NATURE ADVENTURE TRAVEL AND TOURS

STO NINO SHRINE MUSEUM

2012-01-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

TACLOBAN CITY, PHILIPPINES

Who says you could only find castles and dream rooms in EUROPE?

The Santo Niño Shrine, one of the 29 presidential rest houses that the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos had built. There is an Olympic sized swimming pool behind the building.

The entrance to the Santo Niño Shrine. The Santo Niño is at the far end of the entrance. On both sides are a number of guest rooms with various themes.

Santo Niño, a representation of the infant Jesus Christ, is the patron saint of Leyte.

It is located in Real Street, Tacloban City. Paintings of the 14 stations of the Cross done by Filipino artists, wooden bas-relief of the legend of the First Filipino man-woman (Si Malakas at si Maganda); tastefully decorated guestrooms of varied Filipino motifs; image of the Holy Child; a collection of original paintings by Fernando Amorsolo; spacious ballroom; priceless. collector's.

some of the must see things inside are the antiques which was brought from different places. the mirrors, the statues, the furnitures, chandeliers, and the paintings.

13-room first floor has different unique themes that is on both sides and on the center is the
magnificent SHRINE, which has religious statues on it. another painting that will attract you most is the family tree of the Romualdezes.

at the back is the OLYMPIC size swimming pool and a gazebo. and on it's right is a huge LIBRARY and a function area, not just a simple function are, but a HUGE. now known as THE PEOPLE'S CENTER LIBRARY , it could accommodate large concerts and gatherings, and even GRADUATIONS and bazaars. between the two big buildings is an empty grass covered area where you will see the statue of a woman and a man (well, some folks told me it was the malakas at maganda, whose faces were copied from the couple IMELDA and FERNDINAND)

Tacloban City, is the province where the acclaimed MOST BEAUTIFUL FIRST LADY in the Republic of The Phillipines was born and raised. she became an instant celebrity during her husband's tenure in the Philippine Government serving in almost 20 years of Presidency. She lived in the most luxurious quality of living that almost all Filipina envies and was even tagged as a QUEEN.

no wonder that the whole STO NINO SHRINE, it's authenticity and beauty was taken from the owner herself, MADAM IMELDA.

now, it is owned by the city government and serves a simple history. everyone is welcome to visit the shrine and entrance fee is being collected for the EXTRAORDINARY maintenance of an EXTRA BEAUTIFULLY mansion of the MARCOSES.

MACARTHUR PARK LEYTE GULF LANDING

2012-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

PALO LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

Today we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the “MacArthur Leyte Landing”.

October 20, 1944: After weeks of heavy bombardment executed by American fighter planes and battle ships on the Leyte beach shores against the defending Japanese forces, the Sixth Army regiment of the combined USAFFE forces arrived at Red Beach in Palo, Leyte. By 1 PM, the combined Allied forces have established enough foothold around the beach area as well as the outskirts and terrains of Palo and Tacloban against the Japanese resistance. With a secured beachhead, the coast was cleared for the arrival of General Douglas MacArthur as he fulfilled his promise to liberate the Filipino people – in his own words, “I Shall Return”.

LAND MACARTHUR

The personalities that accompanied General MacArthur on his dramatic return on the Leyte shore were President Sergio Osmeña, General Carlos P. Romulo, Major General Basilio J. Valdes, and other key officers of USAFFE and the combined Allied liberating forces. After they arrived at around 1:30 PM, MacArthur addressed the following statement and was broadcasted nationwide via radio – “People of the Philippines, I have returned! By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil.”

The return of General MacArthur in Leyte was a turning point of the Philippine liberation campaign during the Second World War primarily because it marked the first decisive win of

the combined Allied forces against their Japanese counterparts, and secondly, it gave hope to the millions of Filipino people and the thousands of POWs as they await their freedom in the hands of the Imperial Army of Japan.

The Leyte Landing Memorial Park, formerly known as the MacArthur Park, in Red Beach Palo, Leyte was built to memorialize the “Leyte Landing” event which is celebrated annually in the Philippines on October 20.

THE LEYTE PARK RESORT HOTEL

2012-01-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

TACLOBAN CITY, PHILIPPINES

Built by former First Lady, Imelda Marcos in 1979, the hotel closed for 3 years until 1994 when it reopened following renovation and refurbishing. The Resort is now a major tourism and convention complex with its 6-hectare parkland nestled on a hill overlooking beautiful San Pedro Bay. It exudes the distinctive luxury of a hotel and the ambiance of a resort.

Leyte Park Resort Hotel 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".
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LOCATION

The Leyte Park Resort Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tacloban City, 55 minutes from Manila by plane.

Road Directions/How to get to Leyte Park Resort Hotel
From Sumulong Highway facing East going to Cainta, turn left at Balanti bypass road, then left at Katipunan and right at Pio del Pilar.
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DINING FACILITIES

Dining facilities include the following restaurants, bars and coffee shop:

Veranda Café
Located on the 2nd floor, this is the Resort's main restaurant. The ambiance evoke Philippine rusticity with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the sea. International cuisine is on the menu with preferential bias to Leyte-Samar gourmet favorites. Open daily 4:00 am up to 2:00 am.

