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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Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Manila is an enchanting tourist destination, situated at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shores of the Luzon Island – the largest island of the Philippines. The capital city of the Philippine, Manila is regarded as a gateway to the nation’s remarkable attractions.

Manila is home to a vibrant metropolitan area, the Metro Manila area, sometimes referred to as the National Capital Region (NCR), of which city forms a part. A fine blend of ancient traditions and modernity, Manila showcases an exceptional range of attractions, from colonial structures and parks and museums to fantastic restaurants and exotic shopping malls.

The city is also much famed for its breathtaking vistas comprising the exceptional Manila Bay as well as its scenic golden sunset. Equally worth mentioning is the Manila’s nightlife, with an astounding array of bars, casinos, clubs, and discotheques. Above all, Manila serves as an excellent base to enjoy a variety of exciting activities.

Erected in 1571 by the Spaniards, Intramuros is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Manila. A tour to this amazing walled complex is a great way to experience the rich heritage of the place. Found within the complexes are attractions such as Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church – the oldest church of the city, Fort Santiago – a 16th century fort built on the ashes of a Muslim king, and Casa Manila – a 19th century mansion graced with beautiful furniture

There is also a museum within the old monastery of the San Agustin Church, exhibiting a rare collection of oil paintings. Further, attractions here cover the Rizal Park – a sought after area for relaxing and enjoying recreational activities. Named in the honor of Jose Rizal – the national hero, the park also holds the distinction of being the largest park in Asia. For those who want to experience the influence of China on the Philippines, a great option would be visit China Town, dotted with superb malls, shops, and restaurants.

Your Manila vacation would not be complete without taking a tour to museums in Manilas, such as, the Metropolitan Museum of Art displaying both classical and contemporary fine arts and the National Museums, or the Museum of the Filipino Peoples, with exhibits portraying the ancient history of the place.

A good number of parks and gardens also form Manila’s attractions. Some of the renowned parks in the area are Greenbelt Park comprising small malls and Paco Park, a well-manicured park which was once a cemetery. Most prominent among the gardens are Chinese Garden, Everest Hills Memorial Garden, Father Blanco’s Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Also, while your stay at Manila take a tour to some of the ancient churches in the area like Bonifacio Shrine, Manila Cathedral, and Quiapo Church.

In addition, Manila is a venue to enjoy a great number of leisure activities. A trip to such destination as Tagaytay, which is much famed for its Taal Volcano, would be unforgettable. Another must-see spot nearby Manila is Laguna, an amazing spot blessed with hot sulphur springs. Similarly, an excursion to Pagsanjan via a canoe ride offers a unique experience.

Above all, Manila is home to a number of festivals, which among many others, are Cinemanila International Film Festival, Chinese New Year, Fiesta of the Black Nazarene, Bailes de Los Arcos, Likhang Kamay, Senakulo, and Metro Manila Film Festival.

Above mentioned are just few among many of the attractions in Manila. Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila all-year round. Manila has accommodation options to cater every taste and pocket. From budget villas and hotels to high-end resorts and apartment, Manila’s accommodation choices are superb.

If you are ready to spend extravagantly, you can go for accommodation that are complete with comfortable rooms, automatic wake-up call, voice mail, air conditioning, data port, and satellite TV. Such facilities as business center, private parking facility, currency exchange facilities, and internet access, are also made available. Further, many of them are within the easy reach of the city’s top attractions. There are also some hotels and resorts, providing packages inclusive of accommodation, dining, and facilities to explore the attractions of the place.

Since many of the hotels, resorts, and other service providers have their own websites, it enables for easy booking of rooms online. All you have to do with regard to online booking is to just enter their website, and inform your budget and preference. Some of them even arrange transportation facilities to pick you to and fro the airport.

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Hong Kong, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British in 1842, it was just a typical small village.

In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, under the policy ‘one country, two systems.’ The city has now become one of the vibrant as well as s sought after destinations not only in Asia but also in the world.

Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hong Kong, al though a part of China, is different from rest of China. With its own government, stamps, and laws and regulations, the city consists of four geographic areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, all of them packed with a plethora of attractions and facilities.

