White-Sand Beaches trip armed with stories about the lovely
sun-drenched island and documented his
Boracay Island
Widely known as one of the finest
swimming destinations in the world,
Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine
talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil
crystal clear waters are perfect for
swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing.
Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and
spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden
coves dot the island and tall coconut trees
line up along the beaches.
Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay,
in the west Visayas region, off the
Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of
little communities: Yapak in the north,
Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc
in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100
meters above sea level characterize Yapak
and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link
the small villages together but many
sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.
To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight
to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province.
Air-conditioned coasters or public buses
offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan
where one can board a motorized banca
for a 30-minute trip to Boracay.
Siargao Island
This newly discovered island boasts of
white-sand beaches and surfing waves
compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800
kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-
shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven
for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies on
the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte
and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao.
The island is a mass of tropical land with
scores of reefs, points and white beaches.
Its promise as a surfing mecca in the
making was discovered in 1993 by
American surf photographer John Callahan
who went to investigate the rumors of
spectacular waves in a little known
Mindanao town. He came back from his
find with beautiful photographs.
Siargao opened itself to the international
surfing community by playing host to the
Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipality of
General Luna. Siargao's Cloud Nine break
is said to be among the best in the world
and foreign sportsmen view "the
unparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet
for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing,
kayaking, and sunbathing on miles of
white sandy beaches that the reef-ringed
island and its rich waters afford the
visitor.
Samal Island
Samal Island offers unending fascination
with its white-sand beaches, thick
mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and
rock formations.It is an archipelago of
nine islands located in the Davao Gulf
about 700 meters south of Davao City. An
ideal model for resort and development,
Samal Island provides a fabulous site for
sunrise and sunset.
Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is
outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys
relatively calm weather. Its coastline is
characterized by tall, swaying coconut
trees, white sand beaches, rock
formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and
small fishing villages, all suggestive of a
tropical island paradise.
Almost all of the beach areas have white
sand, with widths varying from only a few
meters to more than 10 meters. It
provides ample space for picnic huts,
reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for
simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical
scenery.
The water is crystal clear throughout the
coastline, which varies in terrain from
gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs
and rock formations. The colors of the
coastline at the beach areas transforms
itself from the green lush vegetation of
coconut trees, to the white sandy
beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea,
with its deep waters and coral reefs.
Among its popular attractions are the
Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud
Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the
San Jose Muslim Fishing Village.
Bohol's Springs and Beaches
Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in
southern Philippines. It is situated at the
heart of Visayas and with coastline
skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand
beaches. Many highways snake along
sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where
one can stop at any point and jump in.
With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal
springs and beaches, the province of
Bohol is a picturesque province replete
with ancestral homes and centuries-old
churches. Bohol is composed of numerous
isles -Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao,
Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent
dive spots.
The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many
natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The
province is the home of the world's
smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a
fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella,
some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran.
Other exotic flora and fauna may also be
found amongst the forest of Bohol.
Bohol's various mountainous and water
formations also serve as a natural
playground for the adventurous tourist.
One can cruise its rivers, hike up the hills,
swim the deep waters, or just stroll down
the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to
surprise you.
Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital town can be
reached by plane or boat from Cebu and
Manila. Numerous tourist inns and
excellent resorts are found in Tagbilaran
and Panglao island.
The Beaches of Palawan
The exotic beauty of Palawan remains
undefiled. Branded as the country's last
frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an
amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna
that are found nowhere else. Palawan is
also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only
national marine park that made it to the
World Heritage List and whose grandeur is
comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of
Australia.
With more than a thousand islands and
islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand
beaches, scenic rock formations,
underwater rivers and magnificent caves.
Other well-known attractions include Saint
Paul's National Park which boasts of caves
that nestle an underground river; El Nido,
a world-class resort famous for its awe-
inspiring seascape and limestone cliffs;
and Calauit island, home of Philippine and
African wildlife.
Also in Palawan is the primordial island of
Busuanga, a perfect starting point for
sorties to other nearby islands.In Palawan,
each day is promising. The sun rises over
the South China Sea and soon everything
else sparkles, including the smiles of its
people.
The Beaches of Glan, Sarangani
Glan, the largest town in the Sarangani
province, boasts of world-class beach
resorts and rich fishing grounds. The
terrain of Glan is characterized by
flatlands, rolling hills and mountains. Most
land areas have been converted to
agriculture and fishponds.
The town of Glan is bounded on the east
by Davao Del Sur, on the north by
Malapatan town, on the west by the South
China Sea, and on the south by Sarangani
Bay.
Many foreign and local tourists flock to the
area during summer because of its
splendid beach resorts. The sorrounding
waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton
and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds.
