- 1. Ma. Angela G. Francisco
2. Tokyo Japan In 2012, the World City Survey ranked Tokyo as
the world's cleanest and safest city. Japans capital since 1603,
21st-century Tokyo is home to more than 13 million people in a
bustling metropolis that melds old with new. Shanghai China A 2012
report released by the China Tourism Academy ranked Shanghai the
top tourist destination on 3. Chiang Mai, Thailand With the Tourism
Authority of Thailand predicting significant increases in tourist
arrivals in 2013, Chiang Mai is a city on the move. Siem Reap,
Cambodia The 2 million people who visit the the world- famous
temples of Cambodias Angkor Wat every year make 4. Agra, India Agra
is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taj Mahal, and an
essential destination on your Asia itinerary. Bali, Indonesia
"Travel + Leisure" magazine ranked Bali number two on its World's
Best Islands list for 2012. From its unspoiled beaches to its lush
mountain 5. The Maldives Readers of SmartTravelAsia.com ranked the
Maldives as Asia's fourth best holiday destination in 2012. Petra,
Jordan One of the official seven wonders of the world, Petra in
west Asia is Jordan's most prized tourist 6. Located in northern
Vietnam, Halong Bay is a recognized Natural Wonder of the World. Si
Phan Don, Laos Ranked among the top four tourist destinations in
Laos by Touropia, Si Phan Don is something of a secret destination
7. Bangkok, Thailand Thailand's capital is split into 50 unique
districts. Hit up Pratunam or Siam Square for premium shopping,
then unwind in the European-style gardens of Dusit. Tokyo, Japan
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can
reverently wander ancient temples before 8. Here, you'll find a
wealth of history, both ancient (the Hall of Preserving Harmony,
Summer Palace, Forbidden City) and more recent (Chairman Mao
Memorial Hall, Tiananmen Square).Shanghai, China The largest city
in China is also its most cosmopolitan, offering visitors a chance
to 9. Hong Kong, China Delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a
one-of-a-kind skyline are just some of Hong Kongs unique features.
Singapore, Singapore The Singapore cityscape looks like it was
ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If youre
hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample 10. Kyoto, Japan The
shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life
in the city and its very ancient past. Male The island capital of
the Maldives teems with high rises and narrow 11. Ubud, Indonesia
The village cluster of Ubud is the ideal place to try a famed
Balinese massage and soak up the ambiance of one of Asias top spa
destinations. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is the business and cultural
hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist 12.
Taipei, Taiwan You can eat very welland very cheaplyin Taipei. The
restaurants may not look posh, but the quality of the food is
superlative. Hanoi, Vietnam The charming Vietnamese capital has
aged well, preserving the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial
architecture, while 13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Vietnam's
bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the
country. New Delhi, India New Delhi is all at once chaotic and
calm, a complicated city where cows often wander the shanty- 14.
Hoi An, Vietnam This city on the central Vietnamese coast is a
well-preserved example of the important Southeast Asian trading
port it was from the 15th- 19th centuries. Kathmandu, Nepal Nepals
capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient
temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and
animals amid Durbar 15. 19 Luang Prabang, Laos This UNESCO World
Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you'll see
everything from golden- roofed temples to vestiges of colonial
French architecture here. Jaipur, India If you take one look at the
glorious stucco buildings that line Jaipur's wide streets, you'll
understand why 16. Xi'an, China Today the walls of the Ming dynasty
and the Tang palace walls hint at the Xians glorious past. Stare in
awe at the Terracotta Army, 7,000 terracotta statues of Qin
Bingmayong Bowuguan warriors and soldiers. Goa, India The sandy
coast of Goa is perfect for reclining by the sea. Nestle into a
cushioned chair at a beach shack and savor a curry while you sip a
Kingfisher beer, watching the sun slip lazily below the horizon. In
Old Goa, the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO 17. Phnom
Penh, Cambodia Explore the city's temples, palaces, and the
remnants of its French colonial history. Just outside the city, the
The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) are a reminder of Cambodia's tragic
past-- a somber contrast to the booming city of today. Mumbai
(Bombay), India Though Mumbai can feel chaotic and crowded, there
are peaceful moments to be found here. Nibble 18. Halong Bay, Viet
Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing
limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over
centuries by wind and water, theyre breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a
