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 Travel Guide
One of the popular and fast-advancing metropolitan areas in the southern part of the Philippines, Cebu plays home to numerous tourist spots, hotels, and restaurants. Another attraction in the city is the entertaining festivals that it annually holds. In terms of sightseeing, people can always visit some of the natural and manmade attractions in the place since their locations are very accessible. Hence, for those who have interest in visiting and spending their vacations in Cebu, Philippines, it is best that they take a look at Cebu travel guides where they can stay, dine and do some leisure and recreational activities.
Accommodations
In terms of accommodation, Cebu City, Philippines, takes pride in the elegant and luxurious hotels that it features. For those who are in search for hotels that offer first-rate services, they can always check the five-star hotels like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort Club, as well as Badian Island Resort and Spa Cebu, which are commonly features in most Cebu travel guides. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that have affordable rates, they can know the facilities and room amenities at three-star and two-star hotels like Midtown Hotel Cebu, Holiday Plaza Cebu, and Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Cebu, through the guides.
Dining
Aside from accommodations, Cebu travel guides also feature famous dining places in Cebu City, Philippines, which serve sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes to everyone. Some of the restaurants that are commonly featured in the guides are Family Farm Grill House Kilo-Kilo, City Breakfast Club, and Abaseria Deli and Café. Hence, for those who want prefer fine dining restaurants, Cebu travel guides feature the ambiance, menu, and location of Lumpia House Fine Dining, Grand Majestic, and Royal Concourse.
Tourist Attractions
When it comes to tourist destinations, travelers to Cebu, Philippines, can always check Cebu travel guides for information or details about famous sightseeing spots, namely Casa Gorordo Museum, Heritage of Cebu Monument, and Magellan’s Cross. Hence, for those who have interest in culture and arts, they can always visit art and antique collections at President Sergio Osmena Memorabilia and CAP Art Gallery, Rizal Memorial Library and Museum, as well as Arcenas Antique Collection.
Transportation
Regarding transportation and travel to Cebu City, Philippines, Cebu travel guides also offer ways on how to get to the city proper. Hence, for those who are new to visiting the city, they can ride in boats or take flights from Manila going to Cebu ports. From Cebu port, there are a lot of jeepneys, buses, and cabs that can take them to the places that they want to visit in the area.
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.
Cebu Hotel Guide
The Philippines has many great hotels where you can experience luxury and service. The oldest city of the Philippines is no exception to that rule and we are here to give you the Cebu Hotel Guide to show you that Cebu is not as old as it sounds like.
Let us start the Cebu Hotel Guide with one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world and in the Philippines; the Marriot Hotel Cebu. The Marriot Hotel Cebu is located right across the Ayala Mall and in the upscale district. This four star hotel has suites, ordinary rooms and presidential suites where you can enjoy the comfort and luxury that only Marriot can offer. The cost per night averages on a $130.
The next hotel in our Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu. This resort is close to all the dive sites that you might want to travel too. This four star resort is located in the Mactan Island of Cebu on which one of Philippines international airports is located in. The Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu has wonderful amenities great for relaxing or you can just lie around in the beach. The cost per night starts at around $150.
Another hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is one of Philippines business hotels called the Parklane International Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located right in the middle of the business district which makes this an ideal place to stay for travelling young professionals. This four star hotel has wellness centers and a fitness gym where you can sweat your stress out. The rate per night in this hotel ranges around $110.
The best three-star hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide with the optimal location is the Midtown Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located directly above a supermarket and a shopping mall and is just a foot step away from restaurants, larger malls and the shopping districts of Cebu. The Midtown Hotel Cebu is yet another one of Philippines business hotels and the ambience remains classy and chic. You can dine in their glass restaurant that overlooks the shopping district of Cebu. The stay per night costs around $65.
The last hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel Cebu. This is a four star hotel located in Cebu, Philippines and this hotel is situated along the white beaches of Cebu. This beach resort offers a spa, a pool area where you can sip your tropical cocktails and a great ambience. The stay per night in this hotel starts at around $110.
We hope that you have found the right hotel for you in Cebu, Philippines with the Cebu Hotel Guide. Enjoy the four and three star hotels that Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines, has to offer.
Cebu Beach Guide
Cebu is an island in the South of Philippines that is also called the queen city of the south. The capital of Cebu is Cebu city and it is a modern city with several companies and factories. Cebu is a place where the modern life of the city and the paradise of beautiful beaches meet. You can enjoy a laid back life in a beautiful beach in just one hour. Cebu is surrounded by beautiful beaches in the north, east, west and south.
