Laments of an Old Crater: This is one of the most photographed volcanoes in the world. This is part of Taal volcano’s group of craters. This crater is one of the most visible and most photographed crater of Taal Volcano. However, this crater is one of the oldest and the most inactive of the Taal Volcano island craters.
Shot taken at 25,000 ft above the province of Laguna, east of Taal Lake.
Photo by storm-crypt

Taal Volcano is an active volcano located about 70-km south of Manila inside a lake, it was formed through one major eruption at the center of a lake, and since the lake itself is the crater of a prehistoric volcano, and within the lake, other eruptions have occurred producing more craters and micro-lakes. The vista from the rim is unrivaled.

Tagaytay, Taal Lake and Volcano Island: This is primarily a photo of the Taal Lake — which is a lake in the Island of Luzon, Philippines.The photo that justifies the title of a small island(that tiny speck on the crater lake), within a lake(the small crater lake), in an island(taal volcano island), in a lake(taal lake). The foreground is the aerial view of the cliff area of Tagaytay City, in the background is Taal Lake, the volcano island, and Mt. Maculot in the distance. This shot was taken approximately 5,000 feet over the town of Amadeo, Cavite.
Photo by storm-crypt

Although the Taal Volcano has not erupted since 1977, it has erupted 33 times and these were notable enough to earn it a tag by the UN on the list of the world’s Decade Volcanoes. Many people still travel to the area to see the magnificent sites set to a backdrop of vegetation and wildlife in Batangas City and are willing to pay the cost and risk for a rent house to take in the views of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape in its true glory.

One area that tourists enjoy visiting immensely as part of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape is Crater Lake where many enjoy bathing. Unfortunately the sudden influx of tourists recently has led to a decline in the aquatic fish who call the area home and conservationists are beginning to take action. However, there will soon be a large tree planting along the beaches of Taal Lake to combat the problem along with Volcano Island. Additionally, an area will be deemed a protected area to encourage friendly eco-tourism to keep the area ripe and environmentally diverse for years to come.

Taal Volcano: A hazy view of the famous Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, it has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the “Crater Lake.”
Photo by danielygo

Inside the main caldera,on volcano island, there is yet another lake, called the “Crater Lake.” The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim in it, Some have even SCUBA dived in it.

Simmering and Deadly: Viewed from northern part of Taal Volcano’s crater rim. This is the simmering crater lake of one of the most active volcanos in the world. In the distance is Taal Lake, with the outline of Mt. Maculot( A mountain in the province of Batangas, Philippines).

Folk stories has it that the whole Taal Lake (part of it can be seen in the distance) surrounding the Taal Volcano island, is the crater of the original volcano itself(hinting that this was once a super volcano judging by the size of Taal Lake — if the story is true).

Inside the main caldera,on volcano island, there is yet another lake, called the “Crater Lake.” The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim in it, Some have even SCUBA dived in it. The crater lake can be accessed by going around the crater to the west side of the island.

Tourists and visitors normally go to the town of Talisay, a few kilometers down the slopes of Tagaytay city(about 2 hours from Manila). Boats will then take visitors to the volcano island(where this crater lake is) for approximately 45 minutes. For those who are rich, disabled, ederly or plain lazy — they normally take horses up the slopes to the viewing deck, near where this shot was taken. By horses, the viewing deck is only about 20 minutes from the shore(where the boats dock). By foot, the same distance can be covered in an hour or so. During the summer, the path can be very dusty. A face/dust mask will be very handy for the trip.
Photo by storm-crypt

Initiatives such as these are what have earned the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape that includes over twenty areas its protected status and a nomination as an area of outstanding universal area. Due to the many unique formations left behind by the active Taal Volcano there are many geological wonders that cannot be found so densely relative to each other at any other area in the world. These geological hotspots are one of the main reasons for the wide biodiversity of plant and aquatic fish life that inhabit the general area.

