Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Laoag Sightseeing Guide
This Laoag sightseeing guide will showcase the natural and manmade wonders of the capital of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Being nestled in between one of the largest mountain ranges in the Philippines and the South China Sea, Laoag City presents scenic views and great tropical delights for its visitors.
For the initial part of our Laoag sightseeing guide, we’ll go over some of the scenic natural attractions you should expect to find.
La Paz Beach is the closest beach in Laoag, which is a lovely pebble beach with extensive sand dunes. However, if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in the Philippines, you better drive up an hour to Pagudpud to find something at par with the world’s best.
The La Paz Sand Dunes is a favorite movie location here in the Philippines. Filipino-style western movies have chosen this among several locations. It is interesting to note that two international film, Born on the Fourth of July and Mad Max, also filmed here.
The next part of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the historic attractions you can check out. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was built in 1892 and is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines, which still functions today.
Saint William’s Cathedral was built in 1612 and is a fine piece of Italian Renaissance architecture. It has a two-story facade that is held in place using coupled columns. The Santa Monica Church on the other hand is a century old church that is a great mix of baroque and neo-classical design.
No Laoag sightseeing guide will be complete without the Sinking Bell Tower. The name comes from the fact that the tower sinks about a few centimeters each year. The tower was built on sand and its weight drags the entire structure down. One of its doors that was once able to let a man on a horse through is now halfway sunk to the ground.
The next segment of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the cultural highlights here starting with Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel that sports many Spanish-Moroccan trends in design and infrastructure. Its more than 200 rooms give a spectacular view of the beach area. The hotel is primarily designed to attract foreign tourists and guests but it also brings in locals from all over the Philippines as well. Other than the magnificent view and great facilities, Fort Ilocandia is also famous for its casinos and golf course.
One of the must see places here is the Marcos Mausoleum, which has a display of the 20-year term president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. You’ll get a chance to glimpse at his wax replica but no pictures are allowed. However, you may take pictures while you’re at the Marcos Museum that displays the man’s personal effects and features his personal career and family line.
Our Laoag sightseeing guide features some of the highlights to see in this city. Visitors will grow to appreciate unique beauty Ilocos Norte and Laoag City has to offer.
Laoag Restaurant Guide
Laoag is known as the capital of Ilocos Norte. The city has many restaurants offering varying cuisines. Most of them combine the local and the international cuisine. Most of the restaurants in Laoag can be found in good locations near most of the other business establishments.
1. Max’s Restaurant - This is a successful branch of restaurant that can be found in General Segundo Avenue. This is a good restaurant which offers Filipino dishes and their best selling fried chicken. The atmosphere inside is warm and cozy. They also serve Filipino’s best dishes like Sinigang na Hipon, Crispy Pata, Bicol Express. They also serve Kare-kare and Lechon Kawali.You may spend around five hundred pesos for a complete meal for two persons.
2. La Preciosa Restaurant - This is a restaurant in the city. It is a fine dining restaurant. They also serve catering for occasions in hotels and private celebrations. They offer delicious Ilocano food and other Filipino dishes. They specialize in Bagnet, Pancit molo and Pinakbet. They also serve Patatim and crispy chicken. For a couple you must have at least four hundred pesos to enjoy a complete meal. Their restaurant is also designed with
good architectural styles which adds to the luxurious appeal of their place.
3. Sansu’s Chinese Food - This is a restaurant along Samonte Street in the city. This is a popular restaurant where you can find delicious Chinese dishes. Their best sellers are chopsuey,crab meat dishes and pansit canton. The ambience in this restaurant is very casual. For two hundred pesos you can already enjoy a complete meal along iwth other seafood meals. They also offer a set menu priced at two thousand two hundred pesos which can feed at least ten persons.
4. Macy’s Diner - This is also in Gen. Segundo Avenue. The restaurant is a classic one which offers American and Filipino dishes. The place offers casual and cozy ambiance.
For two hundred pesos a person can already have delicious burgers, fried and tacos. Their Filipino best sellers include bopis and tapa.
5. Ravanden’s Grill - This is another restaurant in Laoag in Rizal Street. The atmosphere in this restaurant is very homey. Guests can eat outside or inside the restaurant. They specialize in Filipino dishes. You can have ninety pesos and enjoy a complete meal. Their best sellers include Kare-kare, grilled sisig and Chopsuey. They also offer their own version of Pinaputok na Tilapia. They can also cater to private gatherings in hotels or houses.
