10 Places You Must Visit in The Philippines


      The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands with an aggregate area region, including inland waterways, of more or less 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi).Its 36,289 kilometers (22,549 mi) of coastline makes it the nation with the fifth longest coastline in the world.It is spotted between 116° 40', and 126° 34' E. longitude and 4° 40' and 21° 10' N. scope and is flanked by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The island of Borneo is spotted a couple of hundred kilometers southwest and Taiwan is found specifically to the north. The Moluccas and Sulawesi are spotted to the south-southwest and Palau is found to the east of the islands.

      From unblemished shorelines and grand characteristic marvels to intriguing noteworthy locales and ideal encounters, the Philippines pack numerous energizing things to see and do. Look at the accompanying top vacation spots in the Philippines.

1.Tubbataha Reef

Tubbatahareef  Natural Park underwater scene

      The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the middle of Sulu Sea. The marine and bird sanctuary consists of two huge atolls and the smaller Jessie Beazley Reef covering a total area of 97,030 hectares.It is considered both a mecca for scuba divers and model for coral reef conservation.

      Tubbataha is composed of two huge coral atolls – the north atoll and the south atoll – and the Jessie Beazley Reef, a smaller coral structure about 20 kilometres north of the atolls. The reefs of Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley are considered part of Cagayancillo, a remote island municipality roughly 130 kilometers to the northeast, inhabited mainly by fisherfolk.

      Since it was discovered by divers in the late 1970s Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) has been considered one of the most extraordinary dive sites in the world, a dream trip for most scuba divers. Recently, it was ranked eighth best dive site in the world by the CNN travel website, cnngo.com. Tourism plays a key role in the conservation of Tubbataha, as park entrance fees provide the necessary funds to manage and patrol the Park. Income also goes towards education campaigns, increasing awareness and support for the reefs' protection locally and internationally.


Contact Information

Address:Tubbataha Management Office (TMO)41 Abad Santos St.,Puerto Princesa City 5300, Palawan
Tel/Fax:(63) (48) 434 5759
E-mail:tmo [at] tubbatahareef.org

2.San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church Interior View

      San Agustin Church originally known as "inglesia de San Pablo", founded in 1571 is the oldest stone church (built in 1589) in the Philippines. It is a administered by the Order of Saint Agustine (Augustinian Friars). Since the time of its foundation, the devotion to Nuestra Senora dela Consolacion y Cirrea is celebrated every Saturday.In this Church - tomb of "El Adelentado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi" Founder of the City of Manila is located in the eastermost chapel of the transept. Terms for the American occupation of Manila was signed in the sacristy and First Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1953 was held in the Choirloft.      
      
      Located in Manila, a visit to the San Agustin Church is a must see. Built in 1589, this beautiful church has survived seven earthquakes and two fires over the centuries and now remains as the oldest stone church in the Philippines. At the main entrance, there are exquisite carvings on the wooden doors. Inside the lovely, Mexican-influenced interior is designed in the shape of a Latin cross. The gorgeous ceiling was painted in the 1800s by Italian artists, Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni.


Contact Information

Address:General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
Tel/Fax:(+63 2) 527-2746 
 (+63 2) 527-4052

E-mail:Contact Parish Priest – el89desabiduria@yahoo.es

3. Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano(Mount Mayon)

      Mayon, the most famous of the active volcanoes of the Philippines, is a perfect stratovolcano rising to 2462 m on Luzon Island. It erupts very frequently.Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

      Mayon is the archetype of a symmetrical stratovolcano and one of the world most active ones. It has frequent eruptions producing pyroclastic flows, mud flows and ash falls that repeatedly triggered large-scale evacuations. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns. the volcano rises 2462 m above the Albay Gulf and has very steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees capped by a small summit crater. Historical records of eruptions date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas.


Contact Information

Address:Albay Province Philippines 



4. Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island

      Malapascua Island is a Filipino island situated in the Visayan Sea, located across a shallow strait from the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.

      Of all the islands in the Philippines, Malapascua is our favorite. Although admittedly, we have not been to all 7,107 islands. Malapascua Island has the charm that many have so often wished to find in a tiny isolated beach paradise. The beach bungalows nestled in between the locals' homes makes you feel like you have really left the western world behind. This website is written by divers who love Malapascua to make your journey there that little bit easier. Hope you find it useful.

     The island has been called the "Next Borocay" but we don't think it will ever be like that. Even during busy season, it feel like there is hardly anyone else here, the pace of life is unhurried and you are sure to have a relaxing vacation.As you probably know the reason most people come to Malapascua Island is for the diving. Malapascua is beginning to get a worldwide reputation for incredible diving which means now is a great time to come, before it gets too famous. It is the only place in the world you can reliably see thresher sharks and is possible the best place in the Philippines for big fish encounters.

Reference:http://www.malapascua.com.ph/


5. Puerto Galera 

White sand Of Puerto Galera

     Puerto Galera is the northwesternmost municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers south of Manila.There are a thousand things one can do here. Landlubbers can pitch tents, light bonfires, play volleyball, toss a Frisbee, go beach-hopping, watch the sunset, gaze at the stars, hike, go rock climbing, carom off on a motorcycle, discover Oriental Mindoro’s other tourist spots or simply live it up. But water is certainly the main attraction of the island. Crystal clear and shimmering especially during the hot summer months, the sea framing Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact one doesn’t have to go by boat to get to a dive site. Within a kilometer from the coast, schools of Moorish idols, trumpet fish, frog fish, lion fish and leaf fish weave in and out of thriving corals and sea anemones while species of starfish – from the speckled red-and-white to the neon-blue Pacific – rest on the sandy floor.