Adding to the area’s charm is the fact that no other volcano’s eruption can be matched with the Taal Volcano or the resulting landscaped area due to the fact that it originated from the center of Lake Crater in prehistoric times. Thus, this phenomenon cannot be viewed or experienced at any other location in the world which is partially the reason why tourists are so prevalent in the area at any time of the year.

National Geological Monument

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape was declared Philippines’s National Geological Monument (together with Chocolate Hills, and Hundred Islands National Park) and was also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006.

The Mouth of Taal Volcano: This is the real Taal volcano… its different from what the post cards show. There was sulfur in the air here… and they say when you swim there, it will instantly bleach your clothes.
Photo by deckchua

Taal Volcano
Photo by pommypaul

Taal Volcano & Taal Lake
Photo by pommypaul

UNESCO Tentative List

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value

The lake and its environs is home to many species of flora and fauna a number of which are endemic to the lake like the “Tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis), the only fresh water sardine in the world and the Taal Lake Seasnake (Hydrophis semperi or known to locals as Duhol), the only freshwater sea snake in the world. The snake still has salt glands to eliminate excess salt, despite being in a freshwater habitat. Other endemic forms include blue green algae, diatom, ostracod, sponge, reptile and fishes. There are many other species, which until now have yet to be documented, and whose natural histories have not been fully studied.

Taal Lake
Photo by nepal23

Taal Crater: That small rock in the middle of the lake — is technically an island, on a lake, in an island, on a lake. That rock island is in the middle of the crater lake of Taal’s volcano island. The volcano island is in the middle of Taal Lake.
Photo by storm-crypt

Getting There

Located at Batangas: Refer to How to get to Batangas

There are three main roads that link Tagaytay City to the lake and the volcano. One is Diokno Highway near the border to Nasugbu, Batangas; the other is just behind the Tagaytay Rotunda (but this is a very steep road); and the most preferred way is the Ligaya Drive near the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa road, which leads to the town of Talisay, Batangas.

Talisay is the major jump-off point where boats are available to reach the volcano island.

Article Sources

WIKIPEDIA – Taal Volcano
UNESCO World Heritage – Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, Batangas
Taal – a Decade Volcano

Quick Facts

• Over 1,270 similarly cone-shaped hills creating a sea of hills over 20 square miles (50 sq km)
• Located in Bohol, Philippines
• Heights typically range from 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 m) with the highest reaching 390 feet (120 m)

Hershey Chocolate Kisses

National Geological Monument

The Chocolate Hills was declared Philippines’s 3rd National Geological Monument (together with Taal Volcano, and Hundred Islands National Park) and recently included in the nomination for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Photo by wisdoc

The name Chocolate Hills actually was spawned by the famous Hershey treat given the fact that during the dry season the grass on the cone mounds browns and resembles rows of chocolate ripe for the picking. This coincidentally is also one of the best times of the year to visit the Chocolate Hills if you want to stay dry during your visit since there is a constant influx of precipitation during the rainy season.

Photo by maxchu

Photo by coolnumber9

In fact, while some people question man’s ancient influence scientists dismiss the option as the integrity of the mounds would surpass the Egyptian pyramids by far. The exact formation of the Chocolate Hills is unknown although the most commonly accepted theory in the area is that erosion and coral reef uplift from a major geological plate shift could have caused the mounds to simply erupt from the ground.

May Peace Prevail On Earth!
Photo by maxchu

Other explanations include volcanic action under the land or that the limestone mountains are the result of a massive volcano centuries ago. Of course, as with any monumental structure that is thought to be naturally caused there is folklore that surrounds the Chocolate Hills area as well that many natives will happily be willing to share with you during your stay.

Photo by putografer

Photo by randyg

UNESCO Tentative List

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value

It has been declared the country’s 3rd National Geological Monument on June 18, 1988.

