Top Experiences In The Philippines
Top Experiences In The Philippines
The Philippines is made of more than 7,000 islands is indeed a remarkable country. It is indeed a beautiful country to explore as it is dotted with many natural wonders. With several active volcanoes and typhoon-prone areas, one can certainly look forward to some unique experiences in the Philippines. One can learn about the country’s history in a museum or enjoy a local coffee. Read on to know how and where you can get some of the top experiences in the Philippines.
Watch Whale sharks in Cebu
Whale shark encounters are almost 99% guaranteed in Oslob Cebu. They can be seen in a small barangay Tan-awan and is a very popular activity among the tourists and the locals. Look at how the whale sharks are fed as well as snorkel or dive with them.
Eat the famous Balut
Do not leave the Philippines without tasting the famous balut, a hard-boiled duck egg with the developing embryo still inside it. It is a must to taste the protein-rich egg, no matter how awkward it sounds or tastes.
Watch the Sunrise at Sagada
Wake up early and head towards the Kitlepan Mountain to reach Sagada. It is indeed a magical experience to watch the sun rise and spread those bright shades of pinks and oranges across the sky. You can even stay overnight in a tent.
Ride the Jeepneys
When in the Philippines, do get on a Jeepney, which is a popular and colourful vehicle. It is an enjoyable and cheap mode of transportation.
Enjoy Canyoneering in Cebu
Cebu is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines. Get ready for the most adrenaline-pumping adventure. Enjoy an outdoor trek that will take you down creeks within a canyon. You will need to do all of those activities like walking, jumping, swimming, climbing, and abseiling on the way.
Sightsee the Banaue Rice Terraces
Those Rice Terraces are locked upon as one of the Eighth Wonders of the World. The sheer magnificence and expanse of greenery are sure to leave you in awe. The terraces are carved into the Lfugao Mountains more than 2000 years ago and are still used by the locals.
Boracay for best Kitesurfing
Boracay with white sand beaches and a fantastic nightlife offer another greatest pleasure – kitesurfing. The kitesurfing paradise boasts of ideal conditions for and it is here where you can hone your kitesurfing skills.
Look at the Bohol Tarsiers
The world’s smallest primate, the Tarsiers in a Bohol weigh only about four to five ounces. The primate dates back 45 million years, and it is hard to ignore those mesmerizing big eyes within the bony eye sockets. It is a joy to watch those nocturnal creatures that sleep during daytime.
Take a soothing dip in a cooking pot
Bathe in the large cooking pot, known as kawa, and it would feel like you are being cooked alive. Those huge pots used to cook sugar are t6oday like a Jacuzzi tub. This is a great way to relax and a unique experience.
Explore the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
The geological formation of chocolate Hills comprises of more than a 1000 hills that are covered in green grass. As a famous tourist attraction of Bohol countryside, the trip is an ideal for the first-time visitors. Plan a full-day sightseeing tour to explore the natural and cultural wonders of those hills.
Ride a bamboo bike
Tour Intramuros, well famous as the Walled City on a bamboo bike. Those bamboo bikes are handmade by villagers and can be rented within the place. There are well-laid paths and walkable area with the city.
Enjoy the Cambugahay Waterfalls in Siquijor
It is a must to visit the Siquijor Island Waterfalls which are indeed one of the most beautiful natural attractions you have ever come across. You can rope swing or jump into the deep pool with really clean surroundings.
Visit the active volcano Mayon
Located on the island of Luzon is, Mayon Volcano with a symmetrical cone shape is also referred to as the Perfect Cone. Massive evacuations are frequent because of frequent eruptions. It is certainly worth visiting the volcano and surrounding areas.
Throw plates, glasses and old stuff
Get rid of your frustration and anger in a restaurant in Tarlac that allows you to be aggressive and release the tension. Throw plates and glasses into a wall, the old radios, and TVs or whatever you can lay your hands on!.
The Philippine Surfing Scene
The Philippine Surfing Scene
Summer is coming and that means you have to start planning trips with your friends and make the most the sun has to offer. Thanks to places like Tablas Island resort it is so much easier to find accommodation in different beaches. One activity that is definitely a must try this summer is surfing. The surfing scene in the Philippines has been increasing in popularity thanks to the rise of local beaches supporting the sport. Now, both local and international surfers travel around the archipelago finding the perfect surfing spot. Peak months range from August to November but there are times that the waves start picking up as early as June.
An experienced surfer will always want to have certain essentials for the surfing scene in these spots.
Siargao, Surigao Del Norte
Siargao houses the popular surfing spot, Cloud Nine. Cloud Nine is the venue for many surf competitions and is known for its strong waves, it’s sometimes considered by many as the best waves in the Philippines. Due to the strength of the waves here, it is not a recommended spot for beginners, though there are other surf spots in the area. Visiting these other spots is good also because Cloud Nine’s popularity has attracted a crowd to the area.
