Travel Philippines

Mt. Ampacao

2009-12-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Mt. Ampacao (1,889+)
Sagada, Mt. Province
Major jump-off: Ambasing Elementary School, Brgy. Ambasing, Sagada
Altitude: 1889 MASL (386 meter gain)
Days necessary / Hours to summit: Half day, 1.5 hours
specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1,3

BACKGROUND
Climbing above the highland town of Sagada, famed for its likely and ethnic marvels, is its top point, Mt. Ampacao. Loaded with pine trees, this mountain compromises a beautiful overview of Sagada. It only takes 90 minutes to reach the peak on average pace. The 'ranch', a viewpoint two-thirds up gives beautiful views of nearby villages and mountains, particularly on the western side, where one can already see the mountains spanning Ilocos Sur and the Abra-Mt. Province boundary. The panorama includes Mt. Polis (SE), Bessang and Mt. Tirad, site of the famed Tirad Pass (E) and Mt. Sipsipitan (N).

The two significant markers in the mountain is the ranch and the summit. Seemingly, the typical guided tour only reaches the ranch, after which tourists are led to Lake Danum. As a result, the ranch is mistaken by some as the summit. Actually, another 20-30 minutes is mandatory to reach the true summit, marked by the Smart cellsite. Here, the views are likewise that of the western panorama. In all, Mt. Ampacao is a refreshing, easy walk and a must-visit for hikers who are in Sagada.

ITINERARY
Mt. Ampacao-Lake Danum

0200 Walk down to elementary school at Brgy. Ambasing
0220 Take rough road up; start trek
0300 ETA Ranch, take pictures.
0330 ETA summit; snacks
0400 Start descent
0430 Back at Ranch. Take trail to Lake Danum
0530 Sunset viewing at Lake Danum
0600 Return to town proper by foot or by rented vehicle
0630 Back at Sagada proper

SPECIAL CONCERNS
It is very comfortable to secure a guide for Mt. Ampacao at the guide office near the junction of Sagada's two main roads (in front of Masferre house). P600 is the standard rate for a guide, good for 1-10 persons. But, the trail is easy to follow and a guide is not essential. Just follow the road to the ranch, and beyond the ranch there there is a branching footpath to the left, marked with a wooden 'gate'. Take this trail and follow the electric wires as a guide. It only takes 20-30 minutes to negotiate this assault, and before you know it, you're at the summit. If taking a guide, it is best to clarify whether you will be taken (and whether you will be allowed) to the summit. It is also an option to rent a jeep that will take you to the jump-off, and also take you back to the town from Lake Danum. This however is only necessary if you are pressed for time. The Sagada Genuine Guides Assocation blogsite is a helpful reference for contacts, prices, and updates.

Mt. Ampacao is suggested only as a sidetrip to a Sagada adventure. It is typically a 3D/2N trip starting off from Manila via Bontoc (Cable Bus Tours, 2030hr departure, P500+) then a jeepney to Sagada (P35). In Sagada a variety of lodging places are available, ranging from P150-P400/person/night. The suggested return trip is via Baguio City (Lizardo Bus, hourly partings near town hall till 1300hr, P237).

Sagada is a ethnic treasure-trove and a true mountain sanctuary. Lots have been inscribed in the Internet about it. In summary, just being in the place is a nice experience, at 1502 MASL the climate is very cool and soothing. Must-visit places are Sumaguing Cave, Bomod-ok waterfalls (the Big falls), Lumiang Cave, Echo Valley, and the Hanging Coffins there. The rest are not that remarkable. The culinary experience of Sagada must also be experienced- favorites include the Yoghurt House, the Log Cabin at St. Joseph's, and Masferre's. The pinikpikan is the delicacy to try: it is chicken with a "special preparation". Also noteworthy are the native wines of Sagada (P120 per bottle). They have various flavors: lemon, persimmon, duhat (native plum), strawberry, blueberry, pear, etc. Mountain tea comes very cheap at P10 per packet. Sagada is truly a wonderful, magnificent place!

Travel to Apo Reef Dive Sites and Destination- Second largest coral reef in the world

2009-12-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

Travel to Apo Reef Dive Sites and Destination- Second largest coral reef in the world

Apo Reef is one of the most best and famous diving site in the Philippines and the one of the most popular coral reef in the world. Apo Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world and the largest one in the country. Apo Reef is the largest among three islands ofthe Apo Reef Nature park. The other two Islands are the Apo Island and the Pand Island. Apo Reef is located 28 kms off the western coast of Mindoro Island, it is 34 kms long and divided into two lagoon systems, north and south.

Apo Reef is one of the world class diving site in the Philippines and is a pure bliss for divers. Apo Reef diving has some spectacular drop offs and walls with some of the best visibility in the country. The shallow lagoon with a depth of 2 meters to 10 meters surrounded by mangrove forest which serves as source of food, nursery and spawning ground of several coastal and marine species of fauna and sanctuary of birds. Its diverse corals are approximately 34 sq. km. of reef where different species of fish, marine mammals and invertebrates thrive. If you like big fish action Apo Reef will not disappoint you, schools of trevally, tuna and the photographers dream, barracuda’s, not to mention hammerheads, white and black tip reef sharks, manta, eagle and sting rays and turtles galore.

Apo Reef is a protected sanctuary and declared a National Park in 1996. Apo Reef Natural PArk has a unique natural phenomenon and has a high diversity of corals and has an island covered with terrestrial vegetation.

Trips to Apo reef are generally arranged from Pandan Island Resort on the west coast of Mindoro Island, Pandan Island itself to the south, or from Puerto Galera, 125 km away. Most live-aboard boats feature the area in their itineries also.

How to get there

3 hours by boat from Pandan Island. 125 kms by boat from Puerto Galera. Live-aboards from 1-5 days.

Famous Diving Site Sites in Apo Reef Philippines

Apo Island: This Island has some lovely and scenic view with a magnificent and good assorment of dive sites. Stunning and outstanding hard and soft corals are all around and enormous table corals, stag horns, brain corals and fire corals can be seen.

Huge drop-offs and spectacular walls are in the southern, northern and eastern side of the island. Exotic and enchanting marine life species can be experienced when the currents are strong because a variety of large pelagic species are attracted all around the island.Stunning Marine life will be encountered such as large pelagics, including tuna, jacks, humphead wrasses, mantas and hammerheads.

Shark Ridge: Located at the Eastern side of Apo Island. This diving spot is named Shark Ridge because many whitetip and blacktip sharks can be seen. Mantas are also common in this site but the corals are not so good.

