Some Choice Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

"The Philippines is an archipelago located just above the equator in Southeastern Asia. Nestled between the Philippine and South China Seas, it is lovingly called the Pearl of the Orient by its natives. For indeed, traveling to it is like finding a unique pearl in a vast ocean, discovering not only beautiful spots but also warm and hospitable inhabitants.

It enjoys a warm, humid climate all year round and for this, tourists usually find haven in its countless beaches. Foremost is the world-famous island resort of Boracay, with its powdery white sands, crystalline-blue sea and spectacular sunsets. Tourist accommodations are abundant, ranging from the luxurious and exclusive to the more budget-friendly. One can take his pick on varied amenities available for swimming, diving, sailing, sport fishing, or just sunbathing.

Another popular tourist destination is the island of Palawan, known for its pristine beaches and friendly people. Exotic flowers and animals abound in this quaint locale. It is here where the Tubbataha Reef is found, a marine sanctuary park recognized by the World Heritage List and a source of constant joy for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. For a touch of adventure, one can explore caves in the underground river of Saint Paul’s National Park or take a safari ride in Calauit Island to see unusual wildlife.

Bohol is considered as one of the loveliest islands in the country. There is no lack for white beaches with world-class resorts here and its nearby isles. There are also numerous freshwater springs where one can relax and enjoy some relaxing moments in. Another world-famous attraction are the Chocolate Hills, a group of hilly mounds that turn brown during summer, resembling a popular chocolate treat. Trips are also available to visit several of the old churches of Bohol. Here, one can be acquainted with century-old relics serving as testimonies to the country’s past under the Spanish rule.

For tourists and travelers seeking to enjoy the sea and the beach to the fullest, Siargao Island is an ideal spot. Lying in the southeastern part of the country, it is becoming increasingly popular because of its surfing waves and enthusiasts flock to this island for the Siargao Surfing Cup held every year. Other activities include sunbathing, deep sea fishing, diving and kayaking.

For those seeking the ultimate paradise, Samal Island is the perfect destination. Aside from white sand beaches, this island also boasts of mangroves, coral reefs and interesting rock formations. One can wake up and go to sleep to perfect sunrise and sunsets in this quaint locale situated at the southern part of the country.

Of course, for the more urban-seeking tourists, there is Subic Bay, formerly a military base that now boasts of the sea, commercial developments and virgin forests in one exciting package. It caters to crowds with wide-ranging interests, from bungee-jumping and sport fishing to the more sedate golf courses and arcade center."

Mag-aso Falls, Bohol Philippines

"The Mag-aso Falls is located in the barrio of Mag-aso in the town of Antequera, Bohol, Philippines. It is about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, roughly a 30 minutes ride away. The falls is a major attraction of the town together with karst caves such as the Buhong Tiawan, Hagakgak, Inambacan, and Antequera.

Antequera is an inland town situated in the western part of Bohol and composed of 21 barangays. With good roads, the town is bounded in the west by the municipality of Calape & Loon, the municipality of San Isidro in the northeast, and the municipality of Maribojoc in the southwest; in the southeast by the municipality of Cortes and in the east by the municipality of Balilihan.

Aside from being blessed with rolling & rugged terrains interspersed with rivers, streams and brooks, the town is also known as the basket capital of Bohol. Sundays, Antequera’s market day, is the day when baskets of different sizes and shapes are displayed in the local market and traders from out of town, hailing from Cebu and far-off Manila come to buy their products for export to other countries throughout the world.
Overview

Mag-aso Falls is one of the main attractions of Bohol but rarely included in day tour itineraries since it is relatively out of the way. Situated inland, it does not lie in the pathway towards Loboc town, the Loboc river cruise, tarsier viewing, and on towards Bilar’s mahogany man-made forest and the Chocolate Hills, Bohol’s main attraction.

Travelers who have come to know about the twin falls in advance often request tour operators to include it in their itinerary but usually dole out an additional fee to cover gas consumption. Yet if you have contacts in Bohol and can get a private ride, visiting the falls will not be a problem.

