CAGAYAN DE ORO

Cagayan de Oro may very well be the happiest place in the country. The “City of Golden Friendship,” as it is sometimes called, is home to especially friendly and warm Filipinos. Their ready smiles are a fitting welcome, with Cagayan de Oro’s accessible location also making it the “Gateway to Northern Mindanao.”

Cagayan de Oro’s much talked-about whitewater rafting and river trekking make it the premier whitewater destination in the country. The Cagayan de Oro River is famed for challenging rapids that quickly follow one after the other. It’s really an experience like no other and well worth the initial scare. They say the wild river helps you discover your inner strength and endurance. Nice! Character-building fun!

Still not enough thrills for you? Make sure you visit theMacahambus Hill Cave and Gorge. Ask your Tourism officer about the Battle of Macahambus Hill, the first Filipino victory against the Americans. Admire the view from the 120-meter long Sky Bridge suspended 120 feet from the ground, and then take the 120-meter breathtaking zipline.

More action-packed fun awaits you at Jatico Adventures.A five-course zipline, ATV rides, and hiking trails are among the many things on offer.

Not to be missed are the Mapawa Nature Park for its waterfalls, trekking, and rappelling.

It’s not all thrill rides though. What’s a great adventure without culture and heritage?

Understand local customs and traditions at the Museo de Oro. Or acquaint yourself with the people of Northern Mindanao at the Museum of Three Cultures. and theGardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village for its showcase of tribal houses set amidst nature trails.

At the General MacArthur Marker, you’ll learn more about the role played by Cagayan de Oro in history and about US General MacArthur, one of the most important figures of World War II.

Admire the centuries-old stained glass panels of the GothicSt. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. While nearby, the tree-lined Gaston Park is a relaxing haven in the city.

In Cagayan de Oro, the month of August is synonymous with the Kagay-an Festival. This almost two week-long celebration has a carnival-like atmosphere, and is dedicated to its patron, St. Augustine. It’s a full-blast party, with activities such as agricultural trade fairs and a cultural street dancing parade and competition. The highlight of the celebration is the Golden Float Parade. Make sure to bring your shades! The bright colors will dazzle you.

Cagayan de Oro has something for the eco-tourist as well as the sports lover. So, grab your backpacks and head to where nature’s beauty will thrill you. This happy place could very well leave you with a smile on your face.

TOP THINGS TO DO

Feel the rush

• Hurtle down Cagayan de Oro River. Your white water rafting trip will take you past some beautiful scenery.

  Travel differently

  Take a zipline to the bottom of Macahambus Gorge to get to where the whitewater rafts are.

  Go on outdoor adventures
• Go whitewater rafting at the Mapawa Nature Park. Rappel down a waterfall. There are mountains, waterfalls and rivers to explore.
• Get to know the locals

  Northern Mindanao is home to various cultures. Get to know them at the Museum of Three Cultures, and the Museo de Oro at Xavier University.

  Golf away

  The Pueblo de Oro Golf course is an 18-hole all-weather championship golf course.

  
  

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CAGAYAN VALLEY

In a round-up of the Philippines’ stunning destinations, Cagayan will most likely go unmentioned. Yet this beautiful province is home to picturesque beaches, volcanic islands and historically significant natural and man-made sites. It may be devoid of luxury trappings, true, but it is rich in natural, rugged beauty. The traveler who strikes out for it (he won’t have to go very far, really) takes its richest rewards.

Right at the tip of the Luzon landmass, Claveria rests on top of Cagayan’s Northeastern shoulder. Head there for pastoral grassland, islands of windswept emerald mountains, ruggedly enchanting coastline and verdant jungles.

Cagayan has traditionally been a tourist stop for old Spanish churches. And its rightful claim to fame – the astounding seven-chambered Callao Cave. If you are a Catholic, you can hear mass within one of the chambers. No stained glass here, just a natural skylight!

This cave system is also home to the Callao Man, the oldest human remains excavated in the Philippines, dated to about 67,000 years old. Shell middens dating back to the Neolithic Period have also been found on the banks of theCagayan River in the towns of Lal-lo and Gattaran. These archaeological finds speak volumes of Cagayan’s significant role in Philippine history.

When inside the confines of Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape, make time for a scenic boat ride in Pinacanauan River at dusk. The highlight of the cruise will be the circadian flights of thousands of bats emerging out of the wilderness — a truly astounding experience.

Cagayan province is equal parts adventure and culture.

With a lot of centuries-old churches dating back to Spanish colonization, you shouldn’t miss out on some of its old-fashioned religious edifices. Start a day in Cagayan province by by visiting the brick-walled Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Tuguegarao City. It’s the biggest church in the area built during the Spanish era.

