Nicci Hawkins asked:




What makes us interested in international travel? For some it might be the lure of an exotic country, a recommendation from a friend or the need to flee the rain in the summer (as is often the case in the UK). For me, it was disillusionment with my degree and the need to get out of London, so I looked to travel and in particular to volunteering as a form of escapism. I had the idea that I could go somewhere and impart some of my knowledge, some of my time, and hopefully give back to someone along the way. I had the vision that I could the world, albeit in a very small way.

Altruistic? In part, but I also wanted to get out of my situation and this seemed like a way of feeling better about it, as well as making 11-month orphans in the Philippines smile. This trip was my first solo experience, and to say that I was nervous is an understatement! Arriving into Tacloban Airport though, opened my eyes to another world. The air was light and fresh and there were luscious green palm trees and banana plantations everywhere. I was stunned at the beauty but also confronted by the fact that the reality of life here was not as I knew it. The Filipino standard of living in this area is incredibly low and I finally realized that I was about to experience an extremely different way of life.

Throughout my time in the Philippines, I was pointed at, stared and laughed at (especially when I attempted to go for a run round the block, but I have since learned that Filipinos rarely walk long distances, let alone run). But the longer I was there, the more I enjoyed my freedom. The pointing, staring and laughing happened because the people weren’t use to me, and in the beginning I wasn’t used to them either and although this was really hard at one point, it soon became easier to handle. Over time, I learned to love the smells, the sounds, and the hustle and bustle of a city that wasn’t London. I loved commuting on pedicabs and jeepneys (Google them-they are like old school American school buses, painted and decorated to the nines!) and started to get a real flavor for the country and more importantly, the people.

Never in my life have I received such hospitality, and such unusual reactions! As a Westerner, my co-workers at the orphanage saw me as a gateway to the south for their sons or daughters, and many thought that I may be able to find them a husband or wife back home! At the orphanage I was poked, squeezed and pinched and I soon realized that this was their expression of acceptance and interest. I learned that ‘joking only’ was part of the Filipino alphabet (nothing is to be taken seriously, that’s for sure) and that to be English automatically equated me with ‘cups of tea’ and Hermione Granger from Harry Potter (though I look absolutely nothing like her), and that at 1m 75 (about 5’9), I am actually head and shoulders above the rest of the population!

My days were spent working in the orphanage and providing caregivers with help and support. Outside of the orphanage, my life was filled with exploring the surrounding islands with fellow volunteers but it was also enriched by the love and support of my home stay family. I was truly welcomed in as one of them, and was introduced to their extended and extended-extended family throughout my five weeks in the country.

I remember at the end of my time there when I was complaining about going back home to London, the older brother of the family said to me, “You have to go back, Nicci. Your life isn’t here. This isn’t your reality.” As hard as it was to hear, he was right. I had the most incredible time traveling and volunteering, making new international friends and bonding with the most beautiful and giving family but my life was still back in London and I still hadn’t figured out who the ‘real’ me was.

Four years later, and I’m now working for the same volunteering abroad organization that I volunteered with – Kaya Responsible Travel, and I am heading out to live in the Philippines in November for a year. I won’t lie and say that heading off by oneself, especially as a lone female traveler, is easy, but it was certainly the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I experienced so much on my own, and I saw and learned more than a regular ‘tourist,’ who just scratches a country’s surface.

My advice to fellow travelers seeking a challenge and a change is to just do it. Forget about where you’ve come from, and truly embrace the country that you are visiting. Get to know the local people, learn the language and embrace change. As soon as I returned to London, I started planning my next trip, and I’ve had itchy feet ever since. Now instead of bawling my eyes out when I get to the airport, I get that nervous, excited feeling in my stomach: of adventure and the unknown. We have been given the gift of living in ‘the era of easy travel’ so it would just be rude not to take up the offer!

Caffeinated Content

Jed Baguio asked:




If you are getting tired with the same old vacation destination where all you can see are structures, architectures, statues, and paintings, then it is about time to bring yourself to something different. It is about time to visit the exotic and tropical island of the Philippines.

