Philippines Guide

For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys

Tourist Attractions in Bohol Towns

If you’re the type of traveler who likes a bit of adventure, a lot of nature and a trip off the beaten path, maybe it’s time for you to look up Bohol in the Philippines the next time you make your travel plans. A mere boat ride away from now urbanized Cebu City and a plane away from the Philippine capital of Manila, Bohol holds a wealth of natural wonders that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Bohol was recently voted as one of the top ten “best spots you’ve never heard of” on travel website IGoUGo. Here are some tourist attractions tucked safely away in Bohol’s towns.

The Chocolate Hills

Bohol’s Chocolate Hills is one of the major tourist attractions in the country, and for good reason. The wonder of a geological formation is made of over 1,200 hills shaped like cones that are scattered over more than 50 square kilometers.

The name given to the limestone formations comes from their brown color during the dry season, when the grass covering on the hills dry up. The hills, ranging in height from 30 to 120 meters, make for a breathtaking sight with their expanse and number. The Chocolate Hills are a definite must-see when going to Bohol. They are best viewed from the towns of Carmen or Sagbayan, where the distribution of the hills is most concentrated.

Panglao Island

If you’re looking for white sands and some fun in the sun (and on the beach), take the trip out to the town of Panglao. While it’s certainly not as flashy as the more commercialized beaches in the Philippines like Boracay or Palawan, it will certainly fulfill all your mental image of a tropical island getaway.

The waters surrounding Panglao are clear and pristine, which is why it’s also a diving hotspot. The diving spots around Panglao are some of the best known in the Philippines. There are several tourist resorts where you can find accommodations for your stay. Tours and diving trips can also be arranged locally. Watch out, though: there are no automated teller machines (ATM’s) on Panglao Island, so you’d better prepare money beforehand.

Some Cave Exploration

If you’re up for a little adventure and exercise, try exploring some of Bohol’s many caves. There are over 1,000 caves in the province, and you’re allowed to explore a lot of them. You could check out the Hinagdanan (from the Cebuano word for ‘ladder’) cave near Dauis, the only other town on Panglao Island. The numerous stalactites and stalagmites in Hinagdanan make for an amazing natural display.

Another cave, this time in the town of Danao, is historical aside from merely scenic. The Francisco Dagohoy Cave was once the headquarters of Francisco Dagohoy during his campaign from 1744 to 1829 against the Spanish occupation, the longest rebellion in Philippine history. Many of the cave’s winding passages are also studded with crystals, giving you a (literally) glittering display.

There are many other tourist attractions in Bohol, such as the Philippine tarsier and the regular dolphin migration route in the Bohol Sea. These and many more are waiting for you to discover them in scenic and un-crowded Bohol.

Bohol’s Best: Panglao Island Nature Resort

Looking for the perfect getaway from all the work-related stress? Searching for that perfect honeymoon spot? Imagine yourself lying on a pristine white sand beach dotted with lush greens and grass thatched cottages, a cool tropical breeze kissing your suntanned cheeks, the sound of rushing waves from the clear blue ocean beckoning you to dip into it’s cool, soothing waters. And then head back to your private villa to relax and enjoy the scenic view. Experience all that bliss and more in Bohol’s Panglao Island Nature Resort.

Located in Bingag, Dauis, Bohol, all it takes to get there is a one and a half hour plane ride from Manila to Tagbilaran. The resort offers free shuttle bus transfers to and from the airport which only takes around 30 minutes.

Upon arriving at the resort, guests are treated to a welcome drink and a cool towel to freshen up.

Choose from either a beach front or garden view guestroom, with each cottage having its own private lanai. Or opt to have your own bungalow nestled atop the cliffs, with a private jacuzzi and a spectacular view of the sea.

The rooms in themselves are already a mini-paradise for the weary. Each room is equipped with an in-room coffee and tea maker, remote controlled air-conditioning, satellite cabled TV, IDD/NDD phone service, refrigerator, personal café, hairdryer, veranda with drying rack, and a private bathroom with hot and cold shower, (bathtub in the De Luxe rooms and outdoor Jacuzzi in the Bungalows). The large glass windows allow you to enjoy the view outside, even while taking a shower in the bathroom. Wi-fi internet access is also available throughout the resort; just take note that all electrical outlets are 220 volts.

