November 4th, 2009 -- Posted in Batanes, Beaches, Philippine churches, Philippines, Region II, Regions, Travel |
Aside from the festive town fiestas, free and natural beaches, trekking adventures, bird watching in October or fishing in summer, there are a lot of other local attractions worth visiting such as:
Historic Churches in every town. The churches in Basco, Mahatao, Ivana and Sabtang which were originally decorated in baroque were over 200 years old made of massive mixture of lime and stone.
Unique architecture of Ivatan houses made of thick lime and stone walls with cogon grass roof has made it a favorite attraction to visitors.
Sabtang Island, considered as one of the 12 best destinations in the Philippines according to the published coffee table by the Department of Tourism. Undisturbed and unspoiled, Sabtang exists in another time. Intermittent sandy beaches, rugged country trails and lime stone and cogon houses has made Sabtang a secret paradise.
Radar tukon in Basco rests on the hilltop overlooking a 360 degree view of the cliffs, hills and the seas around the island.
Interior road, a trail of unending countryside panoramic views, rock formations and rolling terrain. Don’t forget to stop by at Valugan Mahatao and the locally known “spring of youth” in Diatay.
April 14th, 2009 -- Posted in Beaches, Philippines, Resorts, Travel |
Philippines is one of the famous destinations among travelers especially on summer season. Aside from
Boracay,
Baguio,
Puerto Galera and
Subic, it has also other not-so-familiar or unknown places for vacation to offer. Check out some of them below if you want a new place, beautiful and untouched nature and a more private leisure.
ROMBLON
Romblon is gifted with lush vegetation and mineral resources. Aside from marble, the islands are rich in granite, nickel, silica, mercury, zinc, copper, silver, limestone, sulfide, ores, kaolin, clay, magnesium and quartz. Gold panning sites have sprouted in some of the mountain stream areas in Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island. The fertile soil nurtures varied agricultural crops–like coconut, rice, corn, bananas, rootcrops, fruit trees, vines and many others. Offshore, Romblon is a rich fishing ground. The islands lie on the migratory path of fishes from the Sulu and Visayan Seas, passing the Tablas Strait, Sibuyan Sea and Romblon Pass. Likewise, Romblon has crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls, beautiful and unspoiled beaches.
DAVAO ORIENTAL
The Pusan Point in Davao Oriental is called the “Sunrise Capital of the Philippines” but aside from the great sunrise it has to offer are the beautiful waterfalls and beaches like “Tinagong Dagat” (Hidden Sea), plesiosaur-shaped “Dinosaur Island”, Cape San Agustin, Pujada Bay and more.
SIQUIJOR
The island of Siquijor, also called “Isla del Fuego” or the “Isle of Fire”, is known to many as a place of magic, mysticism and enchantments. It is frequently associated with phenomena beyond the explanations of science. It is a beautiful place of natural white sand beaches, coral reefs, caves and forests, simply worth discovering. After admiring the natural sceneries and venturing into the caves, visitors might also attend the healing festivals or watch locals perform feats that boggle the mind.
ANTIQUE
Antiqueños pride themselves on living in one of the oldest pre-Hispanic settlements in the Philippines. Although now often passed over in favor of nearby Boracay, Antique has many scenic beauties to offer those seeking adventures with nature. It has lovely waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, including the Tibiao River, ideal for white water kayaking. The province’s highest peak is the legendary Mt. Madia-as, sacred mountain and home of ancient gods, home to rare flora and fauna. Antique is also the home of the famous “Bugasong patadyong”. Lately, the river of Sibalom, Antique has been discovered to be rich with semi-precious stones.
CATANDUANES
The island of Catanduanes in the Bicol Region is in the Pacific Ocean, and is still virtually untouched by tourists, making it a great vacation getaway for those who want to relax for a while from the rat race. Puraran Beach in the town of Baras on this island is the site of the so-called “Majestic” waves prized by surfers. The island also has as-yet-unspoiled white beaches all along its coastline, as well as diving spots for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts, and cascading waterfalls farther inland.
LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO
Scenic Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, dubbed the “Summer Capital of the South”, is a protected landscape and the ancestral home of the T’boli people. It boasts three beautiful mountain lakes (Sebu, Seloton and Lahit) and seven waterfalls, as well as the rich culture of the T’bolis, now internationally known for their t’nalak cloth. The scenery and light in this place make it a photographer’s paradise, and the mountains offer adventures for intrepid trekkers.
GLAN, SARANGANI
Beautiful Glan, Sarangani, is the place where mountain sceneries meet white beaches and clear, sparkling waters.
BALER, AURORA
Baler, Aurora, remote and isolated from the metropolis, its beauties remain unspoiled, waiting to be discovered. Sabang Beach waves are good for surfing, while nearby islets are great for snorkeling. History enthusiasts may be interested in Quezoniana such as the ruins of the Quezon house.
PUNDAQUIT, SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES
Hidden away in the province of Zambales, not far from Subic, is the lovely fishing village of Pundaquit, San Antonio. For those in the know, the beach of Pundaquit is a great haven for beach bums and surfers.
CARAMOAN PENINSULA, CAMARINES SUR
The serene Caramoan Peninsula is a hidden paradise in Camarines Sur, great for swimming, island hopping and nature-tripping. Aside from white beaches, waterfalls and islands, Caramoan also has caves for intrepid explorers and cliffs for rock climbers, as well as the wildlife sanctuary at Caramoan National Park for bird-watchers.
February 6th, 2009 -- Posted in Beaches, Pangasinan, Tourists Spots, Travel |
The town of Dasol celebrates the annual feast of its Catholic patron Saint Vincent Ferrer every first Friday of Lent (after Ash Wednesday) and follows the tradition of every Filipino fiesta.
The 18 barangays that compose the town: Alilao * Amalbalan * Bobonot * Eguia * Gais-Guipe * Hermosa * Macalang * Magsaysay * Malacapas * Malimpin * Osmeña * Petal * Poblacion * San Vicente * Tambac * Tambobong * Uli * Viga
There are great places too that the town has to offer to its local and foreign visitors:
- Colibra Island (also known as Snake Island)
- Polo Camaso Islet
- Tambobong Beach
- Osmeña Beach
- Macalang Beach
- Salabusuban Falls
- Rongaab Cave
January 30th, 2009 -- Posted in Beaches, Municipalities, Pangasinan, Tourists Spots, Travel |
The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse was built by the Americans during 1903 with a 300 feet (91 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao. The lighthouse still sends signals to vessels passing by the area.
Sea urchins or “uni” are regularly harvested in Isla Silaki, Bolinao, Pangasinan. It is one of the most expensive dishes in Japanese restaurants.
Sunny white beach at Rock Garden Resort, Bolinao, Pangasinan.
The “Treasurers of Bolinao“, Pangasinan.
The Patar White Beach is only a walking distance from Cape Bolinao’s Lighthouse”, Pangasinan.
January 7th, 2009 -- Posted in Beaches, Municipalities, Nature, Pangasinan, Tourists Spots, Travel |
Agno offers different places of interest to nature lovers and beachgoers. There is the Sabangan Beach where you can find natural umbrella rocks and the Aloleng Beach, simply called “Agno Beach,” with its fine sands.
Photos below are full views of Agno Beach in Aloleng. Private beach rest houses dot the shoreline and vacant beach lots with array of coconut trees are ideal for camping and bonfire.
Agno Beach is also a good place for swimming, snorkeling and diving for it is rich with underwater beauty and marine life. You can find the splendor of marine treasure such as undisturbed corals, edible seaweeds and multicolored fish.
Living along the seacoast gives us sigh of relief and heals the wounds of loneliness. The roaring sound of Bangol Crag gives lullaby music during stormy nights.
If you love the game of hide-and-seek, just confine yourselves at Sabangan Beach under its huge boulders of umbrella rocks adorned with crawling plants. These rocks are like caves. Boy Scouts used to camp overnight under the umbrella rocks as part of their training. You can also make a visit to the lighthouse on the hillside nearby and watch those birds flying from one tree to another.
