Asik-Asik Falls – Secret Gem Of Cotabato

What was once the quiet town of Alamada has now turned into a fast-rising tourist destination in North Cotabato. This is all because of Asik-Asik Falls, a majestic creation nestled among lush forest vegetation. Accordingly, it was accidentally discovered when the military conducted clearing operations in the area.

A beauty of such magnanimity would be impossible to hide from the public. Perhaps, the locals may just not be aware that Philippine tourists attractions of such splendor can boost the economy and will put Cotabato in the tourism map.

Asik-Asik Falls

You may not believe it but this wonder is unlike any other falls in the country. Why? Because for one, you won't see any stream or river uphill from which water flows and cascades. Therefore, it is not a towering falls.

What you'll see instead are waters gushing out of a spring that's covered by thick vegetation and dropping into a 60-meter high wall. The hard rock wall has a width of approximately 140 meters, covered with moss and ferns. From afar, it would seem like a green curtain of dripping water. So enchanting! Then below, a rocky shallow pool catches the water and flows into the Alamada River.

But alas, this magnificent natural wonder may be difficult to reach. The road going there is bumpy and once there, you have to endure a 376-stone steps before you reach the main attraction. Yet, once your eyes catch the awe-inspiring work of nature, all your efforts will be paid off.

How to Get There

Alamada can be reached by van for one hour and a half ride from Cotabato City to Midsayap. From there, rent a habal-habal that will take you straight to Asik-Asik Falls and be ready to pay a price. Or a cheaper option would be to take the jeep to Dado, then transfer to another motorbike that will bring you to the falls.

If you're in haste, the former is the fastest way and the most convenient as well. Also, for your own convenience, it would be wise to have one passenger only per motorbike. There are also jeepneys and vans from Midsayap to Alamada Town proper from which a motobike can be chartered.

And since you're already in Cotabato, why not proceed to Davao and wade in the clear blue waters of Samal Island? Be your own judge as to which is the most popular tourist destination in Davao.

D’ Bone Collector Museum – The Latest Must-See Attraction of Davao

If you're a travel enthusiast, you shouldn't miss the most recent one-of-a kind attraction found only in the child-friendly city of Davao in the southern part of Mindanao island. Where in the Philippines can you find a collection of bones from a wide variety of animals. 

Of course, kids will surely love it here when they see the complete skeletons of dogs, reptiles, horses, ostriches, a tiger, dolphins, even a 41-ft sperm whale. This museum, fast becoming popular, is indeed one of the beautiful tourist places Davao could be proud of. 

An Eye-Opener For The Situation of Animals

It was founded by a son of American missionaries now living in Davao, as he has married a Filipina with whom he has two kids.

Darrell D. Blatchley, originally from Idaho, USA, is opening everyone's eyes to the plight of animals and their survival in this world. He is doing his best to help raise the public's awareness on the conservation and preservation. He isn't limiting it to just marine and airborne species, but for land-dwelling animals as well.

For example, studies show that most aquatic animals die from consuming plastics. People who visit the museum will be reminded of how often our negligent acts can have a devastating impact on the environment. This where Blatchley's education and awareness drive comes in helpful.

What To Expect

The museum is housed inside a  three-storey building located in Bucana, San Pedro Extension, Davao City. On the ground floor, you can see several preserved remains – bones, skulls, even whole skeletons – of various species.

Horses, a deer, bears, a lion, monkeys, birds, a dugong, dolphins, snakes, crocodiles, butterflies, armadillo, whales and insects are some of those. There's even a Cambodian python which is one of the longest snakes in the world.

You may wonder where in the world did all that stuff come from? Well, it's from Blatchley's extensive collection since he was a young boy.

At a tender age, he received  a set of mule antlers from an uncle and that spurred his interest in animals as well as their skeletal remains. Other remains in his collection have been donated by friends and various organizations around the world.

So, if you're around, drop by the place which is open from Mondays through Fridays during business hours. Also, don't forget to explore other great Philippine tourist attractions while touring around Davao.

3 Off-The-Grid Beach Destinations In Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental is a province located in Northern Mindanao, and is blessed with verdant farmlands, booming industries, and pristine natural wonders and attractions. This area serves as the perfect staging point for those who wish to explore Northern Mindanao, one of the main towns located in Laguindingan, a town that's only an hour away from the capital Cagayan de Oro City. If you're searching for great swimming and diving spots in this area, here's a peek at a few of the loveliest beach destinations in Misamis Oriental:   

Duka Bay

Located in the laid-back town of Medina, Duka Bay is one of the most beautifultourist places in the province. At Duka Bay resort, you can spend hours scuba diving or snorkeling, and explore Gingoog Bay's rich underwater life, where well-preserved coral reefs teem with lots of marine life. Guests can also board the resort's glass-bottomed boats, to see the rich marine life, without getting themselves wet.

The Duka Bay resort also has 9 well-appointed standard bedrooms and junior suites and villas. Each villa has its own balcony, thus enabling you to get a stunning view of the bay and nearby surroundings. And the hotel rooms also have hot showers, which is something you don't see in other resorts.

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort

Located in Balingoan, the main jump-off point to Camiguin Island, the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort gives expert divers easy access to more than a dozen well-preserved dive sites in the Misamis Oriental mainland, as well as in nearby Camiguin Island.

The resort has a well-stocked dive shop with lots of well-maintained equipment, and it also has professional instructors for those who need to further polish their diving skills. The resort also has a restaurant which serves tasty local and international treats.

Agutayan Island

If you've already been to stunning Camiguin Island, perhaps you'll say that the Agutayan Island looks like a smaller version of the famous white island. Agutayan Island is actually a marine sanctuary near the coast of the town of Jasaan. Visitors can hire boats which cost around P1,000, for the 20-minute ride to the sand bar.

Like most sand bars, Agutayan Island is devoid of trees and other vegetation, but there's a cottage there, for guests as well as the sanctuary's watchers. The perfect time to visit the island is early in the morning, so you'll avoid the harsh heat of the sun at noon time. 

The reefs here are truly amazing, and you'll be mesmerized at the sight of hundreds, if not thousands of jacks, clown fishes, and other colorful aquatic animals swimming in your direction! Next time you come to Misamis Oriental, drop by the most popular tourist destination in Jasaan, and enjoy seeing the rich marine life in the waters around the town!

Life In This Island Paradise

Feeling tired and weary from the hustle and bustle of city life? Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a quiet, relaxing holiday? Try this new resort tucked far down southeast of the island of Samal in Davao.

Island Garden Resort in Purok 4, Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian District may not yet be among the top ten beautiful tourist places in Davao but, said resort has been reaping good words from its clients from near and far.

Located a little bit far as  compared to the other resorts in the island, this family-run business which just opened to the public in 2013, is fast becoming the favorite of urban dwellers, business people hooked to the Internet 24/7, and adventurous travelers longing to soothe their fatigued spirits.

Couples who have been there and have experienced life in the island were quick to say that its remote location and rustic ambiance just fitted their romantic escapades perfectly.

Indeed, this hidden resort gem has passed the taste of those in search of a serene getaway with only the essential amenities available - enough to satisfy their simple vacation needs. There's a bar and restaurant, amenities for persons with disabilities, shuttle service for convenient transport, and more. 

Things To Do

Guests can enjoy indoor games in the designated area, get a rejuvenating massage by the beach, indulge in water sports or just relish the wonders of creation by the garden. You could even get lucky to catch sea turtles laying eggs on the beach or get a glimpse of the hatchlings.

The coastline in this part of Samal is unlike others – no fine powdery white sands rather, kind of the  grainy and crushed corals type. Yet, this isn't enough to daunt you as you're guaranteed to enjoy an overwhelming view of the ocean and nearby islets. Though a bit rocky but just the same, still picturesque.

