Camarines Sur Travel Guide

December 23, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




Many are still looking for a one-stop travel destination where they can get closer to nature, enjoy the sun, soak into the water, do some exercises, try extreme sports, or relax at a world-class hotel. Search no more; for you need not go any farther than Camarines Sur to squeeze all of the above-mentioned activities in one memorable vacation.

Camarines Sur, the largest among the six provinces in Bicol Region, has cemented its place in the list of top travel destinations in the Philippines, thanks to the growing number of people hooked to extreme water sports. The province was not included in most Philippine travel guides until the Camarines Sur *********** Complex opened its doors to the public in May 2006. Since then, the six-hectare active park, which has facilities for wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and waterskiing, has buoyed the local tourism industry.

Politically subdivided into 35 municipalities and two cities, Camarines Sur is also a haven for beach bummers. One of the famous natural attractions in the province is the beaches of Caramoan, a second-class municipality perfectly made for island hopping. Its fine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Other interesting activities popular for tourists are rock climbing, caving, camping, trekking, and mountain biking.

Camarines Sur, which is about eight to ten hours drive from Manila or 45 minutes by plane, is also a magnet for Catholic faithfuls. The province is home to Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. Come September, religious enthusiasts flock to the city for a religious festival wherein the image of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is paraded on a float. Old churches are also a staple fare in the province. Some of them are the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Quipayo Church, and Nabua Ladrillo Church.

Like any province in the archipelago, Camarines Sur also has its own share of colorful events and festivals. In San Jose town, local talents and young artists take center stage for the Harana Festival. The February 11-15 event aims to promote cultural awareness through singing and other forms of arts. Other popular occasions in Camarines Sur include Iriga City’s Tinagba Festival, Bato’s Karanowan Festival, Minabalac’s Tumatarok Festival, and Nabua’s Boa-Boahan Festival.

The province, which accounted for 55.2% of the1.3 million people who set foot on Bicol last year, has also something to offer to hikers and sightseers. Two potentially active volcanoes- Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga – are home to exotic flora and fauna. Along the climb, don’t forget to check out Nabuntulan Falls and Malabsay Falls. Meanwhile, the recommended destinations for spelunkers are Kalupnitan Caves in Ilibmanan and Adiangao Cave in Presentacion.

Tourists can choose from various accommodations ranging from the very simple to the luxurious. As a travel tip, place your reservations in advance to avoid any inconvenience. There are hotels and resorts offering affordable vacation packages for the budget-conscious travelers. The crunchy pili nuts and the spicy Bicol Express are must-tries for first-time and repeat visitors.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy.

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Philippines Travel Guide – A Subic Bay Vacation

December 18, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Peter Garant asked:




Subic was first known because it was very near the former American base in the Philippines. Now, although the American base is no longer there, Subic has managed to keep up with modern developments making it one of the thriving areas in the Philippines.

Located in Subic is the Subic Bay International Airport which makes this place very accessible. This modern airport caters to international flights and can handle up to 700 passengers at one time. The Subic Bay International Airport is competitive when it comes to technology and security so one will always feel safe here.

The Subic Bay Freeport is one of the reasons why Subic is frequently visited. The Subic Bay Freeport is located north of Manila and it is surrounded by Olongapo City, Morong and Subic. Because of its strategic location, Subic Bay Freeport has become a deepwater seaport that can handle the largest ships. It currently services all kinds of vessels and is used by both importers and exporters.

Subic is part of the Olongapo area which is a known tourist destination in Manila. The former Subic Navy Base has been transformed into an economic zone and is now the center of recreational activities. It’s also very easy to get to Subic from Manila because of the recent improvement of the North Expressway and the completion of the Subic-Tarlac expressway. The biggest attraction to Subic among tourists is the expansion of tourism facilities and the promotion of ecotourism. Add this to the fact that going to Subic is very affordable, we’ve got the perfect holiday right at our fingertips.

The Greater Subic Area has several provinces including Bataan, Zambales, Olongapo and the Subic Freeport Zone. The area is inherently beautiful thanks to its rich biodiversity, historical landmarks and white sand beaches found along the coastline.

