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Philippine Travel Destinations that have reopened to Domestic Tourism

Kara Santos

After months of living under the longest lockdown in the world, many people who live in Metro Manila are eager to travel once again. Different destinations are slowly opening their doors to domestic tourists for “non-essential” leisure travel. The cautious reopening is part of government efforts to kick-start the tourism economy that has suffered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.

Though more flexible travel movements are slowly starting to take place,  the resumption of domestic tourism does not mean that the threat of COVID-19 has disappeared. The DOT reminds the public that the pandemic has not ended and that safety protocols and enhanced hygiene measures in all sectors of the tourism industry need to be enforced to curb the spread of the virus. The new guidelines and restrictions (mainly the added cost of getting swab tests and hassles of lining up in government offices to apply for travel passes) and the potential risk of getting sick and infecting family back home has been a major deterrent to potential travelers.

Check out latest updates on DOT’s dedicated travel website: https://philippines.travel/safeph

Anyway, here are a few updates on notable destinations that have reopened for domestic travel and accept travelers coming from Metro Manila and the NCR, even if the region is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

FYI: Most of the Calabarzon area (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon, with the exception of some areas in Rizal), have been open to locals and non-residents of the respective provinces, but with strict adherence to health and safety protocols by the LGUs.

In case you just want a quick change of scenery minus all the requirements, I suggest you travel to nearby destinations like Antipolo, visit neighboring towns, or just explore whatever you can just within your vicinity. Better yet, help flatten the curve and stay home. But if you are willing to face all the risks and go through the hassles of travel right now and the extra expenses, here are some of the destinations that have reopened their doors to tourists and their “new normal” requirements.

Bohol

Bohol has officially opened to domestic tourists and frequent individual travelers effective Dec. 15, 2020. Bohol was previously open to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) guests, weddings or small events with a minimum of 6 persons in a travel group since November.

Requirements:

Coron

The island of Coron reopened its doors to domestic tourists starting the December 1. The island welcomes only Filipinos and foreigners residing in the country who are aged 15 to 65. Tourists will be required to arrange a booking with a DOT-certified accommodation establishment prior to their trip.

Requirements:

El Nido

While El Nido has been open to local residents of Palawan since October, under Phase 2 of their reopening, they will be accepting guests coming from Metro Manila and outside the province starting November 30. Leisure travel to El Nido is open to all ages without underlying conditions and health risks. Tourists from outside the island can fly directly to El Nido via AirSwift. Tourists may go out of their accommodations for guided island-hopping activities and scuba diving. However, Manila tourists will not be allowed to visit restaurants in town, but can get food delivered to their hotels.

Requirements:

Masungi Georeserve

Masungi Georeserve reopened last November 26. All tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified (GCQ) may now start reserving their slots at Masungi’s website. Only 50 visitors per day for each trail will be accommodated under new guidelines.

Requirements: (need to be submitted online 3 days before visit)

Siargao

Siargao Island has reopened its doors to local tourists starting November 23. Flights to the top surfing island destination located in Surigao del Norte, will resume on December 1.

Requirements:

Ilocos Sur (including Vigan)

Ilocos Sur has been open to residents and tourists from Baguio only, but has reopened to Luzon residents starting November 15. Guests below 21 years old and 60 years old and above and pregnant women are not allowed to enter Vigan as of the moment. DIY and day tours are not allowed.

Requirements:

Baguio City, Benguet

Baguio City has been open to local residents and Region 1 tourists through the Ridge and Reef Baguio-Region 1 travel corridor, but they will start accepting guests from the entire Luzon starting October 22, 2020. According to guidelines, only 200 tourists per day are allowed in the city. Visitors are no longer required to book their itineraries through a DoT-accredited tour agency. However, they will still be required to book stays in a DoT-accredited accommodations.