The Philippines is culturally diverse with different languages and color. You suddenly begin to realize that there is more to the Philippines than it more than 7,000 glittering islands in the Pacific.

Taking you to the far eastern side of the world would bring you the one of the most enchanting places you would ever see with several islands waiting to be explored at minimal prices.

Craving for something different would mean booking your airline ticket at this tropical country that showcases one of the best beaches in the world and some of the best diving spots that one can ever find with its deep marine sanctuaries.

But why go to the Philippines if you can get the sun, beaches, and diving spots in the Caribbean or Miami perhaps? Aside from getting cheap airline tickets that will fly you to the best places in the Philippines, there are numerous domestic flights that could take you anywhere closer to the exotic and remote beaches of the islands with your cheap airline tickets to the Philippines.

Cheap airline tickets to the Philippines can be acquired through several online and offline travel agents, airline companies, and cheap airline ticket sites. Once you have arrived, in its mainland, you are greeted with the warmest welcome from the locals who are all to glad to see visitors from anywhere…CONTINUE [http://airline-ticket-guide.useful-tips.com/11/how-to-get-a-cheap-airline-ticket-to-philippines]

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Allan Merin asked:




The Philippines, which is known for its thrilling tourist attractions and colorful festivals, is slowly making a name for itself as a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. An emerging water recreational activity in the country is parasailing. With its rich water resources, the Philippines is an ideal place for this high-flying adventure.

Initially available in posh resorts in the Bahamas, Hawaii, Guam, and Australia, parasailing is steadily gaining more following in the Philippines due to its inclusion to various vacation packages by offered resort and vacation rental operators across the country.

Parasailing, which is also known as parascending, allows an individual to stay in the air for several minutes while strapped in nylon harnesses. A boat usually carries the parascender into the air. The sport appears difficult but experts insist that parasailing doesn’t need any special skill other than sheer courage. Enjoying the high-adrenaline experience is one of the common tips shared by experts to beginners.

Here is a guide on where to find the best parasailing sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Mactan Island

Situated on the southeast of Cebu, Mactan is one of the leading parasailing destinations in the country. Most accommodations in the island entice tourists with their various water recreation facilities where you can go parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and sailboating. While in the air, the parascender gets a fascinating view of the islands of Bohol, Sta. Rosa, Olango, and Cebu. Pristine beaches and rich marine resources have placed Mactan on the Philippine travel map.

Boracay Island

Parasailing adventures also await holidaymakers in Boracay, which is famous for its white sand beaches. A brave soul is treated with a bird’s-eye-view of the whole island. While most resorts in Boracay arrange parasailing activities for their clients, tourists can also hire the services of hawkers who offer much lower prices. A 15-minute parasailing escapade in Boracay usually costs between Php 1,500 and Php 2,500. Parasailing allows tourists to get their energy flowing in enjoying various events and activities in Boracay.

Subic Bay

Another favorite parasailing site in the Philippines is the Subic Bay in Zambales. Since it is just a couple of hours away from Manila, most water adventurers in the metro quench their thirst for parasailing and other recreational activities in Subic. Parasailers get an unforgettable view of the Subic Bay and Grande Island. Other water activities in Subic include scuba and wreck diving, yachting, and kayaking.

Coron Island

The island paradise of Palawan has everything for every tourist, including parasailing. In Coron, a famous travel getaway in the province, one can enjoy a view of the island around 400 feet above the water. The island, which is also famous for its pleasant rock formations, is considered the best wreck diving site in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as ten to 30 feet and as deep as 120 to 140 feet.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Caffeinated Content

Brett Jankowiak asked:




It was not until I had been given my first San Miguel that I realised that this place was hot, humid and sticky. My first San Mig didn’t even touch the sides. I was back in Manila sitting at the bar in the hotel, after dropping off my bag and putting all my important documents in the safety deposit box. I took some time to reflect on my first visit to this incredibly diverse country.

