BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO, PALAWAN

"Palawan has always been a favorite getaway to the adventure-hungry traveler, for the province offers not only heavenly beaches, but also possesses breathtaking vistas and exciting biodiversity. One of these places is the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido, inarguably one of the best beach landscapes in the world. Also awaiting the audacious traveler are features such as Miniloc Island's Big Lagoon, the most photographed sight in Palawan; and Matinloc Island's Secret Beach, only accessible by swimming through a keyhole slot."

CEBU Philippines

"Cebu is the traveler's fantasy of a tropical island come true - balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts with all the frills of modern living.

The island-province of Cebu was where the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in 1521. But even before Cebu became the Occidental gateway to the Orient, it was already a popular entry point among Asian merchants.

Cebu has since blossomed into a choice tourist destination, with many leisure establishments taking full advantage of its sea-valley-and-mountain location.

Metropolitan Cebu, the country's second biggest metropolis, is the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas. Hotels, shopping malls, entertainment halls, casinos and golf fairways are ever present in the metro to cater to every tourist's whim.

The rest of Cebu's 166 islands and islets are fringed with sandy beaches and sapphire-clear waters teeming with marine life, perfect for divers."

Tourist Attractions in South Cotabato Philippines

"South Cotabato is endowed with numerous natural sceneries which are high potentials for tourist attraction, and blessed with creative people who maintain and develop the beauty of these places.

As the province progresses and moving towards agri-industrialization, more people in and out of the country is getting more interested of South Cotabato. At present, more potential tourist spots are being developed in the province.


Waterfalls - There are many waterfalls found in the province. The most popular is the Lonon Falls which is popularly known as the Seven Falls in Lake Sebu. Other noteworthy waterfalls are Saravia Falls in Koronadal; Matimus Falls in Tantangan; Lambusong Falls in Norala; Nongon and Traankini Falls in Lake Sebu.

Of these, the Saravia Falls in El Gawel Koronadal, is now developed into a swimming resort. The place is now becoming more popular and frequently visited by local residents. The municipal government of Koronadal is still on its way of making the place more inviting.

Lakes - It is in the municipality of Lake Sebu and T'boli where most lakes can be found. Among them, Lake Sebu is one of the favorites of tourists and local residents primarily because of its picturesque location. The lake is located between elevated hills and mountains, with tilapia fish cages scattered all over which makes it extra ordinary and captivating. It has an area of approximately 354 hectares. Adjacent to this lake, are lakes Lahit and Siloton with an area of 24 and 75 hectares respectively.

In addition, Lake Maughan in T'boli is part of the approximately 50,000 hectares area proposed to be set aside as provincial park and wildlife sanctuary.

Other Attractions - Other potential tourist attractions include the sprawling pineapple plantation of the Dole Philippines, Inc. with the imposing presence of Mt. Matutum in Polomolok and Tupi, Mambucal Sulfur Spring in Koronadal and the Nature's Bounty resort in Polomolok.

The celebration of town fiestas are likewise attracting tourists. Most of the towns have colorful fiesta celebration, usually held on their foundation anniversaries and feast days of their patronal saints."

Iloilo Philippines

"Iloilo is the Philippines’ Heritage Haven of Panay. This is because it is popular for its gentry living as displayed by its majestic and colonial mansions and churches scattered throughout its beautiful landscape. This beautiful province is set in a graceful and refined repose between Batiano and Iloilo rivers forming the shape of a nose. Hence, it was given the name Iloilo from the word Ilong-Ilong, which means “nose-like”.

Iloilo City

Castle Hotel in Iloilo CityIloilo City is a living testimonial of the rich cultural heritage of the province. At its city proper, the popular landmarks include: Muelle Loney, Museo Iloilo, Plaza Libertad, Arevalo, Jaro, and Fort San Pedro. Arevalo boasts of its 19th century mansions, flower nurseries, and looms that weave piña and jusi. Jaro is the province’s residential center of the rich and elite who, to this day, have maintained their grand ancestral homes in impressive and tip-top condition.

