Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Philippines Travel Guide
This is the Philippines Travel Guide where we tour you around the Philippines and give you the best places to stay while in the Philippines. We will let you systematically travel from the northern parts of the Philippines to the southern parts of the Philippines so that you will experience the best this country has to offer.
Let us start with the Philippines Travel Guide by putting the two most important destinations in northern Luzon together. The first place of the Philippines Travel Guide is Baguio. Baguio is one of the coldest cities in the Philippines which also means that you will not have such a hard time adjusting to the intense heat yet since temperatures in Baguio go to a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. Another spot located in northern Luzon, not far from Baguio is the Ifugao region where the 8th world wonder is located at. The attraction that we are talking about are the Banaue Rice Terraces that you absolutely cannot miss.
Let us continue to the capital of the Philippines with our Philippines Travel Guide. The capital is called Manila and one of the most noteworthy cities within Manila is Makati where the commercial district is located which means translated; shopping, shopping, shopping. If you are into designer labels or into cheap finds, Makati has anything and everything for you. You will also find your favorite delicacies from home in one of their specialty stores around Makati.
After shopping it is time for a good nights’ party and a little fun in the sun. Which better place to travel to than our next Philippines Travel Guide spot called Boracay, located in the Visayan region. You can just relax on the white sand beaches or party all day and night in one of Boracay’s clubs. Scuba diving is great as well and you might find some scary sharks. Let us take another hop from the party island Boracay to the sightseeing island of Bohol where you will see the famous Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier.
For our last two destinations we will have to travel a couple of hours to the southernmost islands of Mindanao. The first destination will be the historical city by the sea called Butuan which is located in the Agusan province. This city and its river is full of archeological finds, and who knows? Maybe you get so lucky you will find another golden statue such as the Golden Image of Agusan that was found in the river. The lat city in our Philippines Travel Guide is going to be the largest city in the world called Davao. In Davao you can finish off your last shopping needs and souvenir needs and then travel back to your home via the international airport.
Now, you have seen the entire Philippines with the Philippines Travel guide and you might even find more places to explore and experience within the Philippines. Enjoy the travels through this archipelago and get to know the different cultures and practices.
Philippines Sightseeing Guide
The Philippines is an ever growing vacation spot for people from around the globe, no matter if you are bringing your family of if you are going alone. You will be able to fulfill your dream of a paradise vacation in the Philippines, but you also need a good Philippines Sightseeing Guide that will show you where you should start and which places you should absolutely not miss.
We will be going from the northern parts of the Philippines to the southern parts in our sightseeing expedition and the Philippines Sightseeing Guide will introduce the first spot to visit which are the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Banaue Rice Terraces are dubbed as the eighth world wonder and they have been around for over 2000 years. Created by the local tribe called the Ifugao, the rice terraces have been their way of livelihood and this area is wonderful for trekking and just experiencing the nature around you.
Another Philippines Sightseeing Guide spot that has to be visited lies just a little south from the rice terraces in a place called Pampanga. Pampanga is located in Luzon, Philippines and within Pampanga you will find the infamous active volcano that has devastated thousands of lives very recently. The volcano that we are talking about is the Mount Pinatubo. You can experience this volcano through trekking to the crater or you can stay at a safe distance and do it according to the Philippines Sightseeing Guide in an old site watching manner.
The next place on our Philippines Sightseeing Guide takes you to the islands of the Bicol region. This is one of the live highlights in the Philippines Sightseeing Guide, because if you are going to Bicol during February through May, you will see the most spectacular marine mammal; the whaleshark. You can swim with them, snorkel with them, dive with them or just marvel at them at a safe distance, whichever way you want to experience the whaleshark it will definitely be an unforgettable moment in your trip to the Philippines.
The last site on the Philippines Sightseeing Guide will be another famous spot known to locals and foreigners alike; the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Bohol is an island in the Visayan region and has the most interesting hill formations in the Philippines that occasionally look like chocolate kisses. These hills have brown colored grass which makes them look like chocolate and thus the name.
The Philippines Sightseeing Guide ends here, but if you want to visit more places in the Philippines to do more sightseeing, then go ahead and get information about these places first. Enjoy your sightseeing trip in the Philippines and return as many times as you can.