Take a glimpse of ancient artifacts, fossils of animals that once roamed the valley, and liturgical works at Cagayan Provincial Museum and Historical Research Center.

Offer a prayer at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat, a well-known pilgrimage site.

The Old Bell in the Far East is tucked in the municipality of Camalaniugan.

In Lal-lo, Cagayan you’ll find another archaic church – St. Dominic de Guzman Parish.

St. Philomene Church on the other hand is located just along the highway in the town of Alcala.

Don’t go home without visiting the quiet town of Iguig where the Church of San Antonio de Galicia is nestled on a hill, the only church in the province with traditional flying buttresses. Walk towards the side to meditate within the serene and scenic Iguig Calvary Hills. This area is well known for its massive life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross, strung along sprawling hills overlooking the Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan – the longest and widest river in the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Air

  Tuguegarao City will be your entry point should you arrive by plane.
  There are daily flights from Manila, weekly flights from Cebu.

• Land

  Tuguegarao City is accessible by provincial bus. There are daily or overnight buses from Caloocan or Cubao in Metro Manila. The trip will take 12 hours.
  Buses to Claveria will pass through Tuguegarao as well.
  
  
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BAGUIO

Baguio is one of the most famous cities in the Philippines and has been celebrated as the Summer Capital of the country for the past 99 years.

It was the playground of the Americans who built this city as their vacation spot in the 1900’s. It has since expanded, and now has a population of 30,000.

Today, Baguio offers a world of adventures.

Stroll down Session Road and shop in an ukay-ukay (thrift shop). Vintage is king in these places, so look out for branded items at bargain prices.

Looking for local crafts? The people of the Cordillera are known for their carving and weaving skills. The downtown market sells all sorts of carved bulul (rice gods) and the infamous Barrel Man. Woven rattan products such aspasiking (native backpacks) and baskets come in all varieties.  You can also see the carvers in action. Just take a taxi ride down Asin Road by Green Valley.

For some inspiration, go a little further and visit theBencab Gallery and Museum. Built on the edge of a hill with an incredible view of a rainforest and garden, the museum is owned by the National Artist Ben Cabrera. Ethnographic masterpieces in the form of spoons, pipes and bowls are showcased along with paintings and sculpture.

For a deeper look into the Cordillera life without leaving the city, Tam-Awan Village is the spot to visit.  Here you’ll find replicas of native cogon-thatched homes, and get a chance to meet local artists.

Burnham Park, Camp John Hay and Mines View Parkare places to hang out.  Hotels and homestays are aplenty such as log cabin look-alike The Manor and serviced apartment Gardenville in Green Valley. PNKYHome is a bed and breakfast you can call home.

A day isn’t enough in this town, so keep your itinerary open; you might want to stay for a while.

TOP THINGS TO DO

• Live like a local

  Visit Tam-Awan Village and take a peek at how the local indigenous groups live.  It’s like a little town where you’ll learn a thing or two.

• See the best of highland arts

  Check out the gallery of National Artist BenCab where you’ll find an interesting mix of ethnographic masterpieces. Lunch is also a lovely idea as you’ll have an enchanting view of a rainforest.
  
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BORACAY

Welcome to Boracay

Out of all the islands in the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose to name Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012.

Located in Malay, Aklan, Western Visayas, Boracay is just seven kilometers long, and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point – a postcard-sized tropical paradise.

Any iconic photos of Boracay you’ve seen are likely to be from the westward-facing White Beach — four kilometers of white, powdery fine sand dotted with resorts, shops, and restaurants.

White Beach is composed of three sections.

The northernmost section – Station 1 – has the widest beachfront. This has the best (and most expensive) resorts and hotels.

The center of White Beach is Station 2. People come here to eat, shop, and party.

If you’re looking for a quieter area, then Station 3, the southernmost section, is for you.

Because the waters off White Beach are calm duringAmihan season (November to May), tourism is at its peak during these months when the northeastern winds blow. Conditions reverse during the rainy season, when theHabagat or monsoon winds blow.

Bulabog Beach, on the eastern side of the island opposite White Beach, has large waves and strong winds year-round. This makes it a hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. In fact, Bulabog Beach is considered Asia’s top kitesurf destination.

Whichever side of the island or end of the beach you choose, there’s a room for every type of traveler here. Budget accommodations start at around US$ 17, and can go all the way to US$ 300 per person at prime resorts like Discovery Shores.

