The Chocolate Hills are not the only reason to visit the province of Bohol in the Philippines. If you're into caving or cave exploring then Bohol is a great destination. The province has over 1,400 caves. The name Bohol seems to have come from the word "buho" which means a "hole". Locally, this means a hole where spring water would usually burst out; Bohol has lots of that along its coastal towns.
A lot of the caves of Bohol, Philippines have not yet been explored. It is not quite surprising that one might be following a stream during a cool day's trek only to find that it leads to a cave somewhere. The caves of Bohol are home to strange invertebrates, like the albino crabs for instance, who have adapted to life in the dark.
At least two caves in the province of Bohol have historic significance in the Philippines. The first one is the Francisco Dagohoy Cave. This cave is located in the town of Danao and is the most visited by local and foreign tourists.
In 1744, Francisco Dagohoy, a patriot, started a rebellion against the Spanish Regime. This movement lasted until 1829. This cave served as their headquarters during the uprising. One of the passages in Dagohoy's cave has an underwater route that leads to dry land within. It is said that this area was the movement's hiding place when Spanish forces would raid the cave.
The other historic cave is found in the town of Antequera known as Buhong Tiawan, which is just one and a half kilometers away from town. The entrance to the cave is in a wall of a limestone hill. The entrance is three to five meters wide and leads to a cavern 100 meters long.
The cave was used as a refuge in World War II when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. The Japanese raided the place eventually when the imperial army discovered the hide out. Today, the cave is home to different species of birds and bats.
Another famous tourist attraction is the Hinagdanan Cave in the island of Panglao. The cave features stalactites with matching stalagmites that converge towards each other. The cave brings you to a cavern that has a pond about ten feet in depth. It isn't advisable to swim in it since the water in the pond isn't clean.
The caves Bohol, Philippines is a haven for those who love to explore the subterranean world. Some of these caves have been etched into the history of the Philippines through the people who seek refuge and hope for freedom.
The Philippines has many great hotels where you can experience luxury and service. The oldest city of the Philippines is no exception to that rule and we are here to give you the Cebu Hotel Guide to show you that Cebu is not as old as it sounds like.
Let us start the Cebu Hotel Guide with one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world and in the Philippines; the Marriot Hotel Cebu. The Marriot Hotel Cebu is located right across the Ayala Mall and in the upscale district. This four star hotel has suites, ordinary rooms and presidential suites where you can enjoy the comfort and luxury that only Marriot can offer. The cost per night averages on a $130.
The next hotel in our Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu. This resort is close to all the dive sites that you might want to travel too. This four star resort is located in the Mactan Island of Cebu on which one of Philippines international airports is located in. The Cordova Reef Village Resort Cebu has wonderful amenities great for relaxing or you can just lie around in the beach. The cost per night starts at around $150.
Another hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is one of Philippines business hotels called the Parklane International Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located right in the middle of the business district which makes this an ideal place to stay for travelling young professionals. This four star hotel has wellness centers and a fitness gym where you can sweat your stress out. The rate per night in this hotel ranges around $110.
The best three-star hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide with the optimal location is the Midtown Hotel Cebu. This hotel is located directly above a supermarket and a shopping mall and is just a foot step away from restaurants, larger malls and the shopping districts of Cebu. The Midtown Hotel Cebu is yet another one of Philippines business hotels and the ambience remains classy and chic. You can dine in their glass restaurant that overlooks the shopping district of Cebu. The stay per night costs around $65.
The last hotel in the Cebu Hotel Guide is going to be the Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel Cebu. This is a four star hotel located in Cebu, Philippines and this hotel is situated along the white beaches of Cebu. This beach resort offers a spa, a pool area where you can sip your tropical cocktails and a great ambience. The stay per night in this hotel starts at around $110.
We hope that you have found the right hotel for you in Cebu, Philippines with the Cebu Hotel Guide. Enjoy the four and three star hotels that Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines, has to offer.
A fast advancing and popular tourist destination in the province of Bohol, Tagbilaran City plays home to numerous interesting hospitality service providers in the Philippines. To help travelers have a wonderful and remarkable vacation in the city, there are Tagbilaran hotel guides that they can use to look at the special features of hospitality service providers in the area. Most of the hotel guides offer basic information on the hotels such as their star ratings, facilities, as well as accommodation rates. In this way, tourists can easily decide, which of the hotels suit their budgets and needs.
