Has the lockdown gotten you stumped at home?

It’s sad news that the Novel Coronavirus lockdown hit the country during the best time of the year to travel the Philippines. However, you can’t risk your health and the well-being of others for a little fun in the sun.

If you're one of the millions of Filipinos who are hoping for the Coronavirus lockdown to be over soon so you can travel, here are 9 travel escapes in the country that you surely do not want to miss again:

1. Boracay, Aklan

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If there's one word that best describes Boracay, well, it has to be "paradise." Boracay is a tropical island in Aklan that is surrounded by stunning powdery white sand and shallow azure waters—no wonder it was hailed as the top island destination in Asia and one of the best islands in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.

The paradise island of Boracay has so much to offer. From enjoying the breathtaking sunsets and adrenaline-pumping water sports to the lively night parties and fresh seafood right at the beachside, you can easily list down at least 10 reasons why Boracay is an ideal travel escape from the city.

Once the lockdown is over, book your trip to Alta Vista de Boracay for accommodations that are worth it for the price.

2. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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If there's one safe refuge that exists these days, it's probably Puerto Princesa’s Underground River. Under the mountains, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area of the Philippines. This park is approximately 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City and 360 kilometers southwest of Manila.

The 8.2-kilometer-long underground river will surely take you to an entirely different world. With its dazzling limestone karst landscapes, untouched old-growth forests, unimaginable cave domes, mysterious lagoon, and distinctive wildlife and marine creatures, there's no thread of doubt why the Puerto Princesa Underground River was chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and why it could be your ultimate hiding place.

3. Batanes Islands, Cagayan Valley

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If there's one dream place that you have to see with your eyes open, it's Batanes. Located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, this "Last Frontier" will overwhelm your senses with indescribable scenery and dramatic landscape that is more akin to New Zealand and Europe than the tropics.

And though Batanes is an archipelagic province of the Philippines, you will find yourself stunned and blown away by its picturesque rolling hills and hedgerows, landmark lighthouses, rustic architecture, calm and crystal clear waters, marvelous rock formations, and unique culture. Needless to say, Batanes is the post-lockdown local travel destination you'll want to add to your travel bucket list.

4. Mount Pinatubo, Zambales

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If there’s one travel escape that you should visit soon, it has to be Mt. Pinatubo. You might wonder and ask, but it will only take a day's trek to the crater for you to understand why.

"There is always something good that will come out of the bad," and this familiar saying stands true for Mt. Pinatubo, which, as you probably know, had suddenly erupted in June 1991 after 500 years of falling asleep, killing 800 people and leaving 100,000 residents homeless.

However, after Mt. Pinatubo's cataclysmic eruption, beautiful things started to unfold. The millions of tons of sulfur dioxide that Mt. Pinatubo discharged in the atmosphere resulted in a decrease in worldwide temperature over the next few years, the hundred-foot panoramic sand walls were formed, the caldera or crater's lake looked much beautiful with its emerald water, the mountain metamorphosed into a gorgeous backdrop, the whole area became an ultimate sunventure, and the local Aetas were no longer an isolated tribe.

Indeed, Mt. Pinatubo should be one of your local travel places after the Novel Coronavirus outbreak because it will make you hope for a "beautiful disaster."

5. Vigan, Ilocos Sur

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If you wish to travel back in time when life was simpler and untouched by the Novel Coronavirus, visit the well-preserved 16th-century town of Vigan.

The ancient churches and buildings will keep your eyes gazed at the beauty and grandeur of the Spanish-era architecture. The heritage museums will make you reflect on the country's rich history. The well-restored cobblestone streets with lamps lit will charm you to walk around while enjoying the sight of houses in colonial style, and the mouth-watering local food delicacies that will complete your travel escape to Vigan—no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. Sagada, Mountain Province

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With everything that has been happening lately, don't you want to flee to a close-to-perfect place to find peace and serenity? If you want a travel escape that is nothing short of heavenly, you must head to Sagada.

The perfect view of its sunrise and sea of clouds will be worth your 12-hour travel. From the peak of Kiltepan, you will stand in awe of clouds that lay low in the valley and move around, swaying up and curving like waves.

7. Mayon Volcano, Albay

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If you want to be captivated by the beauty of nature after the lockdown, visit the Mayon Volcano. Its perfect cone shape will make you fall in love with its beauty. Completing your viewing experience is the Cagsawa Ruins, the church that was built in 1724 and was destroyed by the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

8. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

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If you're pondering on what might be a sweet escape after the lockdown, you may want to consider the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. This famous landmark is comprised of 1,260 hills that are covered in green grass but turn into brown, like chocolate, during the dry season. Adding to the mind-blowing view of the Chocolate Hills are the sweet little Tarsiers, the cutest and smallest monkeys in the world at the Tarsier Sanctuary, and the Loboc River, where you will surely enjoy a sweet river cruise.

9. Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

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Finally, if you're looking for a great summer adventure after the lockdown, head South and swim, paddle, and surf to your heart's content in Siargao.

Though it's known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is more than just surfing. You can go island hopping while riding in a bangka (local bamboo boat), conquer the Sohoton Caves, cliff jump at Tak Tak Waterfall, and kayak at the Sugba Lagoon. Bring out the adventurous soul in you and swim your way to one of the most popular solo traveler's destinations in the country, and that is Siargao.

With this list of local travel destinations, it's safe to say that you're more than convinced to plan your travel escape and visit some of the most refreshing places in the country once the lockdown is over.

9 Local Travel Escapes to Visit After the Lockdown