Exotic Philippines - Asia's Pearl of The Orient

The Growing Philippine Tourism in Bohol

2009-11-11T05:04:00.000-08:00

The Philippine tourism is enjoying an expanse growth as more places in the country are developing to become main tourist attractions among the local and foreign travelers alike. The Philippines is a culturally and historically rich nation and takes pride of its major attractions on nature, beaches, and historical landmarks.

The Philippine Tourist Attractions in Bohol

The Philippines is endowed with white beaches with crystal, clear and clean water that are a major attraction in different archipelagos of the country. Philippines beaches offer a tranquil respite to those who wants to enjoy a relaxed getaway closer to nature. The White beach in Boracay Island has been the center of the Philippine's tourism with thousands of tourist visits each year. The Island of Boracay is crawling with visitors from foreign to local tourists every month.

Palawan beaches also created a distinctive beauty and attraction for being less commercialize with more preserved natural beauty to boast. Divers usually visit the place because of its known hot dive spots. Cebu beaches also provide glorious and tranquil beaches to adore.

One of the astonishing growths in the Philippine tourism is evident in Bohol. Known for its richness in cultural heritage, Bohol has its own line of tourist attractions. It has become one of the most visited places in the Visayan provinces of the Philippines. The Philippine's Department of Tourism is promoting Bohol for its land history and natural beauty.

There are different places to visit in Bohol each with distinctive beauty and thrill. Bohol beaches are also scattered throughout the oval shape island of Bohol. It has small islets and offshore and among the popular is Panglao Island, famed for its unpolluted, clean beach waters. There are also a number of resorts in Panglao Island to accommodate the growing numbers of tourists visiting the island.

The Loboc River Cruise is becoming popular too. It is a boat ride tour along the Loboc River on a motorized floating restaurant boat with a 45-minute ride along the cool vegetations of the river. There will be a brief stop over to the Busai Falls. A seafood feast is served during the cruise.

A common stop over during a land trip cruise in the island is at the Blood Compact Site. It is the landmark where the blood compact between the Filipinos and Spaniards transpired.

Another famous place to visit in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills. These are mounds of hills that look like chocolate hence the name Chocolate hills. It also offers a panoramic view to enjoy watching. Two of the highest hills have resorts to provide accommodations to the visiting tourists in the area.

The Tarsier sanctuary is another favorite destination in Bohol tours. You can see the world's smallest primate here - the tarsiers. The antiquated Clarin Home is another place commonly included in the island tour itinerary in Bohol.

Bohol is abounding with natural beauty and cultural heritages that are well preserved and historically rich which become the main attractions in the Philippine tourism in Bohol Island.

About the Author
Jose M. Abada writes travel articles for Philippine Travel Guide. You can find wealth of information about Philippines Tourism and Bohol resorts on this website.

Scuba Diving in Boracay: The Island's Best Treasure

2009-11-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

Bored from the relentless routine of everyday work? Working for so long in a desk without having a time for merrymaking? No spark in your life? Come to Boracay Island, Philippines. The island's legendary powdery white sands and crystal clear azure waters offer perfect scuba diving spots. Dive in Boracay and enjoy the adrenaline rush!

Thirty state of the art and PADI certified dive schools line the island. Where Philippine scuba diving activities that range from basic demonstrations to advance level certifications are offered. Scuba diving in Boracay is a great holiday treat for you, simply because it combines great diving spots and dive tour activities in one of the best beaches in the world. Also, Boracay has a wide range of bars and restaurants perfect to fill your bod after a night-time scuba diving.

When you dive in Boracay you can be sure to get only the best scuba diving lessons from the best instructors in the world. Some of these dive schools in Boracay offer classes in different languages like German, French, Japanese, Korean, English, Hebrew, Italian and Spanish. It is always advisable to get instructions about diving in Boracay in your own language.

However, you are not bound by a single option like diving in Boracay. There is also beach living and partying waiting for you as well. There are also other exciting water and land activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, rainforest trekking and mountain biking. More leisurely pursuits of golf, parasailing, sunset cruises around the island, and of course, celebrity spotting is also there.

Then after days worth of activities that range from scuba diving to mountain biking you can then relax at Nigi Nigi Too Boracay Hotel. Nigi Nigi Too offers deluxe Boracay accommodation at affordable prices.

Visit http://www.niginigitoo.com for more information about diving in Boracay.

About the Author
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Nigi Nigi Too increase its viewers through optimization. For world class Boracay hotel rooms visit us at www.niginigitoo.com.

Nigi Nigi Boracay Island Hotel - The Next Top Luxury Vacation Destination

2009-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Boracay Island, Philippines is touted to be one of the best playgrounds in Asia and the jewel of Philippine tourism. This tropical island is also a popular holiday destination because of its crystal clear azure waters, white sand beaches and lush tropical rainforests. Aside from its natural marvels, Boracay Island, Philippines is home to scads of deluxe Boracay Island hotel designed to match the already existing pristine beauty of the island.

One of these hotels is Nigi Nigi Boracay Beach Resort. It is the only Boracay hotel built in native pagoda cottages set around in a lush tropical garden which reflects Philippines famous culture and heritage. Nigi Nigi is also one of the few hotels that offer deluxe Boracay accommodation at a very affordable price. Guests can also enjoy special Nigi Nigi Boracay hotel package, offers and discounts available all throughout the year.

When it comes to activities, Nigi Nigi Boracay Hotel offers numerous ocean sports and land adventures to indulge in. The hotel has complete facility and equipments for para-sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, tennis, mountain biking, golf, yachting and scuba diving Boracay. And after a day of tropical island escapade, guests can soothe their tired muscles and relax at Nigi Nigi therapeutic massage center.

Guests can also spend their day at Nigi Nigi Boracay hotel beachfront restaurant and bar which is the mingling point of value minded tourists. Later in the evening the serenity of the tropical island immerse into the beat of rhythmic music and transforms to become a part of the huge and vibrant Boracay nightlife.

Many of the island guests, who return to Boracay Island Philippines, always find their way to Nigi Nigi Boracay beach resort to enjoy all Boracay Island has to offer. They find that the hotel manages to capture their dream tropical getaway while still offering all the facilities wanted by a traveler, at very reasonable price.

Book your dream tropical escape today! Visit Nigi Nigi Boracay Beach Resort at http://www.niginigi.com/.

About the Author
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Nigi Nigi increase its viewers through optimization. For world class diving Boracay visit us online at www.niginigi.com/

Travel Destination Philippine Beaches

2009-01-22T02:02:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is an island archipelago in Southeast Asia with more than 7,100 islands. With a coastline twice the span of that of the United States and at least a beach on every island, the Philippines is Asia.s beach capital. Just the mention of the Philippines brings images of warm crystal blue waters and long, white sandy beaches.

Here is a list of the numerous popular Philippine beaches:

Boracay Beach - the most popular beach located on the northwestern tip of Panay island, Western Visayas. Boracay has 4 kilometers of powder-white beach touted as the finest beach in the world. Today the island of Boracay has numerous restaurants, bars, cafes and has one of the most vibrant nightlife among Philippine beaches.

Mactan Island, Cebu - located also in the Visayas, Cebu's Mactan Island has hotels and resorts water sports facilities, bars and restaurants to guarantee most every tourist an enjoyable stay within the day and a nightlife of music, food and drinks.

Panglao Island, Bohol - Panglao is a small island on the southwest of the bigger island, Bohol. The island has the majority of resorts along beach with accommodations, restaurants and bars. Panglao is famous for its splendid underwater corral reefs surrounding the island.