Star Ratings in Tagbilaran Hotel Guides
For the sake of travelers and vacationers in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, who consider the performance and quality of service of hospitality service providers, they can always look at the star ratings in Tagbilaran hotel guides. For those who prefer to sleep in elegant guestrooms, they can always check in in any of the four-star and three-star hospitality service providers in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, which include Bohol Tropics Resort, The MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, as well as Hotel La Roca. However, for those who do not have ample budget to stay in these hotels, they can always stay in two-star and one-star hotels that are commonly featured in Tagbilaran hotel guides like Winward Pension House, Villa Alzhun Tourist Inn, and El Portal Inn.
Facilities and Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Tagbilaran City, Philippines
To those who prioritize the facilities of hotels when choosing places to stay in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, they can refer to Tagbilaran hotel guides because these feature amenities available in Tagbilaran hospitality service providers. For people who want to stay in hotels that have dining and leisure amenities, they can reserve rooms at The Meridian Hotel, Wregent Plaza Hotel, and Gie Gardens Hotel. On the other hand, for those who are content with hotels that have standard amenities but affordable room rates, they can check out the rooms at any of these lodges and pension houses; Charisma Lodge, Villa Camilla Pension House, and Slim Pension House.
Tagbilaran travel guides are surely helpful to everyone who has plans of spending their vacations in the city. By using or referring to these guides, individuals can plan their trips to Tagbilaran City, Philippines well. Additionally, they can also manage their budgets well, since they can have a look at the estimated rates of hospitality service providers. Above all, they can easily locate the places where they want to stay because the guides also provide information on the exact location of these places.
Seclusion. Great food. Warm people. Luxury. Paradise. You though you can’t have all of them in one great vacation? Well think again because the Club Panoly Beach Resort in the Philippines’ beach paradise island of Boracay can give you the best vacation time of your whole lifetime.
Boracay is now very accessible from the nation’s capital. A lot of airlines are making it possible to get more and more people to get into this heavenly island by offering cheaper rates and faster flights. It would take you less than an hour to fly into Kalibo, Aklan and from there; a shuttle from The Club Panoly Beach Resort would be there to take you directly to the white beach, hassle-free!
Once you dock into the white powdery sands of Panoly, these red-clad men and women of the resort would give you a warm welcome coupled with a refreshing cold drink to wear you off your tiredness. One cannot help but be astonished at this beautiful sight, the white beach, which happily greets them on their arrival.
Club Panoly has got to be one of the bigger beach resorts in Boracay. It has its own beach front away from the crowd and madness in the downtown stations. Should you want to go mall’ing or eat in the main beach, a modest and comfortable shuttle is ready for you to bring you there and pick you up as well.
The kids would surely enjoy the big and beautiful pool and the adults can enjoy having their tan in Panoly’s comfortable sun beds. There is also a poolside bar to make it an even more enjoyable experience for everyone! Panoly would even let you get a taste of the wildlife because of the wild animals it houses in its mini-zoo. The Club Panoly Beach Resort has also not forgotten to provide something to the athletic: a spacious tennis-court is available for the tennis-goers.
After enjoying the beautiful sands and water of Boracay, you would surely want to take a long and luxurious rest. Panoly is a five-star hotel and you have the option to stay in the nipa huts for a more native feel or in the main hotel for luxury. Food is plentiful and you would surely never go hungry in your stay here! Café Havana is also there to get you into the dancing mood.
You have made the right choice by exploring the Philippines’s most treasured island of Boracay. You would certainly make a smarter choice by letting Panoly complete this experience for you. A great place and great accommodation, the Club Panoly Beach Resort would surely be perfect this vacation that you truly deserve.
Many of us know Boracay and fondly call it “Bora” because we have at least heard of it or been there once and admired its beautiful beaches. However, it is not accurate to think Boracay is just about pristine white sand and perfectly calm waters, it’s also an island that holds several festivities throughout the year. If one chances upon a Boracay festival, one will be in complete awe of how well planned these events are and how much fun it is to be able to witness and even participate in one.
