The Island of Philippines

The Philippine archipelago consist of 7,107. Philipines islands is divided into three (3) main Geographical areas Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest islands, it is where the capital city of Manila is located, Visayas is a groupof islands between Luzon and Mindanao, Mindanao is the second largest islands.

Three (3) main Geographical Areas of the Philippines:

Luzon islands
- include Luzon itself, Mindoro, Palawan, Masbate, and other smaller islands.

Visayas
- is a group of several small islands, the largest of which are: Panay, Bohol, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, and Samar.

Mindanao
- island includes Mindanao island itself and the Sulu Archipelago, composed of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu.

The islands of the Philippine archipelago are volcanic in origin and are mountainous. Mt. Apo in Mindanao is the highest peak, while the second highest peak is Mt. Pulog in Luzon. The Philippines have numerous rivers, volcanoes, streams, narrow coastal plains and beautiful sandy beaches which foreign and local tourist enjoy.

The official languages in the Philippines are Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on the Tagalog dialect, it is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education in the Philippines. There are also 76 major local languages and more than 500 different minor dialects throughout the nations. The major groups are the majority Christian Filipinos, Muslim Filipinos who live mainly on Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the south, and indigenous peoples in mountainous regions.

Travel within the Philippines not difficult, there are all kinds of transportation available to tourist and locals: Airplanes and ferries for inter-island transfers, buses & taxis travels in major cities all over the Philippines and the ubiquitous jeepney can be found everywhere. In Metro Manila, modern light rail transit is available on main roads. In tertiary roads & small rural towns the tricycle is the transport of choice.

Total Land Area: 115,600 sq. miles / 299,404 sq. kms.
Total no. of Islands: 7,107 Isalands approximately
Climate: Hot, Humid, and Tropical average yearly temperature is around 26.5° Celsius
Capital: Manila

Places of interest in Batanes

The Batanes island group is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. The capital of Batanes, Basco is 280 kilometers north of Apari, Cagayan (the tip of main island of Luzon) while it is only 190 kilometers south of  Taiwan. Batanes lies in the vast waters of the Pacific ocean where the Pacific meets China sea. An area that for generations is almost isolated from the rest of the Philippines. Batanes consist of 10 tiny islands and islets namely: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavudis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island and Y'ami. Only the first three islands are inhabited.

The wind swept islands of Batanes are beautiful and enchanting and they are like no other in the Philippines. Since Batanes is separated from the country by miles of rough waters, the Ivatans (the name of the people of Batanes) have developed a different culture. Ivatans are honest, gentle and polite but brave and robust. They are proud of their their heritage and their land.

The weather of Batanes is cool and windy. And it rains any month of the year. It has an almost temperate temperature from December to February where temperatures dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade. Although Batanes lies along the typhoon belt and gets hit by strong typhoons, it get it's fare share just like other provinces on the north. But in spite of the reputation of Batanes as a backward region, it now has modern conveniences like mobile phones (cell sites by Smart & Globe Telecoms), electricity and cable television but hardly any vehicles.

A trip to Batanes bestows one a feeling timelessness, an experience that will linger long after arriving back home. It makes one appreciate the simple things in life, but in a deeper sense. But be forewarned though, once you've experienced Batanes, it will haunt you to come back.

Interesting Places in Batanes:

House of Dakay
Lighthouses of Batanes
St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral
Burial Caves - Pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat.
Sumhao Wind Power Plant
Nakaboang Beach, Ark & Cave
Beaches - Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more.
Payaman - known as Marlboro Country

Batanes Accommodations, Hotels, Inns and Resort

There are lots of available Hotels and Inns waiting for a visitors or tourist visiting Batanes. This Hotels and Inns have thier different amount of prices it defends on the rooms that best fitted the visitors or tourist needs. If you are new to Batanes and if you know somebody there, you may decide to ask if you could stay with them. It makes your stay cheaper and they can be your guide during your stay.

Popular Hotels in Batanes:

Rapitan di Vasay
Pension Ivatan
Shenedel's Inn
Batanes Seaside Lodge


Possible ways to go to Batanes Island:

If you want to go to Batanes Island by plane it has early morning flights daily to Batanes from Manila and vise-versa. These flights land straight to Basco on Batan Island, Batanes.
By ship, you can catch a ferry operated by the Batanes Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Currimao, Ilocos Norte to Basco Batanes and vise-versa every Wednesday and Sunday.

