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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the economic centers of the historic and interesting province of Pampanga, Angeles City offers several shopping options to foreigners and local tourists who want to spend a remarkable and fun time in the place. To improve the performance of the tourism and economic sectors of the province, Angeles City shopping centers sell affordable but quality merchandises. These commercial establishments are easy to access. To attract locals and tourists, the establishments usually offer mall-wide sales. Featured below are the some of the inviting malls in the city.
A premier and modern shopping complex in Angeles City, Robinson’s Place is situated along MacArthur Highway in Balibago. Like the other malls in the city, it has a supermarket that offers different merchandises. There is a wet section at the supermarket where customers can buy fresh meat, vegetables, fruits and seafood. Tourists who like to shop for apparel and footwear can spend time at the department store because it sells high quality and affordable products. There are also home improvement and appliance stores at Robinson’s Place such as Handyman. Most dining establishments in the mall serve international and Filipino dishes. Food costs range from 50 pesos to 400 pesos.
Located at the corner of Plaridel Street in Santo Rosario, Angeles City, Jenra Mall is the first shopping center constructed in the place. Even if this mall is smaller than Robinson’s Place, many people like to shop at the establishment because it features bargain stores that sell attractive clothes for as low as 150 pesos. In addition, this Angeles City shopping place features retail stores that offer branded clothes like Bench as well as Penshoppe. Moreover, the mall features several automated teller machines within its premises. Above all, this establishment offers various dining options to shoppers. Jollibee is one of the famous fast food chains inside Jenra Mall where people can order tasty but affordable meals.
One of the most accessible shopping places in Angeles City, Nepo Mall features various apparel stores, specialty stalls and dining facilities. Some of the business centers that people can find inside this establishment are Smart Communications Center and Cebuana Lhuillier. There are also banks within the premises of Nepo Mall such as Citibank and Banco De Oro. To have a wonderful time at Nepo Mall, shoppers can order refreshments at fast food chains and restaurants like Pizza Hut, Red Ribbon as well as Jollibee. To ensure the safety of customers, the management of the place recruits reliable security officers.
Traveling to the Philippines has its perks, as one has more or less seven thousand plus beautiful islands to go to, but a thousand choices consequentially means a thousand to select from. This may equate to a dilemma if the getaway is limited both by money and time.
With 7,107 Philippine islands, one may wonder if it is possible for a traveler to behold the enormous amount of the country’s diverse destinations in just a matter of days. Well, it is.
So before one even plans of swimming to and fro the 7,107 Philippine islands or visiting another country with lesser number of islands, we suggest seven ways, more feasible and way more practical than the prior ones, in which a tourist will be able to capture the thousand sights, sounds and flavors of the Philippines in just a short span of time.
1. Travel with a local. No, we are not suggesting that one should necessarily hire a Filipino/Filipina to island-hop with. If relatives or friends presently reside here in the Philippines, the best way to enjoy the visit is meeting/reuniting with them, as the tourist will not only be having a free tour guide of Philippine destinations but will also be able to travel around with good company.
2. Volunteering your way to an escapade to the Philippines is, aside from being benevolent, beneficial to the tourists themselves and those who would be blessed with their support. There are several groups and organizations sponsoring volunteers, foreign and local alike, and most of their objectives range from community development to nature preservation. Come to think of it, one’s time and money will not only be spent for leisure. Both the desire to explore destinations in the Philippines and the capacity to help others can be fulfilled in just a visit.
3. The Philippines are home to some of the world’s most wonderful beach destinations cradled in the islands from north to south. Tourists can paint the Philippines a portrait in their memories with the warm tone of the sunsets in the islands’ shorelines, bright hues of the smiles of the local people and vivid array of colors of the markets and fiestas. Sunbathe in seven different beach destinations of the Philippines and know that seven islands alone can make one feel that much invigorated.
4. History can tell much of something/someone’s character and personality. The same goes for the Philippines. Relive the past in antiquated churches and infrastructures as well as ancient ruins notable of varied foreign influences and Filipino creativity as well in destinations such as Ilocos, Cebu, Bataan, Manila and a lot more. Upon accomplishing this, one may have a picturesque background of the Philippines and know how it came to be in the present as well.
5. Fiestas tell anything and everything about the Filipinos. Aside from the enthusiastic dancing and celebration, fiestas lay out the both the traditional and some exotic foods unique to the Philippines. A fiesta event oftentimes ranges for a couple of days, just enough time for a tourist to absorb the lively arts and culture of the Filipinos.
6. If financial budget allows it, make sure to visit one renowned tourist destination each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the three large divisions of the Philippines.