The hills are in the Philippine Tourism Authority’s list of tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Photo by lizza22

Photo by storm crypt

Getting There

Chocolate Hills is located at Bohol – How to get to Bohol

Article Sources

WIKIPEDIA – Bohol Chocolate Hills
UNESCO World Heritage – Chocolate Hills Natural Monument

”These were men of God, not architects, who could only rely on memories of Baroque churches seen in Spain or Latin America when giving instructions to build Philippine churches. Thus, intentionally, these friar-builders and their native craftsmen reinterpreted the European Baroque to establish a peripheral Baroque style, deceptively Western in appearance
but totally Philippine in spirit and context.” In reference to the Filipino and Chinese craftsmen, architects and priests who built the church.

Built during time of chaos and war, these churches were not only designed to withstand attacks during revolts and rebellions, they are also made to withstand tremendous earthquakes since Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Powerful buttresses and foundations gave the churches the support they needed to survive earthquakes intact as well as a fortress image. The unique architectural style became known as Earthquake Baroque.

Church of San Agustin, in Manila

Deisgn of The Church of San Agustin, Manila is derived from Agustinian churches built in Mexico, representing almost an exact copy of Puebla Cathedral in Puebla, Mexico. The Church of San Agustin is the only structure in Intramuros (the southern district of Manila) to survive World War II bombardment.
Photo by Erick Photomurals

Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur

The Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion is located on top of a hill, it served as a citadel during times of crisis, providing the best example of the blend of purposes in the architecture. Two huge columns flank the church façade and what makes the church attractive is the reddish exterior due to the exposed brickwork.
Photo by Karmacamilleeon

Church of San Agustin, in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Based on the nomination dossier submitted to UNESCO, the Church of San Agustin in Paoay is considered the most outstanding variant of the Earthquake Baroque architectural style. Unlike other bell towers in the country, the Paoay Church’s coral stone belltower is detached from its main building. The church has featured 24 curved buttresses.
Photo by NathanielChoi

Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, in Miag-ao, Iloilo

The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva withstood the occasional attacks from Muslims coming from the south. The church and its watchtowers had been built with thick walls and secret passages to defend the town and its people. The defensive purpose of the Church led to the popular name The Miag-ao Fortress Church.
Photo by Serdenia Arlon

Article Sources

UNESCO World Heritage Center – Baroque Churches of the Philippines
WIKIPEDIA – Baroque Architecture, Earthquake Baroque, Baroque Churches of Philippines

Location: Cordilleras Region (Ifugao Province and Mountain Province)

Banga-an, Ifugao Province, Philippines
Photo by Webzer

The source of irrigation water for the rice terraces is a reservoir at the top of the mountain which originates from springs. The rice terraces is irrigated from this source using a complex system of dams, and bamboo pipes. Excess water is drained to the terrace below by a small opening.

The terraces (‘paddies’) curve along the contour, and are narrow, varies from place to place, but averages between around 3 and 5 meters. Each paddy field is supported by a wall several meters high, made of mud or stones. From far, these terraces look like huge steps and will cover half the globe if laid side by side.

Because of the cool climate caused by the high elevation, crop maturity takes longer than in the lowlands. In some cases, vegetables such as cabbages and sweet potatoes are grown after the rice is harvested. The farmers, indigenous to the area, have a distinct culture that is different to lowland rice farmers, they generally own one hectare or less of terraced land, and cultivation is intensive.

Till this day, land preparation is mainly manual – the farmers puddle the soil with their bare feet.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces is a symbol of how the Philippines is a center of origin and biodiversity of rice, and exemplifies how rice, our most important food crop, is a unique and inherent part of our culture.

UNESCO World Heritage List

IN 1995, The Ifulgao Rice Terraces was was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the living organically-evolved cultural landscape shaped by sacred traditions and the ingenuity of the Ifugao people – an outstanding model of sustainable use of limited land resources, using traditional knowledge-based technology that has evolved over the last two millennia.

