Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Davao Hotel Guide
A fast advancing and interesting city to visit in the southern area of Philippines, Davao City takes pride in the attractive hospitality service providers that it features. The hotel industry of the city is improving because many travelers show interest in visiting the place throughout the year. Hence, to help tourists have an enjoyable and hassle-free visit to Davao City, Philippines, there are Davao hotel guides that they can use to have ideas about the facilities, accommodation rates, and locations of lodges, inns, and hotels in the place where they plan to stay.
Facilities of Hotels in Davao City, Philippines
For tourists who consider hotel facilities when they search for nice places to sleep and relax, they can rely on Davao hotel guides for these offer sections on the dining and leisure amenities that most hotels in Davao City, Philippines, provide. For those who look for hospitality service providers that feature swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness gyms, they can always make reservations in first class hotels and resorts that are commonly featured in Davao hotel guides such as Grand Men Seng Hotel, Mountain Breeze Resort and Convention Center, as well as Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant.
Star Ratings in Davao City, Philippines
When it comes to star ratings, most Davao hotel guides list the star ratings of various lodges in Davao City, Philippines, for the convenience of travelers. Hence, for people who have plans of staying in topnotch hotels, they can always check the guides for five-star and four-star hotels in Davao City, Philippines, which include The Marco Polo Davao, Grand Regal Hotel Davao, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. On the other hand, for those who have interest in staying three-star hotels, they can contact the management of Orange Grove Hotel, Roadway Inn, and Villa Fontana Inn, since their contact numbers are featured in Davao hotel guides.
Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Davao City, Philippines
Regarding accommodations, people can always look at Davao hotel guides for the rates of different hospitality service providers in Davao City, Philippines. Accommodation rates are associated with the facilities that hotels offer to guests, so those with high-end facilities usually offer high accommodation rates. For example, people who want to stay in five-star and four-star hotels in Davao City, Philippines, such as Regency Inn, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, and The Royale House, should expect costly rates that usually range from 4,000 pesos to 6,000 pesos per night. Hence, to make sure that the hotel where they will stay have rates that will suit their budget, it is important to always refer to Davao hotel guides for these provide overviews of accommodation rates of Davao hotels.
Davao Beach Guide
Davao is one of the most modern cities in the Philippines. Tourists go there to visit the city and have a vacation on some of the best beaches in Davao. The beaches of Davao are just as clear as the beaches in other top vacation destinations in the Philippines. You can do many activities there as well like water sports. The word “Davao” come from the terms daba daba which literally means fire. This word came from the early tribes who lived in Davao which are the Manobos, Samals, Bilaans and some Aetas.
Beaches in general are like jewelries. When it becomes a fad many people buys it and wear it then the value of it gets reduced. The more people go to a beach the more it becomes cheaper and somehow loses the private or exclusive appeal. Some beaches in the Philippines do not give you much privacy and peace anymore because it has become as busy as a small city. Davao beaches are somehow spared from this fact. You can still enjoy some beaches in Davao that are not packed with people and establishments for an affordable price.
1. Malipano Island – This is a beach that is nearer to Samal Island than the other islands. You can stay in one of the seven villas. The villas are secluded so guests can be assured of utmost privacy. stands a view hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of the seven executive villas. Malipano Island has a golf course with 3 holes and a beach with white sands. The villas are made of ethnic materials from the Samal tribes and Maranao tribes. Four of the villas are put up directly in the sea like a traditional house of a family in Samal. The other three villas are situated on the rocky formations just right above the main beach. Inside the villas are three main structure of octagon shape. There is a living room area, receiving area, guest room and dining area. The roof is also shaped like the salakot which is a popular Filipino worker’s hat.
2. Samal Island – This is another popular beach in Davao. It is known for the pristine waters and the white sand of the beach. The whole island has different hotels and resorts where you can stay and enjoy swimming and some water sports. The beaches here are just like the other beaches in the Philippines you will always find a tall coconut tree and some mangrove trees. Most of the resorts have put up dikes to mark their territories over the waters. In Samal there is an Island Garden City. You can get there by riding a ferry from Davao. The place has hills, caves, waterfalls and coves. The beach is covered in white sands. The primary mode of transport is the local motorcycle. The typical rate is twenty pesos for one person. Some people are hesitant to ride in motorcycles and so they wait for the jeepneys that pass by at time. Some people just stay in the resort and on the beach where there are plent of water activities to do.