Iloilo Towns

Jaro Iloilo CathedralEach town that lies along the city’s west coast possesses centuries-old churches. Guimbal shines brightly with its yellow sandstone, Tigbauan is proud of its Baroque façade, while San Joaquin boasts of its white coral. However, the most impressive of all is the Miag-ao Church, which is included in the World Heritage List. On the other hand, the eastern towns of the city lead to the town of Estancia, which will take you to the beautiful cluster of islands off the northeast Panay.

Iloilo Festivals

Iloilo is a host to a number of festivals people from different places not only in the country but also from around the world visit. The most popular of these festivals are: Dinagyang Festival, Ati-Atihan Iloilo version, Our Lady of Candles Feast, Paraw Regatta, Festival of Bulls or Pasungay, and the Carabao Race.

Iloilo Travel Destinations – Places to Visit


Iloilo has more to offer than grand churches and mansions. When you set your foot on this beautiful Panay province, you will never run out of destination. Below are just some of them:


Bucari - Iloilo’s little Baguio is located in the town of Leon. It is a popular summer destination in this hot spot of the Philippines.

Water Park
Westown Hotel’s El Dorado Waterpark - This is the newest addition to Smallville, the very popular entertainment and dining center of Iloilo. El Dorado features an elegant South American inspired pools and poolside rooms. This place has also become Smallville’s daytime attraction for those who want to spend a fun and refreshing time with family and friends.

Panay Beach in Iloilo with tourist Iloilo’s Beaches – The place to be when you want to be wet and hot. The island of Panay is blessed with beautiful islets and coasts teaming with diverse marine life and fantastic seascapes just like other islands in the Pacific. Iloilo is definitely no exception; however, it has many exceptional beaches with great potentials to become the next top tourist destination in the Philippines. From Iloilo’s northern to southern tips, you will definitely enjoy a lineup of beautiful beaches where you could get wet or be hot anytime of the year.

How to get to Iloilo

If it is your first time to visit Iloilo, you may opt to take the easy route by taking an airplane. Major cities in the Philippines have daily flights to Iloilo. However, if you are after a great adventure, you can take a long but wonderful route from Cebu City to Iloilo City via Negros Occidental. If you will be coming from Manila, you should first go to Cebu, then to Negros. Moreover, you can enjoy an overnight boat trip from Manila or Cebu. Indeed, Iloilo is the place to find refuge if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy life in the city. It offers a peaceful, quiet, and calm haven to anyone who needs a more laid-back holiday. While it is a city where you can hear the birds chirping and smell the fresh fragrance of flowers, it is also a city where you won’t miss the convenience offered by a well-developed city. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to Iloilo now!"

Bali Bali Beach Resort

"Bali Bali Beach Resort got its name from the word “bali bali”, which, in the native dialect of Pangasinan, means “beautiful”. Thus, a beautiful resort. The one-hectare property is located at the southwest coastline of the Island Garden City of Samal.

Bali Bali is a semi-private resort. It operates on pre-arranged, pre-booked accommodations. No walk-ins are allowed. The resort boasts of its features that promote tranquility, serenity and privacy. The design is Asian inspired with six villas of different room themes.

The Pavilion serves as the main hall where guests coming in by land or by boat are welcomed. Here, food is served to guests visiting the resort either on day tour or overnight packages.

Fronting the pavilion is the main attraction of this part of the resort. The infinity pool. This stretches its beautiful view up to the ocean.

Bali Bali joins the number of resorts nestling in the Island Garden City of Samal. But with pride we offer a different kind of experience that’s worth your visit — your time. Because you deserve the best vacation in a tranquil, serene and private place along with the beautiful nature you are blessed with.

An overnight stay at Bali Bali is a must. Inclusive of a full day’s meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), experience the peace and tranquility of staying in any of the resort’s themed villas."

Leyte Park Resort Hotel Philippines

"Leyte Park offers the Discovery of various eco-tourism based tour activities anchored on its marine and terrestrial beauties, that covers a wide range of destinations from "islands to highland".