The town may be so out of the way, yet travelers who make the trip find it worthwhile. Intermittent verdant rice fields with hilly backdrops are stunning to look at aside from the picturesque ancestral homes that dot the way.

For the adventuresome spirits who want to visit the falls in their own pace and time, and likewise avoiding the high prices of tour agencies, the area where the falls is located is very accessible. Buses and jeepneys ply the route to the town from Tagbilaran City. Disembarking in the town proper, tricycles and motorcycles are available to bring one to the falls."

Camiguin Island Philippines

"Camiguin is an island well-endowed by Mother Nature with a wealth of volcanoes and numerous waterfalls, hot and cold springs, as well as a covey of outlying islands ringed by white-sand beaches.
In the heart of the island bubbles the flowing mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mists rise from the heated waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok Volcano, the only active one among the seven on the island. Revel in the therapeutic waters. Picnic beneath the sheltering trees. Enjoy a game of darts or table tennis, comfortable dormitory - type rooms and duplex cottages are available for overnighters.

By day, take a side trip to some of Camiguin Island's attractions: the clear pools of Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the slender beauty of Katibawasan Falls, and the isolated white-sand bar called simply White Island. This is also the favorite jump-off point for trekkers and mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok."

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

"Old Spanish HousesAbout 400 kilometers from Manila is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. It is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located on the west coast of northern Luzon. One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia with a unique European atmosphere. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. The name Vigan was derived from "Biga", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River.


Places of Interest:



Ancestral housesOld Vigan Colonial Houses – the ancestral houses were built mostly by rich Chinese traders. These great big houses are made of thick brick walls and plastering with red clay. Tile roofs are made to survive earthquakes. The Mestizo district where more than a hundred houses line side by side along Calle Crisologo.



St. Paul’s Cathedral - built in 1790-1800 by the Augustinians, this impressive Baroque Vigan Cathedral cathedral has most of its interior walls well preserved. The 12 altars and 3 naives only enhances the church beauty and grandeur. The bell tower is octagonal and is located 10 meters south of the cathedral. It is a place not to be missed when visiting Vigan.



Palacio de Arzobispado – built in 1783, it is the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. The palace was the headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Included in the palace is the Museo Nueva Segovia with a collection of paintings, manuscripts and religious articles accumulated through the centuries.







Burgos National Museum. - the museum building is the ancestral house of Padre Jose Burgos. One of the museum’s best feature are the paintings of Esteban Villanueva depicting the 1807 Basi Vigan Bell TowerRevolt. The dioramas of local historical events is worth the visit. Included in the collections are antiques, manuscripts and other priceless items. There is a Tourist Information Center in Vigan to help visitors. And if you want to take a break, there are beaches to go to just a few minutes away from the town.



A good time to visit Vigan is during the town fiesta. Celebrated for one whole week -concluding on January 25 to commemorate the conversion of the apostle, St. Paul. The fiesta is marked by street parades, beauty contest and variety shows on the town plaza.



During the Holy Week, local and foreign tourist come to Vigan to see the religious processions of the antique and life sized statues mounted on elaborately designed carrozas that are paraded on the streets of Vigan.



To get to Vigan City from Manila, you can get a bus or take a plane to Laoag City and take a bus ride to Vigan. There are many places to stay. Many ancestral houses have been turned into quaint hotels and inns. There are also many bars and restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes.


Buses that ply Manila & Vigan daily (approx. 7 hours trip):



Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines: Rizal Ave., Manila & EDSA, Q.C. Tel # 734-9838, 734-9836

Dominion Bus Line: New York St., Cubao, Q.C. Tel # 731-4180, 741-4146

Partas Bus Company: Aurora Blvd., Q.C. Tel. # 725-7303, 724-9820

Maria de Leon Transit: Dapitan cor. Gelinos Sts., Sampaloc, Manila Tel # 731-4907

PAL (Philippine Airlines) flies to Laoag City 3 times a week. Laoag, 80 kilometers away from Vigan takes about 1½ hours to commute."

