Looking to go for an adventure? Check out Kazakhstan. The Central Asian nation boasts of incredible views worthy to be your laptop screensaver. From Metro Manila, its capital Almaty is approximately 13 hours away by plane. But perhaps the best thing about it? Kazakhstan is a visa-free destination for Philippine passport holders.
According Ian Cruz's report on "State of the Nation" Wednesday, the Big Almaty Lake is among the country's must-visit spots. "Na-shock ako kai yung water is really blue," content creator Kobe Go said.
The Big Almaty Lake, which rests at the foot of the Trans-lli Alatau Mountains some 15km south of the capital, is one of Kazakhstan's prized lakes.
There is also the the Kaindy Lake, where the water seems to be sprouting trees, a result of an earthquake a century ago; and the Kolsai Lake, which is a collection of of three smaller lakes that's surrounded by majestic pine tree forests.
Kahazkstan has quite the unique landscapes, too as showcased by the Charyn Canyon. Rock formations from millions of years has given it the reputation of being the Grand Canyon of Central Asia.
"Yung mga lakes, yung mga canyons — they literally look like a wallpaper sa computer," Kobe said.
He adds, natural wonders aren't the only unique thing about Kazakhstan. Even their food is unique, evidenced by horse meat. "Parang yun yung national dish nila duon," Kobe said.
"Kazakhstan is really an underrated country for Filipinos. And it's really, easily accessible. May direct flights and it's visa-free for Filipinos," Kobe said.
Kazakhstan is one of the 67 visa-free destinations for Philippine passport holders, as of July 2024. — LA, GMA Integrated News