Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Philippines Beach Guide
Hospitality, generosity and kindness are all adjectives describing the attitude of people of the Philippines. When thinking of the Philippines however, most of the people think of the clear waters, white sand beaches and the millions of palm trees and somehow they are right about this vision. There is something about the beaches in the Philippines that makes the whole experience different than on another beach in another country and it has something to do with the adjectives we recited earlier. Let us take you on this Philippines Beach Guide to elaborate how these attributes come together in one place.
Our journey starts in Batangas, Luzon where we will visit the first white sand beach through our Philippines Beach Guide. One of the best beaches around Batangas is Matabungkay beach which also has a beach resort and spa where you can stay and relax. Matabungkay beach is full of locals that make you feel like home and even invite you out for a swim in their tire inflatables. You will find vendors walking around giving you tips on the region and also trying to sell a local specialty called ube potato.
The next beach in the Philippines Beach Guide is not so far away and is famous not for the beach itself but for what it yields underneath. We are talking about the most popular dive site in the Philippines; Puerto Galera. The white sand beaches are again a sight of paradise, but also dare to take a dip into the sea and discover the marine life that Puerto Galera beaches have to offer and maybe you will get lucky with seeing a shark, whaleshark or manta ray.
Moving on to the next spot of the Philippines Beach Guide, which is Philippines most popular party and event island Boracay. Boracay is known for its long pristine white sand beaches and you will definitely not get enough of Boracay if you are into events, socializing and party. Just another hop away is another beach in the Philippines Beach Guide which is located on the island of Palawan. Palawan is pure relaxation and is famous for its natural resources such as underwater rivers, natural parks and sanctuaries.
The Visayan Region also yields great beaches such as the ones in Bohol which are on the Philippines Beach Guide as well. Bohol is also another great dive site in the Philippines and you will find many family resorts along the Bohol beaches. The last beach on the Philippines Beach Guide are the beaches in the Mindanao city of Davao. Relax, dive or try to catch some pearls on the pearl farms of Davao.
Beaches in the Philippines are not rare and in every beach you will find a typical Filipino attribute such as the hospitality of the Luzon people, the cheerful moods in Boracay, the generosity of the Mindanao people and the kindness of the Bohol people. Live life to the fullest in the beaches of the Philippines.
Palawan Restaurant Guide
Palawan attracts many tourists to the Philippines every year. The place has a natural wonder that helped increase the nation’s revenues by more tourists coming in to visit the big island. Eating in Palawan is not a problem at all because today there are many restaurants more than ever.
1.Ka Lui Restaurant – This is a restaurant in Puerto Princesa that is inspired by the natural wonder of the surroundings. The tourists can eat in this restaurant while they enjoy the nice landscape and small waterfalls. The restaurant is also filled with gardens. They offer seafood only. Guests can buy tuna, crabs and lobsters. The desserts in this restaurant are very native and most of them are made from coconut and rice like rice cakes. Guests will be asked to take off their shoes when they enter. The whole place is designed with bamboos giving the cool ambiance and serenity. The dishes here are very affordable ranging from one hundred pesos up to one hundred fifty pesos. The service is also excellent. They can be found along Rizal Avenue. You can call them and inquire more about their food and reservation through the telephone number 63-48-433-25-80.
2.Kamarikutan Kape and Galeri – This literally means Wilderness Cafe and Gallery. This is a good coffee shop which becomes the place where the artists of Palawan relax. This place promotes the talent of the local painters by featuring their works. Their best seller is their coffee blends and snacks. They also offer different Filipino dishes. They sell the art works of the artists and they help them promote their works. This is also another establishment along Rizal Avenue in the capital of Palawan. You can call them at 63-48-433-5182.
3.Kawayan Grill – Thi is a restaurant where you can enjoy grilled dishes. Their best seller is their version of the grilled chicken. Many locals also like ordering the dried fish. This is found in Coron. The dried fish in Coron is larger however it is really tasty. They also serve it with their own version of seaweed ensalada. They also serve ceviche served fresh and in huge portions. The ceviche are diced up and the vinegar is the marinade. This grill is known for their affordability so big groups like eating in this place.
4.Bistro Coron – This is probably the best coffee place in Coron. They also have one of the best tasting apple pies in the area. A french national owns this bistor and he makes the bread they serve. They aslo have gourmet dishes. The pizza is just like how the French do it. Other best sellers are their pork tenderloin, chicken with rosemary and other French meals.
