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AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Phillipines hotels available.
No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices under US$200, $150 or $100 (depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Phillipines tend to be expensive, all hotels listed on this site are under US$200, but most are far less. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
Philippines Crash Course
You'll find plenty of natural wonders in the Philippines -- dramatic waterfalls, beautiful beaches, ancient rice terraces, hills that resemble chocolate drops and reefs teeming with aquatic life. But you'll seldom experience those wonders in solitude. That's an experience few Filipinos would relish. The real natural wonder of the Philippines is its outgoing people, who consider loners a puzzlement and prefer company nearly everywhere they go. Bayanihan is the term Filipinos use to describe the kind of communal spirit that holds them together, in good times and bad, and they extend it to visitors as well. Seldom will you meet people so ready to smile, joke, laugh and befriend travelers. If you believe that the most important travel experience is to make friends and to learn about people, rather than simply to tour temples and museums, then the Philippines is your country.
The capital of the Republic of the Philippines is Manila. It has an area of 300,000 km2. The estimated population of the Philippines in 2006 was ninety million. Filipino (Tagalog dialect) and English are both official languages with about eight major dialects, about seventy seven main language groups and more than five hundred dialects. Filipinos are predominantly Christian at 92%, 5% Muslim, Buddhist and others amke up 3%. Electricity 110 and 220V, the calling code +63, their Internet TLD is .ph and their time zone is +8 GMT. Their currency is the Philippine peso (PHP) and as of March 30, 2008 US$1 = PHP42.04.
The Philippines is a 7,107 island South-East Asian archipelago filled with nature, and seeping in culture and full of hospitable, engaging people found between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea, north of Borneo and Sabah while east of Vietnam.
Everything is enhanced by the large variety of cukltural groups, and a mixture and fusion of foreign influence in ethnicity and
Regions
With seventeen regions within the Philippines classified into three major island groups, seventy nine provinces and then subdivided further into cities or towns. Cities consist of towns, which are broken into barangays or barrios, and further divided into small sitios and/or streets.
Major Hubs
Metropolitan Manila is actually several different cities/municipalities forming one governing body of local governments conjoined with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Makati City -- A central business district located in the Metro-Manila area, situated at the east side of Manila. It is where most of the country's business hubs are situated. It is also ideal for nightlife and shopping.
Cebu, the "Queen City of the South" was the first location that the Europeans landed on in the Philippines where a native settlemet already existed, and eventually became Spain's Far East capital.
Young Davao, with a huge land area is the biggest commercial and economic center on Mindanao Island in the south. Mount Apo, nearby, is the tallest mountain in the Philippines.
Cities
- Angeles City - great chepa cuisine, nightlife ans sleeze
- Baguio - the Phillipines summer capital with lots of vegetable production
- Bacolod - called 'City of Smiles', great for those who like sweets.
- Batangas - is an international port and resort on southern Luzon; popular beaches, diving sites, resorts and historical sites
- Cagayan de Oro - the 'City of Golden Friendship' becoming known for its whitewater rafting
- Iloilo - the 'City of Mestizos', great cuisinem and ancient churches.
- Legaspi - rural environment and you go through here to get to Mount Mayon
- Puerto Princesa - proud of their clean, green environment
- Roxas City - cheap seafood capital of the Philippines
- Subic - free-trade zone, offering various sports adventures
- Tagaytay - outside of Manila, popular picnic place with a moderate climate
- Vigan - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spanish town
- Zamboanga - pink sandy beaches in this 'Little Spain'
History
Land bridges and shallow seas allowed the Philippines original inhabitants, the Aetas or Negritos, to cross from the mainland of Asia several thousand years ago. These people's decendents today exist in the Province of Zambales north of Manila. Settlers from Malaya and Indonesia arrived thousands of years later. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his crew were the first Europeans to
It remained one of Spain's colonies for more than three hundred years, but in 1899 Spain lost it to America after the Spanish-American War. The USA controlled it until Japanese occupation in 194 when General Douglas McArthur answered his promises to return and rid the country of Japanese.
The Philippines received independence from the United States in 1946, however the Americans retained strong presence within the Philippines with its Olongapo Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Force Base near Angeles City until the late 1990s.
Until the 1960s, the Philippines emained the second strongest economy in the region behind Japan, but many decades of corruption by President Ferdinand Marcos dove the country into massive debt. Little quality infrastructure and endemic poverty prevailed. The Power of the People uprising put the Marcos government out of office in 1986, replacing him with the widow of assinated opposition head Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino.
The Philippines has never been able to fully recover and to this day lags behind its other neighbours, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, as China reaches out to the world.
People and respect
In the Philippines, the urban Filipinos have a higher percentage of Spanish, Chinese and American decendents, whereas in the rural areas, they are more indigenous in origin, a mix of Austronesians stemming from Malays and Polynesians plus of some southern Han Chinese. Other contingents hail from Australia, Indonesia, Arabic oountries, Korean, Japan, and Great Britain. Pure Spaniards are few but their contributions to culture and ethnicity are still significant, as many Filipinos have Spanish blood.
Filipinos tend to be very welcoming in nature, sometimes even to a fault. Guests find themselves treated especially well in Filipino
Take the time to smile and say "thank you", and you'll receive much better responses. You will receive an even better response if you throw in a little Tagalog, such as "salamat", which means "thank you". In the countryside and in some urban homes, footwear is removed when entering a home, though they may make an exception for foreigners. The key is to look around before entering any home. If you see footwear just outside the door, more than likely the family's practice is to remove footwear before entering. If you wear socks, you need not remove them.
Filipinos are known for not being on time and it is acceptable to come to gatherings a little bit late. However, being off by more than thirty minutes might be considered disrespectful.
One thing many visitors notice in the Philippines is that the Latin culture has permeated most things to some extent.
Languages
Filipinos are very diverse, not only in features but also in languages. Filipino is one of two official languages (the other being English), based on Tagalog. Most foreigners know the term Tagalog instead of the newer term Filipino. Tagalog has a strong association with the Malay languages (Bahasa Indonesia/Malay). Tagalog contains a mix of Malay and Spanish words, and oftentimes includes words and phrases rooted in English and Chinese. Based on the 1990 and 2000 United States census, Tagalog is the second most commonly-spoken Asian language (after Chinese) in the United States, and the sixth non-English language spoken in the country. Spanish, formerly an official language, has declined. However, some estimated 4 million Filipinos (roughly 4.5 percent of the population) still speak Spanish. In Manila, about 10 percent of the city's population continue to use Spanish as a second, third or fourth language.
Faith
The Philippines has far more Christians, specifically Catholics, than any other country in Asia because of more than three centuries of Spanish rule and influence.
Geography
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands with a total land area of 300,000 km². The 11 largest islands contain 94% of the total land area. The largest of these islands is Luzon at about 105,000 km². The next largest island is Mindanao at about 94,600 km². The archipelago is around 800 km from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo.
The islands are divided into three groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Luzon islands include Luzon itself, Mindoro, Marinduque, Masbate and Batanes Islands. The Visayas is the group of islands in the central Philippines, the largest of which are: Palawan, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. The Mindanao islands include Mindanao itself, plus the Sulu Archipelago, composed primarily of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Physical setting
The Philippine archipelago lies in Southeast Asia in a position that has led to its becoming a cultural crossroads, a place where Malays, Arabs, Chinese, Spaniards, Americans, Japanese and others have interacted to forge a unique cultural and racial blend. The archipelago numbers some 7,100 islands and
Off the coast of eastern Mindanao is the Philippine Trough, which descends to a depth of 10,430 meters. The Philippines is part of a western Pacific arc system that is characterized by active volcanos. Among the most notable peaks are Mount Mayon near Legazpi City, Taal Volcano south of Manila, and Mount Apo on Mindanao. All of the Philippine islands are prone to earthquakes. The northern Luzon highlands, or Cordillera Central, rise to between 2,500 and 2,750 meters, and, together with the Sierra Madre in the northeastern portion of Luzon and the mountains of Mindanao, boast rain forests that provide refuge for numerous upland tribal groups. The rain forests also offer prime habitat for more than 500 species of birds, including the Philippine eagle (or monkey-eating eagle), some 800 species of orchids, and some 8,500 species of flowering plants.
The country's most extensive river systems are the Pulangi River, which flows into the Mindanao River (Rio Grande de Mindanao); the Agusan, in Mindanao which flows north into the Mindanao Sea; the Cagayan in northern Luzon; and the Pampanga, which flows south from east Central Luzon into Manila Bay. Laguna de Bay, east of Manila Bay, is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines. Several rivers have been harnessed for hydroelectric power.
To protect the country's biological resources, the government has taken a first step of preparing a Biodiversity Action Plan to address conservation of threatened species.
Climate
The Philippines tropical climate is hottest between March and May, while the typhoon and monsoon driven rainy season extends from June to October. November to February are the coolest and driest months. However, places with Pacific exposure Pacific directly have lots of rain year-round. Temperatures average from 78°F or 25°C to 90°F or 32°C, while humidity is high at around seventy-seven percent.
Holidays
Being Catholic means traditional holidays of Lent's Thursday and Good Friday, plus Christmas Day and New Year's Day (January 1st) are also non-essential working holidays plus on November 1st is All Saints Day.
Exotic and Rare Fauna
Calauit Island's game reserve/wildlife sanctuary has 108 African animals in addition to the endemic endangered native animals of the Philippines. You will find the dangerous Philippine crocodile and endangered dugongs, or sea cows.
Marine Life
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has several coral species, sea grasses, algae displays and larger marine life like dolphins, turtles and seabirds.
Avian
Olango Island is a famous bird migration island in the central Philippines, and a crucial stop-over for some fifty thousand annual migrating water birds plying the East Asian Migratory Flyway. At Pacem Eco-Park by the Sumulong Highway, and Assumption is a home to over eighty of the Philippine’s sixteen hundred
At the Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center, the world’s largest eagle called the Philippine Eagle, also once known as eagle that eats monkeys, is maintained as the country’s national bird. At the Center for Philippine Raptors in Los Baños you can see a rescue and rehab post for nocturnal and diurnal raptorial birds, plus a breeding program and facility for exotic birds of prey, and in particilar, the highly prized and threatened Philippine Eagle.
- Olongo Island (Cebu)
- Philippine Eagle & Nature Research Center (Davao)
- The Center for Philippine Raptors in Laguna
- The Pacem Eco-Park in Antipolo
- Albay Park & Wildlife (Bicol)
Flora
The Ninoy Aquino Park/Wildlife Nature Center on Quezon Avenue has about thirty eight species of trees and shrubs of the over two thousand indigenous trees from Philippine forests. With more than butterflies, Pacem Eco-Park displays different lumber trees, orchids and fruit trees, and several species of flowering plants.
Travelling to the Philippines
Phillipines entry requirements
When men enter the Philippines, they are not permitted to wear sandals or shorts.
Most foreign nationals get a complimentary tourist visa for three weeks automatically upon entry. If you intend to stay longer, apply for a visa extension valid for fifty-nine days in total. If you like bureaucratic bungling, you are in for a treat applying for an extension, as they are unable to take your documentation, give you a receipt and stamp you passport all in the same day, and each process takes hours of lines, especially if their computers aren't working as so often happens. The fee is about US$40.
When in the Philippines here are three immigration offices:
- Bureau of Immigration Main Office. Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila. Tel. 011-63-2-527-5657
- Branch office: P Burgos Street, Tribunal, Mandaue City, Cebu. Tel. 011-63-32-345-6442/6443/6444.
- Branch office: BI Building, JP Laurel Ave, Bajada, Davao City, Tel. 011-63-82-300-7258.
Entering Philippines by air
Being an archipelago with the cruise ships industry in its infancy, most people fly into Manila, Cebu or Davao, and the cheapest airline companies tend to be Singapore and Hong Kong. KLM connects to Amsterdam, Northwest connects the USA, and budget carrier Jet Air Asia has flights to Manila from Singapore unlike other low cost airlines that fly into Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, one or two hours by bus north of Manila.
For you to visit the islands, buy 'jaw' ticket (open) saving time backtracking, such as fly into Manila then depart from Cebu. Domestic Silkair, for example, is affiliated with Singapore Airlines and has some great 'jaw' options.
Most arrivals are through Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with three terminals, where Terminal 2 only offers Philippine Airlines for both domestic and international flights, while Terminal 1 supports all the other airlines. The new Terminal 3 services the country's second flag air-carrier, Cebu Pacific. As of the date of writing, other airlines may soon be using Terminal 3 as well.
