The Philippines comprising of about 7,100 islands is fast becoming a tourist destination. Thanks for the efforts done by the Philippine Tourism Authority, thousands of tourists have arrived yearly and more are coming to see the beauties this country offers. Here are ten places tourists love going back to.
Intramuros
Built in 1571, Intramuros served as settlement of the Spaniards during their occupation of the country. It covers an area of about 160 acres. It had well-planned streets, churches, museum, plazas and the Governor’s Palace. Be sure to see these places when you visit Intramuros: The Manila Cathedral, St. Augustine Church, San Agustin Museum and Fort Santiago.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park or Luneta as it is popularly known is a very good place for relaxation, fun and picnic. This park is dedicated to Jose Rizal, the Philippines national hero, a doctor, poet who was executed at this site on December 30, 1896 on charges of inciting rebellion. The centerpiece of the park is the 1913 bronze Rizal’s monument where honor guards are on duty everyday. It also has a grand stadium, gardens, plazas, an open-air concert hall, an observatory, playgrounds, an artists’ sanctuary, food kiosks, restaurants and a light-and-sound theatre.
Baywalk
Baywalk is a walking distance from the Rizal Park. Here visitors are treated to different groups of retail establishment and restaurants offering wonderful foods and drinks. Add to that are the presence of chic cafes, open-air bars and food kiosks. A very nice place to have a leisurely walk where a variety of live music performances, festivals and other special events are hosted each day.
Mount Pinatubo
This majestic volcano that erupted in 1991 wreaked havoc in the lives of hundred of thousands of Filipinos. But that was then, today, Mt. Pinatubo is a great place to visit. Here, visitors can take guided hikes on some parts of its slope. It involved either days of hiking or hours of 4×4 travel followed by a 2 hour hard hike. You can also take a refreshing dip in Pinatubo’s 2.5 kilometer crater lake. Also avail are relaxing spa adventures offered by some town establishments around Mount Pinatubo.
Nayong Pilipino
At Nayong Pilipino sa Clark, visitors are treated with the best of Filipino culture. This cultural park located in Clark Fiield, Pampanga showcases the Philippines rich and colorful culture where scale-replicas of famous Philippine landmarks are all featured in in one spot. Tourists and visitors can also buy here items as souvenirs. Friendly tour guides added warmness to the fresh air and tranquil ambience that envelops the park. The park also offers, exhibits, shows and cultural presentations. Be sure to see the following replicas when you visit Nayong Pilipino: a replica of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a replica of a Barasoain Church, a Kapampangan village is shown in great detail.
Camp John Hay
When you visit Baguio, head up to Camp John Hay. This century old 690-hectare property that used to be an American Military area is now a recreational center. Camp John Hay which is situated 5,000 feet above sea level is the perfect place to go to get away from the sweltering heat of Manila. It has picnic grounds, camp sites, horseback riding and a world class competition Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course which span 5,001 yards.
Boracay
Boracay Island is located at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas. This beautiful island offers its majestic white, talcum-fine sand beaches with warm, crystal-clear waters. A popular destination of local and foreign tourists, days can be spent enjoying activities like the usual water sports or simply lazing on the beach. Nights are for indulging in party lifestyle in trendy bars and discos. The best part of the island is the four-kilometer White Beach where tourists can have fun with ssome sporting activities such as: Sailboating, kayaking and diving.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol is a great place to visit. Tourists who for the first time see these hills are totally awed and can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. The chocolate hills comprise about 1268 very uniformly shape hill mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. Be sure to take pictures of these amazing hills if you happened to be around the area.
Mayon Volcano
Famous for its perfectly shaped-cone Mayon volcano is found in Bicol. Tourists always added Mayon Volcano to their itinerary not only to see personally the majestic sight this volcano offers but also to see the famous Cagsawa church bell tower. It is the only thing left when a massive eruption burried the whole Cagsawa during the early 1800’s. When you visit Mayon volcano, be sure to buy souvenir items and taste the famous pili nut candy.
Camarines Sur Watersports Complex
Camarines Sur is now fast becoming a tourist destination because of the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex. Considered Asia’s first world-class watersports complex, this six-hectare complex has about everything any wakeboarder could ever want. If you love wakeboarding, wake skating and waterskiing then this is the perfect place to be. The complex also has a Clubhouse where guests can dine and watch live entertainment. Located nearby is a bird sanctuary where some Philippine indigenous birds that includes the Rufous Hornbill (Great Philippine Hornbill).
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