MANILA, Philippines - The number of tourists visiting the islands of Boracay and Camiguin -- both popular for powder white sand and crystal clear waters, increased by more than 10% during the first 5 months of the year.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that visitors in Boracay reached 378,694 from January to May this year, a 12.15% increase from the same period in 2009.

Boracay, a bone-shaped island in the Western Visayas region, has long been a popular destination for locals and foreigners alike.

During the first 5 months of the year, DOT said more visitors stayed in the island's hotels and resorts.

A rock formation with small trees set near the white sandy shore in Boracay.

"Taiwanese and Chinese tourists in Boracay continued to expand with the increase in charter flight operations between Taipei and Kaoshiung in Taiwan and Shanghai to Kalibo," DOT said.

Some 105,262 tourists, meanwhile, went to Camiguin, also a top destination in the country. This is a 16.61% increase from the 90,269 recorded in the same period last year.

Manila still no. 1

Not surprisingly, Metro Manila is still the country's leading tourist destination with 848,518 visitors from January to May.

The figure is 17.11% higher from last year's 724,572.

"The East Asia market composed of China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan is the metropolis' major source market, which accounted for 41.78% of its total visitors," DOT said.

It added, "Local residents from other places visiting Metro Manila for tourism-related purposes and staying in hotels and similar facilities registered a share of 35.4%."

Cebu, another major city in the Philippines, came in second with 734,531 visitors during the first 5 months of the year. But unlike Metro Manila, the province didn't post much growth in tourist volume (4%).

Less tourists in Baguio

Other tourist spots in the country (Davao City, Zambales, Bothol, Negros Oriental and Cagayan) posted increases in tourist volume from January to May, save for Baguio City and Ilocos Norte.

DOT said visitors to Baguio only reached 318,677 as of end-May, a 14.75% drop from the 373,820 recorded in the same period last year.

The city, located in Northern Luzon, is well-known for its lush greens and cool weather.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte only recorded a total of 81,724 tourists, a 7.52% from last year's 88,366. The province is popular for its historical landmarks and beach resorts.