San Pedro Bay Seafoods Restaurant
Located at the Resort Marina, this specialty restaurant serves available seafood as caught from the San Pedro Bay fronting the Resort property. Cultural presentations of Philippine and Leyte-Samar songs and dances are available by arrangement for parties.

Lobby Sala Grill
This cozy restaurant is adjacent to the Veranda Café and specializes in grilled seafood coming in fresh from San Pedro Bay. Nightly lounge music from 7:30 pm up to 11 pm.

Food Park
Enjoy nightly @ Tacloban City's favorite watering hole. Native barbecue and other local appetizers are available. Open from 7 pm to 1 am.

Pool Patio
While having as swim or simply a dip or just lazing around. Enjoy snacks and frozen delights. Mouth-watering treat from 9 am - 12 pm.

Park Café
Discover the distinctive character of Espresso Base, Flavorful and Satisfying Coffee. The Café at an altitude with an attitude.
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OTHER FACILITIES, AMENITIES AND SERVICES

Fitness Center
Opening Hours: 6:30 am - 9:30 am, 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Closed on Mondays

Gift Shop
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Business Center
Computer & Internet Services, Photocopy, Fax, etc. Wi-Fi (Internet Wireless Connection) is available 24 hours a day. Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Closed on Sundays

Convention Center A
Have your weddings, birthdays, parties, conventions, seminars and other functions in this fully air-conditioned hall. It can accommodate 350 pax for banquets and 500 pax for theater-style arrangement.

Convention Center B
This Dome can accommodate up to 2,000 pax for large conventions, concerts and theater performances. Sports activities can also be made by prior arrangements.

Don Joseph Pavilion
The Pavilion has a built-in dance floor and can accommodate 100 pax for banquets and 150 pax theater-style arrangement. The Hall is fully air-conditioned.

President's Hall
Ideal for small receptions of up to 70 pax. The Hall is fully air-conditioned. Overlooks the panoramic view of Mount Danglay and the beautiful San Pedro Bay.

GUIUAN'S TREASURE CHEST, NATURAL WONDERS

2012-01-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

GUIUAN EASTERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

THE 16TH CENTURY church of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and its belfry.

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar—Perhaps no other place in Eastern Visayas has been endowed with so much tourist attractions than the ancient town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar. Not only is it rich in history and culture but it also boasts of many natural wonders.

Thus, when Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim visited the province last month, he was impressed by what he saw in Guiuan: “a long white beach which can rival other beaches in the Philippines.” It has all the elements of a tourist come-on, he added.

Among Guiuan’s “treasures” is the 16th-century Immaculate Conception Church at the town proper. Originally made of wood, the structure was rebuilt by the priests and natives using stones after it was razed by fire.

It is within a 42-square-meter fortress, its corners mounted with artillery.

At that time, it was “the best and most regularly planned in all the Visayas” and that it “exceeds in grandeur the celebrated fort in Zamboanga.” But with the passage of time, the walls were destroyed.

Most of the church, including its belfry is still preserved, however.

National treasure

SHELL embellishment can be seen inside the baptistry of the church.

According to Prof. Eric Zerrudo, an expert on cultural heritage and museum development, the Guiuan church has been declared a “national treasure church”—one of only 26 in the country.

“Guiuan, had there been a chance, should have been catapulted to a world heritage level. Why? It has a very high authenticity. Everything here is original. Everything has been left intact; (only) very few interventions,” Zerrudo says.

The church has a main altar and two altars along the nave. One has a retablo built by the Franciscans while the other has a rococo frontal built by the Augustinians.

Shell embellishments are seen in the baptistry, side altars, side windows and niches. Zerrudo
says the shell craft tradition dates back to the 16th century and has continued up to now. In Sulangan, a pilgrimage site in Guiuan, the altars are similarly adorned.

Second class

Located in the southernmost tip of Eastern Samar, Guiuan has a land area of 17,549 hectares and a population of about 45,000. A second-class municipality (annual income: P45 million to P55 million), it has 60 barangays, including the islands of Tubabao, Calicoan, Sulangan, Homonhon and Suluan.

It is 109 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Borongan City and 155 km from Tacloban City, the regional capital.

A SURFING area on Calicoan Island in Guiuan.

On Nov. 10, 1978, Proclamation No. 1801 was signed declaring Guiuan a “tourist zone and marine reserve” under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

It was in Guiuan where Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan and his men, sailing under the flag of Spain, first set foot on Philippine soil after crossing the vast Pacific Ocean—on the shore of Homonhon Island on March 16, 1521. The event was later marked as the “discovery” of the Philippines.

In 1944, the Americans arrived in Guiuan and built a military base for its torpedo boats, warships, bombers and fighter planes that were involved in the Philippine liberation campaign and in the invasion of Japan. About 100,000 American servicemen were stationed in Guiuan and nearby towns.

The base was the biggest American supply base in the Pacific during the war.

Russian refugees

In 1949, about 5,000 Russians escaping from communist rule in China made Guiuan their home for 27 months.

With the help of the International Refugee Organization, they sought refuge on Tubabao Island until 1951 when they moved to Australia and the United States.

Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan says tourists usually frequent the paradise island of Calicoan, which has a 12-km stretch of white beach and a world-class surfing area.