The Beautiful Island of Camiguin

Camiguin is a small island lying in the north-west coast of Mindanao. It is a volcanic island hosting seven volcanoes of which one of them remains unpredictably active. Mt Hibok-hibok submerged Camiguin’s old capital, Bombon, in 1871 and suffocated almost 2000 inhabitants from its raging eruption in 1951. Since then, the volcano rested quietly giving its inhabitants an assurance of normal living.

Mambajao, has a friendly small community of mostly Visayan and Chinese origin. Their source of livelihood comes from the produce of their land and the surrounding ocean. Every October, Lanzones Festival transform the island into an explicit sight of towsfolk dressed up in their traditional costumes to celebrate the harvest of this small, sweet tasting, light-yellow fruit that grows in bunches at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. The festival is remarkably good-natured, filled with colors and properly organized.

The best way to enjoy the sights of Camiguin is by motor biking along the 64 km coastal road. Piercing into the dense forests of the island, plunging into the waters of natural pool down of Katibawasan falls and enjoying the warm waters of Ardent hot spring are worthwhile activities. Climbing the famous Mt. Hibok-hibok is tolerated but somehow requires strong endurance and trekking skills. It takes about 6 hours for skilled climbers to reach the summit and it is always advisable to take at least one guide for a hassle-free climb.

Camiguin Hotels and Resorts:

Mambajao Beach Resort
Casa Grande
R.J. Pension House
Cabua-an Beach Resort
GV Pensione House
Camiguin Highlands Resort, Sorosoro
Islet Beach Resort, Mahinog
Jasmin by the Sea Beach Resort, Bug-ong
SRJ - Balhon Beach Resort, Catarman
Turtle’s Nest Beach Cottages
Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin
Enigmata Treehouse (Tarzan’s Nest Resort)
Caves Dive Resort
Camiguin Seaside Lodge

Boracay and its White Sand Beaches

Boracay obviously is the most visited and the most popular tourist destination of the Philippines. This butterfly-shaped island off the northwest coast of Panay have moved the island’s image from innocent to one of the most known islands in the world. A small island surrounded with white powdery sand, similar to that of icing sugar, uniquely made its way to worldwide recognition. Along with Boracay’s white-sand beaches, dramatic sunset showering the whole island with golden silhouettes, crystal clear water, and serene coves are as well bars, restaurants and hotels which tropical and international ideas blended together to satisfy the necessities of all tourists.

The beaches of the Boracay Island is located off the north-western tip of Panay Island, Philippines. Boracay is world famous and is almost always the first beach mentioned when tourist, foreign & locals alike talk about vacation places in the Philippines.

Boracay’s western coast is ideal for windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and diving. Every establishment in the island has diving gears for rent. In Boracay, locals alternate source of living as tourist guides leaves you no worries for touring around.

Other than that, discovering the interiors of the island by motorbike, horseback riding or simply walking barefoot around the sandy streets of the coast are daily routines most tourists pass their Boracay holidays. For little necessities, although small, and somewhat far from the industrialized metropolis, Boracay provides its visitors every little necessities within few meters away. Visitors of Boracay taste the fun and get addicted to it.

The nightlife of Boracay is very lively with the numerous clubs and bars spanning the whole stretch of the beach. From Friday's at the northern part of the beach to Lorenzo South at the southern end. It is specially so during Lent & Christmas season when Boracay Island is transformed into a big fiesta. It is the time when local & foreign tourist come in droves. But whatever season, If partying is your cup of tea, then the nightlife of Boracay is for you.

Boracay Hotels and Resorts:

Saigon Beach Resort
Floremar Beach Resort
The Orchids Resort
Austrian Pension House
Casa Camilla
Sea Side Cottages
Melinda’s Garden
Alyssa Resort
Laguna de Boracay
Mona-Lisa Beach Resort
La Isla Bonita Cottage
Ati-Atihan Resort
Villa de Oro
Le Soleil de Boracay
Lorenzo Main Resort
Boracay Beach Chalets
Boracay Imperial Beach Resort
Boracay Gold Crowne Club
Pearl of the Pacific
Boracay Hideaway Resort
Boracay Plaza Beach Resort
Boracay Regency Beach Resort
Bans Cottages
Cocomangas Hotel Beach Resort
Crystal Sands Resort

Possible ways to go to Boracay:

You can reach Boracay Island by air via South East Asian Airlines (Seair). It has regular daily flights to Caticlan (it is nearest airstrip to Boracay).You can also catch the daily flights of PAL, Cebu Pacific or Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit) to Kalibo. And if you are not in a hurry, you can take the ferry boat trip from Manila to Caticlan (twice a week - Mondays & Saturdays) of WGA's Supper Ferry. The ferry boat ride takes approximately 15 hours. 

