LIST: PH Tourist Destinations That Recently Reopened for Travelers Amid the Pandemic
Several local tourist destinations such as Baguio, Boracay, El Nido, and Ilocos Norte have reopened their borders for tourists last October. And as we approach the last month of the year, other tourist places in the country recently followed to ease their travel restrictions for travelers.
For future travel reference, here are local tourist destination that recently reopened to welcome travelers:
Siargao
Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, is now open for domestic tourists starting November 23 as confirmed by Mayor Cecilia Ruson of the municipality of General Luna, Surigao del Norte.
Flights going to Siargao have resumed on December 1 as per the Department of Tourism (DOT), allowing travelers from outside the region to visit the island via Sayak Airport near Barangay Del Carmen and Barangay Heneral Luna.
Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao
Safety health requirements for tourists arriving at Surigao City/Sayak Airport include an e-health pass with a valid ID, a negative RT-PCR result taken within 48 hours from point of origin, five-day confirmed booking from an accommodation establishment with a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) or Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO) from the DOT, and round-trip ticket or travel details.
Meanwhile, travelers coming from Surigao del Norte are required to show an e-health pass with a valid ID, a certificate from the barangay chairman stating the traveler did not have close contact with a COVID-19-positive patient, and a confirmed booking from a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment.
Curfew within the island will be enforced from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Also read: Siargao: Dream Island Getaway
Coron
Beginning December 1, Coron Island started accepting local tourists as announced by DOT on its official Twitter account.
According to the approved travel guidelines and protocols for visitors, any Filipino citizen or foreigner residing in the Philippines aged 15 to 65 is allowed to enter the island for leisure purposes.
Coron, Palawan awaits your return to its magnificent limestone rock formations and stunning lagoons as it opens for domestic travel on December 1, 2020.
— Visit Philippines (@TourismPHL) November 24, 2020
Travelers must schedule and book a trip through a DOT-certified accommodation establishment first. Other health requirements include a negative RT-PCR result within 48 to 72 hours before arrival, roundtrip ticket, and confirmed booking itinerary.
Coron, Palawan
Visitors are also required to register for a health declaration form, which may soon be accessed at www.corontourism.ph. A unique QR code will be given after registration which will serve as an entry pass upon arriving and while on the island.
All tourists will undergo a thorough health assessment at the triage area of Francisco Reyes Airport in Coron, Palawan upon arrival.
Masungi Reserve
The Masungi Georeserve formally reopened last November 25 after months of closure due to COVID-19. The premier eco-tourism destination in Rizal province requires its guests to book reservations via their website at masungigeoreserve.com.
Masungi Georeserve
They only allow a limited number of five to eight guests per group to observe minimum health protocols. The entrance fee ranges from Php 1,500 to Php 1,800, with no testing required. However, COVID-19 testing will be required if you are exhibiting symptoms while already at the site.
The site also allotted pre-designated and spaced-out areas at the end of the trail to allow a safe dining experience for guests. Moreover, all areas are outdoors or open-air spaces.
Also read: Masungi Georeserve: A Pristine Ecotourism Spot in Rizal
Ilocos Sur
Another tourist destination in the north welcomed visitors last November. The local government of Ilocos Sur allows a maximum of 50 visitors per day only to ensure effective crowd control and the strict implementation of the health and safety protocols.
The protocols will be observed beginning at the borders of the province in the municipalities of Tagudin and Sinait where the triage testing centers are located.
Calle Crisologo
Upon arrival, tourists must present the following travel requirements: a negative result for RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before travel, a digital or printed SafePass QR Code accessible via SafePass, a confirmed itinerary from a DOT-accredited tour and travel agency, a confirmed booking from a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment, a confirmed booking from a DOT-accredited tourist transport (if not using a private vehicle), and a government-issued ID.
Guests are also required to take an antigen test at the Ilocos Sur Tourist Triage and Assistance Center, which is valid for a three-day itinerary. Tourists who intend to stay more than three days must take another antigen test on their fourth day.
Pinsal Falls
There are at least 18 destinations that reopened in the province such as the Heritage Village in Calle Crisologo, Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone, Nuestra Senora De La Asuncion Church, Pinsal Falls, Hidden Garden, Baluarte Zoo, and the Ilocos Sur Dancing Fountain. Ten diving spots in different barangays are likewise open to the public.
Also read: Ilocos Sur: Historical and Cultural Ensemble
Bohol
Following other local tourist destinations in reopening after months of closure, Bohol is also planning to welcome travelers by the second week of December according to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
Visitors will be required to submit a negative RT-PCR result upon entry to the island. Currently, Bohol is already open for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) for big events or weddings since the pandemic started.
Also read: Bohol: Balm for the Soul
While these destinations are gradually reopening their travel restrictions for locals, travelers must remember to still follow safety health protocols implemented to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip even during the pandemic.
Source: Philippine News Agency