Calicoan was declared by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the “Surfing Capital of the Visayas.” What is unique about the island, the mayor says, is that the side facing the Pacific Ocean has big waves which is ideal for surfing. The side facing the Leyte Gulf has calm waters suitable for swimming and boating.

The 1,600-hectare Calicoan also has a lush forest with abundant wildlife, such as monkeys and monitor lizards, six lagoons and some caves.

Tourist activities

Tourists can go surfing, swimming, kayaking, trekking, spelunking or island hopping and enjoy the white beaches of Suluan and other islets.

Aurora delos Reyes, municipal investment, environment and tourism officer, says at least 3,000 tourists have visited Guiuan in the first quarter. “Many visitors come here to surf,” she says.

More are expected once the airport becomes fully operational. It is the same facility built by the Americans in 1944 and is now undergoing rehabilitation.

Guiuan has been a consistent winner in the Clean and Green contest in Eastern Samar since 2004. It has been adjudged Best Managed LGU (local government unit) in the province.

Delos Reyes says the municipality has also been the best LGU One Town One Product (Otop) implementor on the provincial and regional levels and a finalist on the national level.

One of its products: Ecotourism.

SAMAL ISLAND

2012-01-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

DAVAO, PHILIPPINES

Samal island offers an unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rock formations. It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An ideal model for resort and development, it provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset. Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline is characterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white-sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishing villages — all suggestive of a tropical paradise.

Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. It provides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery.

The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transform itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs.

BOHOL'S SPRING AND BEACHES

2012-01-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

TAGBILARAN, BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along the sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in.
With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. It is composed of numerous isles — Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin. The Chocolate Hills are but some of the many natural wonders in the province, which is home to the world's smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some 10 km from Tagbilaran. Other exotic flora and fauna may also be found in the forests of Bohol Island.

LAGUNA DE BAY (LAKE BAY)

2012-01-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

LUZON, PHILIPPINES

Laguna de Bay (Lake Bay) is often erroneously called the "Laguna Lake". It is the largest lake in the Philippines. On the lake, there are an island, Talim, and two peninsulas jutting out a long way from the north coast. The lake is considered to have once been a branch of Manila Bay but later became separated from the bay by volcanic deposits and the upheaval of land. Water flows out from the northwestern end of the lake to Manila Bay. Since, the difference of water level between the lake and the sea is so small, the adverse tides occur frequently during the dry season from January to April.

Vast paddy fields, sugar cane fields and coconut plantations spread over the alluvial plain around the lake. Cash products like vegetables, fruits and poultry are also raised for consumption in neighboring big cities as Manila and Quezon City. The Laguna Lake Development Authority established in 1970 is mainly responsible for promoting development and conservation works in the lake and its drainage basin

MANILA DE BAY

2012-01-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

MANILA CITY, PHILIPPINES

View of the famous Manila Bay Sunset from the Bay City in Pasay (near SM Mall of Asia)

The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. It has an area of 1,994 km² (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi). The entrance is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi).Corregidor Island divides the entrance into two channels, about 2 miles (3.2 km) towards the North and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) wide on the South side. Mariveles, in the province of Bataan, is an anchorage just inside the northern entrance and Sangley Point is the former location ofCavite Naval Base.

On either side of the bay are volcanic peaks topped with tropical foliage: 40 km to the north is the Bataan Peninsula and to the south is the province of Cavite.

Across the entrance to Manila Bay are several islands. The largest is Corregidor, which is 3 kilometers from Bataan and, along with the island of Caballo, separates the mouth of the bay into the North and South Channels. In the south channel is El Fraile Island and outside the entrance, and to the south, is Carabao Island. El Fraile, a rocky island some 4 acres (1.6 ha) in
area, supports the massive concrete and steel ruins of Fort Drum, an island fortress constructed by the United States Army to defend the southern entrance of the bay. To the immediate north and south are additional harbors.

The bay was the setting for the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 and the siege of Corregidor Island by invading Japanese forces in 1942.

Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km² (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx. With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic meters (28.9 cubic km). Today, Manila Bay still remains important for commerce and industry, including fishing, although rapid urban growth and industrialization are contributing to a decline in water quality and deteriorating marine habitats. It also serves a focus for recreation for Metro Manila and is a popular destination for walks and for viewing the sunset. Much of the land fronting the bay along Metro Manila is reclaimed land which now includes important sites such as the Philippine Senate and the Mall of Asia.

SIARGAO ISLAND

2012-01-14T19:34:00.001-08:00

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES

Surigao del Norte is a medley island in the northeastern tip of Mindanao. A province that has managed to preserve its natural marvel through the years. On the eastern side of the province is Siargao Island, a hidden tropical jewel of the Pacific that hosts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home of wave surfing and the famous CLOUD 9, the latest sport and tourist attraction to take the country by storm It is the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. The best known surfing break now with a world reputation of being in the top Surfing Waves in the world, is nick-named "Cloud Nine". But there are literally scores of breaks down this coast, and every time a surfing expedition is mounted in the area, more new breaks are being discovered.