7. Lastly, perhaps the easiest way to solve your dilemma is to visit seven islands at a time. Then come back to visit Philippines again next time and so on and so forth until you complete the 7,107 islands, along with the exquisite destinations in each and every one of them.
Roaming the wonders of the Philippines?
Relax! Leave those stuffy suits behind and get ready for an experience of a lifetime! This tropical country have it all, ready to provide you with the best vacation your hard-earned money could buy. Most hotels and resorts offer value for money accommodations for those on a budget. For the high-rollers and guests who wants nothing but the best? The red carpet to the most exclusive and first class facilities await you.
The pristine beaches of Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol gives a glimpse of heavenly getaways. Cottages and hotel rooms with spectacular ocean views are up for grabs. Each "hotspots" offers daily buffet breakfast and accompanying tours and activities for takers.
Boracay
The tropical paradise of beach lovers! Its seemingly endless stretch of white sands and great accommodation is what makes this beautiful island popular. You can take a pick from the numerous hotels lining the beach, ranging from those offering complete privacy, with hotel rooms and cottages tucked within the lush greenery or the ones situated amongst the hottest and most happening places. Take a stroll down the beach as the sun bade goodbye and watch one of the most spectacular sunset allotted to mankind. Boracay is definitely the place to enjoy the sun, the sea and to party!
Palawan
Located just north of Malaysia’s Sabbah Island, it has a total of 1769 islands and islets that are mostly unexplored. Aptly known as the last frontier, It has the largest wildlife reservation here and is home to the most beautiful, exotic orchids, the Palawan peacock, the dugong or sea cow, the tabon birds as well as some of the most breath taking caves in the country. The Calamian group of islands, popular for its magnificent white beaches, the clearest water and a wide range of marine resources ideal for diving, houses some of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts in Asia. This is nature at it's best. Cottages and villas are strategically located to provide optimum privacy to guests. Stay secluded in a villa amongst magnificent trees or wake up in your cottage on stills with the sea as your playground.
Cebu
Cebuano bai! bai means friend in Cebu. It has one of the friendliest atmosphere in the Philippines. It's rich history offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Visit the Magellan's Cross, join the Sinulog festival held every 3rd Sunday of January (our own version of Mardi Gras), taste the rich flavors- the tablea, the famous mouthwatering lechon Cebu, the puso (rice wrapped in coconut leaves), crispy danggit(sun- dried fish) and much more for a gastronomical blow-out! Visit the Malapascua Island, Camotes Island among the numerous unspoiled beaches of Cebu. First-class hotels and resorts are also located in the heart of the city.
Bohol
Being the 10th largest island in the Philippines, this Visayan province offers alternative vacationing for everyone. It's famous chocolate hills in Carmen continues to be the most popular must-see attraction of Bohol. It is also home to the smallest known primate, the Philippine tarsier. It has already carved a reputation for having one of the most spectacular and unspoiled beaches in the country. With more land mass to cover, the island offers more than the usual adventures. Explore the centuries-old churches of Baclayon, Loboc, Dauis, Maribojoc, Loon and other magnificent structures. Take the River safari! From the town of Loboc, feel relaxed as you cruise along Loay River, enveloped in rich flora, with the boat ride ending in Busay falls with ample time for a refreshing swim. With over a hundred identified caves scattered around the island, Bohol is ideal for spelunking adventures. Be sure to visit the Hinagdanan Cave, a laddered cave going towards an underground pond. Do not forget your diving gear, for Bohol has one of the most wonderful corals reefs that are worth the trip alone!
Sargiao/CamSur
Surfing anyone? Sargiao gives an experience close to that of being in Hawaii when it comes to surfing. Water sports such as surfing have never been more in demand than now! With the great waters of Sargiao giving an exhilarating taste for those born to ride the waves, this is definitely the place to be. Ask the ASP anytime and they will tell you you should have been here yesterday! No blow outs here man!
For wake boarding enthusiasts, check-out the CWC cable park. Relatively new, this wake boarding paradise in Camarines Sur has already become popular not only locally but on an international scale. Foreign nationals from different countries flock CamSur round-the-clock all year round! A world class facility housing the best cable park in Asia!
Baguio
A six-hour scenic drive north of Manila (through Kennon Road) will transport you to this favorite summer vacation spot in the Philippines. A welcoming 40-foot high lion head along Kennon Road gives a taste of something unique that is Baguio! Here, relaxation is given a new meaning. Wake up to the sweet scent of the pine trees, take a stroll under the clearest and bluest sky, and spend the most romantic evenings dining under the star-filled sky.
