One of the main reasons why video games like God of War, Skyrim, or Horizon Zero Dawn are popular is because of the open-world system, allowing you to explore the fantastical locations at your heart’s content. Now, pair this with rich myths and folklores and you’ve got yourself a winning formula!
Traversing these mystical kingdoms, however, does make one yearn for a real-life, Indiana Jones-type of travel where hidden clues, secret treasures, and stories only whispered at night are constant features. For this, the perfect place to visit has got to be the Philippines.
Much of Philippine culture is anchored on the spiritual and, well, sometimes the mysterious. Listed here are some of the destinations in the Philippines shrouded with much mystery and myth.
The Invisible City of Biringan, Samar
If you find yourself in Samar, between the towns of Gandara, Tarangnan, and Pagsanghan you might end up in the invisible city of Biringan.
Stories about Biringan are only told in hushed tones for fear of retribution as the city is believed to be the realm of engkantos – environmental spirits who can take the form of man and live on a separate realm from humans. Locals who have seen the city and came back to tell the tale compare it to places like New York city with its high-rise structures, modern architecture, and advanced technology.
No one can enter Biringan, it is said that you have to be invited by one of its residents, and it’s completely possible that you may not return.
Samar has become the prime destination for travelers seeking adventure already – so whether you believe in it or not, you’ll probably still end up with thrilling tales to tell your friends at home. Make sure you get to visit the cave systems of the Langun-Gobingob in Calbiga, the Pinipisakan Falls in San Jorge, and the rock formations at Biri Island.
The Tumao and Their Hidden City on Panay Island
Located between Dumarao in Capiz and Passi in Iloilo, there lies another mystical city, a grand metropolis that is said to be the home of a Mongolian-looking tribe known as the Tumao. According to William Henry Scott’s Visayan Class Structure, the Tumao are considered royalty or a class of aristocracy between the status of datu and timawa, which went extinct by the 16th century.
The story goes that the city was in the direct path of a railroad being constructed in the 1900s, but that one of the tribe members had asked the engineer to avoid the hidden city’s path. That’s why the rail is winding around Dumarao and Passi.
Of course, there can be other explanations for this. But the old-world charm of Panay invites such a magical vibe. When you visit, drop by one of its must-visit provinces – Aklan, where the beautiful spots of Hinugtan Beach, Hacienda Maria, and Ariel’s Point are located.
The Bernardo Carpio Mountains in the Montalban Gorge
Legend says that Bernardo Carpio is a being of amazing strength that was trapped in between the two great rocks of Montalban. Some accounts say that he is a giant whose footprints it is that you see on the mountains. Further, Philippine mythology says that he causes the earthquakes (but a more scientific explanation would be that the region sits on the West Valley Fault).
The Montalban Gorge is now known as Rodriguez in Rizal, a popular destination for hikers and bikers, located between Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan. Here, you will also find the Pamitinan Cave, also known as the Cave of Bernardo Carpio, which is a limestone cave found in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range near the Wawa Dam.
Enter another realm or simply have an exciting time in these cities. You never know, maybe while you’re enjoying the spectacular views of the landscape, you might catch a glimpse of the magic during your visit.
