Linggo, Enero 13, 2013


Tourist Spots in Palawan: Honda Bay

Palawan Honda BayPalawan Honda Bay is one of the tourist spots in Palawan that any traveler should go to. Famous for it’s clear water and the different islets scattered around it, you can experience the best of  Honda Bay by going in an island hopping day trip adventure. The  islets that comprise of  Honda Bay Palawan have their own specialties and all of them are perfect for water sports such as diving, swimming and snorkeling.

Tourist Spots in Palawan: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National ParkYou can find a lot of beautiful and exciting tourist spots in Palawanand among these, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park tops the list. Popularly known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the longest navigable subterranean river in the world. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the official finalist of the Philippines to the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature? So do I think it deserves a spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature? Definitely yes! Continue reading Tourist Spots in Palawan: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Tourist Spots in the Philippines: Hundred Islands

Among all the tourist spots in the Philippines that I’ve been to,  Hundred Islands is one of my favorites. Located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square  kilometers. This National park is made up of 124 islands at low tide and 123 islands at high tide. Among these Islands only 3 were developed for tourists and  these are the Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.

Quezon Island is the biggest among the 124 islands. It is one of the most-developed and is ideal for picnicks and campings. It has dining areas, nipa huts, tables & cottages. Tables can be rented at P200 and there are also a lot of kayaks for rent here for P150.00.
The Governor’s Island keeps a Guesthouse which is also popularly known as the pinoy big brother house. It has this magnificent 360 degrees view of the Hundred Islands.
The Children’s Island are for budget travellers as it consists only of small screened cottages with kerosene lighting, a drum of fresh water and linens.
How to get there:
For public vehicles from Manila it will be a 4 hour trip via Camiling thru SCTEX or a 5 hr ride through Tarlac.
Public bus lines such as Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philippine Rabbit have scheduled rides from Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Subic, Tarlac, and Zambales bound straight to Alaminos City and vice versa.
From the terminal, you then go to the Lucap Wharf which is only 10 to 15-minute ride away either by private vehicle or tricycle. There are plenty of boats  bound for the islands docked near the Wharf. There is also a Tourism Kiosk with a Hundred Islands National Park Center staff eager to assist you with information and other things you’ll need for your island adventure.

Tourist Spots in Manila

There are plenty of tourist spots in Manila that local and foreign travelers would love to see. Let me enumerate some of the must see tourist attractions in Manila that you shouldn’t miss if you are in the capital of the Philippines.
1. Rizal Park or Luneta
Rizal park is located at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard and overlooking Manila bay. Formerly called as Luneta it has been a site to some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. It was where national hero, Jose Rizal was executed, and so as fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora. It is also where Philippine independence from the Americans was declared. Aside from the Rizal shrine famous attractions within the park are the chinese and japanese garden, Philippine National Library, the Orchidarium and Butterfly pavilion, a giant Philippine map, and a diorama of Rizal’s martyrdom.
2. Intramuros
Just beside Luneta is Intramuros or the Walled City. During the Spanish sovereignty threats of invasion from other nations prompted the construction of defenses consisting of high stone wall, bulwarks, and moats. The walls stretched to 4.5 kilometers in length, enclosing a pentagonal area of approximately 64 hectares. Within the walls are residences, churches, 6alaces,, schools, and government buildings. There are colorful horse-drawn calesas or carts reminiscent of the Spanish time that bring tourists around the restored walls and stop at each historic spot. The calesa drivers are also expert tourist guides.

3. Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is a defense fortress that is part of Intramuros. It is where Jose Rizal was imprisoned before he was executed. Metallic footsteps can be seen today from the prison cell of Rizal in Fort Santiago to Luneta to mark where the hero was said to have walked during that fateful morning. Fort Santiago also features dungeons, cells, ruins, and a museum for Rizal, among many others.


4. Quiapo Church
Every year thousands of devotees flock to Quiapo church to see the Black Nazarene, a much venerated statue of Jesus Christ. It is fficially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Located in plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila,  it is one of the most popular churches of the country.



5. Manila Zoo
With the right mix of education and entertainment purposes, Manila Zoo will appeal to both children and adults. Located at Adriatic St. Manila, the zoo has a land area of 5.5 hectares and has a current population of about 500 animals. Manila Zoo also houses several endemic and indigenous species of animals like the bearcat, long-talied macaques and crocodiles. It also has a kinder zoo where children can pet animals.