The cold climate of Baguio is ideal for leisurely spending your day visiting its famous landmarks. The beautiful gardens, the numerous parks and sites with splendid views of the mountains, Camp John Hay for the avid golfers and the PMA grounds amongst the endless must-see sights. A trip to the Central market for the freshest vegetables,sweetest fruits, fragrant flowers as well as items that are a trademark of Baguio. Plump, sweet, fresh strawberries sold by the basket, ube and strawberry jams, crunchy peanut brittle and of course, the local handicrafts, woven souvenirs, silver jewelries, delicate woodcarvings and even brooms! Finally, join the party held every month of February for the week long celebration of Penagbenga Festival, a flower parade celebrating “the season for blossoming, a time for flowering”.
For a truly rewarding experience, you can proceed to Banaue and be a witness to the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces, a man made structure carved on the side of the mountain ranges by the Ifugaos. Sagada, famous for its subterranean caves is a must-see for those whose interest lies in archeology.
Tagaytay
Near Manila, you can always visit Tagaytay with its cool and refreshing atmosphere. Visit the Palace in the Sky, go ride the horses on your way up and have a front seat view of the Taal Volcano.
Dining in Tagaytay? Fabulous restaurants surrounds the place as well as Casino Filipino. An hour or so ride would bring you to Batangas where deep sea & coral diving is a must do! And Anilao is up to that job. The rich heritage of this province showcases activities that will make you stay and explore more!
Manila
Ahhhh, Manila! There is no place like Manila. The busiest and most colorful city in the Philippines! Here, they have something for everybody, even the most discriminating in taste. Bustling streets with the most welcoming atmosphere. Open faces and brilliant smiles from its people. Hotels are scattered all over the city offering first-class accommodations and service coming from the heart. Mabuhay!
Long live it is. A shopping paradise, Manila and its neighboring cities are famous for its bargains. From the biggest shopping malls, the classiest signature clothing lines and the most amazing “tiangges” they have it all. Be pleasantly surprised with the rich assortment of unique clothes, accessories, shoes, bags and trinkets that you can find at a most affordable price. Malls in Makati, Rockwell, Ermita and Alabang carries fabulous designer labels. The largest mall in Asia located in Pasay City even has a view of the bay!
After a satisfying day of shopping, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the rich flavors of the Philippines.From local delicatessen that are uniquely Filipino to Mediterranean to Exotic, the wide array of restaurants will tickle your taste buds. It's a dining experience that is incomparable to no other.
Remember, we have more than 7100 islands to explore and lots of adventures to experience!
Take a look at Philippines’ history and culture reflected by old churches, forts and modern museums. Look at the finest three-layered forests and white-sand beaches.
Consecrated with far-reaching coastline, the Philippines are known to be pealed with good beaches and first class resorts. Its deep blue, crystal waters offer 40,000 square kilometers of different coral reefs swarming with mixtures of marine life.
Gifted with a tropical climate, the Philippines give a perfect treat to savor the sunlight. Located in Southeast Asia and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boasts of untainted beaches, extravagant sunsets, profuse pastoral lands, superb resorts, amazingly impressive islands, and a even areas that have cool weather that is brought by the mountains.
Feel the warmth of summer just by going to beaches like Boracay, which is found in Panay in the Western Visayas Region. You may also visit Panglao which is found in the province of Bohol. Capture the view of Sagada, Baguio, and Tagaytay, and have a dip in refreshing waters of different resorts.
There are many featured destinations found in the Philippines such as:
Donsol - found in the Sorsogon province, which is called “whale shark capital.”
Boracay – this is one of the best swimming destinations in the whole world. It has crystal clear waters which are perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Guimaras – this is found in Nueva Valencia. It has 238.3-kilometer coastline. It has long stretches of powdery, white sand which is also known to be the best among the world.
Palawan – this place really has an exotic beauty. It is called “country’s last frontier.” It has more than a thousand islands and thousand islets, scenic rock formations, magnificent caves and underwater rivers.
Coron – a town which is found in Busuanga Island in Northen Palawan, it is said that men get charmed by its natural beauty.
Cebu City – branded as “queen city of the south.” This is a top provincial destination of foreign travelers.
Pagudpud – found in Ilocos. It is the best setting for photo shoots for travel magazine covers, panoramic movies. Its main attraction is Saud Beach, which is known for its fine white sand stretching for about a hundred meters and Maira-ira Piont, which hides a secluded beach that is called, Blue Lagoon. There are also breathtaking landscapes which include Bantay Abot-abot, a sculpture that is carved by the wind and the sea.
Bohol – one of the loveliest islands found in southern Philippines. This is found in Visayas region.
