Tourist Attraction in the Philippines

Mount Mayon Volcano

 


Mayon has the classic conical shape of a stratovolcano. It is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2,460 meters above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes that average 35-40 degrees and is capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian. 
 

Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks.

Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas.

Legaspi City, capital city of Albay, located south of Luzon in the Bicol region. Generally, Bicolanos are known to love spicy foods. A joke goes "When strong typhoons visit Bicol, the Bicolanos would first see to the safety of their chili plants, before their own homes.'

Legaspi city has not much to offer in terms of tourist attractions. But if you search deeper, at the Daraga area, is an old church, located on top of a hill, built on the 16th or 17th hundred ( I guess) and a panoramic view of the Mayon volcano.

Then, there is the ruins of Cagsawa/Kagsawa, a sunken church caused by the eruption of Mayon on the 17th hundred, the Hoyophoyopan cave, the Hot Springs of Tiwi, and of course the over imposing Mayon volcano. According to a legend the name is derived from Magayon, a young woman , who's lover was killed. She died mourning for her man. She was buried, and after sometime, a mountain appeared, it was named after her. It is said that when the volcano erupt, it is the rage of Magayon. Later the name Magayon was shortened to Mayon.

This very active volcano is one of the worlds 7 wonders because of its most perfect cone. Bicolanos, as is true in most Philippine regions, speaks Bicol language, which means Legaspi tongue is different from Naga tongue, but understands each other.

The Legend of Magayon

Legend attempts to unravel the mystery of the origin of this magnificent chunk of earth. It seems that there once lived a very beautiful native princess who had an uncle named Magayon. He was so possessive of his niece that no man dared to challenge his wrath by courting the favors of the young maiden. One day, however, a brave and virile warrior was so smitten by the princess that he threw all cares to the wind, clambered up through the window of the royal chamber and enticed the girl to elope with him. 


With Magayon at their heels, the couple prayed to the gods for assistance. Suddenly from out of nowhere, a landslide buried the raging uncle alive. Local folks now claim that it is Magayon's anger bursting forth in the form of eruptions.

Boracay Island Philippines

Geographically speaking, Boracay is part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan, which is located in Panay, one of a cluster of islands that constitute the central section of the Philippine archipelago.

Boracay can be reached from Manila by daily flights on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pac ific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Seair and Pacific Air. Caticlan is nearer the island, but the airstrip is short and narrow, and only th e smaller planes of Asian Spirit, Seair and Pacif ic Air can land on it. The larger aircraft of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines fly to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. From Caticlan it takes about 15 minutes by boat to Boracay; from Kalibo, an hour and a half by bus plus the 15-minute boat ride.

Once on the island, you will find out that getting around is simple and easy. There are three categories of transp ort: pedicabs and motorized tricycles shared with other passengers; individually rented bicycles and motorbikes; and the shuttle service offered by some hotels. Taxis are not available. However, since everything is more or less within walking distance, you will most likely join the majority of visitors in moving around the island on foot.

 


Boracay is seven kilometers long and divided into three barangays, or communities. Yapak lies in the north, Balabag in the center and Manoc-Manoc in the south. Within these barangays are smaller villages such as Angol, Manggayad and Bolabog. Yapak is spread out over hilly terrain situated some distance away from the main tourist beat, but the shoreline is dotted with beautiful, uncrowded beaches and coves such as Puka Beach and Balinghai Beach . The island's only golf club, the 18-hole par-72 course at Fairways & Bluewater , is also located in Yapak. The Bat Caves , a popular destination for nature lovers, can be found at the barangay's northeastern tip.

White Beach , Boracay's biggest tourist attraction, stretches some four kilometers on the western side of the island, mostly within the barangay of Balabag. It is largely because of the pristine, white powdery sand of White Beach and the crystal-clear blue water of the surrounding sea that Boracay is often called "the world's most beautiful tropical island."

While White Beach takes up most of the western shoreline, Bolabog Beach dominates the eastern coast. Bolabog (sometimes spelled "Bulabog" or "Bulabug") belongs to the barangay of Balabag (with very little difference in spelling, Bolabog is often confused with Balabag by newcomers to the island). Normally the boat trip from Caticlan terminates at White Beach, but during the monsoon season when the western side of the island is lashed by strong winds, visitors are brought to a docking area in Bolabog. The waters here are also considered to offer ideal conditions for windsurfing. A small dirt road takes you from Bolabog to the foot of Mount Luho , the highest point on the island.

Understandably hotels on White Beach attract the most guests. The northern end of the beach is "lorded over" by Fridays , the southern end by Lorenzo South . In between you will find all kinds of accommodation, from native bamboo-and-nipa bungalows to Western-style concrete buildings.

