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PHILIPPINES Philippines is famous throughout the world as a fascinating tourist destination and for centuries this exquisitely beautiful nation of Southeast Asia allures the visitors from all over the world. Philippines is comprised of 7,107 lovely islands, covering a total area of 300,000 sq km with Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao forming the main island groups in the country. Philippines offer a wide array of entertainment to cast a spell on its visitors with its beautiful scenic islands, exotic beaches, amazing volcanoes, world-class diving spots and unique wildlife and many other attractions. Every year, nature lovers, romantic couples and adventure seekers from different parts of the world visit their favorite destination in Philippines. The widely popular White Beach on Boracay Island is considered as the most beautiful beach not only in the entire Philippines but in the whole world. Cebu, the second most renowned city of the Philippines after the capital Manila, has some of the best diving spots in the world, making it a heaven for adventure lovers. Bohol offers some of the loveliest beaches of Philippines including the famous Alona Beach at Panglao and the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan in Bohol also provide some of the best enchanting diving spots in this planet. The world-famous Tall Volcano and the beautiful Tall Lake at Tagaytay captivates the tourists. Apart from its unique scenic beauty, the beautiful colonial structures of Vigan in Ilocos and World War II markers of Manila cast a mystic spell on the visitors. CLIMATE IN PHILIPPINES The Philippines has a tropical marine climate dominated by a rainy season and a dry season. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of the country from May to October, and the winter monsoon brings cooler and drier air from December to February. Manila and most of the lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May, when temperatures can rise to around 99°F (37°C). Average sea-level temperatures rarely drop below 80°F (27°C). Monsoons are possible between July and October. VISA INFORMATIONS FOR TOURISTS Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. All visitors must have return or onward tickets and documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds. for a maximum stay of seven days. TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO Philippines an exotic tourist destination in Southeast Asia boasts of several fascinating tourist destinations of the world. Sprawling across 300,000 square kilometers, the beautiful archipelago is home to 7,107 enchanting islands. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao constitute the main island groups in the country. The country is renowned for its beautiful islands, golden beaches, astonishing volcanoes, numerous diving spots and exotic wildlife among other Philippines tourist attractions. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners and adventure seekers are all lured by the major Philippines tourist attractions. The famous White Beach on Boracay Island is one of the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world. The famous Alona Beach at Panglao is located in Bohol which is known for its exotic beaches. Cebu is home to major diving spots making it a favorite haunt for adventure lovers. Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan in Bohol are also renowned for being home ro some of the popular diving spots. The world-famous Tall Volcano and the beautiful Tall Lake at Tagaytay are sure to hold its visitors spellbound. Apart from its scenic surroundings, Philippines also boasts of major cultural and historic sites. You can unwind the past with architectural marvels of Vigan in Ilocos and the remains of Second World War. The colorful festivals are celebrated with much gusto and make for major Philippines tourist attractions. Bahay Tsinoy in Philippines you trace back history, you will find that the intermingling of the Chinese and Filipino culture cane be dated back to centuries of trade surging with heavy influx of Chinese population in Manila. Bahay Tsinoy in Philippines treasures relics of this Chinese heritage blended into Filipino lives. Interestingly enough, the Chinese-Filipinos offsprings today prefer to call themselves Tsinoys. This museum is located on the Kaisa Heritage Center, a 3-storied building, which too preserves remnants, artifacts and antiquities of Chinese–Filipino cultural exchange. Features of Bahay Tsinoy in Philippines Visitors can find collage of faces of Chinese immigrants and Tsinoys at the entrance. You will also find Chinese artifacts like porcelain, coins, kitchen utensils, goldsmith tools and pottery. There are pictures showcasing life of Chinese immigrants, maps and murals. There is also a gallery of photographs