Even dining is a delight to the senses. The restaurant features the best of Filipino and Western cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed beachfront setting. Breakfast and dinner are complimentary.

If you’re up for some fun, you could visit the resort’s natural underground Cambagat Cave, which is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel lobby. Feel free to use the fitness gym, and the lap pool at the spa or take a dip in the cool waters of their infinity pool. A game room complete with facilities for darts, chess, table tennis, and billiards is also available.

For the more adventurous, there are a variety of activities and guided tours to choose from including: scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, Island Hopping Tour, Sunset Cruising, Bohol Countryside Tour, cave diving and swimming, Loboc River Cruise, Chocolate Hills Tour, Old Churches Tour, and Antique Shopping.

You are sure to get excellent service and exquisite pampering from the resort’s staff and crew with the 24-hour room service, laundry and dry cleaning service, and dining service.

The rates are reasonable, with a Superior Room at $143 per night, De Luxe Room at $168 and the Bungalow for $183. For more information on their rates and services or to make reservations online.

The fine amenities, spectacular views, and excellent service make this island resort a natural paradise where one could simply relax, be pampered, and leave all their cares behind. A perfect getaway for families, couples, and a great venue for business gatherings, Panglao Island Nature Resort is definitely one of the best resorts in Bohol that is worth including on your list of dream vacations.

Traveling the Philippines: Panglao Paradise

Dolphin watching has never been as exciting and easy as tourists travel to Panglao, one of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. This destination boasts of pristine beaches, spectacular coral reefs, honest and endearing local guides and most of all, peaceful waters under the hot sun.

Panglao Island has many beach resorts lined on its coasts. The place welcomes both back packers and first class tourists. Travelling to Panglao is an hour plane ride from Manila, the Philippines’ capital, to the province of Bohol. When the traveler reaches the Tagbilaran Airport, they then take a 30-minute taxi ride to the Panglao resorts. It’s that simple!

Tourist packages include sea tours and land tours. While the land tours will bring tourists to amazing destinations such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the emerald green Loboc River, pools under caves, viewing of the smallest primate in the world called the Tarsier, and walk the aisles of century old churches with walls made from egg shell concoctions, the sea tour should not be missed by first time travelers to the island.

The sea tour starts at 5 am when tourists clad in favorite swim outfits are welcomed by the sunrise with breakfast in motorboats. The motorboats’ destination is the breakfast areas of the dolphins a few kilometers away from Panglao shores. Due to the keen skills of the boat drivers, tourists will see the dolphins in no time. It would be hard to get camera shots of these beautiful harmless creatures because they would be swimming here and there and everywhere by the dozens!

After two hours of sheer madness looking at dolphins bobbing up and down, swimming right beside one’s motorboats, the sea tour will bring the travelers to Balicasag Island for snorkeling. Balicasag reef is a protected sanctuary where fishes abound due to the untouched corals. Big motorboats park in deep waters while smaller canoes called “bancas” bring the sea travelers to the snorkeling site. The boatmen let the swimmers bring small pieces of bread because once in the waters just barely half a foot deep, the bread will entice fish to go near it. Literally dozens of fish in varied sizes and colors instantly appear right in front of one’s mask. The famous Captain Jacques Cousteau once said that the Philippine coral reefs diversity is the best in the world and Balicasag Reef Sanctuary is living proof of this remark.

After snorkeling for an hour or two, the travelers grab early lunch at the Balicasag Island where fresh fish can be bought and have a friendly local cook prepare it. By 1pm, the swimming travelers would be back in their resorts in Panglao and laze away the whole afternoon, reminiscing the excitement of Philippine dolphin watching at its finest.

Learn to Love Nature in Puerto Princesa

Palawan is one of the biggest islands in the Philippines. It is located at the west of mainland Luzon, and at the east of the South China Sea. Palawan comprises of tiny islands near its mainland. Its pristine blue coasts, white sand beaches are among the reasons why Palawan is a main tourist destination. The capital of Palawan is Puerto Princesa.