When you discuss holiday destinations with people, the better trodden paths are the ones most frequented, not many people I know have traveled to the Philippines. Let me tell you, if you enjoy tropical islands with white powdery sand merging into the jungle on one side and then disappearing into the turquoise blue water on the other, then this is the place for you! After all there are 7,107 islands in the Philippines, take your pick!

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world, which makes getting around so much easier. Tourism has not really taken off like in neighboring Asian countries, like Thailand and Malaysia and the infrastructure is not quite there, which in a way makes it all the more exciting because your holiday will become an adventure, it can drag you down at times but once you arrive at your final destination the trip getting there will be long forgotten.

My journey took me to the resort town of Puerto Galera on the island of Mindoro. Puerto Galera is the port where Spanish Galleons use to take refuge from the might of the typhoons. Letting your imagination wonder a little as you glance around the port, you can almost see the Spanish Galleons swinging on their anchors.
Puerto Galera has recently won the 2005 Most Beautiful Bay in the World Award. It is easy to see why.

Getting to Puerto Galera

From Manila you need to take a bus to Batangas which takes approximately three hours, depending on the time of day and which day it is, the longest it has taken me was seven hours. From Batangas which is south of the Philippine capital of Manila you can catch a ferry across to Puerto Galera which is about an hour to an hour and half. The trip to Batangas is pretty uneventful, the real beauty starts when you get on the ferry. The water is a deep cobalt blue, if you are lucky you may even see dolphins, turtles and flying fish.

The Beaches

The majority of the resorts are centered around the beaches of Sabang, Small La Laguna and Big la Laguna. Sabang is where most of the action is, discos, pubs, restaurants and lots of accommodation. The next beach along is Small La Laguna which has more accommodation and the beach is quite nice. Make sure you stop off at the Point Bar which separates Sabang from Small La Laguna Beach the view is outstanding. Moving further away from Sabang you come to, in my opinion, the pick of the beaches, Big La Laguna Beach. The beach here is beautiful and it a lot quieter than Sabang, with some superior accommodation.

What to do in Puerto Galera?

The main focus here is the water. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the number one pursuits. The scuba diving is first class. There is no swell so swimming is safe, as are other water activities, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.

Do try and get up to Ponderosa Golf Club for some jungle golf, lots of fun. Trekking is also available and do combine the trek to visit a Mangyan Village. Or you can just curl up on the beach with a good book!

Back to Reality

Pondering over my icy cold San Miguel, my first two week stay in these enchanted islands left me relaxed and ready to get back into the rat race of modern society. My first trip seemed like years ago, but I have visited and lived in this wonderful country on and off for a decade.

Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress

Allan Merin asked:




If you’re in for an ultimate travel adventure, then why not go backpacking in the Philippines. With 7,107 islands, you will never run of destinations to choose from in this Southeast Asian nation. Imagine hopping from one island to another while enjoying various attractions and sceneries across the archipelago. That’s a peak of what to do in this archipelago.

Though often left out by international tourists due to security issues, the Philippines is considered a backpacker’s paradise. The country is home to distinctive events and festivals, breathtaking natural and man-made attractions, luxurious and affordable hotels and resorts, and hospitable people.

Getting around the Philippines is not as tricky as some people might think. With improved infrastructure and public transport system, backpacking in this tropical country has been made easy. Equipped yourself with comfortable clothes, a sturdy pair of shoes, a video camera, and spare cash and you’re ready for a backpacking adventure in the Philippines. A travel guide and a map will also come handy.

Here are some of the recommended backpacking destinations in the country. Let’s exclude Palawan, Boracay, and Manila from the list as they have been featured many times in related articles.

Laguna

Because of its immediate proximity to Metro Manila, Laguna is among the ideal backpacking getaways in the Philippines. There are lots of things to do in this southern province including hiking the majestic Mt. Makiling, shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan, swimming at resorts in Pansol, and shopping for slippers in Liliw. Other points of interest in Laguna are the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, and the Makiling Botanical Garden in Los Ba?os. The best shopping sites for souvenirs can be found in the towns of Liliw, Pakil, and Lumban.