Cebu receives international plane arrivals from Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Davao City's Francisco Bangoy International Airport on Mindanao has direct flights to and from Singapore, Manado in Indonesia, and Palau, Micronesia.
Getting around
By air
Definitely the way to get around if time is of the essence, and it's not too expensive. Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Seair, and Asian Spirit all operate domestic flights with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific serving most of the larger cities, while smaller airlines typically fly to popular resort destinations.
By train
Metro Manila has light railway system that connecting various parts of the city working quite efficiently however, the netwrok of Philippine National Railways further south is run down and probably wouldn't meet most tourist's expectations.
By car
Using the Strong Republic Nautical Highway you can drive across various islands however the long distance and time required plus the cheap cost of domestic flights make it somewhat impractical. There are major car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Rent-a-Car, that have offices in both Manila and the airport. They offer reasonably-priced chauffeur-driven rentals since it is not recommended that tourists drive themselves within the Philippines because of the irregular driving habits and abilities of Filipinos.
Bridges and/or ferries join the major islands but roads change considerably, from the smooth paved expressways down to narrow pot-holed dirt roads, terrible especially in the rainy season.
By taxi
Normally taxis are used inside the larger cities, but sometimes FX, or shared taxis, are practical going into the countryside.
You can also call reputable taxi companies that can arrange pickups and transfers as well as airport runs.
Basic Taxi Company Tel: 02 9001447 Tel: 02 6427777 Tel: 02 6437777
By bus
Other than flying, the scheduled buses are generally your most convenient option for moving across the Philippines, particularly among the main islands.
By boat
There are a number of companies including the WG&A SuperFerry that travel between the islands operate interisland ferries. For example, there is an overnight Friday ferry to Coron, Palawan allowing divers to enjoy the weekend in and around Coron then take the Sunday night ferry trip back to Manila, arriving around noon.
Ferry trips to other islands can take over 24 hours, depending on distance.
Other major ferry companies include Sulpicio Lines and Negros Navigation
Warning: The Philippines has a poor maritime safety record and ferries can be overloaded and dangerous. If the boat appears to be over-capacity, do not board. Always check the latest weather reports before travel by ferry, as some captains are willing to sail even when a typhoon is approaching. Bringing your own life preserver is strongly recommended (but no substitute for common sense). Travel by boat should not be considered more safe than air travel, and could easily be more dangerous.
By jeep
The jeepney is by far the most affordable way to get around most major urban areas. Remnants of the Jeep used by the American troops during World War II, the innovative Filipinos modified the jeep (by lengthning the body and adding lateral seats) to seat as many as twenty people (ten per side). In the provinces, Jeepneys also connect towns and cities together. For longer distances however, buses are more comfortable.
Also worthy of mention are the tricycle and the pedicab (three wheeled bike), however this may not be to the liking of most foreigners, as these are cramped and quite open to the traffic. These means of transport are also usually only used for very short distances.
NOTE: The jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs are meant for small people. Seating is cramped, even for locals, who are, on average, smaller by Western standards. Jeepney drivers/operators often insist on seating the vehicle to full capacity (say, nine per side) even if there's a very large person seated. Consider this if you're overweight or six feet or taller. Watch your head when boarding as the roof is low (compared to a bus). Also, drivers often don't look to see if anyone is boarding before leaving. As you board, you need to evaluate every half second whether you're going to abort or hang on to the vehicle if it starts to move. If you're not in good physical shape, don't even try it.
Language
The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. Filipino is mainly based on the Tagalog language (a relative of Malay), with heavy Spanish and English influences.
Communication shouldn't be too much of a hassle for the English-speaking traveler since the vast majority of the locals are English-speaking. The Philippines also have one of the highest percentages of truly bilingual and multilingual speakers in the world, surpassing other officially bilingual/multilingual nations and territories in Asia, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. English is widely used around the country, particularly in big cities. It is also widely used in government, the media, and in commerce. Street signs and billboards will likely be in English, but public service messages may be in Filipino. English is a compulsory subject in all schools (public and private) from elementary school to university. Practically everyone you meet will understand English, even if the person may not be completely fluent. In fact, English is the official language of business.
Many Spanish words survive in many of the local languages though mostly in corrupted form. (Some local languages such as Chavacano is an entirely corrupted form of Spanish.) Spanish is no longer widely understood but you can probably get around town with a little bit of Spanish, since about 45% of all the words used in everyday speech are of Spanish origins. Nonetheless, Spanish is still spoken fluently by a select population.
Festivals
The Philippines offers plenty of regional festivals, often linked to the feast of the patron saints of the town or city holding the festival. Parades and processions, marching bands, floats and dance displays are usual activities. A number of important festivals include the following:
- Sinulog - held in Cebu in January to commemorate the feast of the Sto. Nino
- Panagbenga - the flower festival held in Baguio every February
- Ati-Atihan - also held to commemorate the feast of the Sto. Nino, but this time in Kalibo on the island of Panay. Said to be the Filipino version of Mardi Gras.
- Moriones - held during the Lenten Season in Marinduque. These are passion plays meant to depict the crucifixion and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Pahiyas - held every May in Lucban, Quezon to celebrate the feast day of San Isidro Labrador. There is a town-wide house decorating contest held during the festival. The colors and designs used are a feast for the eyes.
- Kadayawan - held in Davao every August, Kadayawan means a Thanksgiving celebration for the good harvest, were most flowers and fruits are available during the season.
Beaches
With seven thousand islands surrounded by warm, crystaline waters and a coastline longer than double that of the USA on both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is certainly the beach mecca of Asia. Just the very mention of the Philippines conjures up images of beautiful pristine, white sandy beaches hugging waters blessed with large varieties of marine life. These beaches come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and fineness of sand. Some are on well-secluded islands while others are just a short ride across a causeway from the city. Among the most notable are the following:
- Pagudpud - In the northern part of the Philippines is a beach reputed to have long contiguous white sand, mighty waves and strong winds making it comparable to the north shore of Hawaii. Wind and wave surfing are the outstanding activities that Pagudpud Beach offers its very discriminating clientele, not to mention the inviting views, clear blue waters, and white sand. Pagudpud promises its visitors a magnificent experience in a secluded paradise.
Chocolate Hills
- Panglao - Panglao is perfect for a great dive and beach holiday. It is a small island southwest of the bigger island, Bohol, a short ride from the capital of Tagbilaran, which in turn is a short fast ferry ride from Cebu City. On the southern beach of Panglao are several resorts that line up along the beach. From Panglao, you can easily schedule an excursion to the Chocolate Hills for which Bohol is most known.
- Mactan Island - Lying in the heart of Cebu is the island of Mactan. This tropical-island getaway endowed with a variety of colors – from its beach, hotels, resorts, nightlife, music, food, drinks – will guarantee to spice up every vacation.
- Camiguin - which rhymes with “come again,” has been regarded as the most beautiful island in the country. As such, it is also referred to as the Philippines’ “Garden of Eden.” The presence of a number of majestic waterfalls that create both hot and cold springs is only one of the many attractions of this island paradise. The topography is unmistakably tropical but the ambience is uniquely occidental. A study in contrast, Camiguin is sure to mesmerize anyone who visits with the itch to be back again soon.
- Honda Bay - framing the rugged and intriguing coastline of the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa City is Honda Bay. Its blue cool waters are dotted with islets that assure one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its clear waters to more adventurous island hopping within its enclaves, to simply having a picnic on the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay will leave a wonderful lasting impression.
- El Nido - dominated by towering black marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delectable soups specially found in Chinese restaurants – the Nido Soup. This soup consists mainly of the birdnests that abound in the area. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country’s last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods – heaven on earth, that is El Nido.
- Samal Island - is located in the southern part of the Philippines is the Samal group of Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a beautiful, tranquil and exotic island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, and landscape elements of coconut palms, flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees. The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna.
- Pearl Farm - is a premier beach resort located on the pristine Island of Samal Island off the coast of Davao City, southern Philippines. It used to be used as a pearl farm. There thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were once cultivated for their pink, white, and gold pearls. Today, beach lovers all over the world visit this world-class beach resort for its white sand and panoramic land and seascape, taking with them the memory of a lifetime – a relaxing private retreat in a tropical paradise.
- Siargao - located in the province of Surigao del Norte, is renowned for its curling waves that soar from nine to twelve feet high. It is frequented by surfers from all over the world. Besides surfing, the island of Siargao is well-known for its unspoiled beaches and its rural charm.
- Puerto Galera - is on the island of Mindoro, the first large island south of Manilla. Water skiing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming or seeking the perfect tan are some of the activities that Puerto Galera's bay and its many white-sand beaches offer to the vacationing tourist. Ferries to Puerto Galera depart from Batangas Port, a couple of hours drive south of Metro Manila.
Diving
SCUBA
The Philippines is to scuba divers what Switzerland is to skiers, Hawaii to surfers and Nepal to mountaineers: is a place you must visit at least once, to get the real heart of the sport. The country is a veritable smorgasboard of world-class dive sites set in a lush tropical environment with all the trappings you could wish for. Statistics from the Philippine Department of Tourism indicate that divers visiting the Philippines return for an average of 10 trips each which speaks volume about the quality of the dive sites and the professionalism of the operators. Lifted from the book, “Action Asia Adventure Travel Guide to the Philippines”.
Popular SCUBA Diving Spots
- Anilao (Batangas)
- Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)
Nudibranch - Cabilao Island (Bohol)
- Balicasag Island (Bohol)
- Apo Island (Negros Oriental)
- Malapascua (Cebu)
- Tubbataha Reef National Park (Palawan)
- Sarangani Bay
- Mactan Island (Cebu)
- Olango Island (Cebu)
Wreck Diving
From SCUBA dives in strong currents and the deep sea to ship wreck dives for history’s sunken glory, the Philippine archipelago offers plenty of unforgettable and rewarding dive experiences. There are close to 25 shipwreck dive sites in the country. Explore the sunken wreckage of centuries-old Spanish galleons and World War II vessels in Subic Bay, one of the best wreck diving sites in Asia, as well as the remarkable wrecks in Busuanga and Malapascua.
Popular Spots
- Subic Bay (Olongapo)
- Coron Bay & Busuanga (Palawan)
- Malapascua (Cebu)
Snorkeling
Made up of 7,107 island and countless coral reefs, the Philippines is a paradise of snorkeling opportunities. Take your pick from 34,000 sq km (13,124 sq m) of coral reefs, some of which have grown since the Ice Age; over 100 reef slopes; over 800 classes of corals; over a thousand species of marine life; over 400 fish species and over 500 fish families; and the most populous and diverse aquatic ecosystem you could ever find.
Popular snorkeling spots
- Moalboal (Cebu)
- Bacuit Bay & El Nido (Northern Palawan)
- Puerto Galera (Mindoro)
- Miniloc Island (Northern Palawan)
- Taytay Bay (Northern Palawan)
Learn to dive
Scuba diving is spectacular in the Philippines. There is a great variety of dive sites and most if not all of these would have at least a handful of PADI accredited diving schools where you can obtain your license. Costs (of both lessons and equipment) are likely to be cheaper here compared to places like Australia, the Carribean or even in nearby Thailand and Malaysia.
Golf
This is a great place to experience some great golf settings, deep green valleys, waterfalls, high in the mounains, along the coasts, even gorgeous locals in suburban areas. Players such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player and architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., have all been instruments in creating some wonderful courses that host some excellent tournaments such as the World Amateur Golf Championships, the Johnnie Walker Classic, the World Cup and the Asian PGA.
Aerial Sports
If you love the thrill of flying, you have several options not far from Manila. You can go skydiving from a plane, take an ultralight aircraft ride, even go for a hot-air balloon adventure. Their safety record is good becaus eof the quality instruction offered. Enjoy the magnificent views, the emerald seas and green countryside from a bird's point of view. Angeles City and Tanauan, Batangas are where you should head.
Board Sailing
The warm tropical ocean and steady 12 to 30 knot winds make the Philippines a perfect place for board-sailors. Habagat is the south-west monsoon around June through September, while the more popular Amihan, or north-east monsoon prevails between October and April.
The best board sailing destinations
Caving
ThePhilippines is famous for its cave formations under nearly every island. Some are east walk-ins for the average tourist, others require great preparation and skill. Beneath the surface of the earth are babbling rivers and thundering waterfalls, tight passages, and huge vaulted chambers created over millions of years packed with a dream-like array of limestone and crystaline formations. For the expert, many caves have yet to be fully explored, and offer challenges of uniquely going where no man has gone before!