5.Village Lodge – This is another restaurant in Coron where locals invite tourists to taste the best Bulalo which means beef stew. The ambiance of the place is conducive for family gatherings.
Palawan Hotel Guide
The Island of Palawan is one of the biggest and longest islands in the Philippines as well as a well visited destination spot in the Philippines. If this is your first time on this paradise island and even in the Philippines as a whole, then you have hit the right site because we are going to help you out find a place to stay with the Palawan Hotel Guide right here.
The first place we are taking you to with the Palawan Hotel Guide is one of the few five star hotels in the entire Philippines, Amanpulo. This hotel is something quite special not only because it is one of the few five star establishments in the Philippines, but because it is located on a private island that promises privacy and a feeling as if you have landed in an undisturbed paradise. The cost per night however seems just as overboard as the whole island idea with a staggering $990 a night, but for a five star hotel not bad at all.
The Palawan Hotel Guide would like to introduce the next establishment called Lagen Island Resort that is located in Philippines beautiful marine reserve called El Nido. This three star resort has a full package for you that does not only include your room and food but also adventure rides and outings. This resort is a little pricey but nature friendly.
The next place on the Palawan Hotel Guide takes us to one well known city of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa. This little hotel is cozy and comfortable and is called Niko’s Cabanas & Restaurant. Every room has its own refrigerator even which makes this place a very homely place to stay. This resort even offers package deals for a week stay including food. Take the chance and discover the generosity of the Philippines at Niko’s Cabanas & Restaurant.
The Palawan Hotel Guide is not done with providing you with the best the Philippines has to offer. Let us more to the El Nido Resort Miniloc Island which is a world class resort situated in the El Nido marine sanctuary. This resort is very Filipino styled and you will get to know a little bit more about the culture in the Philippine in this one. They offer scuba diving for the adventurous people and they take you around on personalized tours around the sanctuary.
The Palawan Hotel Guide could take you to so many more places in the paradise island of the Philippines, but we have to stop at some point don’t we? Pick one of these great hotels and enjoy your stay in the island of Palawan.
Palawan Beach Guide
Palawan is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. This place has several beaches you can visit. The waters are generally calm and clear and the sands are white.
1. Taytay – In the northeastern of Palawan is the town called Taytay. This was Palawan’s former capital. In this island tourists like to hop on the islands and snorkel. There are many forests in the island too. In Taytay is a small island called Apulit. You can reach it from the capital Puerto Princesa by riding a jeep for two hours. Apulit is a lovers’ paradise. The resort there Club Noah Isabelle offers tourists cabanas with air conditioning in an enchanted place that is so peaceful. It is a perfect getaway for the holidays. From Manila you can get there by riding on a turboprop from the Sandoval airport. The flight takes ninety minute and tourists should transfer to the island via the sea.
2. Lagen island – This is another island with many famous resorts. You can reach this island by going to the Sandoval airport then transferring by boat to get to Lagen. The resort has a big forest. The sunset in El Nido is also a sight to see. There are resort in Lagen that has built some cottages on the stilts. Some cottages are set fronting the beach so you see the coves surrounding Lagen. There are resorts with rooms that stand on the forest or trees.
3. El Nido – This is an island that is the northwestern side of Taytay. You can reach it directly from Manila by taking a flight from the airport. El Nido is considered a sanctuary of nature. There are several good diving spots in El Nido.A flight to El Nido if you came from Manila lasts for two hours. Diving fans and snorkeling aficionados will certainly like the diverse seas in El Nido.Many people consider the place enchating.
4. Busuanga – This is a small island that belongs to the Calamian islands. Tourists should take a boat to tour the neighboring islands and see an awesome view of the whole area. The island is home to some rare animals.
5. Dimakaya Island – On the north portion of Palawan is Dimakaya Island which is part of the Coron town. It is a paradise where deers can roam around and herons can fly free. It is an island which can give tourists more privacy than the other islands.
Ormoc Travel Guide
A popular and fast-developing first class place in the attractive province of Legazpi, Philippines, Ormoc City offers interesting destinations for foreigners and Filipino travelers to visit. For those who like to have a tour to this wonderful city, they can check out several Ormoc travel guides to at least have a background on places to visit, dine, and sleep. Hence, Ormoc travel guides are good references for they provide complete information on famous tourist attractions, hospitality service providers, and restaurants in this beautiful place.
