Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands and islets. There is an assortment of things to do for everybody. For the scuba diver, snorkeler, or the underwater photographer the coral reefs and marine fauna are a delight. There are volcanic peaks, rain forests, caves, underground rivers, nature reserves, and a wealth of plant life that calls the mountain climber, botanist, hiker, or nature lover to come and explore.
On Boracay, an island resort off the northwestern tip of Panay Island, there is the whitest sand in the country. On this island you can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. This area has fabulous coral formations and reef fish. For the adventurous, you are able to stay in simple bamboo huts. If this isn't to your liking they have five-star accommodations available.
The canoeist can shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan about 43 miles southeast of Manila. This is where they filmed the movie Apocalypse Now. If you want to explore caves, the place for you would be Sabang's Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park in Palawan. You can explore an underground river which is a five-mile long network of caves.
In Angeles, several travel agents offer tours to Mount Pinatubo which erupted in 1991. The landscape after this eruption is amazing. You're able to walk among the ravines, or drive up in a jeep. In southeast Luzon you can climb Mount Mayon. Many describe Mount Mayan as the perfect volcanic cone. The volcano is 8,075 feet high and takes two days to climb. You're able to find guides in Legaspi.
Along the eastern coast of Luzon there are wonderful opportunities for the hiker. The hiker shouldn't miss a chance to trek through the rice terraces around Banaue and Batad. If you want to escape motorized travel, there is nothing better than walking on Batan Island or Lubang. The horse cart is the primary means of transport. Most of the people get around on bicycle or on foot.
The wildlife enthusiast will want to visit Calauit Island. On this island there is a wildlife sanctuary that has been breeding African animals successfully for over twenty years.
Bohol is an island that few would want to miss. Most come to Bohol to see the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills are about 1268 small natural hills that range from 60 to 165 feet in height. They dominate the landscape for miles around. In the summer months the grass covering the hills dries out, turning them into a 'Chocolate' brown color, which is where the name of the hills comes from.
One of the greatest natural wonders of the Philippines is the people. The Filipino people that you meet love to smile, joke, laugh, and make friends of the traveler. The Filipino prefers to be in the company of other people nearly everywhere you go. Most of the Filipino people speak English and are ready to speak with you. So, if you feel the most important travel experience is to make friends and learn about people, the Philippines is the country for you.
Shopping can be a grand experience in the Philippines. Some of the items available are fabrics, handmade clothes, abaca and raffia rugs. Also available are fiber cloth, capiz ware made from shells, embroidered cotton table linen, guitars, cutlery, cigars, paintings, tribal wood carvings, cane furniture, and the barong tagalog shirt (a men's shirt worn everyplace, day and night). When you go shopping the sellers will expect you to haggle for the goods you want to buy. Bargaining is expected in the markets and is enjoyable. You are able to get some bargains and have a great time doing it.
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