Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Philippines Transportation
Although the Philippines has mountainous terrains, approximately 14 percent of its 158,810 kilometer roads is paved. Wherever you may be, Philippines transportation is easy because of the different modes of transport at your disposal.
Public Transportation
In Metro Manila as well as in the provinces, airconditioned and non-airconditioned buses are accessible. The cost of fare is much higher with the airconditioned variety. However, if your destination is located outside of Manila, you can avail of chartered bus lines.
The most popular means of transportation is the jeepney. These vehicles resemble those used by the Americans at the height of the Second World War. Like most buses, they also have a regular route and will stop when flagged down. The minimum fare is P7.00 per 4 kilometers and an additional 50 centavos for the succeeding kilometers.
Airconditioned taxi cabs are accessible in any part of Manila. If you want to travel by car, not in a taxi, there are car rental services also available but you need to have an international driver’s license. If you are staying in a luxurious hotel, majority of them have limousine services that will take you to your desired destination.
Rail Transit
Cheap and fast is what both the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) would give you. This is the preffered mode of transport especially by commuters who are going to their respective places of work. The MRT, for instance, traverses the commercial centers of Ortigas and Ayala Avenue.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR), which is government-owned is a viable option if you are traveling outside of Manila. The track stretches across 1,060 kilometers of the country. However, it can only service those going to Luzon provinces so if you are going to the other islands, the best option is to ride a ferry.
Air
Another option for Philippine transportation is through the air since there are more than 40 provincial airports in the country. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just a kilometer away from the Manila Domestic Airport and is 7 miles from the heart of the city. The NAIA boasts of offering several amenities such as a medical clinic, banks, and postal service along with duty-free shops, among others.
Seventy five of the total 262 airports in the country have paved runways. The Philippine Airlines is the country’s national carrier with flights connecting to 12 cities in 7 countries. On the domestic front, PAL has daily flights to 17 local cities. Likewise, when traveling to smaller locations, you can choose among Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, Mindanao Expres, and SEAir.
Sea
Waterways and seaports in the country stretch 3,219 kilometers. There are various shipping companies connecting Manila to other major ports in the country. The busiest seaports are located in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Cebu, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro.
Traveling to your desired location is very easy with these Philippines transportation options.
Maximizing One’s Stay in a Philippine Hotel
Philippine hotels are exciting lodges to stay in. A couple of days stay will surely be pure delight, especially when it’s a luxury hotel. Though they can also be a bit expensive, there are ways of maximizing one’s stay in a Philippine hotel.
Most Philippine hotels are historical. They may not have figured in major Philippine historical events but they nonetheless have some olden story highlights in their existence. Just lift the phone receiver and ask operator service for some historical background on the hotel, especially if it was originally started before Word War II, or at least circa 1950s.
Dig up history facts some more by asking for archive records on the hotel; there might be a file somewhere in its database. Or search it on the Internet. The point is, it’s a different experience when one’s aware of the hotel’s past. For instance, a premier Philippine hotel in Cebu built in the 1950s used to be a humble four-table restaurant. Some hotels in Intramuros used to be mansions during Spanish times in the Walled City.
Philippine hotels often have a Filipiniana section usually in their lobbies. This is a good place to know more of the people and famous places in the country. Some Philippine hotels offer whole shelves of old books on Filipino culture and tradition, polished native and rare implements and tools as hotel decors, old photos, and special nooks for native delicacies and dishes. It will be worthwhile sampling these rare features.
Another way of maximizing a stay in a Philippine hotel is hanging out awhile at the lobby. The lobby and café (often adjacent to each other) of luxury Philippine hotels are favorite hang outs of well-known people in town. One may see movie or political personalities being interviewed there, or simply relishing a brewed cup of coffee or sipping a cool drink. Or one can try to meet new people to befriend at the lobby. It’s a safe place to gain new acquaintances from the city or locality.
Finally, catch a view of the sunset at an open lounge, at the pool area of the hotel, or on a terrace roof top. Don’t leave without even a glimpse of it, and the city skyline. Those are likely to make memory impressions that last.
A short stay at a Philippine hotel can have more delights than may be expected. It’s just a simple roaming around the hotel in thrilled expectation of something worth discovering.
