A fascinating land of splendid landscapes, volcanoes, lovely beaches, tropical forests and friendly locals, Philippines is often overlooked in comparison to its neighbors. But tourists will discover that it offers an idyllic, colorful lifestyle in its coastline, mountains and charming towns. Besides, it has been location for a number of films like- Born on the Fourth of July, Platoon and the classic Apocalypse Now.
Highlights: Enjoy the modern and traditional in Manila, go caving at Sagada, try out some cocktails at Boracay while gazing at some spectacular sunsets, swim, dive, snorkel or chill out at Marabut, behold the indigenous engineering wonders of the Rice Terraces, visit some local handicraft shops, take a colorful Jeepney ride and see some historic monuments around the country.
Nature Lovers Paradise
For animal and nature lovers a visit to the 7,107 Islands of Philippines is a must. The Philippines abound with rare and exotic fauna and flora and the visitor is spoilt for choice.
Calauit Island”s game preserve and wildlife sanctuary seems straight out of the great African outback with 108 animals that are native to Africa.
The island of Bohol is home to the Tarsier, the midget monkey of the Philippines and the smallest monkey in the world. Those fascinated by the most ancient of existing reptiles can view crocodiles in their natural habitat at the Crocodile Park in Ma-a.
Marine Life
The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, the first natural site to be placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO teems with 300 coral species, 46 coral genera, 7 sea grass species, 71 algae species; large marine life, dolphins, marine turtles; and seabirds.
The Turtle Islands are South East Asia's only remaining major green turtle rookery and a vital nesting ground for the hawksbill turtle. Pamilacan Island in Baclayon is considered a critical marine mammal habitat in the Philippines while Palawan is home to the dugong or sea cow, the only herbivorous mammal today. Donsol, Sorsogon is inhabited by the huge, gentle whale sharks which the locals call the butanding.
Avian
Olango Island, ‘The Bird Island of Central Philippines,’ is a critical and annual stopover of up to 50,000 migrating water birds.
Pacem Eco-Park is a haven of over 80 of the country”s 1,600 species of butterflies and a number of native and foreign birds such as mynahs, owls, eagles, and parrots.
The Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center is home to the world”s largest eagle, the Philippine Eagle (once known as the monkey-eating eagle), the country”s national bird.
Flora: Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center in Quezon Avenue boasts of about 38 species of trees and shrubs, representing 2,443 trees commonly found in Philippine forests.
Bohol, the tenth largest island of the Philippines, is about 700 kilometers directly south of Manila, 70 kilometers southeast of Mactan Island. This picturesque oval shaped Island captures the imagination of tourists with its stunning scenic beauty.
Bohol has much to offer to visitors. A tropical haven of natural beauty, the coastline of the province is skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches.
You can find some of the country”s great dive sights here. Balicasag in Bohol is one of the very best and most popular dives. Visitors can discover some of the best coral reefs in the country. In fact the black coral forest is among Bohol”s main attractions. Cabilao is renowned for the hammerhead sharks that shoal around the clear waters, and if you are really lucky, you can find yourself swimming with a passing school of dolphins.
Wellness in Phillipines:
As varied as the country”s more then 7,107 islands, the country reveals more than usual wellspring of wellness! Welcome to the PHILIPPINES and experience MABUHAY!!
When in Philippines you will often be greeted with a gentle Mabuhay, which means good health, peace, harmony and life. This gracious and deeply felt greeting is a common practice that is a part of a bigger tradition, a way of life of people who are innately warm, friendly, hospitable and nurturing.
The traditional method of mental and physical healthcare has lived through generations and is now unveiled as a new genre of wellness in our modern times.
The Philippines boasts of its rich healing practices that are deeply rooted in the people”s long tradition of wellness.
Famous among these is “Hilot”, a highly intuitive touch therapy customised to the needs of each client in order to remove energy imbalance and thereby achieve a renewed state of wellness.
Dagadagay is a traditional foot massage using two bamboo sticks introduced by the tribal people from the Highland Cordillera Region.
It comes with a herbal foot bath as a pre treatment ritual. There are many such authentic Filipino spa treatments like Banos, Ventosa, Su-ob, etc. These services are being offered in many spas accredited by the Department of Tourism all over the country today.
Aerial Sports
If you've ever dreamed of flying, the Philippines is a great place to realize your dream. Skydiving, ultralight aircraft, and hot-air balloons are ready and waiting for you a few hours outside Manila.. From the air, the green land and blue seas of the islands make a spectacular sight. So stop dreaming, head for the Philippines, and take to the sky!
Caving: Some of the most spectacular sceneries in the Philippines lie deep underground.. Beneath the earth lie rivers and waterfalls, narrow passages, and vaulted chambers filled with a surreal array of limestone and crystal formations. Many caves are totally unexplored, presenting the ultimate thrill in adventure travel: the chance to walk where no human has ever been.
Surfing: The Philippines offers surf for all levels. La Union on the northwest coast of Luzon, four hours north of Manila, is easy to get to and perfect for beginners. Baler and Infanta in Quezon, and Daet in Camarines Norte offer more adventurous experience, with longer travel and bigger waves. For surfers seeking the extreme edge, the wild east coast is the place to be.
Trekking: It is only by trekking that one can reach places where crystal rivers plunge over dizzying falls and tattooed tribesmen live as they have for centuries. You will also see cliffs that tower above crashing surfs, virgin forests, clear rivers, mossy jungles, and cool mountain ridges. Only trekkers experience the exhilaration of conquering the heights of Mt. Apo or passing through the eerie moonscape of Mt. Pinatubo. These experiences, and many others, await those who leave the road behind, heft their packs, and trek the Philippines.
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