Binangaan Drop-off: Site drop-off site is located at the southwest side of Apo Island and another good wall to explore. Impressive gorgonians and plenty of soft and hard corals can be seen in this site. Exotic Marine life is vibrant and schools of humphead parrotfish, tuna, groupers, snappers and other large pelagics can be experienced.

Hunters Rock: This reef is located 20 km off the west coast of Apo Reef. This site is not for beginners because the current is strong. Experienced guide is needed to find the spot. Numerous sea snakes can be found in here especially during mating season June and July. Beautiful marine life can be seen in here and masses of corals and sponges. This reef is home to schools of tropical fish, including butterflyfishes, snappers and sweetlips. Sharks, big trevallys and other predatory fish are common.

Merope Rock: This is similar to Hunters rock and is located 20 km off the west coast of Apo Reef. There is a good wall on the eastern side of this rock and you will find big fish, sharks, barracuda and trevally.

Pandan Island: Going to Apo Reef is by boat from Pandan Island. Located off the West coast of Mindoro Island and is a private resort. There are numerous beautiful dive sites here in Pandan Island that the depths ranges from 2m to 20m which is ideal for beginners. Wide variety of marine fauna and life, from colourful corals to small reef fish and larger pelagics can be found in here.

Anilao Dive Sites - A Diving Paradise in the Philippines

2009-12-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

Anilao Dive Sites - A Diving Paradise in the Philippines

Anilao, Batangas is a very popular spot for diving and snorkeling. Anilao is one of the world-class diving spot in the Philippines. It is the closest weekend paradise for divers based in the city of Manila. The waters are teeming with marine life, plenty of corals and amazing diversity of fishes. It is hard to imagine that this beautiful place is just about 3 to 4 hours from Manila. The northwest shore of the Calumpang Peninsula, from Anilao to Bagalangit, is lined with plenty of good resorts that cater primarily to divers. From any of the resorts, you can rent a boat for island hopping or arrange for a dive tour and visit the superb diving spots, coves, and islands like the Sombrero and Maricaban islands.

Anilao is a favorite destination for weekend diving trips. This place is also ideal for excursions and family outings where the southern towns where resorts are situated within short boat rides to excellent dive sites. Here in Anilao, you can choose from any 24 diving sites between the coast of Anilao and Maricaban Island. The most popular site is the Cathedral (average of 60 ft.), a roofless cavern with a blessed cross flanked by two large sea mounts. Some of the most popular are Sombrero island, Bonito island and Maricaban. Sombrero island is a marine sanctuary preserved to protect aquatic animals. Another spectacular site is Mapating Rock- a drop off to about 130 ft. Sharks and pelagic fishes, Damselfish, groupers and blennes are common inhabitants of the area.

How to get there

Take a 2/12 hour trip from Manila to Anilao. Take a bus from Pasay City going to Batangas. from Batangas, take a jeepney ride from P. Burgos St. to the little town of Mabini. From Mabini, take another jeepney ride to Anilao which takes about 20 mins.

Famous Dive Sites in Anilao, Batangas Philippines

Maricaban Island: This dive site has a depth of 6-37m and the current is from mild to strong. most of the dive sites in this region are actually found off Maricaban and Sombrero Islands, both a short boat trip away from Anilao. The major sites have been described seperately. There are a multitude of others and some that deserve a special mention in this section are Devil's Point, Kirby's Rock, Daryl Laut, Bethlehem and Caban Cove.

All the above sites offer a variety of challenges, including sandy slopes, drop-offs, caves and overhangs. Depending on visibility and currents, the opportunities for macro-photography are excellent.

Bonito Island: This dive site has a depth of 18-24m and the current can be strong. Situated off the east coast of Maricaban Island are two smaller ones worthy of mention - Bonito and Malajibomanoc (meaning chicken feather in Tagalog). They are both marine sanctuaries that have coral heads on sandy slopes from 6-24m. Currents can be strong.

When there's a current, shoals of jacks, snappers and fusiliers can be seen. In amongst the sandy areas, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, stingrays and moray eels can be found.

Malajibomaoc: has hot springs at 20m. Corals are abundant as are barrel sponges and crinoids. You can encounter parrotfish, groupers, batfish, trumpetfish, cornetfish, moray eels, anthras and pufferfish. Blacktip reef sharks frequent the area as well.

Ligpo Island: This dive site has 20-30m depth and the current can be strong. It's possible to get around this small island in one dive, but you may have to take shelter from currents. There is a cave on the east side and an undersea mount on the west side which gets deep. On the eastern side, you can expect to encounter all the usual reef fish. When there is a current, various pelagic species appear from the depths on the western side. It is a good night time dive at neap tides with lots of moray eels, catfish and squid.

The Cathedral: This diving site is 20-30m depth and the current can be strong. This site is a Marine Park Sanctuary. New coral has been seeded and the site is now teeming with fish. It is the most popular site in The Philippines. It resembles a roofless cavern, consisting of two large sea mounts with a small cross planted at 15 meters. When there is current, you will be surrounded by feather stars and inflated soft corals everywhere. In addition, there are plenty of colourful sponges and nudibranches, hydroids, sea squirts, Feather Duster Worms and algae, with christmas-tree worms in the coral.

Fish looking for a quick feed include the smaller angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, triggerfish, Moorish Idols, damselfish, pufferfish and surgeonfish. You'll also encounter parrotfish and hawkfish, blue sea stars, sea cucumbers, barrel sponges and anemones with clownfish.

Koala: This dive site has 18-24m depth and the current is medium. This is a good site for novices with a gentle slope from 9-24m. There are some large boulders housing small reef fish, anemones with clownfish and soft coral.

Mainit Point: This dive site has 15-30 depth and the current can be very strong. In this site, rocks break the surface and boulders form miniature drop-offs from 5-30 meters. Marine life plentiful and varied. Corals are in good condition and Moorish idols, Porcupinefish, Pufferfish, Snappers, Powder-blue surgeonfish, jacks, scorpionfish, wrasses and many other types of fish can be seen.Whitetip reef sharks have been seen resting in a cave at 7meters. It may be necessary to take shelter behind boulders when photographing due to strong currents.

Beatrice Rock: This diving site has 14-27 m depth and the current can be strong. The site offers a series of short drop-offs with channels inbetween from 5-27m. It is densely populated with most reef fish including triggerfish, snappers, surgeonfish, jacks and anthias. If you're lucky, you may see turtles and Blue-ringed octopuses.

Layag-Layag: This dive site has 10-18m depth and the current is medium to fierce. This site features extensive coral formations on a steep, yet shallow slope. It has masses of marine life and often very good visibility. All the normal reef fish can be seen and when there is current, shoals of pelagic fish are not uncommon. The dive is best known for its very large Spanish Dancer nudibranches. Fierce currents make neap tides the best time for diving and snorkeling is good, but care should be taken with tide tables and slack water chosen.