As many as 2,400 species of marine
animals have been found in the bay. The
dominant catch include yellow-fin tuna,
shipjack, and mackerel.
Glan can be reached from Manila and
Cebu by airplane going to General Santos
City and a 45-minute drive from the
airport.
Subic Bay
Subic, the former US naval base in the
Philippines, is now a hub for commerce
and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour
drive north from Manila, Subic offers a full
view of the blue mountain and sea and of
the green background of a three-layered
virgin forest.
Points of interest include the 18-hole
Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a
white-sand beach, bowling and arcade
center,a ship wharf past a restricted
forested area, firing ranges, fishing
grounds and an area for bungee jumping.
Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle
survival course, visit an Aeta tribal village,
take a bay cruise, explore the coves, end
up at the white-sand beach of Grande
Island, engage in water sports, go
horseback riding or simply enjoy the
scenic view of the sea.
Subic Bay is complete with tourism-
support facilities that include a marina, a
yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and
food shops. It also boasts of an
international airport.
Anilao
Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas
is considered the summer mecca of diving
fanatics. The resort offers
accommodations and diving facilities, plus
the services of training clubs that provide
courses on diving.
Situated in the southeast area of Batangas
province, Anilao may be reached within
three hours from Manila through public
buses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can
start diving from the shore or go in
bancas to nearby islands. Among them is
Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve
where sports activities are regulated.
Other dive spots in this side of Batangas
are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island,
Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point.
Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port)
is one of the most popular beach resorts
in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is
endowed with coves, fine sandy beaches
and shallow coral reefs ideal for
snorkeling.
The place can be reached from the port of
Batangas City where a ferry service to
Mindoro awaits the tourists. Bancas may
be hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best
dive spot in Puerto Galera. The area offers
positive thrills and guaranteed excitement,
with its sudden rushes of strong currents
and steep slopes which are a favorite
gathering place for large pelagic
fish.Diving expeditions are usually
organized by certified masters on specific
dive spots.
Hundred Islands
Northern Philippines boasts of white-sand
beaches in Pangasinan and Ilocandia.
Among the best tourist destinations is the
Hundred Islands which can be reached
from the Pangasinan town of Alaminos,
where the lodging accommodations and
restaurants are situated.
At Hundred Islands, the visitor may rent
an island for one's own private beach for a
day. Short boat rides take off from the
village of Lucap to the Hundred Islands.
Beaches stretch along the western coast
of Ilocos region. Among the popular beach
resorts are Cresta del Mar, Bali Hai,
Cabana and the Coconut Grove in La
Union province.
Ilocos Norte also has fine resorts such as
D'Coral Beach Resort and Fort Ilocandia.
 Pools and Resorts
Aside from beaches and diving spots, the
Philippines also has other beautiful places.
You can either take a dip in the refreshing
waters of modern resort facilities, feel the
gush of volcanic hot springs or just have
fun under the waterfalls.
Pagsanjan Falls
A popular tourist destination, Pagsanjan
Rapids and Falls is a series of 14 rapids
punctuated by mini-waterfalls on the way
to the main falls. Pagsanjan is a small
Laguna town which served as the setting
for Fracis Ford Coppola's film "Apocalypse
Now."
The terrain towards the main falls offers a
lot of exitement. As one negotiates the
waterway, the trips becomes wilder, with
the river flanked by towering cliffs lush
with vegetation. Waters from the Cavinti
and Luisiana dams cascade down
Pagsanjan Falls and into a segregated part
of the river which is about 150 feet deep.
Here, one can rent a raft and enjoy riding
under the falls.
Laguna Resorts
Aside from Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna has a
lot more to offer. Laguna has one of the
Philippines' incredibly beautiful
countryside sceneries. The province offers
a scenic view of a bay, considered as the
largest in the country. The towns of
Calamba and Los Baños abound with
swimming pools and resorts. Many
residents of Metro Manila head for these
towns during summer.
In Calamba, one can proceed to the
ancestral house of National Hero Dr. Jose
Rizal. The house now serves as a museum
and is a repository of Philippine history
and culture.
Los Baños, on the other hand, is famous
for its numerous hot springs. Considered
as a flower basket in Luzon, Los Baños
produces a wide variety of flowers and
other ornamentals. Mt. Makiling, an
extinct volcano, stands guard over the
town.
Hidden Valley Springs
Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most
popular resorts in Alaminos, Laguna. The
valley nestles at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a
mystical mountain associated with local
myths.
A number of springs with hot, cold and
soda water, lace a forest of huge fruit
trees, tropical shrubs and flowering
plants. A concrete path connects the pools
and leads to the jungle's interior where a
waterfall has cut a gorge down the
mountainside.