On weekdays you will find that are just two tourists visiting the resort which makes the place full of serenity. You will be able to enjoy the fresh breeze from the beach and you can just relax and read the book and enjoy the view. The current in Samal are generally calm so after sunbathing you may want to snorkel and see the school of fishes under the waters and view the corals underneath.
Cebu Sightseeing Guide
Tourist destinations are aplenty in the Philippines, but, as this Cebu sightseeing guide will indicate, few can compare with the sights and sounds of this beautiful island.
Cebu sightseeing guide: historical landmarks
Home to some of the most significant events in Philippine history, there are several locations that you will want to pay a visit to. One of them is Fort San Pedro, the most ancient bastion in the archipelago. Covering over 2,000 sq meters, the ruins of the walls and towers are still visible and give you a glimpse of its past glory.
Another fabled landmark is the Cebu Monument. This tableau is a showcase of the significant events in the island’s history. Other historical sites are the University of San Carlos, the oldest school in the Philippines, the Capitol building and the Lapu Lapu Monument.
Cebu sightseeing guide: cultural sites
The Casa Gorordo Museum was actually the residence of a Filipino bishop, and has now been converted to a repository for antique artworks, relics, furniture and a place where one can view the Filipino lifestyle in the 1800s.
Other cultural haunts in Cebu include the Southwestern University Museum, which houses the vast collection of Lydia Alfonso, which consists of relics culled from different periods of Philippine history. Other sites worth a visit are Julian Jumalon’s Butterfly Sanctuary, the Rizal Museum, the Sala Piano Museum, and the Rose Ong Collection, repository of various orchids.
Cebu sightseeing guide: natural wonders
If you want to get in touch with nature, you can go to Mactan Island, which has become a beach resort and a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. Another popular site is Kawasan Falls, where some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the island can be seen.
The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go to for bird lovers, as it hosts thousands of different types of birds from various parts of the country. The Nonoc Cave on the other hand, is perfect for those that love diving and trekking.
Cebu sightseeing guide: religious shrines
The Taoist Temple is a shrine dedicated to the conservation of the words and sayings of Confucius. A site for religious pilgrims, it is also a popular spot for tourists. You may also want to visit the church in Mandaue to have a look at the Chapel of the Last Supper, a sculpture of the famous painting by Da Vinci. The Celestial Garden is also popular among devotees and tourists mainly due to the religious statues scattered across the hills.
As this Cebu sightseeing guide makes clear, there are several locations that you can go to. If you want to get a taste of Philippine culture and glimpse its natural beauty, this island paradise is a good place to start.
Cebu Restaurant Guide
Cebu is one of the best places you have to visit in the Philippines. It is an island with fantastic beaches and restaurants as well. The Cebuanos have a penchant for good food so it is no wonder that there are plenty of restaurants in Cebu. You can categorize the restaurants into three. There are restaurants when you are on a budget, for mid range budget and restaurants for splurging.
Cebu Restaurants on a Budget
1.Casa Verde – This is actually an old home that is found on F. Ramos street. This was turned into a restaurant and they offer delicious baby back ribs for one hundred thirty pesos only. It is the restaurant’s best selling meal.
2.Ila Puti – This restaurant has two branches one in Sykes in Mabolo and one in the IT Park. They have dishes that are not so much cooked in Cebu like bangus in coconut cream and carbonara.
3.Da Vinci’s Pizza – This is a pizza chain with many branches in Cebu. They are known for their pasta with white sauce. The prices of the pizzas are affordable ranging from two hundred pesos up to three hundred pesos which is good for four or five people.
Cebu Restaurants for a Mid-range Budget
1.Café Georg. This is a restaurant situated in Banilad which offers several varieties of appetizers. Many people like the spinach with the dip. They also offer salads and fish cooked in the Singaporean way. They also offer Bolognara pasta and chicken pot pies. The restaurant updates the menu every now and then.