Philippines Restaurant Guide
Ayala Center in Makati, Philippines is the most prominent development center in the city that is home to a myriad of shopping, dining, hotel and recreational establishments. One of the well-known shopping malls in the area is Ayala Center Greenbelt in Legaspi Village. This large-scale mall is divided into five areas, each of which has its unique theme. Greenbelt 5 is a new addition to the development and is home to upscale Filipino dining establishments (among other businesses). So here is a Philippines restaurant guide for Filipino fine-dining in Greenbelt 5, Makati.
Restaurante Pia Y Damaso
The first establishment in this Philippines restaurant guide is Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at the second level of Greenbelt 5. The place has an intimate and cozy ambience of white and grays. This restaurant is famous for its local cuisine that has often been described as colonial. That is menu that high society enjoyed which, in this case, was leaning towards the Spanish colonial history in the country.
Their signature dishes like callos (tripe stew) and lengua (ox tongue) and other entrées range from 250 pesos to 600 pesos. Desserts, however, are more of contemporary sweets like truffle cakes and cheesecakes consecutively named Sisa and Maria Clara (both names originating from a Filipino novel, Noli Me Tangere, by Dr. Jose Rizal).
Fely J’s Kitchen
Fely J’s Kitchen, the second café in this Philippines restaurant guide of Filipino fine-dining at Greenbelt 5, is also on the second floor. First impressions as you enter the establishment would include a homey-feel with its wood panels, furniture and old pictures hanging on the walls. Present-day local favorites are served in Fely J’s like beef mechado, adobo, ginataang gulay and kaldereta with a price range of 250 pesos to 450 pesos per main course.
Travel Café Philippines
Travel Café Philippines is a noteworthy dining place this Philippines restaurant guide because it is conceptualized by Tourism Secretary, Ace Durano. The goal is to promote tourism in the country by sectioning off the café and naming them after regional destinations and by appropriately captioning menu items as well.
Some of the notable items that Travel Café offers is the Alamid coffee or Civet coffee. Though the place concentrates more on coffees like kapeng barako and local house blends, they also serve regional fare like kare-kare, menudo, and chicken tinola for about 250 pesos and above per entrée.
This Philippines restaurant guide for Filipino fine-dining Makati includes: Restaurante Pia Y Damaso, Fely J’s Kitchen and Travel Café Philippines. So if you manage to drop by Ayala Center and are yearning to experience upscale dining with local fare, you only need to go to the second floor of Greenbelt 5 in Legaspi Village where all the establishments in this Philippines restaurant guide are situated.
Philippines Hotel Guide
For a more enjoyable and hassle-free stay in a hotel in the Philippines, here are some practical Philippines Hotel guide tips traveling folks should remember.
First, it’s advisable and saves travelers a lot of woes to always reserve in advance with a Philippine hotel before leaving one’s country. Choose a hotel that has a shuttle service to pick up client-guests from the airport to the hotel. Also have itinerary and hotel accommodations pre-arranged in the different places to be visited in the Philippines. This is a very important Philippines hotel guide tip that should make everything work out well as planned and save tourists lots of time and keep them from troubles.
Second, always have pocket money or loose change in Philippine peso denomination, especially before getting to a Manila Airport. It would also be advisable to have some dollar bills available in hand, but keep most of them (especially money in foreign denominations) in banks accessible through ATM or credit cards. The adage to travel light is so true when traveling in the Philippines. So a Philippines hotel guide tip here is the less things we hand-carry, the better, especially when we’re past the airport and in the streets of Philippine cities looking for or proceeding to a hotel. And anyway, many hotels are near ATM booths.
Third, it is safer to travel around Philippines cities, especially when scouting for a hotel, with a resident Filipino companion one knows well, or recommended by someone one knows well. It’s easy to be lost in the streets in this country, and not all local folks can be helpful in such times. Bringing Philippine street maps may be helpful, but this sometimes only makes one’s being lost more obvious to some unscrupulous people. To be sure, there are many friendly and honest locals around, but being extra careful won’t hurt. So, as a vital Philippines hotel guide tip, have a local resident as a traveling companion.
Fourth, choose hotels with travel agency offices or ticketing booths inside them which are relevant to one’s flight options. This way, travelers won’t have to leave their hotels just to secure plane or ship tickets. Not all tourists are booked in packaged tours. Some love independence and adventure and try to find their way around the Philippines by themselves. For this option, make sure to get a hotel with the necessary ticketing and travel needs. That’s a convenient Philippines hotel guide tip.