White Beach extends into Manoc-Manoc, but the barangay features its own share of beaches worth visiting and exploring, including one named Manoc-Manoc Beach . The barangay also encompasses the Boracay Beach & Yacht Club and Crocodile Island, a popular destination for picnics, diving expeditions and marine excursions. The Dead Forest , a scenic spot believed to be populated by elemental spirits, is likewise located within the boundaries of Manoc-Manoc. White Beach Path runs along White Beach but is set back from the shore by rows of coconut trees. Hotels, eateries, bars, stores and dive shops line the entire length of the meandering footpath. This is where visitors to the island come to see and be seen.


















You will find hotels like the longstanding Red Coconut Resort and more recently constructed Boracay Regency Beach Resort on White Beach Path, and likewise the Tourist Center , a handy one-stop shop for all kinds of travel needs (airline reservations, postcards, stamps, film, souvenirs and so forth). Thai Castles, True Food, Steakhouse Boracay , Gorio's , La Reserve Restaurant , Banza and La Capannina are among the better known eateries. Bars include Bom Bom and Summer Place Bar & Restaurant . Victory Divers and Aquarius Diving are just two of the many dive shops (there are more than 20 such outlets on the island) scattered along the path. Retail stores range from Paulo Collection Body Wear to Lonely Planet. The Talipapa Market, which burnt down in early 2005, has now been rebuilt in several locations between White Beach Path and Boracay Main Road .

To facilitate locating an establishment on the island, the nearest boat station is often specified in its address. Here a word on these stations is in order: Numbered 1, 2 and 3, they are used as stopping-off points by boats ferrying new arrivals from Caticlan. Do not, however, expect some well-constructed structure with a welcoming jetty for you to conveniently step on. To disembark, you can go for one of two options: Jump into the water and wade ashore or allow yourself the luxury of being borne aloft on the shoulders of some hapless porter. Happy landing!

Banaue, Ifugao Philippines

Is famous for the Banaue Rice Terraces which is the 8th wonder of the world. Built by the natives of the region over 2000 years ago with the use of the crudest wooden tools. While in the area, you can go to Sagada and see the famous ancient burial caves and hanging coffins, astonishing limestone formations at Sumaging Caves and the Bontoc Museum.

The terraces are vastly found in the province of Ifugao and the Ifugao people have been its caretakers. Ifugao culture revolves around rice and the culture displays an elaborate array of rice culture feasts linked with agricultural rites from rice cultivation to rice consumption. Harvest season generally calls for thanksgiving feasts while the concluding harvest rites tungo or tungul (the day of rest) entail a strict taboo of any agricultural work. Partaking of the bayah (rice beer), rice cakes, and betel nut constitutes an indelible practice during the festivities and ritual activities.

The Ifugao people practice traditional farming spending most of their labor at their terraces and forest lands while occasionally tending to root crop cultivation. The Ifugaos have also been known to culture edible shells, fruit trees, and other vegetables which has been exhibited among Ifugaos for generations. The building of the rice terraces, work of blanketing walls with stones and earth which is designed to draw water from a main irrigation canal above the terrace clusters. Indigenous rice terracing technologies have been identified with the Ifugao’s rice terraces such as their knowledge of water irrigation, stonework, earthwork and terrace maintenance. As their source of life and art, the rice terraces have sustained and shaped the lives of the community members. Ifugao previously belong to the Mountain Province as a municipality but on June 18, 1966 in effect of Republic Act No. 4695, Ifugao became an independent province. 

Organic farming

In March 2009 the Ifugao rice terraces were declared free from Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). An event was organized in Dianara Viewpoint for this announcement where it was graced by Gov. Teodoro Baguilat, Mayor Lino Madchiw, Green peace campaigner for Southeast Asia Daniel Ocampo, and Cathy Untalan who was executive director of the Miss Earth Foundation. Before the announcement ceremonies, 3 MumbakisAlim, a tribal ritual to ask for blessings where an animal is offered to the gods. performed an

Bohol and Panglao Island

 

Be mesmerized by the famous Chocolate Hills, these are 1268 limestone hills that is covered with grass which dries up in the summer that the hills turns brown that transforms these hills into chocolate kisses look a like. 

Here you will also find the Tarsier, which is the world’s smallest primate with big hands and huge eyes. They can be found at the Tarsier Preservation Center in Canapnapan.

You can also visit the old Colonial Spanish churches that were made from coral stone. They are also famous for thei r Ube jam, a delicacy.

To the south part of Bohol Island you will find the Panglao Island which blessed with white sand beaches. The sea around Pamilacan Island is frequented by whales and dolphins. The island is considered a jump off to an area where at least seven species of marine mammals like sperm whales have been sighted.

 

 

In the west of Panglao is the Balicasag Island which is famous for diving spots that are surrounded by reef that drops away to impressive submarine cliffs which goes as deep as 50 meters.

 

 

Northern Palawan

Is known as the last frontier of the Philippines and an eco tourist destination. Activities and sights are all connected with nature.

 Palawenos are very committed to protecting the wildlife and the environment in their area.





 


You can enjoy seing the limestone cliffs, caves during your island hopping. Palawan also has the best diving spots and best coral reefs in the Philippines. St. Paul Underground River is one to visit also.