documenting Chinese contribution in the evolution of Philippines. Visitors can also see porcelain pieces from the Tang, Sung, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties in China. Mount Apo in Philippines Located 32 kilometers west of Davao City, Mount Apo in Philippines is popular as the highest mountain in the country that rises to 9,690 feet. The honor of conquering of the mountain peak goes to a group of mountaineers led by Don Joaquin Rajal, who climbed on to the peak on October 10, 1880. Even quite popular among the tourists, the path of climbing up Mount Apo in Mindanao Island is very easy. If you are an adventure-lover, you will be impressed to know that unlike the journey to Mount Halcon and Mount Banahaw, the journey up to Mount Apo in south central Mindanao is comfortable through dense tropical hardwood forests. Filipino President Manuel L. Quezon had declared Mount Apo in Philippines as a national park on May 9, 1936, which has an envious treasure of 270 bird species including a hundred endemic ones and spreads across an area of 199,819 acres. Mount Apo is a stratovolcano, which has three peaks on the flat top and can be used as a source of geothermal energy. Eden Nature Park in Philippines Philippines is famous for its natural flora and marine fauna. Large portions of this country are extensive beaches, mountainouss terrain, spectacular landscape and simply amazing scenery. Philippines. Eden Nature Park in Philippines is a famous tourist attraction in Philippines. Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary You must have heard about the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. It was built by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. Philippine Tarsier is a nocturnal animal, which is a small creature frequent in Bohol. An ancient creature dated back to 45 million years, tarsier is the oldest terrestrial species in the Philippines. With varieties of local names like "mamag", "mago", "magau", "maomag", "malmag", and "magatilok-iok", the Philippine tarsier can also be found on the islands of Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation was established in 1996 to protect the tarsier, which in turn earmarked a sanctuary of 167 hectares across Corella and Sikatuna in Bohol. Before exploring Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, you should visit the information center of the sanctuary where you will get plenty of details about the tarsier. You can also buy tarsier t-shirts and toys from the souvenir shop that sells books, pictures, a replica of the sanctuary and a partial skeleton of a tarsier. There is a special area in Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary separated from the dense forest surrounding it by a fence, where ten tarsiers are rehabilitated. You can spot the tarsiers in various postures like sitting in a branch, swinging from the tree trunk or strolling around in free spirit. Sumilon Island in Philippines Located off the southeast tip of Cebu in Philippines, Sumilon Island gained limelight from the entire world when the first marine sanctuary in the country was built here. Sumilon Island in Philippines hosted the marine sanctuary in 1974 under the supervision and know-how of Silliman University’s marine laboratory. Sumilon Island Marine Sanctuary is now cited as the best locale of preserving coral reef and enhances reef fisheries management. Ten years ago, the destructive fishing practices were stopped till the fishery increased. This miraculous increase in the fish catch, impressed scientists, reef managers and fishers and led to boom in export of fish and their larvae till the rules of the fish sanctuary on Sumilon were broken in 1984. It was much later the through eventual management of the area, the biological balance of the area including the preservation of coral reef and reef fisheries management could be achieved. If you visit the Sumilon Island in Philippines between December and May, you may also spot rays, tuna and jacks and sharks. Baclayon Church in Philippines Situated in the town of Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Baclayon Church in Philippines is one of the oldest stone churches of the archipelago built by the Spanish Jesuit priests in 1535. One of the major tourist attractions in Philippines, this colossal structure has maintained its old charm and elegance. The interiors and exterior of the church have preserved several intriguing relics and artifacts which can be traced to the early 16th century which are now found in Baclayon Museum. Features of Baclayon Church in Philippines: - The inner façade of the church is marked by Classical features and the outer façade was built in the 19th century is a portico supported by three arches. The addition of the porticos is typical of the architectural style of Bohol and Cebu in the 19th century. Fortress Santiago in