The Island of Bohol

Located in Central Visayas, Bohol is an island famous for its well preserved natural environment. The island’s reigning pride are the world-famous Chocolate Hills, its little islands surrounded by white sand beaches, and Tarsier- the world tiniest primate. Considering its features Tarsier has been calculated a confusion of normal primates’ evolution.

The spectacular Chocolate Hills or Haycock Hills are named for their brown appearance during dry season. They are limestone remnants of an earlier erosion cycle, a phenomenon known to be present in only two or three other places in the world.

White-sand beaches and nearby reefs inhabited by thousands of tropical fishes obviously account for the island’s invincible fame for water activities. The richness of Bohol’s marine life sited nearby Panglao Island is world-known destination both for beginners and advance divers. Even for swimming in its prestine water or simply walking on its sugar-like sand bars are just enough reasons to visit Bohol.

Visiting old centuries churches, motor biking around the island, visiting the famous chocolate hills, enjoying the white sand beaches of Panglao Island, Bar hopping in Panglao and scuba diving. Caving as well is recommended to do in this island.

Bohol Hotels and Inns

 
Bohol has a large number of hotels, resorts, and other facilities for tourists. Most of these are concentrated in Tagbilaran and around Alona Beach, with a few more scattered around the island. To help you make your choice we have listed most hotels here, with some short personal comments.

Bohol offers several different types of room accomodations available for visitors, tourists, and locals that would suit best for anyones budget. Room rates varies depending on the ammenities, locations and quality of services included. Listed below are some of the Hotels and Inns that offers different type of packages for your visit.

Tagbilaran City:

Casa Juana Lodging House
C.P.G. Ave., Tagbilaran City
Chriscent Ville Pension House
6 Gallares St., Tagbilaran City
Coralandia Resort and Restaurant
45 Graham Ave., Tagbilaran City
Dao Diamond Bed & Breakfast
Km. 3, J. Clarin St., Dao District, Tagbilaran City
Gie Gardens Hotel
18 M.H. del Pilar corner CPG Avenue Tagbilaran City
Soledad Suites
Lou Square, JC Borja St, Tagbilaran City
Via Bohol Tourist Inn
Graham Ave., Tagbilaran City

Panglao Island:

Billabong Hotel
Tawala, Panglao, Bohol 6340
Citadel Alona Inn
Lot 4480-A, Purok 7, Tawala, Panglao
Paragayo Resort
Tawala, Panglao Island, 6340
OOPS Bar and Cottages
Alona Beach, Panglao Island, 6340
Alona Kew White Beach Resort
Alona Kew, Tawala, Panglao Island

Possible way to go to Bohol:

There are two ways to get to Bohol (Tagbilaran). From Manila, you have a choice of going by air or by boat. By air you have a choice of airlines to fly: PAL, Cebu Pacific & Air Philippines. 

By boat, you can take the Supper Ferry from the Port of Manila. The boat ride from Manila to Tagbilaran is approximately 25 hours.

Cebu the Queen City of the South

About an hour’s flight away from Manila is Cebu. It is an island in central Philippines with Cebu City as its capital. The island is long and thin with a few smaller islands off-shore. The airport is located on the flat island of Mactan which is separated from the main island by the narrow Mactan Channel. Cebu City is one of the main centres of commerce, trade and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country. Because of this and other important aspects that Cebu City was given the moniker Queen City of the South.

Cebu City is the 2nd busiest city in the Philippines. It had been an important trading district for Chinese, Arabs and Malay traders even before the discovery of the Philippines.

Tourism in Cebu expanded since the migration of huge businesses in the island. Mactan Island, now clogged with resorts targets mainly upscale visitors. These resorts filled with luxurious amenities even reconstructed their beaches to make it look more appealingly natural. Such pampering that pushed other towns further down for being discovered. This, however, didn’t take the pride of some established towns in the South. They possess white sand beaches and great dive sites incomparably better than those of Mactan’s.

