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.

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Jason Martin asked:




The Philippines is a wondrous, magical place. With over 7,000 islands, you could spend a lifetime there and never begin to see it all. With that in mind, here are three places to visit when you embark on your Philippines adventure.

Metropolitan Manila

The Philippines capital, Manila, is a center of all things in the country. Many call it a city by the bay. Sure, it’s humid and congested, but you can find whatever you seek here. It’s a shopper’s paradise.

And if you want to get close to a loved one, spend some time soaking up the sunset at Manila Bay.

Corregidor Island

It’s a tadpole-shaped island where heavy fighting took place during WWII. If you love history, take some time to visit this jewel of a place. It’s where Gen. MacArthur said, “I shall return.”

You can still see the remains of the war-battle barracks and canyons used to fight.

Rizal Park

If you find yourself in Metro Manila, take a journey to it’s heart. There you’ll find beautiful Rizal Park, which is 148 acres. It’s named after Dr. Jose Rizal, who was a national hero in the Philippines.

Everyone, from families to lovers, enjoy the park. I’d recommend taking a ride on the calesa, which a horse-drawn carrage made of wood. This park has playgrounds, fountains, concert area and gardens. It’s worth checking out.

No matter where you go in the Philippines, beauty and fun are at your fingertips. These three places are just a small sampling of what makes the Philippines such a great place to visit.

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Lisa Araneta asked:




Baguio City is approximately 240 kilometers north of Manila, the Philippines’ capital city. It is accessible via a 45 minute plane ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via daily Asian Spirit flights. However, as weather conditions can sometimes make air travel unreliable, land travel has always been most popular means of getting to Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Baguio City, known also as the City of Pines, is one of the top Philippine destinations, favored by both foreign and local visitor for its lovely natural environment and temperatures that are generally 8 degrees lower than other Philippine locations.

To get to Baguio City by private transport, one first takes the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) via the Balintawak entrance, which is accessible from the premier Metro Manila highway known as EDSA.

The NLEX is about 80 kilometers in length that ends in the province of Pampanga. However, a new road way known as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) was inaugurated in 2008 that bypasses several busy towns of Pampanga and Tarlac provinces, cutting travel time considerably.

The SCTEX may be accessed via Exit 85 at the NLEX and one travels another 40 kilometers of smooth roads with several options to reach MacArthur Highway, which is also known as the North Luzon Highway, a major road that leads northwards to the base of Kennon Road or Marcos Highway, which are both mountain zigazag access roads to Baguio City.

One travels the length of the SCTEX exiting at Tarlac City, passing through a 10km access road to get to MacArthur Highway. Another option would be to take an earlier exit that is marked Hacienda Luisita that has a shorter and wider access road to MacArthur Highway. Using this alternative SCTEX exit, though, will cause travelers to pass through the heart Tarlac City, which can at times experience heavy traffic.

Once on MacArthur Highway, one turns northward, passing through the smaller towns of Tarlac province, the length of Pangasinan province until reaching the base of Kennon Road and Marcos Highway (entry point to Marcos Highway is about 500 meters from that of Kennon Road’s) in Rosario, La Union.

High-powered vehicles generally opt to pass Marcos Highway to get to Baguio City because it is a smoother, more reliable, all-weather road, although oldtimers prefer to pass beautiful Kennon Road with its gentler curves and bends and the many waterfalls visible along the way.

It is suggested that one fuel up at the gas stations in Rosario, La Union prior to climbing the zigzag roads. These stations also provide road access advisory boards indicating road conditions for your reference.

Travel time to Baguio City takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours by private transport depending on whether one travels during the day or at night. Night travel is faster, because there is less lowland traffic, but is only recommended for those already familiar with the route.

Find a more detailed travel advisory at the author’s website, that includes more information on alternative routes & detours, maps and other essential travel tips.

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Allan Merin asked:




Located southeast of Metro Manila, Quezon is one the steadily progressing provinces in the Philippines. The province, which was named after the country’s second president, Manuel L. Quezon, is rich in agricultural lands and is blessed with natural wonders such as the Mt. Banahaw. Though the province greatly depends on farming, its tourism sector is steadily becoming a booming industry.