Cultural Landscapes have been defined by the World Heritage Committee as distinct geographical areas or properties uniquely “..represent[ing] the combined work of nature and of man..” . This concept has been adapted and developed within international heritage arenas (UNESCO) as part of an international effort to reconcile “..one of the most pervasive dualism in Western thought – that of nature and culture”

Four municipalities and 18 barangays are covered under the World Heritage site:

Rice Terrace Clusters of Banaue: Battad
Rice Terrace Clusters of Banaue: Bangaan
Rice Terrace Clusters of Mayoyao: Mayoyao Central
Rice Terrace Clusters of Kiangan: Nagacadan
Rice Terrace Clusters of Hungduan

Rice terrace in Banaue, Luzon.
Photo by Ecogarden

Batad is such a heavenly place in the Philippines. Indeed a wonder of the world, for the people have carved their lives teeming with beauty from the landscapes of the earth. The sun smiles gleefully on harvest season.
Photo by Buccinos

Banaue Rice Terrace
Photo by Proust

Stairways to Heaven: Batad Village is one of the best-preserved rice terrace in Cordilleras Philippine. It takes 3hours by tricycle and walks from central Banaue.
Photo by Eesti

Photo taken near the western border of Ifugao, a few kilometers from Benguet province. I thought it was spectacular enough when I last saw these terraces from the ground. It is far overwhelming when you see the whole mountainside directly from above. To all fellow Philippine citizens out there, how many of you have seen the rice terraces of Ifugao from this view? You should try it sometimes. It is spectacular.
Photo by Storm-crypt

World Heritage Sites in Danger

However, The Ifulgao Rice Terraces was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2001 as uncontrolled tourism and the introduction of open-market economy threatened both the natural heritage of the province and the traditional practices of its inhabitants.

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras in the Philippines is a delicate, evolving cultural landscape. In the absence of a systematic monitoring programme or a comprehensive management plan, it is, at present, impossible to guarantee the preservation and sustainable development of these rice terraces.

On 17 March 2009, the Ifugao Rice Terraces was declared a genetically modified organism (GMO)-Free zone.

The Ifugao people, guardians of this living cultural heritage of humanity, shall keep the Ifugao Rice Terraces a GMO-Free Zone as it has always been for generations. The Ifugaos shall protect the Ifugao Rice Terraces from GMO contamination and other forms of interventions that would diminish the integrity and universal value of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, so that it will continue to be a living testimony of the harmonious relationship of man and nature.

Getting There

Article Sources

1. UNESCO World Heritage Center – Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
2. WIKIPEDIA – Banaue Ifugao Rice Terraces
3. GREENPEACE SEASIA – Ifugao Rice Terraces declared GMO-Free Zone

Although you would hear negative news about the country, it is still safe to go to Philippines even if you would have your flight now. The region where the war is going on is very far from the tourist destinations in the country. Mindanao is just one of the islands in the archipelago and you still have other thousands of islands more to explore.

The recent political and economic issues in the country such as the increase of the oil price and such do not actually affect the tourism industry. Moreover, small rallies and few demonstrations were peacefully done on the streets. There are no violent manifestations on the road. Therefore, tourist should not be afraid of walking or travelling on the highways of Philippines, particularly in Manila.

Unfortunately, because of the rainy season that lasts from July to October, it is not advisable to have a vacation in the Philippines due to the storms that might ruin your whole tropical experience.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

SECRETARY DURANO ASSURES TOURISTS THE PHILIPPINES IS SAFE

“The Philippines remains a safe destination for travel. The Valentine’s Day bombing incidents, while unfortunate, are clearley isolated,” declares Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano.

“We have always had security arrangements with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the safety of both local and foreign tourists,” he adds.

The Department of Tourism stepped up coordination with the PNP’s Bantay Turista, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Task Group Stingray, and the industry stakeholders to make certain that systems and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the country.

Your stay in Manila can be a pleasantly memorable experience if you keep in mind that the cosmopolitan city is also the capital of a country with varied cultures. These tips can ensure that your trip is safe and well worth it, whether you’re a casual or hardnosed tourist.

#1‘Filipino time’ can imply tardiness to foreigners, and although the locals themselves are irked at this notion, it is true there is such a prevailing culture of waiting up for the last minute to get things done. If you’re attending a function and are used to punctuality, provide at least 15 minutes of leeway from your set schedule before you go out.

