THE PHILIPPINES' "EST's"

Traveling makes us encounter our country's "est's" or superlatives. From smallest to highest, from longest to biggest, name it, the Philippines has it. Below are just some of the tourist destinations getting "est" descriptions that I personally visited:  


1. MT. APO--- Highest Mountain
Looming at  2,954meters ASL, the grandfather of Philippine mountains proudly stands on its pedestal between the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

2. TAAL VOLCANO--- Smallest Volcano (in the world)
The smallest volcano in the world is located within Taal Lake in Batangas most accessible from the town of Talisay. Boating is required to get to the island volcano. Trekking or horseback riding is needed to reach the crater lake. 

3. MT. IRAYA--- Northernmost Summit
Towering at 1,009 meters ASL, this cloud capped summit showcases its prominence in the town of Basco in Batan Island. The jump-off is situated just beside Basco airport. Mt. Iraya is moist all year round. This is a home to Batan white viper.

4. BUD BONGAO--- Southernmost Summit
Bud Bongao, just 314 meters ASL, is the highest summit in the whole province of Tawi-tawi. One of its highlights is the pack of white macaque monkeys blocking the way. Climbers must bring banana bunch to pass peacefully. 

5. MT. MAYON--- Most Perfect Cone
Even tagged as the world's most perfect cone, the active national icon Mayon Volcano looms at 2, 462 meters ASL. Authorities prohibit climbing Mt. mayon due to untoward incidences brought by its unpredictable activities. Lava Stock is one of the safe spots frequently visited by tourists.   

6. KIOKONG VERTICAL BIVOUAC--- Highest (and only) Vertical Bivouac
Camping within 150 meter ledge is an extraordinary experience. Located in the white rock wall of Quezon (Kiokong), Bukidnon, this vertical camp site is currently the only in the Philippines.

7. LANGUN-GOBINGOB CAVE SYSTEM--- Biggest Cave System
Located in the interiors of Calbiga, Samar, Langun Gobingob Cave covers an area of 900 square meters. It possesses countless stunning chambers and formations. Aside from big and long friendly snakes, the cave has various inhabitants like blind fish and blind crab rarely seen in other land forms. Among the many interesting spots are snake hole, water terraces and underground river.

   

8. LAGUNA DE BAY--- Biggest Lake
Situated east of Metro Manila, south of Rizal and north of Laguna, the Philippines biggest lake covers an area of about 950 square kilometers. It has 2 peninsulas and an island within. Aside from fishing, Laguna de Bay gives livelihood to settlers with their creation of various handicrafts out of good quality water hyacinth.

9. ALIWAGWAG FALLS--- Longest Series of Waterfalls
Many claim Aliwagwag Falls as the highest waterfalls with about a hundred cascades totaling to 1,110 feet high. Some say it not the highest but the longest series instead. Located along the well paved road of Cateel, Davao Oriental, this attraction is very accessible and friendly to tourists. Zipline and monkey trail are among the added attractions of the waterfalls.

    

10. MINDAMORA FALLS--- Highest Recorded Waterfalls
This disputed waterfalls is known as Mindamora Falls among Bukidnons, and Limunsudan Falls among Iliganons. This two-tiered  body of water drops at a total of 870 feet. This can be accessed from Iligan City for 4-5 hours and from Talakag, Bukidnon for 1-1.5 hours.     

 
OTHER EST's:

1. ITBAYAT--- Northernmost Inhabited Island

2. BATANES--- Smallest (and Northernmost) Province

3. TAWI-TAWI--- Southernmost Province

4. PALAWAN--- Westernmost Province

5. CARAGA TOWN--- Easternmost Municipality

If you have been to some of the country's "est's" not mentioned above, be free to comment.