The Mabini River offers a habitat for bangus (milkfish) fry and a variety of fish. It is also a perfect place for boating and boat racing. Swimmers who prefer fresh water stay at the river. And those experienced ones swim across the wide river.
December 16th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, City Tours, Historical Sites, Pangasinan, Travel |
Dining
Charged with the existing aroma of various cuisines, the city cradles a variety of restaurants and fast foods joints, an evidence of people’s passion for food. In Bonuan-Tondaligan area alone, there are about 30 seafood diners, which serve the famed Dagupan Bangus any way one wants it: inihaw (roasted/broiled), sinigang, kilawin and daing. For those with adventurous palate, they can try the local favorites “pigar-pigar” in Galvan Street and “kaleskes” in Herrero Perez.
Special Destinations
Bonuan Blue Beach
McArthur Park
The 72-hectare Tondaligan People’s Park where the Bonuan Blue Beach is situated is ideal site for swimming, jet skiing, sailing and other relaxing activities to lift the mind out of the noise and doldrums of urban living.
Here, one may visit MacArthur Park, the landing site of the famous American General in 1945; the Japan-Philippine Friendship Garden and the Shrine of the Unknown Soldier. One may want to see the old St. John Cathedral in the busy downtown area where Leonor Rivera, Jose Rizal’s long-time girlfriend, tied the knot with British Engineer Henry Kipping.
Transportation
Five bus companies operate to transport passengers from Metro Manila to Dagupan City. These are Victory Liner, Five Star, Dagupan Bus, Fermina Express and Santrans. The nearest airport, Loakan Airport in Baguio City is only 65 kilometer away while the nearest seaport, Poro Point in San Fernando La Union is 80 kilometers of Dagupan City Boundary.
November 17th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, City Tours, Nature, Pangasinan |
Ten kilometers from the City lies a weekend destination that is rapidly increasing in popularity. Highly accessible, Bolo beach has become a favorite getaway for families and barkadas who feel the need to unwind or just catch up on bonding sessions. Its long, horseshoe-shaped beach and shallow waters is a spacious and inviting playground for children and a refreshing retreat for adults, combined. The coarsely formed rock formations near the shore are given new looks with the ingenuity of the folks residing near or on the beach. They topped these rough, blank rocks with colored, smaller rocks, creating an instant work of art.
You can gather your fun-hungry troops and relax on the beach’s wooden sheds and cottages, complete with picnic tables and videoke equipment for all-out entertainment. Or, amp up the fun factor by renting the “rock shed” being developed in the area. These rock sheds are really rock formations on the water that were slightly flattened and furnished with rustic benches and tables, and a videoke, kind of Bolo’s version of floating huts.
November 14th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, City Tours, National Parks, Nature, Pangasinan, Tourists Spots, Travel |
The Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan: Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). 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.
Sparkling like diamonds, the waters glisten as the sun’s golden rays touch the pristine sea. Delightful in one’s eyes is the powdery blue sky casting a bright gleam beneath. The spread of white sand shimmers against the stream that changes hue—from emerald green to turquoise and azure—as the briny deep goes unfathomable. A stroll along the beach ends up with a dip into the soothing warm waters. Colorful tropical fish glide in somewhat orchestrated manner among a many coral gardens. Out of the water, is a discovery that envelopes not only one isle but a throng of numerous islands ambling along each other.
Public bus lines, namely 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.
October 6th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, La Union, Tourists Spots, Travel |
The stretch of white and gray sand beaches along the towns of La Union is the main attraction to tourists. In the province tourist belts are located along the shores of San Juan, San Fernando City, Bauang and Agoo. Its calm crystal water is ideal for water skiing, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, wind surfing and boating. Its gifted multitude scenic landscape is a tourism haven as well, and eco-tourism development. The stable peace and order situation and the tourism areas in La Union are the main attractions to local foreign tourists.