Batangas

Another popular backpacking destination near Metro Manila is Batangas. This province is known for its pristine beaches and top-notch resorts that are more affordable than those in Boracay. A must-see attraction in Batangas is the Taal Lake and Volcano, where regular tours are available for tourists. Batangas is also a perfect place for pilgrimage tourism. It is home to some of the country’s oldest churches such as the Basilica of San Martin de Tours and the Church of San Juan. Never leave Batangas without tasting its famous goto (congee) and lechon (roasted pig).

Sagada

The municipality of Sagada in Mountain Province is a backpacker’s delight. Known for its relaxing rural setting, Sagada is frequented by backpackers looking for something different to explore. The most notable attraction in the town is the Hanging Coffins of Sagada, a sacred burial site for indigenous people. Other recommended sites to visit in Sagada include the Bokong Falls, Echo Valley, Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, and Lake Danum. Don’t forget to taste various coffee varieties in town.

Aside from the above-mentioned destinations, other premier backpacking sites in the Philippines include Davao, Cebu, Baguio, Pampanga, and Iloilo. To avoid travel inconveniences, learn about your target destinations in advance.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Caffeinated Content for WordPress

Peter Garant asked:




Bohol, a small island in central Philippines, is known for the world famous and unique Chocolate Hills. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. It’s true though that when most people think of Bohol, almost nothing else comes to mind. It might surprise you that it is more than the usual tourist spot and that there’s more to explore and to see in this island than those limestone hill formations.

Bohol is home to pristine beach shores. Panglao Island, just minutes away from the capital Tagbilaran, is increasingly gaining more popularity among local and foreign tourists as a more laid-back and tranquil beach destination alternative to Boracay.

But if you’re the kind who’s not satisfied with having a few dips in the water and taking in spectacular beachfront views, Bohol will certainly not disappoint. Scuba divers have more than enough choices of world class diving spots surrounding the island. Colorful coral reefs and rich marine life will surely satisfy all types of explorers, from novice snorkelers to expert divers.

Another popular attraction is dolphin and whale watching. Pamilacan Island is headquarters to the best spotters that arrange these tours. Most were former hunters who joined the dolphin and whale watching program after the Philippine government banned the killing of these marine mammals.

Bohol’s exotic wildlife is not limited underwater. The island’s last remaining forests protect unique fauna. It is home to one of the world’s smallest primates, the tarsier. You can visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella and see the timid and peculiar animal in its natural habitat.

The Rajah Sikatuna National Park, a large forest reserve near Bilar, is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Treks along the trails throughout the park can lead you to an encounter with some of the country’s rare bird species.

Bohol is also a place rich with culture and history. Century-old churches in Baclayon, Loboc, Loay, Maribojoc, Loon and Dauis are a few of the standing monuments. And there are old Spanish watchtowers in Punta Cruz, Dauis, Panglao and Pamilacan.

If you want to keep away from the province’s usual tourist trail, you can travel along the less popular eastern side of the island. It has some of the most amazing coastlines, and secluded beaches, from the town of Anda in the southeast to the town of Talibon in the north.

Some of the towns in Bohol also offer community-based tours. Calape, Maribojoc and Candijay are among such towns. It is a great option to visit these towns’ protected mangrove areas and experience the quaint rural life in this part of the country. These tours showcase how resolute the locals are in preserving the island’s natural environment.

But to really experience Bohol is to experience the people’s hospitality. Try visiting the island in May when town fiestas are celebrated almost everyday. You can hop from town to town without having to bring money other than for transportation. You’d surely be invited to residents’ homes and enjoy feasts of lechon baboy (roasted pig) and kinilaw (raw fish).

Bohol is an island blessed with so much bounty and natural beauty. There’s no argument about that. What sets it apart from other tourist spots is that there’s so much to explore and so much to do that it’s actually pretty difficult to decide which one to do first. Of course, you can’t pass up a visit to the impressive Chocolate Hills. But staying overnight at this famous spot just to see stunning sunrise and sunset over the surreal landscape will be well worth it.