This is a haven for divers and snorkelers as there's a nearby sanctuary and some other fantastic spots that any underwater lover will surely enjoy. With less Internet activity as the Wi-Fi is quite limited, you'll soon be grateful to experience life in this secluded paradise. Good food with reasonable price, approachable staff with their warm smiles plus, the exhilarating nature will make you forget the life you left behind.

 

Going to the most populartourist destination in Samal? Don't just dream. Make it real. . . NOW!

A Quick Guide To Bukidnon’s Coolest Tourist Attractions

Tucked right in the middle of Mindanao, the province of Bukidnon is a mountainous region blessed with natural attractions. It’s Mindanao’s food basket! Here, you’ll find just about any type of fresh produce from pineapples to strawberries, tomatoes, sugar cane, bananas and more.  Even though it’s landlocked and the beaches are so far away, it doesn’t mean that you’ll run out of things to do here.  Let me give you a short list of the top must-visit and must-experience tourist attractions in scenic and lovely Bukidnon.

The Monastery of Transfiguration In Malaybalay

On a hill in Barangay San Jose in Malaybalay City, you’ll be surprised to a stylish, well-designed monastery run by a bunch of pleasant Benedictine Monks. The Monastery of Transfiguration is designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, world-famous architect who designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, and other notable landmarks and Philippine tourist attractions.

This lovely monastery is also well-known for making its own tasty coffee variant called “The Monk’s Blend”. The place is just perfect for those who’d like to experience peace and tranquility. But every second Sunday of the month, visitors can enjoy a truly tasty and delectable buffet breakfast with the monks!  Another place worth visiting (especially if you love flowers) is the Carmelite Sister’s Monastery, which is within the vicinity.

Del Monte Pineapple Plantation

If you want to get the feel of being in a really large farm or plantation, then you should visit the Del Monte pineapple plantation in Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich. Inside the camp, visitors can have their photo taken at a large pineapple welcome sign, tour the production facilities, buy take-home items at the Souvenir Shop, and feast on succulent steaks at the Del Monte Golf Club House!

For just 300 Pesos, you’ll get a set lunch of steaks with gravy, soup, salad and mashed potatoes with fresh pineapple juice and fruit cocktail. You definitely won’t find steaks as fresh, tasty and cheap as the ones here in Camp Philips.

The Kaamulan Festival

If you want to experience an authentic tribal festival, then the Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City is one of the many local attractions that you shouldn’t miss. The festival showcases the region’s diverse cultural traditions, and celebrates the bountiful harvests of the province’s different tribes. The street dancing activity is an eye-opening education in tribal traditions, because you’ll see the participants perform different rituals and dances, with each of them dressed in colorful woven costumes, ethnic head gear, trinkets and necklaces. 

Lake Apo

The province is blessed with breathtaking mountains, rivers and lakes, and one of the top tourist-drawers is Lake Apo in Valencia City. The 24-hectare lake is filled with cool emerald-like waters, and the nearby surroundings are replete with greenery and vegetation, while the scenic hills and mountains provide a picture-perfect backdrop.

Apart from swimming and relaxing in the floating cottages, visitors could also do kayaking,  use the canoes and pedal boats, as well as hop on a banana boat.  If you’re looking for place to stay here, you could rent the rest house owned by Dr. Alfonso, the guy who developed the lake for tourists to enjoy. The rest house is powered by eco-friendly solar panels, and can comfortably accommodate to as much as 25 people.

Dahilayan Adventure Park

For avid thrill seekers, the Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park should be on your list of top places to visit. Here, you’ll have your fill of exciting and adrenaline-pumping rides, from the 840-meter zipline which is dubbed as Asia’s longest, to the 21-station treetop adventure and obstacle courses. You could also ride the Zorb and do bungee jumping.

Visitors can also stay overnight in the resort’s well-appointed rooms, as well as dine in the various restaurants that dot the area. The park is considered one of Bukidnon’s (and the country’s) top tourist attractions. 