It also consists of more than 200 islands, which consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hong Kong is much famed for its superb deep water harbors. According to the survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization, the city has been ranked among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world.

An incredible city blending the best from the East and West, Hong Kong’s attractions, among many others, are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; the covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is the longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packed with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddha statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets, Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.

Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famed attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whose summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderful vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. During nights, the sights from the peak become more dazzling.

Also, of special significance are the temples of the region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religion of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more than 400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to be a missed tourist attraction.

One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is the Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered a living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has been stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-era architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls. Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery, whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lord Buddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition to Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several other popular shrines such as St John’s Cathedral, which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East and Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its minaret of green and white colors.

A visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without taking a tour to many of its fascinating museums, showcasing unique art and antiquities representing several aspects of the place such as its history, film industry, space and science, and coastal defense. Some of the most visited museums in the region are Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.

Attractions also include a continuum of beautiful beaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular among the city’s beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is connected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach; Turtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first artificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh – a marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.

Also, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies, like, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an array of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best of Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles, soups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style restaurants found in Aberdeen.

Apart from this, excellent options are available for shopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed with shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley Street, considered a paradise for shopping cameras and film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted with shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and casual wear.

With these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy a variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all year round. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has options to cater to all types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy reach of almost all top tourist attractions.

Nowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Republic of India, a sovereign South Asian country, is the seventh largest country by geographical area. India is the second most populous country and most populous democracy in the world.

The southern part of the India is surrounded by Indian Ocean, the west by Arabian ocean and the east by Bay of Bengal. With a coastline of over 7000 kms, it is bounded by Pakistan in the west, China, Nepal & Bhutan in the north-east and Bangladesh & Myanmar in the east.

India is home to Indus valley civilization, vast empires and historic trade routes. Well-known for its cultural wealth, India is the birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – four major religions in the world.

This federal republic consists of twenty-eight states and seven union territories. Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, and Chennai are the four major metros in the country. There are several other cities which attract tourists all over the world including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Thiruvanthapuram, Agra, Jaipur and Pune.

India is home to Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders in the world and premier sites of India. This architectural beauty is one of the most visited sites in India by tourists. Built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors, Agra Fort is also a major tourist spot in India.

The construction of this fort began in 1565 by Akbar and completed by the time of Shahjahan. The fort has massive double walls with four gateways. The fort consists of palaces, courts, gardens, mosques, baths and gracious pavilions.

There are several tourist attractions around the country. The city of Cochin is famous for its port and Chinese fishing nets, locally know as Cheena vala. The second largest monastery in Asia Tawang is situated on a hill top in Arunachal Pradesh. Another major attraction is the wall built by Rana Kumbha which is running up and down the Aravali hills in Rajasthan.

The wall consists of 34 fortresses and it resembles the Great Wall of China. Many if the temples India has musical stone pillars in which the central part of the pillars produces notes similar to that of Xylophone.

The Hindola Mahal, also known as swinging palace, in Mandu in central India has a peculiar design. It looks like a powerful fort with strange leaning sidewalls making an illusion that the entire structure is swaying. Mandu, the major fortified city of the medieval world, is situated in India.

The first carved image of Lord Buddha lies in Mathura which was carved around 2000 years ago. The Indian Wild Ass, also know as Khur, is seen only in the salt desert of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most modern cities in India. The cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad together known as twin city. The cities are separated by an artificial lake named Hussain Sagar. Founded on the Musi River by the Qutub Shahi dynasty, Hyderabad is famous for the Charminar and the bazaars.

One of the world’s largest mosques in the world, Mecca Masjid is situated adjacent to the Charminar. Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Tombs of Qutub Shahi kings, Buddha Statue, Paigah Tombs and Hussain Sagar are some of the Hyderabadi places of historical interests.

