable places I've visited thus far.

Summary:
10-hr trip + no electricity + peace & quiet + great food + under-the-sea adventure = Pandan Island, Occidental Mindoro

www.pandan.com

If I were to choose another town to stay my entire life I'd choose Puerto Princesa.

Voted as the cleanest place in the Philippines, Palawan has a lot to offer. Four days in the place wasn't enough at all! I only got to go to the more popular parts of Puerto Princesa and it left me wanting for more. I'll definitely come back there someday.

Must Try :

• Underground River Tour - currently in the running for the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. Amazing...not for the claustrophopics though
• Hookah Dive - it's snorkeling and diving combined; I'm not a swimmer and this was my first time to go 'diving' that's why it was such a treat to get to see the beautiful marine life up close. Don't worry, you have a tandem expert diver beside you as you go deeper into the ocean (www.jdaviddivers.com)
• Ka Lui's Restaurant - you enter the resto barefoot and you'll sit on the floor...interesting way to start your food trip right? Delicious food, pleasant ambience, one-of-a-kind service. No resto in Manila could match Ka Lui's.

Corregidor Island, Cavite (Luzon)

Yes it's part of Cavite and not Bataan

Well, that piece of trivia I got to know only when I went there. Travelling to Corregidor is much like travelling back in time. It makes you appreciate the hardships that our fellow Filipinos experienced during World War II...it gives you a dose of history and let's you experience it on your own. Plus points to Sun Cruises for coming up with excellent tour packages.

Must Try: Malinta Tunnel Night Tour - where they'd allow you to explore the lateral wings of the Malinta Tunnel. You'll pass by ruins blasted out by bombs during the war...experience total darkness at one point...and maybe even find a bone of a dead soldier (creepy? exciting!)