Baler, Aurora
If you are located in the city of Manila and what you need is a quick weekend getaway Baler could be the place for you. It will take you a few hours drive from Manila and you can find yourself in destination made for surfing, with surfing spots like Sabang Beach, Cemento, Charlie’s Point and Lily’s point you won’t run out of room no matter the crowd. Bear in mind that these spots aren’t that friendly for beginners so gain a bit more experienced before deciding to make a visit.
Puruan, Catanduanes
Bicol is not just known for whale sharks and waterfalls, it has also garnered a reputation of being a surfer’s destination. It will take some effort to get to the island but it’s well worth it. If you are an experienced surfer and looking for a challenge, the Majestics wave is the wave for you. This strong and fast moving beast is paired with a dangerous jagged reef, you should be very weary when trying to conquer these waves. If you are still up for the challenge, try visiting between July to November to get the most out of your trip.
San Juan, La Union
With spots like the Beach Break, the Bowl and the Point, San Juan has easily become a surfer’s paradise. Whether you are experienced or not this is a spot you have to visit, especially because this is where the Billabong San Juan Surf School of Luke Landrigan is located. Perfect chance for you to up your surfing game and experience long boarding if you haven’t. Timing is also quite different but at the same time perfect for your Christmas vacation, with waves at its best from December to January.
Thanks to the popularity of surfing, more and more spots have been popping up and surfing is not strictly for the summer anymore. There are now surfing destinations year round and it is no longer troublesome to get to these places because of the infrastructure popping up with it. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert surfing has become an accessible sport that you can’t miss out on.
Laurel Santos may be a 24 year old adult but at her core she is just a little girl full of wonder. She lives in the city and works as a freelance photographer in the Philippines. She manages a small pet shop inside her village. She has a big heart for animals, especially stray dogs. She is an avid traveller because she believes that life is not lived within the borders of your own home. Despite her busy schedule she always finds time to do one thing that she is very passionate about and that is writing.
Historical Places In the Philippines
6 Historical Places In the Philippines That You Should Visit
When advertising homes for sale in Tagaytay or anywhere in the Philippines, one of the things they try to do to get you to buy the house is promoting the local tourist spot. The country is known for its beaches and its warm weather, but the Philippines is also full of history and rich in culture, though in much of it, the people struggled to find freedom and identity.
To represent the Philippines’ triumph against the colonizers, here are some of the historical places you should visit.
Rizal Park
This park is also known simply as Luneta, or Luneta Park, or Luneta National park, is located in Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It’s a major tourist attraction and is a considered a leisure spot for many families. Rizal Park is where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed on 30th December, 1896. This was what sparked the revolution against Spain. This is also where the declaration of independence from the United States was held on 4th July, 1946.
Intramuros
Intramuros, which is Spanish for ‘within the walls,’ is also known as the Walled City of Manila. During the Spanish period, it was the capital and represented Manila itself. It was where the people on seats of power resided. It’s full of Spanish influence and you can almost imagine the people of old walking through its streets. It’s a perfect place for photographers and history buffs.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is what protected Intramuros. What attracts people there is the replica of the prison cell Jose Rizal stayed in before he was executed in what is now the Rizal Park. In the fort are dark hallways of dungeons, but the rest of the fort is now a beautiful garden.
Banaue Rice Terraces
The rice terraces is considered the eighth wonder of the world. It was made by the indigenous people who carved the stairs into the mountain about 2000 years ago with only their hands and primitive equipment. Rice and vegetables are still planted in the terraces by the locals. Tourists also visit the Ifugaos themselves, not only the terraces. The witch doctors of the tribes perform some spiritual healing rituals on the tourists, too.
Mactan Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Ferdinand Magellan when he tried to introduce Christianity to the locals of Cebu. It’s also called Liberty Shrine, and the monument was erected in the very spot where the battle happened.
Barasoain Church
The church is the most important religious building in the country since many of the milestones of the Philippines took place there. It was constructed and founded in 1859 by Augustinian Missionaries. The Malolos Congress used it as a session hall during the presidency of Pedro Paterno. It was also where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated. What attracts tourists and visitors to the church is its architecture and medieval look.
Beaches aren’t the only thing that’s more fun in the Philippines, or what’s best about the country. History is around, and the best is even in the capital itself. Why not visit them?
Laurel Santos is a 24 year old grown up woman whose kid at heart. She lives in the city and works as a freelance photographer. She also manages a small pet shop inside their village. She loves traveling so much because she believes that one should not just die staying in without exploring the world. She got a big heart for animals especially those stray dogs. Despite her busy schedule she always finds time to do one thing that she is very passionate about which is writing.