Requirements:

Bataan

Bataan has been open to residents and domestic tourists in the Philippines under GCQ and MGCQ. Domestic tourists can enter Bataan through SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and other major entry points in the province. Open tourist destinations include Las Casas Filipinias de Acuzar and Sinagtala Farm Resort & Adventure Park.

Requirements:

Laguna (Enchanted Kingdom)

Enchanted Kingdom reopened on October 17, 2020 and is set to be open every weekend thereafter but as per IATF Guidelines, only guests who are 21 – 59 years old will be allowed to enter. Senior citizens, guests below 21 years old and those with underlying conditions are not allowed. The theme park has been inspected and granted the authority to operate by the City of Santa Rosa as endorsed by concerned government agencies.

Requirements:

Ilocos Norte (including Laoag)

Visitors from Luzon, including those coming from Metro Manila, can now travel to Ilocos Norte starting October 15, 2020. Requirements include a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours before entry and pre-registration at ilocosnorte.ph with a valid SafePass QR code. Only 50 tourists will be accepted per day. DIYs and day tours are not allowed.

Requirements:

Open tourist sites in Ilocos Norte include Cape Bojeador Light House, Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center, Kapurpuran Rock Formation, Bangui Windmills, Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay Church, Pagudpud, and more, as the province has already welcomed tourists for leisure travel.

Batangas

Batangas has started accepting guests mainly for recreational diving starting October 15, 2020. Dive sites in Anilao, Batangas have been allowed to operate again, subject to strict protocols and requirements for tourists. Domestic tourists can only enter Batangas via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and Batangas Pier. Only dive establishments with DOT and PCSSD accreditation would be allowed to operate. Guests of all ages from GCQ and modified GCQ areas are welcome. Popular diving destinations that have reopened include Balayan Bay, Cathedral Rock, Beatrice Rock, Twin Rocks, and Mainit Muck.

Requirements:

Boracay, Aklan

The island of Boracay opened its doors to all domestic tourists from GCQ and MGCQ areas last October 1, 2020 subject to guidelines. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.  Parties and organized sports activities are still not allowed.

Requirements:

Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera’s beaches, snorkeling, and dive sites are open to residents of the province, foreign tourists, NCR and MGCQ areas, and residents. Areas open to domestic tourists from NCR (GCQ) and MGCQ areas include Muelle Bay Heritage Park, PHESI Windmill, Mangrove Conservation Area, Beaches, Snorkeling and diving sites, Sabang, White Beach and Extreme Adventure.

Requirements:

Clark Freeport Zone

In Central Luzon, the Clark Freeport Zone is open to all tourists but those coming from GCQ areas, will need to present health declaration forms to accommodation and tourism-related establishments.

Subic

Subic is open to tourists coming from MGCQ areas. For those from GCQ areas, Subic only accepts individuals on official business trips. If one will stay for more than 48 hours, a swab test is required upon arrival, including checking in a quarantine facility while waiting for the results. Once cleared, that’s the only time one can be transferred to a leisure hotel.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay City announced its reopening last September to visitors without travel passes from areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) or no quarantine status. Among the travel spots that welcome tourists include Sky Ranch, Picnic Grove, churches, markets, and hotels with the famous Taal Volcano view.

The city is supposedly open to tourists provided they follow minimum health standards, such as the wearing of face masks and following physical distancing protocols. However, senior citizens and those below 21 years old are prohibited from entering establishments. 

Initially, tourists who can enter the city without travel authority are limited to those coming from MGCQ areas only. For travelers coming from GCQ, MECQ, and ECQ, areas, it is mandatory to provide a travel authority. However, according to recent news updates, these requirements are no longer checked at the borders.

Requirements:

Guidelines for non-essential outbound travel

Aside from the easing of domestic travel to select destinations, starting October 21, 2020, the Philippines will be lifting its ban on non-essential outbound travel. Filipinos traveling abroad must present the following:

Before planning your trip to any of these locations, it is best to check the local tourism advisories to avoid unnecessary hassles. For more detailed information, visit: https://philippines.travel/safeph

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