Shopping? Check! Dining? Check! Nightlife? Check! Adventures? Check! All these things you can now find in a centralized location in Legazpi City.

The place is located at the Legazpi harbor and it is being targeted to be a waterfront development center. It is undergoing continuous development at present. Right now, you’ll find boutiques and department stores in the area, which offer apparels and other merchandise. There are also a few souvenir stores offering Bicol collectibles and delicacies. If you want to dine by the seaside with the breeze blowing your hair, there are various restaurants that you can try. Aside from the breeze and the view of the sea, they will also offer you a view of the Mayon Volcano while you enjoy your food. At night, you can listen to live bands while having your meal. Meanwhile, if you have kids, there is a big play area that children will surely enjoy.

For the more adventurous at heart, there are other activities available. You can try riding the zipline for P150, which starts from the lighthouse and crosses above water. You’ll get a view of the sea and with Mayon in your background while you enjoy the breeze and the exhilarating feeling up there. You can also enjoy Go Karting, the rate of which starts at P70.00. Or, explore Embarcadero using the Segway.

Other Embarcadero attractions that you can enjoy are the 30-meter lighthouse and the bowling alley. Of course, in the surrounding areas, you’ll enjoy a view of the ocean and of Mount Mayon Volcano as you walk along the boulevard. From the main district of Legazpi, you can ride a tricycle going to the place. Of, if you chance upon the e-jeepney that travels around Legazpi and to Embarcadero, you can have a ride for free.

So, next time you’re in Legazpi City, don’t fail to check out Embarcadero de Legazpi and all that it has to offer.

Bataan Province in the Philippines offers scenic spots that will surely provide relaxation to all its guests. And, some of these spots are not known to many individuals – simple destinations that offer visitors a glance into the way of life of the Bataan folks. One of these is the Tanato Spring, located just minutes at the outskirts of Balanga city.

Not really a popular tourist attraction, this is a simple spring or river in which one can rest for a shade or for a freshening up. There are times when the water is shallow, though, so swimming is not always possible. But, you can have fun on the water as the water is accessible and one can walk around easily. There are small and huge rocks on the river bed, and you can explore from end to end.

There are also concrete tables and chairs erected in the vicinity of the spring, so you can take some rest, bring food and eat, or simply relax and enjoy the place. If you’re there when the sun’s already up, there are also trees near the water, so you can get some shade from the sun.

The water is very clear, and some residents nearby even wash their clothes in the river. The place is also great for picture taking – the scenery is wonderful and the green surroundings are refreshing to the eyes. After your visit to this place, you’ll surely be energized, ready to take on further travels again.

The other half? Well, these include the less popular, less explored, and less visited, but as appealing, sometimes even more exciting, destination places in the Philippines.

One of these is Sarangani Province. A yet-to-be explored province, Sarangani offers an interesting mix of activities brought by its rich natural resources and the interesting culture of its people.

If you want a complete vacation in Sarangani, don’t miss out the best diving spots in the area, its magnificent caves, and an encounter with the locals. From the usual idyllic activities to extreme adventures, Sarangani has a lot to offer.

If you’re the visual type of individual, someone who loves to feast his eyes on beautiful sights, you’ll surely fall in love with the underwater treasures hidden by the beaches of Sarangani province. Colorful starfish, lovely reefs housing hundreds and thousands of fishes, as well as breathtaking cliffs – all these, you will find in the province.

If you’re a vacationer who wants to be always in the middle of the action, then don’t miss the diving spots and snorkeling areas of Sarangani. You can try the complete diving packages offered at South Point or Lemlunay Resort. The said resort boasts of different diving points, so popular that they are regularly visited by divers.

Not too sporty? Don’t worry, you can check out marine parks and coves instead. One that you may want to try is the Tuka Marine Park. It’s a protected snorkeling spot where fishing is not allowed. So, you’ll find a whole lot of fishes when you snorkel here.

Or, why don’t you get out of the water and go caving instead? You have a lot of options in the area – from the Milay Bato to the Zion caves. Here, you’ll enjoy unique cave formations and thousands of bats flying inside the caves.

You can also immerse yourself in the culture of the tribal community in Sarangani, the B’laans. The said group of people is composed of expert bead makers and loom weavers, and you can enjoy watching them perform their craft.