Mapating Rock: This site has 20-40m depth and the current is very strong. This site is also known as sharks' reef, this submerged rock has a shallow area at 12m, ending in a series of drop-offs that descend to 40m. This is a site for experienced divers only as currents are extremely strong. You will discover all varieties of fish, several pelagic species and occasionally Whitetip and Grey Reef sharks.

Other beautiful and enchanted dive sites in Anilao are Eagle Point, Arthur's Rock, Dead Palm, Twin Rocks, Red Rock, Bahura, Kirby's Rock, Caban Cove, Dari Laut, Sepok Wall, Bethlehem, Sombrero Island, Merriel's Rock, Devil's Point,

Puerto Galera Dive Sites - World's Best diving destination in the Philippines

2009-12-24T04:18:00.000-08:00

Puerto Galera Dive Sites - World's Best diving destination in the Philippines

Puerto Galera is one of the popular diving destination here in the Philippines and also is known worldwide because of its world class diving and snorkeling. Puerto Galera is located on the northern shore of Mindoro Island just 130 kms South of Manila and 14 nautical miles from Batangas.

Puerto Galera has numerous beautiful and marvelous dive sites to offer and these diving sites are very accessible. Snorkeling is usually good just offshore. The depth of the diving sites are from 5 meters to 40 meters and the water temperatur is between 26 to 29 degress centigrade. The currents of these diving sites are oftern brisk and unpredictable and this create a challenge to novice divers. Snorkeling is usually good just offshore.

Puerto Galera is rich in marine life and it has many to offer to the divers. Puerto Galera is also a divers paradise because you can see different exotic marine life species. Big fishes like White tip Sharks, Barracudas, Tunas, even Eagle Rays, Turtles can be seen on selected dive sites like the popular Canyons, Shark Caves, Boulders, especially so on a drift dive during big tide exchanges.

Not only that, you will also experience the presence of thriving fish life like batfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, wrasses and butterfly fish. Aside from rarely seen exotic fishes like Spanish Dancer, harlequin ghost-pipefish and at least 5 different colors of camouflaged frogfish, fire gobies and blue-ribbon eels.

Puerto Galera has has so much to offer to marine biologists and underwater photographers because of the beautiful and enchanting varied species of soft corals, gorgonians, crinoids, colorful sponges and turnicates, crustaceans, shrimps and the most popular the "NUDRIBRANCHS".

Puerto Galera holds the reputation as the best diving area in the Philippines and Asia because of the great ecological complexity and the abundant of exotic marine life species that experts come here to study the ecostructure of micro-organsims, marine life, animals and plants.

How to get there

2 hour drive to Batangas pier. 2 hours by boat to Puerto Galera

Famous Dive Sites in Puerto Galera Philippines

Kilima Drift: This is one of the places where drift dives can be exhilarating when Puerto Galera currents are strong. In this site, you can see schools of barracuda, mackerel, trevally and the occasional Blacktip reef shark all waiting for their food. You must have experienced guides on this drift.

Sinandigan Wall: This dive site has a depth of 5-30m and the current can be fierce. This dive site is well known because of the variety of invertibrates that can be found. Nudibranches are found in profusion and colour-changing cuttlefish are common.

Medio Island: Located in the west of Mindoro Island and north of Puerto Galera town. Spectacular dive sites can be found in this Island and these are the Manila Channel, Coral Gardens, Batangas Channel and Sweetlip Cave.

Manila Channel: This dive site has a depth of 18m and is good for novice divers. An abundance of stony hard coral can be found at this dive site. The reef starts in 1m/3' of water and extends out until two small walls are encountered. Exotic marine life can be seen here like different types of anemones with clownfish, lionfish, sea stars, Christmes Tree Worms and reef fish.

Coral Gardens: This dive site has a depth of 10m and is the best snorkeling snorkeling in the area and a great dive for novices and photographers. You can see carities of corals and moray eels hiding out in crevices. This site can also be an exhilarating drift dive from Manila Channel to Batangas Channel. Small Whitetip reef shark may be encountered occasionally.

Batangas Channel: This dive site has a depth of 15m and a good drift dive on the right tide. You will see shoals of jacks, sweetlips, fusiliers and snappers thrive here. You can also experience on seeing stingrays and Whitetip and Grey reef sharks. Unusual creatures such as blue-ribbon eels, crocodile fish and stonefish. In this dive site, many unusual sponge and coral formations.

Sweetlip Cave: This dive site has a depth of 55m and is a very spectacular dive site because variety of marine life can be seen in here. This is actually a cavern with a tunnel running through it that brings you back to the reef. This dive site is for experienced diver only.

Coron Bay Palawan Philippines Dive Site - World Famous Wreck Diving

2009-12-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

Coron Bay Palawan Philippines Dive Site - World Famous Wreck Diving

Coron Bay is one of the most popular diving destination here in the Philippines. This site is one of the most famous wreck diving destinations of the entire world due to the amount of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity due to these area's waters usual transparency.

The wrecks in Coron Bay are alive with soft and hard corals and variety of exotic wild marine can be found. The wrecks in Coron Bay are some of the finest sites in the Philippines today. Some of the wrecks are huge up to 160 meters in length. Coron Bay is located in North of Palawan that lies between Busuanga and Culion Islands.

On World War II, Twelve Japanese supply ships are anchored in Coron Bay where US Navy launched a massive air strike. These ships were sunk at depths of 10 to 43 meters. Eight of these ships are discovered in Coron Bay where it is now became a wreck diving paradise in the country. All the wreck ships are still intact structurally and some stunning penetrations and swim throughs are possible. Some wrecks have huge blast holes, allowing masses of natural light to penetrate deep into the wrecks, making for a magical experience for the novice wrecker!

The Coron wrecks are one of the best kept diving secrets in the World and, as a result, you will be unlucky to find another dive boat at any of the wrecks you visit. Today, Coron is not only famous for its wreck diving, it is also become popular for its reef diving too. Coral reefs are re-establishing itself because of the fish sanctuaries that are being implemented. Spectacular and beautiful artificial reefs can be found outside the wrecks and are laden with both hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish life.

How to get there

by air from Manila to Coron airport. Live-aboards

Famous Wreck Diving Site Sites in Coron Bay Palawan Philippines

Irako Wreck: This is a Japanese refrigeration ship which is about 147m long. This is probably the best wreck dive in the Philippines. Irako is located at the mouth if Coron Bay. This shipwreck is still intact and has a good visibility. This is the best of any wreck in the area and also popular with diver enthusiast. Spectacular marine life is varied and you can see big groupers, schools of tuna and yellow fin, lion fish and scorpion fish live around this wreck. Sea turtles live in the crumpled and folded metal of the superstructure.