Philippines Fortress Santiago in Philippines was at a point of time, the main center of defense of the Spanish government reigning the area. This fortress was constructed for the Spanish explorer, Miguel López de Legazpi and initially formed part of the walled city of Intramuros in Manila, the capital of Philippines. History says that the locale of the fortress was traditionally used to host a palace and kingdom of Rajah Suliman, the chief of Manila during the pre-Spanish era. When a group of Spanish adventurers arrived in 1570, numerous battles were fought between the Spanish and the Muslims and native Tagalogs. As a mark of testifying their power, the Spaniards ruined the native structures and constructed the Fortress Santiago in Philippines. You will be impressed to know that the fortress was made of log and clay, the maximum part of which was ravished by Chinese pirates capsizing the place during the Spanish-Chinese War. Only after 1589, Fortress Santiago was made out of hard stone, which took three years to complete the project. With the passage of time, the fortress served as the moor for trade and tourism for the Americans and Europeans. Located at the mouth of the Pasig River, the fort is covered by 22 metres of wall. The fortress suffered ruins during the Battle of Manila in 1945 till it was finally refurbished by the Intramuros Administration during the 1980s. You will find a museum and the prison dungeons. Puerto Galera in Philippines Home to exotic beaches, major diving spots, wildlife, active volcanoes, and several historic and cultural sites, Philippines a huge draw for tourists. Puerto Galera in Philippines is an exotic tourist attraction. It was discovered by the Spanish in the early 16th century as a secured zone to harbor their trading ships during thunderstorms. Located on the northern shores of the Mindoro Island, 130 kilometers south of Manila and 14 nautical miles from Batangas City Puerto Galera in Philippines is a Y-shaped peninsula. Features of Puerto Galera in Philippines: -Covering an area of 254.47 square metres, Puerto Galera in Philippines is divided into twelve coastal barangays and one mountain barangay. Home to exotic beaches, major diving spots, wildlife, active volcanoes, and several historic and cultural sites, Philippines a huge draw for tourists. Puerto Galera in Philippines is an exotic tourist attraction. It was discovered by the Spanish in the early 16th century as a secured zone to harbor their trading ships during thunderstorms. Located on the northern shores of the Mindoro Island, 130 kilometers south of Manila and 14 nautical miles from Batangas City Puerto Galera in Philippines is a Y-shaped peninsula. Features of Puerto Galera in Philippines: -Covering an area of 254.47 square metres, Puerto Galera in Philippines is divided into twelve coastal barangays and one mountain barangay. Taal Volcano in Manila Taal Volcano in Manila is in the middle of the Lake Taal. The Taal is still active and one can at time see the hot steams coming out. The Taal Lake is 243 sq. km and is south of Manila. The Mount Taal rises up to 984 feet and the last eruptions occurred in 1970. It is a beautiful sight to see that the in between the lake is the island that has the Taal volcano that itself contains another small lake. The Taal Volcano is among the chain of volcanoes that are found along the western side Luzon Island. The Taal Volcano is located on an island that is called the Volcano Island and the island covers an area of 23 sq km. The Mount Taal is the world's smallest volcano and it would take approximately 45 minutes in a boat and another 15- 20 minutes to reach the top. To reach the Taal Volcano island of Manila is nothing short of an exciting adventure. One has to start with a boat in order to reach the island. Thereafter one can on a horseback reach to the top of the mountain. Once there one would be able to see smoke coming out and see the water bubbling around the edges of the lake inside the crater. Once on the top of the Tall Volcano one can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and the lake. Also it would be time to take a boat tour and visit the many fishponds around the island. The Taal Volcano of Manila is a place with a difference and the fun and excitement is guaranteed. Katibawasan Falls in Philippines Philippines is an archipelago of nearly 7,000 islands situated north of the Malayan Peninsula in South East Asia. The natural flora and marine fauna of this land is mesmerizing. Large portions of this country are extensive beaches on the one hand, and mountainous terrain on the other; endowed with spectacular landscape and simply amazing scenery. Philippines. Katibawasan Falls in Philippines is a famous tourist attraction in Philippines. Punta Cruz Watch Tower in Philippines Punta Cruz Watch Tower is a beautiful specimen of architecture built by the Spanish