A great place to stay at when in Subic is the Kokomo’s Subic Bay Treasure Island. Being in a tropical island has never been so enjoyable than at this place where the beach is not just the main attraction but the whole relaxed atmosphere. When in Subic, it’s a good idea to pick up diving and other water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Many offer these activities in Subic at competitive prices. Indeed Subic has something to offer the backpacker, honeymooners and just about everyone else.

A national landmark in Subic that is a must see when in the area us the Shrine of Valor. Among other trips that should be made are to the Zoobic Safari and in particular, the Tiger Safari which showcases a dozen or so golden-eyed tigers. The Ocean Adventure is definitely a wonder and Jungle Joe’s World has many attractions for kids and adults alike.

Food is not a problem when in Subic even if one is a picky eater. There’s a wide choise when it comes to dining and there are restaurants that serve international cuisine for foreigners who want a touch of home in their food.

Aside from being affordable and offering such a wide array of activities that will annihilate the word boredom, Subic is an affordable getaway for both locals and foreigners alike.

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Parasailing Sites in the Philippines

December 4, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

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.

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Vacation Rentals – Boracay Philippines

November 17, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

David K. Bradley asked:




If you are vacationing in the Philippines, make certain you allow at least a couple of days for a stay at Boracay. Speaking from experience, this is a beautiful spot with white sand beaches and plenty of activities to keep boredom at bay.

The island is a short flight from Manila, about 200 miles south of Manila. Flights are cheap and Boracay is well worth the cost and your time.

The island is small, a little more than 10 square kilometers, dog-bone shaped and just northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Although the island is small, there are more than 4 kilometers of beach. The two main beaches are White beach and Bulabog beach. White beach is on the western side of the island and Bulabog beach is on the eastern side.

Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and kite boarding. There is a world-class golf course too! The windsurfing is excellent here; in fact, Boracay Island is a venue on the Asian Windsurfing Tour. You can also hook-up with local tour guides for cave exploration and rides in native boats. Naturally, there is time to relax and sightsee too!

The place is definitely a tourist destination with all the negatives implied therein. Even though I’m a bit jaded, I truly had a great time there and left feeling that I had gotten my money’s worth. From me, that’s saying a lot!

There is ample lodging available here in Boracay, including any number of hotels, and lodges. If you want a vacation rental, they’re here too.

After only a few minutes of searching the Internet, I found a reasonably priced vacation rental. I’m not suggesting this is the one for you, but I liked it for the following reasons.

First, I’m frugal, not cheap, FRUGAL! This listing describes a two-story villa in the native style. I like this because I want to really experience the Filipino lifestyle. For this particular property, only a two night minimum stay is required. The cost is $70.00 (USD) per night, roughly 3200 pesos. The property faces White beach and has all the amenities. It sleeps three, has a full kitchen including all the utensils, queen bed and twin bed with all linens, washer, air-conditioning, refrigerator, cable/satellite TV, wireless internet, deck, balcony, beach view, mountain view and a BBQ grill. Ahhhh, heaven!

The longer you are willing to stay, the lower the nightly rate. It drops all the way to $50.00 (USD) for a fourteen night stay. If you want to stay a month, by all means, do so, for $945.00 per month! This is truly reasonable in a resort setting.

There are many properties to choose from. I don’t want you to feel this is the only one. I chose this one for location, price and amenities. Not necessarily in that order! No matter what lodgings you choose, I can all but guaranty you will enjoy Boracay. It offers friendly people, plenty to do and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

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Bohol – The Land of the Famous Chocolate Hills

August 17, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Peter Garant asked:




Known as one of the island provinces of the Philippines, Bohol is located at the Central Visayas region and is beside Cebu and Leyte. This province is one of the many attractive tourist destinations in the country. Like Boracay and Palawan, other tourist spots in the Philippines, Bohol also has many beautiful and fascinating resorts and beaches. Hence, it is reported that the tourism industry contributes a lot to the economic developments in the province.

Based on the 2000 census done at the province, there are 1,137,268 permanent residents in Bohol. The census also found that there are 209,588 households in the province with an average size of 5.41 people. The life expectancy in the province is greater than those in Negros Oriental and Siquijor which is 72.93 for women and 68.19 for men.

Most residents in the province speak Boholano, which is a Cebuano dialect. However, since migration is a constant trend in Bohol, there are also residents who use Chinese, English and Tagalog as their primary languages. In addition, some schools in the province taught Eskayan language to their students.

