Philippines Guide

It’s not everyday that one goes to a Philippine tourist spot. Many times a lot of things to enjoy in a tourist spot are missed. This is simply because we do not know how to maximize our experience in a visit to a Philippine tourist spot.

Philippine tourist spots often have more things to offer than just the beautiful spot itself. Most of the time, these tourist spots are well developed for more tourism attractions. For us not to miss all there is to see and experience in tourist spots we have to know what to prepare and what to look for.

First, never forget the camera and to load the camera. Philippine tourist spots are worth taking pictures of. Then, always travel light. Leave luggage in a secure hotel or inn and take along only necessary things that fit a small belt or shoulder bag. Take enough cash according to the planned trip for the day. And never leave without a specific travel plan for the day.

In a tourist spot, always look for the information counter or desk. Ask for what the tourist spot can show, aside from the obvious. For instance, at Mines View Park in Baguio, there are other open terraces that afford other views of the mountains and deep ravines. With a little help from local vendors or tourist guides a trip to a tourist spot can be maximized. Luneta Park in Manila has lots of spots to offer tourists. And various times of the days there are mini programs in a specific spot of the Park. A short inquiry at the Park office would reveal minute details to maximize a visit to this tourist spot.

Luneta Park, for instance, has the Rizal Monument, Chinese and Japanese gardens, a Philippine archipelago replica, a café run by mute, blind, and deaf people, a huge grandstand, Manila Bay view, and an observatory, to name a few. Most tourists just peek at the Rizal Monument, take pictures there, and go. A foreign tourist might pass by Luneta Park and its various tourist spots just once and missing it’s entirety is a big tourist trip loss.

Get to know other visitors in a tourist spot and try to learn what tourist spots they have already visited. Ask their opinions and experiences about the places they have seen or gone to. This saves time and gets direct and fresh information straight from fellow tourists.

Traveling to Philippine tourist spots may be maximized to add to a total Philippine tourist spot experience.

Tags: Tourist Destinations, Filipino, Tourist, vacation, Beach, Baguio, Philippine Islands

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The Philippine Archipelago is composed of more than 7,100 islands, so what better place to do your island-hopping than in this tropical paradise located in South-East Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

The climate is perfect for local and foreign tourists who love the sun, the beach and the sand. The Philippines boasts of long stretches of white sand beaches
and offers first class resort facilities and five-star accommodations that include excellent food and drinks, spas, clubs, entertainment and various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing and other water sports.
 
For the adventurous, the country is blessed with verdant forests and mountains excellent for climbing. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and cool breeze on top of these mountain villages that are endowed with beautiful flora and fauna. Shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan or go bunjee jumping in Subic. One can also try white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, ride a balloon in Clark Field, Pampanga during the Hot air Balloon Festival or explore the underwater caves of Palawan.
 
For the romantic and religious, visit the different museums and centuries-old churches. Enjoy the festival parades that boast of colorful mardi gras costumes and street dancing. Climb the mysterious Mount Banahaw, apopular destination during the Lenten season. Also try the different native delicacies that are exclusive to the region.  Go on a religious retreat in Tagaytay, the Capuchin Retreat House in Lipa, Batangas or visit that “out of the way” place called Caleruega, also in Batangas and get close to nature and to God.
 
Tourists can learn about the rich culture and history of the Philippines by visiting museums and historic places like Corregidor Island, Cebu, Fort Santiago and Malacanang Palace in the City of Manila, Leyte, Malolos Bulacan, Cavite, Vigan and Bataan.
 
Shop till you drop and enjoy the best choices in the giant Malls and department stores. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast haggling and getting big discounts and bargains in the flea markets of Quiapo, Baclaran and Divisoria.
Fall in love with the warm welcoming smiles of the people as they go about their daily activities. The Filipinos are generally polite and are almost always willing to help.

Nature Lovers, City dwellers, Adventure-seeking Individuals, Romantics, and those who are just tired of the pressures of the daily grind, have a different kind of high by island-hopping in the Philippines.

Enjoy and experience the unparalleled hospitality and cheerful fun of the Filipinos and you’ll find yourself coming back over and over again!

PopularTourist Destinations in the Philippines:

Luzon:
 Pagudpud
 Banawe Rice Terraces
 Baguio City
 Pagsanjan Falls
 Vigan
 Hundred Isalands, Pangasinan
 Bicol
 Batangas
 Tagaytay
 Subic Bay
 Siargao Island

Visayas
 Palawan
 Cebu
 Bohol
 Boracay Island
 Guimaras Island
Mindanao
 Cagayan de Oro
 Camiguin Island
 Davao
 Zamboanga

Tags: philippines-beaches, scuba diving, asia travel, Tourist Destinations, Snorkeling, Asia, philippines travel tips

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For energy-drained city people stressed out by work pressures; or those with muscle and back aches looking for the ultimate relief treatment; or just plain daring tourists seeking what more wonders nature can show — The Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines promises an end to the search.