The Leyte Park Resort Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tacloban City 55 minutes from Manila. Built by former First Lady, Imelda Marcos in 1979, the hotel closed for 3 years until 1994 when it reopened following renovation & refurbishing. The Resort is now a major tourism & convention complex with its 6 hectare parkland nestled on a hill overlooking beautiful San Pedro Bay. It exudes the distinctive luxury of a hotel & the ambiance of a resort !

The Leyte Park Resort is conveniently located in the heart of Tacloban City, and just 55 minutes away from Manila and 20 minutes from Cebu. In fact, the hotel will arrange exciting day trips.

The resort offers a choice between the Standard or Executive rooms in the main building or the cottages.

Guests can relax by the pool, play a rousing game of table tennis or billiards, go ballroom dancing or crank a tune at the karaoke bar, snorkel, scuba dive, rent a speed boat, cruise boat or speed boat, pack a picnic lunch or join a tour. See Tacloban City, join the War Memorial Tour, the Sohotan Caves, or the Marabut Marine Park .. Join the Leyte Park Diving tour, or take a cruise along the San Juanico Strait. For the more adventurous, rock climbing tours are also available. The hotel can rent equipment or arrange for transportation

Accommodation

Air conditioned, IDD/NDD telephone, Mini bar, Satellite TV, In-house movies, Terrace"

Bicol Region

"Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 16 regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon island and some other islands.

It consists of six provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. It has one independent chartered city, Naga City, and six component cities, Iriga City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Masbate City, Sorsogon City, and Tabaco City. The regional centers are Legazpi City, the region's political center and de facto capital, and Naga City, the region's cultural and religious center. Legazpi and Naga are also the hub of the region's economic activity.

Inhabitants, called “Bicolanos,” speak any one of the several varieties of Bikol, an Austronesian language closely related to other Central Philippine languages such as Cebuano and Tagalog. Bikol varieties include Bikol Rinconada (Iriga-Buhi area), the western Albay dialects (Oas,Daraga), Bikol Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Bikol Catanduanes and Bikol Partido (municipalities surrounding Lagonoy Gulf). Standard Bikol is based on the dialect of Naga City and is spoken in a wide area stretching from Camarines Norte, most of Camarines Sur, the entire east coast of Albay (including Legazpi and Tabaco) and northern Sorsogon. Standard Bikol is generally understood by other Bikol speakers and is the regional lingua franca.

The Bicol region is often seen as the epicenter of the counterculture and liberal politics in the Philippines. As many of its inhabitants seem to oppose many right-wing governments and ideology in which they blame for corruption. The region has a political reputation of voting always for the opposition. It is also widely seen as a stronghold for the National Democratic Front.


is one of the 16 regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon island and some other islands.

It consists of six provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. It has one independent chartered city, Naga City, and six component cities, Iriga City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Masbate City, Sorsogon City, and Tabaco City. The regional centers are Legazpi City, the region's political center and de facto capital, and Naga City, the region's cultural and religious center. Legazpi and Naga are also the hub of the region's economic activity.

Inhabitants, called “Bicolanos,” speak any one of the several varieties of Bikol, an Austronesian language closely related to other Central Philippine languages such as Cebuano and Tagalog. Bikol varieties include Bikol Rinconada (Iriga-Buhi area), the western Albay dialects (Oas,Daraga), Bikol Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Bikol Catanduanes and Bikol Partido (municipalities surrounding Lagonoy Gulf). Standard Bikol is based on the dialect of Naga City and is spoken in a wide area stretching from Camarines Norte, most of Camarines Sur, the entire east coast of Albay (including Legazpi and Tabaco) and northern Sorsogon. Standard Bikol is generally understood by other Bikol speakers and is the regional lingua franca.

The Bicol region is often seen as the epicenter of the counterculture and liberal politics in the Philippines. As many of its inhabitants seem to oppose many right-wing governments and ideology in which they blame for corruption. The region has a political reputation of voting always for the opposition. It is also widely seen as a stronghold for the National Democratic Front."