Hotels in Ormoc City, Philippines
An attractive feature in Ormoc travel guides that people can always find helpful is the accommodation section, which provides detailed information on hospitality service providers in the city. For people who like to stay in hotels that have attractive facilities, they can check Ormoc travel guides for information on three-star and four-star hotels in the place such as Ormoc Villa Hotel, Don Felipe Hotel, and Sabin Resort Hotel. Meanwhile, for those who prefer to stay in hospitality service providers that offer affordable rates, Ormoc travel guides also feature famous lodges and inns in Ormoc City, Philippines, which include Ormoc Friendly Inn, Sunnette Bay, as well as Ormoc Bay.
Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Regarding restaurants in the place, Ormoc travel guides also offer information on the famous dining spots in Ormoc City, Philippines, that serve mouth-watering and tasty dishes. For people who like to taste sumptuous Japanese meals, they can make advance bookings or reservations at El Comepor. On the other hand, for travelers who want to relax and unwind, they can order tasty and refreshing beverages at Don Quisote Bar. In addition, Ormoc travel guides also feature popular coffee shops in the city that are known for the sumptuous beverages and sandwiches that they serve, which include Bahia Coffee Shop.
Tourist Attractions in Ormoc City, Philippines
When it comes to tourist attractions or destinations in Ormoc City, tourists and travelers can enjoy and relax visiting recreational places that are usually featured in Ormoc travel guides like Leyte Golf and Country Club. Meanwhile, for people who prefer to do exciting sports in Ormoc City, they can also have fun in Omega Lane Billiard Hall, Ormoc Lanes Sports Center, and California Energy Housing Complex. Additionally, to those who like to test and improve their firing skills, they can always visit the famous and interesting firing range in Ormoc City, Philippines, named as Ormoc Gun Club and Firing Range.
Ormoc Sightseeing Guide
Ormoc City, considered the first class city of Leyte in the Philippines has much to offer to both locals and tourists. Its weather is the same as any other location in the Philippines: warm summer sun perfect for that day out in the beach and the rainy season which is not a hindrance to all the fun.
Trying to look for an official Ormoc Sightseeing Guide is going to be difficult since this place in the Philippines has not been fully developed to cater to tourism. However, this is not to say that there is no “unofficial” Ormoc Sightseeing Guide with destinations that one must absolutely go to, complete with peer reviews. Many tourists and locals fall in love with Ormoc City, more so than any other place in the Philippines and the reason is rather simple. Ormoc City has all the natural beauty in its rawest form that the Philippines can offer.
Take for instance the several nature trails which are a part of the Ormoc Sightseeing Guide. Admittedly, not all of us have a profound appreciation for nature but even so, these nature trails will leave one in awe. Ormoc Sightseeing Guide is not complete without a brief description of what one will see in these nature trails. The abundance of flora and fauna is amazing and gives one a clear view of the lakes and waterfalls where one can swim for that truly relaxing vacation. Here’s a bit of good news for those who can’t completely be alone with nature. The nature trails that are a topic of almost all unofficial Ormoc Sightseeing Guides have restaurants that are floating in the water perfect for that cool drink or that exotic yet delicious meal that one surely needs at the end of a trek.
Swimmers particularly enjoy going to Ormoc City, Philippines. The Leyte Golf and Country Club is one of the places that cannot be missing from the Ormoc Sightseeing Guide. Aside from a great game of golf, the Leyte Golf and Country Club has Olympic size pools allowing one to release that pent up energy.
Another great place to go would be the Centennial Park and although this is the last mentioned, it is definitely still a part of the Ormoc Sightseeing Guide. This park found in Ormoc City, Philippines is a favorite among locals and picnics are enjoyed here with family and friends. Other places to go in Ormoc City are the Pineapple Plantation and of course, the Tongonan Hotsprings National Park.
Ormoc Restaurant Guide
A progressive, inviting, and famous city in Leyte, Philippines, Ormoc City takes pride in the beautiful restaurants that it features to everyone who visits the place. To make wise decisions concerning nice and fine dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, to visit, there are Ormoc restaurant guides that travelers can always use or refer. These guides are useful tools for travelers since these offer important information on specialties, food prices, and locations of restaurants that people can visit in the city.
Cuisines and Specialties of Famous Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
When it comes to cuisines and specialties of famous dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines, people can always refer to Ormoc restaurant guides. Hence, for travelers and tourists who prefer to eat Filipino or native dishes, they can visit any of these dining places that are commonly featured in the guides; Manina’s Food House, as well as Chito’s Chow Bar and Restaurant. On the other hand, to assist travelers and tourists who crave for Japanese food, Ormoc restaurant guides commonly enumerate Japanese restaurants in the city such as El Comepor.