Each year the number of travelers who visit Bohol increases. This is due to the attractive tourist spots and natural wonders that can be found in the province. The famous formation of limestone called the Chocolate Hills are the most visited spot in Carmen. Meanwhile, many tourists also visit the popular rivers in the province which are the Loboc River and the Inabanga River.

Panglao Island in Bohol is famous for its white sand beaches. Along in these beaches are beautiful hotels and resorts where travelers and foreigners can stay and enjoy the sceneries. Travelers can also visit the Mag-aso falls, which is located at Antequera as well as the Bilar Mahogany Forest.

Travelers are encouraged to experience and have a glance at the festivals that are held in this attractive province. The Sandugo Festival, the Tagbilaran City Fiesta, the Bolibong Kingking Festival and Festival of Lights or SidlaKasilak are the renowned festivals in Bohol, Tourists who would witness these festivals will remember their stay and vacation at the province for the rest of their lives.

Transportation to Bohol is very easy since the province is very accessible. Tourists can travel by land, air and water. The national government of the Philippines established seaports and airports in the province so that travelers will not experience problems when it comes to visiting the beautiful island of Bohol.

Kansieo.com

Magical Philippines

August 14, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Amelia Generalao asked:




Philippine archipelago comprises 7, 101 islands with three major group of islands; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This Southeast Asian country is home to peace loving and diligent Filipinos with warm smiles ready to greet you. Philippines is a country that exudes beauty, rich culture and wonderful stories that is evident in all parts of the archipelago.

The captivating wonders of Philippines allured tourists and travelers, foreigners and locals, from the breathtaking views of Batanes down to the southern island of Tawi Tawi. You need not spend a fortune to experience a truly tropical holiday as everything you love can be found in the Philippines at cost effective rates. Its world class scuba diving spots with amazing coral reefs and inviting powdery white sand beaches in Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu make a perfect destination to kick off pressures at work and temporarily forget the crowded city life. The amazing wonders of Philippine archipelago never fail to amaze backpackers, thrill seekers and adventurers from its highest peak, Mount Apo to the wild river of Cagayan de Oro. Whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway, group outing or educational tour, Philippines has it all.

Discover colorful festivals and in different towns and cities that enchants the imagination of the world. These annual festivals have long been a part of the Filipino culture not only to party but to boosts spiritual belief. Among these major celebrations are: Sinulog in Cebu, Kadayawan in Davao, Maskara festival in Bacolod, Ati Atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo and Panagbenga in Baguio.

Experience its diverse culture, charm, mouthwatering foods, sweet fruits and exotic sceneries! Discover Philippines!

Kansieo.com

Philippine Hotels Classifications in the Country

August 11, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

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.

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Travel to Cebu Philippines

August 7, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Sunny Hapolsi asked:




Cebu is one of the popular travel vacation destination in the Philippines. This beautiful exotic place is known as Philippines’ “Queen City of the South”. As one of the most develop province of the Philippines, Cebu becomes center of trade, commerce, industry and education of the Visayas. Cebu is also the Convention Center of the Philippines where the ASEAN event was once held in the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). Cebu also has become as the tourism hub of Central Philippines because from here, you can get an easy access to the many beautiful vacation spots and destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Cebu is also known to be the home of beautiful white sand beaches and world-class dive sites. It has numerous beaches that spreads around Cebu but most of them can be found in Mactan Island. Many foreign and local divers come to Cebu to explore the wonders of the underwater world. Dive sites and spots can be found in Mactan, Moalboal, Malapascua and many more and are rich with coral gardens and marine life. Many tourist come to Cebu Philippine to spend their vacation holiday. There are many places to go and many exciting things to do when you are in Cebu. One of the activities that tourist love when they are in Cebu is the nightlife. Cebu Philippines is also rich in history and culture. Some of the these are one of the tourist attractions that visitors want to see and experience.

Cebu is also the home of numerous luxury hotels for a luxurious accommodation. Foreign and local tourists can choose in a wide range of accommodation from 5 star to 1 star. The hotels in Cebu are equipped with modern and state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for the convenience and comfort of its guests.