Puerto Galera, Mindoro - A favorite vacation hideaway for local and intercontinental travelers due to its proximity to Manila. Puerto Galera is composed of multitude of beaches in northern Mindoro where tourist can choose which beach to go. Puerto Galera has accommodations for all kind of travelers - from the classy to the basic. For the budget conscious, Puerto Galera is the beach to go. It also has one of the proper dive regions in the archipelago - a favorite for diving enthusiast. Honda Bay, Palawan - North of the capital city of Palawan is Honda Bay. One can find islets dotting the bay with fantastic sand beaches. Take a boat ride and island hop to the different islands to swim, snorkel, dive or have a picnic on the beach and enjoy the view of clear blue waters. The bay is studded with patches of coral and sand. The rich marine life of the bay will surely make snorkeling and diving more pleasurable.
El Nido, Palawan - Surrounded by towering marble cliffs such a are places to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most scrumptious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants - the Nido Soup, made out of the bird.s nest discovered on the cliffs the present abound in the area. Palawan is wellknown as the country.s last frontier, with its virgin forest, unspoiled beaches, corral reefs, caves and beautiful sceneries unmatched anywhere in the Philippines.
Pearl Farm, Davao - located in the Philippine island of Samal, off the coast of Davao City, Mindanao. Pearl Farm is a world class beach resort that was in the wake of a pearl farm at which thousands of oysters were cultivated for their white, pink and gold pearls. The pristine island of Samal boasts of its beautiful white sand beaches, panoramic landscapes and seascapes. Pearl farm is a relaxing vacation retreat set in a tropical paradise.
About the Author
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Bohol: A Slice of Nature Adventure

2009-01-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

Traveling has always been one of man's favorite pastimes. But with all the places to see, we are usually left a long list of great places to visit. If you are looking for a nature trip in one of the Philippine islands, then Bohol is surely the place to go. Numerous resorts are there to cater to all a traveler's needs. The place offers a lot of choices to travelers and nature lovers as it offers a different kind of nature adventure. The island offers pristine white sand beaches, falls and caves, diving spots, historical places and landmarks, as well as native delicacies.

Bohol belongs to the ten largest islands of the Philippines. It is located in the Central Visayan region. Easily accessible from Manila or Cebu, this island has been a favorite tourist and destination spot among locals and foreigners. The region boasts of a not only of majestic places to see but a heritage rich of culture and long history.

Bohol is definitely one worthy nature trip. The first place to see is the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills give Bohol its quality different from other islands in the Philippines. Near the Chocolate Hills, Bohol resorts are open to visitors for a relaxing and hassle-free stay. You get a lot of ease and comfort with the resorts' luxurious amenities.

Bohol paradise with its clear waters offers white beaches great for swimming and relaxation. There is wide range of hotels, inns and beach resorts depending on the budget and choice of the client. While staying at resorts, nature exploration tours can be arranged. One can also explore more of the ocean through Bohol's world-famous diving spots . For scenic water views, the Mag-aso Falls is the place to be.

Bohol is also famous for its packaged river cruises. Groups can take advantage of the regions rich rivers and take a guided tour. Most river cruises are offered by Bohol resorts or they may also be arranged separately. Most famous cruises are the Loboc River Cruise and the Laoay Cruise. Fish or butterfly sanctuaries are also great places to visit if you want to get a view of the local Philippine fauna.

Who goes to Bohol and not see the tarsier? No one. The tarsier is the smallest monkey and it is only seen in the natural reserves of Bohol. A Bohol nature adventure is not complete without visiting the tarsiers in the National Tarsier Sanctuary. If interested in more animals, one can also see the largest python in captivity named Prony.

If one aims for a twist of romance, dolphin watching can also be done. A boatman or "bangkero" may be hired to guide you to the sea at specific times of the day to watch dolphins proudly showcase their talents. Aside from this, whale watching and snorkeling are also common water adventures in Bohol. For those who want to take a trip down history, historical places in Bohol are definitely part of the trip. Great places to see are the Maribojoc Bell Tower, Blood Compact Site, Baclayon Church; and the town fiestas are not to be missed.

If one is looking for a different kind of adventure tastefully mixing nature and history, then Bohol offers much with its beaches, hills, dive spots, caves, historical spots , and rich flaura and fauna. Luxurious resorts are sure to answer to the needs and luxuries of each guest. A trip to Bohol paradise is never complete without tasting its brew of nature adventure.

About the Author

Peter Garant is writing articles about both Bohol diving and Bohol festivals for his philippines travel sites.

Baguio City Images: Strawberries

2008-12-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Usually I write about topics such as Baguio lodging. In this article though, I'll be discussing Baguio City more generally.

An image that comes to mind when I think of Baguio City is the image of strawberries. I remember for example how I once visited a place in Baguio where you could go out into the fields and pick the strawberries yourself. The temperature was cool, as is usually the case in that city.

You're basically surrounded by land, carved into furrows. And along these lines you find the strawberry plants. You have yourself a basket, and you wander around looking for strawberries which appear to already be ripe for picking. You place them in your basket and bring them back to a particular location where you make the necessary payment. Having armed yourself with some very fresh strawberries, you can then proceed to prepare perhaps strawberries with cream, and whether you choose sweet cream or sour cream, the result is usually quite good.

And that type of experience is only the tip of the iceberg. Since Baguio City is one of the few places where strawberries can be relatively conveniently grown in the Philippines, it takes those strawberries and tries to make the most of them. So you're not just looking at strawberries with cream. In fact, you'll probably be presented with a huge variety of products which are related to strawberries.

For example, one of the more common products is strawberry preserve. You can find it usually in glass bottles, being sold pretty much all over the city, and especially in the market. It actually makes for a pretty good sandwich filling, and I sometimes use it in a sandwich along with some cheese. Some strawberry preserve is actually better than others, so have a good look at the product before you buy. Prices also vary, depending on where you're buying and on what exactly you're buying.

Other examples of strawberry products I've either tried or seen include strawberry candy, strawberry jam, strawberry wine which actually surprised me a bit, and the list goes on. And don't even get me started on the various products carved out of wood, or created using other materials, which have a strawberry theme.

Again, strawberries are one of those images which are intricately related to the city of Baguio. A rather delicious image if you ask me. Thank you for reading this article.

About the Author

This author writes about Baguio City. Please consider readings his blog posts, such as this one about Baguio lodging.

Some real local day trips in Boracay

2008-12-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

West of Panay Island, in the Visayas of the Philippines, Boracay (http://www.boracay.travel/destination_guide) is the holiday hotspot many people still haven't yet found, although not for lack of services, reputation and attention. Just 350 kilometres south of Manila, Boracay's more than 300 resorts, world-famous beaches and friendly people make the amazing palm-fringed coastline the perfect place to relax, party or enjoy the myriad water sports and other activities on offer. However, there is so much more to Boracay that most visitors do not even scrape the surface. In particular, there are great day trips and experiences that avoid the crowds and impart a sense of life as lived by a local!

Nature and wildlife are abundant on and near Boracay, but there's no better spot at which to take this all in than Caticlan, a pristine world of natural beauty on the mainland near the airport, just a short trip from Boracay in a banca (local ferry boat). It's a favourite local place for hiking, biking and just soaking up the serenity.

A view to distant Boracay Island from the Malay mountains From Caticlan, for a bit of physical challenge, Nasog Point is ideal. To get there, make your way to the town of Malay and then head to the beachfront. Follow the path off to the left and walk along the beach (towards Pahle) until the path takes you to a hill. Starting halfway up, there are stunning views of Boracay! Take drinking water with you.

After the hike, nearby Pahle (just mentioned) is an incredible resort with hardwood furniture and native artwork. Order in advance for the fabulous vegetarian cuisine and then relax by the sea.

Alternatively, from Malay head up to Agnaga Falls. Most tricycle (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=DlVNxB9kG00) drivers know it and will drop you off at a bridge, from which it's an invigorating 40-minute walk via native villages, small rice terraces, mountain pathways and coconut plantations. Reward yourself with a dip in the freshwater swimming hole at the end.

If you instead want to meet some locals, head down to the jetty port and ask a tricycle to go to Nabaoy (Nab-ah-oy) River. Here you can join in on some karaoke in the native huts or cross the bridge and then follow the river around to the right to the picnic area, a deck on stilts built around two huge trees. Order food on site or bring your own. Drink a fresh buko (young coconut) juice. Immerse yourself in the fresh river waters.

