Things to Do While In The Philippines
WWII HISTORY
In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon, which revolted against Spanish rule. It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained prominence that would find its place in the annals of world history. Under heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered Filipino and American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the "Fall of Bataan" in April 1942.
Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 40 miles west of Manila which is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war.
Leyte and Luzon also feature World War II sites. Over in the northwest part of Palawan, both Busuanga and Caron are prominent dive spots for those who seek wreck-diving opportunities. Towards the end of World War II, the American navy found a fleet of camouflaged Japanese ships around here. In September 1944, more than 24 Japanese ships were sunk by the Americans in Caron Bay. Of these, 12 ships are found in within scuba diving depths.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
The historic town of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List in November 1999 because of its outstanding development in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. It also serves as a testimony to a cultural tradition which has disappeared.
The Baroque churches of Manila, Bulacan, and Ilocos Norte are cited on the World Heritage List because of their unusual interpretation of a major artistic style. Baroque architecture, which was the dominant western style from around the mid-16th century, reflects a life dominated by the desire to impress through exuberance and extravagance.
In the Central Philippines, on the island of Panay, is the Vicarate of Miag-ao in Iloilo Province. Its Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva is an Augustinian mission station built as a squat, massive fortress to protect townsfolk from Muslim invasion. Made of distinct local yellow-orange sandstone, the fortress-church took ten years to build, beginning in 1797. Miag-ao's church is "the most outstanding example of the peripheral baroque style blended with embellishment [from] folk motifs found in the Philippines," according to the United Nations' International Committee for Monuments and Sites.
AERIAL SPORTS
If you've ever dreamed of flying, the Philippines is a great place to realize your dream. Skydiving, ultra light aircraft, and hot-air balloons are ready and waiting for you a few hours outside Manila. The quality of instruction is high, and the safety records are good. 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!
BEACHES
With 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States, the Philippines can claim to be Asia's Beach Capital. Enjoy the warm crystal blue waters of both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Mention the Philippines and images of long, white sand beaches and bodies of water blessed with a variety of marine life come to mind.
Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The best of the island is the 4 mile White Beach, touted as the “finest beach in the world.” The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
From the mountains of Baguio to the beaches of Boracay, the Philippines is a perfect place for two-wheeled travel. The fat-tired bike is a great way to explore remote areas where few vehicles go. There are endless routes available, on roads and on trails, from easy day rides to grueling week-long mountain adventures. Biking is a rapidly growing sport here: clubs of dedicated mountain bikers are springing up in many popular areas, and competitions are common. The local bikers are friendly and accommodating, and always willing to share information and rides along their favorite routes. Baguio, Boracay, Davao, and Mt. Apo are prime destinations.
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 offers gentle beach breaks perfect for beginners. Baler and Infanta in Quezon, and Daet in Camarines Norte offer a more adventurous experience, with longer travel and bigger waves. For surfers seeking the extreme edge, the wild east coast is the place to be.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
The Philippines is to scuba divers what Switzerland is to skiers, Hawaii is to surfers and Nepal is to mountaineers: it is a place you must visit at least once, to get the real heart of the sport. The country is a veritable smorgasbord of world-class dive sites set in a lush tropical environment with all the trappings you could wish for. Statistics indicate that divers visiting the Philippines return for an average of 10 trips each which speaks volumes about the quality of the dive sites and the professionalism of the operators.
Due to the variety dive spots to choose from, diving is possible all-year round. Interesting attractions include clearly seen corals, diving next to turtles, whales and dolphins and seeing first-hand some of the best wreckage sites in the world: from World War II vessels and Spanish galleons to Chinese junks.
From scuba dives in strong currents and the deep sea to shipwreck dives for history’s sunken glory, the Philippine archipelago offers plenty of unforgettable and rewarding diving experiences. There are close to 25 shipwreck dive sites in the country. Explore the sunken wreckage of century-old Spanish galleons and World War II vessels in Subic Bay, one of the best wreck diving sites in Asia, as well as the remarkable wrecks in Busuanga and Malapascua.
