Samal island

Samal Island Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The Philippines is well-known for its many attractive islands but interestingly enough, despite the hundreds of islands that it has to offer, there are still a few which seem to stand above the rest. Samal Island is one of these and because of its unspoiled beauty, it has enticed countless of visitors each year.

There is absolutely nothing like Samal Island. Its beauty, serene surroundings and the wildlife treasure it has to offer is like no other. The thing is, you will not get to appreciate it until you actually experience it for yourself. And when you do, you will see paradise.

Samal Island is located in Davao del Norte and is considered to be a 2nd class city. Since it has numerous lush gardens and nature-filled sceneries, it is known as the Island Garden City of Samal, or IGaCoS.

The Parola Bar at the famous Pearl Farm Resort, Davao, Philippines
Photo by martin_romano

Why Not Go

Samal Island, as mentioned above, is a 2nd class city which means that it does not have a lot of shops, restaurants, and most of the features of a 1st class metropolis. If you thrive and long for the city lights, this may not be the perfect place for you. Moreover, convenience is not one of its best points.

Why Go

Just because it is Samal. Being one of the top tourist destinations in the country and boasting of sparkling waters, white sand beaches, private islets and caves- who could resist? It is also home to Pearl Farm Beach Resort which is one of the places Davao is most famous for. It is where you can laze around all day, frolic in the sand and simply have a good time day or night.

Pearl Farm Evening
Photo by jokojun

One the finest things about Samal Island is that there is more to it than just great beaches. You can go spelunking, you can go island hopping, or join in the fun during its festivals. Yes, it has a lot of celebrations. So, when you go to Samal, there is no way you can be bored because there is simply so much you can do!

Best Time to Visit

This side of Mindanao is blessed to be free from typhoons all year round but it does have its share of rain showers and windy seasons. The dry months are from December to May, with March being the driest. Rains usually come in between June to November. If you want to get the most of your trip, you should go there during the sunny season.

But, you should also take into consideration that Samal Island has a lot of fiesta celebrations and is in fact even dubbed as the Island of Festivals. Hugyaw Madayaw Samal falls every 29th and 30th of August; the Kabasan Festival, which is a 7-day celebration is on every May 22nd-29th; the Caracoles Festival is held every 28th and 29th of April and is also among the famous festivals in the Philippines where the richness of marine life and the cultural heritage of the people in this island are being highlighted with street dancing, parades, sports competitions and a beauty pageant. There are also other celebrations such as the Bat Festival and the Pangapog which is a thanksgiving celebration to the Sama God held every 1st weekend of August.

Where to Stay

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Pearl Farm Resort
Photo by bjanepr

Pearl Farm Resort
Photo by bjanepr

There are several resorts in Samal. But the best one there is, is of course Pearl Farm Beach Resort. You can get a room for about $100 per person per night and that is already inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. The food is amazing too so you do not have to worry if you will like them or not. You get a room that is built on stilts right above the waters, so you get to listen to the waves at night plus a fantastic seaside view. There are also cheaper resorts such as the Paradise Island Resort where cabana room rates start at $45.

Kembali Coast a resort in Samal Island Davao is already open for the public. It’s near Pearl Farm and we had to ride the speedboat and Hobie Kats for a tour of the Island as well as the nearby Island of Talikud.
Photo by Maki Eduardo

Where & What to Eat

You can check out Gimmix Restobar in Babak right along the National Highway where you can savor their fried chicken, pork barbecue and some seafood delicacies. But nothing beats the buffet meals of Maranao Restaurant in Pearl Farm. For only $20 per person, you get about 8 main dish choices, 5 desserts, and a wide array of fresh fruits and salads. The only downside to that is you have to pay for your drinks separately.

Nightlife

There is not much you can do during the evenings here except maybe on weekends when the resorts hold their cultural shows and disco nights. In Pearl Farm, for example, they have a variety show every Saturday night showcasing Filipino songs, dances and traditions and thereafter, you can go karaoke at the Parola Bar just right by the dock. Other than that, you can simply spend a romantic dinner with your loved one in the resort’s restaurant where you can get a breathtaking view of the sea and the night sky.

My to do List

Scuba Diving: There are many wreck sites around Samal. You can go to the islets Talikud and Liguid where you will find beautiful coral reefs and an amazing marine life. In fact, there is a haven for divers in Talikud Island where you will get to experience diving at the 150 hectare Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park.

Spelunking: Great caves abound in Samal Island and among them are: Balete, Magongawong and Baga Caves. Spelunkers will certainly have the time of their life discovering things and following the trails in any of these caves.

Monfort Bat Sanctuary: The world’s largest colony of Geoffrey’s Rousette (Rousettus Amplexicaudatus) fruit bats living in the Monfort Bat Sanctuary on Tambo, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal

Mountain Climbing: While there is Mt. Apo in Davao which is the highest peak in the country at 10,300 feet, it is a bit far from Samal. The good news is you will find Mt. Putting Bato right on the island where you get to experience the thrills of climbing and be rewarded with a picturesque view of the land, sea and sky once you reach the top.

Island Tour: You can take a cruise around Samal Island and get to see the more than 20 beach resorts scattered all over the 116 kilometer-stretch of white sandy beach.

Tour Guide: our tour guide’s son (to talicud island) they take us all over the island, to great snorkel spots and sea coves for an entire afternoon for only 1000Php. great deal!
Photo by jessiefish

There are other things you can do such as fishing, biking and even taking a dip at one of its waterfalls. You can go to the Hagimit Falls which is quite lovely, surrounded with trees and grass. It is a nice place to go to when you want to cool down from the summer heat.

Stay Away From

Samal Island is filled with nice and friendly people so there isn’t really much to be afraid of. Just take precaution with your belongings to make sure nothing gets lost.

PKTan: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection which is sometimes complicated by hemorrhage or shock. There is no vaccine. Travelers to Samal Island should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent and keeping themselves covered.

Getting There

The launch pad is in Davao city which is about 45 minutes away by motorboat. You can go to Sta. Ana Wharf and Km 11 Wharf in Davao where there are small boats and even a ferry (if you are bringing you car). If you are staying in one of the big resorts such as Pearl Farm, they have a separate motorboat for you, which has about 3 trips daily starting at 8am.

If you are trying to get there from Manila or Cebu, you can take a plane to Davao. It has daily flights to and fro the city via Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Philippine Airlines. You can also get there by sea via Superferry and Sulpicio Lines from Manila or Cebu. Land trip to Davao from Manila is also available via Bicol but it is going to be a very long journey.

Since Davao already has an international airport, you can also get there from Singapore, Macau and Seoul.

Leyte

Leyte Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The island of the Waray-waray, Leyte is located in the eastern part of the Visayas. It is very close to the province of Cebu and the Camotes. The capital city is Tacloban, which occupies a large part of the island. It speaks two languages, Waray-waray and Cebuano, due to its close proximity to the Queen City of the South.

San Juanico Strait, Leyte-Samar
Photo by storm-crypt

The beautiful and mountainous island of Leyte has its own share of notable distinctions such as the location of the longest bridge in the country. The San Juanico Bridge connects the islands of Leyte and Samar at their narrowest point along the San Juanico Strait.

Palo Cathedral, Palo, Leyte: This church is originally constructed in 1596 by the Jesuits and later taken over by Augustinians and Franciscans. The two towers were built in the mid 1800s. The church was officially proclaims a cathedral in March of 1938, shortly before the outbreak of the second world war. The cathedral was used as a hospital between October 1944 to March 1945 by the the American forces in the initial months of Philippine Liberation.
Photo by storm-crypt

Palo Cathedral – North East Side
Photo by storm-crypt

Ryan: Leyte is not a very touristy area, and it takes a bit of prodding to get into Leyte’s hidden treasures.The beaches are not that spectacular but quite decent enough, and if you crave for the ritzy, international crowd of Boracay and Palawan, then better skip out on Leyte. It does have a heap of charming fishing villages where you can stroll and frolic like what little Imelda Marcos did when she was an impoverished, illegitimate child running barefoot on its beaches (and you will get to understand her super fascination with shoes).