6. Manila Ocean Park
The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium located behind Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. It is the largest aquarium facility in the Philippines. Inside you can find a variety of marine creatures such as sharks, rays, and other fishes that is found in the Philippine waters. The main attraction of the park is the 25 meter long walkway tunnel with 220 degree curve acrylic walls. It is such a great experience to walk by that tunnel and just seal all the fishes swimming around you.

Top Tourist Spots in the Philippines: Natural Wonders

Here is a list of the top most beautiful natural tourist spot attractions in the Philippines.
Most of the top tourist spot attractions in the Philippines are natural wonders. There is no doubt that the Philippines is blessed with such beautiful places that makes it one of Asia’s favorite vacation place.
1.  Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Declared as one of the United Nation’s World Heritage sites, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. The river’s distinguishing features is that it emerges winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. Major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers are also a highlights in the river. The stalactites and stalagmites formation resembles amazing images shapes like “banana blossom”,”bell pepper”, “corn”, “mushroom”, and the “nativity”.The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full ‘mountain-to-sea’ ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.
2. Banaue Rice Terraces
Considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, the Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-3,000 year old terraces that were carved from the hillside by the tribes people of Ifugao. The tribes people did this with their bare hands to level the steps where they plant their rice, which is what makes this wonder so attractive, aside from the fact that the rice terraces are still used 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.
This is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of mankind, because if each one were connected end to end, then they would reach halfway across the globe or be 10 times as long as the Great Wall of China. On 1995 the Banaue Rice Terraces were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3. Chocolate Hills
Spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan, the Chocolate Hills is Bohol’s signature attraction. It consists of approximately 1,268 cone shaped hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters. Formed centuries ago by tidal movements, the hills are considered as a National Geologic Movement. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills dry up and the brown earth is exposed, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate Hershey’s “kisses”
4. Taal Volcano
Reputed to be the world’s smallest active volcano, it is a volcanic island at the middle of a lake in the Southern Tagalog province of Batangas. Inside the volcano is the Crater Lake, and inside this lake is yet another volcanic island called Vulcan Point. A magnificent view of Taal Lake and volcano can be seen from the nearby Tagaytay highlands. Visitors need a boat ride from the shores of the big lake to get to the volcano, and horses are available for rent to explore the island.
5. Hundred Islands
The Hundred Islands are a group of 124 islands scattered along Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 4,557 acres in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan. They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island. The islands are actually ancient corals that extend well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient sea
6. Tubbataha Reef
Measuring 99,600 hectares in size, the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is made up of 2 atolls rising in the middle of the Sulu Sea. A Study by Conservation International has confirmed what Scientists long theorized, that it is the nursery for fish and coral larvae that populates the Sulu-Sulawesi Triangle – an area that not only covers the most important and productive fishing grounds of the Philippines but extends as far south as Malaysia and Indonesia. So important is this submerged structure in the balance of the underwater eco- system that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site as far back as 1993.
7. Pagsanjan Falls
Considered as the Philippines most popular waterfalls, it is situated in the rugged highlands of Cavinti in the Tagalog province of Laguna. The base of the Pansanjan falls is a natural pool, allowing great swimming and diving. There are some caves to explore around the area which are known for their acoustics. Behind the waterfalls there is also a small cave which you can enter. To reach the waterfalls, visitors ride upstream on bancas (local canoes) handled by skillful boatmen. Many smaller waterfalls are visible on the way to the main falls especially during the rainy weather. The ride downhill is a swift one where visitors get to shoot 14 roaring rapids in less than an hour.
8. Mayon Volcano
Famous for its almost perfect conical shape, Mayon Volcano is one of philippine’s top tourist destination. Even with the fact that it is the most active volcano in the country does not stop tourist from taking a glimpse on this majestic volcano. Towering 2,462 meters above sea level with a jagged crater, the Mayon Volcano have unleashed its power and fury in almost 50 recorded eruptions since 1616. Its volcanic activity is regularly monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology at their provincial headquarters.

Magellan’s Cross – Cebu City

The Magellan’s Cross is the most famous tourist spot in Cebu City because of it’s great historical significance. The Magellan’s Cross is housed in a chapel next to Basilica  Minore del Sto. Niño in Magallanes St, and in front of  the City Hall of Cebu.  It is  considered to be the most important landmark of  Cebu and in fact it ‘s image can be found in the official seal of Cebu City.
The original wooden cross was erected by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers, as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 at this location where Cebu’s Rajah Humabon, his wife Juana and their followers were baptized and the first catholic mass in Cebu and in the Philippines was celebrated. This site was then improved in 1735 by Reverend Juan Albarran and 1834 by Ret. Reverend Santos Gomez-Marañon, Bishop of Cebu.
A sign below Magellan’s Cross says that the original cross is cased inside the Tindalo wooden cross which is found in the center of the chapel to protect the original cross from people who gradually remove parts of the cross as souvenir or in belief that the cross possesses providential power.