Locations of Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Aside from cuisines and specialties, most Ormoc restaurant guides also offer information on the locations of popular dining places in Ormoc City, Philippines. For those who are new to the place, there are accessible hotels that have restaurants where they can have a relaxing and refreshing meal. Three of the famous hospitality service providers in the place that feature restaurants are Ormoc Villa Hotel, Zenaida’s Chateau Tourist Inn and Restaurant, as well as Hotel Don Felipe. Other restaurants in the city that are easy to locate are Don Quisote Bar and Bahia Coffee Shop.
Price Range of Meals at Restaurants in Ormoc City, Philippines
Regarding affordability of meals, tourists who do not have enough budget to dine in fine dining restaurants, there are fast foods in Ormoc City, Philippines, which are commonly featured in Ormoc restaurant guides. For the price range of 50 pesos to 150 pesos, travelers can already have a decent dining experience at Jollibee. Meanwhile, for those who are still in search for cheaper meals, they can visit the Ormoc market where they can find small restaurants that serve delectable and native dishes like Lechon Baboy for as low as 200 pesos per kilo. Thus, to have a worry-free visit to Ormoc City, Philippines, every traveler is encouraged to refer to Ormoc restaurant guides to choose the dining places that will satisfy their cravings.
Manila Sightseeing Guide
Sightseeing in Manila, Philippines often involves that portion of the city where the vast Luneta Park sits. Here is a Manila sightseeing guide for tips on how to make the most of a tour to the various spots in Luneta.
It is more convenient to visit Luneta Park, among the best places to see in the Philippines, by commuting and walking. This adds to the adventure and excitement of a Manila tour as this Manila sightseeing guide strongly recommends. However, if a private car is really necessary, the Quirino Grandstand has available parking spaces.
After parking at the grandstand, the first logical stop would be the Ocean Park. This is right behind the grandstand and is very popular among local families who cannot afford the trip to the Ocean Adventure in Subic in Pampanga. Being a new tour craze in Manila (and in the Philippines), a good Manila sightseeing guide would place this as number one among its suggestions.
Luneta Park has a wide variety of other good places to offer tourists and visitors. Most materials (brochures and magazines) featuring a Manila sightseeing guide recommend visiting the giant Philippine Map near Taft Avenue; the Datu Lane where busts of Filipino chieftains or datus are displayed; the giant statue of Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain in the island of Mactan, Cebu who killed Ferdinand Magellan, the Rizal Monument, and the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. These are foremost tourist spots in the Philippines.
Also highly suggested Luneta spots when consulting a good Manila sightseeing guide are the Manila Planetarium, the Rizal Amphitheater, the Tamaraw Monuments, the vast Quirino Grandstand area, and the Bay Area behind it. The Bay Area also extends form here to a portion of the Coastal Road to Cavite, passing through areas of the Children’s Museum, the US Embassy, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Star City (for fun rides, games, and entertainment for the family), and World Trade Center of the Philippines.
There is also the National Library along Luneta’s T.M. Kalaw side and the Tourism Building. This is where groups of Filipino Martial Artists, among them renowned local masters, perform exhibitions and teach in front of the building. Foreign tourists who pass by always stop to watch the performances and even arrange tutorial lessons with the instructors. This Manila sightseeing guide recommends this tour feature in Luneta which is gaining popularity in the Philippines.
After roaming around Luneta Park as this Manila sightseeing guide suggests, tourists would have an idea of what it’s like to tour the Philippines.
Manila Restaurant Guide
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is a vibrant city with many malls and establishments to visit like restaurants. There are many restaurants in Manila where you can dine and eat with your family and friends.
1. Abe
Abe is a restaurant that offers Kapampangan dishes or meals that originated from Pampanga a province in the north of Manila. Many kapampangans are known for their culinary skills and their dishes are very tasty. Their desserts are also delicious as well. Some of their best sellers are kare-kare, fish, vegetables, peanut soup. This is a restaurant where you can try some of the Philippines’ best cuisine. The restaurant is usually packed so it is advisable to get a reservation ahead of time. Another restaurant which is just across the Abe caters to the same type of cuisine. It is called Larry’s Café and it is Abe’s partner company. This restaurant is situated on Serendra Piazza at Bonifacio High Street in Global city. You can contact them at 02-8560526. The cost of each meal is between ten dollars up to twenty dollars.