The best to explore in this wreckage is the underneath of the superstructure. It is possible to go down into a cargo hold at 36m and swim through to the galley. There are still pots, pans and wiring to be seen. From here, you swim out through a stairway amidships. There is a beautiful deep penetration through the engine room for trained, experienced and properly equipped divers.

Okikawa Maru Wreck: This wreckage was a civilian tanker/oiler which was sunk near Sunk near Busuanga Island, 2 miles south of Conception, near Coron Bay. The ship is 160m long. The shipwreck is lying upright in 26m of water and by length, width and volume is the largest of the Coron wrecks and an hour long dive is possible. This wreck site is also known as Conception wreck. This wreckage is totally covered with beautiful corals and offers a variety of marvelous marine life.

The deck of this wreckage is between 10m and 16m and is good for wreck dive beginners. For advance wreck divers, many penetration are possible including the propeller shaft from the outside of the ship all the way into the engine room. A spectacular swim through is possible from the front portion of the ship which is accessible, starting at a cargo hold on top and coming out of the twisted wreckage at the front.

In this wreck dive site, you will ecounter sweetlips, grouper, lionfish, surgeons, wrasse, tang and soldierfish. In addition, the whole wreck is covered with soft and hard corals and sponges.

The Akitsushima Wreck: This is the only Japanese warship sunk in Coron Bay. This ship is 118m long. The ship was hit directly towards the stern where the flying boat was kept but still the ship was intact. The ship was almost torn into two pieces and the flying boat disappeared. This is a beautiful wreckage to dive because the wreck also attracts a good amount of marine life. You will experience a magnificent marine life like giant groupers, schools of barracuda hiding under the bow, yellow fin tuna, yellowfish, grouper, snapper, batfish and a huge assortment of smaller reef fish.

Kogyo Maru Wreck: This Kogyo Maru was a Japanese freighter carrying construction materials for building a airfiled for the Japanese and was sunk into Coron Bay. The ship is 158m long, displaces 6,353 tons and situated to the north of Irako Wreck, just off Tangat Island. This wreck site is good for beginners and most swim throughs are large. You can see cement bags are evident and you'll come across a bulldozer, tractor and air compressor, all of which are intact and encrusted.

Swim through the cavernous engine room and look at the hardware then out through the bridge. If air is low go up to the port side of the bridge and look at the soft corals growing there and the fish life living on this artificial coral reef at 22 meters.

Wonderful marine life can be seen in this wreckage like giant pufferfish, waspfish and barracuda. Soft and hard corals are everywhere as are sponges.

Olympia Maru Wreck: This was Japanese army cargo ship which was sunk in Coron Bay. This ship is 120m long and lies on her starboard. This wreckage is located south of Busuanga and west of Tangat Island. Penetration in this wreckage is easy at the cargo holds. This wreckage is a very good wreck dive site because it has a fantastic variety of marine life with large shoals of banana fish, scorpionfish, giant bat fish and giant puffer fish, especially around the mast, bow and stern. The superstructure of this wreckage is covered with beautiful soft corals and bushes of black corals.

Kyokuzan Maru Wreck: This is a Japanese army cargo ship which was sunk in Northeast of Busuanga Island. The ship is 136m long. This wreck site is far from Coron Bay in which that it is not often visited by divers. This is a beautiful wreck dive site. This huge ship is still intact and offers a good visibility. You will discover various cars and trucks from a bygone age in the cargo room.

East Tangat Gunboat Wreck: This is a Japanese gunboat or a submarine hunter and is located off the eastern side of Tangat Island. This wreckage is ideal for novice divers. Beautiful coral reefs can be seen.

Nanshin Maru Wreck: This is a Japanese oil tanker which is located close to Black Island Beach and can be reached in a day from Coron. The ship is 50m long that sits upright on a sandy bottom. This is a good wreck dive site for beginners. Photography is good in this area because the water is clear. Exotic marine life can be seen in this area like scorpionfish, batfish, groupers, lionfish and trumpetfish. Night diving is excellent as well.

Japanese Freighter: This is an unknown Japanese Freighter but some say that this is the Taiei Maru, The Morazon Maru or even The Mamiya Maru. But no one seems so sure if what is the name of ship. This ship is located not far west off Tangat Island in 25m of water and is 140m long. The massive boilers in the center of the ship are still intact and are a big attraction to the divers. If you time your dive between 10am-2pm and it's sunny, the wreck is lit up like a cathedral.

This is an impressive wreck dive site because variety of marine life can be experience. Hard corals cover the port side and you'll also see groupers, sweetlips, sea snakes and the occasional turtle. See if you can find the two resident trumpet fish that hang out half a meter over the part side corals. Many scorpion fish hang out around the wreck area.

Lusong Gunboat Wreck: This is a Japanese gunboat or a submarine hunter which is sunk in the east side of Lusong Island. This wreck site is good for snorkeling and photography. This site has a good variety of hard corals and marine life.

Skeleton Wreck: All that remains of this 25m steel-hulled boat are the keel, ribs and stringers. This wreck was beached with the bow a dozen meters from Coron Island. The stern points directly away from the island. A pass through on the starboard side of the hull at 14 meters allows you to swim from the inside of the boat out over the coral reef.

Cathedral Cave: This site is an unusual sites which is located on the south end of Coron Island on the east side. This cave illuminates when a shaft of daylight penetrating from a fissure higher up the outside rock face. Breathtaking colorful corals are visible in the area and look out for lobsters and cowrie shells.

Barracuda Lake: This is also one of the unusual dive site. Firstly, you will have to climb up a limestone mountain in full gear for 15-20 minutes until you arrive at the lake. Then there's a 33m dive to a cave with 30m of penetration. The cave is situated on the north wall of the lake and so named for its resident barracuda who may deign to show you around. The opportunities for photography at this point are excellent.

Palawan Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-21T03:45:00.000-08:00

Palawan is the Philippines' most exotic tourist destination with it's deserted islands, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, misty mountains and teeming wildlife. Palawan is a paradise in the Philippines. Palawan is known for it's name as the 'Last Frontier'.

Palawan, an island province is surrounded by coral shelf that is home of colorful marine life and because of this, Palawan is declared as a nature sanctuary. Palawan has 1,768 island and islets. It's land area is almost 1.5 heactare land and is rich in rainforests, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and untrodden beaches.