The resort has cottages for overnight stay
and restaurants. It is an ideal base for
visiting the surrounding provincial towns
of Laguna and Quezon.
Bulacan Resorts
Bulacan, a progressive province just north
of Manila, offers resort facilities that are
generally clean and complete in amenities.
The towns of San Jose del Monte, Sta.
Maria, Balagtas, Pandi, Malolos, Plaridel
and San Miguel boast of resort facilities
that draw visitors from Metro Manila and
nearby provinces. The rural setting
provides a perfect blend of countryside
nature and modern facilities for fun and
recreation.
Among the well known resorts in the
province are DJ Paradise Resort in
Malolos; Sibul Spring Resort in San
Miguel; Grotto Vista in San Jose del
Monte; 4k Garden and Lanesca Resort;
Latian in Marilao and Villa Christina in
Balagtas.
Bulacan is just a 30-minute drive from
Manila via the North Luzon Tollway or
through the Mac Arthur Highway.
Villa Escudero
Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation village
in San Pablo City, was developed by its
owners into a tourist destination complete
with swimming pools, picnic area, fishing
grounds, and modern amenities. Special
packages can be arranged to include
overnight stay with food and
accommodation.
The village offers a glimpse of plantation
living. The whole area is surrounded by
coconut trees and flowering plants. The
estate also houses a museum whose
collection ranges from fabulous antiquities
to kitsch. Bamboo cottages grid a river
that flows to a dam where picnickers
gather around the tables set up on the
water.
The village is a one-and-a-half hour drive
south from Manila.
Puerto Azul
Situated on the southern entrance to
Manila Bay and opposite Corregidor Island
is Puerto Azul, a beach resort that offers a
breathtaking sight with all its elegance
and mystique.
Puerto Azul, a tourists' paradise in the
outskirts of Ternate town in Cavite, boasts
of flowery bushes, verdant hills and
forests, blue sea, and fine sand beaches.
Here, one can imagine one's self in the
Biblical Garden of Eden (a little bit in the
modern era, though).
The resort complex, which nestles within a
3,300-hectare nature reserve, houses two
entities: the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel and
the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club.
The club manages a world-class golf
course designed by Gary Player and Ron
Kirby and completed in 1978. It is now a
popular venue for many prestigious
championship tournaments.
Though Puerto Azul has always been
synonymous with golf and the beach, now
there are other things that one can do
within the complex. Puerto Azul Beach
Hotel has, in fact, prepared 30 fun-filled
activities which can be done on one's own
or with family.
Camiguin Island
Camiguin Island, known for its lanzones
festival, offers white-sand beaches, spring
resorts and magnificent caves untouched
by industrial development. The island lies
off the north coast of Mindanao. Aside
from its beaches, Camiguin boasts of
spring resorts and waterfalls.
The 62-square kilometer island-province
has more volcanoes per square kilometer
than any other island on Earth. Most
famous of the island's seven volcanoes is
Mt. Hibok-Hibok whose last eruption was
recorded in 1951.
Among its popular attractions are the
Ardent Spring Resort run by the Philippine
Tourism Authority (PTA), the Mt. Hibok-
Hibok itself, Santo Niño Cold Spring,
Medano Islet, Mantigue Island and the
lanzones festival.
There are local flights to Camuigin island.
Cool Mountains
Witness the vast expanse of nature's
splendor under the spell of cool mountain
breeze. A perfect setting for romance or
nature tripping, the country's mountain
villages serve as a perfect hideaway from
the lowlands' summer heat.
Baguio City
Rising 1,500 meters above the sea,
Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool
weather throughout the year. On the
average, Baguio is at least eight degrees
cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not
surprisingly, Baguio has become the
"summer capital" of the country.
It is awarded with a variety of cultural,
historical and scenic attractions which
make it an important and interesting
destination. As early as March, tourists
and locals take the six-hour trek up the
zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile of
the city, the sweet scent of pine trees and
flowers already permeate the air.
Designed by Daniel Burnham during the
American occupation, Baguio City is
situated in the midst of pine-covered hills
and valleys at the southern end of the
Cordillera. Among its popular attractions
are the well-manicured lawns of Club John
Hay, the Mansion House and the Burnham
Park.
From Baguio City, one can proceed to the
Banaue Rice Terraces, also considered as
the eighth wonder of the world. An
engineering marvel, this "Stairways to the
Sky" was constructed by hand by the
Ifugaos.
Tagaytay
With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea
level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate
all year round.
This city perched on a ridge is located in
the province of Cavite, some 56
kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks
Manila Bay on the north, Taal Lake and
Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on
the east and the China Sea on the west.