Puerto Princesa is located at the mid-section of mainland Palawan. The city used to be named as “Puerto de la Princesa”, meaning “port of the princess”, referring to Princess Eulalia of Spain. Its key position as a seaport used to serve as a port area for Spanish ships during the Spanish regime. Centuries later, Puerto Princesa bloomed into a city, thriving mostly on the prosperous tourism industry.

To reach the city, there are domestic airlines and charter planes that offer direct flights. Ships are also a viable option, but cruise ships are better choices because the sea voyage takes 20 hours.

The city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan offers the beauty of “eco-tourism”. Tourist spots in the capital, and in mostly Palawan, offer an array of nature activities, simply because the beauty of the city is simply natural. Its main attractions comprise of national parks, caves and underground rivers.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a river underneath the St. Paul Mountain. The river empties westward to the South China Sea. As they enter the mouth of the cave, visitors are greeted with different geologic formations underneath the mountain. Visitors can also take pleasure in bird watching, trekking and hiking.

The St. Paul Mountain does not only show its geologic history through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, but through its different caves as well. There are three main caves in the mountain—the Lion’s Cave, the Cawili Cave and the Daylight Hole. The Lion’s Cave is known for its lion-shaped statue on its entrance, when in fact the statue is a natural rock formation. The Cawili Caves offers spectacular limestone patterns. Lastly, the Daylight Hole is a cave that houses a pitch-black underground river with only the rays of sunlight guiding the rower the exit to the underground river. Basically, the natural highlights of Puerto Princesa are dependent on Palawan’s fantastic geological history, since Palawan is one of the oldest islands in the Philippine Archipelago.

Hiking and trekking are the most popular activities in the capital of Palawan. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park offers forest tours for the family of nature-lovers. Lush green trees, cold streams and strenuous treks are available on the northeastern edge of Puerto Princesa. For those who plan to relax on the beach, boats and island hopping tools are available. Also, do not forget to check out the diving sites when hopping—as Palawan waters shelter the most wonderful marine creatures in the world!

Puerto Princesa is truly a haven for those who appreciate nature’s beauty. What the city boasts of is that its splendor is simply natural—a rare gift that should forever be preserved. Visitors in Puerto Princesa are always reminded of how truly magnificent and precious our nature really is.

Bohol- A Perfect Getaway!

Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines and one of the most attractive tourist destinations located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. This place is referred to as God’s Little Paradise. The island is famous for its fabulous white sandy beaches and resorts, scuba diving, numerous historic places, river cruising, Sandugo Festival, Philippine Tarsier which is the smallest primate and indigenous to the island and lastly, the well known Chocolate Hills.

The Chocolate Hills are located in the Municipality of Carmen, and considered as one of Philippine’s natural wonders. It was named that way because during summer the grass that grows into the uniformly cone-shaped limestone hills turn chocolate brown making the landscape look like it had chocolate mounds all over and the perfect time to see this fantastic view is early morning.

Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol and the main point of entry to the island including nearby Panglao Island . Panglao Island is situated opposite Tagbilaran City and just 30 minutes drive away, which is famous to some of the finest white sand beaches and best resorts in the Philippines. Bohol already has an abundant numbers of hotels, resorts and other facilities where tourists can stay and enjoy.

To name well known resorts are Alona Palm Resort, Alona Kew Resort, Philippine Island Divers, Bohol Beach Club, Panglao Island Nature Resort, Alona Tropical, Flushing Meadows Resort and Amorita Resort. Whereas in Tagbilaran City, they have Bohol Tropics and Soledad Suites Hotel to name a few. There are lots of places to stay in Bohol and experience exciting treats the island offers.

All of the hotels and resorts provides complete recreation and offers great services. The places offer spacious bedrooms, complete amenities that everyone can enjoy, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, sumptuous foods featuring local and foreign cuisines, relaxing and adventurous holidays.