2. Cafe Juanita
This restaurant can be found in a corner in Pasig City. This is twenty minute ride from Makati without the heavy traffic. Finding the place can be adventurous because it is like discovering a hidden place. The restaurant’s design transports you back to the old time with unique and old artifacts which customers can buy for reasonable prices. They serve Filipino meals in fusion with European dishes. You can have the Filipino Bagnet which is fried pork with fermented sauce from fish and the Ratatuy which is their vesion of the popular French dish. It is situated at West Capitol Drive in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. You may get a reservation by calling their telephone at 02-632 0357. The prices range from ten dollars up to twenty dollars.
3. Cafe Ysabel
This is a restaurant designed with the theme about the long history of the Philippines. It is managed and owned by one of the Philippines’ best chef, Mr. Gene Cruz. Café Ysabel serves international dishes as well as Kapampangan dishes. They also offer several concoctions for coffee. You can taste different kinds of how to make coffee here. This restaurant is found on Guevarra Street in the corner of Claro M. Recto in San Juan City. The price of a dish starts at twenty dollars. You may visit their website on www.cafeysabel.com for more information and call them at 02- 726 9326 for reservations.
4. Heaven ‘n’ Eggs
This is a restaurant in the Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. The offer continental food as well as Filipino dishes. They are popular for the pancakes, pasta and sandwiches they offer. You can also order the longanniza they buy from Vigan which is the Filipino version of sausage made of garlic and pork. You may call them at 02- 912 1172 for more information. The food there is priced at five dollars up to twenty dollars.
5. Razon’s of Guagua
This can be a smaller restaurant in comparison to others in this list because they only serve desserts with ice like the Filipino halo-halo. Halo-halo is the Philippine’s best dessert especially during summer. It is made with different fruits and topped with a sweet flan or ice cream. The price of the desserts starts at two dollars to five dollars each.
6. The Red Crab -
This is the best restaurant for those who love seafood. They specialize in crabs and they offer different types of dishes with the crab. They also offer a table for buffet customers who are interested to try everything on their menu. They have many branches all over the city. One of the popular branches is in Greenbelt in Makati City. The price of a dish starts at ten dollars. You may call them at 02-757 4129 for your reservation.
Food is always apart of a country’s culture. We can really experience and appreciate another country when we try the food they offer. In the Philippines there is surely one dish that you would keep asking for more.
Manila Hotel Guide
When scouting for good hotels in Manila, Philippines, there are several things tourists ought to remember always. This Manila hotel guide ought to help them with very important tips.
Prior to reaching Manila, Philippines an arrangement can be done to have oneself picked up by a shuttle vehicle (in some cases a limousine or similar posh cars) of the hotel one has made reservations in. An important Manila hotel guide reminder is make sure to have a ready safe vehicle for pick up at the airport big enough to accommodate all one’s luggage. Unless a tourist is to be picked up by family or friends, a hotel shuttle is the next best thing.
This Manila hotel guide recommends hotels and lodgings located in the Mabini, Ermita, and Malate areas. These locations are very strategic because they are near the airport and the sea port located just at the back of the Manila Hotel, the most historic in the Philippines. A lot of public transport vehicles ply the Taft Avenue route near these vicinities going north to Caloocan and south to Makati. These areas are also dotted with money changers.
Hotels in Mabini, Ermita, and Malate are mostly near restaurants and small departments stores and shops many of which are open 24 hours a day. The Ermita district, among several in the Philippines, is especially known as a lively area affording quality night life for tourists. And it’s easy going around this locality by merely walking or taking cabs from one’s hotel. And a Manila hotel guide reminder to seriously consider while going around here is keep all cash in one’s front pant pockets and take no valuables.
The long stretch of Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Philippines, running across the western tips of Malate, Ermita, and Mabini, is lined with big and world-class hotels that offer panoramic views of Manila Bay. They are also adjacent the famous Bay Walk area, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex or CCP Complex where the Mall of Asia is, and quite accessible to Luneta Park and the US Embassy. This Manila hotel guide thinks it very pleasant for foreign tourists to have a hotel room booked here.
Finally, hotels in Manila, Philippines belong to a locality with a culture that tolerates both very formal and very casual attires; something that would help tourists relax more while on vacation and at the same time do serious business. Tourists here are either seen in shorts and rubber slippers or suits and shoes roaming around streets and hotel premises.