Create a video blog

Jose Maria Abada asked:




The only issue with these high-end hotels in the country is that the interested visitor and traveler should be ready to pay up the extra cost of the services at these hotels. For those looking to stay at luxury hotels in the country, then there are a number of suggested luxury hotels.

Here is a listing of seven of the often-suggested luxury hotels in the Philippines:
-Pan Pacific Manila, Manila
-Makati Shangri-la Manila, Makati
-Traders Hotel Manila, Pasay
-InterContinental Manila, Manila
-The Peninsula Manila, Makati
-Amanpulo, Pamalican Island
-Mandarin Oriental Manila, Manila

All these hotels are known for their classic luxury and super luxury, and just a sampling of some of the better hotels in the country in terms of luxury that it provides to residents. Some of the best hotels are found in Boracay Island. And to fully enjoy the things that the island has to offer, the traveler should take into account his accommodation in the area. It’s best to know the island hotels in Boracay on order to get the best experience in the island. These island hotels are plentiful in the area, and hotels here are categorized into high-end ones and to those hotels that can meet even the smallest budget. Of course, to get the maximum experience, the top Boracay Island hotels should be priority on the said list of choices.

The best in the island of Boracay can be found in the White Beach. The White Beach is a 4 kilometer strip of fine white sand beaches. This trip is well-known in other parts of the world, in fact the Boracay Beach and this part of the island was named in 2007 as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. This was the result of the survey conducted by Yahoo Travel. In the same listing by Yahoo Travel, most of the beaches that were listed were located in Hawaii and in mainland United States and it was the island as the sole entry from Asia. This says a lot about the island as a haven for tourists.

A good number of the best hotels in the area are found in White Beach. White Beach is the main tourism beach of the area and this is over 4 kilometers long and the shoreline is lined with resorts, restaurants, bars and of course hotels. There are around 40 hotels in the White Beach area and these hotels will meet the demands of the travelers of different tastes and budget range.

Caffeinated Content

John Grant asked:




If you have travelled to a great deal of places and all over the world already then you probably have noticed that each city you visit is in some ways distinctly different from all others. You found out how each city has its own essential characteristic: the sophistication of New York, the glamour of Hollywood, the romantic atmosphere of Milan, the artistic flavor of Paris, the old charm of London, the liveliness of Tokyo…but if you decide to travel to the Philippines, there’s one quality that you’d notice all its cities have – and that’s warmth.

Below are several great spots to visit when you travel to Philippines. I assure you that there’s no need to fear getting lost or being treated in an unfriendly manner because the country is quite known as a tourist-friendly place.

Boracay – In recent years, Boracay, found in Aklan, Philippines, became very popular as a beach paradise to tourists all over the world. White sand, sparkling sea water, luxurious accommodation, great food and great company – you’ll find all of those and more when you travel to Boracay.

Intramuros – Fondly known as the Walled City because of its historic significance to the Philippines, traveling to the country wouldn’t be complete without a tour to Intramuros. There, you can check out the museums of the country and get to know a little bit more about the history and culture of the Philippines. Enjoy the beautiful wildlife that Luneta Park offers.

Malaca?ang Palace – I’m sure you’re aware of the legend of Ms. Imelda Marcos and her shoes. If you want to see where she lived when she was still the First Lady of the country, do try to travel to the deeper part of Manila and drop by at Malaca?ang Palace.

Ongpin – This is the Chinatown that everyone’s very proud of. If you travel to the Philippines and want to see a different side of Filipinos, perhaps you should travel to Binondo, Manila, where Ongpin is located and get to know the Filipino-Chinese communities. During holidays and festivities, you’d see that the streets of Ongpin would be decorated in authentic Chinese decors and everyone would be wearing red to honor the occasion they’re celebrating.