A riverside stretch on the Nabaoy near the picnic area Back on Boracay, to experience local life, take a tricycle to Manoc Manoc Plaza and then walk to Manoc Manoc Beach. The entire island's cargo arrives here and you will be amazed both by what you see and the innovative ways the local banca boys unload it!

At the back of the beach, there is an old Aeta cemetery surrounded by the well-beaten pathways used by locals to get from village to village.

One favourite spot is Laurel Island, better known as Crystal Cove. There's an entrance fee of 100 Philippino pesos per person, but you can bring your own food and use proper facilities, including good cooking and eating areas. The best location is across the cleared area by the entrance and then up the steps. Grab a table on the hill with amazing sea views and breezes.

Finally, try exploring Boracay from the back of a horse (http://www.boracay.travel/Horse_Riding)! Morning sunrise trips reveal the island in all its beauty.

For lots more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at http://www.boracay.travel.

About the Author

Shaun is part of the whl.travel team, a global network of locally based travel operators - with great local tips and hints for travellers!

Parade of a Philippine Cuisine

2008-11-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in a festival, particularly in Balayan Batangas? If you haven't, then it's obvious that you've never been in the Parada nang Lechon before. Well the only thing that makes this festival unique from other festivals in the Philippines is that it uses one of Philippines unique cuisine as a festival icon, the Philippine Lechon.

"Parada ng Lechon" or Parade of Roasted Pigs is a festival celebrated every 24th of June in Balayan Batangas, which is also the feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated.

Each lechon represent's a specific Barangay in Balayan, each having their unique decorations. On the day of the event, a big mass is to be held at the Immaculate Conception Church. After that, the "Parada ng Lechon" will begin.

There are a total of 50 lechons parading down the streets of Balayan, each showing their funny but spectacular costumes and designs. Some lechons are dressed with wigs, sunglasses, coats, hats, and sometimes a fake beard. Send Philippine Lechon as gift with In Lechon Philippine.

After the celebrations, each lechon will be brought back to their respective barangays which is where they will enjoy the last hours of the feast. The lechon is a delicacy unique to the Filipinos. Its name came from the Spanish word meaning suckling pig. Visit In Lechon Philippine to learn more of about the lechon.

Lechon is often cooked during national fiestas, pr festivals, the holiday season, and other special occasions such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and baptisms, or family get-togethers.

The Lechon is usually the highlight and the most popular dish of these events. It is usually served with a liver-based sauce. However, in some cases, it may be served Chinese style with steamed buns and a sweet plum sauce. See what In Lechon Philippine can offer on lechon.

The typical method of lechon involves placing the pig on a spit and roasting it over charcoals while wiping the skin with a brush made out of leaves drenched in water and the pig's own fat. This makes the skin "pop" and become crunchy. Another version of lechon, called lechon kawali, involves boiling then frying pieces of pork.

About the Author

Christine Layug writes articles for Philippine Online Shopping Site, Express Regalo.

Doljo Beach in Bohol Philippines

2008-10-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Doljo beach is becoming a tourist attraction in Panglao island in Bohol. It is known for the pretty seashells. It is a beach full of marine biodiversity.

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines today. In going to Bohol you could go by air or by sea through a ship. Traveling by air is definitely much faster because it usually just takes about an hour while traveling by ship may take almost a day however it is less expensive thus saving you some cash. From Manila you can get a flight going to Tagbilaran. You can take any flight from Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, Air Philippines and Philippine Air lines that will first have a stop on Cebu.

There is also a boat taking you to Tagbilaran which is just one and half hour ride to save some money. The boat should be the fastest kind because the regular kind of boat usually takes four hours of travel. After arriving in Tagbilaran Doljo beach is just twenty minutes away. The best way to save money however is to take a regular ferry ride from Cebu which would go to Tubigon and then after getting there you should take the bus going to Doljo beach. The cost of an airplane ride to Tagbilaran is usually priced at two thousand pesos up to three thousand pesos.

Doljo beach is a beach located on the island of Panglao. This island is on the north western side of Bohol. This beach is three kilometers wide and it is not so much explored and developed yet. The sand is white and this beach slopes in a gentle way to the part of the sea that is deep. Doljo beach is also filled with many coconut trees which makes it all more appealing. The beach is also known for the beautiful and unique seashells. There is a lot of marine creatures that can be explored under the clear Doljo beach waters. There are local folks who have set up their own business by renting out chairs for those having a day trip like picnickers.

The first explorers to see Panglao was the Spaniards in 1803. The Spanish conquerors at that time saw some locals fishing by the shore and they asked the name of the island. The locals who could not understand them answered "panggaw" which is actually the device they were using to fish. Panglao came from the term "panggaw" which was a device used by Filipino ancestors for fishing. Today Panglao island is a leading spot attracting more tourists every year and Doljo beach is one of the main attractions of the island.

There are many attractive diving spots that can be found on Doljo beach. Some of the most popular spots are the House Reef and the Point diving site. The spots are teeming with a variety of corals and fishes. During the season where southwest monsoon winds is strongest then snorkeling is a better choice of activity. There are many resorts in Doljo beach which can offer an affordable price and it is advisable to check their website and inquire their current rates first before going to Doljo beach.

About the Author

Peter Garant is writing Bohol Travel articles about Bohol beaches and other attractions around the island.

A Pristine Getaway in the Middle of the Philippines

2008-10-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Bohol is by far one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. With its combined historical and natural sights and a number of high class and budget hotels, this is a must see destination to make your stay in the Philippines complete.

Bohol is as mentioned one of the best tourist destinations that the Philippines has to offer. It is an island located literally in the middle of the Philippines and is part of the Visayas region. It is accessible by boat and by plane. Bohol can be reached from Manila via Cebu which takes about 50 minutes by plane or an overnight boat ride. From Cebu a fast boat to Tagbilaran which is only 1.5 hours, or one of the ferries to either Tubigon or Talibon would be an option too.

The most practical way to reach the island is to catch a ferry boat from Cebu to Tubigon and take a bus from Tubigon to Tagbilaran. This is a faster and cheaper way to reach the capital compared to a direct boat ride. Bohol belongs to a tropical country prone to typhoons yet its geographical location has helped the island to be shielded from typhoons due to the fact that the surrounding islands blocks the heavy winds prior to reaching Bohol.

Bohol offers a wide range of pristine tourist destinations both natural and historical in category. Beaches, natural parks, wildlife and the famous Chocolate Hills are just a few of the highlights of the island. Bohol is as good as it gets and what better way to spend an unforgettable vacation than to complete it with the right place to stay.

Bohol Hotels offer high quality services and affordable rates. Most of the hotels are resort hotels and are located near white sand beaches. Other hotels are further inland yet are still fashioned out in a nature oriented outlook. Bohol hotels offer comfortable accommodation, recreational and dining services.

These hotels offer tours and transfers around the island so there is no need to worry on how to go about the vacation that has been planned for. There are travel packages offered by most of the Bohol Hotels and lasts for 3 days and 2 nights, but one can always extend if this time frame is not enough. There are a lot of hotels and resorts around the province of Bohol and it is all about choosing the right one and the right place to stay in which suits both your needs and your budget.

when one plans to explore the Philippines in a naturalistic approach , then Bohol is a must see place, especially the world famous Chocolate Hills and the very cute tarsiers only found here.It is one of the best choices amidst all the other islands of the archipelago. Its hotels add up to the beauty of the entire island. Whether you want to stay in a beach resort or in a place near the busy medium sized places like Tagbilaran and Tubigan, Bohol has it all waiting for you.

About the Author

Peter Garant is writing articles about both Bohol sightseeing and Bohol resort for his philippines travel sites.

Bohol: A Bountiful Province of the Philippines

2008-09-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

One of the Philippine provinces that travelers should consider if they want to have a memorable vacation is Bohol. This island province houses fascinating man made attractions and natural wonders like Loboc River, Chocolate Hills and the endemic and smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Room accommodations and transfer services in Bohol are affordable so tourists will not have problems when it comes to their budget.

