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Sagada

Sagada is a municipality in Mountain Province, Philippines. Apart from its hanging coffins, it’s known for its caves, waterfalls, limestone mountains, and hill-tribe atmosphere. Due in part to its remote location in the Central Cordillera Mountains, it was left relatively untouched by conquistadores during the Spanish era. A Spanish mission wasn’t founded in Sagada until 1882, resulting in one of the few places in the Philippines that’s preserved its indigenous culture with little Spanish influence.

How to get there?

FROM MANILA

Sagada isn’t the easiest place to get to. It entails going on long bus rides on mountain passes that are twisty and often very bumpy. Up until a few years ago, there weren’t any direct buses to Sagada so travelers had to go through either Banaue or Baguio to get there, which is fine because Sagada is often paired with trips to those destinations as well. The entire trip will take around 11-13 hours.

What to do there? how about some...

1. Go Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave

Sumaguing Cave is a lot of fun but be warned that it can be dangerous so it should NEVER be attempted without a guide. It’s pitch black and many of the rocks are very slippery. Losing your balance and hurting yourself is a real possibility. Apart from keeping your balance and watching your step, it isn’t physically demanding but it does have its challenges (ie rapelling up and down a 10-ft rope).

To go, register at the tourism office and hire a guide for PHP 500 (up to 4 pax). The entire caving experience will take at least 2 hrs. You’ll be wading through chest-high waters so be prepared to get wet. Flip-flops are recommended.

2. Visit the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley

After Sumaguing Cave, the hanging coffins are the second most popular attraction in Sagada and another must-do for first-time travelers. It’s pretty amazing to see them up close, especially the ones perched high up on the side of the rock!

You used to be able to visit the hanging coffins on your own, but now you have to go with a guide arranged through the tourism office. If all you want to do is see the hanging coffins from up close, then the cost is PHP 200 for up to 10 pax plus a small PHP 10 environmental fee per person.

That's all for Sagada. If you want more details, or any questions, you can leave your comment down there!

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Burnham Park, Baguio

Burnham Park is considered to be one of the most famous parks in the country. It is located in Jose Abad Santos Drive, Baguio City 2600 Benguet Philippines. It covers a total land area of 32.84 hectares.

The park is named after Daniel Hudson Burnham, an American architect and urban planner. He was also the one who laid the plans and design for Baguio City. Most of the park’s features were originally from Daniel Burnham’s design but a few changes and alterations were made to enhance the park’s beauty.

How to get there?

Getting to Burnham Park from Manila is pretty much easy.

From Manila, take buses bound to Baguio. There are several bus companies plying the road to the city. However, I would recommend Victory Liner since it has hourly departures. It has stations at Cubao, Quezon City, and Pasay City.

If you were to travel, you could see the undeniably beauty of Burnham Park in Baguio. You could also do these stuffs specially when you are into photography, and a person who enjoys nature a lot.

Isn't it exciting?

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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Home to Jose Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses, this resort in Bagac, Bataan is a reflection of Filipino craftsmanship intricately curated into a world-class historical haven. Speckled with classic architecture, grandiose landscape, and spectacular waterworks, there is surely beauty to behold anywhere you go. Go on a fluvial adventure by taking the balsa, and see the casas in a totally different angle. Las Casas also takes pride in being the only Philippine hotel to have received several international acclaims. Among its prestigious recognitions are being part of Historic Hotels Worldwide, and being awarded as Asia’s most excellent destination in 2017.

HERITAGE TOUR

Walk with our dedicated storytellers in an immersive look at each casa’s story as related by knowledgeable tour guides. Consider the story of each building as puzzle pieces, that when put together, reveals a larger picture of what the Philippines was. Each tour takes about an hour of walking around the property, subject to varying weather conditions.

Weekday Tour and Weekend Tour

For a full-on experience, the following perks are included:

· Free access to majestic Hotel De Oriente · Use of raincoat during rainy season · Beach access

· Bottled water or signature drink · Cold towel and map · Free kalesa ride and river cruise

Schedule of Tours: *MORNING – 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 *AFTERNOON –1:30, 3:30, 4:30

Las Casas, Bataan

Hotel Rooms

With 217 hotel rooms, you’ll never run out of choices on how to relive the past at Las Casas Bataan Resort. Striking a balance between the classic beauty of the olden days and the innovations of the present time, each room features:

· One full granite bathroom with separate bathtub and shower · Hair dryer (upon request) · Extra bed (upon request)

· In-room safety deposit box · Options for beach-view or plaza-view room* · Television with cable channels · Air-conditioning

Deluxe Room

Best for couples and friends wanting to explore the old-world charm, this room has options for Plaza Belmonte, Plaza Marcelino (river view), beachfront, or accessoria view. It has a total floor area of 36 sqm and can accommodate a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 guests.

Limited rooms available for Beachfront and Courtyard view.