Banawe Rice Terraces – Located in the northern part of the Philippines, travel to Banawe to see for yourself what’s described as the eighth wonder of the world.
Wherever great spot you may find yourself in the Philippines, you’re sure to be welcomed by the natives with friendly smiles and warm hospitality.

Caffeinated Content

Claire Ortega asked:




The Philippines is a country of diversity – brimming with colorful people living in colorful places. But not when it comes to the weather. There are only two seasons in the Philippines: wet and dry. But don’t let bad weather keep you from having fun on your trip! A little Philippines travel guide will go a long way.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has affected the weather in tropical Philippines, too. There used to be a clear point when the seasons started and ended. Today though, Filipinos (and their visitors) experience unexpected weather changes: the sun could be shining warmly one moment, and heavy rain could be pelting down the next. But generally, the country experiences its warmest from April to October. The rest of the year is relatively colder because of the monsoon winds. On average, twenty typhoons enter the country yearly; the majority of which occur during the latter half of the year.

LOCAL WEATHER

Some places in the Philippines are known to have their own weather system – specially in mountainous areas. Weather could also be magnified in places near beaches or other bodies of water. It is best to keep updated with weather changes from local and international news. PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration) is the government weather bureau. They publish hourly reports whenever a typhoon hits the country.

BE PREPARED

During your stay in the Philippines, always bring around your weapons against the elements. Sun block is good for preventing painful sunburns (specially for those with sensitive skin). Umbrellas can shield you from both the harsh sun and the pelting rain. Hats with wide brims or visors protect your hair and eyes. Sunglasses can help prevent the sun from damaging your vision. And fans can help keep you cool through the humid days.

Keep these Philippines travel information in mind, and you will enjoy your stay in the Philippines come rain or come shine.

Caffeinated Content

Pedro Endo asked:




Philippines is a nice distinctive place to visit. With its tropical weather and excellent varieties of beaches and resorts, anyone would easily fall in love with this wonderful country located in the south eastern part of Asia.

My experience of stay in the Philippines makes me want to plan an immediate return for another vacation. If you are thinking of traveling to the Philippines, you should definitely be a little familiar with its main city capital called Manila. This is where you will most likely plan your flight arrival destination to end up at.

Finding cheap flights to Manila is not that easy, you need to do researching as well as planning ahead of time. Flights to other local airport destinations may not be cheaper since manila is the main capital of the country. So, almost all international flights are routed thru the city’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, thus, more scheduled flights and much lesser expenses for airline companies.

However, Cebu Mactan International Airport has been gaining international flights already. At the time of this writing, they have 6 regular direct international flights. Taipei is the most recently added trip to their list of scheduled flights, and is scheduled for at least twice a week. It maybe a little expensive compared to a Manila flight, but if you intend to go anywhere near Cebu area like Bohol or somewhere around the Visayas region, then it would be a fairly good option to take advantage at. Another international Airport would be in Davao which has 3 international daily scheduled flights, to Singapore, to Koror Palau, and to Manado Indonesia.

Airfares are usually the most expensive part of a vacation trip, next to it would be hotel accommodations, this is why most of those who plan to visit the Philippines would surely want to go after those cheap flights to Manila. Nevertheless, once you arrive in the country, most of the things you will find there have adequately cheap prices, like food, transportation, souvenir items, clothing stuffs, and other accessories you may want to buy, way much cheaper compared to buying the same things from other countries.

Further more tips in finding cheap flights to Manila would be:

o Asking for quotations from travel agencies

o Surfing the internet to compare and get the best rates out there

o If you are from USA, then there are lots of Filipino agents selling cheap airfares to Manila, do try asking for them around your neighborhood

o Planning ahead on specific dates will give you bigger savings

o Most airlines offer huge discounts if booked earlier, but you must be sure about the schedule of your flight, otherwise you may end up getting charged for more should you request to cancel or change your flight schedule later on

o Some companies give discounts if you pay them via credit card, you should take advantage of such offer

o Other companies even accept travel mileage points to cover for your airfare

Caffeinated Content for WordPress