One of the island provinces in the Philippines, Bohol has fascinating and wonderful sceneries. Many people like to travel to this province to view its enticing beaches and majestic Chocolate hills. As of year 2000, there are 1, 137, 268 residents in this Visayan province. In addition, the average size of families or households in the island province is 5.41 people.

Boholano, the language that many residents of the province use, is one of Cebuano's dialects. Even if many residents in this place speak Boholano, some people like to communicate with their relatives and friends using other languages like Tagalog, English and Chinese. In some minority areas such as Lundag and Taytay, schools teach students how to speak the old Boholoano Eskayan language.

Panglao Island and Tagbilaran City are two places in the province that attract many tourists because of their high-class and elegant beach resorts and hotels. Aside from the beaches and hotels, these places also have easy access to luring man made forests and alluring mangroves. On the other hand, many tourists also go to Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan to see the popular Chocolate Hills.

The local government of Bohol prioritizes improvements in its education sector. The province has high literacy rate, which is 93 per cent. The advancements in the education sector happen with the help of outstanding schools and universities in the province like University of Bohol and Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.

Bohol holds annual festivals like Bohol Sandugo Festival, Bolibong King king, Pana-ad sa Loboc and Ubi Festival. Among all festivals in the province, the most popular is Bohol Sandugo Festival. Boholanos celebrate Blood Compact Commemoration or Sandugo Festival to honor the friendship between Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna.

Travelers can easily go to this province because there are air transportation companies that hold daily trips to Bohol such as Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit. When it comes to lodging, travelers can make advance reservations at the famous hotels and inns in Bohol. Most of the hotels and lodges in the province have Web sites where travelers can make bookings.

With all the natural wonders and attractive tourist places in Bohol, this province is one of the best places that travelers must consider if they look for destinations where they will spend their vacation. The cost of traveling to Bohol is also not expensive so tourists will not have problems, because staying in this attractive Philippine province will definitely suit with their budget. Some of the inland resorts in Panglao even has packages with room and a motorbike for less than P1000 (close to $20 ) per night / day.

About the Author

Peter Garant is writing Panglao Island articles for Bohol Board.

A Trip to Tagbilaran: The City of Peace and Friendship in Bohol

2008-09-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

As the capital city of the province of Bohol, Tagbilaran remains competitive against the other top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Kaingit Beach, Chocolate hills, the smallest primate in the world - the tarsier, Bohol Museum, and Bohol Cathedral are amongst the best attractions in the area. Tourists and travelers can easily avail excellent accommodation from huge hotels and beach resorts, including Linaw Beach Resort, El Portal Inn, and Darunday Manor.

Known as the capital city of the island province of Bohol, Tagbilaran is currently one of the major municipalities that are deemed to become more progressive and successful in the near future. According to the Asian Institute of Management, the city of Tagbilaran is truly one of the best in terms of competitiveness. The proper coordination and cooperation between the local government and its residents contribute greatly to the fast-paced development of the region. The city is quickly progressing in almost every possible aspect including dining, shopping, education, business, as well as tourism.

In terms of education, Tagbilaran has an impressive roster of top-notch schools starting from the pre-elementary level up to the college level. Royal Christian School, Merne Graham Montessori School, and Holy Trinity Foundation School offer excellent education to pre-elementary students. In the meantime, Dao Elementary School, Cogon Elementary School, and Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center offer highly competitive primary education. At the secondary level, Mansasa National High School, Tagbilaran City Science High School, and Bohol Learning Center offer top-notch high school education. At the tertiary level, students can enroll at any of these fine colleges and universities including STI Colleges, University of Bohol, and Holy Name University.

With regards to business, the City of Tagbilaran is definitely not far behind compared to other progressive cities within the Philippines. In fact, it features its very own banking institutions, hotels, and commercial shopping centers. Bank of the Philippine Islands, Landbank of the Philippines, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. are some of the most established banks found within the city. Furthermore, major shopping centers like Alturas Supermarket, BQ Mall, and Island City Mall provide the local residents with all their different entertainment and shopping / dining needs.

Above anything else, Tagbilaran City gets a lot from the wonderful state of tourism within its jurisdiction. In fact, the municipality has invested greatly in developing the area and transforming it into one of the most likeable tourist destinations in the country. Tourists must see wonderful places such as Children's Playground and Mini Park, Banat-I Hill, and the Bohol Museum. At the same time, their visit to Tagbilaran is incomplete without witnessing Bohol Cathedral, Plaza Rizal, and Kaingit Beach.

Aside from its beautiful natural resources, there are special restaurants, beach resorts, and first-class hotels in Tagbilaran City that help attract more tourists and guests annually. El Portal Inn, Darunday Manor, and Metrocentre Hotel and Convention Center offer world-class hospitality and accommodation. Top beach resorts within the city include Linaw Beach Resort and Bohol Tropics Resort.

About the Author

Peter Garant is writing Philippines Travel Articles for Bohol Board.

Manila Apartments and Vacation Rentals

2008-08-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

Many families are discovering that staying in short term apartments while going to Manila will save money.

Apartments not only accommodate more visitors than hotel rooms, but staying in an apartment can save money just by cooking your own food. If planning a longer visit, staying in an apartment can give a real sense of living in Manila. If you are looking for Manila short-term apartment rentals, then the Lancaster Brand of Condotels online websites are the best mode to find short-term rental apartments.

Beth Collingz, Sales director PLC International and lead marketing partners for the Lancaster brand of Condotels in the Philippines said rental apartments are an ideal alternative for visitors who want a place to hang out for a few days or a few weeks. The purpose can be business or leisure; Lancaster Suites Manila has lots of apartments of different sizes at costs that are competitive with alternative hotel accommodations. All apartments have kitchen facilities that allow visitors choice of dining during their stay.

However, demand for short-term apartments in Manila is growing rapidly in past few years as more and more outsourcing companies establish their offices in the Ortigas area combined with an increase in tourist arrivals into the Philippines capital. Most business suites and standard hotel rooms have rates which vary from $150 to $200 a night that is beyond the majority of guests staying a few weeks. At Lancaster Suites rates start from $50 a night for fully furnished Studios said Collingz Pacific Concord Properties Inc with its Lancaster brand of Condotels recognized the potential business opportunities in giving short-term apartment solutions as an alternative to expensive hotel accommodations. PCPI have made a more reasonable short-term apartment solution by building the Lancaster Suites condominium apartments with the standards of some Manila's best hotels. Laundry, maid, as well as other comfort services are provided by the Condotel.

Many visitors to Manila stay for 1 month or so, but do not remain long enough to sign a lease on a regular condo, fueled the requirement for Condotel apartments said Collingz.

Lancaster Suites, a mere 5 minutes from such Ortigas landmarks as the SM Mega Mall, Shangri-La Mall, Edsa Plaza Hotel, and the Asian Development Bank, San Miguel Corporation and Banco de Oro Head Office, provides easy access to all the essentials of urban living. This ideal location will complement the condo hotel operation since Lancaster Suites Manila will function as a condominium hotel - a preferred accommodation choice of businessmen and holiday travelers alike. Clients can either purchase condo hotel suites for investment purposes or lease the units on weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

Pacific Concord Properties Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels in Manila are offering a newly improved reservation system on its website www.condotel-rentals-manila.com with online booking service allows for fast and simple booking a Manila hotel room.

For Reservations simply complete guest details with the dates of stay. There is no requirement of any advance deposit or credit card information for low season reservations. Simply confirm you arrival date and flight details for airport pickup if required. Payment can then be made in cash/credit card upon check in said Collingz. For further info regarding Lancaster Philippines Condo-Hotels please do not hesitate to contact us....

Beth Collingz PLC International Marketing Networks
Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Manila Head Office Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila. Philippines Phone: Manila [632] 717 1958 Fax: Manila [632] 718 1828
Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Cebu Office Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan. Cebu. Philippines Phone: Cebu [6332] 340 0721 Fax: [6332] 495 4938
EMail: plcsales@pldtdsl.net

Web: http://www.lancastersuites.com/
Web: http://www.condotel-manila.com/
Web: http://www.condotel-rentals-manila.com/

About the Author
PLC Global Filipino Agency is a global network of Filipinos whether living and working abroad or locally who are interested to invest in Philippine Real Estate.