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel

"The only paradise and superior first class property in the north, sprawling on 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and 9 kilometers of fine sandy beach, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel is situated in Barrio Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is 10 minutes from Laoag International Airport and 9 kilometers from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The Resort Hotel complex is composed of five buildings all inspired by Spanish colonial architecture and finished in cool red bricks. It has 267 rooms with private balconies offering a view of the sea and possessing the features and qualities of Ilocano century-old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity of a colonial house.
Description

The panoramic historical sights and the city’s natural charms make it ideal for everyone. As you visit Laoag’s many sights, Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino can be your home during your travel. And with the hotel under the management of Fort Ilocandia Development Corporation, the Old Glory of the hotel can be brought back through the accomplishment of the retrofitting and renovation and development program.
Accommodation

The Resort Hotel complex is composed of five buildings all inspired by Spanish colnial architecture and finished in cool red bricks. It has 267 rooms with private balconies offering a view of the sea and possessing the features and qualities of Ilocano Century-old living quarters and constructed to accentuate the antiquity of a colonial house.
Dining

The Hotel offers sumptuous cuisine from all over the world with Full Moon Chinese Restaurants, Flamingo Teppanyaki, Bar-B-Q, and much more. After dinner, you could try your luck at Casino Filipino; dance the night away at Monte Carlo Club; or sing your heart out at the Karaoke.
Facilities and Amenities

The Golf Course is one of the best in Asia Pacific for the exclusive use of the former Pres. Marcos. The 18-hole country club complex consists of the main club and rooms overlooking the legendary Paoay Lake.
The only paradise and superior first class property in the north, sprawling on 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and 9 kilometers of fine sandy beach,
Map

Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino is situated in Barrio Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is 10 minutes from Laoag International Airport and 9 kilometers from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte."

Bohol Beach Club

" Bohol Beach Club Bohol is nestled on the island paradise of Panglao and is the perfect haven for romantic getaways or a seaside sanctuary for beach lovers and scuba diving enthusiasts. A few minutes away is Balicasag Island, a popular dive site for local and foreign divers which offers world-class diving and is internationally renowned.
Description

At Bohol's Panglao Island lies a haven for intimate tender encounters and romantic getaway seekers. Bohol Beach Club, the only first class resort in Panglao Island, a seaside sanctuary for beach lovers, scuba diving enthusiasts. A few minutes away is Balicasag Island. A popular dive site for local and foreign divers which offers world-class diving and is internationally known. An exciting vacation awaits you.....
Accommodation

With its vast expanse of fine, powdery white sand beach that sprawl several meters off the shallow shores, Bohol Beach Club nestled in the island paradise of Panglao in Bohol is the perfect haven for intimate, tender encounters and romantic getaways.

Bohol Beach Club is two hours by plane from Manila to Tagbilaran airport. You can also reach it from Mactan by air in 25 minutes.. By fast ferry,Bohol is just an hour and a half away from Cebu.

Since you can’t bring along your home with you, we made sure you’ll feel safe and snug with our array of guest rooms designed to make you forget you’re home away for a while.
Facilities and Amenities

Pool bar, beach bar, restaurant, swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, scuba diving, glass bottom boat, tennis court, billards, darts, chess, table tennis and backgammon.
Map

Bohol Island is reached by means of a short flight from Manila, or by ferry from neighboring Cebu. The Bohol Beach Club is 30 minutes away from Taglibaran City by car. The club is situated on a 4 km stretch of fine white sand, overlooking clear blue waters. Transport to and from the airport or seaport can be arranged."

Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel

"Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel is a 52 room hotel lies in an elegant blend of gardens and waterfalls. The hotel offers the best of both worlds: highly convenient modern amenities and the allure of old world flavor, nature, and architecture.

The rooms are perfectly set around the infinity pool, where guests can have a spectacular view of the gardens around the hotel, or experience a splendid view of Boracay’s beach and sun. All rooms are an exquisite blend of ethnic and modern design – furnishings made from high quality and exquisitely comfortable materials."