The Philippines is a paradise of snorkeling opportunities. Take your pick from coral reefs, some of which have grown since the Ice Age; over 100 reef slopes; over 800 classes of corals; over a thousand species of marine life; over 400 fish species and over 500 fish families; and, the most populous and diverse aquatic ecosystem you could ever find.
SHOPPING
More and more people are discovering that the Philippines is Asia’s most inexpensive shopping destination, where you can get the most value for your money. Here you can find imported name brands from the West, as well as products handcrafted in the Philippines, from weaves, baskets, and brassware to hand-embroidered piña cloth, wood figurines, and all sorts of custom-made furniture, clothes, wedding gowns, shoes, embroidery items, and many other accessories.
CAVING
Some of the most spectacular sceneries in the Philippines lie deep underground. Almost every island has cave systems, some accessible to the casual tourist, others challenging the skilled spelunker. 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.
On Palawan, the world’s longest underwater river is located under St. Paul Mountain. A stalagmite formation of a lion seemingly guards the entrance. You can travel underneath via raft and marvel at the features on the mountain’s roof above you. RAFTING
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are the newest action sports in the Philippines. For decades, while adventure-hungry travelers flocked to the rivers of Nepal and Borneo, the superb rapids of the Philippines lay undiscovered. But that's changing fast: whitewater action is now available on half a dozen rivers in the Visayas and Mindanao, and more are being explored.
TREKKING
The best treasures in the Philippines are reserved for those who go beyond the end of the road. It is only by trekking that you 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.
Tagged as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Banaue Rice Terraces start at the base of the Cordilleras mountains and reach a height of several thousand feet high. The rice paddies are fed by mountain springs and streams that are channeled through the fields. This location is perfect for indulging in a lovely trek through the terrace!
The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. They look like giant mole hills and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. The Chocolate Hills consist of no less than 1268 hills. They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 yards high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. (At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make.)
WWII HISTORY
In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon, which revolted against Spanish rule. It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained prominence that would find its place in the annals of world history. Under heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered Filipino and American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the "Fall of Bataan" in April 1942.
Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 40 miles west of Manila which is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war.
Leyte and Luzon also feature World War II sites. Over in the northwest part of Palawan, both Busuanga and Caron are prominent dive spots for those who seek wreck-diving opportunities. Towards the end of World War II, the American navy found a fleet of camouflaged Japanese ships around here. In September 1944, more than 24 Japanese ships were sunk by the Americans in Caron Bay. Of these, 12 ships are found in within scuba diving depths.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
The historic town of Vigan was inscribed in the World Heritage List in November 1999 because of its outstanding development in architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. It also serves as a testimony to a cultural tradition which has disappeared.
The Baroque churches of Manila, Bulacan, and Ilocos Norte are cited on the World Heritage List because of their unusual interpretation of a major artistic style. Baroque architecture, which was the dominant western style from around the mid-16th century, reflects a life dominated by the desire to impress through exuberance and extravagance.
In the Central Philippines, on the island of Panay, is the Vicarate of Miag-ao in Iloilo Province. Its Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva is an Augustinian mission station built as a squat, massive fortress to protect townsfolk from Muslim invasion. Made of distinct local yellow-orange sandstone, the fortress-church took ten years to build, beginning in 1797. Miag-ao's church is "the most outstanding example of the peripheral baroque style blended with embellishment [from] folk motifs found in the Philippines," according to the United Nations' International Committee for Monuments and Sites.
AERIAL SPORTS
If you've ever dreamed of flying, the Philippines is a great place to realize your dream. Skydiving, ultra light aircraft, and hot-air balloons are ready and waiting for you a few hours outside Manila. The quality of instruction is high, and the safety records are good. 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!
BEACHES
With 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States, the Philippines can claim to be Asia's Beach Capital. Enjoy the warm crystal blue waters of both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Mention the Philippines and images of long, white sand beaches and bodies of water blessed with a variety of marine life come to mind.
Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The best of the island is the 4 mile White Beach, touted as the “finest beach in the world.” The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
From the mountains of Baguio to the beaches of Boracay, the Philippines is a perfect place for two-wheeled travel. The fat-tired bike is a great way to explore remote areas where few vehicles go. There are endless routes available, on roads and on trails, from easy day rides to grueling week-long mountain adventures. Biking is a rapidly growing sport here: clubs of dedicated mountain bikers are springing up in many popular areas, and competitions are common. The local bikers are friendly and accommodating, and always willing to share information and rides along their favorite routes. Baguio, Boracay, Davao, and Mt. Apo are prime destinations.
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 offers gentle beach breaks perfect for beginners. Baler and Infanta in Quezon, and Daet in Camarines Norte offer a more adventurous experience, with longer travel and bigger waves. For surfers seeking the extreme edge, the wild east coast is the place to be.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
The Philippines is to scuba divers what Switzerland is to skiers, Hawaii is to surfers and Nepal is to mountaineers: it is a place you must visit at least once, to get the real heart of the sport. The country is a veritable smorgasbord of world-class dive sites set in a lush tropical environment with all the trappings you could wish for. Statistics indicate that divers visiting the Philippines return for an average of 10 trips each which speaks volumes about the quality of the dive sites and the professionalism of the operators.
Due to the variety dive spots to choose from, diving is possible all-year round. Interesting attractions include clearly seen corals, diving next to turtles, whales and dolphins and seeing first-hand some of the best wreckage sites in the world: from World War II vessels and Spanish galleons to Chinese junks.
From scuba dives in strong currents and the deep sea to shipwreck dives for history’s sunken glory, the Philippine archipelago offers plenty of unforgettable and rewarding diving experiences. There are close to 25 shipwreck dive sites in the country. Explore the sunken wreckage of century-old Spanish galleons and World War II vessels in Subic Bay, one of the best wreck diving sites in Asia, as well as the remarkable wrecks in Busuanga and Malapascua.
The Philippines is a paradise of snorkeling opportunities. Take your pick from coral reefs, some of which have grown since the Ice Age; over 100 reef slopes; over 800 classes of corals; over a thousand species of marine life; over 400 fish species and over 500 fish families; and, the most populous and diverse aquatic ecosystem you could ever find.
SHOPPING
More and more people are discovering that the Philippines is Asia’s most inexpensive shopping destination, where you can get the most value for your money. Here you can find imported name brands from the West, as well as products handcrafted in the Philippines, from weaves, baskets, and brassware to hand-embroidered piña cloth, wood figurines, and all sorts of custom-made furniture, clothes, wedding gowns, shoes, embroidery items, and many other accessories.
CAVING
Some of the most spectacular sceneries in the Philippines lie deep underground. Almost every island has cave systems, some accessible to the casual tourist, others challenging the skilled spelunker. 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.
On Palawan, the world’s longest underwater river is located under St. Paul Mountain. A stalagmite formation of a lion seemingly guards the entrance. You can travel underneath via raft and marvel at the features on the mountain’s roof above you. RAFTING
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are the newest action sports in the Philippines. For decades, while adventure-hungry travelers flocked to the rivers of Nepal and Borneo, the superb rapids of the Philippines lay undiscovered. But that's changing fast: whitewater action is now available on half a dozen rivers in the Visayas and Mindanao, and more are being explored.
TREKKING
The best treasures in the Philippines are reserved for those who go beyond the end of the road. It is only by trekking that you 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.
Tagged as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Banaue Rice Terraces start at the base of the Cordilleras mountains and reach a height of several thousand feet high. The rice paddies are fed by mountain springs and streams that are channeled through the fields. This location is perfect for indulging in a lovely trek through the terrace!
The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. They look like giant mole hills and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. The Chocolate Hills consist of no less than 1268 hills. They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 yards high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. (At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make.)
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