Bohol can be reached by air and boat. There are numerous flights available everyday. If via Manila, it will take at least 1 hour and 15 minutes connecting flight to Tagbilaran City. By boat which is cheaper rather than taking the plane, the ride will take 25 hours and only advisable if one has a lot of time for holidays and when in a tighter budget. It is wise to plan ahead before traveling and search for promotional packages that most of the travel agencies offer and can save a considerable amount of money.

Intramuros: A Nostalgic Tourist Destination

Intramuros evokes a feeling of nostalgia—like, it’s good to live in the times when it was still under Spanish rule. Though built in the 16th century by Filipino slaves and their Spanish supervisors, being in this tourist destination feels like everything happened only yesterday.

This tourist destination is hedged in by districts that also have prominent niches in the history of Manila. Intramuros is bounded in the north by Pasig River and San Nicolas, San Miguel in the east, Port Area and Manila Bay in the west, and Paco and Ermita in the south. From Loton area, where the Metropolitan Theater and the Post Office are located, a jeepney (take Pier-bound via Intramuros jeepneys) or cab drive to this tourist destination is a mere 10 minutes.

Old buildings welcome the visitor in this tourist destination, just as the threshold of Intramuros in front of the Manila Cathedral. Some date back to the Spanish rule of the city, some from the Japanese time, and several more in much later times but nonetheless historical. They have survived the years through restoration works initiated by the Intramuros Administration found at the Palacio Del Gobernador, the “Malacanang Palace” of Intramuros just in front of Plaza de Roma and the Manila Cathedral.

“Ayuntamiento” or sometimes called “Casas Consistoriales” is now a booming commercial area, northeast of the Manila Cathedral. This tourist destination also has Plaza de Roma, a small park in front of the Cathedral that constantly reminds of the Vatican in Rome. Plaza San Ignacio, west of the Cathedral along Arzobispo Street is an old building facade whose ruins refresh us of the way Intramuros was a century ago. Further west is Postigo del Palacio, or guard post of the Palace, an entry in the wall from the golf course outside that still retains its Spanish Baroque architecture.

Southwest end of Anda Street is the Baluarte Plano Luneta de Sta. Isabel. This Tourist destination in Intramuros is a main fort west of the wall fortification looking out on Bonifacio Drive. It used to be a main defense point that protected the city from attacks coming from the west, that is, from Manila Bay. East of the cathedral, along Magallanes Street, is the Colegio de Sta. Rosa. Nearby are the clamshell exhibits, The ECJ Building, Hidalgo Monument, San Agustin Church and Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, and the Plaza San Luis.

Intramuros is an enclave where history has been preserved for posterity to view and treasure. It is also a tourist destination to showcase a saga of courage and perseverance.

General Santos City - A Tourist Destination

General Santos City is proud to be the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. Aside from tunas, the city has also other things to be proud of. The tourist spots and festivals of General Santos City make it a great destination for tourists.

A tourist attraction in General Santos City is a social gathering festival called Kalilangan sa Heneral Santos. Kalilangan is from the word “Kalilang” meaning commemoration or celebration according to the Maguindanaon dialect.

The people of General Santos City gather socially for this festival where they exchange amenities among native leaders, ally, elders, and subordinates. The festival is a pageantry of various colorful ethnic rites, traditions, and rituals such as religious ceremonies, marriage celebrations, anniversaries, enthronement of royal dignitaries, funerals, thanksgiving, and other social activities.

The Kalaja Karsts Area is a wonderful destination for tourists in General Santos City. The area is about 15 kilometers from General Santos City’s northeast side at Barangay Conel. The name Kalaha Karsts Area is derived from the word Kalaha, which means frying pot due to the formation of the karsts made millions of years ago. Waterfalls and caves are abundant in this area.

Tourists can explore the Kalaja Cave in General Santos City. The cave has a pool inside that is about three meters deep and 22 meters wide.

Bunga Spring is found in the center of the Kalaha Karsts Area in General Santos City. The place has a campsite for tourists and stargazing is a great night activity.

