Tagaytay

If you are planning a vacation to the Philippines, you should definitely take yourself to Tagaytay. This city is believed to be Asia’s most pleasant city because of the environment, people and culture.

Filipinos know that Tagaytay is the Philippines’ tangible concept of a paradise. It is just thirty-four miles away from Manila that takes an hour and a half drive. This pleasant city can be found in the province of Cavite and is popular as a top tourist spot for Filipinos and foreign visitors.

Tagaytay city has a good vantage point of Taal Volcano. From this city, you are going to get a great view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano while you enjoy the cool climate of the city. Tagaytay is famous for having pleasant weather because of its high altitude. Aside from the low temperature of the city, there is also abundant rainfall every so often. The temperature of the city averages at 22-degrees Celsius; it is endowed with such an invigorating atmosphere because it is 600 meters above the sea. In Tagaytay, it is definitely cooler during the months of December to February.

It can be said that Tagaytay City is the pearl of the orient as it is a perfect place for a family getaway. There are a lot of activities that you can enjoy while in Tagaytay – horseback riding, picnic, camping and sight-seeing. The views that the city offers are splendid and breathtaking.

The people of Tagaytay are as friendly as many other Filipinos. You will be welcomed by great joy and hospitality. You do not have to worry about places to stay in because there are a number of luxury hotels that can accommodate your stay in the city. You are assured to have a good view of the Taal Lake while you are in your hotel suite.

Tagaytay is just the perfect place to go for a conference, family vacation or even a romantic honeymoon. If there’s a romantic place in the Philippines that you should go to, it is definitely Tagaytay City.

Read More

Manila

Manila is the Philippines’s capital and center for development. It is in this city that big corporations and establishments operate. Manila is the focal point of the country’s industrial sector. This is usually the first stop for a lot of foreigners that visit the country as this is where the international airport is.

Beyond the busyness of the city lie wonderful and fascinating sights to see. There are also different mesmerizing places to visit in Manila. Everyone who has gone to the city would want to go back to enjoy more of Manila.

Rizal Park is one of the most significant places to see in the city. This park was built in tribute to the Philippine national hero, Jose P. Rizal, who fought for the country’s independence during the Spanish government. The park is a haven for relaxation and family fun in the middle of Metro Manila. It has gardens, marks of history, plazas, stadiums, observatory, restaurants, kiosks and playgrounds. Rizal Park offers a magnificent view of Manila Bay; watching the sunset here is such a sweet delight.

Intramuros is another one of the must-see places in Manila. Intramuros literally means “inside the walls” because it is an old walled city. This place houses the Fort Santiago that was built by Spaniards in the 1500s. The fort that was built during the Spanish regime was destroyed in the American-Japanese war. The Philippines salvaged its remains and turned it into a historical museum.

Aside from these places, you may still find comfort and relaxation from the many majestic churches and museums of the city. There are different zoos and ocean parks that you can visit with your whole family. Even the cemeteries of Manila speak of the rich history of the country. The remains of the people who fought in the Philippine revolution lie in these places.

Manila is a highly urbanized area. Transportation is easy as there are jeeps and taxis everywhere. There are hotels in every corner of the street. If you ever plan on going to the city, you will enjoy the day life and appreciate the night life even better.

Read More

Makati City

If there is a place in the Philippines that almost never sleeps, it is Makati, Philippines. Makati City is the business district of the country. The many different local and international corporations operate in this center. Makati city is not actually a place that most tourists would go to, but there are still a lot that you can appreciate about the city.

Makati is the place for foreign visitors that do want to experience the amenities of Western countries while enjoying their stay in the Philippines. The Makati area is just thirty minutes away from Manila’s international airport. All that you need to do is ride a cab from the airport to get to Makati. The city entails higher and better standards of cleanliness, service and order compared to most of Metro Manila.

Makati is home to the most famous hotels – Renaissance, Shangri la and the Manila Peninsula. These can give you the world-class accommodation that you are looking for. There are also a lot of establishments that can be found in Makati. Glorietta and Greenbelt are two of the most famous shopping hubs. The two shopping malls are enclosed by soaring office buildings, fancy and sophisticated hotels, and condominiums. The ambiance in Makati is very posh, formal, but leisurely fun still.

Clean streets are much more noticeable in Makati because the streets are rarely hassled by people. The nightlife in the city is tamer because of the business-like ambiance and attitude. Nevertheless, Greenbelt is still a great attraction during the night as there are tens of restaurants that enclose a green garden. The restaurants vary from local establishments to international cuisines. You may opt to hop to Glorietta if you want to experience the same leisure for cheaper prices.