junk boat, or take a tour to explore.Hoh Xil, Tibet Its not hard to
see why Tibetian plateau Hoh Xil is the worlds third least
populated area. The 45,000-square- kilometer nature reserve sits at
4,700 meters above sea 19. An Bang Beach, Vietnam Coastal old town
Hoi An in Central Vietnam is best known for its bespoke tailors
shops, excellent beaches and fresh seafood. Most tourists head to
Cua Dai beach at the end of Cua Dai road, some four kilometers out
of town. Shodoshima, Japan Shodoshima, or the Island of Little
Beans, is Japans take on Mediterranean sensibilities. Although youd
be hard- pressed to find a foreign traveler who knows about the
island, its famous among Japanese 20. The Wild Wall, China The
Great Wall of China might have kept out barbarian hordes, but is
futile against Chinese kitsch. The Wall's most popular areas --
Badaling and Mutianyu -- are often overrun with tourists and
hawkers. Garden of Dreams, Nepal After spending a few days in
Nepals chaotic capital of Kathmandu, head 21. Ratu Boko, Indonesia
The Yogyakarta region is practically a museum of Indonesias
dynastic history. The famed Buddhist temple Borobodur and its Hindu
counterpart Prambanan typic ally lures crowds for its detailed
relief. Rua da Tercena, Macau Amid Macaus casino boom, the
antiquated Rua da Tercena remains an overlooked part of town. A
drastic departure from the overdone tourist kitsch thats invaded
the other parts of Macau, Rua da Tercena reminds visitors of what
the old Macau was 22. Koh Kood, Thailand Thailands Koh Kood is
possibly one of the very few places that can live up to the myth of
the unpeopled Asian beachy paradise. Haedong Yonggung Temple, South
Korea Busans Haedong Yonggung Temple is sits next to a cliff,
making it an anomaly among Koreas other mountain-facing 23.
Tournament, Pakistan Youll have to be one die- hard polo fan to
want to watch the Shandur Polo Tournament first-hand, since its
probably the most remote polo tournament in the world. Sea Urchin
farm, Hong Kong In a move that can rival Japans famous fish
markets, Hong Kongs Sai Kung is now farming and dishing up fresh
sea 24. Miho Museum, Japan Like the Guggenheim, the architecture of
Japans magnificent Miho Museum upstages the art inside. Not that
you can spot the 250-acre structure from a distance, since 80
percent of it is submerged in a mountain. Terelj National Park,
Mongolia Located just 60 km from the capital, Terelj National Park
offers a glimpse into nomadic Mongolian life without having to
journey for days via truck and unpaved road. It can be done in a
day, but 25. Haputale, Sri Lanka The misty Sri Lankan town of
Haputale is a spectacle at dawn. Every morning, bundled-up Tamils
sell English vegetables on the streets while the towns clanging
bazaars and buses slowly come alive. Hai Ba Trung district, Vietnam
Hanois Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake are must-sees on the tourist
circuit. The traditional architecture, street food and chaotic 26.
Kota Gede, Indonesia Most visitors first stop in Yogyakarta is the
Sultans palace, the geographical heart of the city thats crawling
with tour buses. But nostalgic Kota Gede, better known as the old
city, provides an even better view of Yogyakartas history. Kranji
farms, Singapore For a bit of rustic relaxation in the Lion City,
head over to the suburb Kranji, which has close to a dozen 27.
Pekan, Malaysia The Malaysian town of Pekan is vastly overlooked by
the tourist circuit, and we prefer it that way. Pekan is located on
the banks of the Pahang River, and its relative anonymity among
foreign tourists means that locals still giggle shyly when they
spot strangers. Serosugil, South Korea With funky boutiques and
offbeat eateries galore, Garosugil used to be the hippest spot in
Seoul. 28. Architectural Museum, Japan The Edo-Tokyo Open Air
Architectural Museum isnt your average stuffy, boxed-in depositary.
It bends time and space by transporting preserved historic
buildings from around the country and cramming it into seven
hectares of open space. Burma Many politically minded travelers
have avoided the tumultuous Burma since the 1990s under the urging
of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but now, thanks to 29.
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Taguig City This monument
includes the graves of thousands of Americans who died fighting in
the Philippines in World War II. Corregidor Island, Manila This
tadpole-shaped rock island is the largest of five islandsbetween
the historical Bataan and Cavite shores. Some geologists theorize
that Corregidor was once part of a huge volcano that erupted on one
side and gradually eroded to become partly invisible 30. Ariel's
Point Ariels Point is a breathtaking eco-adventure destination
located a short and scenic boat ride away from Boracay Island.
Ariels Point is the perfect daytime venue for Boracay travelers who
want to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines while also
meeting fellow travelers.Boracay White Beach Boracays most popular
beach is famous for its amazing sunsets and its white sand 31.