Found in the backwoods and secluded forests between magical mountains of Banahaw and Makiling is Hidden Valley Springs nestled at the foot of the gargantuan mountains; a unique tourist spot that has lured crowds of excursionists.

This tourist spot is an enchanting 110 acres of unspoiled tree forest and rare shrubberies, palms, and ferns interspersed with dazzling natural waterfalls and pristine pools. These are nature-dug water forms through cataclysmic upheavals centuries ago, resulting in hundreds of water puddles of different temperature. As a result, the waters bubbling up come from beneath the earth and rises as natural hot springs.

The natural hot spring waters are said to soothe body aches and relieve stress pains in muscles. Ingested, the pure water from hot springs possesses minerals for body rejuvenation and energy recharge. Splashed on the body or used as a soak-in potion, Hidden Valley Spring water is said to be therapeutic. Many claim the hot spring water can fix a quick remedy for body pains.

Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna is a mere 75 kilometer land trek from Makati (or 2 hours travel). Taking the SLEX or South Luzon Expressway towards the exit to Batangas, proceed to Alaminos, Laguna until the Alaminos Church is in sight. From there directions will lead the traveler to the enigmatic tourist spot.

Hidden Valley Springs boasts of more than 150 plant species most of which are found nowhere else. These are rare or endangered types. Most of them are herbal or medicinal that locals claim work wonders with lots of ailments. The inference is that the healing natural hot spring waters of Hidden Valley Springs have somehow influenced the wild undergrowth—or is it the other way around? But the popular conclusion is that the blend of natural hot spring water and natural herbs has created a synergism that manifests in a calming and healing phenomenon.

Hidden Valley Springs is one of nature’s secret veiled by protective mountains that only daring tourists can discover. It is a tourist spot of numerous hot spring water pools burst by Mother Nature herself to ease all ills, even those of stressful wearied lives of city workers.

Tags: Diving, Dive Sites, Manila, Visayas, Asia, Snorkeling, Beach

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Sipalay is not a byword in Philippine tourism. Not many Filipinos know about this tourist spot except, maybe, the Sipalayans themselves—and a few but growing number of foreign tourists. That’s why it’s a perfect tourist spot for the poet who seeks a far away shelter to meditate life in the recesses of hills and mountains and the deep blue ocean.

It is just about three hours road travel south of Bacolod. And pay particular attention to the last stretch of road, the last hour of travel, because the elusive deep, quiet break is about to start.

The area is defined by hilly coastlines—marvelous glimpses of the sea when the view is not blocked by green, hilly forests.

Except for the long snorkeling and diving sessions through the day, the stay in this tourist spot will prove very settling. The evenings are peaceful, with no evidence of any nightlife, whatsoever. Cell phone signals come rare, so no sudden urgent calls from the office back in the city disturbing the reflecting vacationers. Though some tourist resorts offer Internet services.

The seclusion will ensure the focused appreciation of nature. The gorgeous sunsets of this tourist spot calm the spirit, and most specially the excellent and accessible diving and snorkeling alcoves, and the white sand beaches interspersing dramatic cliffs and coastal hills.

Banca rides are available to other superb diving spots and tourist resorts around the place—short meditations in motion traversing shifting scenes of sea and landscapes. The minute trips bring one to another sea world yet not far from one’s inn. A special feature in these short trips is a house reef of rich corals shallow enough for easy snorkeling—a snorkeling spot banca drivers will not fail pointing out to new comers.

Resorts in Sipalay offer impressive mouth-watering cuisines, mostly native seafood and vegetable dishes, with sprinklings of pork or beef choices palatable even to foreign taste buds. As one hops from one diving spot to another the choice of restaurants widens. Some are a stone’s throw away from each other.

There is also a range of very comfortable bungalows sheltered in hillsides amid coconut tree patches near the sea.

A special word on the sunsets of this tourist spot: there’s nothing like them anywhere else in the country. They’re awe-inspiring and dream-like. Like a scene from a nostalgic painting—more so with occasional intrusions from a few passing boats.

The coastline north and south is worth traveling by boat, and from here one can see distant luxury mansions on remote cliffs—hideaways of sugar magnates.

Sipalay is for the restless spirit or reflective soul who needs a long quiet time away from city fuss. Only the meditative would bother to venture out here in the country of deep sea, sunsets, tasty dishes, and lots of peace and quiet.