For local and foreign tourist, there are many places of interest in Cebu. One is Magellan's Cross which was named after Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who came to Cebu in the early 1500s. Pieces of the original cross are believed to be encased in the present cross. The monument is just across the street from the Sto. Niño Basilica in downtown Cebu City. It used to be the only Catholic Basilica in East Asia. The basilica houses the famous Santo Niño the patron saint of the Cebuanos.

The city closely resembles with Manila but without the presence of dense traffic. Massive establishments, malls, big hotels, well developed resorts and large universities are gearing up the daily activities of Cebu’s fast urban life. Its vast sea port terminal provides easier access to neighboring islands both from Visayas and Mindanao. It has a big ferry terminal that easily moves residents of Bohol and Leyte in and out of Cebu.

Hotels and Resorts in Cebu and Mactan:

Waterfront Hotel
Centrepoint hotel
Costabella
Maribago Bluewaters Resort
Marriott Hotel
Shangri-La Mactan hotel -fine dining. great pool and beach
Cebu Club Pacific which was famous for its so-called nude beaches
Tambuli Beach Club
White Sands

Juan Osmena Street:

Century Plaza Hotel
Vacation Hotel
NS Royal Pension
C’est La Vie Pension

Fuente Osmena:

Cebu Midtown Hotel
Elegant Circle Inn
Garwood Park Hotel

Others:

Hotel Asia, Don Jose Avila St.
Cebu Elicon House, General Junquera St.
Eddie’s Hotel, Manalo St.
City Park Inn, Archbishop Reyes Ave.
Fuente Pension House, Don Julio Llorente St.
Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Cardinal Rosales Ave.
Mayflower Pension House, East Capitol Site
Montebello Villa Hotel, Banilad,
Pacific Tourist Inn, V. Gullas St.
Cebu Grand Hotel, Escario St.
Palazzo Pensionne, Sepulveda St.
Richmond Plaza Hotel, F. Sotto Drive
Cebu Business Hotel, Colon St.

Possible ways to go to Cebu:

To get to Cebu City, one can take ferry boats that ply the Manila-Cebu route (about 23 hours) at the Port of Manila -if you are on a leisurely vacation. But to get there fast, catch any of the airlines that fly almost hourly to Cebu at the Manila Domestic Airport (all airlines except PAL) or the Centennial Terminal (for Philippine Airlines only).

Puerto Galera and its Beautiful Places

About 4 to 5 hours away from Manila is Puerto Galera. It is a string of beaches located on the northwest side Mindoro Island. Composed of Coco Beach, White Beach, Sabang Beach, Big & Small Lalaguna & Tamaraw Beach. Puerto Galera is a haven for Filipinos & Foreigners alike. The cost of getting there, the accommodation, food and drinks are relatively cheap compared to Boracay or Palawan. On a tight budget, a weekend retreat for two can cost as little as $100. And that includes transportation from Manila, a room and food.

White Beach on is the longest and widest beach in Puerto Galera. It is a bit laid-back compared to Sabang but Sabang is smaller but livelier because it has more bars, shops, restaurants and discos. Sabang also boast of a floating bar in the middle of the bay where local and imported drinks are served. But both Sabang & White Beach have an active nightlife although one need not stay at one beach alone, try beach hopping when your there. You can transfer from Sabang to Small Lalaguna by foot. And in between the two beaches, there is a cozy bar on the cliff called "The Point" it has a nice view of the ocean and is open until 2 a.m. The other beaches at Puerto Galera can be  reached by tricycle, jeep or pump boat. It is a common practice to rent a cottage at one resort and hop at different resorts and beaches during the day and at even at night.

Tourists explore these places regardless of distance and extra effort by trail motorbikes or by boats. Others use their feet to simply reach a nearby cove or an interesting place. A tricky but an exciting way that they have to encounter just to see the entire beauty of Mindoro, but discovering a place this way according to them is far better than traveling the busy streets of a well developed city.

Puerto Galera initially sprang up to giving main concern on diving but further discovery of the island as well famed itself a perfect hiking, mountainbiking and motorbiking destination. These are the nearby challenging trails and tracks leading to some waterfalls and rivers on the way to Calapan. White sand beaches covering the stretching coastline of Puerto Galera have always been favorite destinations for weekend trips.

It oftenly turns out a venue for music festivals, gathering young and old to breathtaking sights and sound of beach parties accompanied with never ending loud music and non-stop eating and drinking for days.

Puerto Galera Accommodations, Hotels and Inns

There are a lot of places to get room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination in the country, you can be sure to find accommodations whatever your budget or need. Whether you're looking for lodgings with spectacular views of the sea or a place conveniently located near key attractions and sights, you'll surely find a wide variety of resorts and hotels that offer these and more.

