Thursday, April 12, 2012

Luneta Park

Luneta Park or Rizal park, consider as the National Park on the Philippines, located along the center of Manila, fronting world famous natural harbour known as Manila Bay. Luneta was established to honor our National hero, pacist Jose Rizal, the location mark by Rizal monument as the exact location of Rizal's execution. Since the Spanish colonial period, the park is a favorite destination for family picnics and unwining during Sundays and Holidays. The Luneta park is just adjacent to Manila City Hall and Intramuros, old walled city of Manila.

 The Luneta park is bounded by Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Padre Burgoz, and T.M. Kalaw. It is 40 minutes away from Manila International Airport depending on the volume of traffic, it is accesible by Public Utility Jeepney , Taxi cab and Light Rail Transit from Baclaran (Southern part) and Monumento (Nothern).

Place of Interest on Luneta:

Luneta is a popular tourist destination in Manila as there are a lots of place of interest with in its vicinity. Manila Bay is one of the busiest harbour in the world is just a walking distance from Luneta, the bay is popular with its sunset scenic view. The park is also adjacent to Manila Hotel, a popular 5 star Hotel right on the heart of Manila. You could also always visit Intramuros while in Luneta as it just adjacent on the area. Manila Ocean Park is another place of interest when visiting Luneta, the ocean park is located just across the Quirino Grandstand and along Manila Bay. Manila Ocean Park is comparable with Hongkong Ocean Park as it features different sea species and creatures on its life size aquarium. National Library, Philippines premiere public library is also accesible along with other historical places such as Manila Cathedral, National Museum of the Philippines.The park also open to the public a raised map of the Philippines, it is a scale map of the country located on the center of man made lake.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Mindanao Travel Guide

Mindanao is the second largest Island in Philippines, located in the Eastermost part of the country. It is also known as one of the three main Island of  the country,  the other 2 namely Luzon and Visayas, Mindanao is compose of the main Island along with its smaller Island. Mindanao is the only place in Phillipines where there is significant Muslim people.
Mindanao is blessed with natural resources along with its best tourist destination, but due to some insurgency along with peace and problem on some isolated area of the Island that is often attached to the island of Mindanao. As I have said the problem is just isolated on some remote area of Mindanao and those conflict ridden area must be avoided. In reality Mindanao is a big area and majority of those places are inhabited by peace loving Christian and Muslim aswell, and some of those area was blessed and offers so much for travel aficionado. Mindanao is called the land of the promise for its vastness of natural resources and wonderful tourist spot destination.
I have here top local attraction in Mindanao for both foreign and Local tourist guest:
Cagayan de Oro : Birth place of my father, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a major entranced to some landlocked major tourist destination in Mindanao province. Cagayan de Oro City is very accessible for tourist from Manila as it has its own Domestic Airport and Seaport aswell, Both opens Cagayan de Oro to its neighboring province for trades and commerce that makes it as one of the most progressive area in Mindanao. The area is known for white water rafting adventure. Increase your bodies adrenalin with wild river ride, be cautious because the adventure is not for the faint of heart because you have to navigate the river from a small rubber boat while strong current of water threatens to overtun your boat. When leaving Cagayan de Oro, don’t forget to buy the cities original sweet delicacy known as Pastel along with roasted peanuts.
Camiguin Island : Camiguin Island is known for its active volcano known as Hibok-Hibok, for its amazing white sand beaches and its underwater cementery. Be amazed with the natural beauty of the area while and feed your mind with its astounding natural sceneries.
Bukidno : Bukidnon is known as the largest pineapple farm in the Philippines, the area is known for its vast plain and mountain allows the well of to own herd of farm animals within their haciendas, want to see real life Filipino style cowboy, visit the province.
Davao City : The province is known for its commercial and economic importance in Mindanao with its Domestic airport and seaports that open the city on its neighboring places. Davao is known for its pungent smelling Durian fruit but once the fruit is tasted it seems that you were in heaven. Davao is also a major producer of sweet sour Pomelo and export quality tasty Marang and Banana. Along with its fruits, Davao is also known for its fascinating tourist destination and to name some are Pearl Farm, White sand beaches of Samal Island that offers variation of lodges that will surely anybodies budget, Mount Apo as the highest peak in the country is aso located at Davao province. The province is also known for its wildlife preservation with its crocodile farm and Philippine eagle sanctuary.
Siargao Island : The area is now recognized as the best surfer destination in the Philippines for its huge rolling waves, The island is starting to established a name as one of the best in the world nowadays as it host international surfing events every month of October.
The destination is just a handful list as a Mindanao travel guide.Please come back for more Philippine tourist attractions and see best place where to travel to while in Philippines.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Vigan Tours

Calle Crisologo of Vigan is one of the most visited tourist destination in Nothern Luzon, it features historical building architectural design
Vigan- The capital city and a fifth class cities in the province of Ilocos Sur, it is situated in Western coast of Island of Luzon, fronting West Phil. Sea. The city is consider as one of World Heritage Site, Vigan is known as one of Hispanic towns left on Philippines, it features cobblestone streets and architectural design that fuses Philippines and oriental building designs and construction.

Vigan tours and travel from Manila usually takes 8-9 hours, but sometimes it takes ten hours to reach the city depending how frequent a travel stop over, the distance between Vigan and Manila is approximately 408 Km, almost double the distance between Manila- Baguio. There are several bus companies that cater transportation for local and foreign guest and visitor when visiting Vigan, Partas is one of the leading bus company that provides transportation, the terminal is situated within the heart of Quezon city, Cubao. Farinas, Dominion, Maria De Leon, Philippines Rabbit, Viron Transit are other Bus company that cater such trasportation. Other means of transportation is by domestic airplane, the travel usually takes an hour from Manila Domestic Airport to Laoag Airport, from Laoag it usually takes 1 1/2 hours travel to reach Vigan proper.

 Vigan Tours and Place to Visit :
Baluarte of Vigan is a well known animal sanctuary to protect and preserve animals especially endangered apecies

Baluarte : Baluarte, is an interactive wildlife animal sanctuary and facility. Unlike with the tradional Zoo, guest and visitor are given a chance to play and interact with the animal. The area was established to educate people, conserve and protect endangered species and animals, the area also features natural boulder on the center of green and trees.

Calle Crisologo : Calle Crisologo, "kameztizoan Districy of Vigan" , it features ancestral houses with ancient construction design pattern with Spanish- Chinese - Mexican Architectural design. Calle Crisologo brings back memories of Spanish era due to Kamestizoan District in Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.
Calle Crisologo brings back the old Spanish atmosphere starting with the cobblestone streets, the beautiful eaves of the ancient houses against the shadows of each other houses, and  the clacking noise of kalesa, a horse driven carriage.The street is the most popular site in the city and a visit is not complete unless you experience and walked though this street.
The street is also known as the only surviving street in World War II because of a loved. It is believe that a Japanese General that fell in love with a Filipina made an agreement with the parish priest that he will protect and avoid damaging Calle Crisologo in exchange that the priest will take care for his family.

St. Paul Metropolitan Church :  The chuch was constructed on 1790-1890 by Augustinian, the church was built on Earthquake Baroque style to secure the church from earthquake and typhoon, The church was supported by thick beam (butresses) for durability. A separate bell tower is located 15 meters away from the main structure so just in case the main building was damage by an eartquake there is another bell tower structure remain.

Where to Stay in Vigan (Vigan Hotels) : There are a lots of decent and unexpensive accomodation when staying in Vigan, among them are;

  • Aniceto Mansion Hotel
  • Casa Teofila Lodge
  • Codillera Inn
  • El Juliana Hotel
  • Godion Inn Bed and Breakfast
  • Grandpa's Inn
  • La Feliza Tourist Inn
  • La Fernandina Hotel and Restaurant
  • Mom's Courtyard
  • Paraiso ni Don Juan Beach Resort
  • Playa de Oro Resort Hotel
  • Socio Pastoral Center
  • Taj Hotel Resort and Bowling Lanes
  • UNP Guestel
  • Vigan Heritage Mansion
  • Vigan Plaza Hotel
  • Villa Angela Heritage House
Are you ready to experience Vigan now, It is time to visit one the of the most popular tourist spot in Philippines, Vigan.

    Tuesday, March 13, 2012

    Palawan Travel

    palawan puerto princesa underground river


    Situated on Southern Tagalog , region IV of the Philippines, Palawan is one of the biggest province in the Philippines in terms of total area covered. The islands of Palawan expand from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It was situated between South China sea and Sulu sea .
     Palawan Island is measuring 450 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide. Palawan is generally considered one of the best tourist spots in Philippines  due to its scenic and natural landscapes that sorrounds the place. The Island is less than an hour travel by air from Manila Domestic Airport to Puerto Princesa International Airport, the airport is the major getway to Palawan and other tourist spot destination.
    Palawan economy depends on its rich bio-diversity as well as progressive ecotourism. Aside from its famous beach resort and natural wildlife, Province of Palawan is globally recognized for preserving 2 top tourist attraction, The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also  known as the Palawan Underground River (PPUR) and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Sanctuary, which is also honored to  be part of the World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO.
    Palawan travel  is also known for its to various international heralded and extremely distinctive and remarkable tourist destinations , among them are white sand Palawan beach,Coron Reefs, Calawit Game Preserve, and El Nido Marine Reserve Park to name some. Although each one of these amazing sites have their individual distinctive lineaments and features, all of them play a role in the truth that Palawan possesses one of the most prosperous and best conserved natural environments in the whole world. On top of that, environmentalists from all over the world have absolutely nothing but admiration to the men and women responsible for this rich and prosperous natural preservation of the wildlife despite a considerably developed economy.
    El Nido Marine Reserve Park is known for its coves and islets and amazing white sand beach resorts which will surely impress every one of the fascination as well as passionate tourist out there. In addition to the natural beauty and glamour of El Nido, it also offers a vast collection of Philippine wildlife  such as cockatous and giant clams aswell.
     Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) or also known as St. Paul Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km North of City proper, Puerto Princesa. The entrance leading to subterranean river is a short hike from town of Sabang. The main attraction on PPUR is the Underground river cave, the length of the underground river is within 24 kilometer long that includes a 8.2 Km long section of underground Cabayugan river, the river flows directly to West Philippine Sea where Spratly Island is located. The area is also known as a habitat for biodiversity conservation and was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage SIte. On Nov. 11 , 2011 Puerto Princesa Underground Riverwas provisionary chosen as one of Worlds New Seven Wonders of Nature. On January 28, 2012 PPUR was officially included as One of World's New Seven Wonder of Nature along with Amazonia, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island and Table Mountain.
    El Nido Park also known as one of the most thrilling and exciting diving spots not just in Palawan but probably everywhere, it feature sunken Japanese warships which were used during Second World War. Palawan local government issued and implement some guideline to safeguard the site and its wildlife  from abusive guest and visitor.
    Another Palawan’s popular destination for touist and travelers is Coron Reefs that are situated on Coron Bay, Busuanga Island on Norther part of the island, Coron reef also features sunken warship of Japanese imperial army during Second World War, the sunken ship has become a haven and habitat of unlimited sea creatures that adds excitement during the visit. Coron Reef is best for scuba diving, snorkeling, and dive safaris.
    Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary houses some of the country endangered species that makes this sanctuary a haven for wildlife lover.
    By preserving wildlife and its natural remarkable environment, Palawan has emerged as one of the most visited Philippines by local and foreign tourist,

    Saturday, March 10, 2012

    Tagaytay Highlands


    Tagaytay highlands is one of the most popular tourist destination in Philippines for local visitor and foreign aswell, Tagaytay highlands is situated 2,100 feet above sea level and known as the highest area of Province of Cavite. The city is known for its cold weather and just 2 hours away from Manila, the route of transportation is by land, there are a lots of tourist bus company that caters transportation requirements for touist, the route is by South Luzon Expressway or by Coastal Road. The area is also known for its high end subdivision as a lot of wealthy Filipino opted to construct their rest houses due to its natural scenery and cold weather aswell. Aside from different tourist destination it offers, Tagaytay is also popular with its quality beef meat on Mahogany market.

    Popular Tourist Spot in Tagaytay Highland:

    Tagaytay is well known for its over looking view with Taal lake and volcano and provide one of the iconic views, Taal volcano is known as one of the most smallest active Volcano in the world but in reality the visible are of the volcano is just the crater and the body is widely covered by taal lake water, Taal volcano are situated on the center of Taal lake and seems to be an Island, Taal Lake is also known as one of the 12 most beautiful lakes in the world


    Picnic Groove : It is a place where you rent places for overnight stay, it is a small park with rentable horse back riding for visitors enjoyment. It is located along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway going to city proper.

    Palace in The Sky: It is a unfinished mansion house of Former Philippine President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos to host Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan state visit, but due to the unrest during that time President Reagan decided to cancel his Philippines visit. The mansion is known for its scenic view on Taal lake and Volcano.
    Considering the small distance between Metro Manila and other popular tourist destination adjacent to Tagaytay, Tagaytay city is truly a haven for foreign and local visitor.