Bohol - Philippines: More Than the Usual Tourist Spot

2008-08-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Bohol, a small island in central Philippines, is known for the world famous and unique Chocolate Hills. It is one of the country's most popular tourist spots. It's true though that when most people think of Bohol, almost nothing else comes to mind. It might surprise you that it is more than the usual tourist spot and that there's more to explore and to see in this island than those limestone hill formations.

Bohol is home to pristine beach shores. Panglao Island, just minutes away from the capital Tagbilaran, is increasingly gaining more popularity among local and foreign tourists as a more laid-back and tranquil beach destination alternative to Boracay.

But if you're the kind who's not satisfied with having a few dips in the water and taking in spectacular beachfront views, Bohol will certainly not disappoint. Scuba divers have more than enough choices of world class diving spots surrounding the island. Colorful coral reefs and rich marine life will surely satisfy all types of explorers, from novice snorkelers to expert divers.
Another popular attraction is dolphin and whale watching. Pamilacan Island is headquarters to the best spotters that arrange these tours. Most were former hunters who joined the dolphin and whale watching program after the Philippine government banned the killing of these marine mammals.

Bohol's exotic wildlife is not limited underwater. The island's last remaining forests protect unique fauna. It is home to one of the world's smallest primates, the tarsier. You can visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella and see the timid and peculiar animal in its natural habitat.

The Rajah Sikatuna National Park, a large forest reserve near Bilar, is a bird-watcher's paradise. Treks along the trails throughout the park can lead you to an encounter with some of the country's rare bird species.

Bohol is also a place rich with culture and history. Century-old churches in Baclayon, Loboc, Loay, Maribojoc, Loon and Dauis are a few of the standing monuments. And there are old Spanish watchtowers in Punta Cruz, Dauis, Panglao and Pamilacan.

If you want to keep away from the province's usual tourist trail, you can travel along the less popular eastern side of the island. It has some of the most amazing coastlines, and secluded beaches, from the town of Anda in the southeast to the town of Talibon in the north.

Some of the towns in Bohol also offer community-based tours. Calape, Maribojoc and Candijay are among such towns. It is a great option to visit these towns' protected mangrove areas and experience the quaint rural life in this part of the country. These tours showcase how resolute the locals are in preserving the island's natural environment.

But to really experience Bohol is to experience the people's hospitality. Try visiting the island in May when town fiestas are celebrated almost everyday. You can hop from town to town without having to bring money other than for transportation. You'd surely be invited to residents' homes and enjoy feasts of lechon baboy (roasted pig) and kinilaw (raw fish).

Bohol is an island blessed with so much bounty and natural beauty. There's no argument about that. What sets it apart from other tourist spots is that there's so much to explore and so much to do that it's actually pretty difficult to decide which one to do first. Of course, you can't pass up a visit to the impressive Chocolate Hills. But staying overnight at this famous spot just to see stunning sunrise and sunset over the surreal landscape will be well worth it.

About the Author
Peter Garant is a long time writer of articles for his Philippines travel network and the Bohol travel site which is part of this network.

Philippine Tourist Spots - Natural Wonders

2008-07-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is a country blessed with natural resources. Amongst these are natural tourist spots that have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors through the years. Here's a collection of some of these places:

1. TAAL VOLCANO is reputed to be the world's smallest active volcano. It is a volcanic island at the middle of a lake in the Southern Tagalog province of Batangas. Inside the volcano is the Crater Lake, and inside this lake is yet another volcanic island called Vulcan Point. A magnificent view of Taal Lake and volcano can be seen from the nearby Tagaytay highlands. Visitors need a boat ride from the shores of the big lake to get to the volcano, and horses are available for rent to explore the island.

2. From a distance, the CHOCOLATE HILLS would resemble Hershey's kisses scattered across a green background. In reality, they are a group of almost symmetrical dome and cone-shaped limestone hills in the Visayan island of Bohol. Numbering around 1250+ individual hills, these hills are scattered across 3 towns and the biggest of these vary in sizes from 30 meters to 120 meters in height. During the dry season, the grass covering these hills dry up and chocolate brown earth is exposed hence the name.

3. The TUBBATAHA REEF is a gigantic coral reef found in the Sulu Sea, off the western province of Palawan. The reef is composed of two attolls separated by a deep channel around 5 miles wide. It is home to over one thousand species of marine animals, many of which are endangered. These species include sharks, manta rays, clownfish, and tortoises. The reef is a declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is currently nominated as one of the world's wonders of nature.

4. PAGSANJAN FALLS is the Philippines most popular waterfalls and is situated in the rugged highlands of Cavinti in the Tagalog province of Laguna. The base of Pagsanjan Falls is a huge natural swimming pool with crystal clean and cool water. To reach the waterfalls, visitors ride upstream on bancas (local canoes) handled by skillful boatmen. Many smaller waterfalls are visible on the way to the main falls especially during the rainy weather. The ride downhill is a swift one where visitors get to shoot 14 roaring rapids in less than an hour.

5. The HUNDRED ISLANDS are a group of 124 islands covering an area of 4,557 acres in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan. One of the islands feature a cave that is only accessible during lowtide, and contain defined formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The islands are believed to have existed over 2 million years old and to date, only three of these islands have been developed for visiting tourists.

The author grew up in the tourist town of SAGADA in northwestern Philippines. He maintains a website on tourist attractions in his hometown and in the Philippines. The website, Sagada Igorot Online, can be viewed at http://www.sagada-igorot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kamulo_Nadnaden

Sorting The Resorts In The Philippines

2008-07-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Philippines is an archipelago bestowed with large bodies of water, no wonder why most water lovers keep on visiting the Philippines. Resorts in the Philippines are numerous that you will really be confused where you will choose to stay.

From the north part even up to the southern most part of the "Pearl of the Orient," you will surely be mesmerized with the different beach resorts.

Island-hop and enjoy the blue waters of the Batanes Region. Experience to swim in a two-foot water. In addition, do the same hopping in the ever famous Hundred Islands of Pangasinan in Luzon. Watch how the sea water engulfs the little islands when the transition of tides began. Wear you best swimsuit and diving gadgets as you leap into the clear blue waters of the island. Aside from that, you can also experience scuba diving. Most beach resorts now in the north provide this kind of services in order to showcase at the same time the magnificent coral reef of the country.

If you are not the type of person who simply enjoys to lay down and tan your skin under the heat of the sun, hopping from Luzon to Visayan beach resorts are the bests for you! Experience the clear waters and white sand beaches of the ever-visited Boracay! Walk into its sand.
Almost all beach resorts in the Philippines now provide different amenities to add adventure. In the morning, do kayaking, banana boat ride and jet skiing. Do not worry about the budget because these are friendly to your pocket.

As the sun bids good bye, join in the prepared activities at the shore. Jam with the bands. Dance in the beach discos and party until mid night.

From Luzon to Visayan beach resorts, hop now to Mindanao waters. If you are the type of person who wishes to have surfing experience like with the waters of Hawaii, the resorts in Mindanao are just right for you. In fact, most of the westerners now are realizing that the waters in the southern part of the Philippines are perfect enough to compete with the best of the best waters of Hawaii, Australia and those other countries that are known for surfboarding. Asking for the biggest catch, it is budget friendly. Trainers are friendly and hospitable in accommodating and attending to your needs.

Are you already mouth watered? Well, these are just a few of the beach resort destinations that the Philippines can offer. In fact, there are other resorts in the Philippines.

Pool resorts are around the metropolis for those who can not hop around the country for an out of town. Within Metro Manila, the country's capital, you can see various swimming pool resorts that offer different amenities.

There are those that have golf courses inside for those golf enthusiasts. Some have tennis courts and badminton courts. There are various treats and tricks in the swimming pool itself which has automated waves.

Swimming pools are certainly safe for your children because swimming pools are created for their heights. For those who love diving, there are diving boards - high and low, to suit your desire.

Here's another, Philippines has also this nature based resort, the first eco-resort in the country and the best catch, and it lies within the heart of a crowded city. The La Mesa Dam Water shed has a state of the art and clear waters. It has a fusion of man made innovations and nature's prowess in one. Swimming pools are not just the only thing that it offers. Springs and lake pools are options that will surely confuse you. You can also do picnics and biking around the area. Aside from these activities, there are also nature scouts that are more than willing to teach some survival techniques and nature saving lessons. A visit in the said eco park and eco resort in one will surely make your resort hopping in the Philippines a useful and Earth friendly one. You will not just experience relaxation but also an intellectual vacation.

These are just few of the many kinds of resorts in the Philippines which you can expect if you visit the country that is considered as the "Pearl of the Orient."

About the Author
Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. Check it out to learn more about the Philippine Resorts, Philippine Beaches, and Philippine News Links.

Philippine Tourism on the Upswing!

2008-07-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Philippine tourism has never received such encouraging news after the Pearl of the Orient has seen increasing tourist arrival trends. From various reports, the Philippines are polishing up to be a hit maker in the travel industry for years to come.

A positive sign that gave an enthusiastic gush for travel industry analysts is the booming leisure travel of U.S. citizens to Asia, in which the Philippines is taking a substantial chunk of visitors. In the last two to three years, the Philippines has been the favorite tourist destination spot because of the tourist sense of looking for unique and exotic travel experiences beyond the casual sun and beach theme. The Philippines offers great value for American and European tourists compared to other destination because of favorable currency exchange rates. Tourists are just rediscovering the Philippines and their exotic food, friendly people, rich culture and tradition, and great accommodation. Various government policies also helped in promoting the Philippines as a choice travel destination for American residents.

Another inspiring news story about Philippine tourism is the reputation of Boracay as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Yahoo! and Askmen.com. As the most popular beach in the Philippines, Boracay ranked seventh in the top ten best beaches in a Yahoo! survey while it ranked eighth in a survey by AskMen.com. Boracay is the only Asian beach in a list dominated by resorts from Hawaii and California. Boracays beaches are known for their powdery white sand, clear waters, and exotic forests. This internet exposure will only cause positive trends for the tourism industry in the Philippines.

These two positive news stories in Philippine tourism go hand-in-hand with the ever increasing tourist receipts from around the world. In the first half of 2007, about 468,281 foreign tourists arrived in the Philippines, which is up 6% from foreign tourist arrivals for the same period of 2006.

To accommodate new and returning tourists willing to extend their stay in the country, the Philippine government has increased the length of tourist visa to two years or 24 months. This means that if a foreign tourist wishes to stay more than two months in the country for tourism activities, he can submit an extension every two months until he reaches 24 months. The government policy on tourist arrivals is indeed great news for the Philippine tourism industry and travelers alike.

One main reason for this government policy on tourism is due to the number of foreign tourist willing to extend their stay in the country. In the year 2007, the number of foreigners who have applied for extensions rose 21 percent from 2006; another sign of the growing interest of foreign travelers to the Philippines.

For Philippine residents, this should not come as shocking news as they fully know the beauty of the Philippines. With great hideaways that features, the best beaches, the richest source of marine biodiversity for tourist divers, exotic wildlife, long standing cultural and historic traditions, and corporate golfing destinations, it stand that the Philippines is deservingly catching a great tourism windfall.

Such interest in the Philippines is so vibrant that even the island of Mindanao has more problems with tourist arrivals than domestic insurgencies. In a press release, it is said that the tourists still hold great interest on Mindanao as a tourist destination because of tourist spots such as Camiguin, Zamboanga, Davao, and Palawan.

Truly, Philippine tourism is benefiting from these great news stories that will sustain the excitement of foreign travelers and the travel industry for years to come. The Philippines is slowly reinforcing its image as a land of the People Power, the nation of 7,107 islands, and a land with most hospitable people in the world. With these trends, everyone is coming and going to the Philippines with a positive feeling that will make people end up coming back for more.

About the Author
Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. Check it out to learn more about the Philippine Resorts, Philippine Beaches, and Philippine News Links.

Boracay Island Resort in Phillipines

2008-07-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

I was captivated by several respected travel magazines claiming that Boracay island resort in the Philippines has one of the best beaches in the world, I wasted no time in traveling to this island resort to experience what many claimed is a tropical island paradise.

Boracay is a lush tropical tourist resort island about 200 miles south of Philippine's capital Manila and is about slightly more than a mile off the northwest of Panay in the West Visayas province. Because of its acclaimed publicity of being home to some of the best beaches in the world, Boracay island resort is naturally one of the Philippine's most popular tourist attraction.
The island is made up by the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak and is under the administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. A barangay is also known by its former name, the barrio and is the smallest local government unit in Philippines. The word is a Tagalog term for a village or constituency.

Boracay island was originally the home of the Ati tribe before it became a major tourist attraction. Not surprisingly, the word Boracay is derived from words Bora which means 'bubble' and Bukay means 'white sand'. However, the sand on the main island is not as white as I have expected due to too many tourists and pollutions. Then again, if you visit some of the nearby islands and you will be fascinated by how white the sands on the beaches can be.

Boracay is part of Aklan Province and it was only in the 1970s that tourism industry started to develop. The main tourism beaches on the island are the White Beach and the Bulabog Beach both of which are located on diametrically opposite sides of the island's central area with the White Beach facing towards the west and Bulabog Beach facing east. Of course, Boracay also have several other beaches as well.

White Beach is well known for its white powdery sand and hence its name. The beach is slightly over 4 km long (2 miles) and is populated with numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops catering to the needs of tourists staying in the area.

Incidentally, Borocay has more than 300 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging from stylish five-star hotels and resorts to budget accommodations for backpackers. Golfers will be delighted to know that Boracay is home to a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course.
Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach is a secondary tourism beach. This beach is a favorite location for windsurfing and kiteboarding because of its seasonal strong winds for these activities.

When is the best time to visit Boracay? Well, you can visit Boracay anytime, however some visitors may wish to visit the island resort for different purposes.

Catch the spectacular world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival in January. This festival is Philippine's version of the Mardi Gras which is celebrated on the third week of every January.
If you just want to enjoy the beaches and the sea, then visit Boracay during the 'Amihan' season. This is during northeast monsoon season in the months of March to May when trade wind is at its strongest which is very suitable for activities like sailing, big game fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing and kite-boarding.

The months of June to September are considered off-peak season, however budget conscious tourists and backpackers consider this as the best time to visit Boracay as prices for everything are at its lowest and there are few competition for that precious white sand beach turf to plonk yourself on to enjoy the sun.

October marks the beginning of another peak season. As from October to December, the weather is cool and major sports events are usually held at this time of the year.
If you are thinking of taking a vacation holiday in the Philippines, do head for the tropical paradise island of Boracay.

About the Author
Chris Chew is an avid traveler and owns a website describing tourist attractions in Asia at Phillipines Tourist Information and Tour Travel Japan

Palawan - One of the Top Destinations in the Philippines

2008-07-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone has an enchanting experience with their Palawan tours with all the beautiful marine and wild life found in Palawan. Anyone seeking for both water and land adventures will find it when they take a Palawan tour. A Palawan tour is Philippines pride that helps the country's tourism industry flourish.

Palawan is known to be the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. The natural beauty of Palawan is an inviting sight which attracts thousands of visiting tourists annually. Because of the flourishing tourism industry in Palawan, hotels and restaurants are blooming businesses here where Palawan tour packages are available at a reasonable price.

Most Palawan tours include packages inclusive of several activities such as mountain trekking, cliff climbing, diving, kayaking and a tour to the Subterranean Underground River. Palawan Island is rich with ecological attractions where many kinds of fauna and flora are seen. You may choose to start your Palawan tours from the southern or northern part of the Palawan Island.
Northward Palawan tour destination will give you unlimited choices of activities to do. If you crave for wreck diving, then Coron Palawan you should go. Many Japanese shipwrecks during the World War II sunk in this northern coast of Coron Palawan. Many tourist and wreck divers prefer their Palawan tour directed on the northern part of Palawan Island because of the rich and abundant coral and reef life here. The different and colorful marine life is loveable underwater sights and many photographers take advantage of the natural beauty of Palawan's marine life.