Philippine vacation – A Host of Breathtaking Experiences

 

We usually hear how the Philippines fulfill people's dream adventures. From bewitching sceneries to those astonishing destinations, technically, this nation has been swarming its popularity! Ever been wondering why?

For most of us, we tend to create an 'emotional attachment' to a certain thing or place. This so-called emotional attachment is perhaps one of the reasons why various Philippine tourist attractions remain intact within the hearts of countless tourists.

Absolutely, memorable places in a nation can truly wallop our emotions! It's unexplainable, a baffling collision of reality and imagination! It's something nobody can explain.

How could a certain country become so thrilling and exciting?

Enchanting Beaches

You probably heard of the famous Boracay or El Nido, haven't you? These are only some of the most captivating beaches around the globe!



If you ever think of experiencing the beach of your dreams, the Philippines has the whole package to offer.

Indeed, beaches here are totally one of a kind!

Mystifying Islands



Islands are mostly the star in every travel and tourism promotion context. But what truly defines a fascinating island? Is it the location or the features? Apparently, experts still couldn't accurately explain how these islands tempt our thoughts and make it hard to resist.



Perhaps answers are all subjective. It depends on how those places touch our feelings. That's how the Philippine islands work for everyone. It's beyond a common experience. It's something that an individual could never forget.

Popular Destinations/Tourist Attractions

I know that there are thousands of interesting places across the globe! The Philippines might be your bet or maybe not. But let's just say you're not familiar with the places in this archipelagic country. Well, if you just witness the undeniable spots of this nation, it would be your favorite! Trust me.



Popular destinations here include the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Palawan Underground River. Both are included on the top wonders of the wold!

Diverse Culture and Places

The nation is indeed grounded with a wide diversified land. You could be in a place in a busy metropolis or in an idyllic countryside. Every scenario has a different story. Here, each characters portray a well-distinct identity – everything is peculiar, in a positive way.



Evolved from a melting-pot of culture, this country characterizes both eastern and western influences. That's the reason why Filipinos possess remarkable versatility in dealing with every tourist.

So are you ready to experience a Philippine vacation? If so, pack your things now and be ready to fill your imaginations with one of the top tourist places in the world!

How To Get To The Hottest Philippine Tourist Attractions

With 7,100 islands comprising the Philippine archipelago, it's small wonder that countless magnificent attractions are enticing travelers wanting to get a firsthand experience. Certainly, you won't be able to resist the temptation of coming and seeing any, if not all of them. Consider such as your once in a lifetime event.

With so much to discover, so many delicacies to savor, countless festivals to join, you would think it's difficult to reach your dream destination when you're in the country. However, there are also several varied ways to get to the hottest Philippine tourist attractions without the fear of getting lost.


•    By just simply leveraging the World Wide Web, you can be 'there' in no time at all. With just a click on that button on any site about the Philippines' top tourist attractions and presto! All the exciting information completed with ravishing photographs will come rushing before your very eyes. Feast your eyes on vibrant real looking pictures at social media sites and it would seem like you're actually there.

http://www.philippinetouristattractions.com

•    Secondly, view maps and get driving directions. There are a lot of sites that give accurate pleasant view of the tourist destinations all over the Philippines. No sweat, but you'll get to your target tourist site without any delay.

•    Ultimately, once you're on Philippine soil and ready to embark on your journey, you'll never go awry with the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Yes, island people, even the ever smiling kids are just as willing to guide you anywhere you please to go.  They can direct you to the best bargain shops, the restaurants that offer the freshest and the cheapest meals, the cleanest hotel, and so on. They can even teach you simple common Filipino greetings like 'kumusta' or how are you in English, 'salamat' for thank you, and a whole lot more.

•    Next on the list are the travel blog sites that feature fantastic stories about travel experiences around the country and with vivacious real life pictures to enliven such stories more. You can spend hours reading from page to page and you'll get your share of the same experience once you're actually in the place.

Doing your own diligence will get you to uncover more exciting info about the best tourist attractions the Philippines has to offer.

So, come and make memories you will long cherish forever as you tour the most popular tourist destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.