Laoag Hotel Guide
Ilocos Norte’s capital is Laoag. It is a fascinating city where tourists can stay in world class hotels. There are several sites and things you can do in Laoag and it is nice to rest and relax in some of Laoag’s best hotels.
1. Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel - This hotel is just ten minutes away from the main aiport. They have two hundred sixty seven rooms. The design of this hotel is inspired by the architecture during the Spanish colonization.Laoag is also known for this kind of architecture especially with the old mansions.The hotel has different gardens and fountains as well which gives you a view of the Hispanic culture of Laoag. There are also many furnishings that give you the same appeal. Every room has a nice balcony giving the guest a view of the sea of China. Staying here will feel like having a vacation in a Castilian European hotel.
2. Palazzo de Laoag - This is a modern hotel. It has four levels with huge panels made of glass. This is situated in Paterno Street. The ambiance in this hotel is very cozy yet very stylish. This hotel is also good as a venue for big celebrtions or events. It has its own restaurant, a pool,cafe, disco bar and courtyards. Palazzo also has a trellis and an azotea in some special sections. This hotel has been frequented by Ilocanos who came from abroad and want to splurge in the Palazzo’s amenities and good service.
3. Badoc Island Resort- This is a resort and a hotel rated first class. It has a very cozy lobby and large spaces. This hotel is situated on the northwestern coast of the region. This is an ideal getaway from the city. They have all the amenities you can find in a hotel. This hotel also offers their guests the chance to enjoy the seas with surfing or snorkeling. This is the best place to relax in a place anyone can consider paradise.
4.Java Hotel - This hotel is found in Bacarra Road. This hotel is designed from the inspiration of a traditional Ilocano life. They offer the guests with tasty dishes from Ilocos. This is a good alternative to hotels that are designed with modern architecture. The design of this hotel is very Ilocano and FIlipino. This hotel has many amenities as well. They offer pool, coffee shop, a spacious lobby, convenience store,souvenir store,health club and a tennis court.
5. Northview Hotel - This is a hotel near the Narbo Road. This is a lodge with a modern desing. This hotel has many facilities including different banquet rooms, restaurant and a big parking space. Many locals held their wedding reception in this hotel. This is a good alternative if you find the price in other hotels too expensive.
Laoag Beach Guide
Laoag is the vibrant capital of Ilocos Norte.It is a beautiful city that attracts more tourists each year. It also has some of the best beaches in the Philippines.
1. Pannzian Beach - This is a beach considered the seaside jewel. This is a beach in Pagudpod. It is a town near the sea which is very famous for having clear beaches covered with whaite sand. Pannzian is nine kilometers in length. This is top resort with two hundred sixty seven rooms in all. The rooms have a good view of the wide sea because each one has a balcony. They also have a course for golf fans. The golf also has a good view of the Paoay Lake.
2. Nipa Beach - This is beach filled with good sceneries. The sand in this beach seems to be rolling downwards as you get close to the shore. This resort has classy nipa huts with roofs that are pointed. This beach is famous for the clean and blue water. The beach is part of the great China Sea. The whole beach also has tall trees providing good shade while you are enjoying your time in the sand.
3. Pagudpud Beach - This is a beach near the bay of Bangui. This is called Boracay of the north by many people because the sand is just as fine. Pagudpod is even favored by more beach goers because you can do any sports you can do in the water. Pagudpod is a good venue for boating, snorkeling, parasailing and surfing.Many picknickers also go here to spend time with their family.
4. Calayab Beach - This is a beach in the town of Calayab. There are many hotels and resorts in this beach including Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel with its own casino.
5. Terra Rika Beach - This another Laoag beach located in Pagudpod. You can enjoy the sceneries in this beach as the sun rises and when the sun sets. The place is more peaceful than other beaches which provide a good place to meditate and relax. They have a resort with twenty five rooms that are complete with all the amenities. They also have a diving facility where divers can enjoy.
6. Saud Beach - This is a beach in Pagudpod. One of the best things you can do is kayaking.The waves in this beach is good for kayaking and even paragliding. One of the well known resorts in this beach is Vista del Mar. The windmills of Bangui are landmarks in this beach.
Iloilo Travel Guide
One of the popular and advancing provinces in the Philippines, Iloilo offers captivating and alluring tourist destinations to everyone. Because of the attractive tourist spots in the place, many people like to spend their vacation and visit the beautiful sightseeing areas in Iloilo, Philippines. Hence, to offer good and nice accommodations to vacationers, travelers and tourists, the province feature hotels and restaurants where they can sleep, dine, and relax. To have a safe travel and stay in the province, people should refer to Iloilo travel guides for these tools offer information on nice places to visit and exciting activities to do during their stay in the place.