Travel to and around the Philippines is generally safe. However, as in other countries, there are basic Philippines hotel guide tips for safety and traveling convenience.
Your Personal Guide to Traveling the Philippines
For a traveler to the Philippines, finding the perfect spot with a choice of 7,000 plus islands can be a daunting task. To narrow down your search, we’ve provided this guide for you so you can match your destination to your personal needs - whether you prefer the beach, natural wonders, historical architecture, local culture or shopping and nightlife.
If you’re happy where there’s sun, sea and sand, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s best beaches. One of the most renowned is Boracay Island – famous for its powdery white sand beach. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports or if you’re not the sporty type, you can just laze around the beach and get yourself a tan. Palawan Island is also a highly recommended spot for water lovers. It boasts well-preserved coral reefs where you can view an exotic array of underwater wildlife.
Should your preference be for old world charm and historical architecture, pack your bags and visit Vigan City, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit old colonial houses, St. Paul’s cathedral and the Palacio Arzobispado that dates back to the 1700’s. Or you can walk around the city streets of Manila, Cebu or Davao where Spanish-era cathedrals are not an uncommon site.
For those who take pleasure in a bit of nature tripping and sightseeing, the Banaue Rice Terraces is a highly recommended travel destination. Carved into the side of a mountain by the Ifugao people 2000 years ago, marvel at how the terraces reach like steps to the sky. Travel to Albay where you can stare and gawk at the beauty of Mayon Volcano and its perfect cone. Or take a trip to the island of Bohol and admire the Chocolate Hills. You would be sure to enjoy watching the world’s smallest primate – the Tarsier.
If you enjoy festivals and immersing yourself in the local culture, you will be delighted by the almost daily fiestas all over the country. Time your visit during specific months where you’re sure to drop in on local festivals. Some of the more popular ones are the Dinagyang, Ati-Atihan and Sinulog festivals where revelers masquerade as Negritos and take to the streets dancing in honor of the Sto. Niño.
Finally, if it’s shopping and nightlife you want, Manila is one of the most happening places. Visit the famous SM Mall of Asia, the 7th largest shopping mall in the world. You will truly shop till you drop. You will also enjoy the numerous clubs, discotheques and bars in the city.
When you travel the Philippines, go with the destination that meets your needs. If it’s beaches, scenic spots, architecture, culture or the nightlife you want, you’re sure to find that perfect travel destination.
How to Better Enjoy a Travel Destination
The Philippines has thousands of beautiful tourist destinations that can offer very enjoyable trips. But tourist destinations themselves are not enough to guarantee a really enjoyable trip. It takes careful preparations to consummate a travel destination to success.
First, know as much about a travel destination as possible. Get a book or magazine on the location, or go online to search about it. It’s advisable to know exactly how to get to the travel destination. Study routes to it. Try to know alternative routes. Get a map and examine the main and minor roads to the place. If possible, get some information on usual traffic situations on routes to a tourist destination. Ask if there has been some rerouting or detour along the way. Inquire about the hours it would take to reach a travel destination with and without rerouting or detour, if any.
As much as possible know the weather condition in a travel destination. The weather bureau can easily give this information. Airlines and ship liners also provide the same. When traveling by plane or ship, bring necessary provisions for the kind of weather prevailing in a tourist destination. If bulging luggage is not preferred, bring enough cash for emergency purchases of wears or implements for weather protection. Weather in nearby travel destinations are easy to approximate.
Research about the features or amenities of a travel destination. Avoid missing the fun of a particular amenity or special feature just because of preparation failures. If a tourist destination has picture-perfect sceneries, prepare a camera. If it has swimming pools, prepare swimming suits especially for the kids. If it involves some hike or canoeing to get to a travel destination, bring along light shirts, shorts, shades, or straw hats perhaps. Small towels may prove handy.
Travel agencies may help a lot, especially in distant travel destinations. They take care of plane or ship tickets, lodging and dining arrangements. But if a tourist destination needs no air or sea travel, a self-prepared travel plan is enough. Just know enough of the travel destination. The research often proves to be thrilling and the tourist destination adventure can begin right there on an Internet surf. Just go online and, with enough surfing skill, reservations and other arrangements can be worked out.
Enjoying a travel destination is more than just going to a beautiful tourist destination and having enough cash in the wallet. It takes careful preparation and some foresight to smoothen or ease up every travel detail.