#2You’ll also be surprised to find out that holidays (except for the major ones like Christmas and the New Year) are moved from their original dates in order to accommodate for longer weekends, or for a more convenient work week. The government maintains that longer weekends contribute to local tourism – watch out for executive announcements before pushing through with your schedule.

#3Celebrations are prolonged and lingering; the Christmas season starts on September, the Holy Week is religiously observed, and if a holiday falls on a Sunday, sometimes the following day is considered as a special non-working holiday. Go figure.

#4The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, and as such, fiestas and religious events are strictly observed; soak in on the local customs, but do remember to put your own safety first, especially with large crowds.

#5As an attempt at getting by with scant resources, Filipinos have come up with the tingi (piecemeal) culture; you can buy anything from a stick of cigarette to a pair of diapers – from small stall shops called sari-sari stores.

#6Expect to be frisked, and your belongings searched on any establishment you enter; this is the norm in the country even before the heightened security alert. Try and bear the inconvenience – you’ll get used to it.

#7If you’re tempted to try ‘exotic delicacies’ on the street, don’t; not only are street foods unsanitary with open-air exposure, the manner in which they are prepared are questionable, and you can easily contract a gastric disease if you don’t watch out.

#8Rallies and demonstrations usually coincide with a politically-relevant holiday like Labor Day (May 1) and the EDSA Revolution Day (February 26); be prepared for bumper-to-bumper traffic on red flag areas such as Ortigas, University Belt (in Recto), and Rotonda (in Quezon City).

#9A numeric coding scheme is implemented for all motorists on weekdays as part of a government effort to ease the road congestion. This is observed from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., effective for vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, and so forth.

#10Drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, but some can’t resist the urge to overtake or cut in even on the driver’s side and on the road shoulders, and counter-flows are common.

#11If you have to hail a taxi, make sure that you are in agreement with the driver on the destination before you get in, and that the meter is on before you go. If the driver insists that the meter is broken or suggests a contract price for the trip, get out and hail another cab.

#12The streets flood easily even with short downpours, especially during the typhoon seasons of June to October; the garbage problem is pressing, many roads are potholed, and there is no ample drainage system which flushes the water out.

#13Exchange currency only on accredited establishments (banks, hotels, or malls); don’t be tempted to deal with allegedly higher exchange rates on black-market money changers; these are usually situated in security-risk areas, and you can be shortchanged, swindled, or extorted.

#14While you shouldn’t be cynical about the motives of anyone who tries to offer or ask for a helping hand, you might want to keep a guarded stance and trust your instincts. Conmen and swindlers can be cunning, and anyone can be a potential perpetrator, from children to the elderly. If someone makes a dubious offer and tries to give you something for free, don’t take it even if the person persists – you are probably being set up for a con. Problem areas like Tondo, Quiapo, Divisoria, and Baclaran are notorious for a reason.

#15Pay close attention to your belongings on public areas and while commuting on public transport. Keep them on your lap or in front of you and not on your side, and maintain your personal space even on cramped spaces.

#16Avoid doing business with fixers, especially if it involves important businesses. Fixers charge exorbitant rates for something which usually costs for nothing or for far less. They are present everywhere wherein transactions are made, even on the embassies, wearing faux IDs and an attitude to match. Go straight to the bureau or office and do your business with authorized personnel.

#17Although those who come to the Philippines aren’t required to take vaccine shots prior to entry, it is highly advisable that you take immunization shots, particularly for cholera and hepatitis; take not that tropical diseases like Malaria and Dengue are also rampant with the city’s worsening garbage problem, and rabies shots are also a must.

#18As part of an increased security alert implemented on the major entry/exit points in the country, you may find the lines at the airport or seaports a drag. There are at least eight security checks which you have to go through at the airport, and since all kinds of packages go through the same checks at the pier, there is a good chance that you’ll miss your boarding schedule as well. Get there at least three hours early for good measure. Prohibitions on weapons and for exotic flora and fauna do apply on both counts.