Best Time To Visit

Summer is the ideal time to roam around Quezon Province, which is home to the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Lucban. The weather from March to May is also conducive to climb Mt. Banahaw, one the active volcanoes in the country. However, this majestic mountain has been temporarily closed to public as part of conservation efforts in the province.

The following are some of the famous tourist attractions in Quezon.

Pahiyas Festival

Celebrated on the 15th day of May, this annual festival in Lucban is one of the famous summer events in the country. Every year, residents of the second-class municipality decorate their homes with colorful rice ornaments called kiping. Pahiyas is held in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saints of farmers, for a bountiful harvest and endless blessings. A similar festival is also held yearly in Sariaya.

Mt. Banahaw

Towering more than 7,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Banahaw is one of the favorite destinations of mountaineers in the country. Hiking activities on the “sacred” mountain peak during the Holy Week. Religious faithfuls are also a regular scene at Mt. Banahaw during the Lenten season. They usually gather in the “Kweba ng Diyos Ama” and the Kinabuhayan spring, which allegedly has curative powers.

Mayohan sa Tayabas

Another famous festival in Quezon is the Mayohan sa Tayabas. This ten-day event, which kicks off on May 6, is more than just a gastronomic treat for both local residents and tourists. Aside from the grab-all-you-can affair with suman, the festival celebrates the city’s rich historical past by holding parades, exhibits, and tiangges.

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center

The construction of the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center in Lucban in 2004 gave birth to the pilgrimage tourism in Quezon. This place of worship is frequented by pilgrims from various parts of the country and abroad in hopes of getting their ailments cured. A side attraction at the centre is a grotto built of top of a hill where a 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ is mounted.

Sariaya Beach

Quezon also has its share of the finest beach resorts in the Philippines. In Sariaya, a first-class municipality on the southeastern side of the provincial capital Lucena, is home to the province’s famous beaches. A number of accommodations have scattered near the seaside, providing affordable and quality vacation packages for tourists. Sariaya is also famous for its heritage houses.

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Allan Merin asked:




Choosing the right hotel will definitely make your vacation a memorable one. In the Philippines, there is a host of luxury hotels that will cater to your needs. Majority of five-star hotels in the country are located in Metro Manila, the center of Philippine commerce, finance, education, and culture.

If you’re willing to shell out extra bucks to experience luxury while enjoying various tourist attractions and exquisite events in the Philippines, then you should check in at these following hotels in the metro. These hotels take pride in providing their guests with excellent services, complete amenities, and high-class accommodations.

Makati Shangri-La

Strategically situated at the heart of the country’s financial center, Makati Shangri-La is the perfect hotel for travelers who are in for business and pleasure. This world-class hotel, which is just a 20-minute ride from the international airport, has 699 guest rooms and suites equipped with the finest facilities that will surely satisfy even the most demanding guests. Makati Shangri-La provides easy access to posh restaurants, trendy bar, and giant shopping malls in the city.

InterContinental Manila

An equally luxurious hotel in the Philippines is InterContinental Manila, which is nestled in the country’s financial and commercial hub-Makati City. The hotel, designed by national artist Leandro Locsin, treats its guests with homely warmth and a lot of respect and hospitality. All of its 333 guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access, making InterContinental Manila a favorite among leisure travelers and businesspeople. The hotel is just across posh shopping malls such as Greenbelt and Glorietta.

Mandarin Oriental Manila

Another five-star hotel located in Makati City is Mandarin Oriental Manila. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from the central business and shopping district of the city. It has 442 spacious rooms that offer thoughtful amenities. Mandarin Oriental Manila is also an ideal place for the health buffs, as it has two world-class spa, a 24-hour fitness center, a landscaped pool, and a beauty salon.