Makati Travel Agents
If you are planning on visiting the tourist destinations in the Philippines, the best way to have hassle-free travel and accommodation is to get in touch with travel agents that offer trip packages to your chosen destination. By taking advantage of these travel packages instead of making your own travel arrangements, you can save time and money during your trip.
When choosing a travel agent, it is best that you look for one that is closest to where you are staying. Since a large number of foreign tourist are staying near the business areas, it is quite easy to spot Makati travel agents in many areas of Makati. Your hotel may also have tie-ups with some Makati travel agencies. Asking your hotel for advice on this can help you choose the most reliable travel agency in the area.
Marsman-Drysdale Travel, Inc.
One of the Makati travel agencies that have forged ties with major hotels is the Marsman-Drysdale Travel, Inc. The MDTI has been awarded several times for creating and handling tours to various destinations in the Philippines. This travel agency was founded in 1975 to answer the call of the Philippine government in promoting tourism in the country. Since then, the travel agency has grown. At present, it has an office in major tourist destinations including Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Bohol, Dumaguete, Zamboanga, Cotabato, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro. This travel agency handles clients who would like to travel within the country and also those who would like to travel abroad as well. Their Makati office is found on the 19th floor of Robinsons Summit on Ayala Avenue.
Blue Horizons Travel and Tours
Blue Horizons cater to tourists for inbound and outbound travel. They can also make the reservations for corporate clients who book for its guests and employees. This travel agency is the Philippine arm of the many of travel agencies in Europe and Asia. They can make the arrangements for travel, sightseeing and accommodation of foreigners coming into the country. Blue Horizons Travel and Tours also employ the services of multilingual tour guides to better assist their clients. Their main office is found at Trafalgar Plaza on H. V. dela Costa St. Salcedo Village.
Baron Travel
This is a travel agency that has been accredited by local and international travel organizations. Baron Travel offers a variety of local and international travel services to their clients. They offer airline, sea and train booking services as well as land transfer packages for their customers who need travel arrangements. Golf packages are also available for people who would like to have a golf holiday. Their office is found at the ground floor of Cityland Tower 2, Ayala Avenue.
The mentioned travel agencies are locally and world-recognized establishments in the Philippine travel and tourism industry. When choosing a travel agency, it is best that you go for agencies that are members of respected travel organizations such as the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (DOTCPCVC).
A Bird’s Eye View of the Philippines
Traveling has always been a great way to expand our knowledge about the different cultures and peoples around the world. Experiencing the beauty of a country firsthand and not from just pictures or a movie on TV or something gives our senses a wonderful treat.
The Philippines is known for its pristine beaches, breathtaking dive spots, rich culture and its warm, hospitable people. Situated in what some people call the ring of fire, the Philippines boast more than 7,000 islands. There are 3 regions, namely, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The capital of the Philippines, which is Manila, is located in Luzon.
There are so many must see spots in the Philippines, not only for their beauty but also for their cultural significance. Needless to say, you can travel all over the Philippines and see the beautiful beaches almost everywhere. Dive spots on the other hand need to be scheduled but are still easy to find.
Let’s start with Luzon. The Banaue Rice Terraces are entire mountain sides transformed into layers of rice paddies creating a staircase look. The natives in the region still plant and harvest on these terraces. Along with the spectacular view of the terraces, some natives also perform tribal dances and songs.
Another tourist attraction found in the Luzon area is the Mayon Volcano, regarded as having a near perfect cone. Yet another volcano worth going to is the Taal Volcano found in Taal Lake. Not only the view is awe inspiring but local restaurants and food stops in the area catch and cook the unique fish which can be found in the crater lake and serve them to hungry tourists. Still in the Luzon area, is Sagada, where one can see the hanging coffins. These were placed in the rock face of the cliffs by the earlier inhabitants of the area as a tribute to their dead, making them closer to the heavens.