Because Palawan is rich in natural resources, it attracts local and foreign visitors. The enchanted beauty of the place is unsurpassed that tourist keeps on coming back. Palawan beach resort and diving spots are among te worlds best. Palawan is a diver's paradise because of the reefs which surround the costs and coves teeming with a multitude of marine life.

Exotic animals exist in Palawan in which it cannot be found anywhere in the world. Flora and fauna like the mouse deer and scaly ant eaters are among the animals that cannot be found nowhere but only in Palawan.

Not only world-class beach resort and dive sites, Palawan has also enchanting scenery like caves, underground river, Wildlife Sanctuary and Honda Bay Islands.

Palawan Tourist Attraction

Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is devoted to wildlife preservation of animals coming from Africa such as zebras and gazelles, giraffes and elands and our own animals which can only be found in Palawan like bearcat, mousedeer and peacock pheasant. This santuary is has an area of 3,700 hectare

Coron Reefs: One of the enchanting scenery in Palawan in which tourist want to go. It has Seven enchanting lakes, perfectly surrounded by craffy limestone cliffs. It attracts tourist and nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan. This is one of the world-famous diving sites in the world.

El Nido Marine Reserve: is one of the most popular ecosystems tourist destination in the Philippines. Palawan is proud to have this popular diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. Here divers can see the rarest marine mammal, the sea cows locally called "dugong".

St. Paul Subterranean River National Park: A very attractive natural scenery in Palawan and One of the world's wonders. The river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. The captivating limestone cave reveals the stalactite pillars, rock formations and domed amphitheaters.

Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park: Is reputed as the country's best diving site and one of the world's best diving spot. The reef is abundant in marine life and because of this it was named a World Heritage Site. The island consists of two islets with lots of soft corals and small cave. Divers can see Tubbataha shark, turtles and manta rays.

Philippines - Travel Escape Destination

2009-12-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

Why do you choose Philippines for your adventure outdoor escaped?

The Philippines is an excellent place for an outdoor adventure travel. The country has many things to offer to local and foreign tourist visitors especially to outdoor adventure enthusiasts. There are variety of extreme outdoor adventure escapes that Philippine have that are waiting for you. These outdoor adventure will push you to your limits and surely you will enjoy it have fun. If you get tired or exhausted then there you can pursuit for relaxation and you will love it.

Affordability? Then you don't have to worry because here in the Philippines, everything is within your budget. Yes, because everything here in the country is very affordable from accommodation, food and transportation. You will get great value for your money especially in the provinces where the outdoor adventure escape usually located. You'll be surprise at how far you money can go.

The outdoor adventure travel escape destinations in the Philippines are now very accessible by air, land and water. These destination are equipped with modern facilities and amenities for the convenience of local and foreign tourist travelers especially communication. Internet access and cellular network phone network and convenient pre-paid mobile phone services are excellent so that it can help you in touch with friends and family. Modern infrastructure and facilities are installed so that travelers and tourist can enjoy in their adventure.

Just choose what kind of extreme outdoor adventure travel you want from aquatic adventure travel to land adventures or Eco-tourism adventures or maybe aerial adventure. You will always get thrill when you go to these adventure travel destinations because you will have full of fun and adventure. The aquatic adventure includes watersports such as sea kayaking, scuba diving, board sports, surfing, white water rafting and many more. The land adventures includes mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, cave exploration and etc. The eco-tourism adventures includes the whale and dolphin watching, canopy walk, bird watching and more. And the aerial adventures includes sky diving, ultralight flying, hot air ballooning and etc.

About the language barrier where it is always a problem especially when you go to remote areas, here in the Philippines almost everybody can speak and understand English. Leave those phrase books at home.

It's a one of a kind experience when you travel in the Philippines especially the outdoor adventure travel escapes and you will never forget this one kind of travel experience.

Best Reasons to Travel to the Philippines

2009-12-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Traveling the Philippines With Flow

This lens is about all the things that I have learned, traveling all over the Philippines. I'm a real travel bug and I'm always looking for ways to experience new things-whether it be the culture, meeting new people, trying out new food, finding new secluded beaches or just plain relaxing on a mountain.

The Philippines and its 7,107 islands of pristine white sand beaches and tropical rainforests is just the perfect playground for those who love to go backpacking! Come join me as I continue to embark on my journey around the country.

Budget Travel in the Philippines: How Much Would it Cost?

The economy ruining your travel plans for the year? The Philippines is the best place to go to when it comes to budget travel. Here's a breakdown of necessities that you'll have to spend on. You'd be surprised at just how much you only need to save up!

1. AIRFARE TO MANILA: $1,000
There are hundreds of locations from which you can catch a flight going to Manila.

The following are estimated airfare prices depending where you're coming from:
$100 - within the Southeast Asian region
$800 - from the West coast in the U.S. and Australian continent
$1,200 if you're flying in from Europe

Prices also depend on low and high season travel dates (low season is around May to October), and if you're buying tickets from sites or travel agencies that offer low fares to this destination (see Orbitz trip builder bottom of page).

But just to be safe, let's put in some allowances and say that the ticket will cost you around $1,000. Not bad for an airline ticket that will take you to the ultimate tropical paradise, eh?

2. 3-NIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN MANILA: $120
The value of the US dollar and Euro are king in this country. The value of 1 US dollar is equivalent to 47 Philippine pesos as I write this (it's June 2009).1 Euro is equivalent to around 70 Philippine pesos. And because the politics tend to get a little messy around here, these values fluctuate a lot. Usually in favor of the dollar and Euro.

So let's say you want to stay in Manila for 3 nights before heading to an island paradise or the mountains. You can either:
a) Get a room at those shady motels in the red light district for $20/night
b) Get a decent and clean room in the middle of the business district for $40/night c) A luxurious room at the Shangri-la or Mandarin Oriental for around $120/night.

Let's say you're the practical type who can do with simple furnishings, hot water, cable TV and a comfortable bed and you go for the $40 room. That's $120 for three nights.

3. DOMESTIC AIRFARE TO YOUR PARADISE OF CHOICE: $60
I'd normally recommend that you book your domestic flights in advance (most especially if you are traveling during the peak seasons in the Philippines--March, April, October, November and December), but if flying out to the other islands just came as an afterthought (traveling the backpacker way!), then you can easily book flights online from domestic airline sites such as:

Cebu Pacific, www.cebupacificair.com
Sea Air, www.flyseair.com

You can also pay a visit to a travel agency nearby (there's tons of these around) to ask for assistance. I would highly recommend Mango Tours (www.mangotours.com), which I've had a lot of experience with in my travels.