Save up to 75% on hotels in Philippines

There are many places to stay in Manila – it all depends on your budget. Posh hotels line Roxas Boulevard (the Manila Hotel, Manila Pavilion, Sofitel, and the Bayview Park hotel), and a night’s stay can cost an average of 75 USD – a good bargain for most. Since these hotels face the harbor, you’ll have a view of the sunset and the surrounding Rizal Park complex, depending on where you’re checked in. Take note that Roxas Boulevard is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, and rush hour traffic doesn’t die down until very late at night. The hum of vehicles can bleed into the walls of your room, so try to check into one of the inner rooms. The area is perfect for short stopovers on the city since it’s within thirty minutes of the airport. There are also three-star hotels in the areas of Ermita and Malate, and nightly rates go for about 40 dollars. In Makati, the rates can be as high as 150 dollars a night; Mandarin Hotel, Shangri-La Plaza and Peninsula Manila are the most recommended hotels.

If you’d like to rent out condo suites for longer periods, rooms usually cost for 350 dollars a week. There are plenty of such accommodations in the city, but those in the Malate area offer the most reasonable rates by far; studio-type rooms are rented out at 18,000 Pesos per month, one-bedroom suites at 20,000 Pesos. It is unlikely that the condo units at the upscale areas are rented out on a monthly basis, and if they are, they can cost you as much as three million pesos a month, so you may have to settle for the next best thing – apartelles. These are usually studio-type units, furnished, and come with regular room cleaning services. A typical room costs 15,000 a month on average, and there are plenty of them along Ermita. Ortigas and Makati have the same types of condotels, the former being cheaper than the later as it is farther from the metropolis.

Pension houses, similar to hostels, are also great accommodations on a budget. You stay at a communal dorm which was originally a residential estate, but refurbished and rented out. Many of these houses are run by the residents themselves or by caretakers, and board and lodging costs around 500 pesos a day; there is an extra charge for meals. You can also rent out residential houses built for the purpose, either for those who intend to move in to them or for transients. These are usually cheap in comparison to apartelles, depending on the size (a single bedroom house can cost six thousand pesos), and the place is all yours until you sign out. These are usually offered as an informal type of accommodations on residential areas, so get a good feel of the neighborhood before you settle on a deal.

Churches in Manila

The Philippines is a Catholic country, and a deeply religious one at that. There are numerous colonial churches which dot the city and the surrounding metropolis; and although these pale in comparison with the cathedrals of other countries, they are authentic and distinct nonetheless. Some of the more notable churches include the Basilica Minore del Nazareno Negro (Quiapo Church); the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, made of steel and in gothic fashion; the Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church); and the Basilica Minore de la Immaculada Concepcion (Manila Cathedral). Be sure not to miss out The Church of San Agustin at Intramuros which is the quartet of UNESCO – Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Cultural Experiences in Manila

If you want to soak up on culture during your stay, excellent samplings of what the country has to offer are presented on the stages of the CCP Complex along Roxas Boulevard, or at the open air theater on Paco Park, also within the same area. The Ayala Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila showcases aged and contemporary artifacts and pieces, and the National Museum at P. Burgos Drive offers a cross-cultural perspective of the Philippines. The Plaza San Luis and the Binondo area (Chinatown) are also rich in history and culture, much of which are still evident today. The former accommodates five Spanish-era houses (mansions), including the presidential residence, Malacanang Palace.

Shopping in Manila

If you’re on a shopping frenzy, you’ll find the city and the metropolis a haven. There are plenty of malls dotted about, more notably the chains of Shoe Mart (SM) and Robinson’s Malls – there’s practically a shopping mall within fifteen minutes from the airport, and it is touted as the largest in Asia. There are also smaller malls which cater more to the high-end niche, such as the Powerplant mall in Makati, the TriNoma mall along North EDSA, and the Ayala Malls (Greenbelt and Glorietta). These high-end complexes accommodate designer and branded products, but at least the items carry lower prices when compared to similar shops in Hong Kong or Singapore. For real bargains, visit the areas of Divisoria, Baclaran, or Quiapo, but do so with company: these are problem areas with a significant crime rate. If the traffic and the heat get to you, you can always try Greenhills when hundreds of stalls are open and selling knock off wares.