Why Not Go

Leyte is not the best place to go if you are looking for great sandy white beaches. You can always checkout the nearby Camotes Island if this is what you are hoping to find on your vacation. Moreover, you cannot find the convenience and luxury afforded by a first class metropolis around the area. So there are no tall buildings and huge shopping malls around.

Ryan: There is a beach in Barangay San Jose, 8 kilometers from Tacloban City called the White Beach. And at the northwestern tip is Higatangan Island (which is actually part of Biliran) which has a very nice white sand bar but close to Leyte itself. Kaburubutngaan hit dagat near the coastline of Libertad, Capoocan, Leyte and Puro Island also in Leyte has largely undeveloped white sand beaches as well.

Why Go

There are a lot of things you can find in Leyte which have become instrumental in shaping the country the way it is now. They also have nice resorts at very affordable rates as well as gardens and parks that are well worth your money. You do not even have to spend so much when visiting Leyte as most of the things you can find here are pretty cheap.

Provincial capitol, Tacloban City
Photo by storm-crypt

Best Time to Visit

It is often raining in Leyte that in fact, it rains an average of 163 days in a year. It rains more often from November up until January, with typhoons passing by every once in a while. But if you want to be there to take part of grand fiesta celebrations, you can go to Ormoc on the last week of June, and the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Tacloban every 29th of June. This is a month-long fiesta of merry-making, parades, pageantry and street-dancing. This celebration is given in honor of the Senior Santo Nino.

Ryan: The problem with traveling in Leyte is that its right up there in the Philippine typhoon alley – weather conditions can alter your schedule, and transport is not very reliable. Accessibility and information to the different areas is scarce and unreliable. If you are the type of traveler used to the sometimes razor-sharp efficiency of traveling to Boracay or Palawan, you may have to extend your patience a little more.

Where to Stay

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We are focusing on two progressive cities in Leyte which are: Ormoc and Tacloban. For Ormoc, you should stay at Sabin. It is a resort hotel, with two swimming pools. It is a very nice place to stay and quite affordable too. Room rate starts at $35.

When you go to Tacloban, you can stay at the Leyte Park Hotel, which was originally built for Imelda Marcos, the most famous former First Lady of the country. Standard room rate is at $48. You can also stay at the MacArtrhur Park Beach Resort as it has a very nice beach and lush gardens. It is cheap too with rates starting at $32.

Where & What to Eat

• Chito’s Chow Bar and Restaurant: Great Chinese food especially their ‘mixed seafood’ soup. You can find it at the Ormoc Superdome.

• Giuseppe’s: Authentic Italian dishes served here. You should sample their Pizza Napoletania- it is simply the best. You can find them in Tacloban, along Avenida Veteranos Street.

• Rafael’s Farm and Garden Restaurant: Great food, great view. They have a complete meal for only $6, inclusive of drinks. You can find them in Babatngon, Leyte.

• Sunzibar: Awesome Mexican food that is just right for the palate. Try their burritos and nachos. They are located along Burgos Street in Leyte.

Nightlife

Well, you cannot find it in Ormoc. Everyone is sleeping by 10pm and the streets are mostly quiet and dark at this time. However, in Tacloban, there are a few hangouts around. You can go to Inzomnia at Real Street for some dancing. You can also go to bars and nightclubs.

My to do List

• First, have a taste of the famous Ormoc pineapples. They are small and extremely sweet. You should also grab a bite of their cassava cake- great for dessert. You can find both almost anywhere in the city. Then proceed to Lake Danao which is pretty near. You will see a violin-shaped lake that is a couple thousand feet above sea level. Very nice and quiet place to go in Ormoc.

• Then you move on to Tacloban and sample their moron, it is made of sticky rice with chocolate, and wrapped in banana leaves.

• Once you have had your share of the local delicacies, let us move on to the places to see in Leyte. Start with the Leyte Landing at the Red Beach, where General Douglas MacArthur arrived to free the people during World War II.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Leyte Island, Philippines, 1944

Red Beach, Palo, Leyte: Memorial of former Philippine president Osmena and then Pacific Theatre world war II commander, Gen. MacArthur, and their staff — wading in the shores of Palo, Leyte in the closing months of the second world war.

This landing preceded one of MacArthur’s famous lines: “People of the Philippines, I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil consecrated in the blood of our two people…”

During the time when MacArthur’s forces landed in the Philippines, the allies were already aiming their plans at Japan, Philippines, doesn’t have any strategic value. But MacArthur, vowing to keep his promise and avenge the Japanese forces in the Philippines, insisted and persuaded then president Roosevelt, Chester Nimitz(Pacific Fleet Commander) and the rest of US top brass — to take the Philippines en route to Japan. One of the major strategic value (after all) that the allies accomplished was the annihilation of the Japanese Navy who tried to ambush the Leyte Landings — in probably the greatest Naval battle of all time — the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
With the memorial(and the original Leyte Landing Photo), is then president Sergio Osmena(Quezon’s vice president, became president when Quezon died in the US), and Carlos Romulo, the rest are their and MacArthur’s staff.

Even before I was in grade school, I’ve been seeing photos of the landings. From books, and stories of my grandfather who was a USAFFE lieutenant and a guerilla. Finally, I am now standing at Red Beach to see this memorial.
Photo by storm-crypt

• Next, check out the San Juanico Bridge, which is known to be the longest bridge in the country, offering picturesque view of nearby islets and sparkling waters. The San Juanice Bridge connects Leyte to Samar, crossing the San Juanico Strait, and is about 7,200+ feet in length.

Sto Nino Church, Tacloban City, Leyte: Miraculous Image of Santo Nino, patron saint of Leyte; Also known as the Church of Liberation.
Photo by storm-crypt

• Then, go to the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, which was originally built for the Marcoses, filled with religious paintings, a huge ballroom and designs made by no-less than the Philippine National Artist himself, Fernando Amorsolo.

• You can also go caving in Tacloban at the Jiabong and Gubingo caves. They are about an hour and a half’s drive from the city.

• Moreover, you can do kayaking, simply by renting a kayak and enjoy a fun adventure under the San Juanico Bridge.

• If you love surfing, one of the best surfing destinations in the country is here. Just drive 3 hours to Calicoan where you will be greeted with gigantic waves. The coast is fronting the Pacific Ocean.

PKTan: Calicoan Island is one of the islands of the town of Guiuan, in the province of Eastern Samar. It lies east of Leyte Gulf, off the southeast point of Samar. The island can be reached from Tacloban City by a two-hour bus ride.

Grace: Leyte is definitely not the common tourist destination, however the historical values of Leyte make it one worth the trip. Here’s a quick rundown of the other historical attractions of Leyte not listed. *click on link, or scroll to comments section.

Stay Away From

There are a handful of people who take advantage of foreigners in the area. They charge you more for rides and even room rates. This can also happen when you are looking for tour guides or car rentals. Make sure to check out the charges first and see if they are reasonable; if not then try to haggle on rates or look elsewhere.

Getting There

You can get to Leyte by air via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Airlines. There are 3 daily flights from Manila to Tacloban. You can also get there from Cebu via Air Philippines and other small planes, which travel to Tacloban daily. If you plan to travel by ferry, you can take Sulpicio Lines which has a Manila-Tacloban route 3X weekly. From Cebu, you can also take the fast crafts such as the Supercat and Oceanjet which have about 3 trips to Ormoc daily, and from there, you can take a V-hire (vans for hire) to Tacloban which will take about 2 hours. You can also get there by land with bus liners such as Philtranco which travels to Tacloban from Manila, and they also have bus trips around Samar and Leyte.