Tags: Manila, Philippines, Bicol, Tagalog, Davao, philippine-beaches, expat

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People who enjoy a warm, tropical climate, and friendly and hospitable people will enjoy the Philippines. The Philippines is an archipelago with 7,107 islands situated at the south eastern part of Asia.

Three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, comprise the Philippines archipelago. Each of the three islands boat of travel destination spots worth visiting. Tourists are sure to find their perfect vacation spot in the Philippines, whether they fancy water sports or simply lounging on the beach, trekking and hiking or simply enjoying the views. One need not to go far or spend much to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer.

Local flights can take tourists to key cities and destinations in the Philippines. For those who prefer land or sea travel, other transport options are also available. A few hours north of Manila, travelers can visit a number of cities and towns that offer a wide array of interesting places.

A five-hour drive through the plains and mountains of Luzon will welcome tourists to one of the more popular northern tourist destinations, Baguio City. Also known as the summer capital, Baguio boasts of its cool weather ranging anywhere from 8 to 23 Celsius all year round.

Its temperate weather together with a number of interesting to-visit spots makes Baguio City a favorite northern tourist destination. This is true for both local and foreign tourists especially during the hot summer months from March until May.

Some of Baguio’s places of interest include the Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church build on top of a hill overlooking the entire city’s business district; just below it is Session Road, the city’s colorful main avenue with a number of business establishments and restaurants. Burnham Park, another popular tourist attraction, boasts of tree-lined streets, a man-made lake and a children’s playground that even adults can enjoy. The former military recreational park, Camp John Hay, is another place that tourists go to. Wright Park, Mines View Park, the Botanical Garden, among others, are also some places that travelers visit while in Baguio.

Further up north, tourists who enjoy the mountains will also find the Banaue Rice Terraces enjoyable. This popular northern destination was carved out of the hillside by the local people more than a thousand years ago using their bare hands and primitive tools. The Banaue Rice Terraces was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its natural grandeur and splendor also makes it one of the Wonders of the World.

Those who enjoy a more laid back atmosphere that sand and shore offer will enjoy another popular northern tourist destination not far from Baguio. The pristine shore line of La Union, situated only an hour and a half from Baguio, is definitely a must for travelers. The coast line boasts of clean beaches, fresh catch from the sea, beachfront hotels and cabanas, and very friendly people. This particular northern tourist destination also offers a number of water activities such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and the like.

The Philippines’ northern tourist destinations have a number of interesting points that travelers may find interesting. Aside from the sights that the views have to offer, tourists will also bask in the hospitality that the Filipinos are known for the world over. Aside from all these, travelers are also sure to enjoy the rich culture that the Philippines has to offer.

Tags: Pinay, Beach, Boracay, Scuba, Manila, Bicol, vacation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: Asia, Wordpress, Mindanao, White Beach, Pinoy, Travel Philippines, philippine-beaches

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The prospects of immigrating to the Philippines are encouraging, especially with the current developments both in the cities and the countryside. Immigrating is especially favorable at this time when economic and peace and order situation is predicted to improve in the next 10 years.

Some sectors speculate a major and sudden turn around of events for the Philippines in the near future. Many believe that a great political and economic restructuring are on the way resulting to positive reforms that will pave the way to more local and foreign investments in the country. Due to these investments, a lot of immigrating investors will flock to the country and boost further the tourism industry. In fact, even today, these positive immigrating activities are being felt initially.

Generally, the trend of most government initiated development is geared towards an improved tourism climate in the country. This thrust is aimed to encourage more foreigners to decide on immigrating to the country. It is believed that more foreign investments will trigger more immigrating activities, and vice versa. And this should goad the government to focus more on the general peace and order situation in the country.

The Philippines has lots of tourist and scenic attractions which are mostly located in the countryside. Aside from this, it has lots of potential sites for various industries and commercial businesses. The bullish aggressiveness of the real estate sector has provided new pathways into the hinterlands and along coasts for new saleable prime lands that immigrating people can consider for residence or investment.

In fact, one of the real estate trends today in the country is to provide a complete community within a given realty project site. Most condo communities really target immigrating individuals who are looking for secure and enclosed condo communities complete with posh recreation facilities, commercial and business areas, multi-purpose centers, and security, all in the perimeter of the classy community. Most times, these condo communities are located close to a commercial or business district, like the condo communities around Ortigas Center in Pasig, Metro Manila. Immigrating families can fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings of their immediate community, plus the accessibility of commercial and financial districts.

With these present developments and others being projected for the coming years, there is an anticipated influx of immigrating foreign nationals in the offing.

Immigrating to the Philippines at this time has never been this timely. This is the best time to start positioning for the great developments ahead.