Calbiga Caves is a system of twelve caves, covering an area of 2,968 hectare. This is probably the largest cave in Southeast Asia, and most of it is still unexplored. The main cave is called Langun and is visited on spelunking trips. The main chamber is so huge, three football fields would easily fit in. The caves are famous for speleothems and a wide variety of cave life. There are numerous endangered species of bats living in the cave. True troglobionts are cave crickets and eyeless fish. It is located at Calbiga, Samar Province, 52km from Tacloban, 6km rough road from the national highway, by foot or 4x4.
Other Philippine Caving Destinations
- Peñablanca, Cagayan
- Sagada
- Bukidnon
Mountain Biking
The Philippines has a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy mountain biking. With beaches, mountains, lush valleys, urban areas, and isolated resort country trails, rent a bke with fat tires, get great exrcise, fresh air, and immerse yourself in the Philippine culture. There are mountain bike clubs, and competitions all the time, easy day trips and endurance-challenging week-long biking advantures.
Rockclimbing
Though it is basically a new sport in the Philippines, with good reason because of the excellent rock challenges, it is spreading fast. So far most of the popular climbing sites are just outside the major cities, but as the sport increases in popularity, it will reach farther into the enormous potential that the countryside and rural areas offer. The best place to begin is to visit any of the new indoor climbing gyms, where you will meet guides that make tours to the best outdoor sites. Top quality equipment is provided or can be purchased in many of the better known sporting goods stores.
Sea Kayaking
Philippine's newest and growing sport, sea kayaking, offers wonderful varieties of tropical seascape. Enjoy miles of great paddling over crystal clear waters, check out exotic villages, lonely pristine beaches, numerous coral reefs, or flora and fauna rich mangrove swamps as you go. Being virtually silent and inobtrusive, there is no better way to discover and not disturb these fragile ecosystems. On the other hand, if you prefer the challenge of tackling and riding the rough wild waves, head for the Pacific Ocean facing eastern coast.
Surfing
Being an archipelago, the Philippines offers surf at all levels. Four hours north of Manila is La Union famous for its gentle beach breaks perfect fopr beginners, and lots of accommodations and great surfer-style restaurants. Daet in Camarines Norte or Infanta and Baler in Quezon offer a more adventurous experience, longer traveling time but bigger waves. For extreme surfers, catch the huge rollers coming in from across the Pacific as they break on the wild east coast.
Trekking
To get the most out of the Philippines, trekking takes you to places that other means are unable. See crystal clear rivers fall from dizzying heights and indigenous tribesmen living as they did centuries ago. Discover cliffs towering over the crashing surf, virgin rainforests, humid jungles, and chilly mountain ridges. Exhilaration abounds as you conquer the heights of Mt. Apo or pass over the sterile moonscape at Mt. Pinatubo. Leave the roads behind, and really see what makes the Philippines tick.
White Water Rafting
Exhillarating white water rafting and river kayaking are sports just being discovered in the Philippines. Over the decades, adventure-minded travelers have flocked to the rivers of Nepal, Borneo, and Costa Rica while the excellent, consistent class three and four rapids of some Philippine rivers layed waiting. Today there are several rivers in Visayas and Mindanao being used, and more being tested.
Foreigners Working
It is possible for foreigners to earn casual money whilst staying in the Philippines, especially in Manila and other bigger cities in provinces. These may include temporary teaching in schools, colleges and other institions; and working in bars and clubs. Temporary work may also be available as an "extra" on the set of a film or television series. Fluency in English is very important in jobs even if knowledge of Filipino or Tagalog is considerably low.
Unlike other countries, there are no strict bureaucratic papers needed such as a green card, so some formal jobs are not hard to come by and get. Do not expect large sums of money even for formal jobs. Wages are displayed on a per day basis rather than a per hour basis.
Most establishments pay out monthly but informal jobs pay out variably either daily cash in hand or weekly.
Money
The Philippine peso is the official currency. 1.00 USD = 41.5540 PHP as of April 4th, 2008.
Peso bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. One peso is equivalent to 100 centavos and coins come in 5, 10 and 25 centavo variants in addition to the 1, 5 and 10 peso coins, but why bother?
Money changers are not so common in the Philippines apart from some heavily touristed areas and most malls which usually have their own currency exchange stall. Banks on the other hand are widely available to exchange currency but have a limited time of operation, usually from 9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.
Visitors can also use the 6,000 ATMs nationwide to withdraw funds or ask for cash advances. The three major local ATM consortiums are BancNet, MegaLink and Expressnet. International networks, like PLUS and Cirrus, are accessble with many ATMs, but Cirrus is more predominant that PLUS.
Visitors who have a MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus card can withdraw funds or ask for cash advances at ATMs that display their logos. The most prominent MasterCard ATMs are the Express Tellers by BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and the Smartellers by Banco de Oro.
PLUS ATMs are not available locally by itself, but instead it is available along with Cirrus. Prominent examples include the Fasteller by Equitable PCI Bank and the Electronic Teller (ET) by Metrobank. Most MegaLink ATMs are linked to PLUS and Cirrus.
Credit card holders can use VISA, MasterCard, American Express and JCB cards in many locations in the Philippines but merchants would usually require a minimum purchase amount before you can use your card. Cardholders of China UnionPay credit cards can get cash advances at many BancNet ATMs (particularly of Metrobank) but cannot use their cards in point of sale transactions at the moment.
Not too expensive!
The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to visit in all Asia and as well in the rest of the world. For example:
- Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £400 (off peak - Aug - Nov, Jan - April) - £800 peak, economy
- Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £1200 - £1800 (P120,000 - P180,000) Business and First Class
- A flight to Singapore from Manila is US$115
- A flight to Cebu from Manila is US$50
- A typical four star hotel for a single person in Manila is P3500 or US$85
- A typical two night first-class hotel suite on Boracay Island is P14,000 or US$350
- An A/C Manila dormitory P240/US$6
- A single A/C room with private bath and cable TV on Cebu is P500 or US$12
- A movie - P100-P160or US$2.50 to $3.50
- A budget meal with a cup of rice, assorted selection of meat, side dish of vegetables, and a bowl of clear broth soup is about a US dollar.
- A taxi is P35 for the first 2.5kilometers the P5 for each additional kilometer
- A jeepney is P7.50 for the first 4kilometers (P6.00 for students/elderly/disabled then P1.25/Kilometer for each additional kilometer.
- The elevated train in Manila is P10 to 15
- An internet cafe use for one hour is P20 to P50
- A plate of Spaghetti is P32,
- A plate of Pork Adobo w/rice is P35
- A buffet in Cebu is P130
- A buffet in Davao is P99
- A buffet in Manila is P350
- The international Herald Tribune is P70
- The Economist Magazine is P160
Cuisine
The cuisine of the Philippines has been developed from many different cultural influences that helped form its history. It draws from Spanish, Malay, Chinese, and American cultures. Filipino cuisine is less spicy than other South East Asian countries. They use in place of hot spices, things like onions, garlic and ginger. They take their time making their meals, slow cooking, which brings out the flavours rather than disguising bad flavour with spices.
Rice
Rice dominates all three daily meals, except in the south where corn is often used somewhat. They buy rice in 50 kilogram bags.
Mains courses
Generally rice is accompanied with one main dish at lunch and dinner. Often you have vegetables accompanied with a meat dish. Sevreral dishes are served at fiestas and special occasions. Soup are often the main dish as well rather than an apetizer. They often pour soup on their rice, eating the meat on the side. The following are some typical dishes:
- Adobo is chicken and or pork served as a garlic-stew with soy sauce and vinegar in the base.
- Sinigang is sour soup with tamarind, guavas or kamias, served with beef, pork, chicken, shrimp or fish.
Fresh produce - Lengua is roast beef tongue with a savory sauce marinate.
- Nilaga is anything boiled; beef marrow, chicken or port.
- Calamares are fried squid done in a breading.
Giant shrimp - Kare-kare is a peanut-flavoured stew with vegetables and meat, which simmers for hours, generally beef with tail or tripe, or the seafood version with shrimp, crabs or squid then served with a sidedish of shrimp paste called bagoong.
- Camaron Rebusado is a Philippines attempt at tempura.
- Lechon de leche is a slowly-roasted young pork often served at bigger occasions. The skin is crispy and often is the first thing consumed.
- Daing na bangus is dried then dried milkfish often given at breakfast accompanied with garlic-fried rice and a fried egg.
- Pakbet is a traditional Filipino meal made of mixed vegetables like tomatoes, minced pork, eggplant and lady finger.
- Dinuguan is a dark soup made of pig's blood and innards served with green chili and puto.
Short fat sweet bananas - Bopis - spicy pork innards.
- Puppy - chop head off, skin, then fry, boil or bar-b-que, and season to taste.
Snacks
Filipinos often snack between meals on a variety of things:
- Bibingka is a rice cake topped with a white cheese and a salty egg.
- Halo-halo or 'mix-mix' is fruit, sweets, milk, beans, crushed ice or ice cream.
- Balut is a duck egg, fertilized so it is a nearly-developed embryo inside the shell that is boiled and consumed with a sprinkle of salt and shake of vinegar, considered an aphrodisiac, with lots of protein.
- Penoy is same as balut except unfertilized.
Hot peppers - Buko pie is a pie made from fresh coconut meat.
- Pandesal are small buns made each morning as an alternative to rice at breakfast.
- Banana cue is a popular street-type food of saba bananas that are fried in hot oil with caramel-sugar coating. Boiling is another way.
- Fishballs, who knew? More commonly known as "fishballan" sold from vendor stands along with deep-fried squidballs, kikiam or chickenballs. Isaw (chicken innards)and siomai (steamed dumplings) are also sold on the street.
Banana pancakes - Chicharones are crunchy deep-fried pig parts.
- Taho is a warm, sweet soya snack eaten in the morning with balls of tapioca, tofu and caramel syrup)
Fruits and desserts
The Philippines has many varieties of tropical fruits.
- Rambutans or mamon chinos where you peel away the spiney skin to uncover a sweet, juicy white meat with a large seed.
- Mangos are eaten green with salt or sugar, ripe and sweet or dried.
- Durian smells terrible but tastes wonderful sold mostly in Davao, but found everywhere.
- Sampaloc candy is salty yet sweetened fruit of tamarind.
- Mais con Hielo is a mixture of corn, milk, and crushed ice
- Leche Flan is a jelly made out of butter, honey and milk
Jackfruit can grow to 80 pounds
All the fast food joints you ever wanted such as McDonald's, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Wendys, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and many more are found in the major cities around the Philippines.
Beverages
Nightlife is centered in certain districts of all the main cities in the Philippines. Drinks and beers are universal, however, Filipinos usually eat snacks (pulutan) like nuts, or grilled seafood and meats while they drink.
San Miguel Beer is the most popular beer, but domestic and imported beers are available in the mos=re upscale places everywhere. Rhum and 'ginebra' (gin) are usually consumed of the hard liquors. Lambanog and tuba are indigenous liquors made from coconut juice, and now in mango, blueberry and even bubble gum.
For non-alcoholic drinks, try calamansi juice (a green citrus fruit), fresh buko juice made of young coconut, sago at gulaman which is a sweet tapioca pearls with seaweed gelatin, or try a green mango milkshake.
Safely.travel
Always check for travel advisories and obtain advice from both your embassy (if you are a visiting tourist) and from local sources as well. If you are visiting, plan your trip ahead, and check for the safety of the areas you wish to visit in advance.
Common sense will usually prevent most petty crimes in any place in the world, and the Philippines is no exception to this. While foreigners do tend to stand out in crowds, they are not an uncommon sight in major cities and urban areas, nor in well-known tourist areas. As such, if traveling as a tourist, it is always best to keep in groups. Avoid traveling in the late evening if you are unfamiliar with the area. Having a reputable travel guide or a trusted local friend with you when traveling through these areas is highly advisable.
Several regions are known for being "conflict areas", areas with long histories of insurgency from groups such as the New People's Army (NPA, a communist group) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, a radical Islamic seperatist group). Again, having a reputable travel guide or a trusted local friend with you when traveling through these areas is highly advisable.