in 18th century. You will have to travel just for 13 kilometers from Tagbilaran City in Maribojoc, to visit this triangle-shaped Punta Cruz Watch Tower in Philippines. You will be able to get spectacular views of Cebu, Siquijor and Mindanao from this place in Bohol. Bohol, an island province in Central Philippines is otherwise, famous for its lofty hills, gushing waterfalls, silvery beaches, and intriguing variety of wildlife and remnants of colonial architecture. If you are a nature-lover seeking a spot for eco-tourism, you can straight head towards Bohol holding forth attractions like Punta Cruz Watch Tower in Philippines. Overlooking the seas in the southern part of Bohol, this watch tower was constructed with the purpose of guarding off against pirates and Muslim piranhas. These invaders were infamous for bugging the safety and peace of Bohol in 18th century. While watching out from the tower, today, you can have a gala relaxed time with drinks and snacks. Relish the beauty of the spot and have a picnic. Tagaytay City in Philippines Tagaytay City in Philippines a major tourist attraction is an ideal place for leisure seekers. Offering abundant opportunities for picnics, horseback riding, camping and sightseeing Tagaytay City in Philippines will leave you asking for more. It is a perfect getaway during weekends for most Filipino families. It is often regarded as the most pleasant city in Asia. Various attractions of Tagaytay City in Philippines: - You can undertake an exotic trip from Tagaytay to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake. The Flower Farm, St. Anne's Shrine, Gourmet's Café, Hidden Valley, Pagsanjan Falls, Caylabne Beach, Banyan Tree Evercrest and Casino Filipino Tagaytay are other major attractions of Tagaytay City in Philippines. Banaue Rice Terraces in Philippines The Banaue Rice Terraces in Philippines one of the major tourist attractions of the archipelago, are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the Batad native people. The terraces were carved as an attempt to provide level steps where the indigenous people could grow rice. Fully built with hand without the help of machines, the terraces are often regarded as one of the greatest engineering achievements of mankind. Banaue Rice Terraces in Philippines has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. It was recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Lake Taal in Philippines Taal, located 30 miles south of Manila on the island of Luzon in Philippines is one of 15 “Decade Volcanoes” is a potential danger for urban centers. The volcano has been active since 1991 with several earthquakes, new steaming regions, ground fracturing and increasing in temperatures of the lake. Lake Taal in Philippines, a fresh water lake fills the 18 diameter (30-kilometer) volcanic caldera is a major tourist attraction. The large island in Taal Lake is called Volcano Island. Lake Taal is located in a densely populated and fast developing agricultural and industrial region. Features of Lake Taal in Philippines: -The Lake has 37 tributaries and its only distributary is Pansipit River which is a tributary of Balayan Bay. Roxas Boulevard in Philippines If you visit Philippines, you must not miss out on Roxas Boulevard in Philippines. Roxas Boulevard is one of the most noted and popular tourist attractions in Manila. Roxas Boulevard was originally known as Dewey Boulevard during the colonial period of American rule. It was much later when it was endowed with the present name- Roxas in order to pay tribute to the first elected president, Manuel Roxas of the Philippines. The renaming was done soon after the country attained independence in 1946. You will enjoy your drive along the most spectacular scenic location of Manila. Roxas Boulevard in Philippines stretches for 10 kilometer along the fascinating oceanfront. As you drive down you will whisk past other landmarks like Intramuros, Rizal Park and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. While enjoying the adventurous ride with your beloved, numerous hotels, museums, condominiums and office buildings will also dazzle your sight. You will also notice myriad of strollers enjoying the oceanfront from the boulevard, joggers taking in fresh air and hawkers intensifying the din and bustle of the Manila Bay. You drive along Roxas Boulevard in Philippines will enliven you with the vibrancy of life and beauty thriving on the boulevard. The Hanging Coffins of Sagada in Philippines The Sagadan landscape in Philippines is punctuated by limestone cliffs with an avenue o f pine trees. Four or five coffins are arranged in a bundle on these cliffs. The oldest coffin dates back to more than a century and the latest one was added decades ago. The Hanging coffins of Sagada in Philippines are a major tourist attraction. Some of the coffins are arranged neatly while some are