A big number of foreign embassies operating in the Philippines can be found in Makati. Even the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is located in the area; it is just a couple of blocks away from the Ayala Center. Travelers who are interested in the stock market of the Philippines can pay visit to the office.

Makati, Philippines is the most progressive cities in the country. If you want to discover how many businesses run their operations in the country, pay a visit to Makati.

Read More

Iloilo City

Iloilo lies in the center of the Philippine archipelago. It is an economic hub of Western Visayas. The city boasts the availability of an air gateway – its international airport. This airport connects the city to other parts of the Philippines and the world. Iloilo is well-known for its ever-busy fishing ports. It is in these portals that millions of kilos of fish are being shipped in and out every year. Not only does Iloilo have big fish port complexes; it also has a strong and stable banking industry as there are many different sizes of banks operating in the city.

There is a lot to appreciate about the city. The weather is constant throughout the year. It is best to be in Iloilo between the months of October and May because these are the dry months. You will experience rainfall during the other months. 

Iloilo Historical Attractions:

• Plaza Libertad – it is in this site that the flag was raised when Iloilo was surrendered to the country’s First Republic in 1898.
• Panay Liberation Marker – this marker was built in commemoration of the city’s liberation from the Japanese government in 1945.

The many other historical landmarks include buildings that were built during the Spanish and American times. These are Tigbauan Church, Molo Church, and the San Joaquin Church.

Iloilo has a lot to offer. Your trip to the city is not complete without a visit to Sicogon Island. This island is rich in palms and white sands. There are also several hidden waterfalls that can be found. One of them is the San Juan Falls. Other must-see gifts of nature are Mount Napulac, Tinagong Dagat, and Isla Gigantes.

Festivities make your stay in the city worthwhile. In January, the sky is made colorful by the blazing lights of fireworks display contest. Street-dancing is made more enjoyable and entertaining during the Ati-Atihan festival. Bullfights are a wonder for people who come to the Pasungay Festival held in January. With this, you can be certain that your stay in Iloilo will be unforgettable.

Read More

Puerto Princesa

If you want to see one of the best places that the Philippines has to offer, you definitely have to go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. You have to travel 306 nautical miles from Manila to get to Puerto Princesa. The city has an area of 253,982 hectares that make it the Philippines’ largest city.

Puerto Princesa Tourist Attractions

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park- The city has a long stretch of 8.2 kilometers of Underground River that travels through a spectacular and breathtaking cave before leading to the South China Sea. At the cave’s opening, a lagoon is enclosed by ancient green trees that grow right beside the corner of the water. If you come to this cave, you are to enjoy seeing monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards that clutter themselves just beside the beach. You are also going to be entertained by the sight of birds. Adventurous activities like mountain trekking and forest exploration are going to make the best of your stay in Puerto Princesa.
• Puerto Princesa Bay- Ride a tricycle that will take you to Puerto Princesa port where you can relax and find leisure in walking and watching the sun rise. In this point, you are going to get a glorious picturesque of the bay. You can also cruise the bay and dine at the bayside from any one of the excellent facilities in the area. There are also a lot of water sports to take pleasure in. While in the city, you may wish to witness the Layagan, an annual boat-sailing contest and celebration.
• Honda Bay Islands- Every diving enthusiast is going to have a wild adventure in Honda Bay Islands. You are going to be stunned by the coral reefs that envelope the islands. The most well-known diving sites of Puerto Princesa are Pandan Island, Arreceffi Island and Panglima reef.
• Salakot Waterfalls- What could be a better treat after a hot bathe in the sun than plunging into waterfalls? While getting a good soak, you will enjoy the sight of rare species of butterflies flying around the area. There are picnic grounds, huts and sleeping cottages that can accommodate you if you want to stay overnight.

Read More

Davao City

Davao is one of the busiest and most abundant cities of the Philippines. It is believed that it will be a top Asian city in the near future. Davao city has recently become the top tourist and business hub of the Southern Philippines. The city boasts crystal-clear beaches, diving spots, and mountain resorts. It also has the best vantage point of a captivating mountain in the Philippines, Mount Apo.

What sets Davao apart from any other cities in the country are its people, the environment, and culture. The city is ideal for tourism because the surrounding is safe and clean. The people of Davao are happy and hospitable. 

Here are a few tips to remember when you plan your visit to Davao:

• Davao City has the best water in the world and the World Health Organization certified so. International tests prove that the water needs no boiling or distilling to be of highest quality. Only Davao City has this kind of tap water.