Another tourist destination in General Santos City is the Malakong Gorge just about three-and-a-half kilometers away from Kalaja Cave. This is an excellent place for boulder and rock climbing for novices and beginners. Camping for tourists are also allowed.

Just a 30-minute drive from the Kalaha Karsts Area is the Nopol Hills. It is General Santos City’s highest camping ground and gives a good panoramic view of Sarangani Bay and the neighboring towns. Hiking in Nopol Hills in the afternoon will give you a good view of the sunset at the bay.

Since tuna fishing is a major industry, General Santos City has its Tuna Festival every September as part of the city’s charter celebration. The festival is a three-day celebration in General Santos City. It is a thanksgiving festival for the bounty of the sea especially the tuna and tuna-like species. Various tuna cuisine and other culinary competitions can be witnessed. Street dancing and fluvial parades are the main attractions of the festival.

General Santos City is outside the typhoon belt of the Philippines. You can expect good weather condition throughout the year.

Tourists will really enjoy their visit to General Santos City. The sites and celebrations bring local and foreign tourists closer to nature.

The Bohol experience - hotel selections to suit your lifestyle.

A relaxing vacation to rejuvenate an urban – exhausted office junkie will not be complete without a hotel reservation. In fact, it cannot even commence without lodging, most especially if you are traveling to an island or to a destination that requires travel by plane or by boat. And where else can the change of scenery and breath of fresh air take place but in the unscathed island of Bohol.

So before you pack your bags and journey to the Bohol islands and get that long awaited tan, here are a few suggestions as to where to stay, there is a sure place to cater to your whim.

Tagbilaran and Panglao are the most frequented places in Bohol, and they offer very different landscapes. If you want to have a vacation but at the same time stay in the metro with all the hustle and bustle of the city, then three Tagbilaran hotels can offer that. MetroCentre Hotel, Hotel La Roca, and Soledad Suites are the lodging place s to choose from.

MetroCentre Hotel is the premiere business destination if you want to incorporate both business and travel. It has the usual amenities of a hotel found in the city, like a health and fitness area, a coffee shop, an internet café, a health spa and pool, a cinema, bar and grill, among others. If you want to stay in the city but at the same time have the bed and breakfast feel to it, stay at Hotel La Roca. Just five minutes away from the airport, Hotel La Roca’s homely amenities include a café, a restaurant, and a pool. If you do not want to splurge on the lodging budget, then Soledad Suites is the place to be. Soledad Suites is the first and only boutique hotel in Bohol, and has a café, a restobar, and function rooms to suit your needs.

If the city life has taken a toll on you, but you still want to stay in Tagbilaran, then you might want to check out Bohol Tropics Resort Club. Situated at the white sand beachfront, it is surrounded with waterfalls, rivers and caves. Perfect for those who would want to see the myriad of aquatic life below.

Panglao, where you could unleash your inner mermaid because this island is paradise, is the destination for those wanting to totally have the best r & r. An island separated from Bohol, Panglao has four beach resorts that are fighting for your attention. These are the Bohol Beach Club, the Alona Palm Beach Resort, the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, and the Amarela Resort.

Since all of them are situated at the beachfront, and they all have the same amenities like that of a swimming pool, a café, a restobar, among others, what you would want to know probably are the rates. For over-all room rates, Amarela comes in with the cheapest rates of an estimated 85 to 110 dollars per room with two single beds. The Bohol Beach Club offers room rates ranging from 75 to 312 dollars, while the Alona Palm Beach resort has more of less the same rates. If you want to spend a lot for your lodging, then the Eskaya Beach Resort and spa will definitely suit your preferences. Rates range from 500 to 3500 dollars per room.

Having a vacation is all about you and your loved ones having the time of your life. Make sure that you choose the hotel that suits your lifestyle best and your budget too.

Wreck Diving at Black Island

One of the popular wrecks in Philippines visited by diving enthusiasts is the Black Island Wreck. The Malajon Island, one of the islands in the Calamianes group of Islands, is also known as Black Island because of its black rocks.