From Samar, you can take the scenic route via San Juanico Bridge by means of a bus or the local jeepney.

Cagayan-de-Oro

Cagayan de Oro Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

Cagayan de Oro City, the Gateway to Northern Mindanao, is situated along the northern shores of the Mindanao region. As a tourist destination, this golden city has a lot to offer. It is filled with outstanding scenic places ranging from beaches, mountains, limestone caves, museums, historical landmarks, timeless churches, and rivers. Whether it is business or leisure, there is something for you to enjoy in Cagayan de Oro.

As a highly urbanized metropolis, it is considered a first class city and is also the capital of Misamis Oriental. It is approximately a 5-hour drive away from the country’s biggest city, Davao, and is also just a couple of hours away from yet another tourist destination, the island of Camiguin.

Cagayan de Oro City: A view of the city of Cagayan de Oro bisected by the main highway of Northern Mindanao, traversing from the northwest mindanao to the northeast. The view also shows the Cagayan de Oro river almost bisecting the frame horizontally. To the bottom part of the frame is the area of Carmen, while across the river is to the east — Cagayan de Oro City Center. The highway(to the top of the frame) leads to the city of Butuan, to the bottom (and to the west) leads to Iligan.
Photo by storm-crypt

Why Not Go

If you are planning to go to a quiet place, Cagayan de Oro may not be your best choice. It is a bustling metropolis and tranquility is just not one of its strong features.

Why Go

Into the Rapids: One of several boats that day that started off earlier downstream. It was not a pleasant river color. The rains during the season washed away topsoil from the river banks. This rafting is classified as a Class 1. There are several other jump off points of higher levels(Class 2 and above). I don’t know if there’s a class 6 though as the river seems to be smaller to have a class 6 rafting route.
Photo by storm-crypt

There are so many things for you to do in Cagayan de Oro. From fun time frolicking in the beaches, to sports adventures and street parties, you can definitely experience it in this city. Cagayan de Oro is very well known as the White Water Rafting capital of the Philippines, too.

Best Time to Visit

Cagayan de Oro is said to be a typhoon-free area but it has not been able to escape rain showers and some depressions. The best time to go when weather is a consideration would be from March to June as it is sunny during this time.

However, if you would like to see colorful festivals and street parades, you should go there around the 4th week of August as this is the time they celebrate the Kagay-an Festival, an annual fiesta of sorts where there will be parades, street dancing, trade fairs, and a beauty contest. It is the biggest affair of the city.

Where to Stay

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There are expensive hotels and there are also budget-friendly accommodations in the city. For the most part though, the room rates are relatively inexpensive.
• If you want to stay in a hotel within a golf estate, you should stay at Hotel Koresco. It has an 18-hole golf course located at Pueblo de Oro Golf Estate and is just 10 minutes away from the city. Rates start at $79. Phone number (+63) (88) 859 2298
• You can also stay at a pricier place, Pryce Plaza Hotel, which is probably the most luxurious hotel in this side of the country. You get a fantastic view of the city, plus it also has the amenities of a first class hotel. Rates start at $98. Phone number (+63) (8822) 722 791
• The Mallberry Suites would be the most strategic hotel to stay in. It is a business hotel located just beside Robinson’s Mall and Limketkai so it is very convenient. The rates are pretty fair too, starting at $43. Phone number (+63) (88) 854 9999
• A much cheaper place to stay is the De Luxe Hotel, which offers spacious and clean rooms. Rates are quite low, starting at $17. Phone number (+63) (088) 857 2145

Where & What to Eat

• Peking House: for authentic Chinese dishes, this is the one place you should go. Located at Gaisano Mall, you can have a sumptuous array of food for only $4. Their specialties are: Pansit and Lumpia Shanghai.
• Sentro 1850: Great tasting tenderloin steaks you will surely find here. It’s cheap too- you can eat to your heart’s content for only about $10. You can find this restaurant along Don Apolinar Velez Street.
• P Joe’s Diner: American food at its finest, you can find P Joe’s along Limketkai Center. Good steaks, burgers and fries and pizza.
• Golden Arirang: The best Korean restaurant in town. You can try their Kimchi because it is better than most. Don’t order too much though as they tend to serve a lot of side dishes. They are located at Claro M. Recto Avenue.
• Kagay-anon Restaurant: Located at Limketkai Center, they cook authentic Filipino dishes plus you can also sample their ostrich meat cooked in a variety of ways, which is also one of the things this city is famous for.

Nightlife

If you happen to be there during the weekend, don’t miss out on the famous Night Café which is open only on Fridays and Saturdays. You can have some beer and grilled food. You also get to interact with other tourists and locals, as well as experience Cagayan’s street party. The city also has lots of family KTV bars such as M2 and Loreto’s. And a popular hangout for yuppies would be The Site at Limketkai Center.

My to do List

Whitewater Rafting at the Cagayan de Oro River: The stretch from Baraga Dansolihon to the city provides you with a panoramic view of the river’s rocky walls, untouched vegetation, and the sight of the resting haven of monkeys and snakes. It has breathtaking rapids that provide the more adventurous with thrills and challenges of rapids interval not less than 10-15 minutes of each other. Cagayan de Oro River has everything that makes for a memorable experience with awesome roar and power of water cascading over rocks and boulders.
Photo by storm-crypt

• White water river rafting: Cagayan de Oro has the best white water rafting in the Philippines, with 14 rapids stretching from Baraga Dansolihon to the city.

• Tubing and Kayaking: These are alternative activities for river rafting which you can also experience in Cagayan de Oro.

Macahambus Cave: Located just about 4 kilometers south of Cagayan de Oro city’s airport, this cave was a strategic location to several wars in the 20th century. It is a three chamber – two way cave, one end is beside the highway and the other exit is to a cliff overlooking the Cagayan de Oro River.
Photo by storm-crypt

• Cave exploration: You can go to Monigue Cave, which is probably the most popular place for spelunking in Cagayan de Oro.

Macahambus Adventure Park: The Zipline or so — that’s what they call it. What is it? Well, to put it in a more simpler way, you go up, your body get tied to a rope, the rope is attached to a steel cable, and you slide down slowly(if it ain’t close to supersonic, it’d be slow). That’s it. Thrilling? No. Life’s more thrilling, the fact that you don’t know when you’re going to die, how many people are going to betray you in your lifetime, and some idiot named satan who seems to be always trying to be disrupting humanity(I learned it from people who say that our souls are always in peril), a fragile planet that is more difficult to maintain than ever, born in a country where people don’t learn lessons from the past — I’ve got enough thrills in my life. I opt not to try this as I may just fall asleep and end up embarassing the nature park(or thrill park) organizers. Well, its fun for some though. No denying — which is why I’m here at this time.
Photo by storm-crypt

• Nature Tripping: You can check out Macahambus Adventure Park which is about 20 minutes away from the city. Here you will experience nature at its finest, with age old trees and a lot of greens. They also have zip lines and a sky bridge. Additionally, you can also go to Mapawa Nature Park where you can take a dip in a mini waterfall and do horse-back riding.

A hut overlooking Mapawa Nature Park
Photo by storm-crypt

• Shopping: There are a lot of ukay-ukay places in the city which is heaven for the budget shopper. You can also go to the Night Market where you can find cheap stuff, along Divisoria. However, they are only open on weekends- Friday and Saturday 7pm until 2am.