Tags: expat, Makati, Divers, Snorkeling, philippines-beaches, filipino food, Cebu

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The Philippines is rich in avifauna (i.e. species of birds). There are about 400 resident bird species and almost 200 of them can be found only in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, Bohol is one of the favorite destinations of bird-watchers. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a good place to start bird watching. It is the widest remaining forest that can be found in Bohol. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park covers 29 barangays and is the main water source, being a watershed, of Bohol’s rivers. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is considered as a hot spot for principal biodiversity.

In Rajah Sikatuna National Park’s headquarters, you can find a small hostel where a birders’ logbook and a visitors’ book is found. Reading them can be useful in bird watching. A Rajah Sikatuna National Park guide will be there to help you throughout your bird watching activity.

Rajah Sikatuna National Park has set out a number of trails where visitors can go bird watching. While following the trails, you will encounter various species of birds. Don’t forget to bring birdcall tapes so that some birds that are naturally shy will emerge from their hiding places. With luck you may be able to see the rare bird species present in Rajah Sikatuna National Park.

Some of the bird species that are present in Rajah Sikatuna National Park are the following: Silvery kingfisher, Philippine Eagle Owl, Philippine frogmouth, Brush cuckoo, Black-faced coucal, Philippine nightjar, Philippine coucal, Large-billed crow, Pygmy swiftlet, Spangled drongo, Red-keeled flowerpecker, Metallic-winged sunbird, Pink-bellied imperial pigeon, White-bellied woodpecker, and many more.

Aside from birds, Rajah Sikatuna National Park also has a butterfly sanctuary. Monkeys thrive in the forest and are already used to seeing people everyday. These would often be kind and friendly to anyone who comes near. 26 bat species can be found in Rajah Sikatuna National Park within the caves that abound in limestone formations.

Regarding plants and trees, Rajah Sikatuna National Park has something to offer. You can find 16 verified species of Dipterocarps, 17 species of Apitong, and 90 new fern species. On top of the hills in Rajah Sikatuna National Park, you can have a great view of the well-known Chocolate Hills in Bohol.

To get there from Bilar, take a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) to the Rajah Sikatuna National Park’s accommodation area at Logarita. You can have an overnight stay at their hostel for P50 for a night. The park’s caretaker will take care of food.

The Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Bird watching is the main attraction in the park. The nature trek in Rajah Sikatuna National Park will touch your soul.

Tags: Scuba, Makati, Bicol, Mindanao, Diving, Boracay, Baguio

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Eliciting memories of the past, not only of departed souls, but vital historic events, is the Himalayan Pilipino in Quezon City. Inspired by themes of Philippine myths and heroism, this beautiful park attracts not only the bereaved but numerous local and foreign tourists who relish in the quiet environs of this tourist spot and delight in capturing nostalgic scenes in the cameras.

Located south of Quezon City near the hilly portions of Diliman and Fairview, this beautiful park is a daily hang out of joggers and visitors from all walks of life. A 15-minute taxi ride from Quezon Memorial Circle to this tourist spot will necessary pass the business district of Visayas Avenue down the commercial area of Tandang Sora Avenue and into interior roads with numerous directional posters unmistakably of Himayan Pilipino. By the way, Tandang Sora area is another historical place where Philippine heroine Tandand Sora in the Katipunan days really lived.

Entering this beautiful park, a long fortress-like wall and gate welcomes the visitor to this tourist spot. The wall is inspired by the historic Wall of Intramuros in Manila and reminds the visitor of a glorious past when Filipinos sacrificed life and limb to liberate the Motherland. Inside this beautiful park are monuments and murals that send the imagination back to the heroic moments of history. Not far in this tourist spot is a monument commemorating the uprising of the Katipunan against Spanish aggression in 1896. The monument is inspired by the monuments in Grace Park and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. It features the raised bolos of Katipuneros and the waving flag of the Katipunan.

Somewhere in this tourist spot is a concave wall mural of Tandang Sora, the aforementioned Quezon City heroine who risked her aged body for wounded Filipino insurgents. In the concave wall mural are apartment-type niches of Tandang Sora’s descendants, some dated recently. Not far from this is the huge picnic shed inspired by the Ifugao hut. Indeed, it’s like a huge Ifugao shelter with descending steps to it. This awesome structure in this beautiful park permits gentle winds to crisscross in it for a refreshing linger, and overlooking is a lively lagoon of lilies and aquarium fish. In the middle of this man-made pond is a monument depicting the very moment when the mythical Malakas and Maganda, local versions of Adam and Eve, was coming out of a giant bamboo tree split by lightning.

Himlayan Pilipino is indeed a beautiful park worthy of becoming an official tourist spot in the very heart of Quezon City.

Tags: Philippine Islands, Davao, Tourist Destinations, Filipina, White Beach, Snorkeling, Wordpress

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