Boracay Terraces Resort

"Boracay Terraces, the resort's design was inspired by the breathtaking Philippine rice terraces is a stairway to heaven. The resort boasts of 15 spacious rooms with a balcony overlooking the dazzling sea and lush green mountains. The resort's 3 new luxurious suites have a spectacular view of the island's crystal blue waters. The suites are only a few steps from Boracays' finest powder soft white sand."

Lorenzo South Beach Resort Boracay

Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South) on the southern end of the White Sand Beach is the only Boracay resort where all the rooms have ocean views. Its seafront - one of the best snorkeling areas in the island - is but a few steps from the front door.

Wake up to the gentle swish of the rolling waves. Marvel at Boracay's underwater treasures. Or watch the sunset from the verandah.
Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South) Description

Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South), ringed by rocks, is directly on the beach along the south end of Boracay's main white sand beach. The stretch of white sand lined with coconut trees is narrower in this area, but since it is away from the crowds and noise of central Boracay, you have the privilege of total tranquility.

The resort's architecture combines the rustic and the elegant. From the beach, you can see its pointed green rooftops reminiscent of Batak houses with their unusual shape of the inverted prow of a ship. Blending with the cliff just behind the resort, the two-story cottages are made of natural materials, mainly bamboo and anahaw. The rooms on the ground floor have the advantage of direct access to the beach but those on the upper floor, reached via an outside stone stairway, are just as pleasant, hidden among the trees.

Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South) Accommodations

Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South)'s 24 airconditioned suites, with the famed anahaw-lined ceiling, are an elegant blend of local architecture and western convenience. Private balconies provide sweeping panorama of Boracay's vast expanse of shimmering seas and immaculate sand and its secluded beach is ideal for those who want peace and quiet.
Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South) Dining

The mouth watering aromas of gourmet dishes waft through Cafe Lorenzo, where one can feast on the hearty flavors of Filipino cooking, succulent fresh seafood caught in the waters around Boracay, or the delectable array of international cuisine.
Hotel Isla Boracay-South (Lorenzo South) Facilities and Amenities
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Resort and Leisure Facilities, Airconditioned rooms, Conference Center, Cable/satellite TV, Aqua Sports, Restaurant, Snorkelling, Telephone, Baby Crib, Massage, Mini-bar, Fan, Bar, TV

Mactan Island in Cebu Philippines

Overview

"Relax under the sun and enjoy your tropical vacation at Cebu Beach Club. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Cebu Mactan International Airport, Cebu Beach Club offers a beautiful tropical setting, wonderful food, modern facilities, excellent service and just about anything you'd need to make the most of your vacation in Cebu.

Description

At Cebu Beach Club there is so much you can do. Enjoy the beach, our 2 unique lagoon-shaped pools, outdoor jacuzzi, scuba diving, aquasports, shopping and dining at our restaurants.

Accommodation

All of our 44 standard and 4 superior guestrooms feature a private balcony facing the lagoon-shaped pool.

Dining

Guests can choose to have local delicacies, international dishes or buffets at the Kitang-kita Coffee Shop or at Maia's Poolbar and Restaurant. Cebu Beach Club can also accomodate conference functions for up to 60 people.

Facilities and Amenities

Modern comforts include: Airconditioning, Hairdryer, Pipe-in AM/FM music band, NDD/IDD phones, 110/220V outlets,TV, Refrigerators, Minibar, Umbrella and bathtub with hot & cold water."

Olongapo City

Olongapo City
"Subic bay is well know as a great summer destination for the local tourist, its calm waters, cool breezes and wide range of water activities are accented by the lush jungles of the area. The City of Olongapo provides the anchor of support for the area, and includes the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and parts of the provinces of Zambales and Bataan. The City of Olongapo is the largest city of the Province of Zambales and is adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport, portions of the city border on the Bay. Barrio Barretto is a part of Olongapo City and is the location of the majority of the city's beach front and hotels. The city has two beaches that it operates."

San Remigio Beach Resort;Cebu

"This beach resort, has an excellent large fresh water pool which is fully lighted for that night swimming party. This resort was designed with beauty in mind, the architecture of the pool area is remarkable. There are plenty of pool side tables and chairs to accommodate its guests. There is a large parking area that will accommodate larger vehicles and busses. Your resort stay will be enhanced by the beautiful surroundings and many gardens on the property. This facility has plenty security guards on duty throughout the day and night.