Panglao Island – many foreigners have beach activities here such as diving, snorkeling, and caving. This also area is also used for seminars, brainstorming, conventions, etc.
These are just some of the beautiful places found in the Philippines. Aside from these places, there’s a lot more you wish you could go and you should visit.
The best way to fully experience any new place you travel to is by living the way the locals do. By doing this, you may discover some pleasant quirks about the people that you may not have seen if you constrict yourself to conducted tours.
In the Philippines, touring without a guide is somewhat easier since a large percentage of the people are able to understand and speak English. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask someone. There is nothing to fear since Filipinos are known to be very hospitable, especially to foreigners.
The first place to find a reliable local guide is in your very own hotel. Don't go the normal route by asking the concierge about tour packages, live a little by asking your bellboy where the best sisig (popular Filipino bar chow) in town is and he'll be happy to point the way.
For the adventure-seeking traveler, public transportation is the safest way to get around the city and see some sights along the way. Even getting onto a jeepney is a unique experience all by itself! Also, there are no definite stops in a trip so you can feel free to ask the driver to stop if ever you see anything that catches your fancy.
Some helpful tips on Philippine travel:
1. Always have some change with you. For public transportation, you'll be amazed at how far a dollar can take you.
2. Don't bring too much cash, if you run out, you can always find an ATM.
3. Always ask for your hotel's address card. In Manila, most cab drivers are familiar with the major hotels.
4. Bring an extra shirt or a towel; it's a tropical country, after all.
5. Don't be afraid to get lost. You don't know what you just might find.
6. Smile! Filipinos are very friendly; a lot of people might just smile back!
It won't be difficult to get around at all since most of the street signs are written in English and are easy to understand. There are also city maps sold in gas stations around the metro. These can serve as an easy guide on how to get to the sights that might not be in your itinerary.
Ultimately, the best way to experience a new culture is by allowing yourself to be swallowed by it. Let your inhibitions go, be open to seeing strange sights, tasting strange food, and receiving the warm welcome of the Filipino people.
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.
The “Pearl of the Orient Seas” has long since relied on ecotourism as a revenue generating industry and it didn’t have a hard time going about it because of the many beautiful Philippine destinations that await the visitor. Which Philippine destinations to see when in the country is a tough decision to make but here are some places that are definitely worth seeing.
Banawe Rice Terraces
One does not have to be a farmer to be able to appreciate the beauty of the Banawe Rice Terraces found in the mountain region of the Philippines. The land of the Philippines is well suited for agriculture and rice being a part of every Filipino’s diet is very important to the locals. The Banawe Rice Terraces can be seen in many postcards about the Philippines and that in itself is enough to prove the majesty of this Philippine destination. A whole mountain that goes as far as the eye can see have been converted by the indigenous group in the area into a massive rice plantation and in so doing they followed the contour of the mountains. The indigenous group responsible for the wonder of the Banawe Rice Terraces is the Ifugaos and they have made sure that the rice lands are well irrigated. Lacking formal education, the Banawe Rice Terraces shows the Filipinos’ ingenuity, determination and strength.
The Philippines’ tropical climate can be very warm and humid between the months of March until early June. A great Philippine destination to visit if one is in the country during the summer season is Baguio City. Dubbed the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines, Baguio City has perpetually cool climate because of its location. Baguio City belongs to the Cordillera Mountain Ranges and there are several tourist spots at this Philippine destination. The famous tourist destinations in Baguio City are Camp John Hay, Burnham Park and Session Road. This Philippine destination is also home to beautiful flowers such as roses that thrive only in cold weather and if should chance upon the Baguio City Flower Festival while here, one is definitely in for a treat.
It’s not only foreign visitors that get to enjoy Baguio City. In fact, this location is frequented by locals because of it is relatively near Metro Manila. Tourism is at an all time high though at this Philippine destination during the summer season and during the Flower Festival. During the Flower Festival, one gets to watch beautifully decorated floats filled with flowers parading the streets, showing the Filipinos’ creativity and passion for beauty.
If mountain trekking is your kick, come to the Philippines. If it is pristine white sand beaches you are looking for, come to the Philippines. Mountains or seas, the Philippines have all the wonders of nature in one great vacation spot!
Luzon, the largest island, stretches from the Ilocos province in the north to Sorsogon in the south. It is in Luzon that you will discover the splendor of the Cordillera rice terraces, century-old rice fields fashioned by the Igorots, Ifugao and Kalinga from sides of the mountains. Today it remains one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Philippines.
Still In the northern part of the Philippines is a beach that has big waves and strong winds that is ideal for wind and wave surfing, welcome to Pagudpud.