Nightlife in Manila

The nightlife in and around Manila is cosmopolite, and areas like Malate and Roxas Boulevard are throbbing in activity up to the wee hours of the morning. There are also popular clubbing strips in nearby Quezon City (Eastwood City in Libis), Mandaluyong (The Podium area along Ortigas), and Pasay (the resto block at the SM Mall of Asia). These areas are very safe, even for tourists who are carousing on their own. There are practically no peak periods either; you can visit any of these areas and find them packed. The Philippines is an outsourcing hub of Asia, and nightshift employees hobnob with the elite, a trend initiated by the rising middle class.

Although it’s not highly recommended that you visit Manila’s red light district, there are some areas where you can safely spend time with beautiful Filipinas. Quezon City offers a huge variety of sophisticated nightclubs where you can safely wile away a whole night. Makati, Malate and Pasay have their own strips of gentlemen’s clubs; which are both safe and sanitary. Stay away from small, run-of-the-mill pubs.

Driving

There are two basic road routes which lead from the capital and the metro which can afford a pleasant drive or trip: the South Expressway takes you out to the south from Batangas to Legazpi in the outlying southern borders of Luzon, and the North Expressway is the main route towards Pampanga, Zambales, or Baguio. Traffic is usually light on the outskirts of the capital, and a trip to Batangas can take two hours; Baguio, four hours; Laguna, two hours, and Legazpi, twelve hours. Toll fees are generally cost-effective considering that the roads are excellently paved and the navigation on the expressways is hassle-free.

By Buses

If you want to take a bus to the said destinations, there plenty of bus terminals which are scattered all over the metro by various companies who basically operate on their own means. Philtranco operates on the southern routes and Victory Liner dominates the north; both have main terminals in Pasay City. It connects Manila to Bicol in Southern Luzon, to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas, and Davao in Mindanao.

By Trains

There is only one railway system which extends for as far as San Fernando, La Union in the north and Legazpi in the south, with a Manila base station located at the Tutuban terminal in Claro M. Recto Avenue. It offers no-frills services, but the coaches are amply furnished and air conditioned, and the seats are comfortable. You can while away the time before you board on an adjacent mall complex. Unfortunately, there is no Metrorail line which junctions at the area, but taxis and buses do have terminals at the station.

By Ferries

There are two main ports which serve as the entry/exit points to the island provinces in the Visayas and in Mindanao; ferries as well as larger ships dock at South Harbor along Bonifacio Drive south of the metro, and most large shipping lines dock at the North Harbor along Marcos Street in Tondo. There are also smaller inter-island ports throughout the country which accommodate small and large ‘roll-on, roll-off’ ferries, particularly on the islands of Mindoro and Palawan. Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines dominate the shipping industry and cover roughly the same routes, and booking services are available in malls and other similar establishments. Find out more on Philippines Ferry services [+].

By Air

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport system is located in Paranaque is the premier gateway, twelve kilometers southeast of the city. Scheduled flights to Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cebu, Davao, and other provincial cities are usually on-time, with ten-minute arrival grace periods. There are two basic terminals, but both the MIA and the Centennial Terminal II accommodate local flights. The NAIA, though aged, is still a competent airport with duty-free and souvenir shops, a business center and restaurant, ForEx booths, and rental services from Avis and Hertz. Ensure that you have your bags checked in at least an hour before departure, as the security checks are stringent, and the queues can be pretty long. Philippine Airlines is the main carrier; the complex also serves as the junction for over thirty major airlines and chartered planes which are internationally or regionally routed. Scheduled charter flights from Subic near Zambales are also popular for passengers en route to Boracay, a popular beach destination.