Philippines, The Last Frontier of the Pacific
Philippines is a rich country in terms of natural resources and historical sites, which made her the “Last frontier of the Pacific” and naturally the most attractive tourist destination in the Far East. From the marvels of her seas, to her majestic flora and fauna, you could see the paradise on its fullness. As an archipelago, from north to south, as what people used to call, “Aparri to Jolo”, you will be amazed by the vastness of its awesome richness.
The white beaches; green mountains; tropical rainforest reserves; marvelous islands; unique extinct animals; and most of all the people – the hospitable and friendly people, the best in the world; are only a few of the natural beauties and characters of the Philippines.
The world’s best, Boracay in Aklan, most famous for its white beaches and crystal-clear water; El Nido in Palawan, the beauty of virgin nature, offering peace and serenity; the most loved Goliath waves of Siargao, most known among surfers worldwide; and of course the famous and gorgeous Manila Bay, the “World’s Captivating Sunset.” And in Bohol, you will see the most sought after “Tarsier”, the smallest monkey in the world. Bohol is also been known for its white beaches and the yummiest “Chocolate Hills.”
Because of her beauty, Philippines had been enslaved by conquerors awed by her, but they failed to destroy her, instead these moments, as a part of her glorious past added beauty and character. For now, you could see her past implied and enshrined from the famous historical shrines and sites all over the country. From the first Spanish landing in Cebu to World War II events, memories are kept alive through these beautiful and momentous places.
These sites are mostly present in the Philippines’ three major groups of islands, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. To mention a few of these historical places are the following: the first landing and baptism of Christianity reminisced in a shrine in Cebu, and also present is the famous Cross of Magellan; the old Spanish churches in Bohol; the Corregidor Island in Bataan which houses the World War II American and Filipino camps and war artilleries; Dapitan old village in Zamboanga, Mindanao, that the National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal developed by his wits and ingenuity; Camp John Hay in Baguio City, was an American encampment in WWII.
All the tourist spots mentioned here are only a small part of the vastness and awesome world-class uniqueness of this tropical country. There are more to see in the Philippines. Certainly, the country got the world’s attention for her untainted beauty and qualities and every visitor can attest to that.
Maximizing Experience in a Tourist Spot
It’s not everyday that one goes to a Philippine tourist spot. Many times a lot of things to enjoy in a tourist spot are missed. This is simply because we do not know how to maximize our experience in a visit to a Philippine tourist spot.
Philippine tourist spots often have more things to offer than just the beautiful spot itself. Most of the time, these tourist spots are well developed for more tourism attractions. For us not to miss all there is to see and experience in tourist spots we have to know what to prepare and what to look for.
First, never forget the camera and to load the camera. Philippine tourist spots are worth taking pictures of. Then, always travel light. Leave luggage in a secure hotel or inn and take along only necessary things that fit a small belt or shoulder bag. Take enough cash according to the planned trip for the day. And never leave without a specific travel plan for the day.
In a tourist spot, always look for the information counter or desk. Ask for what the tourist spot can show, aside from the obvious. For instance, at Mines View Park in Baguio, there are other open terraces that afford other views of the mountains and deep ravines. With a little help from local vendors or tourist guides a trip to a tourist spot can be maximized. Luneta Park in Manila has lots of spots to offer tourists. And various times of the days there are mini programs in a specific spot of the Park. A short inquiry at the Park office would reveal minute details to maximize a visit to this tourist spot.
Luneta Park, for instance, has the Rizal Monument, Chinese and Japanese gardens, a Philippine archipelago replica, a café run by mute, blind, and deaf people, a huge grandstand, Manila Bay view, and an observatory, to name a few. Most tourists just peek at the Rizal Monument, take pictures there, and go. A foreign tourist might pass by Luneta Park and its various tourist spots just once and missing it’s entirety is a big tourist trip loss.
Get to know other visitors in a tourist spot and try to learn what tourist spots they have already visited. Ask their opinions and experiences about the places they have seen or gone to. This saves time and gets direct and fresh information straight from fellow tourists.
Traveling to Philippine tourist spots may be maximized to add to a total Philippine tourist spot experience.
