When touring Baguio, Philippines in a private car, people may get more comfort and convenience, but not the excitement of a Baguio FX cab adventure. Here’s a Baguio travel guide on how to get more from an FX cab ride around Baguio City.
First and foremost, an important Baguio travel guide reminder is always look for FX cabs roaming the city once one sets foot on Baguio soil. They are usually found in a queue just outside bus terminals, waiting for bus passengers to step out of the terminal. This is often the scene around terminals in the Philippines. And why opt for them when in Baguio? They are a big help to one’s itinerary in many ways.
First, Baguio FX cabs charge very cheap fare. They start at a Php 25 flag down just like in Manila but the proceeding charge per kilometer is cheaper and slower. Hence, a hundred pesos can go a long way. They’re not difficult to look for. And the same can be said of them in most parts of the Philippines. They’re just outside bus stations. When a public jeep is opted for in Baguio, people will have to walk the distance from the bus terminal to the jeep terminal. So, as this Baguio travel guide recommends, upon alighting from a bus, look for an FX cab.
Second, there’s no limit to where a Baguio FX cab can take tourists around the city. Public jeeps in the Philippines have a fixed route to take day or night, and they’re mostly unavailable at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning. With FX cabs, people are brought to specific destinations even at midnight or dawn. So a vital Baguio travel guide tip especially when taking night or early morning trips to or from Baguio is to seriously consider hiring an FX cab.
Third, most FX cab drivers are friendly and can act as tourists guides. They are mostly natives of Baguio City and conversant in English and Tagalog, aside from Ilocano, of course. They are among honest and courteous drivers in the Philippines. Hence, no wonder this Baguio travel guide and most others are promoting FX cabs as public tour vehicles.
However, take note that Baguio FX cabs often have no seats available at the back. So at most, FX cabs in Baguio can accommodate 6 passengers, excluding the driver.
For a more meaningful Baguio tour, this Baguio travel guide suggests using FX cabs.
There are several ways to turn your day to a new one. But the best way is to travel. Yes, going to places, meeting new people will sometimes relieve the boredom that we feel.
The beach is one of the best places to go during the summer. There is nothing on this earth that can be as rewarding and adventurous than a trip to the ocean. One can easily re-charge your batteries with a vacation to the many beaches of the Philippines. So pack your summer outfit and don’t forget to bring your suntan lotion with you.
People love to go out with the family to the beach. They get a chance to bathe in the sun, go fishing, or just enjoy the view. For many tourists in the Philippines who love the climate here, these islands are like a paradise. With 7107 islands, there are plenty of beaches you can explore.
With all the fun that we get to see, hear and experience, we still have to be on the lookout for those guys who feed on the ignorance of others. There are the scammers who would take advantage of the tourists’ divided attention. There are also recent reports of kidnapping among wealthy tourists who are unaware of the perils that await them. These kidnappers, scammers, and thieves prey upon the innocent like the sharks in the open water.
For these kinds of people, conscience is nothing compared to the hungry stomachs that they have to feed everyday. To prevent these dangerous people from preying on you, you must scout the area of interest first. Stick to the main beaches on these islands such as Puerto Gallera, Subic Bay, Boracay, Palawan, and more. These areas are more than safe and millions of tourists visit and enjoy their vacations trouble free.
Now that we have been warned, let’s talk about the things we need to prepare before going to the beach.
Money, transportation, and shelter are very important. With money, we can get to travel without the need to acquire a car of our own. Traveling by bus is usually cheaper than having to pay for your own gas. By getting on the bus you spare yourself the trouble of mapping out where you have to go. You also get a chance to take some fancy snap pictures while on the trip.
Now, a place to stay should also be planned in advance, we don’t want to stay out too late at the beach and later find out we don’t have a place to take a nap right? Research the hotels and places to stay before your trip to take the guess work out of your vacation.
Enjoy life, travel once in a while, see life up close.
As a foreigner in the country, you have to be prepared physically, mentally, financially and emotionally for the challenges and adventures that you will have. Part of the preparation that you will need to include on your list is to get an expat health insurance. Having an expat health insurance will give you the peace of mind that you will have immediate and appropriate health services in case something unexpected happens during one of your trips.
When choosing expat health insurance, there are some things that you should consider.
Just like most people who buy health insurance, one of the first things to consider in the expat health insurance is the cost. The price of the expat health insurance varies from one person to another. The quote is based on the age of the person, the location, the type of coverage that you choose and if you have any pre-existing conditions. The presence of pre-existing conditions could make your expat health insurance quote higher than that of a person without any health issues.
Get an expat insurance company that you can trust. Ask the expat insurance company how long they have been in business. Ask for papers as proof. It is less risky to deal with an expat insurance company that has been in business for at least ten years. For recommendations on expat health insurance companies, you may ask your friends and the consulate or embassy of the country.
If you currently have insurance, ask how will getting an expat health insurance affect it? Some expat insurance companies will allow you to switch terms from a different insurer without having a waiting period for the approval of your expat health insurance.
Is your family with you, or are you planning to have a family? Ask the expat insurance company if they have coverage for your family members and how you can get insurance coverage for your kids.
When choosing an expat health insurance company, inquire on the terms when having your treatment. Can you choose your own doctor or do you just have to go to the doctors and hospitals that are affiliated with the expat health insurance company?
Request for information on how to file expat health insurance claims. Make sure you understand the process and that the process of filing a claim is easy, practical and will not cause you or your family much disadvantage.
When traveling internationally, it is important that you get an expat health insurance to cover any health issues that you might encounter. You wouldn’t be sure how your body would adapt to the geographic changes.
They say that Puerto Galera is the affordable version of Boracay with its fine sand and calm turquoise waters. What draws people to Puerto Galera is that aside from the beautiful beaches, the accessibility and the affordable rates, Puerto Galera hotels are very accommodating and exemplify Filipino warmth and hospitality.
This Puerto Galera hotel is known throughout Oriental Mindoro and can be said to be one of the best in the area. The total travel time to Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort from Manila is only 3 and a half hours and that already includes the car or bus ride and the ferry. A reason that this Puerto Galera hotel has become so famous is the beautiful sunset right outside the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort and the very romantic yet laid back environment. The rooms at this Puerto Galera hotel don’t just look out to the sea, the entire hotel is studded with palm trees that make it so picturesque. The services offered by Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort make one feel right at home but with a lot more pampering such as massage and spa. This Puerto Galera hotel also offers various activities such as diving, snorkeling and boat trips to other secluded beaches. The rooms at the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort have a certain rustic look and feel but are fully air conditioned with its own bathroom. The sheets and the rooms are refreshed daily at this Puerto Galera hotel and it’s sometimes hard to resist the urge to just stay in bed. The best part about the Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort is that they are very attentive to their guests needs from food cravings, to toys that the little ones might like to play with.
Now if one is very interested in diving and is on the lookout for a Puerto Galera hotel that offers this sport including certification, a good option would be the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel. El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel has the most comprehensive scuba certification program and facility. Other activities offered by the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel are island hopping, beach volleyball, trekking and snorkeling. If a different kind of adventure is what is after and has heard about gold panning in Puerto Galera, El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel also provides package tours to the mountains of Mindoro where one can try out this activity. The food at this Puerto Galera hotel is also really great and affordable with a very satisfying seafood dish for only Php 400 per head. The rooms at the El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel all have a verandah that looks out to the bay and for those who constantly need to be in touch with work, WIFI is available in each room.
Welcome to the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide where we show you around the most worthy spots in Tagbilaran, Bohol. Tagbilaran is located on the south coast of Bohol and the island of Bohol is one of the most note-worthy islands in the Visayas and in the Philippines altogether. Today, you will experience wonder, nature, fun and excitement through the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide.
Bohol is sometimes called the mountain island of the Philippines and with a good right, because you will not only find numerous ordinary hills and mountains, but also special ones that we will be discussing later in this Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide. First we have to get a good overview on the activities and sights we want to see and that is why our first spot in the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide is one of the famous hills of Tagbilaran; Elly Hill. The Elly hill rises more than 100 meters above the sea level and give you a great view not only over the Bohol Island but also over neighboring islands in the Philippines.