      Gradually sloping beaches – with the terrain ranging from powder white sand to grainy dark sand to smooth stones to rough coral rubble – comprise a large chunk of the island’s 25 thousand hectares. And while the Department of Tourism’s last count pegs the number of resorts at 115, pockets of isolated and virtually resortless coves and beaches are tucked between massive rock formations. Outside of minor glitches, Puerto Galera is a tropical paradise that is both rustic and thriving. By day it echoes with the soft breeze and the pounding waves. At night, it comes to life with heady laughter and the clink of wine and glasses, only to segue once again to the barest whisper of the elements.


Contact Information

Address:Balete Beach, Poblacion, Puerto Galera, Or. Mindoro, Philippines 5203
Tel/Fax:+63-43-2873101 
 +63-43-7063385

E-mail:info@puertogalera.org

Reference:http://www.puertogalera.org/


6. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Inside the Cave Of Puerto Prinsesa National Park -Subterranean River
      
      One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape withone of the most complex cave systems. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the sea. 

      The lower half of the river is brackish and is affected by the ocean’s tide. An underground river directly flowing into the sea, and the associated tidal influence, makes it a significant natural phenomenon. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million year old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. 

     The Puerto Princesa Underground River is declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The PPSRNP contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protect forests, which are among the most significant in Asia. It represents significant habitat that are important for biodiversity conservation. In recognition of the PPSRNP’s globally significant natural value, it was inscribed to the List of World Heritage Sites on December 4, 1999. Inscription on the list confirms the outstanding universal value of the Park and it’s well integrated state of conservation. 

      The PPSRNP is managed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa based on a program centered on environmental conservation and sustainable development. It has the distinction of being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a Local Government Unit. It is managed by the City thru a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), multi-sector body that provides policy direction and other oversight functions. It is a model for effective protected area management and sustainable tourism in the Philippines. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a source of pride, and a key element in the identity of the people of Puerto Princesa in particular, and of the Philippines as a whole. The conservation of the Park is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people in the global efforts to conserve our natural heritage.


Contact Information

Address:Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Philippines
Tel/Fax:+63(916)5277474
E-mail:jamas@puerto-undergroundriver.com
Reference:http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/



7.  Donsol 

Donsol

      For snorkelling with the whale sharks, Donsol is the place to be.Donsol is a third class municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines located at the south of Luzon island. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 47,563 inhabitants.


Contact Information




Website:http://www.donsolecotour.com/travel-information/

Reference:http://www.donsolecotour.com/



8. The Chocolate Hills


      The Chocolate Hills are a group of unusually shaped hills located in the middle of the island of Bohol in Philippines. This extraordinary landscape is unique to this small island. It is unknown how many chocolate hills there are. It is known that at the bare minimum there are 1268 hills but some estimates put this number as high as 1776. The hills are not huge; the highest one barely reaches 120 meters in height. Even so, most hills are between 30 and 50 meters. The conical Chocolate hills are scattered within a fifty square kilometer area. 


      Mystery still surrounds how the Chocolate Hills were formed. One of the more popular local legends is that long ago, two giants fought for days, hurling earth and stones at one another, until they fell exhausted, friends once more, into each other's arms. More romantic is the handsome young giant, Arogo, who fell in love with a mortal woman. When, as mortals must, she Chocolate Hillsdied, the giant wept, his great teardrops turning into the Chocolate Hills. However geologists have differing views about how these hills were formed. One plausible theory is that they are weathered formations of a marine limestone lying on top of an impenetrable clay base. 

      Whatever their origin, being in their presence is a surreal experience, and as landscapes go, one of the most bizarre you can encounter. At the end of the dry season, the famous hills earn their name when the grass turns from green to brown. At all times, they retain a uniform look as, curiously, no trees or clumps of shrubs will grow on them. The chocolate hills can be visited anytime of the year as they will be just as spectacular during the rainy season as during the dry one. However take into consideration that the hills cannot be climbed individually and there is only a viewing deck from where you can marvel at the scenery around. Keep in mind that the viewing deck is accessible by stairs and temperatures can be hot sometimes, especially in the rainy season. Usually visits to the hills are short ones as there is not much to be done besides viewing them. However, after you leave them, there are plenty of other things to do in the island of Bohol. Since 1988 the Chocolate hills are Philippine’s third National Geological Monument. It was also submitted to be a UNESCO World Heritage, however the submission was not yet approved.




Contact Information

Address:Loay Interior Road, Carmen, Bohol, Philippines
Tel/Fax:+63 1800 1 888 7777


Reference:http://www.chocolatehills.net/

9. Boracay


      Boracay is a small island in the Philippines located approximately 315 km south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.Boracay may be a small island, but it packs great features such as award-winning beaches, beautiful resorts and great adventures like cliff diving, parasailing, motorbiking, horse riding, snorkeling, kite surfing and scuba diving. If that is not enough, boat tours allow visitors to watch stunning sunsets, explore volcanic caves and remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When the sun sets, Boracay night-life pulsates with many bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.



10. Banaue Rice Terraces


      No trip to the Philippines could be complete without seeing the spectacular Banaue Rice Terraces. Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces, although more and more younger Ifugaos do not find farming appealing and emigrate to the cities.
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1 comments:

  1. That looks an awesome place. I'm gonna try to visit it. I'm pretty sure me and my friends are going to love it. Check out the Mountain Dew Skate Park, you'll love it too. Anyway, Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete