Philippines-Ilocos Region-Ilocos Sur

In Ilocos Region, Ilocos Sur is where a many of the cultures and histories converge into a living museum of it’s past. It’s national shire and landmarks, museums, period homes and cobbled stone streets all makeup the timeless landscape of Ilocos Sur.

The historic town of Vigan is the best preserved example of Spanish colonization in Asia. With its architecture and culture it shows more than anywhere else in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Geography

Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is surrounded by Ilocos Norte on the north, Abra on northeast, Mt. Province on the east, Benguet to the southeast La Union to the sourth and to the west the China Sea. It has undulating to rolling elevations ranging from 10 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

Climate

It is generally dry in Ilocos Sur. It is dryer in the months from October to May. The Southernmost portion (part of Cervantes) can be humid and rain is evenly disturbed throughout the year. In the eastern part of Sugpon is dry with not a lot of rain. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least. For the most part the province is about 27 degrees centigrade (80 F), while the coldest is in the month of January.

Language

Filipino and English are the main languages used in the schools and for the tourists. The main dialect spoken is Ilocano while Kankanaey and Itneg are spoken in the local communities.

What to See

Declared a national landmark, the centuries old Saint Maria Church was used during the Philippine Revolution in 1896 as a fortress. Tirad Pass had been the last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces commanded by General Emilo Aguinado in 1896. You should also see Bessang Pass which was the backdoor for General Yamashita’s last ditch defense near the end of World War II.

Technorati Tags: Philippines, Iloscos region, Ilocos Sur, Spanish, mountains, Philippines tourist info, Philippines vacations, Pinoy travel tips, Teri’s Travel Tips, Teri Champigny

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Philippines – Ilocos Region – Ilocos Norte

Even before the Spaniards arrived, this region was well developed and known for it’s gold mines by Japanese and Chinese merchants who came often to trade gold with beads, ceramics and silk.

Laoag City is northwest of Manila. Ilocano (Iloko) is the major dialect, while English and Tagalog are also spoken here and taught in the schools. locos Norte is popular for its old churches and ancestral houses.

Climate

The province has two distinct seasons. It is dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Monthly average rainfall reaches 172.3 millimeters (7 inches). Temperature averages 26.8 degrees centigrade (80 F).

Getting There

You can get to this region by air by landing in he Laoag International Airport, located in Laoag City. You can get some scheduled flights to and from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Taiwan, and Korea. They also have domestic flights via the national carrier Philippines Airlines.

If you want to go by sea there are various sea-going vessels docked at the ports of San Fernando and Currimao. These tend to be used mostly for inter-island transport.

You can also go by land by taking a scenic bus trip starting in Manila (the capital of the Philippines) to Ilocos Norte, that lasts about eight hours. These are some of the companies that travel this route – the Philippine Rabbit, Partas , Dominion, Florida, Farinas, and Maria de Leon bus lines.

Ilocos Norte is best explored on foot or riding the calesa, the traditional horse-drawn carriage. This is a very unique experience in itself. Tricycles are also used for traveling short distances. Getting from town to town is a little more involved and would mean taking a bus, a mini-bus, or a jeepney.

Historical Tourist Attractions

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Built in 1892, the lighthouse stands on a promontory in Burgos, It is 45 kilometers (approx. 30 miles) north of Laoag City. This lighthouse still sends out signals to ships passing by the Cape facing the northern portion of the South China Sea. This is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines.

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

This monument was constructed at the foot of the Marcos Bridge to serve as a memorial to the lifting of the Tobacco Monopoly. From 1872 to 1881 it gave the Ilocos untold miseries as they were obliged to plant tobacco that was to be delivered solely to the government.

General Ricarte National Shrine

Built in honor of General Artemio Ricarte, a native of Batac and a revolutionary hero. He is remembered every July.

Aglipay Shrine

Found in Pinili, Ilocos Norte. This shirne is in memory of the most colorful revolutionary figure, Fr. Gregorio Aglipay. He stood squarely behind the oppressed people of God when he founded his protestant sect known as the Filipino Independent Church.

Natural Tourist Attractions

Ilocos Norte offers many natural attractions. You have Paoay Lake National Park – landlocked lake located 3 kilometers (2 miles) away from the sea in Suba, Paoay has an area of 470 hectares., Abang Falls – it’s falls cascade like the Hinulugang Taktak in Rizal and is accessible by jeepney from the Bangui town proper., Bangui-Pagudud Beach – it’s stretch of beaches in the two municipalities are earmarked for development as tourism estates.

Other sites to see are the Paoay Sports Complex, the Sing Belltower, Banguai Windmills and some special interest activities are Spelunking at Pasuquin Cave, Kayaking on the Bulu river, Adams and Paoay Lake National Park, Paoay, 4-Wheel Drive on the sand dunes in Suba, Paoay and Calayab, Laoag City and Trekking/Mountain biking in Adams.

These are just some of the spectacular sites in this region of Ilocos.

Technorati Tags: Philippines, Iloscos region, beaches, lighthouse, sand dunes, mountains, Philippines tourist info, Philippines vacations, Pinoy travel tips, Teri’s Travel Tips, Teri Champigny

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The picture below is called Lake Maughan, which can be found in T’boli, South Cotabato. Lake Maughan in T’boli is part of the approximately 50,000 hectares area proposed to be set aside as provincial park and wildlife sanctuary.

According to my friend Lloyd (who took the pictures), it has a first class national road, you can either use a 4 wheel drive or a motorcycle to get there, then about 3 hours non-stop walk (hiking) to get to the actual lake. He also said it is not advisable to go there during rainy season because of the slippery paths. (Tip: Rainy season in Tboli, South Cotabato is unidentified, so if you know anyone who lives there, I suggest you ask them about the current weather before going.)

More pictures below :

Photos © PinoyGetaway.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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Described as the last frontier, Palawan is dedicated to eco-tourism with stunning subterranean caves, unexplored dive sites, unspoiled beaches and verdant tropical jungles for trekkers.

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Uugong Falls located in Sitio Butig, Brgy. Bongbongan, Morong. It is a quite place to breathe fresh air and enjoy a three-in-one view of the Uugong Falls on one side, the Laguna lake on the other, and the town of Morong with its four century-old bell tower.

This is also the place where Rafael Pacheco, one of the internationally known finger painters, conducts his art workshops, demonstrations and lectures. He assembles scenes mentally then executes his art through his bare knuckles, fingers and palms.

I don’t really know the entrance fees and the cottage fees, they always let us in for free – Rafael Pacheco’s son is my dad’s “kumpare” and is also my Ninong.

How to get there : Heading from Morong to Cardona, a little before the end of the long straight road, turn right and drive up the hill.

Will post pictures later.

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About an hour away from where I live you can find Daranak Falls in Tanay. Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing site. A short walk over the top of Daranak are smaller, cascading streams known as Batlag Falls. It is located at Bgy. Tandang Kutyo in the town of Tanay. The place has been transformed into a public park/resort operated by the government.

I’d been here twice, but I don’t think I should consider the first one – we went there just for a sight. Yes, it is a pity to know that the first time I got there – I was already 17 years old! I am 21 years old now, so that’s about 4 years ago since I last been there.

OK, kill me – I don’t really remember what month we went there, but I remember there are lots and lots of people – that you wouldn’t want to dip into the water. But we were able to find this what we so-called “our little jakuzzi”, surrounded with big stones, running water, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than there during those moments!

We paid P20 for the entrance fee – we got there at around three in the afternoon, and they said they were closing at 5pm, I think that’s the main reason why they let us in without paying for a cottage (while my other friend said it’s really your choice if you want to get one or not). It might have sound weird for us not getting a cottage, but do you really think a 17 year old girls who loves to have fund wouldn’t do anything? Ofcourse, we get ourselves a cottage even if we didn’t pay for one! lol The owners don’t mind it anyway, we didn’t get a big cottage, it was located near the falls and I can truly say that we got one of the best spot!

How to get there :
From Manila, you can just ride a FX going to Tanay, Rizal. Then from Tanay, you can rent a jeep or a tricycle to take you to the said falls (we hired our friend’s tricycle and we paid him about 300 for the whole day service).
Entrance fee : prepared atleast 50/person. It’s been 4 years since I last been there so they probably change the entrance fee already – talking about VATS!

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A white beach resort located in Barangay Ilihan, Cauayan, (before Sipalay) Negros Occidental, Philippines attracts divers and the “jet set” crowd. It is considered a paradise sanctuary by most tourists. Below are pictures of the said resort found on their website – Punta Bulata.

With this amazing scenery, who wouldn’t want to get there?

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Bohol is located in the heart of Central Visayas. The island of Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. Bohol is situated 803 km south of Manila and 79 km southeast of Cebu. Bohol is known to the world because of its heritage, white sand beach resorts, natural attraction and world class dive sites.

Bohol is an island paradise in the Central Visayas region. Bohol is one of the tourist destination here in the Philippines. Bohol is an awesome beauty because of its natural attractions like the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, majestic falls, caves and white sandy beaches and crystal blue sea waters. Bohol is rich in cutural and historical heritage like centuries old churches, towers and historical landmarks.

Bohol is also popular because this paradise island is a scuba diving haven. It is known to have some of the best diving in the Philippines. These world class dive sites are very accessible from Bohol Island. Divers can choose between several beautifully covered steep walls, some with quite a lot of current. Diving in Bohol is all year round.

Diving in Bohol becomes better and better because some of the dive site become marine sanctuary. Adventurous divers can see variety of underwater marine life. The tropical crystal blue waters of Bohol is home to different exotic fishes and beautiful coral gardens. Bohol is a diver’s paradise and this makes Bohol one of the best place to spend our vacation getaway.