Popular Hotels in Puerto Galera:

Encenada Beach Resort
Oriental Sabang Hill
Coco Beach Island Resort
Capt'n Gregg's Accommodation
Carlos Paradise Hotel
El Galleon Beach Resort & Hotel, Puerto Galera
Apartelle de Francesca
Sabang Inn Beach Resort
Carm Rob Inn
Sinandigan Lodge

Sabang :

Sabang Inn Dive Resort
Captain Gregg’s
Mermaid Resort
Garden of Eden Dive Resort
Prince Diving Resort

White Beach :

Cherry’s Inn
Lenly’s Beach Reasort
Marco Vincent Resort

Possible ways to got to Puerto Galera:

Travel to Puerto Galera, this delightful town on the island of Mindoro, starts at the Philippines capital city, Manila. The trip consists of the combination of two forms of transport, by road and ferry.

Beautiful Places in Palawan

Palawan is the most well preserved major island group in the Philippines. It is also the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The rain forest, caves, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and clear blue waters are its best assets.

Palawan is popularly known as the “Last Frontier” pointing to Borneo and is also located just north of Malaysia’s Sabah island. It is the largest province in the Philippines with an area of 1.5 million hectares and has 1,769 islands and islets.

With almost 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Palawan was proclaimed as a fish and wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and to this day, this group of islands is probably the most protected province in the whole Philippines.

Palawan has been called the "island of the gods" and it is not without reason, the spectacular sea and landscapes of Palawan; especially at El Nido, gives the impression of seeing heaven's beauty on earth. Acknowledged as the Philippines' last frontier, Palawan is a must see for the traveler who appreciates the majesty and splendor of nature.

The main tourist destination is the group of Calamian Islands. It has the richness of white sand beaches, clear water and a wide range of marine resources perfect for scuba diving. Some places of the main island of Palawan are recommended for trekking particularly in the deep dense forests of the central district. But be aware, heading further south where Malaria is common should be avoided. Other attractions are St. Paul subterranean National Park that has underground river, Tabon Caves, where fossils of 50,000 years old ancient man were found and El Nido Village, the home of Nido Soup that is made out of bird’s nest. This is place known for its world-class resorts, powdery whitesand beaches, limestone hills, scattered islets and marine-rich dive sites.

Palawan Hotels, Inns and Resorts:

Coron Island :
Las Hamacas Resort, Salvacion Busuanga
Las Perlas Beach Resort, Old Busuanga
Kokosnuss Garden Resort,
Maricaban Bay Marina Resort, Talisay San Jose

El Nido :
Dolarog Beach Resort,
Lagen Island & Miniloc Resorts, Miniloc
Malapacao Island,
Lally & Abet Beach Cottages

Popular Resorts in Palawan:

Marina de Bay, Central Palawan
Dos Palmas Arreceffi Hotel, Central Palawan
Princessa Holiday Resort, Central Palawan
Crystal Paradise Resort, Central Palawan
Dolarog Beach Resort, El Nido
Lagen & Maniloc, El Nido
Bambua National Park, Sabang
Green View Resort, Port Barton
Club Noah, Tatay
Club Paradaise, Busanga
Coral Bay, Northern Palawan
Discovery Dive, Northern Palawan
Lamud Island Resort, Northern Palawan
El Rio Y Mar, Northern Palawan
Rio Playa Beach, Northern Palawan
Amanpulo, the most expensive Island resort in the Philippines
Coco Loco Island Resort, Roxas

Possible ways to go to Palawan:

To get to Palawan by air or by sea.
By air, PAL Philippine Airlines (to Puerto Princesa)
South East Asian Airlines (to El Nido, Busuanga, Taytay & Cuyo)
Air Philippines (to Puerto Princesa)
Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit)
Cebu Pacific (to Puerto Princesa)

By sea, From the nearby islands of the Philippines, Palawan is accessible by boat. The length of travel is very long. From Manila, the trip to Puerto Princesa may take around 26 hours. During the holidays, passengers prefer inter-island trips for personal safety reasons.

Vigan and its Ancestral Houses

About 400 kilometers from Manila is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. It is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located on the west coast of northern Luzon. One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia with a unique European atmosphere. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. The name Vigan was derived from "Biga", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River.

