Earlier this week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) together with the IATF-MEID confirmed that the PNP travel authority and medical certificate are no longer required for travel. Included in the new local travel protocols is the removal of mandatory COVID-19 RT-PCR test and facility-based quarantine for travelers, making it easier for Pinoys to visit different travel destinations.
However, requirements will still vary depending on the local government units, so some destinations will still require PCR tests and quarantine. But many destinations are following the IATF’s regulations and doing away with many of the restrictions, which is good news for people who have been itching to travel (and were only being held back by the volume of requirements).
Summertime is fast approaching and if you’re preparing to go out of town this season or during the Holy Week, you now have quite a few options. Here are local tourist destinations that are now easy to travel to.:
Benguet
G for a drive up North? Benguet is now open for tourists, which means that Baguio is now more accessible. In fact, the city was one of the first to open to tourists by forming a travel bubble with neighboring provinces. Baguio City only requires online registration via the Baguio Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) where you have to schedule a visit.
Tourists can also now cool off at other famous spots in Benguet like La Trinidad and Kabayan. Unfortunately, those looking into hiking Mt. Pulag can’t do it just yet as the mountain remains restricted to tourists.
Batangas
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Just a two-hour drive from the Metro, Batangas is famous not only for Taal Volcano and its strong Kapeng Barako but also for its many beaches. From beach resorts with fun water activities to exclusive coves where you can enjoy privacy, the province has been a summer go-to for years. If you’re not up for some sand and sea, you can also try hiking at some of its famous peaks like Mt. Batulao and Mt. Maculot.
Laguna
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Anyone who travels often in Southern Luzon probably experienced the traffic in Calamba, Pansol, or Los Baños in Laguna. Another summertime fave, the province is the home of resorts and private pools that are a go-to for families, barkadas, or even companies for team buildings. Aside from the private resorts, you can also beat the summer heat at its natural attractions like Caliraya Lake or Pagsanjan Falls.
Cebu Province
Planning to fly out of Luzon? While you hold off Cebu City’s famous tourist spots like Magellan’s Cross or the gorgeous Temple of Leah as the city still requires RT-PCR test, you can explore the rest of Cebu’s provinces instead. You can go swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, or enjoy Moalboal’s crystal blue waters and white sand beach.
Quezon
Up for a road trip down south? Famous for the mystic Mt. Banahaw, colorful Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, and relaxing Villa Escudero, Quezon has various tourist spots that would satisfy the adventurous. Did you know there are secluded beaches to explore too? To see the full list of open destinations in Quezon Province, visit this page.
Rizal
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If you want to catch a panoramic view of the nature and city skyline, you have to do it in Rizal. The province has a lot to offer when it comes to staycations, camping grounds, and picturesque restaurants. It’s time to slowly work your way around the Rizal bucket list you’ve made the past months!
Marinduque
Known for the Moriones Festival during Holy Week, Marinduque is perfect for beach bums looking for new islands and beaches to explore. Before, a trip to the island province required going on a car or bus ride plus sea travel, which takes up to nine hours for travel time alone. Fortunately, you can now book direct flights to the province.
Albay
If you’ve been dreaming to see Mayon Volcano and its perfect triangular shape or cool off with the province’s chili ice cream, include Albay in your next long-haul road trip together with a good playlist. For updates regarding tourism, visit the Province of Albay’s official website.
Already have local destinations in mind? Visit S-Pass’ official website to check if your destination remains restricted or unrestricted.
