To Travel The Philippines
The 7107 islands at it’s best. With so many islands to
visit, it will take years to see them all! I am just kidding… I would like to
but there are other countries to travel too! So, I will be sharing only a few
popular attractions to you.
Philippines is also famous for Lechon. In Filipino, Litson.
On special occasions like fiesta, lechon is always present, a sign of Filipino
Culture. Nowadays, litson is becoming a regular for small gatherings at home
and even buy by the kilos when you crave for it as there are many small stalls
selling now. It is very delicious!
Another worth mentioning that is special to Filipinos is
Halo Halo, close to Mahalo in Hawaiian greeting thank you. Barbecue stick, thin
slices of pork on a stick and hanging rice go together for an easy meal, cheap
and fast, the American way of fast food! Lastly, I need to add Balut! What do
you want? A day old chick still intact in its shell? Oh so good!
These are a few nuggets about Philippines. There are more to
talk about, words doesn’t end because Philippines is a country rich in history,
food, friendship, music and more! Philippines has a lot to offer to any travelers that enjoy
different activities such water sports, nature discovery, hands on adventures,
pristine beaches, diverse culture experience, laid back and relaxing at the
beach, enjoy the food.
Why Philippines?
A few things that stood out recommending Philippines for
your travel destination is easy to understand. Filipinos are known for their
hospitality. It is a legendary hospitality of friendship and family. Go visit
someone and you sure will know how hospitable a Filipino can be. You will be
offered the best of what they have!
Communication – the fact that English is the medium of
instruction in most schools, made Filipinos able to communicate with English
speakers around the world.
Crossroad of Asia Pacific – from Philippines, you can almost
travel to other countries easy.
Safe and Secure – talking of safety, the first and foremost
idea is to be aware. It is safe in the city. Just like any other place, it is a
good idea to stay with the crowd and not be alone in dark alleys.
Diversity – Philippines is diverse in culture and natural
attractions. With its 7,107 island and 100 million people for a small country,
it is diversely influenced by Spain, America, Japan and maybe more...
Value – lastly or maybe value should be first, especially for
the budget travelers. Right now the conversion is $1 = Php50. Meaning, your
dollars will stretch a long long way when visiting Philippines.
Imagine having a spa for $10 – $20 an hour? Depending how upscale
the place you go to. Sometimes, you can even get lower than that.
Love beer? It is only less than a dollar, approximately
$0.60 a bottle of beer. Of course, it is going to be San Miguel Beer, popular
beer of the Philippines.
How To Get There
Philippines is divided into three namely Luzon, Visayas,
Mindanao. Major gateways are Cebu and Manila. Manila can be crowded since it is
bigger compared to Cebu. However, with travel becoming convenient, Cebu is
catching up with Manila too! Just have to figure out what is best for your trip
– the price, the lay over, the convenience and what not to consider when flying
to different destinations. Recently, the new allowed to stay duration is now 30
days stay with no visa. It use to be 21 days and no visa. Once, I overstayed 1
day and have to pay $50 for extension! I pay attention from then on, not to go
over 21 days stay in the Philippines.
Travel time for international flight is 12 hours from Los
Angeles & San Francisco, 16 hours from New York and Chicago. Philippines is
only a little over 3 hours away from Japan, Thailand, Bali, Korea and less than
two hours from Taiwan and HongKong.
More and more airlines cater to Philippine travel, making it
more convenient to visit. The national airline of the Philippines is Philippine
Air Line (PAL) followed by other airline - Eva Air, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air,
Asiana Airline that fly you to Philippines from the following hub – New York,
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, Seattle
to name a few.
Here Are My Destination Goals To Travel Philippines
Bohol
Bohol is known for Tarsier, the smallest monkey in the
world, the size is perfect on your palm. You can touch them gently and even buy
them now. The only problem would be, early death for these cute little monkeys
who love their habitat and get sad when taken away from it. Additional place that is popular in Bohol is
Chocolate Hills, like giant Hersheys spread all over the land, brown during
summer, looking like chocolate shade.
Boracay
By this time, you must have heard of Boracay, a small island
in the Central Philippines. The only way to get there is by a small boat unless
you consider going with your stand paddle. It is known for it’s resorts and
beaches, white sand streak by palm trees, bars and restaurants a few yards from
the clear water. Considered one of the top ten for world’s best island. With
white sand, night life and food, you will sure enjoy your stay at Boracay. Another new thing is Mermaid/ Mermen Academy
where you will learn how to become a mermaid or mermen, swim like them.
Something different!
On the east coast, strong winds make Bulabog Beach a hub for
water sports. Nearby, the observation deck on Mount Luho offers panoramic views
over the island. Offshore, coral reefs and shipwrecks are home to diverse
marine life.
Palawan
One place that is becoming popular is the El Nido, Palawan,
bare and raw for you to discover. It is voted as one of the World’s Best
Island. Why not? It has all the beauty to offer, the beaches are amazing! Clear
water and blue sky, reflecting on waves as it rolls and wobble on the big blue sea.
It’s known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit
archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. Miniloc Island is
famed for the clear waters of its Small and Big lagoons. Nearby Shimizu Island
has fish-filled waters. The area has many dive sites, including Dilumacad
Island’s long tunnel leading to an underwater cavern. I can’t wait to visit this year!
Looking for a private island destination? Amanpulo at Pamalican Island and Huma Island, both
offering privacy and style, offering stay in water houses. Isn’t that cool? Waking
up in the morning with water around you…I can just imagine, the fresh air, the
blue sky and the clear water just a few steps down.
And oh, Coron is an exciting place to discover as well, being away from the busy
life.
Siargao
I’ve heard about Siargao a lot of times, thou I have not
been there. It is known for Surfing. One of the world’s top surf spots and a
private resort to enjoy. Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine
Sea in the province of Surigao del Norte and has a land area of approximately
437 square kilometres. Great for surfing! Perfect white beaches, enchanting
lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs, bizarre rock formations, exotic
wildlife, endless rice fields, waterfalls, a large mangrove forest reserve and
so much more.
Go island hopping, Eat fresh, daily seafood, enjoy the Magpupungko
pool are things you can do and there’s so much more to do as long as you have
the time. It is a precious place to be!
Philippines is a haven for scuba divers because of its many
beach destination around the 7,107 islands or maybe more, who knows? Specifically,
great for water sports enthusiasts and more! Yes, there’s more to it!
Banaue Rice Terraces
It’s long history made it one very popular place to see is
the Banaue Rice Terraces for those who love architecture. What? Architecture? Well,
kind of in a natural way.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces like
giant steps into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the indigenous people.
Aside from Banaue Rice Terraces, two others name Batad Rice Terraces and
Bangaan Rice Terraces can be found which are less spectacular but still worth
your view. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to as the "Eighth
Wonder of the World". In addition to admiring the Banaue Rice Terraces,
there is also the Sagoda Hanging Coffin where you see coffins hang on the wall
of the mountains, the ancient way of burying the dead. Not 6 feet under the
ground, just hang them on a wall.
And more coming...
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