Cave in Palawan Philippines

"El Nido has a black marble and limestone cliffs contain large caves with whimsical names like Cathedral Cave and Disco Cave because of their formation. Palawan's St. Paul National Park is Palawan's most popular attraction and covers 5,349 hectares of lush forest, dark mountains, caves and white beaches. In the deep recesses of the marble and limestone peaks of Mt. St. Paul flow the Underground River, said to be the longest in the world. It is easily navigable for at least four kilometers. The caves are filled with filigree-like sculptures formed by stalagmites and stalactites. Near its mouth is a beautiful lagoon with crystal-clear water that teems with fish. Also within the park is the Monkey Trail, a series of wooden paths that winds into the forest where monkeys, squirrels, lizards and some 60 species of birds are found.

Tabon Cave is situated on Lipuun Point, Quezon, Palawan . Tabon Cave is a 138-hectares, of rugged cliffs and deep slopes. Discovered by an American, the late Dr. Robert B. Fox and his team of Archaeologist from the National Museum in 1962. The discovery of the caves have yielded an important Archaeological find - Fossil human bones tentatively dated from 22,000 to 24,000 years ago. Excavations were done from 1962 to 1970. Of the 200 caves found in Lipuun Point only 29 caves were fully explored, including Tabon Cave, which were found to been used for habitation and / or burial sites by ancient people.

Tabon cave complex is a 30-minute banca ride from the town of Quezon, a Southern municipality of Palawan. It is 155 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa City."

La Union Philippines

"La Union has predominantly hilly terrain which gradually rises eastward from the shore.The western border is a coastal plain of raised coral and alluvia (sand or clay deposited by flowing water) overlaying older sediments. East of this palin are rolling hills parallel to the coast covering a wide portion of the central area. The province has two pronounced seasons - dry from November toApril and from May to October.

HISTORY
The natives of what is now La Union were already trading with the Japanese when the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the area of Agoo was then known as "Puerto de Japon". Captain Juan de Salcedo explored the region in 1572, followed by Augustinan missionaries who founded the towns of Balaoan, Bauang, and Agoo in the late decades of the 16th century. The province was created on March 2, 1850 out of towns then belonging to Ilcos Sur and Pangasinan. Luciano Almeda headed the provincial government for a time during the Philippine Revolution while General Manuel Tinio occupied San Fernando in May 1898. After the battle in Aringay River on November 19, 1899, the American troops took controll of the province. A civil government was established in La Union in 1901. A year later, La Union ceded a narrow strip of land to Amburayan which later became a sub-province of the old Mountain Province.

The majority of the population are Ilocanos. Some Pangasinenses are found in the southern part of the province, while a substantial group of Chinese Filipinos are in San Fernando, the commercial center. Ilocano is the predominant language of the people. La Union has 20 municipalities which are subdivide into 576 barangays. The Northern towns of Sudipen, Bangar, Luna, Balaoan, Santol, San Gabriel, Baonatan, San Juan and San Fernando comprise the First District. Belonging to the Second District are Bagulin, Naguilian, Burgos, Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Tubao, Sto. Tomas, Rosario and Pugo. San Fernando is moving forward to become a component city.

Commerce and Industy:
The main sources of livelighood are farming and fishing. The pricioal product are rice, corn tobacco, garlic, sugarcane and cassava. Grapes are extensively grown in Bauang. The rich Lingayan Gulf is the main fishing ground. Cottage industries include blanket-weaving, basketry, shellcraft, pottery and furniture-making. La Union is also well known for its basi-making industry, the Ilocano native wine mande from fermented sugarcane juice."

Dive Solana, Mabini, Batangas

"Dive Solana is a premier resort located in Anilao in southern Luzon. This splendid dive-dedicated resort offers scuba classes and underwater photography. Anilao Peninsula is surrounded by the Batangas Bay and the Balayan Bay, both famous their fabulous reefs and vast schools of colorful fish.