Location: San Remigio, about fifteen minutes form the city of Bogo on the north west end of the island of Cebu in central Visayas."

BUSUANGA/ CORON

"On the northeastern part of Palawan is the Calamian group of islands whose main islands are Busuanga, Coron, and Culion. A collection of picturesque islands each with a white sand beach, the islands actually sit atop vast coral reefs. This is why the Calamians are favored by many divers for their underwater adventures. Travelers should also grab the opportunity to see the islands by boat. North of Busuanga is Calauit, the country's sanctuary for wild African animals and rare endemic Philippine animals such as the bearcat and mousedeer. To get to the Calamians, a plane can be taken from Manila to Busuanga. Short land transfers then take visitors to the destination of their choice."

Tagaytay Philippines

"Although not a big city,Tagaytay boasts a large selection of hotels ranging from budget to luxury. We at Philippine Hotel Reservations Service take pride in having one of the most extensive hotel listings for Tagaytay.

Most sought after by tourists and local city dwellers are hotels located on the ridge of the volcano with a view of Lake Taal and the Taal Volcano. Larger hotels with views are the upscale and well-established Taal Vista Hotel and the Days Hotel Tagaytay, while smaller properties include the brand new Windy Ridge Hotel, and the Tagaytay Econo Inn.

Hotels in Tagaytay are also well known for their coziness and rustic charm. Travelers who prefer to spend their time in a more private environment can opt to stay at bed and breakfast type inns such as the brand new and stylish Boutique Bed & Breakfast, the luxurious and romantic Discover Country Suites, or the cozy Royal Taal Inn.
If you want to get even closer to Lake Taal, we suggest you try out Club Balai Isabel, the brand new resort in Talisay, at the shores of Lake Taal. Club Balai Isabel is a resort that is great for both family gatherings as well as family outings.
Those who can do without a room with a view of Lake Taal can get an even better value for their money. For those who travel on a tight budget, Philippine Hotel Reservations Service also offers the brand new and cozy Casa Marcosa, the practical REHM Residence Inn, or the barkada-friendly Villa Baretto. For people who travel with a larger family, Philippine Hotel Reservations can offer you the villas at the Tagaytay Dacha, the economy rooms at the Tagaytay Country Hotel, or the Casitas at Hotel Dominique."

Hundred Islands; Philippines

"Paradise Philippines is surely blessed with many wondrous works of Nature. In the northern part of Luzon alone, there are numerous places where Nature’s best are evident. One good example is the Hundred Islands of Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

The Hundred Islands, an island group numbering 123 at high tide and 124 at low tide, is a natural wonder, as the group is nestled within the Lingayen Gulf. These islands can be reached by a boat ride from the city’s shore. The boat ride usually takes 30-40 minutes. Once in the islands, recreation and relaxation are all that awaits each and every visitor. Whether it be splashing on the beach, taking a tan under the sun, or simply enjoying the cool breeze, everyone going to the islands will surely have a good time.

Out of the numerous islands, only three are developed for tourists. These are namely the Governor’s Island, the Children’s Island and the Quezon Island. In one of the islands, there are floating nipa huts for rent. Visitors can rent these floating huts for dining and relaxing purposes. This is a very good deviation to the standard beachside huts and sheds.

But bathing and tanning are not the only activities in the Hundred Islands. Boat tours are also available for those wanting to see the rest of the islands. Furthermore, one can simply enjoy the scenery that the surroundings bring. There are viewing points where one can get a good view of the splendor of the Hundred Islands. Add to this experience is the cool breeze of the sea – truly a great way to relax."

Corregidor

"An island once used to monitor sea vessel activities coming in and out of Manila Bay is now a scenic tourist spot. It is a favorite both of American and Japanese tourists who once had their histories clashed in the historic spot, the island of Corregidor.