The Peninsula Manila

Set on the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila provides a homey atmosphere for its guests. The hotel, which is part of the Hong Kong-based hotel chain, is dubbed as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown.” It has 468 rooms and suites designed to suit the needs of discerning travelers in the country. The Peninsula Manila is also an ideal venue for weddings and social and corporate events.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Located in the Philippine capital, Manila, Hyatt Hotel and Casino is fit for travelers looking for the relaxing side of the metro. This deluxe hotel is within walking distance from the city’s famous tourist attractions. What sets Hyatt Hotel and Casino from other five-star hotels is that it provides a fascinating view of the Manila Bay, which is famous for its sunset. It has 378 rooms and suites equipped with the latest and the finest amenities for the satisfaction of its guests.

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Allan Merin asked:




Bulacan is a household name in Philippine literature due to its rich historical heritage. The province, which is located north of Manila, is the birthplace of some of the country’s great men and women such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Gregorio del Pilar, Francisco Baltazar, Nicanor Abelardo, and Guillermo Tolentino, among others. Bulacan is also the cradle of Asia’s first constitutional democracy.

Aside from its full-bodied past, Bulacan is also considered one of the favorite travel destinations among local and foreign tourists due to its immediate proximity to Metro Manila. The province, which is less than an hour drive from the metro, has its fair share of astonishing attractions that are magnets to discerning travelers.

Most travel guides about the Philippines list Bulacan as one of the best backpacking destinations in the country. Tourists can use the public transport system to roam around the province. There is also a host of resorts and hotels that are perfect for overnight stay. So pack your bags and get those traveling feet ready for an ultimate Bulacan experience. The following are some of the must-see attractions in the province.

Barasoain Church

Start your Bulacan trip by making a stop in Barasoain Church in Malolos. Dubbed as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East,” this 17th century structure was the site of the First Philippine Congress on September 29, 1898. It was destroyed at the height of the Philippine Revolution but was renovated several times to preserve its original structure. Never miss a visit to a light and sound museum while in Barasoain Church.

Verdivia Falls

One of the natural wonders in Bulacan is the Verdivia Falls in the municipality of Dona Remedios Trinidad. This body of water is known for its wide-catch basin. Verdivia Falls is best for group picnics and outings. The local government is offering tourists an overnight vacation package that includes different activities such as trekking, swimming, and community immersion.

Obando Fertility Dance

Bulacan, which covers an area of 2,774.85 square kilometers, is also famous for its colorful events and festivals. One of the more popular among them is the Obando Fertility Dance, which is held from May 17 to 19. It is believed that childless couples have their prayers answered by dancing and praying to the Virgin of Salambao. The festival is also a magnet for maidens and bachelors who are looking for partners.

Biak-na-Bato National Park

Visit the Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel to enjoy a twin feeling of historical and ecological experience. Declared a protected area by President Manuel L. Quezon in 1937, Biak-na-Bato was the site of the proclamation of the first Philippine Republic. It is also known for its wonderful scenery such as the Aguinaldo, Cuarto-Cuarto, and Bahay Paniki caves. Biak-na-Bato is likewise popular among trekking and birding enthusiasts.

Aside from the above-mentioned scenic spots, Bulacan is also renowned for its historical, religious, cultural, and natural attractions such as the Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine, the Battle of Quinga Monument, St. Martin of Tours Church, Plaridel Church, and the Pulilan Carabao Festival. With these breathtaking visual treats, Bulacan is truly a perfect vacation getaway.

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.

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Muhammad Suhail asked:




Manila is city in the Philippines and is located near the west of the island of Luzon. It is known as the cosmopolitan hub of the Philippines. Manila is a city that is one in total of 17 cities and municipal towns in an area that is called as the national capital region or metro manila in Philippines. The city of Manila which is more historically remembered is located between the manila bay and Pasig River.

Climate
Manila is city of tropical climate with two very obvious seasons. The climate here remains wet with constant rains or dry spells of sunlight. Tropical storms are common in the city and occur from May till November after which the climate remains dry till April. Temperature hover around 20 to late 30s during summer months. The winters remain cool with the temperature going down to 10 degrees.

