Top Tourist Sites » Philippines

Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

Tommy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:33:06 +0000

Exploring the historic streets of Intramuros is a must when visiting Manila. During the Spanish colonial days in the Philippines, which started in the mid-1500s and lasted until the 1890s, Intramuros developed into the most exclusive district in Manila. High walls protected upscale homes, government buildings, churches, schools, and plazas. The district of Intramuros in Manila sits on the banks of the Pasig River, which was no doubt a strategic move by the Spanish, and moats surrounded it during the city’s glory days. During its heyday, Intramuros Philippines was a mighty European outpost that enjoyed quite a reputation in Asia.

Not long after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi took control of the Manila area in the 1570s, he ordered that a defense fortress be built at Intramuros. Little remains of the original Fort Santiago, as it was heavily damaged during WWII. Unfortunately, Intramuros Philippines was all but completely laid to waste during WWII’s Battle of Manila. Some historical relics remain, however, and visitors can still get a sense of local history when wandering the Spanish-named streets. Much of the main entrance of Fort Santiago remained intact after WWII, and this partly restored structure, which stands 40 feet tall, is admirable.

Another historical structure of particular interest in Intramuros Philippines is San Agustin Church. No other church in the country is older than the San Agustin Church, which was completed in 1606. This marvelous Baroque edifice is only one of four churches in the Philippines that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ornate interior begs visitors to step inside, and the admission prices also include entrance into a terrific museum. The San Agustin Museum, like the church itself, is full of amazing historical relics.

Intramuros Intramuros from outside.

Ruins in Intramuros

Inside Intramuros, Manila

The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros

Intramuros, Manila

Oldest stone building in the Philippines, 400 year old San Agustin Church

Pagsanjan Falls, Philippines

Tommy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:11:37 +0000

The Pagsanjan Falls, which is locally known as the Magdapio Falls, is an extremely popular Philippines day-trip destination. The fact that the falls are just 60 miles southeast of the capital city of Manila is part of the reason why they are highly visited. In addition to swimming in the natural pool that has formed at the base of the Pagsanjan Falls in the Philippines, visitors can use the site as a starting point for canoe rides down the Pagsanjan River. Interestingly enough, stretches of this river were used in the filming of Apocalypse Now, which is a 1979, Oscar-winning movie set during the Vietnam War.

The Pagsanjan Falls in the Philippines drop 393 feet at their longest point. The cascading water that plunges into the natural pool below is strong enough to give a good massage, which many visitors take advantage of. Swimming and getting a free massage are just some of the things that visitors to these impressive waterfalls in the Philippines like to do. There are also caves that beg to be explored. One of the caves is actually set behind the Pagsanjan Falls.

After hanging out for a while at the Pagsanjan Falls in the Philippines, many visitors embark on the popular canoe rides. In the past, the boatsmen that offered these rides down the Pagsanjan River were quite pushy in their attempts at drumming up business. Thankfully, however, the government has taken measures to make the experience more enjoyable for tourists. When looking to book a boat ride down the Pagsanjan, it is best to arrange it at the village’s main tourist office.

Philippines - Pagsanjan River falls

Boracay Island, Philippines

Tommy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:24:13 +0000

Adjudged one of the top ten beach islands in the world by a noted travel magazine a decade ago, Boracay Philippines has since endured good and bad press, comparisons to beaches in Thailand and Indonesia, and relentless property development. But Boracay Island remains a stretch of blindingly white, sugar-fine sand—sand that remains cool underfoot at noon, and does not easily blow away. Boracay beaches’ unusual puka-shell sand and gem-like aquamarine waters draw droves of tourists to sunbathe on its beaches, experience its world-class nightlife, and try an astounding number of watersports. Boracay hotels offer all kinds of lodging options, from shorefront straw huts to concrete monstrosities to cliffside villas with private Jacuzzis. The more upscale Boracay resorts offer internationally renowned wellness and golf facilities.

