Friday, August 26, 2011

Honda Bay Palawan Island



Honda Bay is a bay on the eastern shore of the island of Palawan near Puerto Princesa City in the southwestern Philippines. The bay is used for both subsistence and commercial fisheries and recreation. Boats can be rented for the day and used for travel to nearby islands, many less than 45 minutes from the shore by boat. Honda Bay is ideal for snorkeling. Starfish are commonly found near islands such as Starfish Island. Puerto Princesa is the nearest port city, and is accessible by plane.

Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan is a group of islands that is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving destinations. Island-hopping in the Bay has also become a common thing for tourists, blue cool waters are scattered with islands that guarantee one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its clear waters to the more adventurous island hopping within its districts to simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression on the visitor.


Pandan Island is different from the buko pandan thing, I think Pandan is a tree. Pandan Island is another snorkeling and fish feeding spot!! If you want fish gets near you, feed them. Have some small bread and feed them slowly. I was afraid at first because they look like piranhas, but nooooo fish are really wonderful!


 


Snake Island is a white sand beach named as such due to its elongated and winding sand bar resembling a snake. It is easily accessible from Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. Cottages are free at Snake Island but you can give any amount as donation. We asked one local to grill us a big "pampano" for P80.00. We brought our own lunch. Swimming galore. You can buy some bread at the sari sari store there and do some fish feeding. But be careful, there is also an 8 inch triggerfish participating the the fish feeding! Surprisingly, you can see schools of reef fish and clams at such a shallow water.

Siargao Surfing Capital of the Philippines and Hidden Paradise of Asia



Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms.

Siargao is known as the surfing Capital of the Philippines, The Surfing Paradise in Asia, Siargao Island is truly one of the world's last great frontiers for surf exploration. Tired of the city lifestyle? Come, unwind and experience a different kind of Travel Adventure! Island Dream Palm Paradise Resort is just a minute away from the world known the surfing paradise "Cloud9". The resort offers a perfect setting for beach bumming or it can take you to an adventurous holiday retreat.

Siargao Island offers; under water caves, mounds, & pinnacles. Siargao Divers has explored and discovered some of the most remote dive spots in and around Siargao Island. Expect to see some of the most beautiful rock formations and coral slopes in the world here. There are still many undiscovered dive sites to be explored by you. Diving in Siargao Island has been long sought after by local Filipino scuba divers and foreigners alike.






Camiguin an Island Born of Fire

 



Camiguin is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 km (6.2 mi) off the northern coast of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao. It is the second-smallest province both in population and land area after Batanes. The capital of the province is Mambajao, and it is a part of the Northern Mindanao Region of the Philippines.

As a natural paradise, the island of Camiguin is perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. This exquisite island province of varied ecosystem stirs the imaginations and baffles the mind. Camiguin boasts kilometers on untouched coastlines with swaying coconut trees and is dotted with hot and cold springs. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of relaxation and the clear blue water, enchanting marine life and coral reefs beckon diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

Panglao Island in Bohol




Bohol is blessed with a number of marvelous white beaches, which just await to be discovered and enjoyed.
Alona Beach is the most beautiful, and surely the most developed beach on Panglao is Alona Beach. Located at the Southwest of the island, this beach is about one and a half kilometers long, lined with nice resorts, which are great to stay for a some time, a number of well equiped diving establishments and pleasant places to eat out, if you do not want to eat at your resort's restaurant for a change.

Panglao is an island in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas, with an area of 80.5 sq. kilometers. Politically, it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, part of Bohol Province. Panglao is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. Currently Panglao is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous for its beautiful dive spots and its coral reef, as well as many several islet ideal for beach bathing like the islets of Gak-ang and Pontod.


Panglao is the southernmost town of Bohol. It is one of the 2 towns on Panglao Island, the other being Dauis. It is of historical significance in that it was the place where the Spaniards went after an unfortunate experience in Cebu.  

It is said that the Spanish explorers who came to this island in 1803 named it Panglao after the world 'mapanglao', meaning 'lonesome place'. It is also one of the old towns of Bohol. It had a population of 6,543 in 1879.

The Bohol Sea Resort is situated directly on the beach of Danao on Panglao Island, Bohol, one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines. This vacation paradise is furnished to the best European standards. It has 20 tasteful rooms and bungalows of different categories each with its own bath, Shower and CR, mini bar, air-conditioning and a terrace.
A freshwater swimming pool complete with its Pool bar, self contained diving base, as well as many other relaxation and sporting facilities offer fun for everyone.






Mactan Island Lapu Lapu, Cebu, Philippines

 



Mactan is an island located a few kilometres from Cebu Island in the Philippines. The island is part of Cebu Province and it is divided into Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova. The island is connected to Cebu by the two bridges one of which is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airpot, the country's second busiest airport is located on Mactan island. There are many things to do and see in Cebu City and Lapu Lapu City, Mactan Island, and whether you're used to Vegas, Hawaii or Dubai, there's something for everyone here. Belwow is a small selection of the more popular tourist attractions for those who enjoy activities both active and relaxed.

Visitors can visit both the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrines while visiting the island. Mactan is also important as home of Mactan – Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest airport as well as the country’s largest export processing zone. Mactan is also well known for producing guitars and other musical instruments.

Facilities- A practice putting green and a driving range. Tee Houses located along the fairway. Golf equipment is also available. There is also a Finnish sauna, and locker rooms and showers for male and female. An attractive breezy club house with a well stocked bar and cafe with authentic island meals.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte

 



Pagudpud a 1st class municipality and a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. According to the latest census, Pagudpud has a population of 20,385 people in 3,804 households.
The town is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles (72 km) north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles (560 km) north of Manila. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles (210 km2). Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy. Pagudpud was made a municipality on February 5, 1954. Unlike Laoag City, the province's only autonomous city, Pagudpud derives its authority from the provincial government. It had previously been a part of the neighboring town of Bangui.

The Patapat viaduct is considered as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines and the second northermost road of the island of Luzon. It is like a winding bridge beside the cliffs of the Cordillera Mountain Range It is about 1.5 kilometers long and elevated around 30 M above the sea. It connects the Maharlika Highway to Cagayan province. It was built for the purpose of minimizing landslide. Other buses bound to other northernmost province of the Philippines take this route.

Saud White Beach is very popular not only in the country but also to the other parts of the world. It is a favorite place for movie producers, foreign and local correspondents, foreign travel writers to shoot their films because of its breathtaking views and unique atmosphere. It is even featured in the Internet that makes it very popular, a world–class destination. The beach is along stretch sand framing the heart shaped calm emerald water of the Saud Bay.

Bantay Abot Cave means “a mountain with a hole.” A hole was found at the middle of the mountain where the waves were free to flash into its walls just like an open shore until it was wrecked by an earthquake during the 80’s. It is also called “the underground sea” for on top of the cave is a lustrous vegetative cover. Inside the cave is a church that once you are inside, you do not only hear the echoing sound of the waves, the chirping of the birds but you can also feel the cool breeze of the air.
Its shore has white sand mixed with fragments of shells and rocks that can be made as a décor. Parts of the shore are forms of rocks where you can sit and relax and enjoy a lucid view of the wide sea and verdant mountains.Bantay Abot Cave is located along the seacoast of Sitio Gaoa, Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Timmangtang Rock is located along the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
During summer and when the tide is low, one can leisurely hike from the shoreline to Timmangtang Rock and once there, relax and enjoy the feel of the cool sea breeze while feasting one's eyes on the calm, blue water and the distant horizon. The more adventurous visitors can indulge in carefree mountain climbing, engage in banca sailing, and explore an awe-inspiring cave beneath the blue waters.

Nacatnagan Cliff is a portion of a mountain of Sitio Gaoa which is 150 feet above sea level. Nacatnagan is an Ilocano word meaning fell down. Stories of old folks tell that during the olden times, two carabaos climbed the other side of the mountain and then fell down on the cliff, thus it is name Nacatnagan. The cliff is a virgin forest where different kinds of trees grow and you could hear the peeping of the birds. Wild animals can also be found within the place thus it is a perfect place for hunting. Rare ferns and wild orchids grow abundantly at the foot and at the slopes of the mountain. It is also a good site for mountain climbing because of its steep and slippery trails. On top of it, you can glimpse the panoramic view of the Pasaleng Bay, Maira-ira Point and the totality of the out of this world scene of Sitio Gaoa, Babuyan Island can also be viewed on a clear day.

Malingay Cove, popurlarly known as Blue Lagoon, in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.  At the far north of the cove are two islets called Dos Hermanos. The crystal blue waters, white sand and the isolation of this beach attract backpackers, adventure-seekers and those who enjoy some peace and quiet.  Blue Lagoon is 2.5 kilometers from the highway while Pagudpud is approximately 561 kilometers north of Manila.

Dos Hermanos Islands is one of the resort areas of the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. This place is known as the Blue Lagoon. By car, this place is 1.5 hours from the city of Laoag. Blue Lagoon is one of the less commercialized resorts in Pagudpud as it is far from the main highway.

 

Boracay Island, Philippines



Boracay is part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan, which is located in Panay. Boracay can be reached from Manila by daily flights on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Seair and Pacific Air. The larger aircraft of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines fly to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. From Caticlan it takes about 15 minutes by boat to Boracay; from Kalibo, an hour and a half by bus plus the 15-minute boat ride.


Yapak is spread out over hilly terrain situated some distance away from the main tourist beat, but the shoreline is dotted with beautiful, uncrowded beaches and coves such as Puka Beach and Balinghai Beach . The island's only golf club, the 18-hole par-72 course at Fairways & Bluewater , is also located in Yapak. The Bat Caves , a popular destination for nature lovers, can be found at the barangay's northeastern tip. 


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


If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the centre of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead. The area south of boat station 3 has a more relaxed and peaceful vibe - no pounding disco till 4AM. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat. North of station 1 you'll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments. The beach is at it's widest here, and the area is usually relatively peaceful.