Cebu is also the home of the famous Sinulog Festival which is held every 3rd Sunday of January. Many foreign and local tourist come Cebu to witness the celebration of the Sinulog Festival. There are also lots of festivities that is celebrated in Cebu.

Travel to Cebu Philippines is easy because this beautiful island is very accessible and can be reached by air and sea.

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Travel Asia – The Beaches of the Philippines

July 16, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Matthew Davidson asked:




The Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands. Wherever you may be, you are certain that there is a beach within an hour’s drive to give you a nice tan line. However, if you want to see the most pristine and most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, you need to uncover these gems for yourself. We are listing some of the beaches which we have uncovered that truly captured our hearts because of their divine beauty.

Boracay is probably the most famous beach in the Philippines. It boasts of kilometers of sand so fine it passes through your hands in seconds. It is also known for the nightlife and celebrity visits it gets yearly, both from local ones and international stars such as Brangelina.

Puerto Princesa in Palawan is heaven on Earth. It is home to the famous Subterranean Underground Park which was nominated as one of the new seven wonders of the world. Besides its white sand beaches, underwater life is dazzling in Puerto Princesa. The Tubbataha Reef was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is one of the best diving spots in Asia.

If you want to see nature at its finest, such as hills by the hundreds and relaxing rivers, but still want to be near the beach, then Panglao Island in Bohol is the place to be. One will be greeted by the amazing attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world while being just a couple of minutes away from white sand beaches.

If you plan on going on vacation but are just so tired of the usual places you go to, why not try out one of the Philippines’ thousands of beaches. Before you know it, you will fall so in love with it you won’t want to leave.

Kansieo.com

Sightseeing Sites in the Philippines

July 15, 2011 by Anita  
Filed under Travel And Leisure

Allan Merin asked:




With its wide selection of tourist attractions, the Philippines is an ideal site for sightseeing tours. Home to colorful festivals and exquisite natural wonders, this Southeast Asian nation has a lot of visual treats to offer for travelers.

There are notable tourist spots to visit throughout the country’s more than 7,000 islands. This is a testament that the Philippines ranks among the top nations offering an impressive selection of sightseeing attractions. Though internationally famous for its white sand beaches, this predominantly Catholic republic also boasts of delicate colonial architectures and breathtaking natural sceneries in almost every town.

Here is a guide to some of the best sightseeing destinations in the Philippines.

Manila

Manila is not only the country’s capital but also the center of cultural heritage. Explore the Philippines’ rich Spanish legacy with a trip to Intramuros (Walled City), which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Inside the compound, you can find old places of worship such as the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Other points of interest in Intramuros are Fort Santiago and Casa Manila. Also, never leave Manila without visiting the Luneta Park, where a statue of national hero Jose Rizal is erected.

Corregidor

Take a trip down memory lanes by visiting Corregidor, an island that served as an important defense fortress for American and Filipino soldiers during World War II. Some of the attractions in this historical place include the Pacific War Memorial, the Battery Way, the Mile-Long Barracks, and the Malinta Tunnel. It takes a shade over an hour to reach Corregidor from Manila, where day and night tour packages are available.

Baguio

Its unique attractions have made Baguio a renowned sightseeing destination in northern Philippines. Dubbed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, the city is home to a dozens of scenic spots such as The Mansion, Burnham Park, Session Road, Camp John Hay, and the Baguio Botanical Garden. While plying the dizzying Kennon Road, have your camera ready for some spectacular countryside views.

Legazpi

Legazpi, the provincial capital of Albay, is one of Bicol region’s top tourist destinations. This first-class city is home to the world’s famous Mayon Volcano, which is known for its perfect conical shape. The year 1814 is said to be the volcano’s worst eruption. A remainder of this grim past can be found at the Cagsawa Ruins Park.

Banaue

Another premier tourist destination in the northern region is Banaue. This town of more than 20,000 people is the site of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a 2,000-year-old man-made leveled surfaces carved into the mountains of Ifugao. Don’t be surprised if gaze in wonder once seeing this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bohol

Aside from its pristine beaches, Bohol is widely known for the Chocolate Hills. These unusual geological formations are scattered in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The dome-shaped hills are actually limestone covered with green grass. Bohol, which is located in the Central Visayas region, is also famous for a tarsier sanctuary and the Sandugo Festival.

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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