They say “life is meant for good friends and great adventures”. So, for these summer months, share a slice of happiness and a ton of fun and pleasurable moments with your beshies, exploring some of the world’s most beloved destinations. Not only will it fill your summer days with giggles and beautiful memories, but it will help reduce your overall travel expenses as well.
Even better, traveling with your barkada will deepen your relationship, as it will unveil some of the undiscovered ugly and good sides of your buddies. Don’t know where to go this summer with your barkada? Check out some of Skyscanner’s top picks for the best barkada summer trips. Folks, start tagging your besties and drawing buddies!
10. Taipei, Taiwan
With Taiwan’s relaxed visa policy for Pinoys, there’s no better time to visit Taipei than these summer months. And for sure, you and your travel buddies will enjoy every minute you’ll spend in Taiwan’s diverse and vibrant capital.
Start your barkada adventure with a bang, hitting some of the most beloved landmarks and attractions in Taipei, including Elephant Mountain, National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Afterwards, treat your palate to a smorgasbord of sumptuous Taiwanese culinary specialties, like deep fried milk, gua bao, and da chang bao xiao chang. And, if that’s still not enough for you, make your way to Taroko Gorge or any other nearby national parks or cities in Taipei, Taiwan.
9. Dumaguete, Siquijor and Apo Island
Even if you don’t have the luxury of time, you can still venture into all of these three amazing destinations in the Visayas region. As a matter of fact, you and your pals can experience these three places in 4 days or even less.
Kickoff your barkada summer excursion in Dumaguete savoring its flavorful dishes and dropping by Silliman University, Rizal Boulevard, Quezon Park, Belfry Tower and Saint Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral.
The following day, hop on a boat ride to Siquijor, and take a day tour around the mystical island. Then, cap off your barkada summer trip on a high note with a visit to the wondrous Apo Island.
8. Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (or vice versa)
Hit two birds in one stone, and see two celebrated cities in one trip! Often labeled as the twin city tour, this barkada summer trip will let you experience the best that Singapore and Kuala Lumpur – two of Southeast Asia’s top urban destinations – have to offer.
From the iconic Merlion to the towering architectural gems of KL, this trip will highlight some of the most famous sights in all of Asia.
Furthermore, this group getaway will fill your stomach with Malay treats and an assortment of tasty dishes from the region’s culinary meccas. And, did we mention that you can experience this barkada summer escape without any visa?
7. Laos
Laos has everything for all types of friends. Party animals will definitely love Vang Vieng for its electric nightlife and Sakura bar’s free-flowing drinks. For a unique experience in Laos, tube down the renowned Mekong River with a beer (make sure it’s ice-cold) in your hand.
Likewise, you can see something utterly beautiful and refreshing in Vang Vieng by visiting the Blue Lagoon. Shopaholics, meanwhile, will find their bliss in Lua Prabang, praised for its night markets filled with eye-catching handicrafts and cute knick-knacks that make perfect pasalubongs for your family back home.
6. Seoul, South Korea
Not a big-time K-pop fan? Guess what? You’ll still have a blast immersing into the culture and charm of South Korea’s pulsating capital. Here, you and your group will be swept away by Seoul’s dazzling towering skyscrapers as well as insane number of beauty shops and shopping malls.
Serving as a great base to other premier destinations, Seoul can also be your launching pad to noteworthy spots in South Korea. To top it all off, Seoul also boasts a thriving street food scene, making it the perfect barkada summer trip.
5. Cebu
Think you’ve seen it all in Cebu? Forget 10,000 Roses, the friendly whale sharks of Oslob Cebu, and the flower havens in its highlands! For those who are tired of the typical Cebu travel itinerary, there are plenty of places on the island that will allow you to steer clear of the crowds of tourists.
For beach bums, the island has so many untouched and underrated coves where you’ll get your fix, including Carnaza Island, Maravilla Beach and Lambug Beach. In addition, Cebu has dozens of trails and peaks with fresh mountain air and stunning overlooking panoramas, like Casino Peak, Mount New Bucao, Balirong Peak and Mount Mauyog.
On top of it all, there’s always a new Cebu tourist spot that will surprise you.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Traveling with a diverse group? Why not spend your barkada summer trip in Bali, Indonesia? Charming countryside, towering peaks, Instagram-worthy temples and gorgeous beaches – the island of the gods simply has it all. And while Bali is a bona fide world-class destination, it’s surprisingly affordable, making it the perfect international destination for the kuripot comrade.
3. Puerto Princesa and El Nido
For the ultimate Palawan escape in summer, head to Puerto Princesa, and see one of the New 7 Wonders of the world – the Puerto Princesa Underground River. If you still have time left in your itinerary, try to swing by the other attractions in Puerto Princesa. Then, pack your bags, and head to El Nido to experience the beach barkada summer getaway of a lifetime.
2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia’s arts and culture hub is quickly becoming a travel junkie’s favorite, and it’s pretty easy to see why. With a barkada summer trip to Yogyakarta in summer, you’ll have a chance to see one of the original 7 Wonders of the World, and the world’s largest Buddhist temple – Borobudur.
Culture and history aside, you may likewise go cave tubing with your squad at the Pindu Caves, or take a mind-blowing 80-meter descend to the Jomblang Caves and feel like a troop of real explorers.
1. Batanes
Want to tick off something on your Philippine travel bucket list? Yearning to see one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines? Make your dream a reality this year by going on a summer vacation on the country’s most elusive destination – Batanes.
With airline companies offering flight bargains to Batanes, this summer might your best chance of seeing the surreal and extraordinary beauty of the northernmost province in the Philippines with your barkada. Of course, visiting it in summer means you’ll have and bright and sunny days to wander around Batanes.
Score incredibly affordable hotels and cheap flights to these destinations in summer with Skyscanner – the world’s leading travel search engine!
