Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines: "It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a f..."

Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines: "It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a f..."

Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Cebu, Philippines: "It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a..."

Cebu, Philippines

It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. About an hour flight from Manila. The island is long and thin with a few smaller islands off-shore. The airport is located in Mactan which is separated from the main island by the narrow Mactan Channel. Cebu City is one of the main centers of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country. Because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City was given the moniker Queen City of the South.

For local and foreign tourist, there are many places to visit in Cebu. One is “Magellan's Cross” which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, aPortuguese explorer who came to Cebu in the early 1500s. Pieces of the original cross are believed to be encased in the present cross. The monument is just across the street from the Sto. Niño Basilica in downtown Cebu City. It used to be the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia. The basilica houses the famous “Santo Niño” the patron saint of the Cebuanos.

 

Another place to visit is the Spanish “Fort San Pedro” which is where the Lapu-lapu shrine is (Punta Engaño) it is also where the Battle of Mactan took place.

The “Taoist Temple” is also a good place to stop by. You can see the entire city on top of the hill. Then rent a cab to “The Top” a small park on top of a mountain where one can spend a few hours while enjoying the scenic view. During sunset and at night you can see glowing lights from the buildings and houses below the mountain.

If you happened to be in Cebu City in January, you can experience the “Sinulog Festival” – that held every third week of January, it is the fiesta of Sto. Niño  (Child Christ). The celebrations consist of a fabulous procession of the image of the Child Jesus followed by devotees of Sto. Niño. After which, a fluvial procession takes place. There is also a parade of magnificent floats along the main roads of Cebu City followed by local groups in colorful costumes, dancing and chanting along the route. Sinulog Festival is marked by street dancing by tourist and locals alike under the constant beating of drums. This festival is the Philippine version of Mardi gras. During Sinulog week, all hotels in Cebu City are fully booked. So if you plan to attend the festival, book way ahead of time.

The year long attraction to many tourist to Cebu are its beaches. You can find many beaches throughout the island; north and south of Cebu City. And just across the city on Mactan Island (where the airport is located), are several beach side resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. Mactan Island boasts of world class diving spots to please those their interest is diving.

How to get there:

 By Ship:

To get to Cebu City, you can take the many ferry boats that ply the Manila-Cebu route (about 23 hours) at the Port of Manila -if you are on a leisurely vacation.  catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

By Plane:

If you want to visit Cebu by plane,  you can catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only). 

Airlines that fly to Cebu:

Air Philippines

Cebu Pacific

PAL (Philippine Airlines)

Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit)

Travel Destination In Philippines: Manila, Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Manila, Philippines: "Manila is the capital of the Philippines , it is a dynamic metropolis that has a mixture of old and new buildings, Manila is one of the..."

Manila, Philippines

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, it is a dynamic metropolis that has a mixture of old and new buildings, Manila is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and its metropolitan area is the country's economic, cultural, educational, and industrial center.

Shopping in Manila is a way of life. Almost everywhere you go are stores, shops, boutiques from the small corner store to the giant malls that you can find almost everywhere you go in Metro Manila.

The walled city of Intramuros is a one of the tourist attraction. Within its walls are the centuries old Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church & Museum. Also inside its walls is Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress and garrison -now a park. Located at the mouth of Pasig River, Intramuros was built to defend Manila from invaders. Today, inside the walled city are houses from the Spanish times that have survived. Some have been converted into cozy restaurants, museums, dormitories and souvenir shops.

Manila Ocean Park, located at the back of Quirino Grand Stand in Rizal Park, Manila. It is a multi-million, state-of-the-art oceanarium complex with an open water marine habitat, restaurants, function rooms and marine research facilities.

 

Malacañang Palace - The official residence of the president of Philippines. It also houses some government offices, the Malacañang Museum and the Presidential Museum. The palace is an 18th century villa along the Pasig river located in the center of Manila. It was purchased by the Spanish government in 1825 and  has been renovated and expanded through the decades. Malacanang Palace was first used as the Spanish Governor-General's summer residence. In 1937 became the official residence of the Philippine President. Manuel L. Quezon was the first Filipino chief executive to live in Malacañang Palace. 

At the center of Manila, every 9th of January is the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Central to the feast is the largest procession in the country. A life-size, image of Jesus Christ, venerated through the centuries (made of Blackwood) is paraded through the streets of Quiapo District beside China Town. The mammoth procession is a daylong event. It is an occasion much anticipated by devotees and some tourist. So if you are uneasy with large crowds, avoid the area on that date, the traffic within the Quiapo area and beyond comes to a halt. But to the religious or the daring, it is a sight to behold.

Manila's nightlife is alive. There are unnumbered bars, restaurants, discos, Karaoke lounges, piano bars and cafés. For the free spirit, the Malate district would be an ideal place to hang out, for the more cosmopolitan and trendy, the Greenbelt and the Fort in Makati is the place to be or try Libis and Tomas Morato in Quezon City. There are also 3 casinos in Manila -if one is inclined to take a bet. The possibilities are endless, one just have to discover what Manila has to offer.

Travel Destination In Philippines: Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines: "Banaue Rice Terraces A Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. They were carved out of the hillside by..."

Travel Destination In Philippines: Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines: "Banaue Rice Terraces A Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. They were carved out of the hillside by..."

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces

A Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. They were carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribe’s people 2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use today.

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feat. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world.

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are now showing signs of erosion. Some areas  need maintenance as some of the new generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for better opportunities. That given, the terraces still never fails to awe the traveler.  Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most fantastic destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to see its beauty and grandeur. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built  largely by hand with minimal equipment.