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. It has a land mass of approximately 437 kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet-Port Pilar with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are similar neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms. The reefs and points are excellent for picking up any swell that comes along turning into clean, fast waves. The Island's Pacific-facing reefs are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and the extremely deep offshore waters guarantee the ocean swells have undiluted power when they encounter the many coral and rock reefs, giving Siargao excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest "habagat" monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.

Siargao Island, faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep, the second deepest water in the world, at more than 11 km below sea level. The area is pure tropics with the plenty activities including snorkeling, island hopping, waterfalls, swimming holes and of course awesome waves and friendly locals.

This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980's, and named and made well-known by American photographer John S Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the US based SURFER Magazine in March 1993, and hundreds of photos in many other books and magazines since. Callahan has returned to the island many times since his first visit in 1992, and his efforts to photograph and publish surfing related and general location material from Siargao islandin books and magazines around the world has put the island on the international map and drawn thousands of surfers and tourists to Siargao island.

There are several other excellence waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than any other wave in the area, indeed in the Philippines as a whole. It is the only wave in the area easy to get to without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of "Crowd 9" among surfers worldwide as keen foreign and locally owned accommodation and tourist facilities attempt to profit from the magazine publicity and the annual arrival of visitors drawn by the Siargao Cup competition in September.

Siargao Islands contain the biggest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao on the opposite coastline. Long stretches of wetlands equally indicate potentials for commercial seaweed
propagation. Siargao Island is greatly influenced by the winds and currents coming uninterrupted from the Pacific Ocean, intensified by the Mindanao current running westward through the Siargao Strait.

Offshore, a classic tropical island lay secluded within its surrounding coral reef and the dozen coconut palms dressed in the center circle of the island crackle gently in the morning breeze. Off to the right, well within the massive coastal reef, lay a shining white sand bar some 200 meters long, maintained by a group of some forty black-headed terns that stood chattering among themselves at the waters edge. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present especially on the east coast of the island.

Siargao Island

The newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800 km southeast of Manila, the ear-shaped Siargao island is a perfect haven for sun, seas and surf buffs. It lies on the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land and scores of reefs, points and white-sand beaches.

HUNDRED (100) ISLANDS

2012-01-14T19:33:00.001-08:00

PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES

The Philippines Hundred Islands Park is composed of big and small islands surrounded by fresh and salty water. Over 123 islands with an area of 1,1884 hectares. The hundred islands is located in Pangasinan one of Philippines provinces in North Luzon. It is one of the Philippines beautiful spots for tourism.

This is one of the visited places in the country when it comes to beaches and resorts. The islands are really amazing. It looks like they cast down purposely. The other perfect place to relax and enjoy the vacation. "The Top 10 most beautiful place to go" declared by the Manila Bulletin one of the leading news papers in the country.

It was December 23rd when I and my friends decided to go there. I was very excited because it would be my first time to go there. When we got there, I really surprised. I exhaled and absorb
the cold air coming around.

Everyone is excited. After the day, we were all exhausted. By the way, I'm just sharing our experience being there.

You can rent boats to hang around real amazing nature. You can stay there and enjoy the vacation without spending a lot of money. All accommodations are very affordable. So nothing to worry about.

BAGUIO AND BANAUE RICE TERRACES

2012-01-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

IFUGAO, BAGUIO, BENGUET, PHILIPPINES

The Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines have been said to be like the 8th wonder of the world. They were carved from the hillside by the tribes people of Ifugao about 2,000-3,000 years ago. The tribes people did this with their bare hands and crude implements, without using machinery to level the steps where they plant their rice, which is what makes this wonder so attractive, aside from the fact that the rice terraces are still used today.

This is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of mankind, because if each one were connected end to end, then they would reach halfway across the globe or be 10 times as long as the Great Wall of China. It was not until only 13 years ago (1995) that the Banaue Rice Terraces were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. They are now beginning to show signs that they are eroding, and some of them need maintenance, while the Ifugaos’ new generation is migrating to nearby cities in search of better opportunities.

Even though it is about 8 or 9 hours from Manila in a car, the Banaue rice terraces are known to be one of the most spectacular places to see in the Philippines. They have transformed the Cordillera mountains of barren stone into ledges that are fit to grow rice.

Baguio City and Rice Terraces

Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. Baguio City is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly,
Baguio City has become the “summer capital of the country.”

It is endowed with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions that make it an important and interesting destination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within the city, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air.

Designed by Daniel Burnham during the American occupation, Baguio City is situated in the midst of pine-covered hills.

Having visited Baguio City, a tourist should not miss the historic and breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces that is also known as one of the wonders of the world. The terraces planted to rice remains to be a wonder among local and foreign tourists.

THE CHOCOLATE HILLS

2012-01-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

The Chocolate Hills, maybe Bohol's most famous tourist destinations. They look like giant mole hills, or as some say, women's breasts, and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact.

However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The chocolate hills
consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number).

They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make.