San Agustin Church: It is the city’s main Catholic Church and the seat of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The original church was built in 1845 by the Augustinian Friars but was destroyed during the American bombardment in 1945. Only the wooden cross in front of the church survive up to this day.
Photo by erick_photomurals

• Sight-seeing: You can find historical sights in Cagayan de Oro, such as the St. Augustine Cathedral which was built in 1845; Gaston Park which is where the first Spanish settlement was located; and the Museo de Oro, which shows collections of things that Muskim tribes used in the past.
• Extras: You can also go to Bukidnon, the pineapple capital of the country where you can see the Del Monte Pineapple plantation. They also offer great tasting steaks in their restaurant. It takes 2 hours to get there by bus.

Stay Away From

Generally, it is a safe place to be in. Just stay away from deserted locations at night, and keep your valuables where robbers and pickpockets cannot find them.

Getting There

The fastest way to get to Cagayan de Oro is by plane. There are flights from Manila and Cebu daily through airlines: Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Philippine Airlines and other airlines such as Asian Spirit that have small planes. There are also ferry boat trips and fast crafts from Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, and other cities. Buses for those who are just within Mindanao area are also available.

Cebu

Cebu Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

Cebu is a very beautiful city with countless beaches and nature parks. It offers everything you need- from a relaxing retreat in a tropical island, to all the conveniences that a first class metropolis can give. In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu ’s 167 islets and islands are lined with idyllic white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters.

The Queen City of the South is the capital of the Visayas (also the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas) and is the second biggest city in the country. Located in between two straits, and several surrounding islands, Cebu is about 225 kilometers long, a narrow island that is home to 2.4 million people.

Cebu is the jump-off point to satellite destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao Islands – Leyte, Samar, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin & Surigao Del Norte.

Spectacular Metro Cebu: This is an aerial view of Metro Cebu, showing Cebu City (top left), Mandaue City(right), Mactan Channel(the body of water), and LapuLapu City(part of Mactan Island, bottom left). The bridge farther in the image is the first Mactan-Mandaue bridge, the second one is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
This is one of the finest aerial shots I have for Metro Cebu. The timing was perfect for the plane to take this approach, the weather was right, the sun was like a flood light that is constantly illuminating the subject from this angle. This angle and this view was observable for just a few seconds. Luckily, I was able to take the shot within that time frame.
Photo by storm-crypt

The Heart of Cebu City: The western half of Osmena Boulevard, from the Fuente Osmena circle to Cebu’s provincial capitol.
Photo by storm-crypt

Why Not Go

Everybody loves to go to Cebu so there is really no reason why anyone would not want to go there, if given the chance. Although if you want to go to a very quiet, provincial place, you can always go to its neighboring towns such as Bantayan, Badian and Argao.

Why Go

Can’t Outdo Cebu: With an island like this, it is difficult to miss summertime in Cebu. A resort on the east side, and in the foreground(west side), is a fish sanctuary, teeming with corals, and a huge variety of species of fish, that you can view closely to the point that you can touch them. And you can do all that with just snorkeling.
Shot taken off the southeastern coast of Mactan Island, just a few minutes of side trip on the way to the airport. This island is called Hilutungan Island — a few kilometers off the southeast coast of Mactan Island.
Photo by storm-crypt

Simply because Cebu has it all. If you are looking for a place to spend your honeymoon, there are several 5 star resorts nearby. If you are planning a family vacation, you can enjoy parasailing and scuba diving in the island hotels, and you can also go mountain climbing or camping in one of its nature parks. When it is thrill and excitement you long for, it has a one-of-a-kind amusement park that you cannot find anywhere else- the Sky Experience Adventure at Crown Regency. Now, if it is shopping and dining you want, Cebu has it too; a lot of them in fact. Anything which your adventurous and wandering heart desires, you can find it in Cebu.

Central Cebu Mountains: Going strait to north from the municipality of Sibonga will get you to this point.Taken somewhere in central Cebu’s mountain range, shortly before heading east to the city of Cebu.
Photo by storm-crypt

Best Time to Visit

Summer in Cebu is usually very hot while in November-January, the wind is often cold. If you want to frolic in the beach, you should go there during summer which is from March to May. But, if you want to see what Cebu has in store for all its visitors, go there in January, specifically on the 3rd week as this is the time they celebrate one of the country’s biggest festivities, the Sinulog. But you need to book early as hotels are bound to be booked even a week or two before the festival. The rainy season begins in July bringing torrential downpours that would sometimes inhibit movement, typhoon activity is minor compared with other parts of the Philippines.

Sinulog: Sinulog, on the third weekend in January, honors the baby Jesus (Santo Nino) with a solemn religious parade on Friday evening, and an all-day festival on Saturday. Sort of like Carnival with thousands of participants. Spectacular! These girls are your average Filipino teenagers, but are dressed up in the style of “cultural minorities” who still live in the more remote locals of the country.
Photo by friskodude

The Cebuano’s flair for showmanship and love for celebrations is manifested in the Sinulog, a colorful festival of pageant proportion observed every third Sunday of January. Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño. The dance moves two steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums. This resembles the current (Sulog) of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it’s Sinulog.

SINULOG ‘07
Photo by 2rokbotoy

Where to Stay

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Since Cebu has always been a popular tourist destination, it is equipped with hotels and resorts for every budget. If you want to splurge a bit to experience luxury at its best, you can stay at the following hotels and resorts:
Marco Polo Plaza- located at Nivel Hills, this is a great hotel with such awesome customer service. The food buffet at Café Marco is like no other, plus you get a fantastic view of the city. Rates start at around $105.

Waterfront Hotel and Casino- there are two Waterfront Hotels, one is beside the airport and the other is within the uptown area but I would recommend the hotel in the uptown area because it is so much nicer, with better amenities. Plus it is near everything else. Rate starts at $95.

Plantation Bay- this is located in Lapu-Lapu, it is an island city just about 30 minutes away from Cebu. This is a truly lovely resort where you can really experience luxury and relaxation. Rates start at $150++.

Shangrila Mactan Resort and Spa- this is probably the most popular resort in Cebu and with good reason too. It has a beautiful beach front, swimming pools, a huge garden, a play area for kids plus a wonderful spa. Rates start at $165++.

If you are on a budget, you may prefer to stay at cheaper hotels. Don’t worry, Cebu has a lot of them and they are quite clean and nice too.

Golden Peak Hotel- located in uptown Cebu; this is a newly built hotel. Rates start at $30.

Maxwell Hotel- another newly built hotel, with a spa and coffee shop with free DSL internet. Rates start at

Golden Prince Hotel- this hotel is very near food and shopping establishments, particularly one of Cebu’s biggest malls which is Ayala. Rates start at $49.

Heritage of Cebu: The Heritage of Cebu monument in Parian showcases the significant events of Cebu. You can also see sculptures of Lapu-lapu, Rajah Humabon, Ferdinand Magellan, martyr Pedro Calunsod and other prominent historical figures that have moved and shaped Cebu in more ways than one.
This monument is the work of national artist Edgardo Castrillo. It was constructed on July 1997 was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 2000.
Photo by Brennan Mercado

Where & What to Eat

• Abuhan- Have you ever heard of Pochero? It is a great tasting soup with pork or beef bone marrow, corn and cabbages. Abuhan is famous for it. You can try this in one of their 3 brances. I would recommend the branch they have at Asiatown IT Park.

• Golden Cowrie-This is probably the most frequented Filipino restaurant, particularly by tourists. Their food is simply amazing. You can try their sautéed mushroom and chicken pandan. They have 3 branches: in Lahug, SM, and Hukad in Ayala.

• Spice Fusion- this restaurant offers Asian Cuisines that are quite delicious. A favorite, roti in curry sauce is highly recommended. Spice Fusion has two branches, one at the Banilad Town Center and the other one at North Wing, in SM.