2.Lemongrass Restaurant – This is a restaurant operated by a family. They offer different Cebuano and Filipino dishes.
3.Garden Café – This is a restaurant in the ayala mall which offers cuisine from Thailand and Vietnam. They also offer their own version of herbal juice.
4.La Buona Forchetta – This is a restaurant that was a former mansion. They serve Italian dishes with their famous Focaccia bread, Salciccia which is their pizza and pasta marinara. The prices range from three hundred pesos up to four hundred pesos.
5.Spice Fusion – This is a restaurant with the Asian theme. They serve food or cuisine from Asian countries.
Restaurants in Cebu for a Splurge
1.Abaca – This is a restaurant that changes menu on a daily basis because of the availability of the ingredients they use. The price for one person is one thousand pesos. The price may be too expensive but visiting this restaurant is more of an experience.
2.Tides – This is a restaurant inside Shangri-la hotel in Mactan. They offer a buffet style of food. They offer different kinds of dishes from seafood to chocolate.
Experience The Beauty of Subic Bay
If you are intending to go on a Subic Bay sightseeing trip, it might be worthwhile to set aside at least a whole day because there are plenty of activities that can be done. If this is your first time to visit Subic Bay, here are the recommended places to visit and activities to do.
One of the most popular among Subic Bay’s forest reserve, the Bat Kingdom houses various species of fruitbats, flying foxes, and bamboo bats. The former is the biggest variety. Although they are viewed from their sanctuary, you can always spot these creatures in flight from the Bat Highway.
Stretching a total of 15 hectares, Zoobic Safari is composed of several sections. The Petting Zoo is located at the forest and houses various kinds of animals from deers, bearcats, horses, goats, and other varieties.
The Serpentarium section is home to a wide array of snakes, and there is a pond nearby which is home to crocodiles. The Tiger Safari is the highlight of the trip and a guide will input valuable information as you look at the animals.
Another Subic sightseeing venue worth visiting is the Bicentennial Park. This is the best place to go if you want to spend quality time with your friends and families or if you just want to spend the time alone. Here you can go for a picnic, take a stroll, or go fishing. The area for fishing has been renovated and improved.
If you are tired of Subic sightseeing and would want to go on an adventure, Hill 394 is one of the most well renowned venues for climbers. Standing more than 1,300 feet above sea level, it provides a breathtaking sight of Subic Bay as well as of the picturesque Mount Natib. This place also gives you an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate your body after a tiring trip.
If you want to have a feel of what the soldiers go through during military training, the Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp is the place for you. This is not only a good exercise but also a good time to learn about jungle navigation. The Jest Camp has a Mini Zoo, where the Butterfly Garden is the main feature.
Another popular attraction in Subic sightseeing is wreck diving. Ruins of several ships lies underneath the waters of the bay. This is a must see for divers especially the American and Japanese vessels. Wreck diving gives traditional diving and snorkeling an additional twist.
Finally, one of the venues you would not want to include in your Subic sightseeing itinerary is Subic Bay Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park that is ideal for educational and tour packages. It provides both young and old visitors an opportunity to gain knowledge about the different marine species that thrive underneath the ocean.
At the same time, the sea pens are home to some varieties of marine life that will simply astound you such as killer whales, seals, dolphins, to name just a few.
In the end, a Subic sightseeing expedition will never be complete without a visit to the various sights that the former naval base has to offer.
Butuan Restaurant Guide
One of the famous hobbies of Filipinos is eating. In every celebration food is an important part. In Butuan when there is a fiesta there is lots of food in a Butuanon home. Butuan is also filled with different restaurants serving different dishes tourists and locals can enjoy.
1.Manay Maling’s Restaurant – This is a restaurant inside the Almont Resort. This is where most of the tourists come to eat because they get to enjoy the view outside the hotel including the pool. There is a waterfall which was made by the hotel. They offer Filipino cuisine. The buffet for lunch is priced at two hundred pesos per person. Many guests enjoy the halo-halo they have as well.