The Visayas area is known for the white sand beaches and marine life rich dive spots. The more famous beach resorts in the Philippines are here, namely, Boracay and Bohol Island. Bohol is also famous for having many beautiful old churches dating back to the Spanish era. Another tourist attraction in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills. These are similarly sized hills which abound in a particular area of Bohol. These are named Chocolate Hills because during the dry season, they look like mounds of chocolate dotting the countryside. Also found in Bohol is the Loboc River Cruise. A boat ride going up and down Bohol’s popular river where one can see the local residents going about their daily lives and also the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
Just a hop, skip and boat ride (or a plane ride) away from Bohol is Cebu. It is one of the more progressive islands in the Visayas region. Cebu also has more than its share of beach resorts and dive spots. Here we can also find the Magellan’s Cross. Famous for being the cross which Ferdinand Magellan brought from Spain during his exploits. There is also the Santo Nino Church where many a devotee makes their pilgrimage. Another uniquely Cebuano event is the Feast of the Sto. Nino. Otherwise known as Sinulog, this fiesta has locals and visitors lining the streets of Cebu city to watch the parade and participate in the “blackening” of the body or face.
Cagayan de Oro City boasts being the gateway to Mindanao. From here you can travel by boat or by land to anywhere in Mindanao. Cagayan de Oro is famous for white water rafting in the upper Cagayan de Oro River and several nature parks in which one can zip line from tree to tree or take a walk on a rope bridge.
In Malasag Gardens, visitors can go inside real tribal homes and see handicrafts being made. Makahambus Nature Park allows guests to rappel down into Makahambus gorge, almost 50-70 ft. In this gorge is an underground river connected to the city’s main river.
A stone’s throw away from the gorge is the Makahambus Cave which ends up to a rock face overlooking the river. A short drive from Cagayan de Oro is Del Monte Plantation in Bukidnon. This is the home of the famous Del Monte Pineapples and Del Monte world class golf course.
One can also experience an Ati-atihan Festival in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon during the summer months. A little further ahead of Bukidnon, is Davao City. It is said to be the largest city in the Philippines. In Davao one can see the Philippine’s highest peak, Mt. Apo. Here we can catch a glimpse of one of the world’s largest eagles, the Philippines Eagle. Considered to be endangered, the city of Davao has established a Philippines Eagle Sanctuary for this avian treasure. The sanctuary also houses several birds of prey other than the Philippine Eagle.
Iligan City is called the City of Waterfalls. The two more famous waterfalls here are the Maria Christina Waterfalls and the Tinago Waterfalls. The former is used to generate power for some parts of Mindanao while the latter is primarily a tourist attraction. A short land trip from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan Pier brings us to Camiguin Island. The beaches in this island are mostly black sand due to volcanic rock. The island itself has seven volcanoes although not all are active. All around this small island are different kinds of springs and waterfalls. Found also in Mindanao is Siargao Island. This is where surfing enthusiasts of the Philippines live their dreams. All over Mindanao, one can experience and see traces of their tribal or native ancestry.
This is just a very short description of the beauty of the Philippine Islands and its people. There are more treasures to be experienced as one visit the Philippines.
[Tags]Philippines, Tourism, Tourist, Manila, Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, Philippine Islands, Cagayan de Oro, Philippine Eagle, Waterfalls, Pinoy, Filipino[/Tags]
Philippines: The Travel Destination Like No Other
How would you like to spend a wonderful day in a lovely place where you can just let your hair down and be in one with the calmness of nature? Imagine crystal clear waters, coconut trees casting their shadows, eye-refreshing sights of wide green fields, the smell of fresh air, the scenic view of the mountains, and picturesque views of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Think there is no place like this? Think this is just a fantasy?
Well, put all those travel fantasies out your mind because fantasies can become a vacation reality. And for those who would want to believe that they could actually experience such splendid travel experience, welcome to the country with the best travel and vacation spots in the world—The Philippines!
Whether you want to go to the North or feel like heading to the South, the Philippines could offer you breathtaking travel destinations that would surely capture your heart and will make you keep coming back for more. It’s in these tropical islands that you can find pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise blue seas, swaying bamboo trees, and rainforests with atypical plants and animals. Definitely, the marvelous travel destinations in the Philippines could relax you and put all your worries away.
If you plan to go to the northern part of the country, you will surely love to visit the Strawberry Farm and Mines View Park in Baguio and feel the cool and breezy touch of the wind. You may also want to do some island hopping in Pangasinan with its famous Hundred Islands, which is also a perfect travel destination if you want some tranquility and feel like contemplating. You can also find the famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the North, which is located in Banaue, the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, Mountain Province, and the Batanes Island.