• Sutukil- visitors should never leave Cebu without going to the famous SUTUKIL. It is an area with several restaurants offering the freshest seafood. You can actually choose from live fish, crabs, and shrimps, and then you can have it cooked SUTUKIL style, which comprises three different food: grilled, raw (with vinegar, tomatoes, ginger and chili), and soup. This is located beside the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu.

• Café Laguna-a place where you can taste authentic Filipino dishes. Try their bistek tagalog, it is simply heaven to the palate. You can find Café Laguna in the mall and garden area of Ayala Mall.

• Larsians- sample Cebu’s street food at its finest. Grilled chicken, pork and fish plus you can try their ‘puso’ or what others call ‘hanging rice.’ It is rice wrapped and cooked in palm leaves.

• Harbour City Dimsum- great Chinese food- try their siomai and steam rice. Harbour City has branches in two malls, Ayala and SM.

Nightlife

Cebu has lots of places to go to enjoy your night – from downtown to uptown, Metropolitan Cebu comes even more alive as dusk sets in, with queues leading to music bars, discos and the casinos.

If you want to go dancing, you can go to Sunflower at Lahug, or at Pump in Archbishop Reyes Street. If you want to go Karaoke, you can go to POD5 at the Banilad Town Center, or at K1 KTV at the Crossroads. If you just want to hang out in a restobar, you can go to Sinners and Saints in Banilad or a sportsbar called Badgers. You can also go to T.G.I.F. in Ayala where the food, beer and service are really good. Now if you just want to have some nice and quiet evening, you can go to Tops, it sure is nice there during the night; you get to see all the lights around Cebu.

My to do List

• Island Hopping- You can rent a pumpboat for about $60 and this will take you to 3 beautiful islands around Cebu. It is a whole day activity so you may want to bring in some lunch and snacks.

• Mountain View- You can go there day or night- it does not matter as they are open 24/7. It is full of tall trees and flowers, plus hangout areas and playgrounds for kids. You also get a great view of the city at the top. Entrance fee: $1.25 per person

• Nature Tripping- You can go to one of its many waterfalls, especially the one in Badian which is the Kawasan Falls, it is about 2 ½ hours away from the city.

• Bantayan Island- This is about a 3 hour drive to the southernmost port, and then you will take a RoRo to the island which is about an hour’s travel. Bantayan is great for those who want some quiet time in sugary white sand beaches.

Turtle with two live sharksuckers
Photo by alfonsator

• Moalboal- You should go there if you want to dive. It is about 2 ½ hours away from the city. They have several diving packages at different rates. The islands of Mactan and Camotes are not to missed by diver addicts too.

• Sky Experience- located at the heart of the city, this is where the city’s tallest building is. Experience the thrill of walking hundreds of feet above ground!

• Basilica del Sto. Nino- this very old church is located at the heart of downtown Cebu. There you can see the many faces and images of the Little Jesus. It has been said that miracles happen if you ask the Sto. Nino to pray for you.

Cebu Cathedral
Photo by neiltoot

• Shopping- there are two kinds of shopping you can do-high end and low end. You can find some really good buys in downtown Cebu, specifically at Colon Street where tops can go as low as $2. You can also go to two big malls where you can find clothes, shoes and accessories: Ayala Mall and SM.

Stay Away From

Cebu is also home to a lot of pickpockets and robbers. Stay away from the downtown area late at night. Even during the day, you should keep your valuables in places where it is difficult for robbers to get access to it.

Getting There

The fastest way to get to Cebu from Manila is by plane via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines, flight time is 1 hr 10 mins. Or you can take a ferry, travel time approximately 20 hours.
• WG & A SUPERFERRY (Telephone (632) 245-3142 to 60/ 245-4061 to 80)
• NEGROS NAVIGATION (Telephone (632) 243-5359/245-0601 to 02)
• SULPICIO LINES (Telephone (632) 245-0616 to 30/245-9701 to 07)

You can get to Cebu via boat from Butuan, Cagayan, Davao, Camiguin, Iloilo and even Manila.

Aside from that, you can also get to Cebu by bus, particularly the Ceres Liners which will take you to the City from the Northern and Southern towns in the Cebu Province as well as from Negros Island.

Cebu has an International Airport (Mactan Cebu International Airport), so it has direct flights from a lot of cities outside the country. Cebu has regular direct international flights to / from the following destinations.
• Singapore
• Hongkong
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
• Narita (Japan)
• Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)
• Taipei (Taiwan)
• Qatar
• Incheon (S. Korea) -
• Shanghai (China)

Dumaguete

Dumaguete Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The capital city and main port of Negros Oriental, the province that occupies the south-eastern half of Negros Island, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Popularly known as the “City of Gentle People”.

Dumaguete is the “city of gentle people.” It is where you can still find tree-lined streets, with motorcycles, not cars and taxis, dominating the road. Everything about it is simple and serene- from its people to the various places surrounding the city. It is located in Negros Oriental, opposite Bacolod City. A University town where you can see more students than working professionals, Dumaguete is among the most peaceful and clean cities in the Visayas.

Lights at Dumaguete city’s boulevard: Momentarily stopped here before taking a boat and departing the city. “The Boulevard,” which is officially named Rizal Avenue, is a a great place for breakfasts by the sea, business lunches and romantic dinners.
Photo by storm crypt

Every time one would visit Dumaguete, there is always that longing to come back again. You can actually breathe in clean and fresh air- something you can hardly experience when you are in busy cities in the country.

Why Not Go

I cannot think of any reason why anyone would regret going to Dumaguete. Perhaps if you prefer the hustle and bustle of busy streets and fast-paced living then probably, you will not enjoy the quietness of this little city.

Why Go

When a person wants a place to relax, it is always a good excuse to go to Dumaguete. A place where everything is accessible even by foot, it provides convenience to visitors- you can just walk to the mall, church, hotel and market. Moreover, Dumaguete is very close to beautiful dive sites and lovely islands that are most ideal for honeymooners or simply for people who want to have some fun in the sun. Plus, it is always nice to know that almost everything in Dumaguete is inexpensive, from accommodation to food, you can go there regardless of how much your budget is. Laid-back living, fun, convenience and affordability are what will want to make people visit this city.

Best Time to Visit

Aerial view of Dumaguety City: Photo taken from the Japanese Shrine, Valencia, Negros Oriental.
Photo by storm crypt

Where to Stay

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One of the nicest places we’ve stayed in is at Sta. Monica Beach Resort in Banilad. It is about 10 minutes from the center of the city, complete with a swimming pool, sea view and a big garden. Rates start at $38 for air-conditioned rooms. You can also stay at Bethel Guesthouse right along Rizal Boulevard, which is where everything is. Rates for their standard rooms start at $19. Now if you are on a tight budget, there are clean rooms available at pension houses such as Hotel Palwa (it’s a pension house, not a hotel) which can be as low as $8 a night.

Where & What to Eat

You can eat your lunch at City Burger located at Perdices Street. They have the best “chicken inasal” in the city.

Then proceed to the most popular dessert place called Sans Rival at San Jose Street. Everybody goes there for their Sylvannas and Sans Rival but personally, I like their tiramisu best.

Dinner should be at Lab-as where you can sample fresh sea foods. They offer Sutukil, a set meal with grilled fish, fish soup and raw fish soaked in vinegar and herbs. They also have a soup specialty on the menu called “boullabaise” which tastes really great.

Nightlife

The place to be to have fun at night would be along the Boulevard where you can find a few bars and pubs. You can go to Y Not Bar and Gimmick. However, a lot of people go there not just to have some beer but also to just sit down and admire the beautiful sea view and enjoy the cool breeze.