Framing the coastline of Puerto Princesa City is Honda Bay. The clear waters permits snorkeling and the enclaves afford one to island hop.
Baler and Infanta in Quezon and Daet in Camarines Norte offer more exciting experiences for surfers seeking the extreme with the bigger waves.
In the Visayas, the largest central groups of islands between Luzon and Mindanao, have islands each distinct and interesting.
Bohol for example is famous for its intriguing Chocolate Hills that are plain green and brown depending on the season. On a small island southwest of the bigger island Bohol, is Panglao, a perfect place to dive and swim on a holiday.
Located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas, is Boracay. Its fine sand makes it one of the finest beaches in the world.
To the extreme west of Visayas are the islands Samar and Leyte connected by the San Juanico Bridge. Both areas have portions that remain unexplored by tourists. Samar is a good destination for kayaking.
Aside from the underwater caves in Palawan, Mabinay have caves that can be visited. Most wonderfully open to tourists is Crystal Cave. Still in Mabinay are great rapids and rock climbing experiences waiting for you.
In Mindanao, dare swimming into the sunken cemetery in Camiguin islands then have a break tasting the islands’ tangy-sweet lanzones. With its waterfalls and both hot and cold springs, Camiguin keeps tourist coming back again and again.
Dakak Park Beach Resort, located on the beach facing Sulu Sea, is a place wonderfully tacked into a 15- hectare property that offers blissful stay.
Siargao, located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is known for its curling waves as high as twelve feet high which makes it one of the places sought after by surfers. Surfing can be done too in Baler, Quezon in Luzon and Tandag, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.
The superb rapids of the Philippines lay undiscovered, try the Bubunawan/Cagayan de Oro River, in Misamis Oriental.
About the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations for tourists and that is because Filipinos are known to be fun-loving and friendly people.
The Philippine archipelagos consist of 7,107 islands with 3 main islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Climate in the Philippines is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5° Celsius.
Getting around the country is easy since most Filipinos understand and speak English. What’s more, the Philippines is not left behind in technology: there are mobile phones everywhere, foreign currency exchange and you can pay using your credit card.
Here, we will feature the most frequently visited tourist spots in the Philippines:
Manila City
Manila is a vibrant metropolis with centers of business in Binondo, Makati and Ortigas Center. Almost everywhere you go you will find small and large stores, shops, boutiques.
Tourists can dare paint the town red in Manila’s bars, restaurants, discos, karaoke lounges, and cafés found mostly in Timog, Makati City and Manila. There are also 3 major casinos for those who enjoy a game of bet.
The walled city of Intramuros is a must see for tourist. According to Philippine history, this was built to defend Manila from invaders. Remnants of the canyons and barricades are housed here. However, today the walled city also offers cozy restaurants where tourists can take a snack while they shop at souvenir shops.
Baguio City
If you’re uncomfortable of the hot and humid weather of the Philippines, why not visit Baguio City - the summer capital of the Philippines? Tourists usually take their summer vacation here because the year-round cool climate is akin to the winter climate near the equator.
Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue rice terraces is listed among the eighth wonders of the world – this multi-layered terraces of rice was amazingly manually engineered 2000 to 3000 years ago by the Ifugaos, when there were still no machinery or equipment to help them. Tourists enjoy hiking in the many trails of the rice terraces.
Bohol Island
The Bohol island in the Philippines can be considered a paradise – and that is because it is famous for its white sand beaches, numerous caves with underground pond, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. Bohol is surrounded by beautiful beaches and corral reefs, something nature-lover tourists would enjoy.
Boracay Island
Boracay is world famous and is almost always the first beach mentioned when tourists talk about vacation places in the Philippines because of its white sand beaches.
Boracay is a nice place to picnic during the day or to play golf, may be do some diving or snorkeling is at the Crocodile Island. There are also bat caves to explore on the northeastern coast of Yapak.
Cebu City
Cebu City is where you’ll find the shrine of the Battle of Mactan – Lapu-Lapu’s shrine and Magellan’s Cross.
Davao
Davao is where you’ll find the Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle, an eagle that preys on monkeys.
For the food enthusiasts, Davao offers their local cuisines at very reasonable prices: fresh seafood especially grilled tuna and tiger prawns. Not to be missed when in Davao is the famous durian which has awful smell but many find delicious – and nutritious too!
Palawan
With over 1,700 islands and islets, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.
The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary is a home of exotic and endemic species of animals found in Palawan such as the Palawan bear cats and Philippine mouse deer.
Vigan
One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout Vigan. Historians say Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines.