Top Destinations
BoracayOut of all the islands in the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose to name Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012. Located in Malay, Aklan, Western Visayas, Boracay is just seven kilometers long, and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point - a postcard-sized tropical paradise.
White Beach is composed of three sections.
Because the waters off White Beach are calm duringAmihan season (November to May), tourism is at its peak during these months when the northeastern winds blow. Conditions reverse during the rainy season, when theHabagat or monsoon winds blow. Bulabog Beach, on the eastern side of the island opposite White Beach, has large waves and strong winds year-round. This makes it a hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. In fact, Bulabog Beach is considered Asia’s top kitesurf destination. There’s no shortage of activities for you at this island paradise. Boracay has around 25 dive sites that cater to all levels of experience. You can go parasailing. Take a paraw(native outrigger boat) for a tour of the island. Go waterskiing. Or cliff diving. The fastest way to Boracay is to fly from Manila to Caticlan Airport in Panay island. CamiguinBarely 240 square kilometers in land area, Camiguin is the second smallest island of the Philippines in both area and population. It is just 23 kilometers at its longest and just a bit more than 14 kilometers at its widest. Within this small area lie seven volcanoes. Lovely little Camiguin is the island “born of fire.”
White Island, a sandbar, and Mantigue Island, a smaller island off the shores of Camiguin, are great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Katibawasan Falls is impressive at 80 meters. The 25-meter Tuasan Falls is a refreshing end to a scenic trek through Barrio Mainit. Take a flight to Cagayan de Oro city from from Manila, Iloilo or Cebu. From CDO, take a bus from Agora Bus Terminal going to Balingoan. Then take a barge or ferry to Camiguin island. Puerto PrinsesaAptly nicknamed “the city in a forest,” Puerto Princesa city’s attractions have much to do with its natural wonders and commitment to the environment. In fact, it’s been named the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest city, and has been internationally recognized for environmental excellence.
Puerto Princesa’s pride is easily the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (or Underground River), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2-kilometer river, said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world, winds its way underneath a mountain range, through the St. Paul Underground River Cave, and then goes out into the South China Sea. The journey through the cave system alone is 24 kilometers long. Looking to swim? Island hopping is one of the biggest draws of Puerto Princesa. At Honda Bay, boats take tourists to nearby islands for lunch picnics, snorkeling and non-stop swimming. The calm water and sandy bottoms beat any hotel pool. How to get there? Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. BoholHills that looks like perfect mounds of chocolate. Primates so small, they fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Restaurants that float gently down a river.
Welcome to Bohol. Head to Carmen to tour the famous Chocolate Hills – more than 1,268 grass-covered limestone domes that are nearly symmetrical in shape and height. The picturesque hills turn a distinct shade of brown during the dry season and give them a passing resemblance to a certain confectionary treat, hence their name. The city of Bohol is mainly served by Tagbilaran Airport. Flights to and from Tagbilaran to Manila take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Domestic and budget carriers have daily flights. CebuThe city of Cebu is known as the “Queen City of the South” —and rightly so.
Explore the city’s rich past with a visit to its historical landmarks. Magellan’s Cross commemorates the moment Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a wooden cross on Cebu’s soil to mark converting its locals to Christianity. Cebu has a lot to offer. Head to Tops, a popular observation deck that offers romantic views of the city. For a more adrenaline-pumping view, ride the Edge Coaster more than 130 meters off the ground, or go for a Sky Walk at the Crown Regency Cebu. There are daily flights to Cebu via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport from key cities in the country, as well as scheduled flights from Hongkong, Singapore, Narita in Japan and Incheon, South Korea. ManilaMetro Manila. It’s a megacity with a huge appetite for fun. From its historic neighborhoods to the outrageous housing developments, Metro Manila is a maze of vibrant energy with bits of calm in between. This mighty megalopolis, is a grouping of 16 cities and one town. Eleven million people live here—that’s more than double the population of the entire Republic of Ireland!
Like to party? Dance the night away in the clubs of Taguig. Or indulge in world-class cuisine in Makati. Up for a cultural escapade? Visit San Agustin Church in Intramuros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or check out metal age relics such as the manunggul jar in the National Museum. How about shopping? If you fancy gorgeous south sea pearls at drop down prices, bargain your way through Greenhills. Or visit any city and drop by our air-conditioned palaces such the SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. How about an environmental oasis in the city? Walk around La Mesa Dam or have a breather by Manila Bay. This is Metro Manila; it’s an enjoyable culture shock. Megacities. More fun in the Philippines. Bicol“Bicolandia” is made up the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate. You can find it at the southern tip of the island of Luzon. Bicol is one of the Philippines’ best-known tourist destinations. Some of its more famous treasures are the gentle butanding whale sharks of Donsol, the fierce and fiery Mayon Volcanoand Bulusan Volcano, and the popular Cam Sur Watersports Complex (CWC).
Watersports isn’t recommended during the rainy season (November to January), but summer (February to June) is a great time to sure to hit the beach. There are daily flights into Legazpi from Manila. If you’re feeling like taking the scenic route, you can take a bus from Pasay, Cubao or Ermita in Metro Manila. From Legazpi, you can get a bus or minivan transfer to get you where you need to go. As much as you can, try to get an air-conditioned mode of transportation. If Naga is your port of entry to the region, no problem. You can take a flight from Manila (just know that the Naga airport is really 14km away from Naga), or take a bus from Cubao or Ermita. For more info, you can visit: http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com |