The Philippines: a country to visit in Asia

10/24/2012


What makes the Philippines more than the usual holiday destination?
Some say when the Gods created the Philippine Island they'd like it so much they decided to create seven thousand more. That meant having over seven thousand different views of the sun and many different beaches like Boracay which is probably unlike anywhere you've ever been. They say that Gods took their time when they make this paradise. Having thousands of islands also meant that our wild life and marine life are among the most diverse in the world.
Even our history comes in many chapters, each one with the different theme. Our color comes in infinite forms and our melting pot of cultures contain more than the usual ingredients. So you can expect more than the usual festivals every year. We're oriental and were western too, that's why no matter where you from the Philippines will feel like home.
Many come here to learn and play. We just love taking the usual things further like honeymooning, relaxing, partying and shopping. You haven't seen a real bargain unless you shop here.
And if we like to overdo things here in the Philippines, just imagine what it's like to be our guest. 


What can you see when you travel in Philippines?

There are three major islands in this country Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each of these islands has a unique place, culture and cuisine to offer for all the travelers who wants to visit them. Every corner of the country is a tourist destination and every Filipino can be your polite guide to any part of the country. Here are some good places to visit if you want to travel here in the Philippines. Make sure to add these places on your list to visit anytime soon. 


The Three Islands

Luzon – is the biggest island among the three and is located at the northern part of the country. Most people who live here are Ilokano, Panggalatok, Kapampangan, Igorots, Tagalog and other ethnic groups. The land area is mainly composed of mountains which are very good for trekking.
Baguio City tagged as the “Summer Capital City of the Philippines” can be found in Luzon. This place is a very popular destination for travelers who want the cool breeze of air at the same time close to nature. With its very famous Burnham Park, Session Road and Mines View Park you will surely have fun exploring this city 4,900 ft. above sea level. The city has an annual festival called “Panagbenga Festival” which means “Flower Festival”. This festival is held during the month of February and was created as a tribute to the city’s flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon Earthquake.

The Banawe Rice Terraces recognized as one of the “Eight Wonders of the World” can be found in mountains of Ifugao Province in Luzon. These farmlands created in the mountains are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforest above the terraces. The Tourism industry has developed a number of activities for visitors which may include a sightseeing of the terraces and visits at the foot of the terraces.

Going up north of Luzon you will see the Bangui Wind Farm which is located in the Town of Bangui in Ilocos Norte. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and The China Sea, this part of Luzon has a very strong wind throughout the year. With the strategic location to produce electricity through wind the government builds this wind farm. This place becomes popular not only to local tourist but also to foreign traveler because of the beauty of the place.
Another great place to visit in Luzon is Vigan City which is also a “World Heritage Site”. It is the capital of the Province of Iocos Sur and it is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. This city is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines, and is well known for its cobblestone streets. Two of the main festivals are celebrated here every Holy Week and every first week of May. The Semana Santa depicts the agony, death and resurrection of Chirst and the Viva Vigan Arts and Industry Festival which features painting and product exhibits and other cultural activities.
If you love water sports there is a place in Luzon where you can surf and get to experience the waves even if you’re a beginner surfer. San Juan, La Union is considered to be the Surfing Capital of the Northern Philippines and is known for its consistent intermediate quality surf. There are two surfing seasons from July to October and November to March.
Palawan with its capital Puerto Prinsesa City is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. You’ll find the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park which is recently recognized as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”. This park features a large limestone karst landscape with an underground river. The sire contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.
Visayas – is the smallest of the three islands which composed mainly of smaller islands. The major islands are Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, and Samar. The islands are composed of different ethnic groups and they are the following: Visayans (Aklanon, Boholano/Bol-anon, Caluyanon, Capiznon, Cebuano, Eskaya, Hiligaynon, Karay-a, Masbateño, Porohanon, Romblomanon, Waray), Ati.
Boracay as one of the world most popular beaches can be found here. A lot of local and foreign travelers flocked to this place during summer or even the entire year just to experience the fine white sand and clear blue water of this paradise.
The popular Chocolate Hills is also located here; it was declared the country's third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here are some of the popular tourist destinations that you can visit in Visayas. MacArthur Park Beach Resort in Leyte, Balangiga Church in Eastern Samar, Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar, Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan Island, Magellan Cross Monument in Cebu City, Fort San Pedro in Cebu City, Sandugo Shrine in Bohol, Loboc River in Bohol, Guimaras Islands in Panay, Panglao Island in Bohol.
Mindanao – is the second largest island among the three and it is mainly composed of mountains and rich farm land. This is the place where majority of the fruits came from and also this is the place where the tallest mountain in the Philippines can be found. Davao City land area is 2,444 km2 is the largest city in terms of land area in the Philippines. The Mount Apo height is 2,954 meters which is the tallest mountain in the country. Samal Island is located near Davao City can be compare to Boracay for having the same white sand but not a fine as Boracay. Some places you also want to visit are Surigao and Dakak in Dipolog. 


What more can you ask for?  

That’s just a sneak peak or what we say in Tagalog as “patikim pa lang yan” of what can you find here in the Philippines. I’m confident enough that I can list down 7,107 tourist destination of our country. Encouraging and giving our local and foreign travelers more than 7,107 reasons to visit the Philippines. On my upcoming hubs I will give more details on the best places of my country. I will list down my 7,107 tourist destinations for all of you. From the Pearl of the Orient Mabuhay! Thank you so much for taking time to read my hub.


You Might Also Like

0 comments