· 1 queen bed

Activities and leisure

CULTURAL SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES

Our array of presentation is sure to provide you a glimpse into the old Filipino life. Witness performances that depict important aspects of our culture and history.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Disconnect from the digital world and revisit your childhood with traditional Filipino games at Casa Lubao. You may also visit our music shop at Paseo de Escolta and brush up on those old kundiman songs

WATER ACTIVITIES

Take a dip at our batis-inspired swimming pool, or go on an adrenaline-filled adventure at the beach. Choose from the many water sports options which include jet ski, wakeboarding, banana boat, and a lot more

PHOTOGRAPHY

Immortalize this historical immersion. Schedule a photoshoot with our in-house photography studio, Fotografia dela Escolta. Pose as one of the illustrados using our traditional costumes.

REFLECTION AND RELAXATION

Take some time to reflect on life through our Sunday masses. Stay zen and relieve yourself of the stress by having some traditional Filipino massages at the Napiya Spa.

Dining Options

BARS

Fancy a cocktail drink? Give the La Casita a shot and take a sip of the sweet and stunning sunset view of the West Philippine Sea.

RESTAURANTS

The fusion of Filipino and European culture is not only reflected in Las Casas’ architecture, but also in its food options. Choose from several restaurants and enjoy local and international dishes.

Our dining options include Cafe Marivent, La Bella Teodora, Taberna Luna, Cusina ni Nanay Maria, and La Parilla.

Complete the experience by supplementing your Bataan tour package with sumptuous meals from these dining options.

Transportation Facilities

JEEP

Go around the resort by taking most common public transportation of the modern day Philippines. The jeep picks up passengers in front of Casa Mexico, and drops off at Casa New Manila.

SHUTTLE

Begin and end your Las Casas experience with a comfortable and hassle-free ride to and from the resort. Available for PHP 500 nett per person (2-way), we offer shuttle services which can be arranged through our Reservations Team/Reception

GOLF CART

Make transportation during your day tour a lot easier by renting a golf cart at Casa Lubao. That way, you’ll have more time and energy to digest the learnings you’ll get from the tour.

BICYCLE

Explore different parts of the resort at your own pace. Rent a bicycle at Casa Lubao and savor the time as you digest the beauty, history, and culture within the resort

KALESA

Experience the traditional mode of transportation during the Spanish colonial era. Rent a kalesa and have the complete Las Casas experience as you go around the property.

Las Casas Bataan Beach Resort

Location

By Land

Bataan is accessible via the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX). There are buses running directly to Balanga town proper, which is about 125 km northwest of Manila. From Olongapo City, you may take the Victory Liner Buses. Tricycles and jeepneys are the primary modes of transport around Bataan.

By Air

You may go through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga or through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals in Manila and make the necessary land transfers. Las Casas Filipinas is located 20 km away from Mt. Samat Shrine. From the Japanese Friendship Tower in Bagac, turn left and the resort is 2 km away.

By Public Vehicle

From Pasay Rotonda along EDSA (below MRT station) – approx. PHP 300+/pax

· Take the Genesis Bus to Balanga Bus Station (trip starts at 4:00 AM; bus arrives every 30 minutes) · From the bus station, take the jeepney going to Bagac or Morong (Bagac-bound has a limited time while Morong-bound has a longer time) · Upon reaching Bagac, get down at the Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower and go to the tricycle station · Take tricycle going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Gate 5 entrance)

By Sea

MOA

· Proceed to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) at Pasay City. The ferry going to Orion, Bataan is located at the seaside terminal. · From Pasay City Esplanade Seaside Terminal (behind Mall of Asia and beside Vikings Luxury Buffet). Take the M/V XGC Express Ferry Boat to Capinpin port in Orion, Bataan. · From Orion Port, ride a bus going to Mariveles and get off at Alauli. Then, ride a jeep going to Bagac or a bus going to Morong and get off at the main entrance of Las Casas. You may ride a tricycle from there or you may also get a tricycle at Filipino Japanese Friendship. Note: Free Shuttle bus going to Alauli. · If you wish to know the schedule of ferry trips, you may visit their website at https://its.1bataan.com/. · The regular fare ticket is P799 and senior discounts are applicable. Tickets booked online it costs P450 per way per head.

Nearest Hospital

St. Martin de Porres Charity Hospital

Nearest Police Station

Morong Municipal Police Station

Mariveles Police Headquarters

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Banaue Rice Terraces

Carved from the mountain ranges about 2,000 years ago without modern tools by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm terraces resemble giant steps reaching up to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces, although more and more younger Ifugaos do not find farming appealing and emigrate to the cities.

What can we do when we get there?

- What to do in Batad The most common hiking trail in Batad is to the Tappiyah falls. The trip takes a couple of hours, with great views of the terraces on the way. The falls themselves are nice, but there is a pretty steep climb on the way back. In general, the inclines in Batad are cruel – walking from one guesthouse to another involves steep stairs that might leave you breathless.

How to get there?

Getting to Banaue and Ifugao is difficult and long, but well worth the journey north. The journey from Manila to Banaue takes about 9 hours by bus (traffic can add about 2 hours). The other option is to fly to Baguio and then take a bus from there, but it doesn’t save much time. The buses are operated by a few companies and the most well know is called Ohayami Transit. 