Tourist Spots in Iloilo, Philippines
Iloilo has a rich culture and history, which makes it more attractive to foreigners and Filipino travelers. To have a glimpse at the province’s culture, there are historical and cultural places that people can always visit. Most of these places are featured in Iloilo travel guides so that travelers can have an exciting stay in the province. Hence, three historical tourist destinations in Iloilo, Philippines that are commonly featured in Iloilo travel guides are Plaza Libertad, Old Buildings in Calle Real, and Fort San Pedro. On the other hand, people can also visit religious attractions in the province like the famous Molo Church and Arevalo Church.
Hotels in Iloilo, Philippines
For the comfort and safety of all travelers, Iloilo travel guides also feature hotels, lodges, and inns, in the province where people can sleep. Most of the travel guides offer information on facilities, locations, and accommodation rates of first class hotels in the province such as Iloilo Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, as well as Days Hotel. Meanwhile, to assist tourists who are on tight budget, the guides also offer knowledge on standard class hotels such as Punta Villa Hotel and Resort, La Fiesta Hotel, and Four Season Hotel.
Restaurants in Iloilo, Philippines
In terms of dining, Iloilo travel guides feature the famous restaurants in the province that serve delectable and delicious dishes to everyone. For those who are in search for restaurants that offer international meals, they can always dine at Bourbon Street, David’s Tea House, and Villa Regatta. On the other hand, Iloilo travel guides also offer information on the menus of restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine like Panaderia de Molo, Barrio Inasal, and Casitas. With all the information that Iloilo travel guides share to tourists in the province, they can surely have a remarkable and great vacation in Iloilo, Philippines.
Iloilo Sightseeing Guide
This Iloilo sightseeing guide can show you some of the best tourist spots to drop by when in the province. Although there are scores of places you can check out, these landmarks are among the sites you shouldn’t miss out on.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: historical sites
One of the most popular locations is the Japanese Fortification, which was built by the Japanese during the war. The remains are still visible and can give one insights into the situation during the war era. Another landmark is the Plaza Libertad, located in the capital city. It is the place where the flag of the Republic was raised following the surrender of the Spaniards.
When in the city you might also want to visit other famed landmarks such as the Spanish Bailiwick, a fortress, the Andonna Creek (landing location of the datus), the Molo District and Fort San Pedro. This was an edifice developed by the Spaniards sometime in the 1600s and the site of numerous battles against the US forces and also the Dutch.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: cultural locations
The Guimbal Watchtowers, located some 30 km off the capital, was established as a warning beacon against pirates and invaders headed to the city. Although very old enough remains to give one the idea of the important role the structure played in olden times.
The residence of Magdalena Jalandoni is another cultural highlight of Iloilo. A well known and respected artist, the venue has now become the place where her priceless works are presented.
The Rosendo Mejica Museum hosts several important historical documents in Spanish, English and Hiligayon, as well as other relics, while downtown Iloilo has several old style buildings from the American and Spanish periods. Another cultural landmark not to be missed is Jaro, where several colonial houses of the Spaniards remain standing.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: nature spots
The Isla de Higantes (the Isle of the Giants) is renowned for the presence of human remains that have been dated from the 15th century. Besides the cave, the naturally formed pool is another popular landmark. The Cataan Cave, situated off San Joaquin, is popular among diving enthusiasts.
Other natural hotspots are the Darangkulan Waterfall, Nagpana Falls, Tinagong Dagat, and Sicogon Island, where exquisite white sand surrounds the shores.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: religious shrines
There are several churches in the province that not only highlight the importance of religion but also give insights into the history of the province. Among the sites that tourists often go to are the Santa Barbara Church, Tigbauan Church, the Church of Cabatuan and the Pavia Church.
An Iloilo sightseeing guide can only provide a sampling of the delectable sights that await you in the island. With its mix of natural, cultural and historical landmarks, you’ll definitely want to make this island province a part of your itinerary.
Iloilo Restaurant Guide
Iloilo is also caleld the economic capital of the regions in the south western part of the Philippines. Iloilo is the city with some of the progressive establishments including the restaurants.Their economy is booming also because of tourism.There are good places where you can eat with your family or friends while you stay
to visit Iloilo.