My to do List

• First off, you should see the renowned Silliman University. It is one of the oldest schools in the country and is among the biggest too.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church: More popularly known as the Dumaguete Cathedral
Photo by storm crypt

• Then you can stop by the city’s age-old cathedral named after their patron saint, Sta. Catalina de Alexandria (or St. Catherine of Alexandria) built in the 17th century. It is a very prominent landmark in the city. Adjacent to it is the old belfry which was used as a siege tower during the Spanish colony.

Dumaguete Belfry: Used as a watchtower during the 19th Century to warn the inhabitants (by ringing the bells) of the then small fishing village of impending raids by marauding pirates from the south of the islands. From its top can be seen the island of Mindanao on the horizon (now obscured by trees and buildings).These raids were so rampant in the area during those times that this little fishing village came to be known as “Dumagit” or “Dagit” which means “kidnap” in the local Cebuano language. The Spanish authorities later adopted and restructured or “hispanized” the name to “Dumaguete”.
Photo by baktincorporation

• Next, go see Mountain Camp in Valencia which is about 20 minutes from Dumaguete. There you will be surrounded with Nature, literally- what with tall trees and cold springs around. Entrance fee is about $1.25 per person.

• If you like to play golf, you should check out Bravo Golf Resort at Sibulan, which is about 15 minutes from the city limits. It is very secluded; they have a 9-hole golf course at very cheap rates. You should also know that they have a hotel and 3 huge infinity pools, plus the best Italian food in Dumaguete!

• You can also find one of the top 10 diving sites in the country- Apo Island. You can take a 35-minute boat ride to get there from the city.

Apo island is an important migratory route for whales and dolphins and home to the first community-run marine sanctuary which has been protected since 1982. The spectacular diversity of species and dive sites available here is proof that the community approach to coastal resource management works; at Apo island, you get to see enormous, silvery schools of jacks (a species related to tuna), endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, brilliantly colored soft coral gardens with thousands of fluttering clown fish, and at certain times of the year thresher sharks have also even been sighted.
Photo by Caloy & Myra

• You can also avail of ATV rentals from various places in Dumaguete such as the Atlantis Resort. Experience dirt road driving with these vehicles for as low as $30.

• If you like to explore some more, you can go to Bais City which is about an hour and a half’s drive away from Dumaguete. Here you can go dolphin and whale watching for just $25 (group).

• The magical island of Siquijor is also within a short trip from Dumaguete, and makes an excellent overnight trip – ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Trekking and spelunking is also highly recommended on Siguijor!

Stay Away From

The city is perfectly safe, although you do need to be careful with your belongings just to be sure.

Getting There

If you are in Cebu, you can get there by ferry or bus.
• You can take a fast craft at one of the Cebu city ports or you can travel to the southern part of the province where you can ride a Ro-Ro to Dumaguete.
• The Oceanjet ferry, provides the quickest service, about 3.5 hours trip via Tagbilaran. There are also 2 boats (GP and Cokaliong) that runs slightly 5 hour trips to and from Dumaguete.
• Bus: The Ceres Liner offers 5 hours air conditioned trips from Cebu to Dumaguete crossing the Tanon Stratis via a barge from Bato (cebu) to Tampi (Amlan – 25 mins from Dumaguete City).

If you are in Bacolod, you can get there by bus, in about 4-5 hours – the Ceres Liner cris-cross Oriental Negros everyday with trips to Dumaguete with 30 min interval per trip.

If you are in Manila, you can reach the place by plane, which will take about an hour. Cebu Pacific and PAL have daily flights going there (in the morning and early afternoon). You can also take the ferry from Manila – WG&A Superferry and Negros Navigation does overnight trips to/from Manila via Tagbilaran.

Davao

Davao Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

Davao has the idyllic charm of a small town, the sophisticated comforts of a modern metropolis, the best of both worlds – a destination that does not only promise leisure, escapades or profitable ventures but most importantly, a warm feeling of being home.

The beautiful city of Davao is surrounded by picture-perfect landscapes. Also known as Dabaw, it is the biggest metropolis in the Philippines in terms of land area. It is also among the country’s most progressive places, yet living there would still afford you the luxury of living in the countryside; thus it is dubbed as the “city of two worlds.”

Davao is in the southern part of Mindanao and is in the same island as Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Bukidnon.

Why Not Go

If you want to experience all night fun in street parties, this might not be the perfect place for you to visit. Although there are a number of nice bars in Davao, night life is not a big thing in this city as people prefer to go to parks and farms instead.

Why Go

Pearl Farm @ Samal Island – A coastal paradise located at the heart of Davao Gulf. A haven to those seeking solace in an unspoiled and natural ambience and to those who are in quest for great adventure and extreme challenges with nature. It’s white and pristine beaches and diverse natural attractions combined with the warmth and hospitality of its people spell out its potential to be a world class ecotourism destination in this part of Southern Mindanao.
Photo by Jokojun

Davao is one of the must-see places in the Philippines because it has so much to offer its visitors. From the island treasure known as Pearl Farm in Samal island to the nature trips in its vast collection of farms, mountains, volcanoes and plantations, Davao makes for one very interesting city. It is also noteworthy to know that up to this day, you will still find a very diverse community here, with ethnic tribes and modern people coexisting harmoniously. Thus, you will often find a wide array of arts and crafts such as hand-woven cloths and ethnic beads being sold in market stands.

Best Time to Visit

The Kadayawan is a celebration of thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. The festival pays tribute to Davao’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage. Exciting events include the search for the “Hiyas sa Kadayawan”, the festival symbol who represents the tribal communities of Davao City, showcase of Mindanawon fashion and floral arts, river festival, indigenous music exhibition, dance competitions, trade fair, food and music parties, street dancing, and floral float parade..
Date: Every 3rd week of August
Photo by Belarminoed

Summer time is among the best period to head to Davao. It is said to be “typhoon-free” but it cannot escape rainfalls though they are not really as bad as the rest of the regions. It is advisable to visit the city during cold seasons if you prefer the cool breeze over sweaty sightseeing. Moreover, if you would like to experience how Dabawenyos celebrate their festivals, you might want to go there around the 3rd week of August as this is when they have a week-long celebration for the Kadayawan Festival.

Where to Stay

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• Marco Polo
If you are looking for a great place to stay with a Western flair, Marco Polo is your best bet. You may choose from rooms, suites, continental club rooms and continental executive suite, and signature suites. Every room in this hotel is set with broadband internet connection and other features which are most suitable for business travelers. Marco Polo Davao is located in between Claro M. Recto and Manuel Roxas Avenue. Rates start at $89.

• Bagobo hotel
If you are looking for a budget hotel, you can stay at the Bagobo Hotel. This place is situated at Gov. Duarte St. The hotel is strategically located in the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area. It has 35 air-con rooms with 24 hour cable TV and hot or cold shower. The room rates ranges from $18 to $42, depending on the type of accommodation.

Where & What to Eat

• Jack’s ridge
The ground where Jack’s Ridge is now located is previously a division of Japanese headquarters where the soldiers retreat to after the World War II ended. Americans arrived in Davao during May 1, 1945 obliging Japanese to head to Matina Hills where they had a superior lookout of the Davao Gulf since that was where the American vessels were anchored. The main restaurant provides Dabawenyo dishes like grilled tuna, pork and chicken inato, kinilaw, sinigang and more. They are located in Shrine Hills, Matina. You may call them at +6382-297-8830 for reservations.

• Aphat
If you are craving for spare ribs, Aphat is the place for you. Actually you may spend around $32 for buffet and get 7 dishes plus dessert and drinks.

• Dimsum Diner
Davao city is fortunate enough to be full of restaurants that offer Indian, French, Italian, Japanese and Chinese cuisines. Dimsum Diner has probably the best siomai in the city. If you are not familiar with this Chinese food then it is all the more reason for you to try it. They have many branches in the city, but for your convenience, you can try their restaurants in Agdao and Gaisano Mall.

Nightlife

As mentioned, nightlife is not big in Davao. Local people prefer dining and picnics. However you can check out The Venue along Jacinto Extension as it is the most frequented party place in the city.

From the article, you mentioned “The Venue” for nightlife. That is old news and “The Venus” and its surrounding compound is dying. The bigger area attracting nightlife is on F. Torres. There are many restaurants, bars, KTV, coffee shops. There are a few popular compounds loaded with locations. An other area is Rizal Street with Rizal Promenade. In Matina there is MTS (Matina Town Square) with lots of places too. – Bruce

My to do List

• Samal Island
This mysterious and exotic island boasts of sparkling waters and sugary beaches. To get there, you can take a boat ride from the city wharf; the trip is about 45 minutes. People come here mostly to see or stay at the Pearl Farm. It is one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the country.

PKTan: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection which is sometimes complicated by hemorrhage or shock. There is no vaccine. Travelers to Samal Island should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent and keeping themselves covered.

• Crocodile Farm
Located in Diversion Road, Ma-a, this is the place where you can find a lot of crocodiles and other animals such as snakes and monkeys. Watch out for the biggest crocodile in the country, aptly named “Pangil” which means “fang.”

• Philippine Eagle Center
This place is about an hour away from the city, and you can take a bus ride going there. For a small price of about a dollar per person, you get to see the glorious Philippine Eagles. You can also try Falconry which is one of the highlights of this trip.

• Zip lines
There are many zip lines in Davao. There is one where you pay around $8 for the experience at Camp Sabros in Mt. Apo, or you can go to Eden Nature Park, a fantastic mountain resort boasting of a very exciting zip line experience.

Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the country and overlooks Davao City. Its name means “master” or “grandfather”. Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines, and the summit is easy to reach.
Photo by James Torres

• Mt. Apo
Of course, if you like mountain climbing, you should not miss out on this stratovolcano which happens to be the tallest mountain in the Philippines.

• Davao Museum
Located at the Insular Village in Lanang, the Davao Museum is where you can find the rich cultural history of the city preserved in one place. You will see ethnographical and archaeological collections gathered from the Mandaya, Bagobo, Manobo, Mansaka, B’laan and Tiboli tribes.

• Lanzones, Mangosteen and Durian
Never leave Davao without tasting these heavenly fruits! It might be important to say though that not everyone will love Durian because of its smell, but if you can, just hold your breath so you can sample this great-tasting fruit.

• Sul Orchids Farm
Davao has several orchid farms and among the most popular is the Sul Orchids Farm located at Luzviminda Village in Ma-a. Here you will find the most beautiful orchids which Davao is actually quite famous for. You can also choose to purchase some, if you like.

• Shopping
The Gaisano Mall or G-Mall is a really big mall, and it is 6 floors high. There you can find anything and everything you want for clothes, accessories, electronics, and food.

Stay Away From

Well, there are not that many crimes in Davao since authorities always ensure the safety of its locals and visitors. It is in fact one of the safest places in the country.
On the other hand, you need to be aware of the fact that Davao is a smoke-free city so smoking in public places can really get you in trouble. And they also prohibit the use of firecrackers even during special holidays such as Christmas and New Year.

Getting There

You can get to Davao by air, land and sea. For air travel, you get the advantage of having a wide choice of entry points because Davao already has an International Airport. You can get there from Singapore (SilkAir), Macau (Viva Macau), Darwin (Air Frontier), Seoul (Asiana) and many more. For domestic air travel, you can catch a flight from Manila, Zamboanga, and Cebu via PAL or Cebu Pacific; there are also smaller planes which can take you to Davao from other cities.
Sea travel would get people to Davao from Cebu and Manila, and a few other major cities in the country. It is usually an overnight trip to get there.

Land travel is especially advisable for travelers who are currently in Mindanao. You can get there from Cagayan, Iligan, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga by bus. You can even get there from Manila by taking the PhilTranco buses, it is going to be a long trip but it’s the scenic route to Davao.

Subic Bay

Subic Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The perfect weekend retreat, Subic Bay offers a wonderful ambience for travelers seeking for a place where they can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you have been spending your week working really heard amidst a very busy city, Subic Bay would be a great place for you to relax and spend time with loved ones.

Subic Bay is part of Central Luzon, specifically in the province of Zambales. It is a 3-hour drive from Manila, taking the North Luzon Expressway; and it is about 30 minutes away from Clark, where the US Air Base is located. If you are somewhere in the area, you should definitely stop by Subic Bay and be charmed by its simplicity and loveliness.

Sun Set Subic Bay by danielygo

Why Not Go

If you are a person who would like to frolic on the beach, Subic Bay may not be what you are looking for. It is a place surrounded by nature’s trees and mountains, and though it does have so many beautiful features, exotic white sand beaches is not one of them.

Why Go

Subic Bay has always been a haven for weary people who would like to invigorate themselves on a weekend getaway. The air smells so fresh and the streets are really clean. People are always very hospitable, always greeting you with friendly smiles. You can find so many places to go in Subic Bay; from a zoo, to theme parks, camping areas, farms and even a place where you can be awed by some amazing sea creatures. Regardless if you are young or young at heart, there is definitely something waiting for you in Subic Bay.

Best Time to Visit

Sun Rise Subic Bay by onat

The best time to visit Subic Bay would be during the summer months in the Philippines which are from March to May. Sunny seasons would allow visitors to be able to go out and do everything they have listed in their itinerary. Most of the sights to see in Subic Bay have outdoor locations so when it rains, it will be difficult to explore and experience the area.

Where to Stay

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For those under a budget, you can stay at Johan’s Beach Resort. It is located right beside the Subic Bay beach with accommodations ranging from dormitory kind of sleeping quarters to large family rooms. The room rates start at 1,000 pesos or roughly $20. You can also stay in more luxurious hotels such as the Legenda Hotel which boasts of very luxurious rooms situated at the center of lush gardens. This 5-star hotel can provide you with a grand relaxation abode at 4,500 pesos per night, or about $93. Both of these hotels are found right in the heart of Subic Bay Freeport Zone so you will really not have any trouble locating them.

Where & What to Eat

If you are in Subic Bay, one of the restaurants you should not miss is Gerry’s Grill where you can find native Filipino dishes and efficient services from friendly staff. It is situated along Waterfront Road. If you are craving for some fresh sea food, you can go to Mangos Seaside Grill and Restaurant where you can find a wide array of choices on the menu, and one of their specialties is the Grilled Prawns which is amazingly delicious. This restaurant is located in Barrio Barretto. You should also not miss out on Meat Plus Cafe, right along Sampson Road, where you can taste their New York steak and of course, their heavenly banana fritters topped with vanilla ice cream.

Nightlife

The life of Subic Bay is at the Boardwalk. Located along the Waterfront Road, it is a strip of restaurants, bars and clubs where people often gather to spend a fun night. You can also try your luck at the Subic Bay Resort Casino and who knows, it might just be your lucky day. On the other hand, if you want to spend a more quiet evening with family or friends, you can go to Xtremely Xpresso Café along Dewey Avenue and have a cup of any of their delicious espresso beverages.

My to do List

Ocean Adventure Park by danielygo

• The first thing you should do when you get to Subic is to see its renowned Ocean Adventure Park where you can see dolphins and killer whales in action. You will also be able to witness Sea Lions impressing the audience with their tricks. They have souvenir items for sale so you might want to buy some stuff to bring to people back home.

• Next, you should go to Zoobic Safari where you will find the only African Tiger Safari in the country. Ocean Adventure and Zoobic are about half an hour away from the Freeport Zone.