One might say that every part of the country celebrates the Ati Atihan Festival and although the island of Boracay is not an exception, its version is very fascinating. This Boracay festival is held the day after New Year’s Day and there’s no missing out on the hypnotizing sound of drums that signal the start of the event. The theme of the Ati Atihan Festival is the different religious beliefs held by Filipino ancestors and it also includes a tribute to Christianity, a religion introduced by the Spaniards. The participants of the Ati Atihan Festival paint themselves to look exactly like our ancestors from centuries back. What makes this Boracay festival such a colorful event is the fact that all these dancing in colorful costumes and body paint is done on shore with the beautiful beach of Boracay in the background. What can be said to be the trademark of this Boracay festival are the dancers that have painted their bodies in black with streaks of bright colors on their faces. During the Ati Atihan Festival a contest is held to determine which is the “best tribe” in terms of costume, body art and dances. The Ati Atihan Festival is very much like the Mardi Gras only with a touch of something very Filipino.
To those who have been to the Philippines before and are familiar with the customs and culture of the Filipinos, then one is bound to notice that the Filipinos love to eat. It is only in the Philippines that people eat “merienda” which is an afternoon snack before dinner. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Boracay Food Festival is a highly anticipated event. This Boracay festival exhibits the best Filipino dishes including delicacies unique to this country. The Boracay Food Festival is also known for its sumptuous array of desserts and since this Boracay festival is held right on the beach, one can say this is the perfect combination.
For mountaineers and explorers or plain nosy tourists who ask what else is awaiting discovery in this modern planet, Mount Guiting-guiting is quite another world out there. This is a strange and extraordinary tourist spot which is ready to satiate the interest of the ravenously curious tourist.
Sibuyan Island, host to this enchanting mountain, is one of the biodiversity tourist spots of the country. It is one of the islands of Romblon in the Visayas. A fifteen-hour boat ride from Manila to Cajidiocan brings the traveler to this mango-shaped tourist spot island.
The whole mountain spot sprawls across the island’s three municipalities. It is Sibuyan’s center of adventure and scenic spots. Declared a national park in 1996, it is almost 936 miles high (or 2,058 meters), and the summit is rich in native flora and fauna found only in the Philippines. And many are yet to be discovered.
Aside from the usual wild gardens, waterfalls, streams, and rock formations that most mountains have, Mt. Guiting-guiting’s special attractions are the wild ferns and orchids that freely proliferate everywhere.
The grand display of unique shrubberies is strictly for “the eyes only”—do anything else with them and that’s enough to warrant penalties. The reforestation efforts of the government paid off and thick forests and vegetation shade the forest floors. Ferns of various kinds—Adiantum, Christella, Lecanopteris, Microlepia, Nephrolepis and Pteris flourish.
Just try to picture the biological prospects here—an army of tiny Hymenophyllums clinging to huge trees while dark green Teratophyllums crouch up, coiling around branches. Bulbiferous Asplenium Macrophyllum and Asplenium Tenerums are not to be left behind. They amass profusely on logs and damp places. See?
Of the ferns that abound on the mountain spot, Cyathea Sibuyanensis is the most well known. This is a midget sized tree fern growing on some 637 miles elevation (1,400 meters)—a special treat for fern lovers. In open areas of this tourist spot lay the Blechnum Orientale, a pinkish fern.
We’re talking of nature-farmed bonsai gardens in this scenic mountain spot for botanist-tourists.
The Sibuyan Island generally grows ordinary-looking “weeds” but don’t be fooled by their looks. These “weeds” in this mountain spot are hot items in other parts of the world. Just look at the Pitcher plant plenteous on this scenic spot—Nepenthes Sibuyanensis. This sells for a small fortune in some parts of the world.
Mt. Guiting-guiting in Sibuyan is like a smaller, eerier world in a small eerie world. If the quest is an in depth scrutiny of the veiled nooks and crannies of Mother Nature, of the quiet and unnoticed prolific kingdoms of miniscule creatures, then just look long and hard enough round this tourist spot, trekking the slopes and peak of this mountain spot, Mt. Guiting-guiting.