If, on the other hand, you’re after a gustatory treat, you can try Bahalina, the popular local wine of Sarangani province. And of course, you’ll love the sound of nature at night just before you sleep and when you wake up during the dawn – crickets singing in the darkness and the waves lapping on the shore.

In all of these experiences, there’s one thing that’s sure – you’ll emerge refreshed from your Philippines vacation in Sarangani Province. And, you’ll surely come back to experience it again in the future.

Sarangani province website: http://www.sarangani.gov.ph

Take Bataan as an example. Blooming today as a top tourist destination in the Philippines, the place is surrounded with a very rich history. In fact, even the tourist spots in the area offer a glimpse of the true Filipino spirit. Check out the following:

Balanga Wetland and Nature Park
This is one of the newest destinations in Bataan, and it is the country’s first wetland and nature park. This park is primarily aimed at being the top information resource about the various migratory birds visiting Bataan throughout the year. The area has a view deck where visitors can stay to check birds coming in from the ocean. Symbolizing the Filipinos’ growing concern for the environment and for its preservation, this park is continuously undergoing improvements.

Pawikan Conservation Center
Another witness to the Filipinos’ love of Mother Earth is the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan. Pawikan or marine turtles are coming into extinction, and concerned citizens have formed groups to help in the conservation of these sea creatures. When you visit the center, you can see grown pawikans, their young, and eggs up close. Injured pawikans are rescued and treated in the center, while the eggs are gathered to protect them until they hatch. If you happen to visit in November, you can attend the Pawikan Festival and witness the release of hatched pawikans back to the sea.

Kanawan Hanging Bridge
Traversing this footbridge is one exciting venture in itself, a representation of the Filipino spirit for adventure – what with it hanging amidst thick greens and lush trees. The view is simply breathtaking. But, that’s not all. This bridge also leads to an Aeta community, a community of Philippine natives. It also leads to mountains and waterfalls that you can enjoy, although you need to prepare to trek before you can reach these.

Shrine of Valor (Mt. Samat)
This shrine has been built in Mt. Samat in 1966 to commemorate the soldiers who fought during the World War II. Atop the mountain is the huge 93-meter high cross made of marble, steel, and concrete. The arms of the cross are actually viewing decks, and you can climb to the area through an elevator. At the shrine, you will also find a museum – it’s probably one of the most informative resources of Bataan and the role that it played in Philippine history during WWII.

St. Joseph Parish Church
This church is one of the most visited churches in Bataan. Found in the city of Balanga, it stands proud as a symbol of the Filipinos’ god-fearing spirit. Not only that, but it also played a significant role in the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the World War II. Back then, the church served as the point of artillery bombardment of the Filipinos and Americans in Mt. Samat, by the Japanese.

There are a lot more places to visit in Bataan, each place offering its own kind of adventure and showing a glimpse of the true Filipino spirit. There are arranged tours in Bataan, or you can also go there with the help of a travel agency specializing in the Philippines or on your own.

Visit the official website of Bataan Province at http://www.bataan.gov.ph

But, while you may not be able to imagine what you might do once you reach Guimaras (aside, of course, to swim), you’ll be surprised to find that Guimaras offers a broad range of activities and attractions to first-time and regular visitors alike. You can go for water adventures, land tours, or even participate in the province’s cultural activities.

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Visit historical places. There are many places in Guimaras that played an important role in the history of the country. Many of these places have survived the test of time and are now among the popular tourist destinations in this Philippine province. Primary of these is the MacArthur’s Wharf (Buenavista Wharf). As its name implies, this wharf was constructed by General MacArtur and his men, primarily to connect communities. This paved the way to easier transportation and industrialization during that time.

Another place to visit is the Guisi Lighthouse that can be traced back in 1894. It was aimed at guiding ships traveling at night. And though it’s not in use today for such purpose anymore, it has become a major must-see in Guimaras. And of course, there’s Roca Encantada, a house owned by the Lopez Family and is considered today as a Heritage House. The name is a translation for enchanted rock, so called because the location is a rocky hill.

Try water adventures. Everybody knows that Guimaras island has lovely and charming beaches and seas, but there’s actually more. Other than lounging in the white-sand beaches, you can go a little more adventurous by trying such activities as snorkeling and diving. There are certain spots in Guimaras that are ideal for these activities (i.e. areas near Ave Maria beach for snorkeling).

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Go on a pilgrimage. If you happen to visit Guimaras during the Holy Week, you might want to join the procession of people that go on a pilgrimage to the Bondulan Point, considered as the highest point in Guimaras. There, you will find a chapel and a giant cross that’s visible all over Guimaras island. From the top, you can see Iloilo City, from an angle that most people describe as “breathtaking.”

Participate in the Manggahan Festival. The Lenten season is sometime in March or April, after which you can extend for the Manggahan Festival that is celebrated in May. Guimaras is famous for its big and sweet carabao mangoes, top in quality that they’re even exported to other countries. These mangoes are showcased during the said festivity, and most people in Guimaras participate in the celebration. It’s a fun event that you’re bound to remember after your vacation.

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Guimaras is ideal for people who are looking for cheap vacation in the Philippines. Because it’s not yet fully developed and commercialized, the resorts are not yet that expensive. In fact, you can get a place with a rate as low as a few hundreds for a night of stay. And with the wide range of activities available, it’s perfect for both young and old.

Mayon Volcano is one of the best examples of this.

An active volcano with an almost perfect cone shape, Mayon is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. It’s also the most active volcano in the Philippines, being a part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. In the past four centuries, the said volcano has already erupted 47 times.

If you’re vacationing in the Philippines and you’re dropping by Albay, it’s hard to miss Mayon. As soon as you reach the province, you’ll see the volcano from afar in its commanding presence. And if you’re lucky enough to be traveling on a clear, sunny day, you can take pictures of the volcano – it makes for a perfect postcard photograph. But, if you really want to see it up close and in its full glory, it would be best that you visit Cagsawa Park or you climb and hike Ligñon Hill.

Cagsawa Park plays a remarkable part in the history of the Mayon Volcano. The said park was constructed out of the ruins of the most tragic Mayon eruption way back in 1814. The main attraction in the park is the bell tower, the only part of the Cagsawa Church that remains after Mayon claimed the rest of the church (and all the people who took refuge inside it) during that one fateful day in the year 1814.

When you get inside the park today, you’ll see the bell tower still standing tall, almost two centuries old now. Scattered inside the park are huge rocks spewed by Mt. Mayon during the 1814 eruption. Whereas they were deadly rolling monsters in the past, they serve today as attractive background in the park among tourists and visitors who are taking pictures.

Small cottages are also built around the park for visitors who are having picnics. But if you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is not so hot anymore, you won’t need these cottages as you can sit on the grass and enjoy the fresh air. And if you love orchids, you can buy a few from plant vendors inside the park. There are also stores selling souvenirs like T-shirts, bags, key chains, and other local crafts with a unique Cagsawa or Mayon print. And if you like to have a swim, there’s a swimming pool inside Cagsawa. Resorts also line the area going to the park, so you can enjoy a swim before or after you visit the park.

If you want some adventures, on the other hand, you can hike to Ligñon Hill and see Mayon from the top of the hill, which is converted into a viewing deck with bars and other amenities. Located in Tagas, Daraga, Albay, the Ligñon Hill Nature Park offers a whole lot of other fun adventures other than the climb and the sight. When you reach the top of the hill, you can see the entire Mayon Volcano (except on rainy or cloudy days), the Albay Gulf, the city of Legazpi , and the municipality of Daraga . And if you visit at night, seeing the city lights makes for an enjoyable experience.

There are also other fun activities offered in Ligñon Hill. You can try ziplining with Mayon Volcano in the background or take the super steep route to the top of the hill via the Kapit Tuko trail. Or if you want some historical experiences, you can visit and explore the 50-foot Japanese tunnel.

Right now, both the Cagsawa Park and Ligñon Hill Nature Park are continuously being improved to offer more fun to visitors who wish to see the Mayon Volcano up close. If you’re visiting during the summer, you may even catch the Magayon Festival that’s usually celebrated in the month of May. It’s a month-long celebration that includes a festive parade, art exhibits, fairs, local contests, bands, and night after night of fun at the Peñaranda Park in Albay.

Palawan is simply a paradise! It is fondly known as the ‘Last Frontier’ in the country. Protecting the rich biodiversity in the area is the main reason why it has been declared as a nature sanctuary. These wonderful gifts of nature are the reasons why tourists keep coming back to this Philippines travel destination. The beaches and dive spots are unparalleled in beauty and are among the best in the world.

Nature lovers will definitely love exploring all that Palawan has to offer. Different floras and faunas can be found in the island and this is not limited to the usual plants and animals one can see in an island similar to Palawan. In fact, it is home to scaly ant eaters and mouse deer that aren’t found anywhere else.

Areas of interest in this Philippines travel destination include the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary and the Subterranean River National Park. The latter is famous for being nominated as one of the new wonders of the world. Basically, it is an 8 kilometer underground river that offers captivating limestone formations. On the other hand, the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a preservation area of different types of animals like gazelles, giraffes, bearcats, and mouse deers, among others.

Divers will also enjoy going to the El Nido Marine Reserve and the Tubbataha Reefs. Sharks, turtles, manta rays, and other fishes can be seen here. At times, the seacow or dugong, as it is locally known, can also be spotted in the area.

Indeed, there is so much more to discover about Palawan. But if you are thinking that it is all about nature, think again. Palawan has world-class resorts that can give you the comforts of a home away from home.

If you happen to visit Manila during one of your trips here in the Philippines, but don’t have the time to go to Palawan or Cebu to dive, then visit Anilao. This Philippines diving destination is the closest paradise you can go to while visiting Manila. A mere 3 to 4 hours from the city, it boasts of a handful of resorts that cater to divers. You can simply ask the resort staff to arrange for a dive tour or an island tour during your stay.

There are about 24 interesting dive spots to visit in Anilao, the most popular of which is known as the Cathedral. The Cathedral is a 60-foot cavern that is bordered by two sea mounts. You can also visit Maricaban Island, Bonito Island, and Sombrero Island to see the beauty of this underwater paradise. Some of the creatures you can see here are damselfishes, pelagic fishes, groupers, and sharks. In sandy areas, you will find a wide variety of sea cucumbers, moral eels, sea urchins, and stingrays. You can also see nudibranches, sponges, and algae in the corals. If you are lucky, you might chance upon sea turtles and octopuses in the area.

So, if you are looking for a diving adventure in the Philippines, don’t miss out visiting this Philippines diving destination. You won’t be shortchanged when you do so because the view is something that will really wow divers of all ages.

I just wished I’d had more time to stay in Bohol because if there is, I would want to experience staying at Panglao Island Nature Resort and judge for myself how the property was compared to Amorita Bohol Beach Resort. And would gladly pay for it.

Amorita Resort is an excellent place to spend a holiday in and as for their customer service, they’re A1 – but as a travel agent, it is my duty to gauge for myself the resorts I am going to offer our customers and friends who are asking for suggestions.

And from the quick once-over of the whole resort provided us by one of their staff, this Bohol beach resort can be substituted for the Amorita if you are looking for an alternative.

A couple-friend of ours from Edmonton was able to stay in this resort and all they tell me is that they had a blast during their stay.

All the more I regret not being able to stay even for a day.

Anyway, next time I go back to the Philippines, I’ll make sure I would stay in at least three Bohol beach resort for review purposes. And I’ll make sure Panglao Island Nature Resort is one of them.

Usually, Manila is mistaken as Metro Manila. It is important to note that Metro Manila is one of the biggest metropolises in the world and Manila is just a city under Metro Manila. Metro Manila plays host to various business centers; some of the most distinguished include the Binondo District (Chinatown), the Makati Central Business District, and the Ortigas Center. Unlike provincial cities in the Philippines, touring Metro Manila can be chaotic for first timers.

Probably because of the 10 million people living here, traffic is sometimes horrendous. The Philippines also has a tropical climate; the heat and the traffic can sometimes make anyone lose their good-humor. Despite all the apparent setbacks in Metro Manila, some tourist cannot help but fall in love with it because of its dynamism in the face of adversity.

Say what you will of Metro Manila but no one can deny that it has pockets of hidden charm when travelers decide to look for it. Among the places you should visit include Intramuros. The Walled City of Intramuros is a must-visit for any traveler. Inside its walls are remnants of Manila’s Spanish past. It Walled City is Fort Santiago which is a Spanish garrison and fortress converted as a part. Also found inside is the San Agustin Church and Museum, a historic structure that will awe anyone. Intramuros was originally built to defend the city from potential invaders and it has served its purpose of hundreds of years. Now, it is time for tourist to enjoy its history.