Bauang Beach
Line along the fine grayish sand of Bauang Beach are establishments providing accommodation and other amenities from Baccuit to Pagdalagan. The beach is 6 kilometers south of San Fernando City.
San Francisco-Canaoay-Pagudpud Beach
Tourism-related establishments dot the beach area in San Fernando City.
San Juan Beach
Approximately 8 kilometers north of San Fernando City, the beach stretching from urbiztondo to Ili Norte is dotted with tourism-related establishments. The surf in the area is ideal for surfing during the months of November to February.
Agoo Beach
It was the stretch of beach fronting the Agoo Playa Hotel and which is a part of Agoo – Damortis National Park was where the Japanese traded with the native during the pre – Spanish time earning for Agoo the name “Puerto de Japon”.
Caba Beach
San Carlos and Santiago Norte beaches are becoming to be the favorite sites fro private beach houses and resorts. The snd is nearly black beach house resort. The sand is nearly black beach because of the metallic deposit of iron. When not using a private vehicle, stop at the town proper of Caba then take a tricycle to the beach.
City Beach
Splendid beaches adorn the City’s coastline, supplementing these are resorts and a wide raw picnic sheds. One can skin or cuba dive, snorkel, surf and swim or just soak in the water offshore.
September 2nd, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, Ilocos Sur, Nature, Tourists Spots |
Apatot Beach in San Esteban is frequently visited by picnickers. During the last stage of World War II, US submarines surfaced in the area to unload arms and supplies for the USAFIP, NL. There is very little information about Apatot Beach. Most visitors are just locals from nearby towns and cities and there are three existing beach resorts.
September 1st, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, Ilocos Sur, Nature, Tourists Spots |
The rocky shore of Sulvec, Narvacan is a favorite stop-over of commuters and the locals as well. By the shoreline is the Paraiso ni Juan leading up to the grotto atop a rock.
September 1st, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, Ilocos Sur, Nature, Tourists Spots |
Rest houses and picnic sheds are found in this nearby white sand beach in Cabugao. A developed beach known for its pure white sand and shallow shoreline. Barangay Pug-os, located along the national highway and two kilometers north of the poblacion, boasts of its fine beach – its white sand stretching to more than half a kilometer. This attribute and the gradually slopping seabed make it a top favorite among town mates and tourists for swimming, picnics or fun hiking.
August 30th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, Ilocos Sur, Nature, Tourists Spots |
Santiago Cove in Ilocos Sur is a stretch of golden sand beach in Santiago with amenities for picnics and water sports. It is approximately 51 km away from San Fernando La Union.
July 13th, 2008 -- Posted in Beaches, Ilocos Norte, Tourists Spots |
Pagudpud is an enormous place to visit if you’re looking for the comparatively perfect charms of the Philippines. Pagudpud is a wide and beautiful town on the northwest tip of Ilocos Norte, Luzon, bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north.It is considered the largest island in the Philippines. The hills and mountains are luxuriant, the valleys productive. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila — about the equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Creeks, streams and waterfalls splash the landscape and spill into the South China Sea. All around, the ocean and sky are awash in varying shades of blue.
Pagudpud Beach, 2 hours north of Laoag City, has powder-white sand, but it’s hard to tell which is bluer: the sky or the sea. While you are making up your mind, you might also consider a stop in Pasuquin, where the famous biscocho (Ilocos biscuit) is a favorite take-home delicacy for local visitors. But don’t forget to check your watch, for while you play in the waters of Pagudpud, you may not notice how much time you spent on these delightful shores, which are at the very tip of Luzon Island.
Inexpensive resorts are located along the shores of Pagudpud. They normally charge a fixed fee about US$5.00 for a nipa hut where you can hide under the hot sun. But for those who want to relax in more luxurious surroundings, the spacious Saud Resort beckons. Even then, rooms go for about US$35-40 a night. Saud Resort is the most secure of the resorts, with 24-hour security manning the entrance. But it doesn’t mean that the place is dangerous. On the contrary, Pagudpud, as elsewhere in Ilocos, is very safe, and the people are friendly and hospitable.
