THE PHILIPPINES

THE PHILIPPINES

It is a country that should be on your bucket list to visit. The people everywhere in the country speak English, and definitely are very friendly. Each area offers it's own and varied sites, creatures and food to see and taste:

Officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of around 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines is known for having an abundance of beautiful beaches and delicious fruit. The collection of islands is located in Southeast Asia and was named after King Philip II of Spain.

The Philippines is a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 7,000 islands that offer a natural playground for your inner explorer. Collectively, its landscapes feature an array of natural wonders, from volcanoes and rice terraces to underwater rivers and limestone caves, along with beautiful beaches. It is a country that should be on your bucket list to visit. The people everywhere in the country speak English, and definitely are very friendly.

Individually, the islands each offer something unique, whether you are looking for the best place to dive and snorkel or prefer to take in the historical sights in cities like Manila or Vigan, which have deep colonial roots.

Since the country is so spread out, a trip to the Philippines requires careful planning so that you can connect with the proper guides and find the most convenient lodging as a base for your favorite activities. Some destinations, like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol or the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, are remote, but getting there is well worth the effort.

MANILA: The Capitol of the country and where General MacArthur's base was during WWII. Wandering around the city you will find the monuments to the war and its successful ending. I found the various restaurants had some of the most delicious flavors from Seafood, Sushi, Philippine food - and about ever type of food you could imagine. Great place to begin you visit. The Historical tour is well worth the time.

BORACAY: Boracay is a small island in the central Philippines. It's known for its resorts and beaches. Along the west coast, White Beach is backed by palm trees, bars and restaurants. 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. White Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.

CEBU: Cebu is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region, comprising Cebu Island and more than 150 smaller surrounding islands and islets. Its prosperous port capital, Cebu City, retains landmarks from its 16th-century Spanish colonial past, including the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and triangular Fort San Pedro. Tops, an observation deck on Mt. Busay, has sweeping views over the city. The Basilica is a must visit as well as the Fort, but be sure to rent a bamboo fat tire bike to get around and leisurely enjoy everything Cebu has to offer.

BOHOL: Bohol is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region. It comprises Bohol Island and numerous smaller surrounding islands. Bohol is known for coral reefs and unusual geological formations, notably the Chocolate Hills. On the main island, near the town of Carmen, these 1,200 or so symmetrical mounds turn cocoa-brown in the dry season, contrasting with the surrounding jungle's greenery. My visit to the Chocolate Hills and hearing about how it is thought these hills came to be was my highlight of this area. 

HANGING BRIDGE, SEVILLA: On the island of Bohol, a bridge made entirely of bamboo swings almost 40 meters in the air over the Loboc River. For those with a sense of adventure, or a desire to conquer a fear of heights, the hanging bridge walk will be a vacation experience you will never forget. The hanging bridge is in the town of Sevilla. It is easy to combine this experience with other excursions on Bohol Island.

SANGAT ISLAND, CORON: The sunken ships to explore on Sangat Island in Coron are some of the best diving sites in the world. The wrecks are at varied depths that are suitable for both deep water scuba divers and shallow water snorkeling.

MAYON VOLCANO, ALBAY: The Mayon Volcano in the Albay province on Luzon Island is a must-see in the Philippines. It is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of more than 2,400 meters. The Mayon volcano has a perfect cone peak.

UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR, PUERTO PRINCESA: Taking a river tour of the Underground River in Puerto Princesa is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Philippines. The underground river on Palawan Island is inside the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

BANWA PRIVATE ISLAND: Palawan is widely acknowledged as one of the few remaining places on earth where you can still experience the natural world at its untouched best. Banwa's sought-after exclusivity is enhanced by the marine protected area it sits within, and its marine life and supporting ecosystem is thriving as a result. Located in Northeastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Banwa's six hectares of lush, verdant landscaping and pristine white sand beaches provide a perfect environment for nature to thrive. Our island provides sanctuary for an incredibly rich and diverse number of flora and fauna species.

These are just a few of the amazing things to see and do in the Philippines - check with our sister company, Tour & Travel Organizers Ltd , for travel information. Email: info@tour-travel-organizers.com