Regarding the Philippines in particular, your security and safety should be paramount in your concerns. Keep informed of developments and threats regarding crime in general, plus terrorism and kidnapping before and while visiting the islands. Be vigilant, especially in Manila for patty crime motivated by drugs and poverty. Muslims have a history of kidnappings, though yur chance of being a victim of such activities is quite low. Security has increased, especially in the south of the Philippines where Muslim populations tend to concentrate. If taking private yachts, be aware there is an unusual amount of piracy and kidnappings in Philippine waters. There is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters, especially in the south, and this trend does not seem to be lessening. Divers should be especially aware of these threats.
There are low safety standards on the majority of ferries with slow an inadequate response by rescue service providers. You are advised to stay on the beaten track, and leave your travel plans with friends and relatives. An increase in volcanic activity at the Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon Province and the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental Province indicates that eruptions could be imminent. Permanent danger zones have been established around the summits in case of sudden explosions, and travellers should avoid these areas. People have also been advised to stay away from Mayon Volcano in Albay Province for the time being. The area is prone to typhoons between July and November, when flooding and landslides can occur.
This site could save your life
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling in the Philippines, and the Third World in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely Travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
Prostitution
Prostitution is supposedly illegal in the Philippines, although hostess bars and massage parlors abound. The age of consent is eighteen. Penalties for sex with minors are harsh, and paedophiles may also be prosecuted by their home country.
In the main, Filipina prostitutes, whether past or present, are young, usually under twenty years of age, originate from the provinces, are from poor families, and most probably victims of sexual abuse. Many have been encouraged by their families to 'go to the big city' to send home money.
Often times during raids on suspected prostitution dens, women prostitutes are arrested, jailed and fined for prostitution. On the other hand, owners and managers of establishments as well as their customers are left off the hook.
In the Philippines, prostitutes and prostitution are commonly viewed as one and the same. They are considered as social problems obstructing society’s morality and decency. Society uses both moral condemnation and legal sanctions to flush them out. As prostitutes are seen as the ultimate expression of prostitution, they are the most prominent and convenient targets of moral outrage and legal sanctions. Thus, when prostitution is mentioned, the focus is immediately on women and children who personally provide sexual services. The assumption is that women in prostitution 'seduce' men and are thus the problem. This view reveals no understanding of prostitution as a system and of prostitutes as individuals caught up in that system.
The common understanding of prostitution is that it involves the sale of sexual services by women and children. This does not, however, consider that in prostitution, the major players are mostly men while women and children assume the functional role of delivery of sexual services and that there is intended profits.
Prostitution is a system whereby women’s and children’s bodies and their sexuality are commodified and exploited to satisfy men’s sexual needs. It is based on the notion that men are entitled to sexual services from women and children and can, in fact demand these services as a matter of right, whether through marriage, rape or prostitution. It is a system shaped and controlled by men and their representatives. It is men’s notion of sex and sexual pleasure which are acted out in prostitution.
Society sees children in prostitution as victims and quickly condemns those who victimize them. However, it does not see the same thing on women. It mainly sees adult women as free and autonomous persons who can enter into individual and private transactions with their customers. It automatically assumes that an adult woman is on equal footing with the other party involved in the transaction and therefore free to set the conditions of that transaction. The unfortunate error with this view is that it detaches prostitution from the context of the capitalist economic relationship and the prevailing patriarchal ideology. Both would have women’s bodies and their sexuality obtainable, buyable and given to abuse by men. On the other hand, men are allowed to escape responsibility for using women in prostitution.
Prostitution has become a highly organized business with its own system of recruitment and trade which ensures the systematic and unhampered flow of products and profits. Its entrepreneurs, through pornography, offer women and children to the male market and create a continuous demand for sexual services. Moreover, they constantly bring in young and fresh girls as they command higher prices.
The promotion of sex tourism as an essential feature perpetuates prostitution. The promotion by government of overseas jobs as a viable option for Filipino workers also creates a favorable climate for prostitution. It provides a fertile ground for illegal and deceptive recruiters in the migration process.
Existing Philippine laws do not define 'prostitution', only 'prostitutes'. Article 202 (5) of the Revised Penal Code identifies prostitutes as women who, for money or profit, habitually indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct.” Being a prostitute is a crime. Article 202 also holds criminally liable “any idle or dissolute person who lodges in houses of ill-fame, ruffians, or pimps or those who habitually associate with prostitutes.” But men who go to clubs, bars and other similar establishments hardly qualify as 'idle' or 'dissolute'.
In reality, it is difficult to prosecute any women for being a prostitute because under the law the following elements must be proven: (1). Engaging in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, (2) habituality of the conduct, and (3) payment of money for profit.
Law enforcers have, therefore turned to using other laws to arrest and prosecute women in prostitution. These include the laws penalizing vagrants (Article 202 paragraphs 1-4, Revised Penal Code) and obscene publications and lewd shows.
Other than Article 202, the other provision that deals directly with prostitution is Article 341 of the Revised Penal Code on white slavery. It penalizes “any person who, in a manner, or under any pretext, shall engage in the business or shall profit by prostitution or shall enlist the services of any other person for the purpose of prostitution.” The reality, however, is while society penalizes, stigmatizes and ostracizes women in prostitution, it never even questions why men demand and pay for sex. In addition, the criminal liability of individuals engaged in the business or prostitution under Article 341 of the Revised Penal Code is hardly enforced. Thus, businesses related to prostitution continue to thrive.
Stay healthy
Water
Drink the readily available bottled water. Buko (young coconut) juice is also safe if they have not added local ice to it. Be wary also of Buko juice vendors, some usually just add sugar to water. Buy and eat fruit that has not already been cut up. Cooked food from a karenderia (outdoor canteen) is okay if there is a fire under the pots and the food has been kept hot.
If you must drink tap water, (it is usually served/contained in a small to medium plastic bag), Manila, Cebu City, Olongapo-Subic, and Angeles may be ok, but it is recommended that you boil tap water for at least 5 minutes just to be safe. Elsewhere drink bottled water. There is always the risk of contracting amoebiasis when drinking tap water in the countryside. Also, this applies to ice that is usually put in beverages.
Bottled water is best purchased from within stores and sheltered eateries. Bottled waters sold outside (by the roads) are more than likely used bottles filled with tap water, sealed then cooled.
CDC advises that risk of malaria exists in locations below six hundred meters, except for the provinces of Bilaran, Aklan, Bohol, Capiz, Camiguin, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Guimaras, Masbate, Leyte, Sequijor, northern Samar, or metro Manila. Chloroquine is no longer a recommended malaria preventative for anywhere in the Philippines. In general, malaria is not common in the Philippines and around half of the 40,000 annual cases are in a couple of discreet locations.
Also please note the tubercolosis is very common in the countryside, it is advisable not to stay in certain villages in areas you are not familiar with for a very long time. It is also highly advisable that if you see someone coughing or looking weak, avoid contact with that person.
Electricity and Electronics
Most of the Philippines is 220 Volt 60 Hz with the older 2-prong plug formerly used in the USA (not polarized or grounded). This is not a common voltage-frequency combination, so nearly everyone will have to pay close attention to what they plug in to an electric outlet. Americans will need a step-down transformer, while Europeans and Australians cannot use electric clocks and heavy-duty 50 Hz motors. Also, they will need a passive plug adaptor intended for USA/Canada. Americans will need one too for any plug where one blade is wider than the other (polarized), or has a third round grounding pin.
Downtown Baguio (northern Luzon) uses 110 V @ 60 Hz like USA, but doesn't go very far beyond the city center. The airport, for example, is 220V. If staying in the Baguio area, always ask first! If your equipment is 110-125V and works here, just crossing a street may change to 220 and cause your equipment to be damaged or even catch fire. There are no signs in Baguio indicating where 110V ends and 220V begins.
Television and video in the Philippines use the NTSC format, which is the same as the USA and Canada. Televisions sets and VCRs made for Japan (though the same video format) will skip certain channels. Region Coded DVDs are Region 3 (SE Asia), though virtually all Tagalog movies are region free.
Contacting Home
The country code for the Philippines is 63. The area code for Metro Manila is 2.
GSM cell phones are in wide use all over the country, however iDEN network is also somewhat present (service is provided by Next Mobile, a subsidiary of Nextel) 3G technology is also available through Smart and Globe. In most urban locations and many resorts, cell phone service will be available. The average cost of an international long-distance call to the United States and other major countries is 40 US cents per minute, with local calls ranging from 6.50 to 7.50 pesos. Text messages cost one peso and the Philippines is usually tagged as the "texting capital of the world."
The three major telecommunications companies are PLDT (wireless subsidiary Smart Communications for mobile phones), Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular. If you are visiting the Philippines, it is wise to check your mobile carrier to see if they offer international roaming for your plan and if so, which of the three carriers do they partner with and you will need at least a dualband GSM mobile phone.
Pre-paid SIM cards of these networks are easy to acquire and cost as low as P 150 and provide a cheap alternative to (usually) expensive roaming charges on home networks. If your unit is locked to your home service provider, cellphone repair shops in various malls have ways of unlocking. If you don't have a phone to begin with, a complete pre-paid kit with phone and SIM could be had for as low as 2 to 3 thousand pesos (40 to 60 US$). Note that the phones that come with these kits would usually be locked to the local network provider. You would also need to have it unlocked before leaving if you plan on using it back home.
Reloading pre-paid SIMs is a breeze. Electronic Load (E-Load) stations are everywhere from small corner stores to the large malls. You can load as little as a few pesos but if you mean to call overseas would obviously need to load a lot more.
Due to the wide use of cellular phones, pay phones are increasingly becoming obsolete. Some malls and public places still do have them and they usually come in either the coin or card operated variety. Globe and PLDT are the usual operators. Phone cards are usually sold by shops which sell cellphone pre-paid loads and cards. Note that phone cards of one company can not be used with the other company's card operated phones.
Internet cafes are plentiful in city malls, much less so outside the cities, but are growing at a rapid pace. Some of these shops offer an alternative to the traditional overseas phone calls by use of their VOIP networks.
Apart from the Philippine postal service, FedEx, UPS, and DHL courier services are also available. Local couriers such as LBC and Aboitiz are also available.
Popular Attractions in the Philippines
Taal Volcano/Tagaytay City
The active Taal Volcano is on Luzon Island, located in San Nicolas and Talisay in Batangas. It is an island in Lake Taal, basically a 25 to 30 kilometer wide caldera caused by four much larger eruptions fifty to a hundred thousand years ago, throwing ignimbrite deposits as far as Manila fifty kilometers away!
Since this time, smaller eruptions formed Taal Volcano. The volcano erupts violently from time to time, and has killed several people living around Lake Taal from time to time.
Geological history
Since the caldera formation, at least forty seven subsequent eruptions have built up the current Taal Volcano in conical layers. The Tall Volcano island is twenty three square kilometers, with a crater lake two kilometers across, and inside it is one more island.
Recent activity
They have recorded thirty-three eruptions since 1572, with the most devastating in 1911 killing over a thousand people.
A period of activity occurred from 1965 to 1977, where the interaction of magma with lake water produced dangerous phreatic explosions. The 1965 eruption identified a base surge as the normal process in a volcanic eruption, since one of the researchers had also experienced an atom bomb when he was in the armed forces.
Since 1991, the volcano has showed signals of unrest, heavy seismic activity, ground fracturing and numerous mud geysers on the volvano sides. It's not a matter of if, but rather, when it will explode again.
Eruption precursors at Taal
In light of its proximity to populated areas and violent eruptive history, Taal has been designated one of sixteen Decade Volcanos, making it a focus for research efforts and disaster mitigation plans. While seismic activity is a common precursor to eruptive activity, another useful indicator at Taal is the temperature of Lake Taal. Before the 1965 eruption began, the lake's temperature rose to several degrees above normal. However, the lake's temperature does not always rise before an eruption. Before some eruptions, the dissolution of acidic volcanic gases into the lake has resulted in the death of large numbers of fish.
Earthquake precursors in the Taal
An interesting observation on Volcano Island was made in 1994. Volcanologists measuring the concentration of radon gas in the soil on the island measured an anomalous increase of the radon concentration by a factor of six in October 1994. This increase was followed 22 days later by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on November 15, centred about 50 km south of Taal, off the coast of Luzon.
A typhoon had passed through the area a few days before the radon spike was measured, but when Typhoon Angela, one of the most powerful to strike the area in ten years, crossed Luzon on almost the same track a year later, no radon spike was measured. Therefore, typhoons were ruled out as the cause, and there is strong evidence that the radon originated in the stress accumulation preceding the earthquake.
Tagaytay City
Nearby Tagaytay City in Cavite is just over fifty kilometers south from Manila. It provides a view of Manila Bay to the north, Taal Lake to the south, Taal Volcano and Laguna Bay to the east and the China Sea to the west.
It is called the country's second summer capital because of the cool, fresh climate. It is beautiful seeing the tiny lights from the boats reflecting off the water at night. A public park built by the Government Tourism Authority, Picnic Grove, is a popluar place for families to relax. Only an hour away from Manila, Tagaytay's clear unpolluted skies, wonderful colored sunrises and sunsets, the bluey green color of Lake Taal, the volcano wrapped in the morning mist, and the chilly breeze make it so different from Manila.
During the 1896 revolution, Tagaytay City forests and undulating land provided an immediate sanctuary and shelter for the revolutionaries (Katipuneros) from nearby towns and villages of southern Luzon.
During the final years World War Two, military personnel and supplies and personnel were parachute-dropped into Tagaytay by the Eighth Army Division with the leadership of Lieutenant General William Krueger leading to the expulsion of the Japanese from Manila.
The Department of Tourism today recognizes Tagaytay City as an area of continuing prime tourism development and importance. Transportation to the area will be arranged through your Manila hotel or local tour desk using private vans or coaches. Alternatively, take the economical public BLTB bus line. Public buses from Lawton, Baclaran and Pasay bus terminals are easily accessible.
Iglesia Ni Christo
Any visitor to the Philippines who takes more than a passing interest in religion will soon become familiar with the nation's second largest religious block (after Catholics): the Iglesia ni Cristo.
Literally translated, Iglesia ni Cristo is Filipino for "Church of Christ." But to distinguish it from the American Protestant body that bears that name, followers and Protestants alike tend to refer to it either as the INC or to use the Filipino Iglesia ni Cristo when speaking English (and "Church of Christ" when speaking Filipino).
The INC was founded by Felix Manalo, self-proclaimed prophet, on July 27, 1914. Membership numbers are secret, but the INC is estimated to have at least three million members -- and maybe as many as 10 million, in a country with a population of about 75 million. A few hundred thousand followers, almost all ethnic Filipinos, live outside the Philippines.
The most basic component of the INC's beliefs is that founder Felix Manalo was sent from God to reestablish the Christian Church in its true form. Since the First Century, Christianity (according to the INC) has been corrupt. Today the INC represents the only true expression of Christian faith. Otherwise the INC's practices are similar in many ways to those of the Seventh-Day Adventists; like David Koresh, before Manalo became God's prophet he belonged to an SDA congregation. Catholics and Protestants alike complain that the INC denies one of the most basic Christian doctrines, the Trinity. If you need to research their theology, the Bereans have a good resource page.
The INC's headquarters is on Commonwealth Avenue in Manila's capital district, Quezon City. They have a large cathedral there, as well as a college and a hospital - the New Era University and New Era Hospital. But INC churches are common in the villages and towns of the Philippines. One way to recognize them is that they are appear built to be aerodynamic and include structures on the sides of the church building that could be mistaken for a rocket. A number of sources in the past have said that INC members believe that Christ will someday remove his church from the earth (the rapture) -- and when they say "remove his church" they mean that the actual building will take off into the air and up into heaven, and that the believers who are inside at the time will go with it. Some followers agree and some deny this theory. So we'll call it the "Rocket Rumor."
The rumor has made it into a couple of Catholic publications like this one ("At the rapture, or so the story goes, Iglesia members will be whooshed into heaven, but only if they're inside one of their churches when the rapture comes. The church building too will be taken up.") The Catholic article also gives you a taste of the tension that exists between INC members and other religious groups in the Philippines; if you're just there to sight see, it helps to be aware of this... rumor or not, the INC church buildings in the Philippines do often have that certain appearance.
Perhaps the INC once taught the rocket rumor and now they don't. Or perhaps the rocket rumor is more of a folk belief among the less educated and the INC has never endorsed it. Like many other cults today (and the First Century Gnostics), the group is secretive about a number of things and it is difficult to know exactly what they teach privately. In any event, this article is concerned with tourism, not theology per se.
Currently the INC is run by the founder's son, Erano G. Manalo. The INC is active in Philippines politics. If you're looking for something to do in the Quezon City area, a walk around the INC area of town can be interesting.
The National Museum of the Philippines
The museum's main goal is to instill cultural consciousness and a sense of pride and nationalism among Filipino citizens through its activities covering the sciences, education and culture. It is a great collection and guardian of the Philippines' natural and cultural heritage. What started as an ethnography and natural history museum in 1918 in its present building designed by the American Architect, Daniel Burnham, the National Museum has since then broadened its concerns in the arts and sciences. Today, it has expanded to occupy the main building (former Old Congress Building) where the arts, natural sciences and other support divisions are housed.
National artists have their representative works displayed, as well as the famous paintings of the ninteenth century artists, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna.
You will also come across pre-historic discoveries like the Tabon skullcap, some pottery and ceramics, artifacts from China and Southeast Asia, even piecesd from of pre-hispanic boats once used to bring Malay immigrants to the Philippine archipelago around 1250 A.D. Also in the area and worth a visit are the National Library and Metropolitan Theater.
Just around the corner behind the National Museum in the adjacent former Finance Building in Rizal Park's Agrifina Circle the National Museum of the Filipino People where they house both anthropology and archaeology divisions. Spend a couple of hours minimum in the 'must see' museum. Whether you start at the bottom or top, walk the stairs or catch the elevator, you will ber impressed with the plethora of historic Filipina artifacts, dress, lifestyle, environment and artistic expressions, as you walk among the historic surroundings. The top floor has has weaving and skill displays, the history and the product. There are treasures like gold ornaments and jewelry, eating utensils and even ancient weapons.
The museum has a great representation of art and their Philippine artists. Even imprerssive children's arts are often proudly displayed.
They simulated display the wreck of the fifteenth century Spanish/Manila galleon 'Santiago' has the ocean setting where it was laid to rest for centuries. You'll enjoy this very modern display, well preserved and professionally presented.
Rural life and lifestyle, homes, transportation, the various languages are displayed, the multiplicity of Philippine cultures, indigenous myths and beliefs and the countryside environment will hold your interest while you walk throughout.
There is no way you will leave the inexpensive Museum store, a treasure trove souvenirs and trinkets ideal for interesting gifts.
Eat first before you start your museum tour as there is nothing offered to eat or drink within the museums.
Intramuros
San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church was constructed between 1587 and 1604 and remains the oldest church in the country, and the only building left intact within Intramurals during the American blitz. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a 'must see'destination
Manila Bay
Manila's history is centered around the bay. In 1646 the celebrated La Naval de Manila effectively stopped to numerous Dutch attempts to overtake the Philippines. The Spanish fleet was defeated by Commodore George Dewey's American forces, commensing forty years of US occupation. Today Manila Bay is famous for its spectacular dreamy sunsets, as the activity on the bay is forever entertaining infront of the orange and purple backdrop.
Malacanang Palace
On the Pasig River, this palace was originally an aristocrat's home during the summer, but became residence for the Spanish governor after an 1863 earthquake destroyed the Governor's Palace (Palacio del Gobernador) in the Intramuros. Since the time of independence, it has been the residence of all the Philippines' presidents. Originally built by one architect, it has been altered and changed over the last hundred and fifty years so that now much of its original form has been lost.
Pagsanjan
Organized tours to Pagsanjan are available from travel agencies. Or, upon reaching the town, head straight for the Pagsanjan Lodge or the Pagsanjan Rapids Hotel where you can secure a 'banca' (wooden boat) to take you to the famous gorge and falls. As you travel upstream, a natural wonderland of lush tropical vegetation unfolds before you; on the return trip your little boat shoots the rapids, skillfully maneuvered through rocks and boulders by experienced boatmen. The drive from Manila to Pagsanjan (100 kilometers) takes about two hours.
Puka Beach
On the northern side of Boracay Island two hundred kilometers south of Manila, this .8 kilometers beach is made of white-bleached puka shells. The location is surprisingly uncrowded, and remote, accentuated by craggy towering cliffs covered in coconut trees. From White Beach it can be easily reached by boat you hire in thirty minutes. You can also rent a motorcycle to the beach, but it is a bit hard going.
Ifugao Rice Terraces
In 1995, Ifugao (Province) Rice Terraces were designated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list "because of their fantastic beauty expressing conquered yet conserved harmony between man and his environment". They are best seen in the drier months of January to May. To get there takes about ten hours from Manila using the Pan-Pacific Highway or easier, about forty-five minutes to Bagabag Airport by an airplane charter.
Banaue is the most well-known of all the terraces, and is the center of the Ifugao carvers and Ikat weavers. Batad, also in Banaue, is the location of the awesome tiered, amphitheater-like terraces. Mayoyao, another in Banaue, grows organic red and white Ifugao rice called Tinawon. Hapao has stone-walled rice terraces dating back to 650 AD found in Hungduan. Mount Napulawan is here. Kiangan is home to Nagacadan and Julungan, two huge well-known rice terrace sites with great impact visually.
The Ifugao Epic
UNESCO World Heritage has listed the Ifugao epic 'Hudhud' as it is a 'masterpiece of intangible, oral heritage of mankind.'
In South East asia, it is the only cultural piece to make the honored UNESCO list the first one they ever awarded, and the second UNESCO award received by Ifuago province, after the rice terraces.
Since the 1600s, it is still a major component of matriarchal Ifugao life today. Once the Hudhud starts to be chanted by the Ifugao women, it will continue for up to three days. It generally takes place at harvest time, funerals, and weddings. Once with many versions, the Catholic church did its best to supress and dilute it, but it still exists in a singular form. They have an annual competition each May 1st to determine who are the greatest chanters.
Palawan
Located in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines between the Sulu Sea to the southeast South China Sea to the northwest, and run basically from Mindoro Island to Borneo. Palawan is an island province and the Philippines' largest province in area. 'Clean and green' Puerto Princesa is the capital.
People and culture
Palawan Islands are a melting pot of eighty-seven different culturals and races. The people are mostly of Malay origin, but there are a few with Chinese and Spanish blood lineages. The culture has some similarities to Borneo, China as well as the Middle East with many cultural minorities. Its high population increase is due to in-coming migration from other parts of the Philippines.
Economy and environment
The northern regons of Palawan has some of the most amazing geologic outcrops and natural beuaty found anywhere, and certainly a major draw for tourists. habitats in the world. Unfortunately, because of the area's remoteness, it could easliy fall prey to environmental degradation and economic exploitation such as sand theft, reef-degradation, illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Some programs are being initiated by the Philippines government, Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies Center (PEMS) www.palawanenvironmental.com and international organizations, but they are costly and in their infancy.
If and when Palawan is recognized for its incredible biological diversity and ecological fragility, it may realize some unexplored potential as a paradise-like conference center or ecological study destination encouraging awareness and thus protection of itself.
Palawan is considered to be the Philippines' last frontier. The province boasts many splendid beaches and has two World Heritage Sites: Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
The Philippine government claims most of the Spratly Islands, locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands, in the South China Sea Islands to be under the jurisdiction of Palawan.
Religion
The predominant religion in Palawan is Roman Catholicism. Pockets of Muslims can be found in the southern municipalities with Muslims making up the majority of the population in some municipalities in the far south like Balabac and Bataraza. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons or LDS) have a strong presence on Palawan, as well as the Seventh-day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus Miracle Crusade and Protestant religions.
Puerto Princesa City is a first class capital city for the Province of Palawan. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 161,912 people in 33,306 households. It is famous for its crocodile farms, underground rivers and dive spots.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about fifty kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa. The park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St.Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The municipal government of Puerto Princesa has managed the park since 1992. It is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park.
It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South
The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.
Physical
Palawan is the Philippine's largest province in terms of total land area. It consists of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamian Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands and Cagayan Island in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline is dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forest that carpet its mountain ranges.
History of Palawan
Pre-colonial era Ancient Chinese traders and waves of migrants arrived in the Philippines by way of land bridges between Borneo and Palawan. A Chinese author referred to these islands as Kla-ma-yan (Calamian), Palau-ye (Palawan), and Paki-nung (Busuanga). Pottery, china and other artifacts recovered from caves and waters of Palawan attest to trade relations that existed between Chinese and Malay merchants.