Diniwid Beach A cliffside footpath connects this small, serene
beach with its louder and larger cousin, White Beach. A great place
for a quiet picnic. University of Santo Tomas This is the oldest
university in Asia, founded in 1611, and is one of the worlds
largest Roman Catholic 32. If your looking for a colder place near
Metro Manila which is the capital of the Philippines Tagaytay is
the right place for you. Only 2-3 hrs. from the Manila you can
reach the beautiful place of Tagaytay.La union is known for their
beautiful beaches if you are seeking for some water adventures La
union might fit to your taste. If you just want to relax, swim,
snorkeling or lets just say you want some child friendly waves La
33. Puerto Galera is a mix of water adventure and camping
experience because even the island is surrounded by the water the
island itself is surrounded by lush mountains so if you are tired
and worn out with the water you should try to go to their mountains
and forest and maybe have some overnight camping. Corregidor Island
Lets go now in one of the historical places in the Philippines
Corregidor I sland. This place is the last island in the
Philippines that captured by the Japanese this is very historic and
34. Baguio city is one of the coldest place in the Philippines
because of this high altitude location they consider the Baguio
city as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, because the best
time to go there is obviously summer when the temperature in Metro
Manila reach "37 degree Celsius". Boracay is very famous because of
their white sand beach which is their sands is very glassy- smooth.
This island of Boracay is very tourist friendly in fact they 35.
*BANAUE RICE TERRACES* Where now in our top 4, how can i forgot the
2000 yrs old Banaue rice terraces in Mt. province this terraces
made by "Ifugao" a native Filipino and they made it by their own
bare hands. *SAGADA* If you are a nature lover or a hiker Sagada
will be your paradise. This is one of the newest tourist
destination in the Philippines because this is too far from the
Manila only few people try to go 36. *PAGUDPUD* Second to the last
place in the Philippines "PAGUDPUD" . Their beach was speechless
because of its crystal clear water and a white sand beach.
*PALAWAN* My Top 1 tourist destination in the Philippines is
"PALAWAN". Lets just simplify Palawan all the tourist spot that i
mentioned just put 37. Chocolate Hills is a series of 1,268
perfectly symmetrical, haycock- shaped hills that rise some 30
meters above the ground. A National Geologic Monument, these
unique, rock formations were cast after million years of
evolution.Land of Plenty "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" is Davao City's
premier festival and showcases the natural and 38. The capital of
the Philippines - its heart and soul -- is Manila. It sets the
rhythm of life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that
blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the
modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. The Last Frontier
Unique to Palawan is its megadiversity. For a long time, Palawan's
bountiful resources, abundant wildlife and extraordinary natural
beauty are known only to the many ethnic communities that thrive in
39. Camarines Sur Better known as CamSur, the province had a
dramatic 117.2 % increase in tourists, welcoming an estimated 1.5
million visitors last year. In 2008, more than 720,000 went
wakeboarding at the CamSur Watersports Complex. Cagayan de Oro The
City of White Water Rafting and River Trekking, Cagayan de Oro not
only boasts of splendid views but also very warm and 40. Three to
four hours awa y from Manila, the province has some 170 kilometers
of beaches with reefs, diving areas, and surfing spots. The Fiesta
Poon Bato (Feast of the Sacred Stone) in January is a religious
festival in honor of the Catholic Lady of Peace and Good Voyage,
and attracts more than half a million tourists every year. Siargao
Islands, Surigao del Norte Known as the top surfing island in the
Philippines, Siargao is often overlooked as a beachcombers
paradise. There are breaks for beginner surfers, moderate ones and
even pros looking for three-meter-high waves. 41. On Great Santa
Cruz Island, pulverized red coral washed up from the sea floor
mixes with white sand to produce a pink-hued beach. Its a different
version of perfection: the powdery beach competes with the blue and
green shades of the sea.Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte Along the
northern tip of the island of Luzon sits the coastal town of
Pagudpud. Its a quiet, sleepy and rural community, with little
overt commercialism. Perhaps because it takes time and effort to
reach Pagudpud, the wide and 42. APO ISLAND Apo Island is a small,
pristine island surrounded by calm and clear waters. It is perfect
for underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving; it has
even been rated as one of the best dive sites in the world.APO REEF
NATURAL PARK Apo Reef is recognized as one of the largest coral
reef systems in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in
Australia. The Apo Reef Natural 43. BATANES. The Batanes group of
islands is located at the northernmost tip of Philippine territory.
It is known for its scenic waters and terrain and clean environment
BIRI ISLAND ROCK FORMATION. The Biri Island rock formation is
composed of four small, rocky islands located in that 44. that
Surigao has to offer. In the town of Socorro in Surigao del Norte
lies the Bucas Grande Islands or the Sohoton Cove National Park.