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE

2012-01-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

TACLOBAN CITY LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

Asia's Longest Bridge - Leyte and Samar: Eastern Visayas, Philippines

Tacloban City link Sta. Rita, Samar

Built over the narrow San Juanico street, the San Juanico Bridge–which is 2.16 kilometerslong–still holds the record as the longest bridge in the Philippines.
The bridge connects Tacloban City on the Leyte side and the town of Sta. Rita on the Samar side. It crosses the San Juanico strait, reportedly the world’s narrowest since it’s only two kilometers wide at its most narrow point. Constructed in 1973 during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, the bridge is supported by 43 spans that rise 41 meters above the sea. The views from the bridge are fantastic and
include the islets near the bridge as well as the strait’s thousand whirlpools.
The 34-year-old steel structure is just 10 minutes away from the Tacloban City center. It is accessible by jeepney, bus, motorcycle, or private vehicle. There are daily flights from Manila to Tacloban City. From Cebu, the best way to get to Tacloban would be to ride on a fast boat, such as the Supercat fast craft, to Ormoc City and then take a van for hire from Ormoc to Tacloban, which is about two to three hours away.

The San Juanico Bridge, formerly the Marcos Bridge, is a Compression arch bridge in the Philippines stretching from Samar to Leyte crossing theSan Juanico Strait. It is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway. It is the longest bridge in the Philippines with a length of 2.16 kilometers (1.34 mi) ^[1^] and is considered one of the most beautifully-designed bridges in Philippines.^[2^] The bridge is supported by 43 spans rising 41 meters above the sea.^[1] It has a large arch beneath which allows boats to pass. Connecting Tacloban City on the Leyte side and Santa Rita town on the Samar side, it offers many picturesque views, especially of the San Juanico Street with its thousand whirlpools as well as the islets of the province. It is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Tacloban City and is accessible by passenger jeepney, bus, motorcab or private vehicle. Construction on the 21.9 million-dollar bridge began in 1969 and was completed in 1973, during the presidency ofFerdinand Marcos.^[3] The Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (now the Philippine National Construction Corporation) was contracted to construct the actual bridge, and together with Japanese engineers, conducted studies and designed the actual project.^[4] The Leyte & Samar Links by means of Trading and Transportation...

SURF CAMP CALICOAN ISLAND

2012-01-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

EASTERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

Guiuan, Eastern Samar
An idyllic tropical get away situated in ABCD Beach - Calicoan Island’s prime surfing area with landscape of virgin tropicalforests, unspoiled white sand - crystal clear water. Resort features an infinity pool fronting Pacific Ocean and
luxurious cottages
fully equip with amenities needed by travelling public.

MACARTHUR PARK

2012-01-14T19:27:00.001-08:00

PALO LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

MacArthur Landing Memorial is situated in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. The monument marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur landed with the American Liberation Forces in October, 1944 starting the Battle of Leyte.

The Battle of Leyte in the Pacific campaign of World War II was the invasion and conquest of Leyte in the Philippines by American and Filipino guerrillas forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, who fought against the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita from 17 October 1944 to 31 December 1944. The battle launched the Philippines campaign of 1944-45 for the recapture and liberation of the entire Philippine Archipelago and to end of almost three years of Japanese occupation.

BORACAY ISLAND

2012-01-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

BORACAY, MALAY, AKLAN, PHILIPPINES

Accommodation in Boracay

Plan your vacation withBudget hotels and guest houses for inexpensiveaccommodation in Boracay. Mid-Range Hotels offer extra facilities and services for a more pampered vacation, with reasonable rates. In the Top End, you will find special places whereluxury and location combine to provide a truly memorable experience. You will find a variety of Boracay resorts and hotels to choose from native island style hideaways, to more exclusive high class vacation retreats.
Boracay Tours and Activities

Tourists from all over the world are attracted to Boracay by the renowned white sand beaches and their underwater marine splendour. Of late, marine sports on the island have become a popular pasttime, and as the
resorts and hotels in Boracay have become much more of an international standard.

The island is a wonderful respite from a busy metropolitan pace. In the following sections, we have attempted to give you a brief synopsis of Boracay's attractions and the many fabulous Boracay tours that can be enjoyed, including windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Restaurants in Boracay

Boracay is a great place to experience a smorgasbord of dining choices. The island has a wide variety of food to offer, even to the traveler with a discerning palate. There are four miles of beachfront restaurants in Boracay, offering every kind of food you can imagine from Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, French, German and Korean, to the local Filipino fare.

Food and Cuisine in Boracay

Drinks & Party Scene in Boracay

Boracay has a thriving nightlife, with lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. The more noisy bars are located around boat stations 1 and 2, where you can spend the whole night partying away. Boat station 3 is quieter and more relaxed and is quite popular with Boracay regulars and longstayers. It has small local eateries and bars dotting the area, offering a laidback alternative to the hectic pace of the former locations.

Transportation in Boracay: Boracay is located in the Aklan province, easily reachable from Caticlan by ‘banca' (or pump boat). You can fly directly into Caticlan from either Cebu or Manila but flights can becheaper into Kalibo, from there you can transfer to Caticlan by taxi or bus.

By Air

Fly to Caticlan, which is the nearest airport. From Caticlan Airport, most hotels usually provide transfer services all the way to the resort for a fee, although some are included. This would include the short ride from the airport to the seaport aswell as the ride on the outrigger boat to the island itself. If you don't have such an arrangement, you can take a tricyle or walk the short distance from the airport to the seaport and catch an outrigger boat ride from there.