In the 12th century, Malay settlers began to populate the island. Most of the settlements were ruled by Malay chieftains. These people grew palay, ginger, coconuts, camote, sugar and bananas. They also raised pigs, goats and chickens. Most of their economic activities were fishing, farming, and hunting by the use of bamboo traps and blowguns. The local people had a dialect consisting of eighteen syllables.
Spanish rule The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under Spanish authority, and were later declared a province separate from the Palawan mainland. In the early 17th century, Spanish friars sent out missions in Cuyo, Agutaya, Taytay and Cagayancillo but they met resistance from Moro communities. Before the 18th century, Spain began to build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against Moro raids in the towns of Cuyo, Taytay, Linapacan and Balabac. In 1749, the Sultanate of Borneo ceded southern Palawan to Spain.
At first, the territory of Palawan (or Paragua as it was called) was organized as a single province named Calamianes, with its capital in Taytay. Later, it was divided into three provinces: Castilla covering the northern section of the province with Taytay as capital, Asturias in the southern mainland with Puerto Princesa as capital, and Balabac Island to the far south with its capital in the town of Principe Alfonso.
American rule When the Spaniards left after the 1898 revolution, a civil government was established by the Americans. Provincial boundaries were revised in 1903, the name of the province was changed to Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as its capital.
Many reforms and projects were later introduced in the province. Construction of school buildings, promotion of agriculture, and bringing people closer to the government were among the priority plans during this era.
Palawan Massacre
During World War II, in order to prevent the rescue of prisoners of war by the advancing allies, on 14 December 1944, the Japanese herded the remaining 150 POWs at Puerto Princesa into three covered trenches which were then set on fire using barrels of gasoline. As prisoners tried to escape the flames, they were shot down. Some escaped by going over a cliff that ran along one side of the trenches, but were later hunted down and killed. Only 11 men escaped the slaughter and between 133 and 141 were killed. The site of the massacre can still be visited. The massacre is the premise of the recently published book "Last Man Out: Glenn McDole, USMC, Survivor of the Palawan Massacre in World War II" by Bob Wilbanks, and the opening scenes of the 2005 Miramax movie, "The Great Raid".
Honda Bay kidnappings In May 2001 Palawan hit the headlines when the militant Islamic group Abu Sayyaf abducted twenty guests from the Dos Palmas Resort, located in Honda Bay outside of Puerto Princesa City. The kidnapping raid led to a massive U.S.-backed security operation, and unfortunately two hostages were later killed. Significantly, there have been no repeat incidents of this kind in Palawan, and the combination of a beefed-up military presence and radar surveillance has considerably boosted security. In 2001, Palawan rejected by virtue of a referendum to be a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Basically, Palawan is a safe place to visit.
Palawan is famous for...
Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. Established on August 31, 1976, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd World Conference in Kenya. It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan.
Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga
Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by the US Navy. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area.
El Nido Marine Reserve Park
This area on Bacuit Bay is home of the Philippines most precious and largest wildlife reserve. Since the 1998 damage of our coral reef due to global warming, followed quickly afterwards by a terrible typhoon, the recovery of the corals can be seen everywhere. Prevention of further coral reef destruction from similar incidents is now being researched.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
Located at the heart of the southern Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, fragile Tubbataha Reef is a marvelous marine wilderness and a special eco-system much appreciated for its beauty as well as its scientific value. This unique 33,200-hectare underwater splendor teems with abundant flora and fauna. The name Tubbataha is a derivative of two muslim words, ""Tubba"" (meaning long) and ""Taha"" (referring to something related to shore, reefs, or lagoon). It is comprised of two distinct atoll reef systems, the North Reef and the South Reef, separated by a four-mile channel.
Because of its fabulous beauty, the marine park was honored by UNESCO on December 11, 1993, as the first natural site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List.
It is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan. The Park is open to visitors all year round but the best time to visit is from March to June when the sea is calmer. With entrance fee visitors are required to secure an entry permit from the Tubbataha Management Office before entry into the Park.
Contact Numbers : Tubbataha Management Office (6348) 434-4211 Department of Tourism Region 4- (632) 524-1969/ 524-1528 [http//:www.Tubattaha.org Tubattaha Marine Park]
Getting there - Live-aboard dive boat tours are available originating from various piers in the country. Check the website or contact the Tubbataha Management Office for details on recommended dive tour operators.
St. Paul Subterranean National Park
A picturesque stretch of a river, running for an unknown length that overwhelms the beholder, is the main fare offered by the Subterranean River. Emptying itself into St.Paul Bay, this physical wonder was appropriately described by a visitor thus: "Natures sculpturing is everywhere. Carved by time itself, unaided by the hand of man, there reposes a complete and finished griffin, or is it a Sphinx resting amid the sands of the desert? Between stately stone pillars rises a series of steps leading from the water to some temple within. Then the cavern stretches away, an almost perfect rectangle with walls and ceiling decorated with many colors - surely the deft work of an artistic, designing hand. One sharp turn and there appears a huge stalactite glittering like a chandelier from the ceiling of some great ballroom. Suddenly, one boat glides into a great chamber resplendent with colors and decoration like a stage set for a scene in some grand opera.
It is located near Puerto Princesa City. The Park is open to visitors all year round but best time to visit is from January to May when the weather is drier. Operating hours- 8am to 3pm. With entrance fee, the park enforces a “No Permit, No Entry” policy. Visitors are requested to register at the Park Headquarters for a short briefing.
Contact Numbers : Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office (6348) 433-2409 Department of Tourism Region 4- (632) 524-1969/ 524-1528
Getting there takes around an hour by plane from Manila to the Puerto Princesa City Airport or around 16-18 hours from Manila by boat to Puerto Princesa City Port. Then from Puerto Princesa City proper, the park is accessible by a ninety minute jeepney or hired shuttle van ride.
Phillipines hotels
As mentioned above, the following Philippines hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$200 per night. We have also listed budget accommodations as well as popular bed and breakfasts.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
Phillipines hotels under $200 (in order of value for money and location)
Tourists are accommodated in hotels, condotels (mostly in Manila), apartels and pension houses. Hotels are usually more expensive, condotels are furnished condos rented out for long or short term stays, apartels are set up for both short and long term stays, and a pension house is usually more basic and economical. These all vary in terms of cleanliness, availability of air conditioning, and hot water showers. Motels, inns, and lodges are for illicit sex, and are usually a small room with a connected carport, hidden behind a high wall which provides for secret comings and goings. You can distinguish these from reputable lodgings by their hourly rates.
Manila hotels
- Century Citadel Inn - Situated in the centre of Makati's entertainment district, within walking distance of the business and shopping area, as well as the city's major banks, airline offices and restaurants, the Century Citadel Inn combines the fine service of a hotel with the convenience of a condominium, offering exceptional value to travelers who put a premium on impeccable service at affordable rates.
- Millenium Plaza Hotel - 5 star hotel with low rates.
- Hotel Las Palmas - Preferred by most of the countless leisure and business travelers, Las Palmas Hotel has a proven track record in the hotel business. Having maintained international quality service standard delivered by dedicated, competent and service-oriented team members creating customer loyalty, Las Palmas has learned to value its corporate heritage of excellence, integrity, hospitality and a positive vision.
- Rothman Inn Hotel - offers a totally unique concept in neo-modern living where success at work depends on both leisure and pleasure. A seven-storey landmark, near the famous Manila Bay we provide you a select array of distinct features, extensive amenities and superb service that will suit your every need. Situated around the booming district of Ermita and nestled within one of Metro Manila’s strategic places, Rothman Hotel stands out with prime commercial and entertainment areas, giving you complete access to all your destinations.
Intermuros in Manila - Palm Plaza Hotel - If there is one place you would like to feel welcomed and relaxed after a tiresome travel, the Palm Plaza Hotel is the perfect hotel that offers excellent relaxation, convenience, and total comfort in style. The Palm Plaza Hotel, one of the leading three-star, full-service boutique business hotel in the heart of Malate, Manila, is conveniently located within a stone throw from major businesses and tourist establishments and a mere 20-minute drive from the International and Domestic Airports.
- Orchid Garden Hotel - In the heart of the city, Orchid Garden Suites, one of the Philippines ' top boutique hotels, is ideally located in the center of Manila 's business, cultural, and entertainment district. The 14-storey building, built upon a magnificent pre-war mansion, is only 20 minutes away from the international and domestic airport.
- Manila Pavilion Hotel - Experience a stunning first class hotel in Manila that shines with the beauty of the Pearl of the Pacific! Enjoy the finest accommodations in Manila at the Manila Pavilion, where the rich heritage and warmest hospitality of any hotel in Manila all come to ebullient life. Situated in the heart of Manila, the Manila Pavilion Hotel is minutes away from the centers of business, government and commerce, parks, churches and cathedrals. Whether you are a business executive or a leisure traveler, you will find the best Manila accommodations and world-renowned Filipino hospitality at the Manila Pavilion Hotel.
The Manilla Hotel lobby - Hotel Manila - Located on Manila Bay, a stay at the Manila Hotel promises sheer comfort from her exquisitely decorated deluxe and suite rooms. The rooms provide all travellers and business executives with a spectacular view of the city—the breathtaking sunsets in Manila bay, the lush gardens, and the magnificent ruins of the old Walled City. Manila Hotel is the first hotel in the Philippines to offer Home Box Office (HBO) among other television network systems for all rooms. All rooms make use of the Ving Card electronic card system for maximum security. The 570 fully renovated rooms that reflect the grandeur of the hotel’s storied past blend delightfully with the conveniences of a modern luxury hotel.
- Pan Pacific Hotel - Pan Pacific Manila is a grand, new, five-star deluxe hotel conveniently located in the historical and cultural district of Manila and only eight kilometres from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Situated in the heart of the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is just a short drive from the city's convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business travellers with its excellent facilities and service, Pan Pacific Manila has set new standards for luxury accommodation and hotel service in the Philippines. The hotel provides 236 all-executive, contemporary-style rooms and suites and impeccable Butler service to all hotel guests.
- Oakwood Premier Hotel - Oakwood Premier Ayala Center, located in the heart of the country's premier business and shopping district of Makati, offers a world of comfort and security for business and leisure travelers, as well as long stay executives. Stay for a day, a week, a month or a year. Experience the wonder of Oakwood Premier, where our service and amenities feel like a luxury hotel, with the comfort of a full sized residence.
- Discovery Suites Hotel - Having redefined the concept of full-service luxury apartments in the Philippines, Discovery Suites continues to be a favorite among local and international travelers, successfully combining the warm and quiet comforts of home with the luxurious pampering of a five-star hotel. All 221 suites are spacious with dimensions ranging from 40 to 150 square meters with toilet and bath, fully equipped kitchens, dining amenities, and other modern conveniences.
Busy Mataki - Atrium Hotel - Welcome to the Atrium Hotel in Manila, Philippines, where comfortable Manila accommodations, warm Filipino hospitality, and excellent service await you! Our rooms are the most spacious guest rooms of any hotels in Manila; our location between the Makati City business district and the Philippine capital of Manila proper makes us a logical choice. At the Atrium Hotel, your utmost leisure and comfort are our main priorities.
- Grand Boulevard Hotel - A Room With A View, Grand Boulevard Hotel offers a range of 446 Guestrooms and Suites with superb appointments and a majestic view of Manila Bay. All rooms have individual temperature controls, telephone system with NDD/IDD features, multi-chanelled cable TV, refrigerator, and mini-bar set-up.
- Sunette Tower - Hotel in Makati is the perfect retreat from the city life. Its location in the Philippine business mecca of Makati, places it in perfect proximity to the best shopping malls, restaurants and transport routes. Standing on a quiet side street by Makati’s main thoroughfare, Makati Avenue, gives this gem of a hotel even more reasons to shine. Step inside and you’ll see that Sunette Tower - Hotel in Makati is a sanctuary of relaxation and comfort.
Chinatown in Manila - Astoria Hotel - Astoria Plaza Suites Manila is the epitome of grandeur. The 35-storey luxury Manila hotel offers spacious well-appointed accommodations to cater to its discriminating clientèle. The Zen-inspired setting is perfect for seasoned leisure and business travelers looking for the perfect hotel in Manila.