Snorkeling activities are an all time favorite among island hoppers. Island hopping is one of the common inclusions for a Palawan tour packages. A trip to Barracuda Island is a thrilling experience where barracuda of about 40 ft long were often sighted. Snorkeling above shallow water where many reef and corals grow on top of a sunken ship is also a favorite among tourists.
Palawan tour on the southern part of Palawan will show you many ecological sites. Trekking the cliffs and mountain peaks will give you an absolutely stunning view of the beach and the southern coasts of Palawan. The ecological park is considered to be a sanctuary to endangered species such as the Palawan mousedeer, the famous Palawan peacock pheasant and cockatoos. The conservation park is also a good place to visit.

One of the famous scenic spots visited by tourist with their Palawan tour is a ride to a banca through an underground river. The calm river water of the St. Paul Subterranean Underground River is cool and relaxing. Prepare yourself as you begin your banca ride into the underground river to the breathtaking sights of the stalactites and stalagmites that are formed around the cave. Some of these awesome formations are of religious-like shapes.

Because of the unlimited beautiful places to visit in Palawan, this Island considerably gives the Philippines a pride of recognition to be one of the most visited places by tourists.

About the Author
Peter Garant is writing Philippines travel articles for both his Puerto Princesa site and his Palawan Island tourist guide.

2008-02-27T04:42:00.000-08:00

The Philippines, commonly known as the "Pearl of the Orient" is an archipelago of 7107 islands with a wide variety of great destinations considered by many as paradise. From the hustle and bustle of the great city of Manila to many of the true white-sand beaches and virgin forests scattered throughout the islands, it is a place where everyone can find something that can suit their taste.

Discovering the beauty of each of the islands is a task that may take a lifetime but if you know what you like then you can choose from any of the destinations below that suit your particular needs and taste. Whether you just a tourist looking for the good old souvenirs or the adventurer seeking to find the next new place to discover there is something for you.

For Nature Lovers.
Nature has blessed the islands with a variety of natural resources and this includes virgin rain forests, indigenous wild life and scenic locations. If you are fond of nature then you have many choices to places to visit, from Zamboanga in the south to Vigan in the north. For the wild life enthusiasts you can go to Davao where you will find the endangered Philippine Eagle, or to Donsol where the famous giant whale sharks ply the local waters, and perhaps take a dive in the waters of Puerto Galera which is home to some of the best coral reefs anywhere in the world.
For the scene lovers, take a trip to Palawan where scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves are abundant. Another place you can visit is Albay which home to the Philippines most active volcano Mt Mayon, a volcano with a perfect cone that has erupted over a few dozen times in the past century. Pagudpud in Ilocos north of the Philippines offers some of the most scenic and panoramic views on the islands which include the Mabogabog Falls and Saud beach.

For the Beach Bums
If there is one thing that Paradise Philippines is famous for it is the great number of sandy white beaches that are scattered around the thousands of islands. From the popular beaches of Boracay to the hidden beaches of Palawan there are literally hundreds of beautiful beaches to visit. A plane or boat ride away from Manila you can travel to any of the paradise beach locations in the Philippines.

A few of the best beaches in the Philippines include Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, Bohol with hundreds of white sand beaches, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, and Cebu City. Where ever you go there are beaches and resorts that will suit everyone's needs.

For the Party Goers
When the streets of Manila light up after dusk a whole new look to the city takes shape. From the neon lights of the red light districts to the hundreds of casinos, the karaoke bars and discos, and to the wonderful restaurants, whatever you want to do you can. You can party all night in the discos of Makati or the contemporary clubs of Manila and Quezon city, there is virtually no limit to where you can go to have fun and party the night away.

For the History Buffs
Hundreds of years of history have shaped the Philippines into what it is today, a melting pot of cultures from European, Asian and North American cultures. If history is what you are after, then you will discover a vast number of historic locations you can visit on many the Paradise Philippines islands, from the walled city of Intramuros in Old Manila built by the conquering Spaniards in the 16th century, to the Rice Terraces of Banaue built thousands of years ago by the indigenous natives of the cordillera, and to the more recent ruins of Corregidor which served as fort for the American troops during World War II.

Luvi Marie Corcuera is the Editor of Informational sites such as: Acne Treatment and Castles of Europe

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luvi_Marie_Corcuera

A Sweet Davao!

2008-02-27T04:38:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to visit the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines and yet you do not have any idea on where to go? Are you sick and tired of seeing frowning people in the busy streets of the usual city setting? Well, I will bet that Davao City is the best place for you!

Sweet fruits, great beaches, hospitable people - these are the words that best describe one of the most magnificent place in the Philippines, Davao City!

This beautiful city is one of the top tourist spot that the Philippines is proud of having. This place is bestowed with wonderful lands and waters that lures and tempts many tourists from and outside the Philippines.

Aside from that, the city has a wonderful history that adds in its magnificence! Originally, the term Davao means fire. It is from the word "daba-daba." Interesting festivals marked the place. One of the most anticipated and well attended festivals in this city is the well known Dinagyang Festival. Aside from that, many other rituals are done in this place that highlights the gracious past and culture of the people.

Davao City is bestowed by different tourist attractions that really lure many visitors from and even outside the Philippines.

Among the historical tourist attraction, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is one of the must see. It is located in Matina, Davao City. This is an open air chapel that features the replica of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Lady of Fatima. Aside from the relics, the wonderful panoramic view of the coconut plantation and other fruit bearing trees adds in the magnificence of the city.

About 9 to 15 kilometers from the city cradles a shrine for the veterans of war - the Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine/ Cemetery. Even though that there is the term Japanese in the name, the cemetery is open to all sorts of races.

Your trip to this city will not be complete if you will never get the chance to see and know the people of the place. Go and visit Davao Museum so you will surely have the chance to witness the culture and traditions of the city and of course the people.

Davao City is also known for the beautiful hand woven cloth and actually you can have a glance on this at the T'Boli Weaving Center. The T'Boli Weaving Center is located at the Insular Hotel Grounds, Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Your visit in the said place will be highlighted by the demonstration of the tribal women of South Cotabato of the traditional craftsmanship and art of the T'Boli Tribe. See how they weave and turn the native abaca into fibers. Witness how the strips turned into canvass of artistry by designing figures with the intricate of patterns.

Davao is not just a place gifted with great people but also it is gifted with splendid water. You can spend your time around the different beaches, which offer best summer activities. Dive and snorkel around its clear waters! One of the must see is the Muslim Fishing Village located at San Jose, Samal Island. In the said place, children can dive overboard while the adults will be busy side seeing over the magnificent view from the native huts built over the waters.

Last but not the least, your stay at the city will not be totally complete without bringing home the ever delicious durian fruit.

Davao City is filled with beautiful sceneries and tourist attractions and of course with beautiful people with the heart of gold! Smiles will surely be a souvenir for any visitor or tourist who will spend time in beautiful Davao!

Jose Maria Abada writes for Philippine-Travel-Guide.com. It discusses about the Philippine Island, which is an archipelago in Southeast Asia composed of more that 7,100 islands. Check it out to learn more about the country Philippines and about Philippine Resorts and Beaches, Philippine Hotels and Philippine News Links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jose_Abada

Destination Philippines: Dumaguete - 'The City Of Gentle People'

2008-01-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

Located at the southern tip of Negros Island in the province of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete is fast becoming the destination of choice for a wide variety of people. Foreign and local tourists alike, favor Dumaguete for certain advantages that this place has over the other tourist spots in the Philippines. It isn't as busy as Cebu or Davao, certainly more affordable than Boracay or El Nido, Palawan, not as crowded as Baguio, and has as plenty to offer its visitors as any place else in the country. As a tourist destination, Dumaguete is as good as it gets.

Dumaguete can lay claim to four contributing factors to its popularity. It is a venue for excellence in education, unparalleled natural wonders, nightlife that is at par with any major metropolis, and as a virtual Mecca for shopping.