Airline Carriers from Manila to Caticlan

Asian Spirit/Corporate Air/Interisland Airlines/South East Asian Airlines (SEAir)

Cebu pacific /Philippine Airlines

Airline Carriers from Manila to Kalibo:

Cebu Pacific/Philippine Airlines

Air Philippines/Asian Spirit

By Boat

MBRS shipping lines (Nature Adventure Travel and Tours Hotline number 053-321-6333 operates a ferry between Manila and Caticlan. Call for the latest schedules and fares.

By Bus (or RORO)

The RORO (Roll-On Roll-Off) a combination of bus and ferry for one fee) Philtranco and Bachelor Express run bus routes on the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. From Cubao or Pasay in Metro Manila, buses run to Batangas Port about 2 hours south of Metro Manila. Ferries take the buses across to the Calapan Port on Mindoro.

Boracay Island

Widely-known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches.
Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.

SOHOTON CAVE

2012-01-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

BASEY, SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

The Natural Bridge

Eco-Tourism ExperienceSohoton Cave,Basey, Samar

Eight hundred forty hectares nature reserve beckons with an endless array of subterranean

delights, caves, natural bridge of limestone boulders, underground rivers, and weathered formation rocks like Banaue Terraces – Great wall of China – Harem Pavilion – Amphitheater withnatural built in acoustical system and Seductive Courtesan’s Boudoir, a 30 ft. waterfalls to experience at the middle part of the forest, and a non-polluted man-made swimming poolstructure below the falls. Regular trips: 6:00 to 10:00 AM daily, soon a River Cruise provides totaladventure to SOHOTON NATURAL BRIDGE NATIONAL PARK open to everyone whowants to reach nature by experience...

The flight attendant is announcing that the airplane is landing at the airport of Tacloban City.The aircraft brings you to the coastal airport,
which is mysteriously quiet. Walking to the arrival area, your mind filled with images of unexplored mountains and caves, exotic wildlife, cloud-hidden lakes, islets sculpted by harsh weather conditions, all those things you see in glossy tourism flyers, you wonder whether it will be worth the trouble getting there.
Even before adventure travel fever hit the country, the islands of Samar and Leyte, collectively known as Eastern Visayas or Region 8, were already popular destinations for people interested in Philippine history. Nowadays, these islands exude a wonderful combination of history and mystery, its tourism potential spelled out in the words ‘adventure’ and ‘fun’, for the thrill-seeking traveler. From the airport, you take a Tamaraw FX to Basey. You pay P15 for the 30-minute trip across the 2.16 kilometer San Juanico Bridge that connects Tacloban City in Leyte with Basey in Samar.

Basey is a third-class municipality (now at first class municipality thru the effort of Hon. Mayor Wilfredo "Didi" Estorninos) whose glory days date back to colonial times when it was the population and trading center of the island. It now lags behind its former sitio, Tacloban City, which is the regional capital. But the local government of Basey is trying to catch up with its more developed neighbors by offering visitors what it has in abundance: its rich natural resources.Basey is home to the grand Sohoton National Park (SNP), an 840-hectare natural park, made up of high and broken ridges of hilly-to-moderate rolling terrain. It has a maximum elevation of 107 meters above sea level. Three main geologically-defined land types exist in the area: an upland plateau, an intermediate karst-limestone block, and lowland areas.

___The park offers a great deal of natural wonders. There’s the Sohoton Natural Bridge, a magnificent stone bridge connecting two mountain ridges from which the park got its name. Sohoton" is a Waray word, which means "to pass through." Underneath the bridge is the Sohoton Natural Swimming Pool. " Inside the park is an exciting array of caves, waterfalls, and rare flora and fauna.

Panhulugan Cave I is the largest and most spectacular cave found in the park, with an estimated floor area of 546 square meters. This cave is geologically active, as evidenced by the constant dripping of water from stalactites and the large accumulation of material beneath its chimney holes.

Panhulugan Cave II is a long scar, about 50 meters high, that cuts into the face of the Panhulugan Cliff, a steep rock formation.

Sohoton Cave is a very large cave situated in the eastern portion of the natural bridge. It has a high cathedral-like dome with a parabolic arch-type entrance about 15 meters high. Inside are spectacular limestone formations that approximate the shapes of a eagle’s claw, an image of the Sto. Niño and the Virgin Mary, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and musical instruments, among others.

To ensure its protection and management, the park was placed under the NationalProtected Integrated Areas (NIPA) in 1989. According to the local NIPA representatives, visits to the park have not increased significantly since then .A visit to the Sotohon Park involves taking a native outrigger for an hour and 45 minutes on the Basey Golden River, passing through small, picturesque villages. Rawis, a riverside barrio, houses the still unexplored Rawis Cave, which, according to the locals, is even better than Sohoton.