How to get there :
Flight to Cebu from Manila and fast ferry to Tagbilaran. Transfers to dive sites are up to 1 hr by road or sea from there.

Famous Diving Sites in Bohol Philippines :
Cabilao Island: Dive site in this island has a depth of 20 to 50m and the current can be fierce. This island is located northwest corner of Bohol and can be reached from Alona or from Mactan Island to the north. A lighthouse can be found in the northwestern tip. Beautiful coral gardens, gorgonians, crinoids and soft corals makes this site so amazing. Marvelous underwater marine life can be found in this site like schools of hammerhead sharks, wrasses, barracuda, jacks, mackerel, groupers and tuna. Drift diving is best in the southern side of the island where a wall of 40m descends. The wall is very beautiful with many gorgones and sea-fans hard corals. You will find sea cucumbers, sea stars and anemones.

Some of the beautiful and amazing dive sites in this island are Lighthouse, Cambakis Point and South point.

Panglao Island: This island is known because of the world class white sand beach resorts, crystal blue waters and dive sites. There are a number of beautiful and amazing dive site that can be found here in the south side Panglao Island and these are Alona Beach Sanctuary, Kalipayan and Bohol Beach Club. The coral gardens are spectacular and beautiful variety of underwater marine life like scorpionfish, lionfish, batfish, moray eels and sea snakes can be seen in here.

The dive sites that can be found on the northwest tip of the Panglao Island are Doljo Beach, Napaling and Puntod. These site are deep and the currents are strong. These dive sites are known for its steep wall and slopes. The gorgonians are impressive and there is a multitude of small marine life. Beautiful and exotic marine life can be found in here like sharks, morays, sea snakes, barracuda and jacks are common.

Balicasag Island: This Island is the best dive site in the visayas. This island is located 10 km southwest of Panglao. This island is also impressive and beautiful because it is surrounded by a coral reef that is good for both diving and snorkelling. There is approximately 400 marine sanctuary on the southern side that is truely spectacular. Walls, drop-offs and overhangs can be found at the sanctuary. Scenic view of marine life can be seen in here like soft and hard corals with anemones, sponges, crinoids and feather stars. Divers will also encounter barracuda, jacks, groupers and batfish. Dive sites in here are ideal for photography.

Stunning dive sites that can be found in this island are Balicasag Black Forest, Balicasag Fish Sanctuary, Balicasag Diver’s Heaven and Balicasag Rudy’s Rock.

Pamilacan Island: This island is located 3 km east of Balicasag and is also named as “resting place of mantas”. Marine sanctuaryu can be found in the northwestern side of the island. Impressive beautiful corals are form and in coral formatiions, you can see anemones, sea fans and sponges. On the south of Pamilacan lies the Snake island also known as Cervera Shoal. This is a sunken island with a sea mount rising to 15m. This island is covered with corals. Marine life like whitetip sharks, butterflyfish, scorpionfish and surgeons can be seen in here.

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The Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan: Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 1,844 hectares (4,556.62 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.

Trivia

* One of the islands was named ‘Rated K Island’ after a Philippine TV programme.
* The town Anda, located north-east of Alaminos City, is often called the “mother island” of the Hundred Islands.
* The Pinoy Big Brother had another house in Hundred Islands. It was located on Governor Island and was first used by the Teen Edition housemates.

Superstitions

* When it is your first time to visit the place, people believe that kissing the statue of Princess Urduja would protect you before riding the boat on your way to the islands

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Pamalican is a small island in the Sulu Sea Quiniluban group of the Cuyo islands, between Palawan and Panay, in the north part of the Palawan province of the Philippines. The island is set in the middle of a 7 square-kilometer coral reef. It has a length of 2.5 kilometers, and measures only 500 meters at its widest point.

The island was originally exploited as a struggling family-owned plantation. It was then purchased to establish an exclusive resort, re-planted with natural scrub and trees, and equipped with bungalows. The island is private property and belongs in totality to the resort. It is part of the high-end Aman group of resorts, under the name Amanpulo.

The island is serviced by a Dornier 228-202K plane flying from Manila, which is used to ferry customers and to bring supplies to the resort. Each bungalow (called casitas) comes with a personal buggy for free circulation throughout the island. The atmosphere around the island is extremely tranquil and secluded.

Diving activities are available, allowing for nice coral viewing and encounters with large turtles and rays. Several windsurf boards and sails are provided at the “Windsurf hut” on the north shore. The shallow protected lagoon there allows for easy windsurfing on a flat surface, and is especially favourable during the northern monsoon season (November to May), when the wind blows onshore.

About 40% of the employees are from the neighbouring island of Manamoc.

The resort has been nominated as one of the best island resorts in the world.

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