Coron, Busuanga Island and the Calamianes Islands (site of Black Island) are collectively known in the Philippines as the Calamianes group of Islands. They are the northern islands of Palawan. Busuanga Island, the main island of the Calamianes group of Islands, is about an hour and 20 minutes by air from Manila, Philippines.

Busuanga Island is in between the Sulu Sea and South China Sea. The most spectacular nature scenes of the Philippines are found on Busuanga Island. Here you’ll find underwater and land caves, huge limestone cliffs, jungles, rivers, hot springs, and mangrove swamps.

On September 24, 1944, Busuanga Island became a witness of World War II. The US Navy conducted an aerial bombardment of Japanese support vessels and cargo in the waters of this island. A number of shipwrecks were kept secret in the waters of this island. Busuanga Island now has become a sanctuary of the diverse species of marine life that make these wrecks their home.

The wreck lies right off the Black Island beach, right in front of a stranded ship at shore. Malajon Island is on the west side of Busuanga Island. Getting there will require a three to five hour boat ride. You can spend the night in the small resorts in the area while diving in Black Island Wreck and other wrecks along the way.

The Black Island Wreck is a small converted tanker designed to carry specific fuels. These fuels were placed in isolated tanks to replenish the fuel supply of the land-based depots. These tankers were from the Japanese Imperial Army.

The Black Island Wreck is a great dive site for wreck diving novices because of the shallow depth. The wreck’s depth starts at 21. 32 meters is the deepest point with a 20 meter visibility The dive site is also perfect for undersea photographers and night divers. The wreck has plenty of fish who make their home in it.

There is also a huge diversity of marine life on the Black Island Wreck. You can find large scorpionfish as well as lionfish on this site. You’ll be fascinated by the schools of batfish, trumpetfish, and sweepers that share their habitat. Emperor angelfish and six-banded angelfish are also live around the Black Island Wreck. Sponges, hydroids, and crinoids are also found here.

You will have a beautiful dive experience in the clear waters of Black Island Wreck near Busuanga Island.

Experience a Weekend Diving Trip in Anilao

Anilao is a town in Batangas that is a famous destination for weekend trips, especially for diving. Many resorts in Anilao offer great diving packages to excellent dive sites in the area. There are about 24 dive sites in Anilao. Among these dive sites are the following listed below.

The Cathedral - This dive site is a marine sanctuary in Anilao. The Cathedral has two big mounds where a cross was planted in between these mounds. The dive site looks like an underwater roofless amphitheater. The Cathedral is a famous dive site in Anilao where many types of reef fish can be found.

The Sombrero Island - This dive site is a drift dive in Anilao. The name of the island is derived from its appearance during low tide, shape like a hat or sombrero - a local term. The Sombrero Island is a good dive site for coral lovers.

The Mainit Point or Hot Water Point - This is a dive site in Anilao that has everything to offer. Hard corals, nudibranches, ribbon eels, and mantis shrimp are among the marine life that can be found in the Mainit Point. Occasionally, sharks can be found in this dive site. This dive site also has natural hot springs where you can boil eggs in them.

The Mapating or Shark Cave - This dive site in Anilao is a challenging one even for experienced divers. Strong water current prevails in the Mapating. A great variety of sharks, pelagic fish, and other marine life are rich in this dive site, which has a series of drop-offs.

The Twin Rocks - This is a dive site that has a capsized barge wreck. The giant clams, batfish, frogfish, and mushroom corals are among the things that you can find in the Twin Rocks in Anilao. Some blue spotted stingrays are also present in this dive site in Anilao.

The Ligpo Island - This is a dive site in Anilao that can be circumnavigated in just one dive. The Ligpo Island is also a good dive site for coral lovers where different types of corals can be found including large gorgonians. Various reef fish and sometimes, pelagic fishes can be seen swimming nearby in this dive site.

The dive sites mentioned above are just some of the wonderful sites in Anilao, Batangas. Anilao is about two-and-a-half hours away from Manila, Philippines. Buses traverse daily in this route from Manila to Anilao.

Anilao, Batangas is a wonderful place to go for weekend diving trip with its plenteous dive sites around. It is truly invigorating and refreshing when you visit the various dive sites in Anilao.