4. 4-NIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN PARADISE: $120
Outside Manila, the prices of accommodations vary greatly depending on your preferences and of course, where you head to. Here's a list of accommodations in various locations, with prices for decent budget rooms and luxury rooms:

Boracay Island, Aklan
(2-km stretch of pristine white sand; the Ibiza of the Philippines)
Decent budget room: $20/night
Secluded luxury resort: $100/night

El Nido, Palawan
(secluded island paradise of 30 islets)
Decent budget room: $30/night
Secluded luxury resort: $120/night

Baguio, Benguet
(a culture-rich city at the top of a mountain with a cool climate)
Decent budget room: $20/night
Luxury hotel: $80/night

You take your pick. If you're the ultimate practical backpacker, I recommend that you get the decent budget room for $20/night, to save more for other activities that will allow you to explore and experience the locality.

5. TOTAL FOOD EXPENSES (PER MEAL): $10
$10 is a decent amount to pay for a meal in Manila, but if you're out of the city, $10 is more than enough for a meal. Actually, it's enough to buy you a feast--seafood, native delicacies, exotic dishes, dessert.. maybe a couple of beers.

6. ALLOWANCES FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES: ???
It's up to you to put in the amount for the activities that you'll want to try while in the country. You might want to allocate a generous amount here, because there's so much that you can do at the beach, in the city and even in the mountains. The main idea of this section is to give you an idea of how relatively cheap it is to maximize your stay here, without shelling out too much cash!

Republic of the Philippines

2009-12-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

About Philippines - Philippines which is often called the "Pearl of the Orient Seas" is found in the Malay archipelago in Southeast Asia. Philippine in which is rich in natural resources comprises 7,107 islands that is called the Philippines archipelago. The total land area is approximately 300,000 square kilometers or 116,000 square miles. The capital is Manila. Philippine is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It stands in the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It has three main islands Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Philippines is very accessible to the different capitals of the world. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern neighbors and further north is Japan. In the west side are the Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia. Its unique location has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.

The country was named by Ruy López de Villalobos "Las Islas Filipinas" after King Philip II of Spain during his failed expedition in 1543. The name Filipinas was referring to the entire archipelago. The Pearl of the Orient Seas has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture.

Philippines was a colony of Spain for more than 300 years until it Spain give it up to the US in 1898 when Spain was defeated in the Spanish-American War. In the world war II, Philippines was occupied by Japan. After the Japanese were defeated in 1945, the Philippines achieved independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. The country faced economic and political instability. The rule of Ferdinand Marcos for 21 years ended when people revolt against that forced him to exile. That event was the 1986 EDSA Revolution "People Power" and it was a bloodless revolution. In 2001, Another EDSA Revolution and that was called "People Power II" to remove Joseph Estrada as President of the Republic of the Philippines. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Vice President succeeded as the President. Up to now Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still the President of the Philippines but was accused of corruption and election fraud.

The Philippines is renowned because of its historical background. For centuries, Philippines is already been active in trading and in fact it is the trading center since pre-colonial period. Philippines is also known for it's struggle to freedom. It is a place where many battles and political revolution takes place for centuries. But right now it is the cultural meeting place for the East and West Countries.

The country is also known for it's enchanting natural beauty where tourist want see. It's world-class white sand beach resorts, the best diving spots in the world, scenic wildlife attractions, beautiful volcanoes and mountains and legendary astounding architectural and historical structures are among the features of our country that we are proud of. Philippine has hundred of attractive tourist destinations, making the country as top travel destination for nature lovers, honeymooners and adventure seekers from all around the world. Philippine is also known as the inexpensive tourist destination in the world. Hotels, food and transportation are affordable and inexpensive. Philippine is a paradise in that is found in the heart of Southeast Asia. Filipinos are fun-loving, warmth and charming people. "Pearl of the Orient Seas" was the title given by Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, to his homeland. A modern hero, Benigno Aquino Jr., paid tribute to his courageous fellowmen by saying, " The Filipino is worth dying for".

Baguio Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-19T18:04:00.000-08:00

Baguio name as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country. Baguio is one of the most visited tourist destination in Asia. Situated in the mountains of the Cordillera Region, 1,500 m above the sea, 250 km north of Manila, Baguio is the place where you will enjoy the cool climate all year round. Baguio is made for sightseeing because of the attractive and lovely scenic views and a number of magnificent tourist attractions. Baguio is a perfect place to unwind yourself and is a perfect mountain retreat.

Baguio is rich in natural resources especially gold and silver. That is why Baguio is one of the gold-mining region of the Philippines. Beautiful and exotic handicrafts are also produce here.

Baguio is one of the popular golf destination in the Philippines. The city is proud in its Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay. Baguio is also known to the world because of its world class resort and is also the biggest pine tree conservation area.

Baguio Tourist Attraction

Baguio Cathedral: One of the city's religious landmarks that is often visited by tourist and locals. The twin-spire structure is so unique and superb. The cathedral is set up on a hill that offers a magnificent view of the whole place.

Baguio Country Club: The club has tennis court and superb 18-hole golf course for it's members and guest.

Botanical Garden: Features native huts typical of Cordilleras architecture. This village within a village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller.

Burnham Park: Prime tourist attraction in Baguio which is located in the heart of the city. Burnham Park is the traditional venue of the city's numerous festivities. The park has many features. The man-made lagoon is ideal for boat riders, a skating rink, an athletic field and stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a biking zone, tree-and-flower lined promenades, and a plant market.

Camp John Hay: It is called Club John Hay today, is formerly the recreational center of US personnel in the Philippines. The Camp offers the best recreational facilities in Baguio. It includes an 18-hole golf course, six tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a six-lane bowling centre, a heated swimming pool and seven food outlets. It also has beautiful designed cottages and is a great place for relaxing and unwinding.

Lourdes Grotto: One of the city's religious landmarks that the shrine houses the image of the Lady of Lourdes. You will to climb up the 252 steps to reach the Grotto. Upon reaching the top, you will experience and see the wonderful scenic view of the city.

Mines View Park: You can see and enjoy the striking view of of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains in which is the main attraction of the park.

Mummies of Kabayan: Fascinating archeological treasures and discoveries in the town 82 km northeast of Baguio where three well preserved mummies are estimated 500 years old. The bodies of these our ancestors are placed in a capsule-shaped coffins and buried in caves in high cliffs.

Philippine Military Academy: The school for officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in which is located in the surroundings of lush pine forests. A Military Museum is found in the Academy.

The Mansion: The majestic mansion never fail to enchant the tourist when visiting Baguio. Because of its appealing landscaped gardensn rectangular pool and even the gate are patterned after that London's Buckingham Palace. The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.