- Malate Pensionne - Like the area surrounding it, Malate Pensionne offers the romance of old Manila combined with the convenience of today's modern metropolis. Its first class acommodations and amenities exude an ambience of rustic charm. It's a home away from home. Since its humble beginning in 1974, the hotel has grown to become a favorite among tourists and businessmen seeking a comfortable place to stay in Manila. In fact, it is one of the most sought-after hotels in international travel guide books. Today, it is a landmark along Adriatico Street, that can boast of thousands of satisfied guests because it captures the hearts of its visitors with its personalized service and home-like setting.
- Hotel Kimberly - In the heart of the vibrant Malate district in Manila stands a quality hotel for the price-conscious guest. Hotel Kimberly brings historical spots, food establishments, shopping centers, and business districts well within your reach. With a 100% Filipino workforce, Hotel Kimberly Manila prides itself in offering excellent amenities and first-class service at economy rates.
- Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel - Enjoy the gracious living that the Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel has designed not only to suit the taste of working professionals and business travelers but for a picture perfect family vacation that just loves the idea of sitting back, relax and enjoy each others company while truly appreciating the art of living.
Luzon Island hotels, outside of the National Capital Region
- Hotel Swiss Chalet, Angeles City - Newly built Hotel with 22 comfortable deluxe rooms and 2 luxury suites. Hotel and Restaurant under Swiss management offering Swiss quality at affordable prices for a pleasant and successful stay in Angeles City, Philippines. The gourmet restaurant featuring delicious Swiss, International and Filipino food at a competitive price. Our hotel is right in the heart of the Balibago Entertainment District. Near Clark International Airport - Angeles City, bus terminal Dau and all important business centers of Angeles City, Philippines - yet the Hotel Swiss Chalet is in a very quiet area of Angeles City. Our Hotel Swiss Chalet is run by experienced Swiss manager and owner Hans Hofmann - Hans will be your chef de cuisine for your gourmet pleasure.
- Balai Resort, Batangas - Vast open spaces…Sweeping views of the sea…The perfect place to enjoy the outdoors or just relax and let the busy world pass you by … Two exotic settings await you along the lush breezy coast of Batangas. Both locations are fitted with features that make for an extremely pleasant escape. Quaint cozy cottages. Wide open decks. Sumptuous buffet meals. And all less than three hours south of Manila.
- Hotel Royal Amsterdam, Angeles City - with the extraordinary way of pampering at the Hotel Royal Amsterdam Angeles City, you'll hardly feel away from home. With every stay at the Hotel Royal Amsterdam Angeles City, experience a distinctly indulgent and comforting atmosphere where your every need is personally met. With our efficient and friendly staff, professional housekeeping services and other special courtesies, we make you feel the extra attention that touches you from the start to the end of the day...the Royal Amsterdam way. The Hotel Royal Amsterdam features 7 different room and suite types. All guest rooms are tastefully designed and appointed with luxurious furnishings and first class amenities. Fine wooden finishes, classic designs, soothing hues, and mellow lighting foster an inviting aura of coziness and comfort.
Unwanted dogs are everywhere - Lenox Hotel, Dagupan - The Lenox Hotel is right in the center of things, a place where you can replenish, refresh and rejuvenate after a hard day’s work or a day out in the sun. It’s located right in the heart of Dagupan City, the Bangus (Milkfish) capital of the world. Lenox hotel is a luxurious facility designed to meet your corporate requirements for both quality service and first class amenities. Being in the center of the city, our hotel ensures accessibility and convenience to every guest traveling for business or pleasure. Similarly, Lenox Hotel is just a stone's throw away from Dagupan’s two major thoroughfares which play host to fabulous annual events and happenings. Our hotel is equipped with the most modern facilities and amenities to complement our sophisticated interiors and impressive architecture. Enjoy the comfort of our 34 elegantly designed guest rooms, the convenience of our Business Center, and the grandeur of our social halls. Fully equipped function rooms are also available for conferences, small group meetings and seminars.
- Fort Ilocandia Resort, Laoag - Equipped with 289 deluxe rooms, each offers you panoramic view of the resort. Attendants are ready to serve you 24 hours a day 7 days a week, making your stay pleasant and pleasurable. Hotel facilities include an Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Video Arcade, Tennis Court, Gym & Sauna, enjoy what you want. Serene and spotless beach where you can enjoy water sports activities, such as Jetskis, banana boats, surfing & sailing Recreation activities including Horseback Riding, All Terrain Vehicles, Shooting Range, Archery, Pilot Sailing, Hot-air Balloon and many more...
- White Rock Resort Hotel, Subic Bay - White Rock Resort-Hotel is a premiere Philippines beach resort with a 5.7-hectare property nestled along serene Subic Bay, just 2-hours leisurely and scenic drive from Manila. An ideal vacation haven, it boasts of complete resort amenities and ideal for water sports with a peaceful ambiance. It is bounded by beautiful mountains that also makes the bay practically Tsunami-free. The Resort's 69 international-standard rooms in the main hotel area, 22 rooms in the Beachfront Area, 15 Beachside rooms, and 4 Beach Cottages are spacious and comfortable featuring balconies with seating area and a tropical design that blends the comforts of the West with the charm of the East.
- Hotel PonteFino, Batangas - Hotel Pontefino is the newest leisure boutique hotel in Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines. Only 2 hours away from Metro Manila and opened December 2003, Hotel Pontefino reflects all facets of a fine Filipino home while redefining luxury, grandeur, comfort, and graciousness in style, elegance, and service. This amazing vacation citadel has 60 rooms that are especially categorized into the Premium Rooms and Suites. You and your family, friends, colleagues, and loved one can now have the perfect out-of-town trip anytime you want it - no need to spend a fortune on flights and accommodations that just can't live up to your expectations. Hotel Pontefino Batangas boasts of facilities that you can enjoy during your stay. For those who wish to cool down, Hotel Pontefino has two infinity pools that will definitely make your retreat a more fun one.
- Caylabne Bay, Cavite - Caylabne Bay Resort's well-appointed rooms offer an environment of superior comfort and convenience. Everything you need is readily available. Each air conditioned unit has a colored television, in-house movies, a telephone and bathroom facilities with complete amenities. If you're looking for a whole day of relaxation, this is the perfect place to do it. Get ready to dive into excitement. The beach beckons. Go kayaking. Ride a jetski. Take up aquabiking. Cruise the bay. Hop to nearby islands. Gather around the bonfire by the beach. Indulge in the sport of your choice. We have several sports and recreational facilities you can choose from. Badminton, Tennis, Putting green, Mini golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Aquabikes, Banana Boat, Walking Trail, Mountain Trek and Fishing. Planning a party or a dinner by the beach? El Patio Restaurant offers the best of both Filipino and continental culinary fare in a Mediterranean-inspired seafront ambience. Located within the beach area, it can accommodate seats for 200.
- Pacific Breeze Hotel, Angeles City - We offer seven types of attractively decorated rooms and suites situated throughout our main building and our Oahu Wing annex. All rooms are equipped with the following features: DVD Player with remote, Remote Control Color TV, Cable TV with CNN/FOX/HBO/Cinemax and many other international channels, Free High-Speed Internet Access, In Room Direct Dial Phones, Air Conditioning with Overhead Fans, Large Wardrobe/Closet, Large In Room Programmable Safety Boxes (Laptop friendly), Stocked Mini bar, Breakfast Table with Chairs. Deluxe Room available only in the Oahu Wing annex, we added these rooms to give you yet another choice of affordable quality accommodations at the Pacific Breeze Hotel and Resort. Slightly smaller in size than the Executive rooms, the Deluxe rooms contain all of the same features as the Executive type rooms, but at a lower room rate. These rooms are fitted with quality US queen size beds.
- Hotel Elizabeth, Baguio - Situated upon the lush mountains of Baguio and within walking distance from top tourist attractions, guests of Hotel Elizabeth are in for a different kind of pampering – from a host of fine dining options, exquisite spa treatments, beautiful landscapes and luxury accommodations that is Mediterranean in every way. Known for its good services and rich amenities, Hotel Elizabeth is the ideal place for business and leisure travelers, as well as the perfect venue for holding successful conferences and memorable events. Offering nothing but complete rest and respite from daily tribunals, guests will find for themselves that coming home to Hotel Elizabeth is the solace they need. Stylishly furnished and European-inspired, each room offers romantic settings for the newly-weds, a relaxing atmosphere for leisure tourists and a professional breathing space for business executives. Well maintained, this spacious hotel is bright and open with a large lobby that is as functional as it is welcoming. Set amidst the serene view of pine trees and mountains surrounding the hotel, Hotel Elizabeth offers rich amenities beneficial for guests who wanted nothing else but absolute comfort and hassle-free conveniences.
- Hotel Veniz, Baguio - A relaxing atmosphere, fine dining and gracious service awaits you at Hotel Veniz. Nestled in the heart of Baguio City right beside Burnham Lake, our guests are so close to nature yet never far from the amenities of city life. So whether it's business or pleasure that takes you to the coolest city in the Philippines, treat yourself to Hotel Veniz. Over 100 air-conditioned rooms and suites for anyone who wants to be pampered! Sixteen room types to choose from.
- Marlim Mansion Hotel, Angeles City - Marlim Mansion Hotel is five storey landmark in the heart of Angeles City's business and entertainment district. Accessible to shopping malls, theaters, major hotels, banks, and restaurants. Right across is the Casino Filipino, adjacent to Clark Special Economic Zone, and the Diosdado Macapagal International (DMIA).
- Sabangan Beach Resort, Batangas - Only a three-hour drive from Manila to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. Sabangan Beach Resort is set along the 7 kilometer long white sand beach of Laiya. The beachfront lies along the crystal blue water and gentle waves of Sigayan Bay and the Verde Island Passage. Behind the resort stands the picturesque and majestic peak of Mt. Daguldol. The 5,400 square meter compound is planted with giant Palm, Coconut trees, and fruit-bearing trees like Tamarind, Banana and Atis. Sabangan opened to the public April 2004 with a dining pavilion, a fully equipped common kitchen, 3 spacious and well appointed bungalows - all with private toilet and bath and a sala, a native bahay kubo and male and female common bathrooms, all designed around a spacious courtyard. During the summer of 2005, a dining gazebo was added which can accommodate 20 to 30 guests. It is located close to the beach front. Two more native bahay kubos were also constructed. Finally, construction of our 3 new bungalows has been completed this 2006. There are now a total of 3 one-bedroom bungalows, 3 two-bedroom bungalows and 3 native bahay kubos ready for guests' use.
- Al Fresco Resort, Batangas - Al Fresco is a small but cozy 3-Star resort located in the middle of the Matabungkay Strip. We have eight air-conditioned rooms, a Dining Hall, Sala/Lanai area cozy enough for your afternoon readings and lounging, and a Veranda overlooking the entire ocean. Also in the premises are Picnic tables that cater to our day tourists. This resort used to be a family house back in the 60's so you may notice that some parts may still look old or antique.
- El Cielito Inn Baguio Hotel, Baguio - Come to the El Cielito Inn Baguio - a hotel that the city is proud to call one of its own. Considered as the Philippines' summer capital, Baguio is bathed in refreshing mountain breeze and has been acclaimed on several occasions as the cleanest city in the country. It boasts of breathtaking hilltop panoramas dotted with pine trees and coated with the region's naturally majestic flora. These enchanting views together with exciting finds, popular attractions, and subtle entertainment spots are literally footsteps away from the El Cielito Inn Baguio. Out the hotel's entrance and you can find yourself in Camp John Hay, SM City Baguio, the Convention Center, Session Road, and Burnham Park in a matter of minutes. El Cielito Inn Baguio is also in very convenient proximity to the city's domestic airport and bus terminals.
Boracay hotels
- Patiop Pacific Boracay Patio Pacific, formerly known as Pink Patio, welcomed its first guests in 1990. Then a modest 8-room paradise it has bloomed to a 60-room, Triple A rated resort accredited by the Philippine Dept. of Tourism. Room Amenities Include: Airconditioning, Cable TV, Piped-in Music, Private Toilet & Bath with Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, High Speed Internet Access in Select Rooms, Most Ground Floor Bath Rooms Open Up to a Pocket Garden.
Boracay sunset - Boracay Tropics Beach Hotel - On enchanting Boracay Island, an oasis has emerged - Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel Offering restful and recreational pursuits in a setting that is, at once, both idyllic and distinctively world-class. An oasis that truly merits its AAA rating from the Department of Tourism. A blending of Mediterranean and Asian architecture and interiors, the resort's twin hotel buildings serve as the centerpiece of this lush and sprawling landscape. Boracay Tropics showcases 50 meticulously-designed rooms, each one with its own balcony, most of which overlook the refreshing sight of a bean-shaped pool and verdant gardens.