Getting Here
If you have decided to spend your holiday here then you should make all your travel and accommodation plans early as hotels here are full in the peak seasons. Most of the foreign visitors arrive by plane and land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. From here, you can take taxis and reach at your hotel. Once settled, you can take buses or ferries for inter island travel as manila is connected to the various other islands in the Philippines. You can also take jeepneys to get around the city. They are the fastest and the least expensive. You can roam around with just 7-8 pesos per trip. Other means include water taxis and water buses which flow with the Pasig River.

Major Attractions
Some of the major tourist’s attractions in Manila are situated along the Manila bay. First up, is the Baywalk, which is a linear park along the Manila bay. You can also visit the Bonifacio Shrine built to honor the memory of Andreas Bonifacio, who fought against the Spanish. You can also visit the Chinatown, a very famous place for Chinese food. Then there is the Intramuros, which houses some of the old collections of the city. It also has a museum and Manila cathedral.

People
The people in Manila are from various different communities. English and Filipino are the widely spoken languages here. As there are many Chinese here, mandarin is also widely spoken in the Chinese areas of the cities. People are generally friendly and hospitable and you should enjoy the social life in the city.

Food
The city offers many eating out places and provides a vibrant and diverse taste. The city has all the common international food chains. Coffee shops and cafes are also quite common. But, the traditional street food is most famous among tourists. The variety of dishes on the streets is enormous and would certainly tantalize your taste buds. Some of the most famous dishes include the Chicharon, the Balut, banana Cue, silog, Nanay Q and Balut Eggspress. Overall, the food is cheap and quite tasty but you should be aware that there are many street foods that may not be as clean as you might think so should always eat with precaution.

Security
During your stay in the city you should move around with precaution as street and other kinds of crimes are common in certain areas. Theft and pick pocketing is normal and you are advised to blend in with the crowd when on the streets.

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Constantinos Scoumbris asked:




Manila City or simply Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the cities that make up the greater metropolitan area of Metro Manila. It is situated on the shores of Manila Bay just west of the geographical center of Metro Manila. This 38.55 sq km city lies on an isthmus between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay in southern Luzon. The city of Manila has 16 district, 8 are located on the North of the Pasig River and another 8 on the South of Pasig River.

In the very center of Philippine urban life – the Millennium Plaza sits in the heart of the Manila Business and Financial District. It’s the perfect location for your vacation home with five huge air conditioned shopping malls, offering everything from Gucci and Armani, to hand-made Philippine crafts and $1 first run Hollywood movies, museums, fantastic upscale eateries and specialty stores, and the world’s major banks.

In addition, Makati has the hottest nightclub scene in Manila. Makati has it all. When the night falls, the club scene heats up with drinks, dancing, and fantastic entertainment – all for a fraction of what you would pay anywhere else! This is the perfect place – no matter what you want from your Manila holiday!

If you like to shop, to sight-see, to soak up culture, or get romantic, you have exactly the right place! Vacation condo is just a short taxi or Jeepney ride (3-5 minutes) from the most modern, upscale shopping centers in Asia! Fabulous gourmet cuisine is just minutes away, and a tour of the city will take you through 300 years of Spanish history and color.

You’re also just a short drive away from both Clark AFB and Subic Bay – former U.S. military bases, that have been transformed into free trade zones. The perfect place to pick up anything you need, tax free and cheap!

Also, being the main city in the world’s largest archipelago, your vacation home is just a short flight, or boat ride away from some of the most beautiful tropical island getaway resorts on the planet!

If you’re a “party animal” – you’ll love Makati! When the sun goes down, the night club scene really starts to roll! You’ll find excellent bars and pubs in the area, with top quality live music and great entertainment. If your taste runs to the more “exotic” types of shows, you’ll find something for just about everyone and while we are not IN the night club district, your holiday rental condo is just a short walk away.

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Ernesto Del Castillo asked:




The Philippine Climatic Calendar is characteristically divided throughout the year into Wet and Dry Seasons – and Philippine Weather could vary in different parts of the country at any time or any day. Agronomists consider Philippine Soil hospitable to a wide variety of indigenous flora and adaptable to select species of imported plants permitted to enter the country.

Tree Farming in the Philippines is centuries-old. The Coconut Palm Tree could be found planted in many places of the PhilippineArchipelago. This Plantation-Tree (perhaps, the pioneer in the country) has been called THE “Tree-of-Life” – given the commercial value of almost all its component Tree-Parts. Philippine Mangoes & Bananas are said to be the “World’s Best-Tasting” wherever planted.

The Science-of-Horticulture in the Philippines keeps on growing in sophistication yearly. Traveling along National Highways of provinces closer to Metro Manila (Laguna etc.), it is evident that enterprising Filipino Rural Poorhave converted the 2-Side Embankments into kilometers-long multi-color flowering gardens offering ready-to-use Plants-for-Sale. Likewise, the green-thumb Urban Poor makes use of empty lots as gardens with Plants-for-Sale readily available inside private Residential Subdivisions. Given the above, Filipino Landscape Architects (of high-value Real Estate Properties), are quick to design and make Entrance-Gateways into beautiful collections showcasing the variant Tropical Plants in the country.

My out-of-the-fence 1000 M2 backyard used to be a down-hill sloping grassy water-clogged garbage-dump habitat for Snakes and other Pests. After a year of daily morning 2-hrs Gardening, my “Work-in-Progress” is now a 3-level Terrace-Garden planted to a select variety of Vegetable, of Flowering, and of Herbal plants.

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Allan Merin asked:




Exploring the beauty of the Philippines is always a thrill. This Southeast Asian nation has been making waves in the tourism industry with its wide selection of scenic spots, festive events, and breathtaking man-made and natural attractions.

Most travelers think that the Philippines is only akin to the beautiful beaches of Boracay and bargain-hunting and bar-hopping adventures in Metro Manila. But most people often missed out on exploring various tourist attractions in Mindanao. One of the leading travel destinations in the southern region is Davao, one of the country’s most progressive cities.

Covering an area of 943.6 square meters, Davao is the perfect place for travelers looking to experience an idyllic town setting at the comforts of a modern metropolis. The city, which is three times bigger than the entire Metro Manila, has a lot to offer. The “Land of Promise” is home to pristine beaches, beautiful diving spots, historical sites, and luxury resorts and hotels, among others. It’s no wonder, then, that Davao has all the trimmings of an ultimate Philippine vacation.

To guide you to your Davao trip, the author came up with a list of the must-see tourist attractions in the city.

Mt. Apo

Towering over 9,650 feet above sea level, Mt. Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines. This national park is a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to more than 270 bird species. Mt. Apo is also considered an ideal hiking destination for the adventure-bound. Experts said scaling this volcanic mountain is not a technical one. It may take up to five days to reach the summit depending on your pace.

Philippine Eagle Center

Davao also allows tourists to get up close and personal with the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle. Situated in Malagos, the Philippine Eagle Center serves as temporary home and a breeding center for the critically endangered bird. The Philippine Eagle, one of the tallest and biggest birds in the world, usually feeds on flying lemurs, wild cats, and squirrels.

Kadayawan Festival

The perfect time to visit Davao would be August, when the city stages one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines. Kadayawan Festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful harvest. Various activities, including street dancing, tribal parades, trade fairs, flower shows, and horse fight competitions, are lined up during the weeklong festival.

GAP Farming Orchard

You can also embark on a nature trip while in Davao. GAP Farming Orchard is a perfect place to escape city life and pollution. It has well-maintained cottages and camp sites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and horseback riding facilities. Exotic flowers and tropical fruits can be found in the garden. A giant one-eyed monster confined in a tunnel built during the Japanese occupation is also a major attraction at the resort.

There are many other things to do in Davao. For adventure seekers, a visit to Camp Sabros in Mt. Apo or to Eden Nature Park for a thrilling zip line experience is a must. For those who love swimming and other water activities, go to Samal Island, which is famous for its white-sand beaches. A Davao adventure is never complete without tasting durian, a fruit famous for its unique odor and thorn-covered husk.

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.

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