There’s also the popular Pagudpod Island in Ilocos Norte where vacationers and travelers can plunge and enjoy the cool and refreshing beach water. If you feel like wanting to experience the old times and have a feel of the life during the Spanish Era, Vigan in Ilocos Sur is the best place for you where you can see precious remnants of the old Spanish architecture.
Meanwhile, the southern part of the Philippines boasts of its breathtaking vacation and tourist spots. One of the most famous travel spots in the South is Puerto Galera, which is a string of white sand beaches located on the Northwest side of Mindoro Island.
Another famous tourist spot is the island of Bohol where you can see the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Trail, and the breathtaking Panglao Island. You may want to dip into the crystal clear waters of Panglao Island in Bohol. It is also in the South that travelers could find the lovely island of Cebu. This is where the historical Battle of Mactan took place.
Davao, on the other hand, could give you the feeling of being one with the tranquility of the nature. If you would want to go to a place where the natural resources seem to be preserved, Palawan is the best place for you. Then again if you don’t feel like going farther in the South, you may try visiting Batangas and check out the popular Taal Volcano there. However, if you feel like wanting to learn more about the occurrences during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Corregidor in Cavite is a must see.
Whether you like to plunge into the ocean, trek the mountains, do some camping, or just feel the wonders of nature, The Philippines is definitely the best travel destination for you. Moreover, a vacation in the Philippines is made even more memorable due to the sincere hospitality of the Filipinos.
Makati Sightseeing and Activities
Overview
Makati is known as the most progressive city in Metro Manila and this can be attributed to the central business district found here. The Philippine Stock Exchange for instance has made Makati its residence as well as the elite Makati Business Club. Despite all the economic activity in this city, Makati sightseeing is still very much possible and one can expect a pleasant mix of something modern and something historical.
Ayala Museum
Very near the commercial business district of Makati is the Ayala Museum and one might initially think that this Makati sightseeing destination is just like any other museum but once one goes here, one will see the big difference. Makati sightseeing has never been this educational and fun at the same time. The Ayala Foundation erected the Ayala Museum sometime in 1967 but one should not think that this is a dilapidated building that has not been maintained. On the contrary, the ambience of the Ayala Museum is something very fresh and modern and it has an expansive collection of artifacts, paintings, ethnic tools and many others. The Ayala Museum presents Philippine history in a completely different and amusing way through dioramas and there are paintings here of renowned artists from the 19th century. After a tour of the Ayala Museum, one can try out the unique dishes at the Museum Caf’ on the ground floor. This Makati sightseeing destination aims to mix history with our modern lives and it has done so successfully.
Fort Bonifacio
The vast area of Fort Bonifacio is a combination of classy residential condominiums and bustling commercial establishments. This Makati sightseeing destination is a great place to go to if one wants to see an American suburb with a touch of Filipino. Fort Bonifacio has roads that are wide and well paved, there are restaurants that cater to whatever dish one might be looking for and when night falls, neon lights from bars and clubs light the streets for some ultimate partying. The attraction to this Makati sightseeing destination is the fact that everything one might think of doing can be done at Fort Bonifacio. The residents of Fort Bonifacio would attest to the fact that one never has to leave this area to go shopping, clubbing or get one’s car fixed. Fort Bonifacio is so named because it was formerly a US military base that was turned over to the Philippine government in 1949. The local government then decided to sell its vast area to real estate developers.
Philippines: Exotic, Mystical, and lots of Festivals
The Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Our beaches are considered one of the best in the world, with the added incentive of warm, friendly people. However, for those seeking to add a little extra to their vacation, Philippines will never be found lacking.
For the adventurous in spirit, you could try white water rafting in the Chico River in Kaliga Province, located in the northern part of the archipelago. In the southern part of the country, exhilaration can also be found at the Mambuaya River in Cagayan de Oro City. Outfitters and travel agencies assure outmost enjoyment with emphasis on safety.
Many of you may not have heard of spelunking before, much less tried it. For the uninitiated, it is the term used to denote the exploration of caves. In Palawan, the longest natural cave in the country is found, the St. Paul Cave. It is part of the St. Paul River, considered as the longest underground river in the world. The cave features spectacular rock formations and is home to a biodiversity of plants and animals.