• Then if you love to dive, you must not miss the opportunity to experience one of the best wreck-diving in the Asia Pacific region which is located in Subic Bay.

• If you like horse-back riding, Subic Bay also has the El Kabayo Equestrian Center where they raise imported horses, and have allotted a wide area where you can freely ride the horses.

• And of course, if you are at Subic Bay, you should not leave without experiencing the sunset cruise. It offers a magnificent view of the sunset that you and your loved ones can enjoy, cruising in one of the yachts at the Lighthouse Marina Resort.

Stay Away From

Subic Monkeys by d2digital

Well, if you are afraid of monkeys, you should be wary when travelling in Subic Bay because they abound with these little creatures. Other than that, there isn’t really any danger in Subic Bay because it is such a small, friendly and secure environment.

Getting There

From Manila, you can take a bus ride to Clark which would cost you around $6. You can take one of the PhilTranco buses because they have air-conditioning, and from Clark you can take another bus ride to Subic Bay which will take about half an hour. Bus schedules are regular but you might want to take an early morning trip to be sure. On the other hand, you can also opt to rent a taxi and for about $50, you can get to Subic Bay in 3 hours. Additionally, you can travel by plane from Manila to Clark, but you should do this only if you really are in a hurry. It is always best to take the leisure route to Subic Bay.

Iloilo

Iloilo Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

A place where you can find refuge from the hustle and bustle of the big city life, Iloilo offers a peaceful haven to anyone who needs a quiet, more laid-back vacation. It is a city where you can smell the flowers and hear the birds singing, and yet you do not miss out on the convenience that is offered by a developed city. Iloilo has been renowned for the warmth and relaxing respite it brings to people.

Strategically located in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo is a city in the Southeast region of Panay Island in Western Visayas. This city is the gateway to the renowned island of Boracay so if you are planning to go to there, you might want to drop by Iloilo and experience warm hospitality and great food.

Miagao Church, Iloilo by Quaknit

Why Not Go

If you want to go on a vacation in a nice exotic beach, then you need to just drive by Iloilo and go straight to Boracay. It does not have sugary white sand beaches such as those that you can find in that famed island.

Why Go

On the other hand, if you want to have so many things to do on your vacation, then you might want to visit this lovely city in the Western Visayas. Iloilo is the home of the old affluent families in the Philippines; its vast lands and ancestral homes make it rich in culture and diversity. Its local dialect is Ilonggo, the language of lovers.

Best Time to Visit

Refer to article: Best time to go visit Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo by Quaknit

Where to Stay

Save up to 75% on hotels in Philippines

Since Iloilo is a favorite vacation place for many, it offers a wide array of choices for accommodation, from backpackers to honeymooners you can find the right accommodation that fits your budget.

If you are on a tight budget, you can stay in an inn or a pension house. The Riverside Inn offers clean and decent rooms for as low as $14 a night. On the other hand, if you want to splurge a bit, you can go to Iloilo’s most popular hotel destination which is the Sarabia Manor. It comes complete with an Italian restaurant, a Bar Lounge, an American Bar, a Seafood restaurant and much more. The rates start at $53 which is a little steep for a hotel in this country but hey, if you are on a vacation and you want to enjoy a few luxuries, then this should not be a problem for you.

Since Iloilo is such a nice city, filled with people and establishments that are very eager to be of service to tourists, you will rarely find a hotel, inn or pension house that is not worth what you are paying them for, although it may be best to make sure you research on them first before booking. Some hotels have very high rates so you might want to haggle a bit for you to get better rates.

Where & What to Eat

Iloilo is well-known for its mouth-watering food specialties such as the famous La Paz batchoy- a local noodle soup. It can be found in virtually all of the restaurants in the city but you might want to have a bowl or two at Ted’s. This restaurant chain are found in General Luna and Diversion Road, you can also see them at La Sallet Building in Valeria Street, in a popular mall- Robinson’s Place, and at the Arguelles Building, in Jaro Plaza.

Another favorite would be the Kansi, which is bone marrow soup. The best place to go for this meal would be Pat-Pat’s on E. Lopez St, Jaro. After you have savored the La Paz batchoy and the Kansi, your gastronomical enjoyment does not end there. It is worth stopping by Breakthrough- a seafood place in Villa where you can buy lobsters for as cheap as $4. Breakthrough is about 10 minutes away from the city, if you are taking a cab. Eat to your heart’s desire and it will not even burn a tiny hole in your pocket.

Nightlife

While Iloilo may seem like a sleepy place during the night, it is not what it seems to be! It is bustling with nightlife hangouts and bars. The Tijuana Bar, best known for their cool reggae music, tequilas and margaritas; Smallville, a chain of restaurants and bars that highlight The Flow, a hip party place for yuppies and MO2, a restobar with great music and delectable food. If shopping is your thing, you can go to the Atrium or to ShoeMart (SM) for your shopping needs.

My to do List

Mountain village in Janiuay – 2nd class municipality in the province of Iloilo by Josedeluna

When you plan a trip to Iloilo, be prepared for a long to-do list. There are just so many things to do!
• You can start by visiting some centuries-old churches such as the Molo’s Roman Catholic Church; The Miagao Church is a quartet of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Baroque Churches of Philippines, and you simply cannot afford to miss it. You can take a jeepney ride going the south route to get there.
• You can then proceed to looking at beautiful Spanish homes like those in Calle Real;
• After you have seen the spectacular sights in these valuable heritage sights, you can check out the museums, where you can find more interesting antiques and mementos of Iloilo during the Spanish era;
• Do not forget to stop by some shops for biscocho and piyaya, and make sure to eat them right after they come out of the oven, as these delicacies taste better when they are oven-hot.
• You might even want to go on an adventure to Guimaras Island which is about 15-20 minutes away by pump boat ride. There you can taste the sweetest mangoes in the world!

Stay Away From

The one thing you should not forget when you are in Iloilo is you need to watch over your valuables such as your wallets and mobile phones. There are many pickpockets in the city, even at the malls and churches. You might also want to avoid the squatters’ areas too because tourists can easily become victims of robbery.

Getting There

If you have never been to Iloilo, you might want to take the easy route by riding on an airplane. Major cities have flights to Iloilo daily. However, if you want to be adventurous, and you happen to have a car, you can always take the long but pleasant route from Cebu to Iloilo via Negros Occidental. If you are from Manila then you should go to Cebu and then on to Negros. Additionally, you can take an overnight boat trip from Cebu or Manila.

Here are some of the flight schedules:
Philippine Airlines from Iloilo to Manila: 7:15AM, 11:35AM, 5:10PM, 8:30PM; Manila to Iloilo: 5:15AM, 9:30AM, 3:05PM, 6:30PM. Cebu to Iloilo: 1:10PM and Iloilo to Cebu: 8:35AM. You can also check with Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines for more flight schedules or you may take a boat going there, too such as Super Ferry every 10:15PM.

If you decide to go to Iloilo, brace yourself for some real good time.

Dinagyang Festival

Iloilo Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

The best time to go to Iloilo is from January to June as these are the dry months and the hotels are cheaper. If you go there in December, rates are more expensive. Just like most cities in the Philippines, Iloilo has two seasons: wet and dry. It is always recommended to go there during the dry months because it is difficult to go anywhere in the city when it is raining.

If you want to witness the colorful culture of this city, you should make travel arrangements for January as this is the time for Iloilo’s biggest festival, the Dinagyang. It is held every 4th weekend of January, and is celebrated with bright costumes, tribal designs and upbeat music all day long. The performers would dance on the streets and entice everyone to join in the fun. Of course, Iloilo has many local festivities too and the great thing about it is, many of these falls in January such as the Hinugyaw, a street dancing similar to Dinagyang, and Pasungay, a local term for bullfights.

This is part of Iloilo Travel Guide series.