Tagged as the "Learning Center of the South", Dumaguete is the home of the world-famous Siliman University. Founded in 1901, Siliman had served as the learning institution of choice for both Filipino and foreign students. St. Paul's University - Dumaguete, Foundation University, and the Negros Oriental State University are also popular choices for persons seeking higher learning. The city also takes pride in serving as host to three other colleges, nine secondary schools, and 12 elementary schools.

Dumaguete also fails to disappoint when it comes to presenting its vast array of natural wonders. Snorkeling, deep sea diving, spelunking, cave exploration, windsurfing, and engaging in dolphin and whale watching are just some of the activities that the place can offer. Describing the backdrop of Dumaguete as picture-perfect may be an understatement. Some of the more popular venues are the Apo and Sumilon Islands. These two places are "must see" places for first-time Dumaguete visitors with its majestic natural coral reef formation and fabulous marine wildlife. Taking a vacation here would not necessarily burn a hole in your pocket as the going tour rates are one of the most affordable in the country.

For some of the people who think that a decent nightlife can only be found in metropolitan areas such as Manila, Makati, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, and Iloilo are sadly mistaken. Rizal Boulevard offers a vast array of discotheques, watering holes, live band performances, and theme-inspired venues. You want to try Mexican, then go to Coco Amigos. In the mood for some casual drinking and dining, they've got the Barefoot Bistro. Want to hear music, then you might want to consider El Camino Blanco, Why Not Music Box, and Hayahay in Escano Beach. Practically everything that an urban "night owl" wants can be found within the three-quarter kilometer stretch of Rizal Boulevard. Even the Dumaguete City Public Market is turning out to be a popular tourist hangout at night as fresh produce and other items can be found here even during unholy hours.
Shopping for locally manufactured items such as bags, wallets, purses, and other personal accessories made from indigenous materials such as coconut husks, dried raffia, capiz, native wood, and freshwater pearls may prove to be addictive. The craftsmanship of the people of Dumaguete offers originality, charm, superior quality, and a distinctive quality that they may call their own. Home decors like custom-made chandeliers, candelabras, and wood carvings can also be purchased here.

There are also plenty of ways to get there. The country's major airlines offer daily flights to Dumaguete City from Manila. Traveling by sea is also an attractive alternative as the major seaports all over the Philippines offer service routes to this destination. Once there, you also need not worry about finding a place to stay. Hotels and resorts can be found virtually everywhere at very reasonable rates.

About the Author
Dan Eggers is writing articles about Siquijor, Expats in the Philippines and Negros Oriental on DumagueteInfo.

Sights To See In The Philippines

2008-01-14T04:29:00.000-08:00

The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. With its unique and diverse culture, visitors from both sides of the world cannot help but wonder at the beauty and attractiveness of this country. Its diverse and interesting culture is a result of its colorful past.
After being colonized by various countries for several centuries, it has emerged to become one of the most beautiful countries worldwide. Among the most visited parts of the Philippines are Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and Cebu.

Each of these travel spots has certain things to offer which are completely different from the other. Among the places mentioned, Boracay is probably the best. Despite being commercialized all over the world, this beautiful tourist spot has maintained its quality, as well as its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. It offers good food, cozy hotels, exciting outdoor activities and endless partying with its beautiful crowd at night.

The most important part of this country is Manila, which serves as its capital city. Most of the important events in business, politics, as well as in arts and entertainment, take place in this area. One of the major events flocked by both local and foreign devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held annually in Quiapo.

Meanwhile, Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. Visitors can enjoy the good weather and outdoor activities offered by this place. Among the top outdoor activities in Baguio are horseback riding and boating. Another main feature of this place is the flower festival, which serves as a garden show for home gardening and small businesses within the area.

Palawan is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in the country. This place combines urban development with exotic wildlife and natural resources. The discipline and cooperation of its local residents help maintain the natural balance of the environment. Besides its beautiful white sand beaches as well as its azure waters, visitors can also visit good places like the Calauit Island in Northern Palawan and the Tabon Caves in the southern part of the region.

Cebu will not be outdone by its counterparts. It is known as the oldest colonial city in the country. Among the most frequented places by visitors in the area are the Kawasan Falls, Fort Santiago and the University of San Carlos, which is known as the oldest university in Asia.
These tourist destinations serve as national treasures for the Philippines. They play a very significant role for the country's economy. Taking care of these resources is of utmost importance, both for the government and its citizens. They offer insurmountable fun and adventure for thrill seekers who want to experience the very colorful culture of this country. These places provide visitors something worth remembering for.

About the Author
Peter Garant is writing Philippines Travel Articles for both Dumaguete Info and Palawan Info.

Philippines Hot Tourist Spots

2008-01-14T04:26:00.000-08:00

Mactan Serviced Apartments - Travelers to Cebu, Philippines

2007-12-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences [LCRR] in Mactan, Cebu, a boutique Brand Name Condotel Investment of Pacific Concord Properties Inc, is now ready to accept guests in the Condo Hotel. Under the management of Lancaster Hotels, Land and Properties, Inc. [LHLPI], rental operations of LCRR were soft launched March 2007.

Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director of PLC Global an internet based sales and marketing company and lead marketing partners with Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, recently announced the company has acquired, by purchase, additional units in its Lancaster Cebu Condotel adding another 75M pesos to its project inventory and expansion program. This brings the number of properties held in the development to 75 suites with another 120 units to be added before year end for Condo Hotel rental operations.

Property is all about LOCATION said Collingz. Mactan, Cebu, provides one with both the laid back pace of provincial living, as well as prerequisites of the urban dweller. Schools, hospitals, restaurants, shopping malls, and leisure are all found on the island itself.Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences, located a mere 3 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, provides you with easy access to all the essentials of urban living. This ideal location will complement the Condotel operation since Lancaster Cebu will function as a condominium hotel - a preferred accommodation choice of businessmen and holiday travelers alike. Clients can either purchase Condotel Suites for investment purposes or lease the units on weekly, monthly or yearly basis. We currently have Fully Furnished Executive Studio Suite and Two-Bedroom Suites available at Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences at Pre-Increase Prices that will be "Ready For Occupancy from December 2007"... at the current price said Collingz.

For the soft launch, LHLPI has prepared special promotional room rates aimed at budget travelers. Guests can check-in to any of the executive studio suites for as low as $35 a night or to any of the two-bedroom loft rooms at $65 a night plus 13% government Tax whilst longer term discounted rates for monthly and yearly lease rentals are also available said Collingz.
Lancaster Cebu also offers Studio Suites for sale. Collingz said Fully Furnished Studio Suites are pirced at -Pph-2,753,924.06] and may be purchased with initial Reservation Fee -Pph-100,000.00 Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of -Pph-110,580.17 [Tax Inclusive whilst the Executive 2 Bedroom Suite, Fully Furnished Suite is priced at Philippine Pesos: -Pph-5,467,004.14. Whilst some renovation works are still ongoing within the complex, unit rentals are now available to guests at 'Special Promo Rates'.

Cebu City is the acknowledged gateway and Queen City of the South. Cebu is the most important trading and commercial hub outside of Metro Manila. Mactan Cebu International Airport assures the arrival of a steady stream of international flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There are also chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, Kansai, Nagoya and Kiaoshung that arrive on a weekly basis. Cebu is identified by Asiaweek and Conde Nast Traveller as one of Asia's Best Cities.
Beth Collingz PLC International Marketing Networks Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Manila Head Office Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila. Philippines Phone: Manila [632] 717 1958 Fax: Manila [632] 718 1828

Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Cebu Office Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan. Cebu. Philippines Phone: Cebu [6332] 340 0721 Fax: [6332] 495 4938
EMail: plcsales@pldtdsl.net

http://www.lancastersuites.com http://www.plcglobalpinoy.com

About the Author
PLC Global Filipino Agency is a global network of Filipinos whether living and working abroad or locally who are interested to invest in Philippine Real Estate. In efforts to expand our horizons, we welcome every investment-minded individual to join us in the Condotel Investment Opportunity.