Vigan- a town famous for its segments of brick pavements and ornately centuries old edifices contsructed during the Spanish period. It fortunately survived from the devastating world war and was later proclaimed a destination for historic trips. The center of attraction is the street of Crisologo displaying a mix of original and imitated Filipino antiques and Chinese classic cabinets available for sale.

Ayala Museum - A classic house originally belonged to one of the three Filipino priests slained by the Spaniards in the early uprising of the nation against Spain. The house is filled with detailed journals regarding the Spanish early colonization, artworks and relics of the house own historic evolution.

Burnay Wares of RG Pottery - Pottery made out of local supple clay mixed by a Carabao walking on it. The created jars are then processed in ancient method and sold as exclusive items through out the country.

The National Museum - Displays artifacts and documents of Vigan’s historic past.

Mestizo District- popularly known as "kasanglayan" meaning where the Chinese live, is Vigan’s famous oldest town- where ancestral homes and authentic European designed houses have been built.

If planning to go for a nostalgic day tour, a horse-drawn carriage is a great option. Some museums of Spanish relics, churches and monuments are just within the vicinity. Old houses are rented for accommodations and some were transformed into restaurants and bars. A good time to visit Vigan is during the town fiesta. Celebrated for one whole week, concluding on January 25 to commemorate the conversion of the apostle, St. Paul. The fiesta is marked by street parades, beauty contest and variety shows on the town plaza.

Popular Hotels in Vigan:

Grandpa's Inn
Villa Angela Heritage House
RF Aniceto Mansion
Vigan Plaza Hotel
Hotel Salcedo De Vigan
Gordion Hotel
Cordillera Inn
Cordillera Inn, Mena Crisologo St.
Villa Angela Heritage House, Quirino Blvd
R.F. Aniceto Mansion, Mena Crisologo St.
Ferdinandina Hotel, Mabini St.
Gordion Inn, Salcedo St.
El-Juliana Hotel, Liberation Ave.
Grandpa’s Inn, Mabini St.
Vigan Plaza Hotel, Mena Crisologo St.
Vigan heritage Mansion, Liberation Bvd.
Vigan Hotel, Burgos St.

Possible ways to go to Vigan:

To go to Vigan City from Manila, you can get a bus or take a plane to Laoag City and take a bus ride to Vigan.
PAL (Philippine Airlines) flies to Laoag City 3 times a week. Laoag, 80 kilometers away from Vigan takes about 1½ hours to commute.

Baguio The Summer Capital of the Philippines

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines. Located in northern Luzon, Baguio City was established by the Americans in 1909, It is sited about 1,500 meters above sea level, high in the Cordillera mountain range giving the city an almost temperate climate.

Baguio is a favorite vacation destination of Filipinos & foreign tourist specially during summer because of its year-round cool climate. It is also known as an educational center with its 4 universities and several colleges and institutes in Baguio City’s 49 square kilometer area.

Baguio City was a settlement camp of American troops during their occupation in 1900s where they patterned the architecture of houses and buildings after their homes in the United States. And to easily access the neighboring towns, they have constructed Kennon Road, a highway known for its narrow and challenging turns.

The city’s economy moved progressively despite the absence of the founding Americans. Parks, Gardens, Museums, markets and shopping malls were established everywhere and perhaps elevated the rapid rise of tourism. Big growth on hotels, lodging houses, restaurants and bars is increasing every year.

Baguio illustrates an ambiance of people wearing warm outfits all year around. If you only see Philippines as a tropical country, visiting Baguio somehow changes that view. Filipinos regarded this city amidst the towering peaks of the Cordillera, as the summer capital of the country, where they can move away from the irritating heat during summer.

Interesting places in Baguio City:

Baguio City Cathedral - a majestic church built on top of a hill
Mines View Park - boasts a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines
Camp John Hay - a military recreational camp of the Americans during World War II
Itogon Wood Carver's Village - three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers
The Orchidarium - a showcase for the various breeds of flowers and plants that are grown in the region.
Baguio Botanical Garden - also known as the Igorot Village
Mary Knoll Ecological Sanctuary - a haven for free minds and bodies
The Mansion House - the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines

Baguio Inns and Hotels:

Benguet Prime Hotel, Session Rd.
Hotel 45, Session Rd. 4
Prince Plaza Hotel, Legarda Rd.
Baguio Palace Hotel, Legarda Rd.
Concorde Hotel, Legarda Rd.
Highland Lodge, General Luna Rd.
Aussie Hotel, General Luna Rd.
New Belfranlt Hotel, General Luna
Burnham Hotel, Calderon St.
Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza, Naguillian Rd.
El Cielito Inn, North Drive,
Hotel Supreme, Magsaysay Ave.
Hotel Veniz, Abanao St.
Mountain Lodge, Leonard Wood Rd.
Baden Powell Inn, Governor Pack Rd.
Summer Place Hotel, Marcos Highway
Benguet Pine Tourist Inn, Chanum St.
Atenara House, C.M. Recto road

Possible ways to go to Baguio City:

The three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway. Kennon Road road is the fastest route to Baguio but is the most dangerous with frequent landslides during the rainy season. Marcos Highway and Naguilian Highway are more roundabout routes but are much safer than Kennon Road and are the only routes permitted to buses and trucks. Major Bus lines from Manila go straight to Baguio City all hours of the day.

Zambales Lovely Beaches

Zambales is a province of 12 municipalities, which are mainly popular for its lovely beaches and picturesque sunset. Its provincial capital, Iba, is a town not known only for its wide beaches, also for its street dancing performed every 28th of August in commemoration of its town patron, San Augustine.

Zambales inhabitants rediscovered their tourism potentials. For only few years, this province which is located northwest of Luzon recently proved its appeal to wandering tourists in the Philippines. And despite of the transport dillema around the Pinatubo’s most devastated areas, Zambales has managed to focus on their alternate resources.

The beaches around towns were promoted for closest city hideaways and regardless of the absence of Subic’s duty free shops, which were regularly visited by Manila’s wealthy shoppers in the early 90’s, Olongapo City’s surrounding beaches became the most accessible weekend destination for mainly residents of Metro Manila.

Zambales Hotels, Inns and Resorts:

Palmera Garden Hotel and Resort
Ocean View Beach House, Amungan Iba

Botolan :

Rama Beach Resort

Subic :

White Rock Beach Resort, Matain, Subic
Legenda Hotel, Subic Bay Freefort
Grande Island Resort
Club Morroco Beach Resort
Country Cottage Resort (open cottages)
Apo Resort (open cottages)
Forest Hills Village Resort

Tagaytay and its beautiful places

Tagaytay is considered the closest alternative to the temperate climate of Baguio because of its cooler climate and fresher environment. It is frequented by Visitors from Manila who are mainly reatreating from the polluted air of the city. The town’s focal attraction is the presence of this miniature-like volcano that is sitting in the middle of Taal lake.

Widely known as the smallest volcano in the world, Taal Volcano is a scenic view that can be seen from the stretching slopes of Tagaytay highways elevated at 2500 ft. above sea level.

For experienced mountaineers planning to head further deep into the volcano crater, be cautious of the hot surroundings and its sulfuric emissions from the steam vents. The hot water of the crater can cause severe skin irritation due to its high concentration of harmful chemicals.

Tagaytay is a peaceful getaway from the fast lanes of urban life. Its cool natural ambiance yields an abundant display of fruits and vegetables mostly seen along the highway or at the busy market of the town.

Tagaytay Hotels, Inns and Resorts

Club Estancia Resort
Zone II, Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City 
Hotel Royal Parc Hotel and Restaurant
Silang Crossing North, Tagaytay City
Mahogany Hotel
J.P. Rizal Avenue, South, Tag. City  
Royal Parc Hotel and Restaurant
Kaybagal Silang Crossing North, Tagaytay City
Days Hotel
Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay City
S.N. David Sonrisa
J.P. Rizal Ave., Kaybagal South
Residence Inn
Tagaytay-Batangas Highway Neogan, Tagaytay City
Viewpoint Inn and Restaurant
Tagaytay-Batangas Highway Neogan, Tagaytay City
Rancho Freva Lodge and Steak House
Tagaytay-Batangas Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tag. City
Aroma Apartelle
Tagaytay-Calamba Road San Jose, Tagaytay City
Country Inn
Olivares Plaza San Jose, Tagaytay City
Taal Vista Hotel
Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Club Estancia Resort Hotel
Zone II, San Jose, Tagaytay City
Royale Parc Hotel
Silang Crossing Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Royal Taal Inn
Calamba Road, Tagaytay City
Days Hotel
Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Tagaytay Mahogany Hotel
J.P. Rizal Avenue, Tagaytay City
Country Inn
Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Tagaytay Tavern
J.P. Rizal Avenue, Tagaytay City