• Davao city is the safest tourist destination because it has a low crime rate. They have one of the lowest in the world. The Peace and Order Council of the city was brought to the Hall of Fame for being the best in the Philippines.
• The city is free from typhoon due to its location. No typhoons reach the city because a large volcano blocks tidal waves and big hurricanes. With this, you are going to enjoy a favorable weather throughout the year.
• You will surely be entertained by Davao’s biggest celebration – the Kadayawan Festival. This is a thanksgiving celebration by the city for the gifts of nature, its rich culture, bountiful harvest, and tranquil living. It seeks to pay tribute to the heritage of the people of Davao.
• The Pearl Farm is a resort where you not only enjoy the beach but you have the opportunity to harvest raw pearls to commemorate your visit.

Read More

Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro is a city located on the north of Mindanao. It is the capital of the province, Misamis Oriental. Cagayan de Oro is the place to be if you seek wild adventure. Your visit in this island is surely to give you an adrenaline rush.

Whitewater rafting is the city’s best and most famous sport. Everyone can say that the rafting experience in Cagayan de Oro cannot be compared to rafting in another island. The long stretch of the city gives a picturesque of rocky walls of the river, vegetation and the havens of animals like monkeys and snakes. The Cagayan de Oro River has rapids that give the daring and adventurous more thrills and challenges. Whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro is really something that no adventurous is going to forget. The roar and bellow of the water tumbling through boulders are going to be embarked in their memories.

There is more to Cagayan de Oro than just Whitewater rafting. The F.S. Castanico Falls is a blessing from nature. The falls is decorated with green ferns and plants. There are also rapids that rage and pound on boulders and rocks. The clear blue waters underneath is an additional treat. Getting to F.S. Castanico Falls only takes thirty minutes from the heart of the city.

The Malasag Eco-tourism Village is a fascinating and splendid museum that displays the many different houses of Northern Mindanao’s indigenous tribes and people. It also houses several colorful flora and fauna of the city. The village entails a good scenic view of the Malasag Hills where you can walk and admire the magnificent view of Cagayan de Oro’s coastline and the Bay of Macajalar.

Mapawa Nature Park is just a few minutes away from the village. In this park, you will find a small waterfall for swimming. There are also tables erected under big trees that can be used for family picnics. Activities to enjoy in this park are horseback riding, camping, rappelling, and many others.

Read More

Baguio City (Summer Capital of the Philippines)

Camp John Hay in Baguio City

Baguio City is the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The name of the city is derived from an indigenous word, Bagiw, which means moss. The altitude of the city reaches 5100 feet that makes it a tropical forest highly conducive to growing pines, mossy plants and flowers, cluing you why it is named Baguio City.

There is just so much to love about Baguio City. This is the reason why thousands of visitors head to the city each year. What is great about Baguio is that the tourist attractions are closely located to one another. You do not have to travel from one point to another to get to a scenic spot.

This pine city is the easiest to explore. The first thing you have to do when in Baguio is buy a map. This map is going to help you get to the most wonderful places that Baguio has to offer. It is quite an adventure to get to places on your own than to have a tourist guide lead you there.

Tourist Attractions in Baguio City:

• Burnham Park – Burnham Park is considered to be the mother of all parks in Baguio City. It was named after Daniel Burnham, an American architect. Burnham was also an urban planner that made the original plan for the city. Up to this day, this park is still the most renowned and appreciated park in the city.
• Baguio Cathedral – this cathedral is one of the Philippines’ finest architectural designs. It is the city’s most magnificent building that stands on Mt. Mary Hill.
• Camp John Hay – What used to be a place for recreation of American soldiers is now a top destination of the city. Camp John Hay is now a beautiful resort that embodies the essence of the city itself.
• Baguio Botanical Garden – it is in this garden that you will find the indigenous people of Baguio city, the Igorots. This place displays the native houses of cordillera tribes. It is also in this place that you will see a lot of flora and fauna of the city.

Read More

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located 50 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Once upon a time, the Taal Volcano was a large volcano, in fact was one of the largest volcanoes in the world, towering 18,000 feet up in the sky. Now, it is the world’s smallest active volcano, only about 700 meters high.

Since 1572, the volcano has 33 recorded eruptions, the most devastating eruption occurred in the year 1911. The most recent volcanic activity happened in 1977, although the volcano has remained quiet since. It is still not safe, for signs of increased activity appeared in 1991, 1992, 1994, and most recently, in June of 2009.