Let us proceed with the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide to relax a little before we take the big ride to the great sites. Where else to relax than at the house beach of Tagbilaran called Kaingit Beach. You can even take a quick dive at the beach if you are into scuba diving. Let us start going towards the sites now that we take you with the help of the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide. The most spectacular site comes first which are the Chocolate Hills of the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills are not only a local wonder but is sought after internationally and throughout the Philippines. The hills are simple hills with brown grass which gives the illusion of chocolate.
Our next Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide spot takes us to the Philippines Tarsier Foundation where you cannot only see but also touch tarsiers that are unique to the Philippines. The Philippines Tarsier Foundation provides a big natural habitat to the Philippine Tarsier so that they will always able to live on their own. You can take a guide with you so that they show you how you can touch the tarsiers in this area.
The next pot on the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide list is going to be a natural waterfall which is perfect for sightseeing and swimming. The Busay Falls in Bohol are a 12 meter wide fall with a depth of 4 meters. There are floating restaurants on top of the waterfall lake which is pretty much unique in the Philippines.
Bohol is one of the islands of the Philippines where the best of the Philippines comes together and this concludes the Tagbilaran Sightseeing Guide, but do not just follow our guide, but create your own and explore the sites of Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Makiling is a mountain between Laguna and Quezon and towers all over most major towns of Laguna. According to myths, it is guarded by a local nymph-god named Maria Makiling. Ever met her yet?
A lot of local and foreign poets have been inspired by the myth on Maria Makiling. One of them was the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. There are countless myths and tales on her, and one of them is her kind disposition on both good and bad people.
This myth has it that Maria Mikiling, in earlier days, would be often seen roaming the forests of the mountain, or even visiting nearby towns around the foothills disguised as an old lady or teenage girl. She would dole out wealth to town folks who were in need by sending fruit baskets stashed with gold nuggets or pieces of expensive jewelry. The myth avers that she often sent newly weds precious stones as wedding gift. But as modernity became more pronounced in the nearby localities, the myth alleges that she had stopped doing so.
There were countless times when foreign hunters out to trace her tracks actually came face to face with her, says this myth, and had a sampling of her awesome fiery stares which were a mixture of angst, wrath, and gentleness. At times, says this myth, she would just let her vapory figure be felt or glimpsed as she crossed over shrubberies or fields with speed and grace. People would often see her gliding past, long hair waving in a mysterious wind, and her soft violin music filling the air with sweet serenity---another one of her liberality. According to this myth, her music and presence usually repaired the mountain forest after a fierce storm had passed by.
Once, the myth says, a hunter was after a wild bore which ran and hid under an old sagging hut deep in the forest. Suddenly a beautiful young lady came out of the hut and declared ownership of every wild creature in the mountain forest. The lady was said to be of native brown skin color, tall, long haired, with delicate hands and feet, and a serious but gentle countenance. She was visibly annoyed, and yet she treated the hunter with abundance of food, natural refreshment, and later sent him home with some jewelry.
The Philippine myth on the graciousness and liberality of Maria Makiling also reflects the legendary traits of a cultured and pure Filipina.
Planning on a shopping trip this weekend? If it’s one-stop shops inside a one-stop Shop that’s being contemplated, it’s got to be Araneta Center.
It’s a vast shopping complex interspersed with real main roads and streets, real traffic lights and other real things one sees in communities and cities. It’s not a mall pretending as a shopping city but an actual one dotted with malls, theaters, restaurants, fast foods, stores, hotels, stores, and other concessionaries---all amid crisscrossing busy streets and thoroughfares. There is even a police and a fire station in this shopping complex.
A weekend trip to Araneta Center answers all entertainment and hobby needs. Music and sports shops line along main roads. There are also individual shops selling DVD and cassette players and components, photography shops and travel and ticketing offices. This is aside from those found in big malls like Ali Mall and Rustans.