You can also go to this wonderful and lovely places in which are also Baguio's tourist attraction: Aguinaldo Museum, Asin Hot Spring, Asin-an Sulfur Springs, Bell Church, Bridal Veil Falls, Bued River Gorge, Ifugao Woodcarvers Village, Wright Park and Kennon Road.

Bulacan Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

Bulacan is one of the province that is very rich in history, culture and tradition in the Philippines. This is one of the places that Filipino heroes and patriots came from. Bulacan is also the home of the many talented Filipino in the field of arts, music and literature. Bulacan is also one of the province that fought for freedom against the Spaniards. Bulacan is one of the province that is a melting pot of the past and the present, the old and the new, the countryside and the urbane.

Bulacan is a province that was founded in 1578. The province of Bulacan holds a very special place in the Philippine history. The descendants of Bulakenyos are refugees from Bagumbayan during the British occupation of Manila from 1762 to 1764. At that time the people of Bulacan is strengthening the Tagalog identity of the province. During the Spanish period, there are many historical events that happened here in Bulacan in the fight for freedom. The most famous is the Biak na Bato Pact in 1897 which signifies the first phase if the Philippine Revolution. The first Constitution of the Philippine Republic was drafted at Barasoain Church in Bulacan by the leaders of the Philippine independence in the Malolos Congress in 1898.

Th Province of Bulacan is the home of many Philippine Heroes and Partiots such as Marcelo H. del Pilar and his brother Gregorio del Pilar. Not only Filipino Heroes were born here but also talented people in the field of arts, music and literature such as Francisco Balagtas and Jose Corazon de Jesus who is popularly known by his pen name Huseng Batute. Until now, Bulacan is the only province who produce the most national artists that includes Amado Hernandez and Virgilio Almario for literature; Francisco Santiago and Antonino Buenaventura for music; Honarata dela Rama for theater; and Jose Joya for visual arts. There precious works are showcased at Malolos City’s Hiyas ng Bulacan Museum.

The province of Bulacan is still preserving the Filipino culture music that is handed down from generation through the lifting if sounds of bamboo. There is a popular and unique orchestra band name Pangkt Kawayan in Bulacan that draws music from unconventional bamboo instruments. The instruments are are made of bamboo in different sizes, shapes and design that is so unique that only in Bulacan you can find. Ato Magat,age 74, is the only living founder of the band in which he claims that her designed most of the instruments himself. The band is composed of musically-talented students and their songs ranges from folksongs to some light classics, to modern and pop music.

People of Bulacan are also skillful in arts and crafts like making the cut pastillas wrappers in San Miguel, exquisite jewelry from Meycauayan, and singkaban bamboo arches that adorn churches and streets during fiestas. Bamboo crafting is also one of the main source of income here in Bulacan. With the use of bamboo, skillful bamboo craftsmen can make bamboo furniture, towel holders, wine and candle holders, trays, picture frames and other decorative and religious items. Hut that are made of bamboo are also made which is popularly used in resorts and even home gardens. The most traditional and oldest use of bamboo in Bulacan is in making the "singkaban". Bamboo is also widely use in making bamboo decors for Santacruzans and parades. Bamboo is also used in making Christmas trees and lanterns.

Singkaban Festival

The popular Festival in the Province of Bulacan is the Singkaban Festival. Singkabal festival is a festival of arts and culture in honor of the patron saint of the province, Our Lady of Victory. Singkaban Festival shoecases the traditional arts of "Balagtasan", folk dances and "kundiman" amidst a display of Singkaban arches. The festival is celebrated in every second week of September which is in conjunction with the "Linggo ng Bulakan".

The hightlight of this year's Singkaban is the Kawayan Festival. The theme of the Festival is "Bagong Bulakenyo: maka-Diyos, makatao at makakalikasan, mapagmahal sa pamilya, tapat sa bayan, hinutok ng panahon tulad ng Kawayan". The bamboo is a metaphor for the "Bagong Bulakenyo".

Bohol Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

Bohol is well known for for its enchanting and captivating scenic view like the famous chocolate hills and plateau, world class beach resorts, beautiful and popular diving spots, enchanting crystal springs and waterfalls, astounding wildlife and a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. In this province lies fascinating natural wonders where tourist want to see it.

Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. This province is situated in the heart of the Visayas. The west of Bohol is Cebu and in the east is Leyte. Bohol has numerous captivating isles along its coastline. This isles are the world-famous Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin. This isles are also the home of the world class dive spots. The dive spots in Bohol are very popular for tourist because of its has splendid walls, superb variety of marine creatures and boundless beautiful underwater scenery.

Bohol is also the home of the hundreds chocolate hills that is best view in the summer because it really looks lie an oversized chocolate drops. Bohol is also well known as the home of the world's smallest monkey, Tarsier, which they can be found in the hills of Corella.

Bohol Tourist Attraction

Anda: A Little community in the Southeast of Bohol where. Lonely bays, quiet white sand beaches and crystal-clear water lure visitor to stay longer. Attractive and enchanting scenery begins outside Guindulman in along wide white sand beach. The area is best explore by boat.

Baclayon Museum: Situated inside the oldest church in the Philippines Baclayon Church. Located in Baclayon town - 7 km from Tagbilaran City. Collection of religious artifacts, ecclesiastical vestments, librettos of church music in Latin printed on animal skins and other priceless relics and artifacts dating back to the 16th century.

Beaches: Famous and world class beaches in Bohol that tourist want to go to.
Santa Fe Beach - Alburquerque, Bohol
Laya Beach - Baclayon, Bohol
Bikini Beach - Dauis, Bohol
Clarin Beach - Loay, Bohol
Alona Beach - Panglao island, Bohol
Doljo Beach - Panglao island, Bohol
Kaingit Beach - Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Balicasag Island: Is one of the popular diving spots in Bohol. The island can be reach by boat from Panglao island or from Bohol itself.

Bohol Museum: Was once the home of the late President Carlos P. Garcia and his family. This museum is located in Tagbilaran City. The late President's memorabilia together with his family’s bric-brac are displayed here.

Chocolate Hills of Bohol: World renowned tourist attraction in Bohol. The most famous tourist destination that tourist and local came to see the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills. The shape of the hill are almost look uniform and their height ranges from 30-50 meters. The color of the hills are chocolate in the dry season.

Dauis Church: Is one of the most attractive and beautiful church in the Philippines. The church is located in Dauis town 3 km from Tagbilaran. Because of its Spanish architecture in which it describes Bohol's past culture. The most interesting in this church and makes it unique is the well that is found inside and near the altar.