When you visit Taal Volcano, make sure to bring water, hats and plenty of sun screen lotion. Wear light clothes for it can get very hot, it being located in a tropical country. It is most recommended you get a head start early in the morning. You can either take a hike or ride on horseback to go up the ridge and see the beautiful Crater Lake.

From Manila, you can travel by land to Tagaytay, passing through panoramic views of the countryside. Afterwards, you take a zigzag road to the Town of Talisay. To get to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, you can take a half hour boat ride in any town located on the shores of Taal Lake. The most popular point is in Talisay. However, if you prefer less crowded areas and cheaper rates, you can go to more remote towns like San Nicolas.

The locals are friendly. You do not have to worry about communication, most of them speak good Basic English

Read More

Pamalican Island

Pamalican Island is paradise on Earth. Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it is easy to get seduced with the island’s charms. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, or even just simply basking under the sun.

Pamalican Island is a small island dotted with lush coconut trees and five kilometers of white sand beach. The crystal clear turquoise waters are flanked by coral reefs just 50 to 300 meters from the sea shore. The island is home to the Amanpulo Resort, a secluded luxury resort for relaxation and peace. True to its name, Amanpulo means ‘peaceful island’ which it really is.

The island is located southwest of Manila, east of Palawan. You can get there via a small 19-passenger charter plane, the plane ride lasts about an hour. The island is privately owned, exclusive only to the Amanpulo Resort guests. The Amanpulo resort has plenty of cottages, and you can stay by the hillside, on the treetop, or on a villa, whichever you want. The weather is tropical, so the perfect time to go is from November to May when the season is hot and dry.

Amanpulo resort’s main building is the Clubhouse. The resort boasts of many wood sculptures and rattan chairs proudly made in the Philippines. While on the island, you can participate in many leisure and recreational activities. Aside from the usual diving, swimming and snorkeling, you can also do sailing, windsurfing, sunset cruises, picnicking, fishing and more. The resort has a hundred foot long pool! Apart from sea and beach activities, you can take a hike along the island nature trails, explore, and even play golf.

Read More

Philippine Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta or Carlito syrichta), known locally as the Maumag in Cebuano/Visayan and Mamag in Luzon, is an endangered species of tarsier endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the southeastern part of the archipelago, particularly in the islands of Bohol Island, Samar Island, Leyte Island and Mindanao. It is a member of the approximately 45 million year old family Tarsiidae, whose name is derived from its elongated "tarsus" or ankle bone.

Its geographic range also includes Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan Island and Dinagat Island. Tarsiers have also been reported in Sarangani, although they may be different subspecies.

The Philippine Tarsier is not a large animal; it measures only about 85 to 160 millimetres (3.35 to 6.30 in) in height, making it one of the smallest primates. The small size makes it difficult to spot. The mass for males is between 80–160 g (2.8–5.6 oz), usually lighter for females, somewhat heavier than other Tarsius such as the Pygmy Tarsier. The average adult is about the size of a human fist and will fit very comfortably in the human hand.

Read More

Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano has a worldwide reputation as the most perfectly formed volcano in the world because of its near-perfect conical shape and form. Mayon Volcano is the champion among the best competitors for the world's most perfectly coned volcanoes like Osorno Volcano of Chile, Mount Fuji of Japan, Mount Taranaki of New Zealand, Mount Cotopaxi of Ecuador, Volcan Arenal of Costa Rica and Shishaldin Volcano of Alaska, USA. Because of its natural elegance and beauty, it is listed on the World's Top 10 Wonders of Nature. Visitors traveling to Mayon Volcano from Manila would take an hour by plane getting to Legazpi City then 10 miles north of Legazpi city is the magnificent Mayon Volcano, the most popular landmark of the province of Albay, Philippines.

Geomorphology

Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano. The current cone was formed through pyroclastic and lava flows from past eruptions. Mayon is the most active of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years.

Read More

Chocolate Hills in Bohol

 The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a spectacular natural wonder in the Philippines. It consists of nearly 1800 small cute little hills that are spread over an area of 20 square miles. The hills are located in 3 towns of Bohol namely Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan.

The Chocolate Hills placed Bohol on the tourist map long before the beautiful white beaches of the island became major tourist destinations. The most famous and signature tourist attraction of Bohol, it is a prime tourist destination in the Philippines. This is because the Chocolate Hills are incomparable and is one of the country's most spectacular sceneries. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who admits that she is the No. 1 tourist of Bohol for having visited the province so many times, said: "Bohol is a major tourist province. The fame of the Chocolate Hills is not only known in the country but worldwide." The national government has chosen the Chocolate Hills as one of its "flagship tourist destinations".