There are fourteen cottages that have private bathrooms, air- conditioning, balconies with beautiful sunset views, and are just steps away from the crystal clear water.

So in Solana, the food covers are from Sulu. The bedspreads were embroidered in Paranaque. the pillow cases from Taal, the soap essences from Tagaytay, the cushion covers are by the T’boli, the baskets by the Mangyans. The chocolate and the coffee come from the hills around us. Even the massage therapists are actually masters of the Filipino art of hilot!

More importantly, I had the honor and pleasure to interact with traditional craftsmen at work. I saw them thatching the roof. I saw them carving the columns. The result of their labors give the resort such an integral organic look because the skills used in creation arose from the land. The cogon roof and bamboo beams of our diving pavilion are so wonderful to look at that one almost forgets to get into one’s gear.
Of course, not everything is traditional. The chairs are plastic because they have to be left outdoors. But they are so cleverly made that they resemble their rattan models. And like their rattan counterparts they were also produced by hand using age-old methods.

The pottery is designed by foreigners, using imported methods as we do not have a tradition of high-fired glazed ceramics in the Philippines.

Dive Solana is a family-friendly resort, and there is plenty of space to run around and play. Swimming lessons, snorkeling, and sea kayaking are available. Three sumptuous buffet-style meals per day are served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean. Whether on the fine white beachfront shaded by coconut and talisay trees, or underwater in the clear, cool depths of the bountiful sea, you are embraced by nature at its exotic best, and pampered by the friendliest and most hospitable staff and dive crew in the area."

Al Fresco Beach Resort, Lian, Batangas

"Al Fresco is a small, cozy beachfront resort located at the center of the Matabungkay Strip. It is an old family owned vacation house, recently renovated and transformed into a functional resort for guests to enjoy and feel at home at the beach.

They have 8 Air-conditioned rooms, a Dining Hall, Sala/Lanai area cozy enough for your afternoon readings and lounging, and a Veranda overlooking the entire ocean.

Also in the premises are Picnic tables that cater to our day tourists. This resort used to be a family house back in the 60’s so you may notice that some parts may still look old or antique.

How to get there

From Manila, Proceed to Tagaytay and head toward Nasugbu for 32km. Turn right after the Sea Oil Gas Station and drive 5.5 km (passing the sugar mill on your left) to the T-Junction(Shell Gas Station on the Left) Turn left and drive 12km, through the town of Lian, until you reach the Matabungkay Beach sign. Turn right and proceed 1.5km. Turn right on the cement road parallel to the beach. Al Fresco Beach Resort is on the left after about 300 meters.

From Batangas City, proceed to Balayan. Turn left from the Main Highway and head towards Calatagan. After 11km, turn right on the T-Junction Drive 1.8km and turn left upon seeing the Matabungkay Beach and signboard. Turn right on the cement road parallel to the beach. Al Fresco Beach Resort is on the left after about 300 meters."

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"

Pryce Plaza Hotel

"Welcome to Cagayan de Oro - the gateway to Northern Mindanao. Located along Macajalar Bay, it is the regional growth center of Region 10 and headquarters to the business and trade centers of the Cagayan-Iligan Corridor. The city is also home to Lumbia Airport and the largest government port in Mindanao. Known for its warm people and old-fashioned hospitality, Cagayan de Oro is lined with lush greens like the local Kolambagohan Tree. This tree bears a heart-shaped leaf that is unique to the city. How appropriate then that it is found in Cagayan de Oro, truly the City of Golden Friendship

Accommodation for Pryce Plaza Hotel
From most of 81 guest rooms and suits at the Pryce Plaza, you overlook at the bay and the city. Retiring for the day becomes even more special as you take a peek at the myriad lights below. The rooms are spacious and allow you to relax with its elegant decor and furnishings. Equipped with a host of other modern conveniences, they have been designed for your outmost comfort and enjoyment."

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."