Daily trips to Corregidor are available from the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex at the reclaimed area along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. This tourist spot is about an hour yacht cruise from Manila to Corregidor, one of the tiny islands off southwestern Bataan some 26 miles from Manila.

In Spanish times this tourist spot used to be a fishing village also used as a checking station for incoming and outgoing sea vessels so a lighthouse and signal station was built on it for this purpose. The checking of and signaling to ships and vessels—plus its later role of being a penal island colony—later gave it the name “corrector” or “Corregidor.”

In the seventeenth century this historical spot was said to have been the base of Limahong, the notorious invader of the Asian seas. In 1906 the Americans started converting it into a military fort, eventually mounting long-range canons and anti-aircraft guns besides arsenal storages, battery stations and a military hospital. The war with the Japanese aggravated beginning in 1940 costing lives of Filipino and American heroes, but which later ended in 1944 with Japan’s surrender.

In 1947 Corregidor was turned over to the Philippines by America and eventually became the tourist spot is has become. It is a verdant island lush with huge trees and thick wild shrubberies sheltering natural wild life.

One of its famous historical spots is the Malinta Tunnel which is an underground network of 21 tunnels designed as a covert tunnel system to facilitate movement safe from air and bomb attacks. The tunnels were started in 1922 and finished in 1932. But even all these proved futile to the all-out attack of the Japanese. Some 12,000 men died.

Located in the middle of this tourist spot is the Eternal Flame Monument to remember the Filipino and American heroes. The Filipino Heroes Memorial is one of the new structures on the island on a 6,000 square meters facility. It features 14 murals showing Philippine heroic battles from the 15th century to the present.

Arrangements for special tours, lectures, seminars, weddings, baptismal events, adventure camps, and others at this tourist spot are facilitated with Corregidor hotels. Since early times until now Corregidor Island has been the historical spot favored by most adventurous spirits."

Subic Bay Resorts

"Subic Bay free port, the former American naval base in the Philippines that has been transformed into a bustling free trade zone and industrial complex, offers not only employment for thousands of Filipinos, but leisure and recreation to tourists as well.

There is Ocean Adventure that offers whale and dolphin shows on weekends and Zoobic, a close encounter zoo where you can go near the animals.

Near the Ocean Adventure parking area, for instance, sits a restaurant cum resort that offers fresh sea foods and white beach for swimming. Entrance fee is about $4.
There’s also a horse-back riding range where you will learn how to ride on mares and ponies.

For the nature seekers, there are creeks, mountain trails, Mangyan villages, forests and even a bat sanctuary. For a few dollars as fee, you will learn survival techniques from Mangyans. They were from the groups of jungle survival trainers that trained the famed Green Berets at the height of the Vietnam War.

For the sportsmen, there’s a golf link and a winding road for bikers on weekends.
The complex also hosts softball and baseball diamonds and modern tennis courts. There is also an arcade for kids and students.

The complex also hosts international schools, Korean and Chinese restaurants and a race track for weekend road warriors.

For the high rollers and gamblers, there’s a casino in one of the hotels near the beach front. Other facilities include villas, cottages and hotels. There are also duty free shops for your daily needs. On weekends, especially during holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Day, the administrators host live-band concerts and other shows for the vacationers and Sunday promenaders.

Just recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority hosted an international triathlon participated in both by foreigners and local tri-athletes.

You can go fishing in one of the piers inside the complex that also hosts one of the world’s deep harbors and an international airport that can accommodate even B747s.
Outside the complex, predominantly in Subic town, you can enjoy nightlife with the presence of night clubs, resorts, music lounges and videoke bars particularly at the Barretto district.

Clubs, especially on weekends, remain open until 4 a.m. or until there are no patrons.

For accommodation there’s White Rock Beach Resort and Hotel. You have the choice to use the beaches or a big swimming pool where a big white boulder is in the pool’s middle portion, thus the name White Rock. Adjacent to White Rock is Paradise Resort, which is operated by a Japanese group.

Nearer the former base, is Olongapo City where Ocean View resort offers boat rides, or even aqua cycles. Entrance for day swimmers is $1 and less on weekdays."