Island-Hopping in the Philippines - The Perfect Way to Enjoy Your Vacation
The Philippine Archipelago is composed of more than 7,100 islands, so what better place to do your island-hopping than in this tropical paradise located in South-East Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
The climate is perfect for local and foreign tourists who love the sun, the beach and the sand. The Philippines boasts of long stretches of white sand beaches
and offers first class resort facilities and five-star accommodations that include excellent food and drinks, spas, clubs, entertainment and various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing and other water sports.
For the adventurous, the country is blessed with verdant forests and mountains excellent for climbing. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and cool breeze on top of these mountain villages that are endowed with beautiful flora and fauna. Shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan or go bunjee jumping in Subic. One can also try white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, ride a balloon in Clark Field, Pampanga during the Hot air Balloon Festival or explore the underwater caves of Palawan.
For the romantic and religious, visit the different museums and centuries-old churches. Enjoy the festival parades that boast of colorful mardi gras costumes and street dancing. Climb the mysterious Mount Banahaw, apopular destination during the Lenten season. Also try the different native delicacies that are exclusive to the region. Go on a religious retreat in Tagaytay, the Capuchin Retreat House in Lipa, Batangas or visit that “out of the way” place called Caleruega, also in Batangas and get close to nature and to God.
Tourists can learn about the rich culture and history of the Philippines by visiting museums and historic places like Corregidor Island, Cebu, Fort Santiago and Malacanang Palace in the City of Manila, Leyte, Malolos Bulacan, Cavite, Vigan and Bataan.
Shop till you drop and enjoy the best choices in the giant Malls and department stores. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast haggling and getting big discounts and bargains in the flea markets of Quiapo, Baclaran and Divisoria.
Fall in love with the warm welcoming smiles of the people as they go about their daily activities. The Filipinos are generally polite and are almost always willing to help.
Nature Lovers, City dwellers, Adventure-seeking Individuals, Romantics, and those who are just tired of the pressures of the daily grind, have a different kind of high by island-hopping in the Philippines.
Enjoy and experience the unparalleled hospitality and cheerful fun of the Filipinos and you’ll find yourself coming back over and over again!
PopularTourist Destinations in the Philippines:
Luzon:
Pagudpud
Banawe Rice Terraces
Baguio City
Pagsanjan Falls
Vigan
Hundred Isalands, Pangasinan
Bicol
Batangas
Tagaytay
Subic Bay
Siargao Island
Visayas
Palawan
Cebu
Bohol
Boracay Island
Guimaras Island
Mindanao
Cagayan de Oro
Camiguin Island
Davao
Zamboanga
What are Rural Philippine Hotels mostly like?
What basically are Philippines rural hotels? What can one expect in general? And how do we spot the best ones? The following are facts from what tourists have experienced in their stays in different Philippine rural hotels across the country.
Let’s classify Philippine rural hotels into three: small, regular, and grand. Basically Philippine rural hotels are coping with basic standards that common travelers expect of hotels. Inns and lodges strive to do the same. But there are exceptionally good hotels and inns in the countryside that offer one of the best comfort amenities in the country. So how do we find them in rural areas?
Philippine rural hotels, lodges, and inns found along highways are often drab and less maintained. More so those designed for bus terminal passengers who need to spend a night near the terminal. Or there are those with beer houses or grill restaurants on the ground floor. These are often classified as small rural hotels. They’re cheap, but one can expect only so much quality and service. Some are even designed for short-time affairs or escapades. So if one wishes to avoid them, one ought to go to central districts.
If we search in main streets near city or municipality centers, we may find the regular Philippine rural hotels or lodges. These are clean and considerably more decent lodges that offer better comfort amenities. They’re mostly in fairly big business or commercial centers, lined up with popular department stores, eateries, or parks in the locality. Regular Philippine rural hotels often provide security, parking, clean ample rooms and beds, but often without competitive entertainment and communication facilities.
Grand Philippine rural hotels are very enterprising lodges at times almost at par with regulars or even grand ones of urban cities. In addition to regular services, they often have swimming pools, average and working facilities like TV, DVD, amusement games, Internet connection, phone, and money transfers. There are super grand Philippine rural hotels that offer even more than what some grand urban hotels can. These are found mostly in known tourist sites well promoted by the government.
For Philippine rural hotels that rate somewhere between grand and super grand but which are reasonably priced, here are some tips: they are mostly those offered by small but classy resorts, estates, or golf courses, or those near mall complexes.
Philippine rural hotels can be a uniquely pleasant experience if one can spot where small, regular, and grand hotels are in a locality.