For those interested in exploring the deepest cave of the country, head north to the Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave in Sagada Mountain Province for one unforgettable experience. For archeology buffs, there is also the Tabon Caves in Quezon where skull cap fossils and artifacts are found.
Additional unique attractions are linked to mysticism and spirituality that are so much part of the Filipino culture. Natives have long revered Mount Banahaw in Quezon and Laguna Provinces as a sacred mountain. Attesting to this are the considerable number of cults found at the base of this landmark, actually an active volcano. Tours offered at this site entail visiting several waterfalls, the crater and numerous spots believed to contain psychic energies. For the more curious travelers, there is also the island of Siquijor, found in the central part of the country. Early Spaniards call it “Isla del Fuego” or the Island of Fire. This island has long been associated with magic and spiritual healing. Adding to the intrigue are numerous abandoned churches and unexplored caves in the area.
Of course, one should not visit the Philippines without partaking in one of its numerous fiestas or celebrations. Being a predominantly joyful race, fiestas are an expression of the pleasant and jubilant spirit of Filipinos. One of the most celebrated is the Sinulog Festival on the island of Cebu. The festivity lasts the whole day, starting with a parade, group presentations and merry-making well through the night. All of this is done to pay homage to the Santo Nino, the child-like form of Jesus Christ. Similar festivities are found in Iloilo, called Dinagyang, and in Aklan, called Ati-Atihan.
An added point of interest is the island of Bohol where fiestas are celebrated the whole month of May. Everyday, according to popular custom, a different barangay or town commemorates the feast day of its patron saint with dancing and feasting.
The Philippines has a lot of exotic and unusual travel experience to offer.
[Tags]Philippines, Sinulog, Iloilo, Aklan, Ati-Atihan, Siquijor, Cebu, Spelunking, Palawan[/Tags]
Meet the Filipinos
Mabuhay!
It’s the most common word that can be heard whenever a foreigner or a group of foreigners make their first steps in the Philippines. People from other countries are so delighted every time they will hear that, even though they do not know exactly the literal meaning of the word. But such a lively welcome will make them so at ease and pleased to stay in the country.
But the fun doesn’t end with the word “Mabuhay”. In fact that’s just the beginning!
Foreign guests are always given a class “A” treatment by the Filipinos: starting from the people in the hotels that they have rendered for temporary shelter; and even from the people they will meet in the streets, rich or poor, young or old. Filipinos are never ashamed to give their warmest and best smiles to foreigners, and even their “English Carabaos” (screwed up English grammar) just to be able to communicate with foreigners. From there, a conversation would start, primarily asking each other about their culture and experiences.
Many foreigners are somehow contented seeing and hearing things like that. At least they will see something that they don’t see everyday in their own home countries. But hey, there’s something more in store for them!
Foreigners can always have a taste of the Filipino culture, they just have to ask and not be too shy to ask or try it. In fact, Filipinos would love to include foreign people and have a taste together of Filipino culture: the food to eat, and the use of hands while eating; fiestas (festivals); joyful conversations. Everything! They will never feel like they don’t belong as a part of the group with Filipinos.
A punch line might best describe it… Hospitality like they never experienced before.
Tourists like to see different kinds of people, that’s why they went away and made a visit to a place like the Philippines in the first place, right? Many visitors love to see different kinds of people, or races, or nationalities; and there is a lot of that in these 7000 plus islands. This is a primary reason why Filipinos are extremely hospitable to foreigners. A class “A” treatment, like mentioned earlier, is always given to foreigners, guaranteed.
That’s why foreigners would always love to come back to the Philippines; mostly, because of the people. They experienced so much hospitality in their visit, and they would love to experience it again. They would be so glad to travel back to the Philippines and travel, as well, with the Filipinos.
So, have been in the Philippines lately?
If you’re planning, let us be the one to say this to you first…
Mabuhay!