Boracay Philippines is a 35 minute flight from Manila, with the closest airport in Caticlan. From Caticlan, tourists take a ferry to White Beach, largest and most popular of Boracay Island’s many beaches. White Beach is roughly divided according to the three boat stations where the ferry docks—Station 1 in the north, 2 in the middle, and 3 in the south. Station 1 is where the more posh Boracay hotels are situated, notably Waling-Waling with the comfy beachfront cabanas, and Nami with the cliffside Jacuzzis. Station 2 is where the action is, being in the middle of Boracay Island and close to all the bars, shops, and the market.

Boracay resorts in this area which are worth mentioning are Le Soleil de Boracay, Boracay Regency, and the interestingly named Nigi Nigi Nu Noos E’ Nu Nu Noos, a hut village which serves up a hearty breakfast. Station 3 is a quiet haven compared to the other two stations. Situated near Angol Point, the narrow end of the island, it offers budget accommodations, like straw huts that are a few steps away from the water. Further inland is the Mandala Spa and Resort, one of the top Boracay resorts and among Asia’s most awarded wellness retreats. Try the watsu treatment, a truly cathartic therapy conducted in the pool.

Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines,

Boracay island, Philippines

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Beach Boracay

Banaue Rice Terraces, Banaue

Tommy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:03:36 +0000

Asia is filled with rice fields, but nowhere are they as spectacular an art form as in Banaue Philippines. The Banaue Rice Terraces have often been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to the extent and height of these gigantic stairways. They soar for several thousand feet upwards and extend for miles. Standing at the terrace viewpoint, the green steps extend for as far as the eye can see.

This engineering marvel was created 2000 years ago, hand-carved out of the mountains by the Ifugao tribe before the Colosseum was erected in Rome or Hadrian’s Wall in the UK. The terraces of Banaue are irrigated by mountain springs, and the same families that farmed them thousands of years ago maintain many of them.

The Banaue Rice Terraces have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and just in time, as the terraces of Banaue are increasingly in need of environmental protection. Climate change and earthquakes have severely affected the irrigation system and caused widespread erosion. Families that have stewarded the land of Banaue Philippines for generations have slowly given up farming rice, in favor of faster growing crops. Many of their younger family members are also moving away to the bigger cities. Initiatives have been set up to preserve the terraces, but environmental change continues to take its toll.

Banaue tours typically begin out of Manila, where travelers take a night bus around 11 pm, journeying north direct to Banaue Philippines. Alternatively, big groups can rent minivans, but sitting for about ten hours in a cramped space is not all that advisable. Travelers can also opt to plan Banaue tours as part of a more extensive trip around the Cordillera. A common route is Manila – Baguio (popular summer retreat and the most urbanized city in the area) – Banaue. Buses, which ply this route, include Autobus, Dangwa, and Victory.

The famous rice terraces of the Philippine Cordillera near Banaue

Banaue rice terraces, Philippines

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. They are now beginning to show signs that they are eroding, and some of them need maintenance, while the Ifugaos’ new generation is migrating to nearby cities in search of better opportunities.

Top attractions in Philippines

Tommy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:47:58 +0000

The Philippines are one of Asia’s lesser-known destinations, and they’re often ignored and misunderstood by travelers.

Separated from the Asian mainland by the South China Sea, Philippines travel is often undertaken only by more adventurous backpackers, or tourists with more time than average. But those who do take a Philippines vacation find that the stunning landscapes across the archipelago and the legendary warmth of the locals make the extra effort worth their while.

Philippines tours generally begin in Manila, the rowdy and colorful capital. First-time visitors often find the city’s relentless noise and energy too overwhelming an introduction to a Philippines vacation. But a day or two is ideal for the culturally curious. Pay a visit to a top Philippines attraction, Intramuros, the oldest part of the city, where colonizers from Spain decided the fate of the country for 333 years. Walk around the bustling streets of Quiapo and Divisoria, where street hawkers and fortune tellers have been plying their trades for decades. Do some of Asia’s best shopping in any of the city’s huge malls—two are among the largest in the world. Explore Manila’s famously decadent nightlife in Makati, Malate, The Fort and Ortigas—areas around the city with excellent dining options, top-rated bars and clubs.

The Philippines top attractions:

Banaue Rice Terraces
Philippines Beaches
Boracay
Chocolate Hills
Intramuros
Philippine Islands
Pagsanjan Falls
Palawan
Puerto Princesa River
Quiapo
Tubbataha Reef
Volcanoes