Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
There’s something about summer that calls for a barkada staycation. Is it the lure of our tropical beaches? Or the idea of chit-chatting in the coolness of a glistening pool? Regardless, it’s never a bad idea to book an Airbnb for your barkada getaway.
Group travel spiked by almost 180% year-on-year last year, according to Airbnb. This is unsurprising, given that most people were on a revenge travel spree as pandemic restrictions were lifted. And where did Filipinos head to? The same Airbnb data shows a 400% growth in guest searches for bookings in the Philippines, with Santa Maria, Bulacan leading the top domestic destinations for summer. Malay in Aklan, Baguio City, and Cebu City are also popular destinations.
What makes these domestic spots so trendy? We recommend heading over and seeing for yourself. Bring your friends along and book these Airbnb-recommended beachside and poolside homes that can fit your entire barkada! (Bonus: These stays are all under ₱10,000, meaning a group of four won’t have to spend over ₱2,500 per head.)
Home to the world’s largest indoor arena, this quaint town just an hour away from the metro is rich in history and culture. Travellers can visit Santa Maria’s beautiful churches and try its famous full-back fat chicharon. This town also offers many cosy villas ideal for groups, such as the Bali-inspired Asteria Villa and this four-bedroom home located near malls and restaurants.
Malay comes next and is best known for its world-famous Boracay island, but there’s more to this town with amazing gems waiting to be discovered. Rich in natural wonders from majestic falls perfect for trekking to cold springs for a quick dip, and botanical gardens with a rich variety of flora, guests can definitely find an experience that suits them. If you and your friends prefer to be in the more quiet part of the town, consider booking one of these tropical villas: Villa Onyx or the Puka Villas. Both are located within the Diniwid area, close enough to the bustling White Beach yet offering a slice of tranquillity.
Also read: 21 Exciting Things to Do on Boracay Island in 2022
In the third spot is none other than the Summer Capital of the Philippines — a popular getaway from the sweltering lowlands. Baguio never falls short of things to do: Travellers can visit the classic parks full of activities for all ages, or try out the latest cafes in town. If your barkada’s idea of summer is a mountain retreat, check out some of Baguio’s most colourful and ’Gram-worthy cottages. RME Home in Baguio is equipped with a fully-functional kitchen for special dinners, and this fun and cosy house themed after an extremely popular American sitcom is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the city’s hotspots.
Also read: Baguio Travel Guide 2023: Best Things to See, Eat, and Do
Rounding up the list is Cebu – a hot summer favourite offering a dazzling array of activities including eco-adventures, heritage landmarks, thriving nightlife, and delicious gastronomic adventures. For a different travel experience, check out two tiny homes on Airbnb, namely Bamboo House and Robin’s Nesto. Both may be cosy in size but promise amazing pools coupled with stunning views, and summer you won’t forget anytime soon.
Also read: 10 Airbnb Homes & Vacation Rentals Near Manila with Private Pools
Ready to book an Airbnb for your barkada? Let’s g!
Got a property you’d like TripZilla to feature? Inquire with us here.
Featured image credit (L-R): Bamboo House ; Fun and Cosy House| Airbnb. Information extracted from press release issued by Shopee. This article contains affiliate links. When you make purchases through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Published at
Get our weekly tips and travel news!
Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The only plastic we need for travel.
Coffee date on the mountains, anyone?
Looking for a weekend bonding with the family under ₱500? Head to these places, pronto!
Live your best life in Manila, even when you’re riding solo.
Mark your calendars for your fur babies!
Explore why the country stands out!
36 million Filipinos are still waiting.
Time to get those licence plates sorted!
Job opportunities for many Filipinos!