Things to Do
Some of the top spots to visit in the Philippines:
Palawan |
Chocolate
Hills, Bohol
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Rizal
Park, Manila, Luzon
Intramuros, Manila, , Luzon
Banaue Rice Terraces, Banaue, Luzon
San Agustin Church, Manila, Luzon
National Museum, Manila, Luzon
Corregidor, Manila, Luzon
Coconut Palace, Manila, Luzon
Malacanang Palace, Manila, Luzon
Paco Park, Manila, Luzon
Casa Manila, Manila, Luzon
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Balinghai Beach, Boracay |
Bat
Caves, Boracay
Dead Forest, Boracay
Diniwid Beach, Boracay
Mount Luho, Boracay
Fort San Pedro, Cebu City
Santo Nino Basilica, Cebu City
Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary, Cebu City .
Verdemar Golf Course, Cebu
Cebu International Golf and Resort, Cebu
Puerto Princesa Underground River, Puerto Princesa
Subterranean National Park, Palawan
Leprosy Museum, Palawan |
Beaches,
Diving, Snorkelling etc.
The Philippines has it all if you are looking for beach
and water activities! Long, white sand beaches, an immense variety
of marine life, rare and exotic sea flora and fauna, even the tropical
party lifestyle are all in abundance more than a rarity in this
country. The Philippines has 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice
the length of that of the United States. It is also home to Boracay,
whose four-kilometer White Beach has been hailed as the “finest
beach in the world.”
The Philippines has many opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Excellent spots are Boracay, Alona Beach (Bohol), Puerto Princesa
(Palawan) and the island of Apo. Canoeists can shoot the rapids
in Pagsanjan, 70km (43mi) south-east of Manila. Spelunkers can explore
Palawan's Underground River, an 8km (5mi) long meandering network
of caves.
Hiking, Trekking etc.
Mt Pinatubo which erupted violently in 1991 and left an
amazing landscape. Walk among the ravines, drive up in a jeep or
arrange an aerial tour. You can also climb Mayon, in southern Luzon,
which has been described as the world's most perfect volcanic cone.
It takes several days to climb and guides can be found in Legaspi.
Other climbs include the Mt Taal, south of Manila, described as
the smallest and most dangerous volcano in the world; and the Philippines'
highest peak, Mt Apo, on Mindanao. There
are wonderful trekking opportunities along Luzon's Pacific Coast,
especially in Bikol and Quezon provinces. For those who want to
escape motorised transport completely, nothing beats walking on
Batan Island or Lubang, where the horse cart still retains its place
as the primary mode of transport. Wildlife enthusiasts should visit
Calauit Island, where the wildlife sanctuary has been breeding African
animals successfully for nearly 20 years. Giraffes, zebras and gazelles
can be seen.
Biking/Cycling
For those not wanting to explore on foot, one can try cycling or
mountain biking. Again these can be rented and specialized ‘Adventure
Tour’ operators organize ‘expeditions’. Renting
a motorcycle for some Off-Road Dirt Biking extends the range of
places one can visit in a day – you do need motorcycling experience
to try this though. There are also specialized social Dirt Biking
Clubs you can join, and they will show you the places to go.
Off the Beaten Track
Travel to the more remote islands
Visit the islands north of Bohol. Around Gutob Bay, between Culion
and Busuanga islands, try Dibutonay, Maltatayoc and Horse islands.
Vigan
In north Luzon, Vigan displays precious remnants of the splendid
architectural legacy of the Spaniards. The well-preserved colonial
structures create a unique 17th century European atmosphere plus
there are several museums.
Viriato
On the island of Samar, in the Visayas, Viriato lies along one of
the most scenic coastal roads in the country. The road runs past
mountains, steep cliffs, distant islands and scenic boat-filled
bays.
Lake
Sebu
A beautiful inland sea on the island of Mindanao, the lake is nested
into the southern Tiruray Highlands at an altitude of almost 300m
(984ft). The chance to delve into traditional lifestyles and culture,
rather than modern attractions, is the highlight in this remote
area. The local tribespeople live in almost total seclusion and
are known for the quality of their brassware and weaving.
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