    Saturday, March 3, 2012

    Bohol Tours and Resorts

    Bohol Province is a Visayan Island situated on Central Visayan Region, it has an area of 4,117.26  square kilometer and has a coast line 261 Km long that makes it a popular tourist destination for its beaches and resort. There are 3 method of transportation going to Bohol from Manila, the most common mode of transportation are by plane. It usually take less than an hour through air travel from Manila Domestic Airport to Tagbilaran Airport, Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol. Aside from air travel from Manila, bus is another means of transportation when prefering a land travel , but in my own opinion it is not advisable to travel by land because it usually took 1 1/2 day for the travel. Travel by land is just for sightseers as there are a lots of other tourist spot destination along the way, among them are the Mayon Volcano of Bicol, San Juanico Bridge that join Samar and Leyte. The last method of transportation is by sea, there are 4 regular schedule when travelling by commercial from Manila to Bohol, aside from from ship travel from Manila there are 9 daily routes from Cebu and others from, CDO, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Iligan. The major Pier that is known as Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier but there are still small port that cater small traveller and RORO transportation.

    bohol chocolate hill a popular tourist destination
    Tourist Spot in Bohol:


    Chocolate Hills : Is an unusual geological formation, there are 1,776 hills that are scattered with in 50 square km. The hills was covered by grass that change to brown during summer season that  name it Chocolate Hills, it was declared as Philippine third National Geographic Monument.


    Panglao Island: Panglao island is a popular tourist spot in Philippines during summer for beach resort goer, the Island is popular with its white sand, the destination includes Gak-ang, Pontod, and Balicasag.













    Thursday, March 1, 2012

    Travel Bicol- Destination For Vacationer

    mayon volcano of bikol is the most active in phil and known for perfect cone
    Bicol region also known as Bicolandia (Region V) is one of the 17 region situated on Southern part of Luzon, Bikol is comprise of six province, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and the island of Catanduanes and Masbate. It has a total land area of 17,632.5 square km. Primarily the area is a agricultural region, their primary products include Copra or other coconut product along with other agricultural goods such as corn, rice, jackfruit, etc... Aside from agriculture, Bicolanos are also involved in Fishing as Bikol was bounded by ocean and seas. Bicolanos are known for their fondness with spicy food that usually prepared with coconut milk as an ingredient, the place are also known for religious festivities that attracts a lot of devotee and tourist, among them are Our lady of Penafrancia also known as the Queen Patroness of Bikolandia., it is a week long festivities to honor Virgin Mary.

    Destination When Travel in Bicol

    Bicol are known for some of top tourist destination in the Philippines, among them are Mayon Volcano, recorded as the most active Volcano in Philippines, Mayon has become a promonient landmark  because of its prefect symetrical conical shape. Mayon is 2,462 above sea level and rising from the gulf of Albay.

    Cam Sur water sports complex has emerged as  top tourist spot in Philippines, it is a water sport park for wakeboarding, wake skating and water sking. It was situated on Pili, Camarines Sur.
    Donsol, Sorsogon is also a popular destination for tourist especially with diver for whale shark spotter. Whale shark is considered as the most largest species, it usually grow more than  12 meters in length and weight 21 tonnes.

    Route of Transportation :
    There are several method of transportation going to Bicol region, it is by commercial airplane from Manila domestic airport to Southern Luzon Int'l Airport that usually take more than an hour. The alternative method of transportation for Bicol is by land, it usually took 6 - 12 hours depending exactly for your destination as Bicol is comprises of different province, Bicol has also become a major thoroughfare for transporting a product by land from Visayas to Manila or vice versa because of RORO operation.



    Tuesday, February 28, 2012

    Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and Sanctuary


    tubbataha reef is one of the most visited tourist spot diving destination in Philippines


    Tubbataha reef national park is marine sanctuary protected area situared in Sulu sea, 181 kilometer southeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It is voted as #1 as natural park in Philippines in survey done by a television in Phillipines. Tubbataha reef is very popular diving destination not just for local tourist as well for foreign aswell for its coral “walls”  where the shallow coral reef ends. Tubbataha  is made of 2 coral atolls diveided by 5 mile channel, the southern reef which is 5 km in length and 3 km in width while the Northern reef which is 9.9 miles in length and 3 miles wide. Trips to Tubbataha are all vessel based, it takes about 10 hours of sea travel from Puerto Princesa city, The vessel depart at night time and usually arrived early morning, Puerto Princesa is just 5-10 minute drive from the airport and an hour flight from Manila domestic airport. Tubbataha is not just a haven for tourist especially to divers but also an untouched habitat for many species of fish, there are hammerheads sharks, barracudas, string ray, etc. There is also some sighting of tiger sharks and whale sharks as well. It is open to live-aboard diving excursion from April to June when the waves are mostly calm, the park entrance is at Php 3,000.00 which is affordable considering natural beauty that can be experience.