They operate night buses, which leave their station (located in the Sampaloc area) every evening between 9 and 10 p.m. (During high season there is often more than one bus leaving each night.) Book Your Ticket The easiest way to buy tickets is to purchase them online from BookAway.com. 

You'll pay online and the ticket is sent by email. Making the purchase on this site saves you from making the ride back and forth to the station, which is pretty far away from the city center. What to Expect on the Bus to Banaue While the outside temperature may be boiling, the buses have air-conditioning. It's usually turned up to the level of needing a blanket, so it's a good idea to wear layers. Any pleads to the driver to turn down the A/C are hopeless. They like it cold. The bus will make three stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks.

Where to stay? hmmm...

There are Top-Rated Places to Stay in Banaue 

If you want to Reserve your room in one of the town's top-rated guesthouses below, or see a list of all Banaue hotels. 

 Banaue Homestay 

 Native Village Inn 

 Bogah Home Stay

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Siargao Island

Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea

Siargao is almost synonymous to surfing, but more than its waves, there are other attractions that dot the island. Dip in the natural infinity pools and beach of Magpupungko in the town of Pilar; hop and laze under the sun in the sand bar and fine white sand islands off General Luna; dive the underwater caves and unspoiled sites around the island; or explore other beaches, waterfalls, and natural attractions of the place.

How to get there?

Manila to Siargao

Siargao Island has an airport (Sayak Airport) that serves commercial but currently, only Skyjet and Cebu Pacific fly there direct from Manila. Check out their website for the latest flight schedule and fare.

Sayak Airport is located in Barangay Del Carmen, approximately 45 minutes from General Luna, where most tourist facilities and attractions are located. There are vans parked outside the terminal to transport passengers going to General Luna. The current prevailing rate is P150 per person, you may work out your charm and bargaining skill to lower it down. Alternatively, you may also take a tricycle (as low as P500 per tricycle good for four) or habal-habal (as low as P400 per motorbike good for two).

Where to stay?

If you want to be in the center of Siargao’s food and night scene, stay in General Luna.

If you want to relax, recharge, and unwind, the town of Malinao is a perfect place for you.

Instead of trying to navigate the hectic southern scene, settle down for a few days in Pacifico.

If experiencing the island-hopping tour in Sohoton is your goal, you probably need to stay at one of the accommodations in Socorro.

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Boracay Island

Boracay is a small island in the Philippines that is known for fine beaches and resorts. This small island, only 7km long and 500m wide, is one of the Philippine’s top tourist destinations. The West coast of Boracay has relaxed beaches, bars and restaurants, while the East coast has strong winds conducive to water sports like kite surfing and wind boarding. Tourism continues to grow on this paradise island, with over 2 million tourists visiting last year.

How to get to Boracay? 

Here’s some handy advice.

- If you’re coming from an international destination we would recommend starting with the easy part – an airline ticket.  You can price shop these tickets by finding the cheapest airport to connect to. Usually, reasonable ticket prices are either out of Clark International Airport or Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Manila. Many of the larger international carriers fly into these airports. Some of the discount airlines you can price shop your ticket with, are Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Tiger Air. How to get there?

If you’re finding somewhere to stay in..... here’s some friendly recommendations for you....

Cheapest Hostels in White Beach Boracay: Island Hostel Boracay Boracay Backpackers Second Wind Hostel by MNL Box and Ladder Hostel

Budget Hotels in White Beach Boracay: Bans Beach Resort Frendz Resort and Hostel Boracay the Club Ten Beach Resort Boracay Cool Stay Inn 

Mid-Range Hotels in White Beach Boracay: Astoria Boracay The Muse Hotel Boracay Royal Park Hotel Jony’s Beach Resort

Craving for a short vacation? Travel and see the beauty of the ocean in Boracay Island of the Philippines!!

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Let's start of with Palawan

Palawan is known as one of the largest island province in the Philippines. The province of Palawan has grown in terms of tourism and land development for the past few decades.

Let's go and find out what are the tourist islands could we find in Palawan.

Calauit Island in Palawan is home to zebras, giraffes, gazelle, and other non-native animals. The island is a sanctuary for wild animals from Africa, along with some local animals.

That scene alone sums up the park. Zebras escaping the scorching sun took shelter in a garage and there they stayed beside a rusty, old Pinoy jeepney. 

The land where giraffes roamed gracefully, hopping from tree to tree. Abundance of overwhelming feeling maybe, but for now this was the closest I could get to an African safari — Calauit Safari Park.

But there are also offers that may interest you like this 3days and 2 nights stay on Calasuit Island.

 https://www.coron-travel.com/3d2n-calauit-safari-package

But first, let’s find out.....

How to get there?

From Manila, fly to Busuanga airport. If your hotel is in Coron, you can take a van/shuttle to Coron town. Here, there are several options available. You may join a group tour offered by travel agencies, normally around P2500-3000 per head. If you’re a big group, you may charter a private boat to Calauit (which can also take you to other gorgeous islands including Black Island) for P9300 for 1-4 pax or P10,400 for 5-8 pax.

The Calauit Entrance Fee: P200 for Filipinos, P400 for foreigners

The Use of land rover: P1000 (divided by how many you are in the group)