Boat to Mt.Mayon - Red Coconut Beach Hotel - Red Coconut Beach Hotel stands as a distinguishing beachfront landmark in the Central Boracay area, known as an excellent venue for memorable vacation holidays. By its unique name, it offers comfortable and gracious hospitality to each and every guest. And fronting our hotel is an absolutely refreshing beachfront swimming pool that balances the landscape of the island. Red Coconut Beach Hotel is centrally located along the main white beach shoreline of the world-renowned sugar-fine white sands of BORACAY Island, in the province of Aklan, Philippines. It can easily be reached via air or sea travel; truly unique vacation holiday experience you deserve.
- Boracay Sand Castles - Guided by nature, Sandcastles Boracay Resort is built in line with the Boracay's innate beauty. The exquisitely hand-crafted villas are made with local materials and are decorated with uncluttered simplicity and taste. Retreat to the laid back atmosphere of this Boracay beach resort adorned with rich in ethnic fabrics, bamboo and rattan furnishings, village terracotta tiles, light shades, pottery, jars and crockery. This Boracay beach resort stands right on the breathtaking beachfront of one of the island's finest beaches, White Beach. Boracay Sandcastles echoes the days of an uncomplicated era where you can spend an uninterrupted day basking in Mother Nature's grandeur.
White Beach - Paradise Garden Hotel - Paradise Garden is an oasis of tranquillity situated on Boracay Island, Philippines, famed for its stretches of powdered-white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Efficient German management is committed to satisfying the needs of the discerning vacationer. It is set in a 15,000 square meter landscaped garden with luxuriant tropical plants and trees, and three swimming pools. It prides itself on its exceptional standard of quality and service in an idyllic five-star setting, promising you the holiday you have always dreamed of — the vacation you deserve!
- Boracay Regency Beach Resort - Located at the middle of the world famous Boracay Island, Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center is the first to receive a triple –A rating along the white beach from the Department of Tourism in the Philippines. The hotel has 195 fully air-conditioned rooms, furnished with high quality fixtures and earthy bamboo and rattan pieces with lanais (except for standard rooms) overlooking the spectacular white sand beach. If one finds the beach too crowded and the bathtub too lonely, the hotel provides two swimming pools with crystal clear waters maintained at its best, for both adults and children. It is surrounded by landscaped garden and gazebos, great place to unwind, relax or simply hang out with friends or loved ones.
- The Pinoly Beach Resort - The Resort was given a Triple "A" rating by the Department of Tourism immediately after opening in November 1989, being the first high-end resort in the island of Boracay. The resort still remains a prime destination for Boracay-bound tourists. You can enjoy one of the world's best beaches, first class facilities, popular Filipino hospitality and the unique charm affording a truly unforgaettable holiday experience. Witness the splendor of Boracay sunset, enjoy exotic food, walk on the dazzling powdered white sand and incredible blue waters.
Boracay outriggers - Le Soleil De Boracay Hotel - Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel is a 44-room Mediterranean style hotel. Nestled ideally in the beachfront and directly in the middle of the three kilometer stretch powder-fine sand and crystalline aquarium waters that Boracay Island is renowned for worldwide. A new wing featuring 20 superior deluxe rooms and 4 family rooms reflect a casual and refreshingly simple tone. Each a captivating Mediterranean-styled refuge, all rooms convey an atmosphere of relaxed living inspired by natural colors and the use of natural materials. Each room has a balcony overlooking the newly constructed pool and poolbar bordered by a beautiful landscape for a truly tropical feel.
- Waling-Waling Beach Hotel - At Waling-Waling Beach Hotel, your holiday in Boracay becomes an unforgettable experience. Designed in Mediterranean stlye, the Waling-Waling offers world-class accommodations that meet the standards of discrimating travelers. Beachfront rooms look out onto the white powdery sands and crystal-clear waters that Boracay is renowned for around the world. Simply step out of the hotel, and you're on White Beach, the 3.5-kilometer stretch that has been called the world's most beautiful tropical beach.
Bohol hotels
- Bohol Beach Club - Beachfront rooms are equipped with one single bed and one double bed, air-conditioning, satellite television, mini-bar, refrigerator with private toilet and bath and hot & cold shower. Rooms are situated on the west side of the resort, on single storey bungalow type, room clusters fronting the beach.
- Alona Palm Beach Resort - Alona Palm Beach Resort & Restaurant, the luxurious beach resort at Alona Beach, on the island of Panglao, in the Philippines. Alona Palm Beach Resort & Restaurant is the latest addition to several Beach resorts already existing on the island, particularly to cater to the demanding traveler, which is looking for the best in infrastructure, amenities and service.
Davao hotels
- Waterfront-Insular Hotel - Come stay with us at the Insular Hotel and enjoy the sights and tastes of the beautiful and exotic Davao as you revel in the luxury of staying in our hotel - a first class business resort hotel twice awarded as the best first class hotel in the Philippines. Enjoy a dip in our swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens and a view of the beach. For health buffs, there is a jogging path in around the gardens of the hotel as well as a basketball court, tennis court, pitch n' putt greens. One can also enjoy a stroll along beach right in front of the hotel. Visit the Mandaya Weaving Center were ethnic women weave the "tinalak" and where one can buy exotic souvenir items. Night life in the hotel can be spent at the Vinta Bar where one can enjoy listening to the band's music.
Diving for coins at the pier in Cagayan De Oro, Mindanao
Mindanao River - Marco Polo Hotel - Marco Polo Davao is an oasis of charm within the exciting and blossoming city of Davao. A picturesque seaside city on the beautiful island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, Davao is surrounded by lush green hills and is overlooked by the impressive Mount Apo. Overlooking the Bay of Davao, the Marco Polo hotel is Davao's tallest building and a well-known city landmark. Just a 20-minute drive from Davao International Airport, the hotel is within easy access of numerous Davao attractions.
- Pearl Farm Beach Resort - Located in the southern part of the Philippines is the Samal group of Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a beautiful, tranquil and exotic island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, and landscape elements of coconut palms, flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees. The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna. Nestled on the quiet side of Samal Island, The Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a mere 45-minute boat ride from the wharf. This fourteen hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing, private retreat, under the care of its friendly and charming staff.
Palawan hotels
- Asturias Hotel - When in Palawan, stay at Asturias Hotel and experience homegrown hospitality, the Asturias way. Located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, the Asturias Hotel consists of 60 luxurious guestrooms that complement the warmth and friendly services that make you feel right at home. With a perfect blend both for business functions and leisure vacations, the Asturias Hotel will make it all happen flawlessly for you.
- The Legend Hotel - The Legend Hotel Palawan is the ultimate in tour, conference and event hosting and has become the epitome of top class service in this island dubbed as the country's last nature frontier. We are strategically located in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital city that managed to retain its frontier ambience amidst the onset of modern technology and thriving commerce. The Legend Hotel Palawan prides itself on having amenities that cater to your business and leisure needs. Our facilities and services are ideal for business meetings, conferences and social events for both locals and tourists.
$8 per night bungalow
Illegal dynamite fisherman - Royal Oberoi Hotel - When you are in Puerto Princesa Palawan, just hop over to the cool, invigorating Royal Oberoi. Here you'll find a delightful blend of modern facilities and unique touch of traditional Filipino hospitality that promises a memorable stay whether for business or leisure. Every room at Royal Oberoi reflects elegance and comfort - from luxurious beds, refrigerators, mini-bars, cable TV with marble table and chairs in each suite balcony.
- Hotel Fleuris - Situated in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Hotel Fleuris was established to add exquisiteness to the city. Despite the high technology that has infiltrated the country, Hotel Fleuris’ heart still dances to the beat of instinctive ways. And it is a place where guests can find a home away from home, with a highly trained, guest friendly staff. Location, reputation, and personalized quality of service play the largest part in making Hotel Fleuris known not only to locals of Palawan, but also the Philippines and, in the long run, the world. Hotel Fleuris makes an astonishing commitment to providing an excellent experience for the selective traveler. And it aspires to continue to be progressively better, organized and dedicated to total quality and unspoiled services to our guests.
- Club Noah-Isabelle - Club Noah has a vision of Man and Nature living together in harmony. Isabelle, the first Club Noah-owned resort, is a model-case for eco-tourism. We like to think of it as returning to the essentials of life. These essentials--beauty, adventure, sustenance, harmony and romance - are the things that modern life has left behind. Just as now we are rediscovering the importance of the environment, Club Noah is a return to the essentials of life. Here, you can relax and unwind from the stress of work, get away for a romantic weekend, or experience the adventures that you've always dreamed about. Step onto our shores and discover that it's so much more: a place to discover what is truly important, a dream of what the world can be, a true return to what is essential.
- Lally and Abet Beach Resort - The Lally & Abet Beach Resort is a special-interest resort accredited by the Philippine Department Of Tourism (DOT). Established in the late 1980's, this resort is one of the well-established resorts at Palawan. It has over a decade of experience in providing quality service to its guests at very affordable prices.
- Princessa Beach Resort - This unique vacation spot lies amidst the coconut plantation facing the turquoise blue Sulu Sea in a quiet bay where you will feel what it means to be part of nature. A 3km white sand beach invites for all kinds of activities from leisurely sunbathing to swimming, beach combing or early morning jogging. Princessa Holiday Resort is situated on the main island of Palawan, Barangay Tigman, Aborlan, 75km south of Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
- KokosNuss Garden Resort - KokosNuss is a small Resort in the town of Coron on the tropical Island of Busuanga, Province of Palawan, in the Republic of the Philippines. If you are interested to learn more about accommodation at KokosNuss Resort, the location, how to get there and possible activities like diving our famous japanes World War II wrecks, island hopping, horseback riding, vulcanic hot springs, motorbike tours, calauit island wildlife safaris, and sea safaris.
- Dos Palmas Arreceffi - Palawan is often called the last frontier of the Philippines because of its rich marine life that includes rare and endangered species. Northwest of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, lies a cluster of 16 islands on Honda Bay. Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort is on one of those 16 islands. Of the island's 20-hectare total land area, 60,000 sq. m. are fully developed with rest and recreation facilities. On one edge of Dos Palmas is a 3-hectare mangrove.
Bangka boats - DiveLink Resort - Dive Link Resort, Uson Island, Coron, Palawan, is your link to volcanic lakes, tropical jungles, caves, and some of the best preserved World War II wrecks (www.divecal.com) in Asia. Take a short ten minute banca ride from Coron town and you'll find a cozy resort sitting on a sheltered hillside. Welcome to Dive Link Resort, Uson Island, Coron, Palawan. Your best start-off point to a thrilling Palawan adventure.
- El Rio y Mar Resort - El Rio y Mar Island Resort with its unique flora and fauna has its romantic ambiance combined with the serenity and beauty of the natural environment. The resort is set amidst 500 meters stretch of pure white-sand beach, distinctive panoramic view with enchanting mangroves and its breath-taking neighboring islands. Guests can also relax in the well-maintained swimming pool with crystal clear waters. Create wonderful memories at El Rio y Mar Island Resort - A sanctuary for the soul, a haven for the senses!
About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
Asian hotels
- Japan hotels
- Beijing hotels
- Taiwan hotels
- Taipei hotels
- Macau hotels
- Macao hotels
- Hainan hotels
- Manila hotels
- Hanoi hotels
- Bangkok hotels
- Chiang Mai hotels
- Koh Samui hotels
- Phuket hotels
- New Delhi hotels
- Kuala Lumpur hotels
- Jakarta hotels
- Bali hotels
Australian hotels
New Zealand hotels
Pacific Island hotels
Micronesia
- The Federated States of Micronesia hotels
- Marshall Islands hotels
- Palau hotels
- Northern Mariana Islands hotels
- Nauru hotels
- Kiribati hotels
- Guam hotels
Melanesia
Polynesia
- Cook Islands hotels
- Niue hotels
- Samoa hotels
- Tonga hotels
- American Samoa hotels
- French Polynesia hotels
- Easter Island hotels
Hawaii
- Hawaii in general
- The Big Island hotels
- Maui hotels
- Moloka'i hotels
- Lana'i hotels
- O'ahu hotels
- Kaua'i hotels
Central America
Central America hotels
- Guatemala hotels
- Belize hotels
- Honduras hotels
- El Salvador hotels
- Nicaragua hotels
- Costa Rica hotels
- Panama hotels