And because Boracay gets tourists from different parts of the globe, you’ll find a wide variety of food choices: Chinese, Indian, American, Mexican, French, Italian, Swiss —even Moroccan food! Fresh seafood is a given.

There’s no shortage of activities for you at this island paradise. Boracay has around 25 dive sites that cater to all levels of experience. You can go parasailing. Take a paraw(native outrigger boat) for a tour of the island. Go waterskiing. Or cliff diving.

After all the sports, indulge in a luxurious massage right on the beach or at one of the spas. Enjoy a healthy fruit shake at Jonah’s. Take a relaxing dip at the infinity pool of the Shangri-La Resort and Spa, with its mesmerizing view of the sea. Shop for shell jewelry. And when the sun goes down, you can head to any of Boracay’s bars for a taste of the island nightlife. Cocktails, draft beer, and imported ales flow nightly as live bands and pounding disco music entertain you.

Most importantly, don’t forget to soak up some rays and lounge around on the fine white sand that made Boracay famous.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air

• The fastest way to Boracay is to fly from Manila to Caticlan Airport in Panay island.
  There are also many flights to Kalibo, one may also take the Manila-Kalibo flight however, travel time is is 1 1/2 hours by bus from Caticlan.  Flight time from Manila to Caticlan is approximatelyt 50 minutes.
  From Cebu City, flying time is also about 50 minutes and 30 minutes from Tablas, Romblon.   By

Sea

• An adventurous but more leisurely and romantic way to travel to Boracay is by ferry from Manila to Caticlan or Dumaguit, near Kalibo.  Travel time is about 17 hours.
  
  
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BOHOL

Welcome to Bohol.

Hills that looks like perfect mounds of chocolate. Primates so small, they fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Restaurants that float gently down a river.

Head to Carmen to tour the famous Chocolate Hills – more than 1,268 grass-covered limestone domes that are nearly symmetrical in shape and height. The picturesque hills turn a distinct shade of brown during the dry season and give them a passing resemblance to a certain confectionary treat, hence their name. To give your sightseeing an extra kick, try touring the hills by ATV.

Another popular tourist spot is the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. Drop by the park for a rare chance to get up close to the Philippine tarsier in its natural habitat. At just three to six inches tall, this animal is one of the smallest primates in the world. With gaping eyes, miniscule proportions and a sensitive nature, the tarsier certainly has a quirky charm.

For a unique cruise experience, there’s Loboc. As you slowly drift down the Loboc River, you can enjoy a delicious Filipino buffet and a serenade from a local community.

The Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park also offers a zipline and an open-air cable car ride, both providing impressive aerial views of the river.

More thrilling exploits also await at E.A.T Danao.   Ask what the “plunge” is when you get there — and see if you’re brave enough for it.

Baclayon is a great stop for people who enjoy historical architecture.

The Baclayon Church is a well-preserved edifice that was declared a national historical treasure in 1995. Its antique décor and religious relics, some of which are on display in the church museum, date back to the 16^th century.

Baclayon’s main road is also home to over 65 Spanish-Filipino ancestral homes – some of which were built as far back as 1853!

Cap your visit with a stop at the Aproniana Gift Shop, which carries everything from local delicacies to tarsier plush toys.

Nearby Pamilacan Island has made a name for itself with its move from destructive fishing practices to sustainable eco-tourism and marine preservation. Most people head here for dolphin-and-whale-watching tours, but the island also has accessible white sand beaches, excellent dive sites and even a centuries-old Spanish fort.

THINGS TO DO;

• Enjoy a world-famous view

  Tour the popular Chocolate Hills on foot or by ATV.

• Meet E.T.

  View the small and strange Philippine Tarsier at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella.

• Go on a quick cruise

  Dine on hearty Filipino fare while cruising down the Loboc River.

• See historical architecture

  Visit Baclayon to get up close to a well-preserved church and ancestral homes from the Spanish Era.

• Go on a daytrip to Pamilacan Island

  Enjoy a dolphin-and-whale-watching tour, dive sites and white sand beaches.

  
  

  HOW TO GET THERE

  • Air

    The city of Bohol is mainly served by Tagbilaran Airport.
    Flights to and from Tagbilaran to Manila take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Domestic and budget carriers have daily flights.

  • Land

    It is possible to take a Roll On-Roll Off boat with your vehicle from Cebu to Tagbilaran.
    Check out this blog for an indication of schedules

  • Sea

    The Tagbilaran City Tourist Port serves boats plying the busy Cebu-Bohol sea traffic and major port cities in Mindanao.
    A fastcraft ferry ride from Cebu takes about 2 hours.
    
    
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