How to get there:
Getting to Magellan’s Cross is very easy. It can be reached  by availing a taxi, you can be assured that all drivers know how to get there. You can also ride a jeepney with a City Hall / Sto. Niño signboard.

Welcome to Philippine Tourist Spots!

Welcome to Philippine Tourist Spots .net! This website will be all about the must see tourist spots in the Philippines. We will explore the beautiful historical landmarks of different cities and provinces, breathtaking natural resources, serene beaches exciting hang out places that every tourist and Filipinos must visit. Not only that, I will also be sharing some personal experiences and travel tips for you to make sure that you’ll have a great time as you explore the beautiful tourist spots in the Philippines.

Top 10 Philippine Tourist Destinations

Top 10 Philippine Tourist Destinations

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  [Photo of Magellan Cross]
1. Cebu (1.615 million)
Korean tourists became the top market for the Queen City of the South, comprising 29% of total foreign tourists. Chinese tourists increased by 70% as more charter flights were booked between Cebu and Shanghai, as well as from Guangzhou.
2. Camarines Sur (1.566 million)
Better known as CamSur, the province had a dramatic 117.2 % increase in tourists, welcoming an estimated 1.5 million visitors last year. In 2008, more than 720,000 went wakeboarding at the CamSur Watersports Complex. Events like the First Aqua Fest Celebrity Challenge, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, International Dragon Boat Competition and Bagasbas Summer Surf gave travelers excellent reasons to visit this tourist spot in the Bicol region.
[Photo of CamSur Water Sports][Photo of Metro Manila]
3. Metro Manila (1.442 million)
The opening of 1,056 new accommodation rooms in hotels improved the tourist activity in the country's busiest region. Last year, 20 cruise liners docked in Manila. Tourist arrivals from these ships marked a 2.24% growth from 17,516 visitors in 2008 to 17,908 in the previous year. Intramuros, a famous landmark in Manila, and Tagaytay are the two most-preferred places of visit. If you want a quick escape, rent a Private Pool in Metro Manila.

[Photo of Burnham Park, Baguio]
4. Baguio (770,187)
The summer capital of the Philippines experienced a 20% increase in tourists after the Kabayan mummies discovered the place after the Kabayan mummy burial caves were featured in documentaries on cable. European visitors made up the bulk of visitors to the Cordilleras where Baguio is located.
[Photo of Mt. Apo, Davao]
5. Davao (669,864)
Known for being the home of the country's highest peak, Davao also has visitors flocking to the Eden Nature Park and Crocodile Farm, two of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
[Photo of Boracay Beach]
6. Boracay (649,559)
Taiwanese tourists to the island paradise increased by 72% since China Airlines started chartering flights there twice a week. Shanghai Airlines flights from Shanghai and Philippine Airlines flights from Hangzhou also boosted arrivals to Boracay by 26%.
[Photo of Cagayan de Oro]
7. Cagayan de Oro (359,867)
The City of White Water Rafting and River Trekking, Cagayan de Oro not only boasts of splendid views but also very warm and hospitable locals.
[Photo of San Agustine Church]
8. Zambales (323,271)
Three to four hours awa y from Manila, the province has some 170 kilometers of beaches with reefs, diving areas, and surfing spots. The Fiesta Poon Bato (Feast of the Sacred Stone) in January is a religious festival in honor of the Catholic Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, and attracts more than half a million tourists every year.
[Photo of Chocolate Hills]
9. Bohol (313,317)
Home to the world-famous Chocolate Hills, the island also hosts tourist activities like the Ecological, Environmental and Educational Adventure Tour (EAT) in Danao. The program, completely funded by the municipal government, offers mind-blowing experiences like taking a 45-meter plunge over a gorge supported only by a rope harness. There is also a 1.5-kilometer 'Suislide' zipline. Other attractions include caving, river tubing, rappelling, kayaking, and root climbing. Yes, root climbing.
[Photo of Underground River in Palawan]
10. Puerto Princesa (268,942)
Upgrades done on the Puerto Princesa International Airport paved way for a 23% increase in foreign travelers and a 21% hike in domestic tourists. Local government efforts to develop eco-tourism has brought more visitors and has made them stay longer.


SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, 2009

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