Philippines: More Than Affordable Hotels
Whether you’re a sucker for death-defying adventures or an advocate of the Hug-A-Tree movement, you’re bound to experience limitless thrills when you visit the Philippines. Situated in the tropics, the Philippines can be an amazing destination if you love the sun, sand and surf. What’s more astonishing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of greenbacks to check in to Philippines’ plush hotels. Here’s the list of things you need to check out when you’re in the Philippines:
Bikini Babes in Boracay
Renowned to be Philippines’ prime beach hangout, no one can probably resist basking in the powdery white sands of Boracay. It definitely is not your run-of-the-mill beach resort. Aside from sunbathing and swimming in its pristine waters, the fun fires up at night where you can attend numerous beach parties until the break of dawn.
You will never miss the sun-kissed ladies clad in their sexy bikinis waiting to shake their booties with you. There’s no problem with accommodations in Boracay because there are dozens of first-rate hotels. One tip would be to book early before coming to the Philippines in April or May. All hotels can be packed during this peak season and you might not score a bikini babe when you don’t have a hotel room.
Eco-Challenge in Subic
As a former site of U.S. Naval Base in the Philippines, Subic has transformed into a splendid tourist attraction. Aside from being a world-class beach, you can even challenge yourself to some jungle survival training with an indigenous group in the Philippines.
These natives will teach you how to cook food, find water and find your way out, in case you get lost in the wilderness. What’s best is that all the things the natives will teach you are environment-friendly tips in surviving around as you will learn to create tools out of bamboo.
For those who seek heart-stopping pursuits, you can even try bungee jumping amidst Subic’s lush green forest. Like in Boracay, numerous hotels scatter around Subic. One of the hotels there even has a casino, where you can channel the luck you lost in jungle survival.
Surf Your Heart Out in Siargao
Hidden in the Southern part of the Philippines, Siargao is an island that is now getting numerous raves from surfing enthusiasts. Although the place is still raw and bereft of commercial hotels, skim boarders and surfers alike flock to the island to ride the crests and troughs of Siargao’s wonderful waves. In fact, the place is now being tapped to host international surfing competitions.
Aside from these three potential places of interest in the Philippines, you will discover that this list could never be complete without mentioning the warm and cordial demeanor of the Filipino people to its tourists. More than the affordable hotels and captivating beaches, it is the hospitality of the Filipino people that would convince you that it is indeed an amazing destination.
Traveling the Philippine Islands
Everyone wants to travel. Traveling is a form of relaxation from the usual things you do in life. Many do not think of anything rather than the places they want to explore. Traveling can expose you to different places, people and cultures. It also helps you think about solving your problems and going to places you want to look at; beaches, zoos, theme parks and other famous tourist spots. Some like to explore their own country before exploring other countries. But when it comes to pure adventure a trip to foreign lands is always the biggest challenge with the most rewards.
Traveling in the Philippines is very enjoyable because of the hospitality of the people and the tourist attractions; the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna and the great mountains of Tagaytay, to name just a few. There are many tourist spots in the Philippines that are very exceptional and are like no other country.
There is Boracay which is considered by many as a perfect paradise. For those who love surfing, you can go to Catanduanes, Badoc Island of Ilocos Norte, Samar and Zambales. If you want to go some place cooler, you can try the high mountains of Baguio. The weather is warm, the food is delicious and the souvenirs are cheaper.
Souvenirs in the Philippines are cheaper and more of more abundance and variety than souvenirs from other countries such as Hong Kong. Foreigners can travel at ease because most Filipinos speak the universal language, English. It is difficult to travel where people cannot understand what you are talking about especially when you ask for directions and ordering food.
There has been some propaganda in main stream media stating that traveling in the Philippines is not safe due to frequent terrorist attacks. The Philippines is not the only country being attacked by terrorists. If traveling in the Philippines is not safe, why are foreigners still visiting the country? There are over 7100 islands in the Philippines and most are completely safe.
Countless foreigners come to the country because they can buy what they need without spending a lot of money. They have no difficulty in finding a place to stay for there are many hotels and lodging houses around to choose from.
Traveling in the Philippines is never a bore. There is always a surprise in every place you find yourself visiting, even on just the ordinary sidewalks. Some of the exotic foods can be found on the streets, like balut, suman and taho. The people around are friendly, and the transports are also one of a kind, like the tricycles, jeepneys, kalesas, buses and banka boats; where else can you find that but only in the Philippines.