The city is linked to the Metropolitan
Manila and the province of Batangas by
the Aguinaldo Highway.
Among its attractions is the Tagaytay
Picnic Grove where one can get an
unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which
lies within a lake. Taal Volcano, which
rises 406 meters from the lake, is
reputedly the world's smallest volcano.
Taal Lake itself is an immense body of
water formed when the old crater
collapsed and the walls of the larger
volcano caved in and sank.
A visit to the Volcano Island can be
arranged through the Philippine Institute
of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon
City which maintains a monitoring station
on the island.
For visiting tourists, support facilities are
readily available in this idyllic city.
Tagaytay is the "sister" city of Las Vegas
and Nevada, U.S.A; Tainan City, Taiwan;
and Bankstown City, New South Wales,
Australia.
Sagada
This Mountain Province town, situated
west of Bontoc, boasts of its cool weather
and spectacular sceneries. A pastoral
upland valley, Sagada provides an endless
expanse of mountain ranges which are
clothed by fogs in the early morning.
Among its attractions are towering
limestone cliffs, subterranean caves and
unexplored forests. Some of Sagada's
caves remain unconquered. Because of
their length and depth, Sagada's natives
believe that these caves lead to the center
of the Earth.
Other sites to visit in Sagada are the
Kitongan bottomless pit and underground
river, Calvary Hill, Bukong Falls and
Alipine Lake Banao. Sagada has
accommodation facilities and can be
reached by public buses from Banaue in
Ifugao province or from Baguio City.
Banahaw
Another popular destination, specially
during the Lent period, is Mount Banahaw,
an extinct volcano which rises 2,100
meters above sea level.
Banahaw towers over the southeastern
towns of Laguna and Quezon. Revered as
a mystical mountain, Banahaw has
become a sanctuary for different religious
cults. Up on Banahaw's leafy slopes live
members of various religious sects who
adhere to what seems to be a mixture of
Catholicism, Buddhism, the cabala,
animism and other forms of pagan
worship. Down below, in the foothill
towns, dwell amulet-makers, soothsayers,
faith healers, diviners and dedicated UFO
watchers.
Banahaw comes alive during the Lent
when various religious sects re-enact the
passion of Jesus Christ.
People ascend to Mount Banahaw to
experience its cool weather, bathe in its
hot springs or simply stand amazed at the
sight of nature's beauty.
Mount Banahaw can be reached from both
east and west. From the east, the ascent
starts in Lucban, Quezon, while from the
west, in Dolores, Laguna. For both climbs,
it is advisable to have a guide to ensure a
safe trip.
Urban Wonders
stunning sights, and wondrous
experience.
In the words of the Enchanted Kingdom
operators, "the place is an active mix of
thrills, attractions, entertainment, food
service, celebrations and shopping set
amidst an enthralling place that presents
the past and the future, the quaint and
the sophisticated, the picturesque and the
dazzling in one unique package."
Enchanted Kingdom is an aggregate of
seven theme zones: Victoria Park,
Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport,
Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, and
Boulderville. These zones serve as
enclaves to 21 thrilling rides and
attractions meant to provide daring
visitors with a sense of flight, twist, twirl,
and other acrobatic stunts.

The rides include the Grand Carousel,

Enchanted Kingdom
Flying Fiesta, Rialto, Space Shuttle, Log
Jam, Wheel of Fate, Condor, Up Up and
Thousands of people head south of Manila
Away, Roller Coaster, Anchors Away,
to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation and
Dodgem, Stone Eggs, Air Pterodactyl,
adventurous excitement within the
Swan boats, and Bump n Splash. In the
American-style walls of Enchanted
near future, the park is set to introduce
Kingdom, a 17-hectare world class theme
other exciting rides such as the Kiddie
park conveniently located in the outskirts
Train Ride and the Rio Loco River Rapid
of Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Ride.
Enchanted Kingdom, a short five-minute
Aside from the rides, Enchanted Kingdom
ride from the Sta. Rosa Tollgate of South
also charms its visitors with various treats
Luzon Expressway, brings the closest
such as the fireworks show every
version of Disney-type leisure in the
weekend, dance presentation by the
country. The theme park, managed and
park's in-house talents, theater shows,
operated by Amtrust Leisure Corporation
seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens,
(ALC), offers educational entertainment
classic American brownstone facades and
tours to students and "gastronomic treats"
establishments, and a variety of
to families.
characters and mascots led by the Wizard.
The P1.2-billion park, which has been
operating since July 28, 1995 was
conceptualized by Landmark
Entertainment Group and designed after
the Knott's Berry Farm, America's first
amusement theme park located in Buena
Park, California. It is a member of the
International Association of Amusement
Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). As such, it
provides visitors with thrilling rides,