randomly heaped. According to an age-old practice of the people of Sagada, the burial practice involved the arranging of the corpse of their relatives in caves after carefully preparing a hollowed out log. The people of Sagada prefer being buried in the cliffs than in grounds. This practice has prevailed over 2,000 years. Bat Caves in Philippines Bat Caves in Philippines is a famous tourist attraction in Philippines. Bats, like humans, are mammals. That is, their young is born alive and nourished by the mother. But unlike people, bats, particularly cave bats, hate the light and the noise. This is why they are also nocturnal, that is, they are awake at night and are asleep during the day. Come explores the Bat Caves in Philippines Bat Caves in Philippines is a famous tourist attraction in Philippines. Bats, like humans, are mammals. That is, their young is born alive and nourished by the mother. But unlike people, bats, particularly cave bats, hate the light and the noise. This is why they are also nocturnal, that is, they are awake at night and are asleep during the day. Manila Bay in Philippines Manila Bay in Philippines is famous as one of the best natural harbors in the world. As you enter the bay of South China Sea through the entrance of 19 km expanding up to 48 kilometers, your sight will be caught by volcanic peaks dotted by tropical forests. Not much far from the bay are the Bataan Peninsula and the province of Cavite. In fact, there are many other islands speckling near Manila Bay like Caballo island slicing the bay at its mouth into the North and South Channels. If you proceed further along the south channel, you will spot El Fraile Island and Carabao Island. History of Manila Bay in Philippines says that the famous Battle of Manila Bay in which American troops led by Commodore George Dewey, seized the area, was fought in 1898 from this bay. Corregidor Island was annexed by Japanese forces fighting from this bay once again in 1942. Even earlier various other battles were fought from this naval base including the La Naval de Manila in 1646, which finally put a stop gate to the Dutch trials to seize the Philippines. However, we suggest you to witness the mesmerizing sunsets at Manila Bay in Philippines, which will give you a feel of beauty as well as serenity. San Pedro Cathedral in Philippines San Pedro Cathedral in Philippines is on of the few churches in the country, which were bestowed with special protective status of National Cultural Treasures by the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Interestingly enough, this special designation doesn’t only speak about the historical significance of 25 other churches chosen across Philippines for unique protection but also reflects the emphasis on the local specialty of the church, which has imbibed regional and geographical influences. Located at the corner of San Pedro Street and CM Recto Avenue in Davao City, this church was named after the patron saint of the city, San Pedro. San Pedro Cathedral was one of the spectacular churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period. This church was built in 1847 by Don Jose Uyanguren, who was popular as the ‘Spanish Conquistador of Davao’ during the Spanish era. As you visit San Pedro Cathedral in Philippines, you will spot the original altar in the right wing of the cathedral. You must also notice that the altar has been preserved meticulously in the church in a measure of respect. You will also be impressed by the interiors of the church adorned with ancient images of the saint, San Pedro and St. Peter. Chocolate Hills in Philippines Philippines boasts of being home to major tourist attractions of the world. Bohol in Philippines is home to exotic beaches and majestic hills. The famous Alona Beach at Panglao is located in Bohol. Chocolate hills in Philippines is a major attraction of Bohol. There is no natural formation in the world like the Chocolate hills in Philippines. The hills are estimated to be 1,268 individual mounds to about 1,776. The chocolate hills are spread across the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. Subterranean River National Park in Philippines Located about 50 kilometers from the north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Subterranean River National Park is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park. The major highlight of Subterranean River National Park in Philippines is an amazing limestone karst landscape with an underground river 8.2 kilometers. Subterranean River National Park is a major destination among other Philippines Tourist Attractions. The underground river is known to be the longest in the world. The government of Puerto Princesa has maintained National Park since 1992. It was recognized as an important heritage site by the UNESCO December 4, 1999. |
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