Hyderabad is filled with several recreational centers some among them are Indira Gandhi Park and Nehru Zoological Park. Archaeological Museum, Birla Mandir Temple and Planetarium at Naubat Pahad, Ramoji Film City, St Joseph’s Cathedral, Health Museum, Chowmohalla Palace, Purani Haveli, Shilparamam Craft Village and Hi-tech city also attract tourists around the world. You can watch cultural and artistic performances regularly at the Ravindra Bharati Theater.

Hyderabad is home to Hyerabadi cuisine which is famous all around the world. Several trades, fairs and festivals are conducted through out the year in Hyderabad. An annual industrial exhibition is held during the months of January and February. The exhibition comprises colorful fair, displays textiles, machinery, handicrafts, and household utensils.

The Deccan Festival in February is accompanied with several cultural performances. Mrigasira Festival is another famous festival in India which consists of a unique feast to cure asthma. This is festival is held during the months of June-July. The Lumbini Festival is celebrated in the month of December.

Naveen Marasinghe asked:

The Ayala Museum is an Arts and History Museum in Manila, Philippines that celebrates the diversity of Filipino culture and the rich tapestry of its art. The museum was the brainchild of artist Fernando Zobel de Ayala y Montojo who envisioned a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Philippines. The museum became a reality in 1967 as a project of the Ayala Foundation and was housed at the Insular Life Building along Ayala Avenue. In 1974 the museum was moved its own custom built property at Makati Avenue and was designed by the National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin.

The museum’s architecture suits its collections and it is famous for its juxtaposing blocks that create wide spaces in the interior of the building. Among the collections at this museum the most popular are sixty diorama collections which chronicles over 50,000 years of Filipino history. All sixty exhibits are handcrafted by talented Paete artists and go back in time form the early native Filipino settlements to the arrival of the Spanish and the Americans and the subsequent struggle for independence. The exhibit also has a multimedia exhibition titled People’s Power which shows the turbulent 1950’s period and the authoritarian rule of Marcos and the victory of the People’s Power Movement in 1986.

The finely crafted sail ship exhibit is also an extremely interesting part of the museum that represents the country’s association with sea faring nations such as Spain, China and Persia. Models of traditional Filipino ships, Chinese Junks, Arabian Baghlas and Spanish Galleons can be seen at this display. The museum also maintains an ethnographic collection of cultural artifacts from the small indigenous communities from all over the archipelago.

Archelogical exhibits that trace the beginning of Filipino culture such as Gold jewelry dating back to the pre-Hispanic times and decorative tribal items some of which are more than 4000 years old are on display here. Visitors to Manila can discover the richness of the country’s culture by visiting this museum, located close by are a block of Manila serviced apartments known as Ascott Makati that offer great accommodation packages for business travelers.

Naveen Marasinghe asked:

The Philippines is heavily dominated by art galleries and the latest cutting edge fashion, which means that institutions that are dedicated to purely studying the past are rare. This is why the National Museum of the Philippines is a joy for those who are interested in discovering the rich past of the country. Discover an array of cultural and historical treasures at the national museum that is equally enlightening to both locals and foreigners alike.

One of the most interesting attractions that is present here is the San Diego galleon. Several galleries have been dedicated to the display of the various artifacts that were recovered from this sunken ship that showcases various aspects of 17th century life. Exhibits that were recovered from the ship include various porcelain items, gold, jewelry, and weapons. This ship also provides a clear cut link between the Old World, Orient and the New World.

Yet another attraction that must be seen is the story of the Philippines people that tells the history of the nation and the origins of its people spanning all the way from prehistoric times all the way till the present day. Other exhibits include an array of primitive tools that were used by Malays and Negroid Aeta tribes once used.

Of all the pictures that adorn the walls and other exhibition spaces in the museum one take the spotlight; Spoliarium by Juan Luna. This impressive painting is 23 feet wide, 13 feet tall and impressively depicts a life sized scene of Roman gladiators being dragged off after being vanquished. Impressive and surprising in scale, this picture truly deserves its place in the Main Ground Floor Gallery.

Staying in a Manila hotel that is located close to the Museum such as The Heritage Hotel Manila not only provides guests with convenient access to this destination but also a range of amenities and facilities that ensure a comfortable stay.