1. Mactan Beaches – These are the beaches that you can find in the Mactan island. The island is also where the international airport can be found. The island has several hotels and resorts. Some have pure white sand others have the darker kind. The following are the famous resorts :
a.Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa – This is a world class hotel made some renovations which made it bigger. This hotel is more expensive than most resorts and hotels in Mactan. This hotel has a good view of the Mactan beach. They also have two large pools where guests can always swim in or play volleyball. Many families like the kids zone where their children can enjoy different games and activities. This is a large area where children can play. It has three floors which are all padded. It has a huge slide too.
b.Plantation Bay Resort and Spa – this is another world class hotel in Mactan. You can enjoy the beach with the white sands.
2. Beaches in Alcoy – Alcoy is a town in the south of Cebu. Alcoy has small coastline with white sands. The people live on fishing and mining as well. Alcoy has a beautiful area with mountains and some cliffs made of limestones. Tingko is the most popular beach in the town because there are wonderful rocks in the coast. The waters is clear and it is an ideal place for divers. This is also one of the cheapest beach in Cebu since there is no entrance fee. Tingko beach has one of the most beautiful sunset and sunrise in the country.
3. Daan Bantayan and Gibitngil Island
The island of Gibitngil is located in the town of Medellin which is in the northern end of Cebu. Many tourists nowadays have discovered this island. Many of them island hop during the day. The island has white fine sands that are compared to powder. The water is also crystal blue perfect for snorkeling fans and scuba diving enthusiasts. People in Gitbingil are peaceful people and they have recorded very low crimes in their area. You can reach the island from cebu via a bus bound for Medellin then via a motor boat going to the island.
Malapascua is a beach located in the island of Bantayan. Malapascua also has fine white sands and clear waters. It is drawing more tourists every year. It offers rich marine life and varied coral formations as well. There are many hotles and resorts in Bantayan and during the peak season there are several parties being held at night.
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 Sightseeing Guide
Butuan City is one of the historical locations in the Philippines. It has more than a thousand years of recorded history part of which predates the colonial era. Anciently, the city is known for its balanghais, which are native boats that have been well known in Southeast Asia even before any colonizer has set foot on the islands. This Butuan sightseeing guide will walk you through the many historic and cultural sights in the city.
On the first part of our Butuan sightseeing guide, we’ll look at things and places this city is famous for. Butuan is well known for the oldest kind of boat in the Philippines known as the balangay. The use of balangays dates back to fourth and 13th century. These edge-pegged boats are unique and have no counterpart in the entire world.
The Golden Tara is a figurine of a female deity made up of nearly four pounds of 21-carat gold. It is said that a local woman from the Manobo tribe found this relic in 1917. It is a cultural symbol that grew in ancient Southeast Asia.
The Agusan River is longest navigable river in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Visitors can go on a river cruise and view the river towns. The cruise is a tour through the city’s culture, history, and people.
The next part of our Butuan sightseeing guide includes cultural attractions. First one would be a tour to different antique collections. Schedules to each collection are to be made by appointment. The collections were the result of archaeological excavations done in 1976 that showcases a lot of rare pieces in the Philippines.
The National Museum is the place to go if you want to dig into the city’s history and culture. You’ll find exhibits dating back from pre-Hispanic times and items during the colonial period. The Balangay Shrine Museum is where you’ll find the rare and peculiar boats that transported the city’s first inhabitants. You’ll get to see a flotilla of them here preserved and restored.
Mount Mayapay, our Butuan sightseeing guide’s natural attraction, is the landmark of the city standing at 700 meters. Its name, according to local lore, was given by the Madjapahit Empire in the 10th to 11th century.
The last leg of our Butuan sightseeing guide will feature the festivals celebrated in a year. January 17 marks the date of the flag hoisting commemoration. This celebrates the first time the flag of the Philippines was raised in Mindanao in 1889. March 17 marks the China Trade Mission celebration. May and August are made alive by the Balangay Festival and the Adlaw hong Butuan. These are homecoming reunion festivals when locals from all over the world come home to be with friends and family.
Other notable events include the Abayan Festival and the Tourism Consciousness Week. This Butuan sightseeing guide is a walkthrough to the different historical and cultural highlights of the city. Enjoy the sights and you’ll appreciate Butuan City’s history and the culture in the Philippines.
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.