Other small shops line up along the sides of other big shops like SM Cubao and Automatic Center. A weekend trip may prove rewarding at the mushrooming smaller shops covering much of Farmers wet and dry market at the south end of the shopping complex. One may chance upon real bargain deals on fresh meat, fish, and vegetables straight from Baguio, the veggies center of Luzon.
A weekend trip to this shopping complex may also prove invigorating with spas and health and slimming centers in and around the shopping complex. Theaters and PC gaming centers are also well located in the area, plus hundreds of big and small eateries that keep weekend trippers’ appetite going. Luxury restaurants and fine dining are all around the Araneta Coliseum (or “big dome”) ---the biggest indoor coliseum in the world in 1960, which is right at the heart of the shopping complex.
Farmers Plaza, the welcoming façade of the shopping complex along EDSA, is in itself a micro shopping complex complete with eateries, a drugstore, movie houses, and numerous shops and stalls. The rear end of the shopping complex contains a wide provincial bus station (for farther weekend trips), a shoe community where popular Markina-made shoes are sold at a bargain, and several more shopping centers and restaurants.
Two hi-tech light rail systems service the shopping complex---MRT Monumento to Pasay and MRT Cogeo to Divisoria.
Araneta Center is a veteran shopping complex in the country that continues to satisfy patrons on weekend trip shopping. It is an actual shopping city with communities and districts of malls and shops.
The Philippines is one big zoo of a country. Nestled in its 300,000 square kilometers of land are some of the world’s most diverse creatures endemic to the islands.
Traveling to the Philippines may be just as exciting and adventurous as visiting the jungles of Africa and may even offer more in terms of its assortment and uniqueness of animals.
For instance, grazing in the dense forests of the island of Mindoro, the tamaraw or MIndoro dwarf buffalo is the Philippines’ largest native land animal and is smaller and stockier than the common buffalo. Though not as comparable as to that of the size of elephants and giraffes, the tamaraw is such a unique creature that it can only be naturally found in the Philippines and is presently marked as a critically endangered animal of the world.
Tourists visiting destinations in the Mindanao islands of the Philippines could also come across with an animal that does not have wings but can fly. The colugo, renowned for its ability to ‘fly’, or leap rather, across an area of 100 meters is known around the world as the Flying Lemur. Also called the kagwang, it looks like a cross between a dog and a squirrel.
Travel to the islands near Palawan and one can find ruminating in the shrubs of Balabac Island, the Pilandok (Philippine Mouse Deer) that holds the record for the world’s smallest hoofed mammal measuring only 40 centimeters. Travel nearer to Palawan and one will have an encounter with a creature that is neither a bear nor a cat known, the Palawan bearcat, running happily in the lush forests.
Upon traveling to the island of Bohol and visiting its Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier can be found resting on the tourists’ palms or heads. The Tarsier fascinates its audience in Bohol with its big, round eyes and meek size entitling it as the world’s smallest primate averaging at 90 to 160 millimeters or 3.5 to 6.25 inches only.
Calamian Islands, on the other hand, wows travelers to the Philippines as tourists come to see the Calamian deer, a kind of hog deer with longer and darker legs thriving in the said area and are also endemic in the Philippine areas.
Philippine travel is more exciting when completed with a venture to Davao. Be dared by the ‘Man-eating crocodiles’ or the Philippine crocodiles, famous for their agility and notoriety.
If one is eager to meet some of these worlds’ most captivating animals and is looking for a destination equaling the thrills of an adventure to Africa, Philippine travel might just be it. Philippines’ premier animal sanctuaries are located in Calauit Island of Palawan, Tarsier site of Bohol, Crocodile Park of Davao and Albay Park and Wildlife also of Bohol, along with numerous other zoos and wildlife parks as well as animal preservation sanctuaries.
Philippines is one big zoo of a country, and travelers are very much welcome to interact with the weird and wild animals in it.