In 1995, the clusters of terraces at Bangaan, Batad, Mayoyao, Nagacadan & Hungduan, in Ifugao were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to get to there:

From Manila there are air-conditioned buses that go straight to Banaue, The trip takes about 9 hours. The Dangwa Transit has daily trips to Banaue Rice Terraces. Their terminals are located along Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Q.C. (Tel# 731-2879 & 410-1991). Also plying the Banaue route is Auto Bus (Tel# 735-8098) with terminals at España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St., Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7AM. From Baguio City, there are also buses going to the Banaue Rice Terraces. The trip will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya then to Ifugao. Accommodation is no problem; there are several inns in town like the Banaue View Inn, the Banaue Hotel and other lodging houses with reasonable rates. Some private homes also accept tourist and transients for a lesser charge.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces

A Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. They were carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribe’s people 2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use today.

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feat. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world.

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are now showing signs of erosion. Some areas  need maintenance as some of the new generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for better opportunities. That given, the terraces still never fails to awe the traveler.  Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most fantastic destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to see its beauty and grandeur. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built  largely by hand with minimal equipment.

In 1995, the clusters of terraces at Bangaan, Batad, Mayoyao, Nagacadan & Hungduan, in Ifugao were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to get to there:

From Manila there are air-conditioned buses that go straight to Banaue, The trip takes about 9 hours. The Dangwa Transit has daily trips to Banaue Rice Terraces. Their terminals are located along Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Q.C. (Tel# 731-2879 & 410-1991). Also plying the Banaue route is Auto Bus (Tel# 735-8098) with terminals at España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St., Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7AM. From Baguio City, there are also buses going to the Banaue Rice Terraces. The trip will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya then to Ifugao. Accommodation is no problem; there are several inns in town like the Banaue View Inn, the Banaue Hotel and other lodging houses with reasonable rates. Some private homes also accept tourist and transients for a lesser charge.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao , Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces

A Banaue rice terraces has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. They were carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribe’s people 2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use today.

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering feat. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world.

One of the major appeal of Banaue rice terraces to the local and international tourist are the many hiking trails in the area. There are many young locals, mostly college students who serve as guides. But with or without a guide, you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Ifugao people endearing.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are now showing signs of erosion. Some areas  need maintenance as some of the new generation Ifugaos are migrating to the cities looking for better opportunities. That given, the terraces still never fails to awe the traveler.  Banaue rice terraces, although a bit far from Manila is one of the most fantastic destinations in the Philippines. Visitors never regret spending time and resources to see its beauty and grandeur. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built  largely by hand with minimal equipment.

In 1995, the clusters of terraces at Bangaan, Batad, Mayoyao, Nagacadan & Hungduan, in Ifugao were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to get to there:

From Manila there are air-conditioned buses that go straight to Banaue, The trip takes about 9 hours. The Dangwa Transit has daily trips to Banaue Rice Terraces. Their terminals are located along Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Q.C. (Tel# 731-2879 & 410-1991). Also plying the Banaue route is Auto Bus (Tel# 735-8098) with terminals at España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St., Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7AM. From Baguio City, there are also buses going to the Banaue Rice Terraces. The trip will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya then to Ifugao. Accommodation is no problem; there are several inns in town like the Banaue View Inn, the Banaue Hotel and other lodging houses with reasonable rates. Some private homes also accept tourist and transients for a lesser charge.

Boracay Island, Philippines

It is located approximately 350 kilometers south of Manila, Philippines. The island is a short distance off the north-western Island of Panay, western Visayas in the Philippines. It has about seven kilometres long and its narrowest point barely 1 kilometer wide, comprising an area of 1,083 hectares.

 While the fine white sand beaches and the crystal clear cool waters of BoracayIsland provide the main attraction, the possibilities for pleasure and adventure in this enchanting paradise are as seemingly endless.

Boracay now has some of the finest hotels and resorts in the Philippines.  It has also become home to amazing restaurants serving up authentic flavors from around the world.  Boracay’s nightlife scene has also developed quite nicely.  Bars and discos can be found up and down Boracay’s white beach, keeping the crowds partying till the early hours.  In peak season Boracay hosts a wide range of international DJs playing to packed parties.

Boracay has also developed with respect to activities.  Now each and every day can be packed with fun adventure.  Scuba diving, parasailing, golfing, horseback riding, kiteboarding, and jet skiing are just a few of the many activities on Boracay.

Boracay hotels are varied to say the least.  From huts on the beach to 5-star resorts, everything is available. 

How to get there:

By Plane

The easiest way to Boracay is to fly direct to Caticlan, which takes all of 36 minutes.

Via Kalibo: The next best way is to fly to Kalibo Airport. From there you take a two-hour (2-hour) ride to Caticlan.For the ride between Kalibo and Caticlan, mini-vans, air-conditioned buses and rental vehicles run in both directions, direct from the airport and Caticlan Jetty Port.

By LandFrom Iloilo or Bacolod on neighboring NegrosIsland, the only way to get to Boracay is by bus. Mini-vans or buses ply the 4 to 5 hour Iloilo-Caticlan route. The trip is split into two: a 3 to 4-hour drive from Iloilo to Kalibo, and, transfering to another vehicle, from Kalibo to Caticlan, for a one-and-a-half-hour drive. A non-stop, 3 to 4-hour taxi ride from Iloilo to Caticlan is always an option.

Travel Destination In Philippines: Camuiguin Island, Philippines

Travel Destination In Philippines: Camuiguin Island, Philippines: "Camiguin Island The island of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilomet..."