Hinagdanan Cave: The cave is found in Dauis town 6 km from Tagbilaran. Flash light is needed when visiting this uncanny underworld of stalactites and stalagmites with a bathing pool inside the actual cave.

Pamilacan Island: Is one of the country's world renowned and richest scuba diving sites. Huge whales called "Sanga" can be seenin this location.

Panglao Island: Home of the worlds best white sand beach resort with pristine waters and spectacular diving locations which shows off the fabulous underwater marine life. Three major beach strips in Panglao: Bolod, Tawala and Doljo. Resorts of varied facilities exist along these strips.

Punta Cruz Watch Tower: This ancient watch tower serve as a lookout for raiding and vicious incoming pirates. The wooden cross of the was planted by the Spaniards in 1767. The Tower offers awesome views of Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao and is a famous picnic spot in Bohol.

The Tarsier Sanctuary: The Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is the oldest known mammal to walk the earth. The tarsiers are the rarest and one of the endangered wildlife on the earth. Tarsiers are known as the "midget monkey of the Philippines".

Bohol can be reach by Plan or ferry. From Cebu to Tagbilaran takes 40 minutes by Plane. Ferries go from Cebu to Tagbilaran or Tubigon, as well, so getting there is not a problem. Upon reaching Bohol, there are good hotels and resorts where you can stay. Visitors, tourist and locals, can experience the Philippines Hospitality in which gives you contentment and satisfaction guaranteed that will make you come back.

Bacolod Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Bacolod called "The City of Smiles" is the capital and the largest city of Negros Occidental. Bacolod is the only city that wins a grand slam being the most cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. Home of the world-renowned "MassKara Festival" and Pana-ad Sa Negros Festival". Bacolod is rich in cultural and architectural heritage. It has many marvelous landmarks that was constructed in the time of Spanish regime but until now it is still standing.

Bacolod is also the home of the Panaad Park and Stadium. The Stadium has a seating capacity of 15,500 but can hold up to 20,000 people with standing areas. The stadium is equipped with an olympic size swimming pool and a rubberized oval field.

Bacolod is the entrance to the sugar-rich cities, towns of the province because the seaport and airport can be found here. Bacolod can be reached by boat and by plane. It is only 50 minutes away from Manila and 25 minutes from Cebu by plane.

Bacolod is highly urbanized city with a superb road that is wide. Traffic is not a problem in Bacolod. There are luxurious hotels and resorts in Bacolod where you can spend your holidays.

Bacolod has many landmarks and attractions to boast from. Scenic views around the city that are so enchanting, from old mansions to churches and cathedrals, monasteries, parks and buildings built centuries ago.

Bacolod Tourist Attraction

Carmelite Monastery: The Monastery gave visitors a glimpse of a very distinct life lived by nuns.

Provincial Capitol: Named as one of the most beautiful and marvelous capitol building structure in the country.

San Sebastian Cathedral: One of the most important landmark in Bacolod City. A masterpiece of baroche architecture and has an attractive and very stunning decoration.

Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery: This is the only cemetery in the world that is found in the middle of the highway. It hold the Guinness World of Records Holder of the said Category.

Lizares-Rodriguez Mansion: A very beautiful palace, and its the ancestral home of Lizares-Rodriguez Clan.

Sacred Heart Church And Seminary: A beautiful piece of architecture and the interior of the church is beautifully decorated.

Manila Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

2009-12-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the busiest city in Southeast Asia. Manila is the biggest city in the Philippines which is found in Luzon. Manila evolved from a humble beginnings as a village and has grown to become the commercial, governmental and educational centre of the country. Now Manila is the bustling nerve centre of the Philippines.

Manila is one of the nine cities of the metropolis called Metro Manila. The other cities are Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Kalookan, Las Pinas, Paranaque and Mandaluyong. Manila is a combination of old and new traditions and customs that makes the city so amazing. Tourist can see centuries-old buildings and remarkable high-rise hotelsand skycrapers, huge shopping malls, museums, restobars, discotheques and restaurants that makes Manila the vibrant city.

Manila is also known in its scenic landmarks and famous structure like the Intramuros, The fort and St. Augustine Church still are good examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Magnificent 16th century structure can also be seen here in Manila as well as rare collection of religious artifacts hat is dated back 400 years ago. This is one of the tourist attraction that visitors want to see.

Manila Bay is well known to the world because of the spectacular sunset hat tourist can only experience breathtaking golden sunset.

Manila offers a great deal as one of the tourist destination in Asia. Manila features its modern high rise hotels and buildings, rows of gourmet restaurants, entertainment facilities and sports clubs. Manila still has many to offer, and showcase the country's diverse tourist attractions and its culture.

Manila Tourist Attraction

Manila Bay: Is world-renown because of the beautiful golden sunset. Manila Bay is the finest harbour in the Far East.

Intramuros: The magnificent walled city was considered Manila itself. Intramuros was built by Spaniard in 1571. Inside the walled city is a picturesque of cultural and architectural heritage that describes the history of Manila. It offers numerous scenic tourist attraction ike Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago can be found inside Intramuros

Fort Santiago: Located on the north-western route to Intramuros. This Spanish fortress was Spain's major defense position against pirates and invaders. Fort Santiago is also known as the "Shrine of Freedom". This fabulous Fort still has the huge canon that is looking out to the sea.

Chinatown: Located in Binondo, Manila. Chinatown symbolizes the long history of Chinese living here in the Philippines. The Chinese is involve in trade and businessin the Pre-Spanish Period.

Casa Manila: Located on Calle Real cor. general Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. Casa Manila is a Colonial Lifestyle Museum which features antique furnitures and furnishings that is dated back in the 19th century. Also, you can see famous rare collections like religious images, antique piano, crystal chandeliers, four-poster ebony bed, Chinese ceramics and many more that only rich people in the past can afford to buy.

Malacañang Palace: The official residence of the President of the Philippines. Located along the north bank of the Pasig River in Manila. In the spanish Period, Malacañang Palace was also the seat of the head of Government of the Philippines.

Manila Cathedral: The Manila Cathedral has a beautiful design and architecture. The Cathedral has magnificent stone carving and rosette windows. Mosaic artwork decorates three of its side chapels and these along with other artist designs. The Manila Cathedral is the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Located at the Plaza Roma, Intramuros, Manila.

Rizal Park: One of the largest park in Southeast Asia. Rizal Park is known as the Bagumbayan field during the Spanish Period. This park was used for execution ground by the Spaniards for the Filipino Rebels.

University of Sto. Thomas: The oldest University of the country and Asia. This University was founded in 1611 by Reverend Father Miguel de Benavides. UST was used by the Japanese forces as a concentration camp for merican, British, Canadians and other allied nationals.