The titles 'El Orgullo de Mindano'(The Pride of Mindanao), 'The City of Flowers', 'Zamboanga Hermosa' and "Asia's Latin City" can only be donned in this place called 'Cuidad de Zamboanga' (in Spanish) or simply City of Zamboanga. Zamboanga City is also called the city of the Crescent and the Cross. The diverse influence from the different cultures that had been nurtured throughout the history had made the entire cultural and historical heritage of the present Zamboanga City. The marriage of the Christian and Muslim cultures seemed to be an 'ebony and ivory' combination that had played perfect tune, thus made the present Zamboanga City, indeed a wonderful place.
The two dominant cultures (Christian and Muslim) created a strong bond of mutual respect and consideration with each other. For this reason, wonderful festivals are celebrated the whole year round. Christian holidays and feast, or Christian-themed festivities like Christmas (commemoration of the birth of Jesus the Christ), Fonda de Barangay or Fiesta de Barangay (feast of barangay's patron or patroness saints), Fiesta de La Immacula Conception or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (held every eight of December), Fiesta Pilar (Zamboanga Hermosa Festival), Flores de Mayo (Marian Feast involving processions and flower offerings) and Holy Week (Lenten Season) are celebrated annually with cultural, historical and religious significance. Muslim holy days such as 'Eid al-Adha' (Festival of Sacrifice or Greate Eid), Eid al-Fitr (or Hari Raya Puasa) and Isra Wal Miraj are among popular celebration the locals religiously commemorate or celebrate. The diversity in faith or beliefs, culture and heritage has found its perfect spot at the heart of Zamboanga City. The differences created a wonderful work of art that really attracted tourists and visitors worldwide.
Being at Zamboanga City is definitely a fun and adventure-filled stay. Zamboanga City's local government is already aware of the influx of the tourists from all over the world, tend to flock at Zamboanga to experience and witness the Asia's Latin City. Since 2003, Sky Quest Travel Agency had been one of the leading travel agencies that arrange Zamboanga vacation packages all year round. Their international tour arrangements have been very popular with tourists around the globe who are interested with spending their vacation at Zamboanga City. Sky Quest Travel Agency's website is packed with updated information and some noteworthy trivia or details to promote tourism. Surely, it really pays to be updated.
One of the most visited and progressive areas in Ilocos Norte, Laoag features fine and comfortable shopping places where residents and tourists can buy affordable merchandises. People can have an enjoyable and relaxing time inside the inviting malls in the area because these feature modern facilities. Customers who want to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and meat can always go to wet and dry markets in the city. To buy attractive and cheap keepsakes, tourists are encouraged to check out the products available at some of the popular souvenir shops in Laoag.
Foreigners and local tourists who want to taste the delicacies at Laoag should visit the City Market because it has numerous food stalls that sell delicious treats like baradibud, bagnet and empanada. Inside the commercial market, people can find stores that offer fresh seafood, meat and fruits. In addition, this establishment assigns a secluded area for the dry market where people can purchase some of the basic needs that they need at home. The dry market also features retail shops that offer cheap accessories, footwear and clothes. Moreover, this Laoag shopping place sells handicrafts and native products like beautiful bags as well as attractive home decorations.
Travelers who like to buy affordable keepsakes that were created and manufactured by residents in the area should take a look at the items offered at Sarusar. Located inside the premises of Museo Ilocos Norte, this Laoag shopping place is easy to situate. Some of the merchandises available at this simple souvenir shop are key holders, souvenir t-shirts, chimes, ashtrays and rings. The items usually cost 100 pesos to 200 pesos. Aside from the native products, this establishment sells some of the famous delicacies in the City like basi and bagoong for the price range of 50 pesos to 300 pesos.
One of the popular and convenient Laoag shopping complexes, SM City offers numerous high quality merchandises to customers. This establishment features retail stores that sell footwear, toys, souvenir items, apparels and clothing accessories. Additionally, the mall assigns a special place where shoppers can find and purchase brand new mobile phones and other electronic gadgets like Sony PSPs. To attract more customers, SM City plays home to appliance stores, home improvement establishments and computer shops. To have a nice and enjoyable time at this mall, customers can have some refreshments at fast food shops and restaurants. Finally, shoppers will not have problems about transportation because there are jeepney and taxi terminals just outside this establishment.