BANGKOK, THAILAND

2011-01-21T06:58:00.001-08:00

Bangkok, Thailand: 6 Days / 5 Nights

INLCUSIONS: Hotel accommodation
Roundtrip airport transfers
Half day city tour + lunch
Daily breakfast inside hotel

OPTIONAL TOURS:
Bangkok Canal Tour
Grand Royal Palace Tour
Rose Garden
Thai Classical Dinner
Crocodile Farm + Elephant Show
Ancient City Tour
Floating Market w/ Rose Garden + Lunch
Safari World w/ Marine Park + Lunch
Dream World + Lunch
Dinner River Cruise
Siam Niramit + Dinner
Full Day Pattaya Tour + Coral Island w/ Lunch -
Calypso Cabaret Show
Floating Market w/ Rose Garden + Elephant Show + Lunch

REMARKS:
- Free airport transfers is between 0730-2100 hrs only.
- Midnight transfers surcharge (2100-0730 hrs) – Twin-$8/pax, SGL-$20.
- Rates not valid during Bangkok holidays, fairs and conventions.
- Adhoc rate might be applied when allotment is already consumed.
- Package is totally nonrefundable once finalized.Please book now for your Tours!!!

LA CARMELA DE BORACAY MALAY, PHILIPPINES

2011-01-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

BARKADA PROMO PACKAGE :

Number of Pax Rates
2 pax (twin sharing)
3 pax (triple sharing)
4–28 pax (quad sharing)
29–48 pax (quad sharing)
49–100 pax (quad sharing)

Inclusions: 3 Days/2 Nights full-board accommodation in one (1) Standard Room at La Carmela de Boracay Main Building
Rooms = Meals (maximum of 4 pax in a room)
6 Sets Meals (2 Breakfast, @ Lunch and 2 Dinner)
Happy Hour rates on beer products

FAMILY PROMO PACKAGE:

Inclusions:
3 Days/2 Nights half-board accommodation in one (1) Standard Room at La Carmela de Boracay Main Building
Daily set breakfast and family-style dinner for four (4) persons
10% off on food and beverages (a la Carte menu) at Cafè La Carmela

ROUNDTRIP TRANSFERS:
Inclusive of land and sea transfers, terminal and environmental fees at Jetty Ports.

KALIBO AIRPORT– RESORT(RTT)
CATICLAN AIRPORT– RESORT (RTT)
PLEASE NOTE: RATES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.Please book now for your Tours!!!

ALTA VISTA DE BORACAY MALAY, AKLAN, PHILIPPINES

2011-01-21T06:51:00.001-08:00

THE LOFT SUITES:

Room for the family, Two queen size beds

May accommodate maximum of 6 persons

With IDD & NDD telephone unit, safety deposit box, internet, cable TV, bar sink, microwave, with coffee or tea making facilities, mini bar, individually-controlled air-conditioning unit, marble bathrooms with separate toilet and bath, hairdryer and balcony

THE STUDIO SUITES:

Room for Family, Two queen sized beds
May accommodate maximum of 4 persons

With IDD & NDD telephone unit, safety deposit box, internet, cable TV, bar sink, microwave, with coffee or tea making facilities, mini bar, individually-controlled airconditioning unit, marble bathrooms with separate toilet and bath, hairdryer and balcony

Inclusions per room per night:

Complimentary Breakfast for two persons

Two complimentary bottles of drinking water (330 ml) daily

Coffee and tea making facilities with complimentary coffee & tea in the room

Complete toilet and bath amenities

Free wi-fi access at the lobby lounge

Free shuttle service within the island

ROUNDTRIP AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

( Rate is inclusive of Environmental, Boat and Land fees)

Via Kalibo Airport

Via Caticlan Airport

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Please book now for your Tour

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA

2011-01-21T06:48:00.001-08:00

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL: 5 DAY & 4 NIGHTS

Deluxe Room

INCLUSIONS: HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH DAILY BUFFET BREAKFAST INSIDE THE HOTEL; ROUND TRIP TRANSFER BASED ON SEAT IN COACH (SIC);
CITY TOUR (SIC) Visit Yayasan Sabah, Mosque, Chinese temple, Philippine market, Shopping mall with English speaking tour guide.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
• ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PICK-UP AT BKI AIRPORT;
• WAITING TIME FOR ARRIVAL PICK-UP IS 30 MINUTES AFTER FLIGHT LANDED;
• WAITING TIME FOR TOUR/S WILL BE 5 MINUTES FROM THE STATED PICK-UP TIME;
• FOR ARRIVAL AND/OR DEPARTURE TRANSFER BETWEEN 2300; 0730 HRS, THERE WILL BE A MIDNIGHT SURCHARGE OF $20/PAX/WAY;
• FOR PASSENGER TRAVELLING ALONE, THERE WILL BE A SINGLE SURCHARGE
• FULL CHARGE WILL BE IMPOSED FOR NO SHOW BOOKING;
• IF TO CANCEL FINALIZED/GUARANTEED BOOKING BEFORE PAX ARRIVAL, ONE NIGHT CANCELLETION WILL BE CHARGED OR DEPEND ON ADVICE FROM HOTEL. Please book now for your Tours!!!

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

2011-01-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

EL NIDO-PUERTO PRINCESA PACKAGE
(min 8pax)
3DAYS/2NIGHTS

Tour Activities:
Choice of Sunset Cruise with Dinner in an Island or Sidetrip at Underground River
1 day island hopping,cave exploration, snorkeling
Complimentary use of Kayak in lagoons
Souvenir Shopping at Turista’s One Stop Shop in Puerto Princesa City

Inclusions:
2 Nights accommodation in an air con rooms (beach front or overlooking depending on the availability)
Aircon vans
Airport transfer
Licensed tour guide
Daily set of breakfast
Complimentary kayak
Boats
Permits/Eco Tourism development fee/Sheds rentals
Travel insurancePlease book now for your Tours!!!

