Travel Guide: Domestic destinations in the Philippines open to tourists
Tourist destinations in the Philippines are slowly reopening as the tourism and hospitality industry begin its gradual recovery.
These domestic destinations in the Philippines are now open to tourists / Source: Pexels
Many provinces in the country have opened their doors to local tourists, while others are implementing a 'travel bubble' or 'travel corridor' with their neighboring provinces.
So, if you haven't decided yet where to go for your post-lockdown vacation, below is a list of cities and provinces in the Philippines that are open to local tourists or visitors from neighboring places.
Aklan, Antique, and Capiz
The provinces of Antique, Capiz, and Aklan (excluding Boracay) are currently open to residents and Western Visayas residents only. This means only tourists from the provinces of Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental will be allowed to enter their borders for leisure travel.
Tagaytay
In September, Tagaytay City announced its reopening to visitors from areas under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
Boracay
Boracay opened its doors on October 1 for domestic tourists from GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCQ areas. They are currently implementing a Test Before Travel policy.
Batangas
Since October 14, Batangas has been open to divers. The Department of Tourism (DOT) finally allowed recreational diving, after DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who is also Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), signed PCSSD Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive Establishments Under a Community Quarantine.
Diving sites in Batangas, especially in Anilao, are now open to domestic tourists from GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) areas, given that they present a negative swab test result, proof of reservation, valid ID, and medical clearance.
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte has started welcoming visitors from Luzon on October 15. The province targets to accommodate 50 tourists per day now that tourism in their province has resumed.
Baguio
On October 22 Baguio City has finally allowed tourists coming from Luzon, particularly those from NCR, Region 2, and Region 3 with a negative RT-PCR test.
They are currently using a digital platform called Baguio Visitor Information and Travel Assistance or VIS.I.T.A, which will help local tourists navigate the new normal in traveling.
Palawan
On October 30, the world-famous beach destination, Palawan, officially started welcoming tourists back. They now implement the Test Before travel policy, where guests need to test negative in a RT-PCR COVID_19 test 72 hours before their travel date.
Bohol and Ilocos Sur
The province of Ilocos Sur is set to reopen to Luzon tourists beginning November 15. Last month, tourism in the province resumed but only for visitors from Region 1 and Baguio City.
Bohol also plans to welcome local tourists back starting November 15. Visitors will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result and a QR code system will be used for contact tracing.
DIY tours in Bohol are temporarily not allowed. So, tourists should book guided tours if they plan to visit Bohol from November 15 onwards.
For more information on travel guidelines implemented in your preferred domestic destination, be sure to check their website and official Facebook page.
Or, check GMA's Lifestyle page for more news and updates on domestic travel.
You might also want to read about the Tourism Promotions Board's 'Travel Philippines' app and awesome flight deals up for grabs.