1. Kublai Khan’s Mongolian Restaurant- This restaurant is at
the third level of the Robinsons mall in Iloilo on Ledesma Street.
They serve unique dishes focusing on mostly Mongolian dishes. The
cost of the food is two hundred pesos. Guests can choose from different dishes that have unique taste. They also have other specialites. The whole restaurant is overflowing wtih an ambience so positive and lively. They always give the guest the good feeling. Their best sellers are check-a-bowl,eat-all-you-can and one-time fill all you can serving. They also have the super bowl, warrio’s bowl and emperor’s merienda.
2. Numtah Bar and Restaurant - This is located on the Huervana
Street. In La paz,Iloilo. Numtah is a restaurant that gives guest
the chance to chose among several international dishes. The people
can enjoy a casual atmosphere inside the restaurant. Many locals
celebrate their birthday and get togethers in this restaurant. It is
a good place to spend time with your friends too. The price of the complete meal can range from two hundred pesos up to five hundred pesos. Their best sellers are Basil pork Kretek, Crispy Pata and Numtah pizza. Dining here is considered fine. Their drinks are best sellers as well which include dewberry and jackieberry juice.
3. Pizza Hut- You can find this restaurant at the first floor of Robinsons Place Iloilo along Ledesma Street. This is an international pizza chain that is also a hit in the Philippines. Their best seller of course is their pizzas.They aslo serve other dishes from Italian and American cuisine. Guests also like trying their potato mojos and drinks like shakes. Many locals also celebrate their birthdays in this restaurant. Their best sellers today include cheesy pizza, cheesy pops. You should bring a budget of at least five hundred pesos. Foreign tourists like ordering the spaghetti with the tasty meatballs and the spicy chicken wings.
4. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy - This is a restaurant on the lower level of the Robinsons mall. Ted’s is a restaurant for the ultimate fine dining experience. Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy is an extremely fine dining facility that serves original Filipino cuisine. Inside, the great-tasting food blends well with the casual atmosphere of the place. A person must have two hundred pesos with him to enjoy the best selling batchoy. They also offer other variations of the Iloilo’s favorite dish.
5. Mango Tree - This is restaurant inside Mandurriao in the city. The give a relaxing ambience to the guests. The owners have adorned the whole restaurant with grasses, bamboos and candles. Their best sellers are beef shank,bulalo steaks and the sizzling gambas. The price of the food is between two hundred pesos up to five hundred pesos.
Iloilo Hotel Guide
A popular and rapidly advancing province in the southern part of the Philippines, Iloilo is one of the nicest places to visit in the country. Since it plays home to numerous attractive and interesting tourist destinations, the province features hospitality service providers that offer different leisure and dining facilities. Additionally, hotels in Iloilo, Philippines, also feature reasonable accommodations to everyone. To help tourists experience a hassle-free as well as safe stay in the place, there are Iloilo hotel guides that they can use.
Accommodation Rates and Locations in Iloilo Hotel Guides
Two special features of Iloilo hotel guides are accommodation rates and locations. These features are very helpful in the sense that tourists can make wise decisions regarding the places that suit their budget. For instance, for those who prefer to sleep in guestrooms that have affordable rates, many hotels in the province of Iloilo, Philippines, have cheap accommodations such as Iloilo Midtown Hotel, River Queen Hotel, and City Corporate Inn. In addition, there are also pension houses featured in Iloilo hotel guides that have cheap accommodations like Jaro Bellevue Pensionne, La Chateau de Iloilo, and Rosa Maria Pension. Meanwhile, for those who are in search for hotels that have accessible and strategic location, they can visit Iloilo Grand Hotel, Four Season Hotel, and Westown Hotel.
Facilities of Hotel in Iloilo, Philippines
Aside from accommodation rates and locations, Iloilo hotel guides also feature leisure and dining facilities in many hospitality service providers in Iloilo, Philippines. For the comfort of travelers in the province, they can make advance bookings at hotels that have special facilities like restaurants, swimming pools, and fitness gyms. Hence, three of the hotels in the area that offer well-maintained facilities, which are commonly featured in Iloilo hotel guides are The Grand Dame Hotel, La Fiesta Hotel, and EON Centennial Hotel.
Star Ratings of Hotels in Iloilo, Philippines
In terms of star ratings, people can always check out Iloilo hotel guides to know how efficient the services that hotels in Iloilo, Philippines, offer to guests. For those who like to occupy elegant and luxurious guestrooms, they can make reservations at five-star and four-star hotels, namely Hotel del Rio, Days Hotel, and Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. On the other hand, for travelers who prefer to stay in standard hotels that have three-star and two-star ratings, they can stay in one of these attractive hospitality service providers; Punta Villa Hotel and Resort, The Residence Hotel, and Castle Hotel.