Most kids would love to see a mountain made of chocolate. How about 1,268 hills made of chocolate as a substitute? That would be a treat, but that's not exactly what you'll get when you come to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines. One of the famous tourist attractions in the Philippines is Bohol's Chocolate Hills.
The Chocolate Hills is declared as a National Geological Monument in the Philippines. It is recommended and is part of the major tourist attractions in the country.
When you get to the Chocolate Hills you'll be immediately convinced that this is not man made. A lot of reactions go like the Chocolate Hills are man-made when they see a picture of this tourist attraction for the first time.
The name Chocolate Hills come from the grass on the hills that turn chocolate brown during the dry season in the Philippines. The hills are cone-shaped, about the same size, and cover an area of 50 square kilometers. It's a natural wonder once you get a chance to see them.
There isn't an exact count of the hills comprising the Chocolate Hills. Though the estimate of 1,268 hills isn't really off (there are those that claim that this is the exact number).
The Chocolate Hills baffle geologists. There is a debate among them regarding the origin of the Chocolate Hills. There is an explanation of the origin of the Chocolate Hills in a bronze plaque on the observation deck you'll find there. The plaque says that the Chocolate Hills were the result of erosion, but you can be sure that is not the only explanation geologists have given.
There are two famous legends that explain the origin of the Chocolate hills. The popular one is about two giants who hurled rocks and boulders during a fight between them. They got really exhausted after a few days of fighting. They soon forgot what started the conflict and left the place as friends. The funny part is that both giants forgot to clean up the mess they made, which became the chocolate hills.
The romantic one associated with this tourist attraction is about a giant named Arogo who fell in love with a mortal named Aloya. When Aloya died Arogo cried in anguish, his tear drops fell to the earth and dried up forming the Chocolate hills.
When visiting the Chocolate Hills you'll have a place to stay at the Chocolate Hills Complex, its a little hotel-restaurant with a swimming pool and an observation deck. You may also go to the Sagbayan Peak mountain resort. It also has its own observation deck, swimming pools, a children's park, a butterfly dome, a hotel, and a tarsier sanctuary. A golf course is also in the making.
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines is a must see for kids and the child of heart. It's a wonder of nature and is one of the most recommended tourist attractions in the Philippines.
Boracay is known in many different parts of the world as one of the best places to go to for that beach holiday. Here, basking in the sun the whole day and bar hopping at night are activities that are perfectly okay and many Boracay hotels allow you to do this every single day of your vacation.
Enjoy the sun and the pristine white sand beaches of Boracay at Friday’s Resort where cottages are made out of all Filipino products and pampering is a part of everyday life. For those traveling in big groups, Friday’s Resort has 5 cottages that are interconnected so one can have a private party every night if one feels like it. All the 34 cottages at the Friday’s Resort are made from bamboo and wood, all immaculately maintained and have modern necessities. 18 of these 34 cottages at Friday’s Resort look out directly to the beach and the view is simply magnificent. These 18 premier rooms have its own coffee and tea maker, all have king sized beds, fully air conditioned and a bathtub. This Boracay hotel is also very proud of its restaurant that serves excellent International and Asian cuisine and their facilities are first class. Friday’s Resort has a very large swimming pool, a gym, game room and a conference center for those who are in Boracay on business.
If upscale is what one is after, live it up at the The Panoly Resort which is nestled on its very own private land on the northern part of Boracay. This Boracay hotel is rather large, with 55 elegantly furnished rooms, some of which are connected, a spacious bathroom in each one, a mini-bar, IDD telephone, cable television and a fridge. Room service is available 24/7 at The Panoly Resort and because this Boracay hotel is committed to ensuring the privacy of their guests, one never has to worry about the place being too crowded especially during peak season.
The Panoly Resort has 6 different restaurants each one with a bar for the guest’s dining pleasure. Each restaurant has different specialties and one can choose to dine while looking out to the ocean or to a view of their massive swimming pool. Among the other facilities at the The Panoly Resort are a gym, a business center and the best part is, they have equipments for rent for any water sport that one can think of. This Boracay hotel also offers services such as massage, laundry and room service. The hospitality at The Panoly Resort is truly one of a kind in that one will not find a Boracay hotel with staff that is exceptionally accommodating.