2. Almont City Cafe – This is in the middle of the city. This is a good dating place. There are fewer choices of dishes in this restaurant compared to Manay Maling’s. Couples go here to eat particularly because there is a pianist that provides the music and the romantic atmosphere.
3.Embassy Hotel & Restaurant – This hotel is a major landmark in the city The Embassy hotel’s restaurant is also a good place to dine. Their best sellers are Filipino and international dishes which are Crispy Pata,Fillet Mignon and Kare-kare. They also serve food for people who want to eat healthy like steamed fish.
4.Luciana Inn & Restaurant – This restaurant is worth the climb. There are two flights of staircase you have to go through before you reach the place. Their best sellers are buttered chicken, pancit canton and chicken pillow. They also serve them in big portions.
5.Narra Restaurant – This is one of the first restaurants in Butuan. Most of the people in Butuan has probably eaten here already. They have two branches. Many people recommend their garlic chicken as well as their pansit bihon. You should also try the Lumpiang Shanghai. This restaurant is part of Butuan’s culture and history already.
6.Margie’s Kitchen – This is one of the latest restaurants in Butuan. This place is more popular with the younger crowd especially during the night time. They are famous for their delicious desserts. They also serve complete meals like chicken wrapped in pandan leaves. Their best seller also includes tuyo pasta with black olives.
7.True Brew – This is a coffee shop where you can enjoy different coffee blends and some sandwiches. They recommend their clubhouse and pastrami melt. They are also famous for Cuban Grill and tacos. Their other drinks include Mango Fizz and some Spritz.
Butuan Hotel Guide
Butuan is quickly becoming an ideal destination for a vacation for many locals and tourists in the Philippines. This is the capital of the province known as Agusan Del Norte. It has become one of the premier centers for tourists where you can enjoy different sports and activities. Below are the following hotels where you can have a safe stay and enjoy your vacation.
1. Almont Inland Resort Hotel – This is one of the most popular hotels in this city. It gives the familiarity and comfort of a home to the guests. The hotel was established on land with four hectares. There are fifty two rooms and four suites. It gives a big space for comfort and relaxation. Businessmen can also do their business conference here. Every room has a television with cable, air-con and designed with an elegant style. Their restaurant offers their guests international dishes as well as local dishes. They have a pool that was designed like a lagoon. The stay here costs sixty dollars for a standard room. The deluxe room there costs sixty seven dollars and a suite room costs seventy one dollars. This hotel is in Rizal Park in the city. You can inquire them through their telephone numbers at 63-85-352-5263 or 63-85-352-5464.
2. Balanghai Hotel – This is a good hotel that is proud of the kind of comfort and service they give to their guests. The rate at this hotel is also affordable. It is located near some of the commercial establishments of the city. There are several facilities in this hotel including a pool, coffee shop, restaurants, a karaoke bar and a business function room. Guests can get the standard or a suite room. Every room has air-con, toilet and a bathroom and a television. The telephones they have installed can be used to call abroad. The rooms have mini-bars and a fridge. The rate of the rooms can range from one thousand five hundred pesos up to three thousand pesos. The standard room is for a minimal amount of eight hundred pesos. It is inside Malvar Subdivision in the city. You can call them at 63-85-346-3396 for inquiries.
3. Carl Patrick’s Hotel – This is the best hotel for many backpackers. The rate at this hotel is cheaper than most hotels. The rooms are equipped with all the standard amenities. They also have a lounge with music and another bistro. They also have their own Internet cafe. This place is in the city along Montilla Boulevard. You can call them at 63-85-342-6854 for their current rates.
4. Dottie’s Place – This is the place where guests can stay if you want to have a comfortable time with your family and friends. The hotel has a pool where guests can dive in after a tiring day. All the rooms have the general amenities like the other hotels. The accomodation rate begins at one thousand pesos for one night. You can find this hotel at Aquino Avenue in the city. You can reach them through 63-85-341-4579.
5. Gardenville Hotel – This is the place where you should stay if you want to enjoy an intimate time with your family. This hotel offers more privacy since they only have twenty rooms. The rooms have all the amenities the guests need and services like shuttle service and laundry. This hotel also has its own restaurant which sells steaks. The costs of the accommodation in this hotel range from nine hundred pesos up to as much as two thousand pesos. More amenities are available for the more expensive room. You can find this hotel at the national highway of the city. You can book by calling 63-85-343-5103 or 63-85-815-9381.
Butuan Beach Guide
Butuan may be associated with historical monuments and landmarks, but there are also several beaches you may want to check out. If you are not sure where to go, this Butuan beach guide can point the way.
Located some 30 km away is Cubi Cubi Beach, and this Butuan beach guide can relay some of the qualities that make it such a top attraction. There are the lovely resorts and cottages around the beach, which complement the scenery rather than diminish it. There are also the friendly local folks, and of course the waters and sands, which rank as among the most exquisite in the Philippines.
This Butuan beach guide can also point to Jabonga Beach as another worthwhile site. One of the distinguishing features of the area is that there are several beaches lying side by side, so you can spend your time just exploring each one. It is also worth noting that these beaches are also connected to other diving sites, which is always popular with tourists, both local and foreign.
For those who are looking for something a bit more serene, this Butuan beach guide can recommend you to the Tubay Coastline, which is only about 40 km from Butuan, Philippines. Unlike other beaches, the major part of the environment has been left untouched, and remains in pristine and clear form. This is the place to be for those that want some quiet time on their hands.
Tinago Beach is also becoming a much sought after tourist destination. If you come to the site, this Butuan beach guide can inform you that you will be greeted by the sight of several diverse cottages, resorts and nipa huts. The latter in particular is very popular among travelers, as it helps bring about a feeling of being completely away from the modern trappings of suburban life.
Vinafor Beach is well known for being a haven for diving enthusiasts, but as this Butuan beach guide can attest, the white sands are world class too, and possess a silky smooth texture that few beaches can claim to have. The breeze coming from the shore is also constant and comforting, be it in the morning or nighttime.
As this Butuan beach guide makes plain, there is more to the city than just scouring over historical relics and examining its glorious heritage. If you feel like taking a dip in some of the finest beaches in the Philippines, you now know where to go.
Boracay Travel Guide
A very famous and attractive island in the Philippines, Boracay is known for its pristine beaches and majestic dive sites. Since many Filipino travelers and foreigners visit the place throughout the year, it features hotels, lodges, and inns that offer well-maintained facilities as well as affordable accommodations. In terms of dining, the island also plays home to numerous restaurants or fast foods that serve sumptuous meals. Furthermore, the place also features exciting activities that travelers can do to make their vacation in Boracay, Philippines, worthwhile. Hence, to make sure that they can have a memorable stay at the place, it is best that people search for Boracay travel guides.
Hotels
One of the special features of Boracay travel guides that tourists and vacationers usually look at is accommodation. Using the guides, tourists can have ideas about the hospitality service providers in the place that offer comfortable and convenient stay to everyone. The accommodation section of travel guides feature the star-rating, facilities, and accommodation rates in several Boracay hotels, including Boracay Regency Hotel, Microtel Inns and Suites, as well as 357 Boracay. In this way, travelers in the Philippines can make good decisions regarding hotels that have rates, which will fit or suit their budgets.
Restaurants
When it comes to dining, tourists can always rely on Boracay travel guides since these feature the different restaurants in the island. Some travel guides include the menus and price range of meals at the dining places in Boracay, Philippines. Meanwhile, others feature the ambiance as well as type of cuisine that restaurants serve. Additionally, Boracay travel guides offer an overview of numerous dining places that tourists can visit in the area, which include Baracuda Snack Bar, Bamboo Lounge, and Jammer’s Fastfood.
Beaches
Another important feature of Boracay travel guides are the beaches that can be visited in this Philippine island, as well as the activities that tourists can do in the beaches. The most famous beach in Boracay, Philippines, that is commonly featured in travel guides is White Beach. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in a place that has quiet and serene environment, they can look at accommodations at Yapak Beach, which is also known as Puka Shell Beach. Another beach in Boracay, Philippines that is commonly featured in Boracay travel guides is Manoc Manoc Beach, which is near to Caticlan, as well as a village that is believed to plays home to the descendants of early people who discover and reside in the island.