Iloilo Beach Guide
Iloilo is an island in the south part of the Philippines blessed with natural beauty including beaches. Many people are drawn to this place because of the hospitable people and the beauty of the place. There are several waterfalls and islands. The beaches
in Iloilo belongs to the best ones in the country. Each beach has many tropical trees and most of the beaches have white and fine sand. The island also has several resorts and hotels where you can stay and enjoy the beach.
1. Antonia Beach - Antonia is a beach you can find in the Isla de Gigantes in the town of Carles. It is an ideal getaway place for people who have been busy working and would want to take a break from their hectic life. You can spend your day in this beach snorkeling,sunbating and swimming with your family or friends.
2.Bolobadiangan Beach - This beach is popular in Iloilo. This is situated in Concepcion. There are many corals in this beach. The sand of the beach is white and very fine like powder because of the lime stones. There are areas of the beach where the sand
looks yellow. Many locals come here to swim in the beach because the water is pristine. A feature of Bolobadiangan beach is a sandbar which becomes a structure that barricades the beach.
3.Agho and Tambaliza Beaches - These beaches are also popular choices of many Ilonggos. They are both in Concepcion. These beaches have remained to be pure because of the less commercialism of the places.
4. Anhawan Leisure Camp - This is a perfect vacation place for those who love playing sports in the water like sailing, speedboating, windsurfing, scuba diving and kayaking. There is also an area in this beach where sunbathing can be done privately without other people passing by.
5. Puerto del Mar - This is one of the best beaches in Iloilo. Many of the rich families go here for a good vacation. This beach resort is situated in Guimaras. They have several amenities with good cottages where guests can stay. Guimaras is a lovely island on its own. You can do many water activities here with your family like parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat riding.
Other beaches in Iloilo are Coco Grove, Shamrock beach,Lorenzville, Tobog, Bogtong Bato and Basang-Basa. The water in these beaches are also gentle and calm especially during summer. Most of these beaches offer cottages or villas with a good view of the beach in front. Many tourists also prefer beaches in Iloilo because it is not as crowded as other beaches near Luzon and some are more affordable.
General Santos Travel Guide
Known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City plays home to numerous tourist destinations that attract a great number of travelers in the country. To accommodate travelers who want to take a look at the attractive sites in the province, General Santos City, Philippines, features hotels, lodges and inns, where people can have a comfortable and relaxing stay. In addition, the city also offers restaurants that serve sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes to everyone. Hence, to avoid worry-free travels to the place, it is best that people refer to General Santos travel guides for the best places to see in the city.
Tourist Attractions
One of the special sections of General Santos travel guides is the tourist destination section. In this section, people can have ideas about the famous and beautiful tourist spots in General Santos City, Philippines. For travelers who have interest in visiting natural attractions in the place, they can always take a look at Kalaja Karst Area, which features beautiful waterfalls and an attractive cave. Other attractions to see in General Santos City, Philippines, are Lake Sebu and Lake Maughan, which are known for their serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Restaurants
For the comfort of all the travelers in General Santos City, Philippines, most General Santos travel guides provide a section on restaurants or dining places in the area. Individuals who like to visit restaurants that serve authentic Filipino dishes can always go to Sud-an, Kanto, and Jam’s Restaurant. However, for people who prefer to dine in some fast foods in the city, they can refer to General Santos travel guides to know the exact locations of Jollibee, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and McDonald’s. Additionally, for those who prefer to eat light meals like pastries, pastas, and pizzas, the city also features Pizza Hut and Red Ribbon.
Hotels
Regarding accommodations, travelers have nothing to worry for General Santos travel guides provide information on the amenities, as well as accommodation rates of hotels, lodges, and inns at General Santos City, Philippines. For individuals who like to have a luxurious and comfortable stay in the place, they can always make advance reservations in three-star and four-star hotels like Family Country Hotel, Phela Grande Hotel, and Matutum Hotel. Meanwhile, for people who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that offer affordable rates, they can always take a look at lodges in General Santos City, Philippines, like Maharlika Lodge, Shanghai Lodge, and Clara’s Lodge. Hence, with the use of General Santos travel guides, people can surely have a remarkable and enjoyable stay in the wonderful city of General Santos, Philippines.