Cebu City, being the prime city in the Visayas region of the Philippines, has several destinations for sightseeing and other activities in and around the city. These destinations include historical and cultural sites as well as natural and mad-made wonders. These places make Cebu City an ideal place to visit and have fun.
The Magellan Marker is in Punta Engano, Lapu-lapu City. Punta Engano is the site of where it is believed that Ferdinand Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu.
Magellan’s Cross is located in Magallanes Street in Cebu City. This is where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross in 1521 as a way of commemorating the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his followers.
Fort San Pedro in Pier Area, Cebu City was a fort for what is considered to be the first settlement by Spain in the Philippines. It was turned into the American Warwick Barracks during the American Rule in early 1900s. During World War II, Fort San Pedro was used by the Japanese soldiers.
The Lapu-Lapu Monument is located in Punta Engano Lapu-Lapu City. This monument depicts local chieftain Lapu Lapu with a bolo and a pestle in both of his hands.
Different museums showcasing the Cebu culture and history are scattered around the city. Casa Gorordo Museum and Fort San Pedro National Museum highlights Cebu culture from the Spanish times up to early 1900s. The University Of San Carlos Museum, on the other hand has a collection of artifacts that have anthropologic and biological value. While the Southwestern University Museum has collections from prehistoric to Spanish Colonial period.
For visitors who enjoy being outdoors with nature, Cebu City has destinations for swimming, scuba diving and adventure. Mactan Island, Moalboal, Badian Island, Malapascua Island and Camotes Islands are prime destinations for water activities. For the sightseeing tourist who is more adventurous Kawasan Falls is a perfect site to hike for picnics and bathing. The Olango Wildlife Sanctuary, on the other hand, allows one to see migratory birds.
For sightseeing about religion and culture, Cebu City has several destinations for the traveler. The Catholic and Spanish influences are evident in the historic Basilica Minor del Santo Nino. Other noteworthy destinations are the Taoist Temple and Phu-Sian Temple in Beverly Hills, Heavenly Temple of Charity in Peace Valley, Chapel Of The Last Supper and Celestial Garden.
Other noteworthy destinations are the Liloan Lighthouse, Beverly Hills, Cebu Golf and Country Club, Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Fuenta Osmena.
One of the favorite things that tourists and local visitors do when in Dumaguete is participate in Dumaguete festivals. Dumaguete festivals are among the most unique and colorful in the entire country and because these events are lively and enjoyable, many people flock to Dumaguete particularly on these occasions.
One of the most highly anticipated Dumaguete festivals is the Sandurot Festival held every November for 5 days, starting from November 21. For those who particularly want to learn about the rich history of Dumaguete, should make it a point to attend the Sandurot Festival since this is a depiction of the lives of the early inhabitants. The history of Dumaguete from the time that the foreigners entered the city from the Dumaguete seas is depicted at the Sandurot Festival through dances, parades and plays. This Dumaguete festival traces history from before to now so all those who are watching begin to understand the journey that this city has made. The Sandurot Festival is organized by the local government and the organizers make it a point to represent all the foreign cultures that have had an influence on Dumaguete such as the Spanish, Americans, Japanese and Chinese. Of course, no Dumaguete festival is complete without the rhythmic street dancing and this is definitely part of the Sandurot Festival.
The Buglasan Festival is held for 10 days every October and this event kicks off with dance competitions. All the inhabitants of Negros Oriental culminate at Dumaguete City for this much awaited Dumaguete festival. During the 10 days that the Buglasan Festival is celebrated, there are even singing competitions for all age groups. One of the good things that happen during this Dumaguete festival is the cultural shows that exhibit the talent of the inhabitants. The Buglasan Festival also has booths with local handicrafts for sale. There are also other competitions during the Buglasan Festival such as chess, cheer dance, folk dance, and pyrotechnics. In this Dumaguete festival, there is something for everybody whether it be a cultural show display, shopping or just a day of dancing.
This Dumaguete festival is somewhat similar to Buglasan Festival. The Santa Cruzan Fiesta is held every May and it is where the prettiest girls and some showbiz icons walk the streets adorned in beautiful dresses. The Santa Cruzan Fiesta is a religious event celebrated as far back as the time of the Spaniards so this Dumaguete festival will give one an opportunity to appreciate the history of this city.