Boracay Restaurant Guide
Boracay is a very popular tourist destination as it welcomes diving expert and beach lovers. Being a prime tourist attraction in the Philippines, Boracay has become home to many restaurants in the area. Therefore, this Boracay Restaurant Guide is geared to help a Bora first-timer to try out the hottest dining spots in the area.
Cyma
This restaurant has been applauded by many tourists, so this is a selection in this Boracay Restaurant Guide. Cyma offers fusion cuisine, but dishes are mainly of Greek and Mediterranean origins. It is famous for brining Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in the Philippines, as it has branches not only in Boracay but in key cosmopolitan areas. This casual and cozy restaurant is a haven for those who want exotic dishes from other parts of the world. Specialty dishes include the Greek Salad, a vegetarian dish that contains greens, sun-dried tomatoes and Greek dressings, and the Lamb Kebab, which is skewered lamb served with pepper, vegetables and pita bread. Since the restaurant is unique in Boracay, expect the prices to be on the expensive side, with a reasonable price range of 150 to 350 pesos. Cyma is located at D’Mall in Station 2, with a contact number of 63-36-288-4283.
Smoke Restaurant
Another selection in this Boracay Restaurant Guide is Smoke Restaurant. Smoke Restaurant is ideal for those who want a taste of the Philippines’ native cuisine in the area. Indeed, with its selection of classic Filipino dishes that will capture the hearts of their diners, Smoke Restaurant has truly become popular with both local and foreign tourists. What makes this restaurant unique is that, aside from their regular menu selection, guests can purchase raw food at the nearby Boracay Wet Market and have them cooked according to their liking. The prices of the regular menu selections are affordable, ranging from 120 to 100 pesos, while the customized set is priced according to the quantity of the raw ingredients plus the type of cooking. Smoke Restaurant is located at the back of D’Mall near the Boracay Wet Market.
Aria Italian Restaurant
With the love for Italian food all around the Philippines, Boracay did not meet this food craze and put up an Italian restaurant of its own. Aria Italian Restaurant is another choice in this Boracay Restaurant Guide. Located at the entrance of D’Mall, this restaurant serves a wide selection of pizza and pasta and other components of a typical Italian meal. Specialties include the Pollo Arrosto, an oven-roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary, and the Aria Pizza, which is pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and parma ham. Prices are on the expensive side with dishes ranginf from 300 to 500 pesos; however, servings are huge. Aria Italian Restaurant is conveniently located at the entrance of D’Mall in Station 2, with a telephone number of 63-36-288-5573 for reservations.
Boracay Crab House
This crab house serves the best crab and prawn dishes in Boracay, so seafood lovers should not back out on this one. Another choice in this Boracay Restaurant Guide, the Boracay Crab House is ideal for a hearty meal of delicious and rich crabs and prawns. Ideal for casual dining, prepare to use your fingers while tinkering with the food. The Boracay Crab House is also one of the few restaurants in the Philippines that serve crabs and prawns in almost every imaginable type of cooking, be it breaded, skewered, grilled or stewed. Expect the prices to be on the expensive side, since seafood can get quite expensive. Boracay Crab House is located in Escondido Beach Resort, at the Station 1, with a telephone number of 63-36-376-4535.
Café del Sol
Café del Sol is selected be this Boracay Restaurant Guide as it is known for being one of the best breakfast places in the area. This place is truly an ideal way to start another day at the beach, with its pick-me-uppers of omelets, pancakes and waffles. Guests can also choose to dine their set meals during lunchtime and dinnertime, with some of the meny selections from the Philippines’ native cuisine. Aside from being a nice breakfast place, Café del Sol is also a good place to stop by for dessert. Its collections of cakes such are truly of comfort food status, and the best way to end a meal. Café del Sol is located at D’Mall in Station 2, with a telephone number of 63-36-288-5573.