This island is packed with numerous caves and white sand beaches,
waterfalls, mangrove s, iron woods, inland lakes, fishing grounds,
and corals. CALAGUAS ISLAND The Calaguas Islands are located in the
Municipality of Vinzons, in the Province of Camarines Norte. It is
known for its pristine beachesthe most popular among these is the
Mahabang Buhangin beach, which 45. BUSUANGA AND CORON. Both located
in the municipality of Coron in Palawan, these destinations have
been cited by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of
the Top 10 scuba sites in the world. These destinations are the
most popular sites for wreck diving in the Philippines.CAMIGUIN
ISLAND. Camiguin is the countrys second-smallest province. In spite
of this, the island packs quite a punch. It has three mountains,
three hot springs, two waterfalls, and one active volcano. 46.
CAMOTES ISLAND. The Camotes Islands are located in the Camotes Sea,
off the coast of the Province of Cebu. It is known for its crystal
clear waters, extremely fine white sand, and the spectacular view
of sunset that it offers. CARAMOAN ISLANDS. The Caramoan islands
stem from the rugged Caramoan Peninsula, which is located in the
province of Camarines Sur. The islands, however, are isolated from
the 47. and wildlife reserve, located in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan,
Negros Occidental. It is covered with a rainforest and has five
lagoons, three of which are landlocked and two of which are flooded
at high tide and colonized by coral and reef fish species. The
island is fringed with beaches where turtles nest. It is also
surrounded by diverse coral reefs. DONSOL. Donsol is known
primarily for whale watching. Here tourists can interact with whale
sharks (butanding in local parlance) by snorkeling, diving, or by
simply waiting for them in areas where they come right up to 48.
FORMATION. The Kapurpurawan rock formation is located on the rocky
coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is known for its creamy white and
streamlined limestone formations, which have been sculpted by
different oceanic and weather forces. Burgos is located on the
northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte. LAKE SEBU. Lake Sebu is one of
the Philippines most important watersheds and a major provider of
irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.
It is located in the ancestral domain of the T'boli and Ubo 49. MT.
KANLAON. Mt. Kanlaon bisects the Negros Island, and it is also the
highest peak in Central Visayas. This makes it popular among
mountain climbers and hikers. The fact that it is an active volcano
adds a certain kind of thrill. Mt. Kanlaon is truly only for the
daring.MT. PINATUBO. Mt. Pinatubo is no longer the terror that it
was more than two decades ago. It is now a prime tourist
destination which offers various kinds of adventures for those
gutsy enough to go through it. You could trek through Pinatubos
Crow Valley Canyon, view its crater through a chartered light 50.
Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. It is the Philippines third
highest mountain and Luzons highest peak. The mountain hosts more
than five hundred plant species. The dwarf bamboo, for instance, is
endemic to the mountain. It also houses several endangered species
of mammals. Mount Pulag is definitely a haven for nature lovers.
PAGUDPUD BEACH. Pagudpud is a coastal town located at the
northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte. It is known as the Boracay of the
North, but it has so much more to offer apart from its pristine
coastline. Pagudpuds Bangui Bay also features 20 wind turbines,
which makes it Southeast Asias first windmill farm. 51. of Dauis
and Panglao, in the province of Bohol. It is known for its white
sand beaches, several resorts, and over the years has emerged as
one of the Philippines top beach destinations. It has been cited in
CNN Travel as one of the Philippines best beaches and island
destinations.; It is a pleasant alternative to the much more
popular Boracay. SAGADA. Sagada is already well-known for its rice
terraces, but the Sumaguing Caves provide a different kind of
adventure altogether. The Sumaguing Caves are the largest of 52. is
an island of nine municipalities in the province of Surigao del
Norte. Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is
mainly responsible for introducing surfing to the country. Apart
from surfing, Siargao is also open to other activities such as cave
explorations and rock climbing. SIQUIJOR ISLAND. Siquijor is the
third smallest province in the Philippines. It is recognized as a
center of mystic power and a capital of mystic activities and black
magic. Siquijor is known for the infamous agimat and gayuma. In
spite of this, Siquijor offers incredible sites and sights and is
rapidly becoming 53. TAYTAY. Taytay is a highly popular wreck
diving site in the northern coast of Palawan. It is also a famous
site for dolphin watching. Taytay also has several easily
accessible historical landmarks. It was one of the 12 finalists in
the 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK.
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site because of its incredibly diverse marine species. It
has huge coral atolls and crystal clear water, which makes it
perfect for diving and live board diving excursions. Tourists can
also visit the Ranger Station at reefs sandbars. The