Of the 1,247 hills, two have been developed into resorts for tourism. The original resort is located in Carmen, Bohol located in Barangay Buenos Aires, only a few minutes drive from downtown Carmen. The resort in Carmen is called Chocolate Hills Complex. The more recent one in Sagbayan is called Sagbayan Peak.

Read More

Puerto Princesa Subterranean Rive

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the world's longest underground river and the previous record holder of the longest underground river in the whole world. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to diverse species of plants and animals (flora and fauna). The park has over 800 plant species and over 300 animal species. Being 30 miles north of the city of Puerto Princesa (Palawan province), it is about 3 to 4 hours of travel by boat.

Flora

The Park has a range of forest formations representing eight of the thirteen forest types found in tropical Asia, namely forest over ultramafic soils, forest over limestone soils, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest. Researchers have identified more than 800 plant species from 300 genera and 100 families. These include at least 295 trees dominated by the dipterocarp type of species. In the lowland forest, large trees such as the Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Ipil (Intsia bijuga), Dita (Alstonia scholaris), Amugis (Koordersiodendrum pinnatum), and Apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis) are common. Beach forest species include Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum), Pongamia pinnata, and Erynthia orientalis. Other notable plant species include Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), Kamagong (Diospyros pulganensis) Pandan (Pandanus sp.) Anibong, and Rattan ('Calamus sp.)

Read More

Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park

The Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park is a sanctuary (government-protected conservation area) consisting of over 1000 species of marine creatures and birds. The Reef is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most popular Philippine diving site for tourists. The Tubbataha Reef has two coral reef atolls, the North and South Atoll. The Park can be reached via boat travel of 10 to 12 hours which is about 112 miles from Puerto Princesa city, the capital of Palawan province.

Conservation

The Tubbataha National Marine Park, located at the Central Sulu Sea, is a marine sanctuary containing a reef of enormous size. It was established on August 11, 1988 with an area of 332 km² (82,000 acres). In 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, through an Executive Order, increased the boundaries of the park by 200%. It is now 968.24 km² (239,000 acres) in size and is guarded by armed rangers 24 hours/ 7 days a week.

Read More

Bohol (Island the Island Paradise in the Philippines)

Sagbayan Peak Bohol

Bohol is an island paradise in the Philippines famous for its white sand beaches, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. It is located in the Visayas island group in central Philippines. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and corral reefs, Bohol is a travel destination for tourist & travelers who love nature. The Chocolate Hills is nominated as one of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature"

Bohol is also renowned for its wonderful dive spots. Foreign and local divers come to Bohol to see the breathtaking underwater corral reefs around the islands. The more popular beaches of Bohol are Alona, Dumaluan, Bikini, Momo & Doljo beaches. With the help of the Department of Tourism and the local government, the beautiful Balicasag Island is now being developed for tourism with careful consideration of the environment. Needless to say, water sports is very popular in these islands. Aside from the beaches, another attraction of Bohol are its numerous caves (there are more than 1,400 to explore). Most famous of which is the Hinagdanan Cave on Panglao island. The cave directs to an underground pond with many stalactites & stalagmites.

Read More

Cebu City (Queen City of the South)

Cebu City

The City of Cebu is the capital city of Cebu and the second city in the Philippines, the second most significant metropolitan centre in the Philippines and known as the oldest city established by the Spaniards in the country.

Cebu City is the centre of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City and an aquarium attraction are located.

About an hour’s flight away from Manila is Cebu. It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. The island is long and thin with a few smaller islands off-shore. The airport is located on the flat island of Mactan which is separated from the main island by the narrow Mactan Channel. Cebu City is one of the main centres of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country. Because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City was given the moniker Queen City of the South.

Read More

Banaue Rice Terraces (Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe)

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces (Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) in Banaue, Ifugao are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The terraces are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately during the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth (over 2000 years ago), the native people of Ifugao began carving the terraces of the mountains using merely their bare hands and sticks from the trees in the forests.

The terraces were carved mainly to provide an area of land suitable for planting rice which is the staple food of most Filipinos whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, rice is always served and eaten with the main dish. The rainforests above the mountains act as a natural irrigation system used to water the rice plants.

This is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of mankind, because if each one were connected end to end, then they would reach halfway across the globe or be 10 times as long as the Great Wall of China.

Read More