PALAWAN GATEWAY, PHILIPPINES

2011-01-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

PALAWAN GATEWAY PACKAGE

PENSION-INN ACCOMMODATIONS

Inclusions:
Roundtrip airport transfer
2 nights twin/triple sharing in an aircon room
Daily set of breakfast
Honda Bay Island Hopping with picnic lunch
Underground River Tour with buffet lunch
Half day city tour with set snacks
All permits & entrance fees
Sheds/Cottages
Boats
Licensed tour guides
Travel insurance

Mid Class Accommodation
3DAYS/2NIGHTS Package A (Honda Bay)
Package B (Dos Palmas)
Inclusions:
Roundtrip airport transfer
2 nights twin/triple sharing in an aircon room
Daily set of breakfast
Honda Bay Island Hopping with picnic lunch (Package A); Dos Palmas Day Tour with buffet lunch (Package B)
Underground River Tour with buffet lunch
Half day city tour with snacks
All permits & entrance fees
Sheds/Cottages
Boats
Licensed tour guides
Travel insurance

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
3DAYS/2NIGHTS

Inclusions:
Roundtrip airport transfer
2 nights twin/triple sharing in standard room
Daily set of breakfast
Buffet Lunch except City Tours
Honda Bay Island Hopping with lunch
Underground River Tour with lunch
Half day city tour
1 set dinner in a restaurant
All permits & entrance fees
Sheds/Cottages
Boats
Licensed tour guides
Travel insurance

EXECUTIVE TOUR PACKAGE
3DAYS/2NIGHTS (4-6pax only/exclusive tours)
Executive Package A (Honda Baya)
Executive Package B (Dos Palmas)

Inclusions:
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- 2 nights twin/triple sharing in a deluxe room
- Daily set of breakfast
- City Tours with set snacks
- Honda Bay Island Hopping with picnic lunch (Package A);Dos Palmas day Tour with buffet lunch (Package B)
- Underground River Tour with set lunch at Daluyon Resort
- 1 set dinner in a restaurant
- All permits & entrance fees
- Boats
- Licensed tour guides
- Medical team
- Travel insurance

KUTING RESORT & SPA, MACROHON SOUTHERN LEYTE, PHILIPPINES

2011-01-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

Macrohon, Southern Leyte

BARKADAHAN PACKAGE

Kuting Resort and Spa at Macrohon,Southern Leyte is one hour drive from Maasin City. The newly opened resort boast of its tranquil and serene ambience and lush landscape. Architecture and room interior is proudly Filipino with Asian accents. Its a good place for meditation and reflection as well.

3 Days / 2 Nights

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:

- Three (3) Days and Two (2) Nights Accommodation in Deluxe Cabana (Quadruple Sharing)
Complimentary Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Complimentary use of Kayak for 2 hours

Round trip transportation (TACLOBAN/MACROHON/TACLOBAN)

Cancellation Policy: All reservation is considered guaranteed. In the event of cancellation/ no-show/ shorten stay penalty applies.

MACAU TRIP or OCEAN PARK, HONGKONG

2011-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

HONGKONG WITH FREE MACAU TRIP or OCEAN PARK TOUR PACKAGE

DORSETT FAREAST/HOTEL 36 MONGKOK

Rambler Hotel Single Room

ITINERARY/INCLUSIONS

DAY 01: ARRIVE HONGKONG. MEET AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL.

DAY 02: BREAKFAST OUTSIDE. COMPULSORY HONGKONG CITY TOUR.
AFTERNOON FREE OCEAN PARK OR MACAU TOUR
>TRANSFER FROM OCEAN PARK BACK TO HOTEL IS PAX ACCOUNT<
>TRANSFER FROM VENETIAN – MACAU BACK TO HONGKONG AND TO HOTEL IS PAX ACCOUNT<

DAY 03: BREAKFAST OUTSIDE HOTEL.3D/2N.FREE TIL TRANSFER TO AIRPORT.
4DAYS/3NIGHTS WHOLE DAY FREE OR AVAIL OF SOME OPTIONAL TOURS.

DAY 04:BREAKFAST OUTSIDE . FREE TIL TRANSFER TO HONGKONG AIRPORT.

REMARKS

- RATES FOR OTHER HOTELS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
- FREE AIRPORT TRANSFERS IS BETWEEN 0930-2300 HRS ONLY.
- COMPULSORY TIPPING OF USD 7/PAX MUST BE PAID TO GUIDE AFTER COMPULSORY HONGKONG CITY TOUR & USD 7/PAX FOR MACAU TOUR.
- ADHOC RATE MIGHT BE APPLIED ONCE ALLOTMENT IS FULLY CONSUMED.
- PACKAGE IS TOTALLY NON REBOOKABLE, NON ENDORSABLE, NON TRANSFERABLE AND NON REFUNDABLE.

Venetian Macau

See more picture at Gallery...