Feel Rich In Island Buenavista

Bet you've been dreaming of an unforgettable and most enjoyable holiday? If you want a brief respite and get away from the roaring voice of your inconsiderate boss, or just want to escape the hurried city life, head to the beach.

Luckily, people in and around Davao have access to these magnificent Philippine tourist attractions they can go visit in no time. However, if you're from out of the region, then, satisfy yourself with interesting blogs like this and feast your eyes on colorful photographs that look so real you'd want to jump right there in the blue waters. 

A Private Island Getaway

It wouldn't cost you anything to fantasize being in a secluded island paradise and have the place all to yourself, even for just a day. But, it would be more exciting if your significant other were around, especially when you're in a luxurious resort like Island Buenavista. 

Save for the trip and make it real. Yes, because renting an island as exotic and exhilarating as Buenavista (which can accommodate around 35 people) will certainly cause a small dent on your pocket. But, it will be all worth it. 

Things To Do In Island Buenavista

Imagine this – the crystal clear waters are not only perfect for leisure swimming. Rather, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, even diving all you want without limit.  Besides outdoor fun, you'll be pampered with mouth-watering buffet served at the Pavilion. 

Savor a wide array of great food from fresh seafood, to pork or chicken barbecue, grilled fish and other local delights. Quench your thirst with refreshing buko juice to complete your sumptuous meals. 

Then, when you get exhausted from all the day's frolic in the sea, sun and sand, enjoy total relaxation in the comfort of either the air-conditioned villas, open beach huts, and suites. Likewise, take time to dip in the kidney-shaped swimming pool. The villas having their own hot and cold showers will surely make you feel like you're living rich!

If you're a couple, the open air beach hut is perfect for a romantic evening interlude. In close proximity to the sea, you'll get a breathtaking view of the iconic islands nearby.

“Own” an island for just a day and commune with nature in one of the beautiful tourist places in Samal Island, Davao.

Merry-making In Tattoos And Masks

From Aparri to Jolo, the country has an array of fascinating merry-making that tourists should never miss. Why? Because these high-energy activities are a fun way to learn about the culture of Filipinos.  Any of these celebrations are worth the attention of every holiday-maker.

The Visayan region is no exception. Its dynamic festivals have drawn countless visitors, both local and foreign alike to the area that these are now acclaimed worldwide as major Philippine tourist attractions. Here are just two of them:

1. Pintados-Kasadyahan Festival

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Tacloban City takes pride in this important cultural-religious celebration that commemorates the Spaniards' perception of the natives when they first set foot in the place – weapon-clad warriors having bodies decorated with tattoos all over.  Their armors were said to have been previously heated in open fire.

The festival got its name from the very same people whose bodies were totally covered in tattoos – they were called the 'pintados'. The month-long event starts from the feast day of Señor Santo Niño and culminates on the 29th day of June. The inclusion of the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation, and the Pagrayhak Grand Parade add to the merry-making, color, pomp and pageantry of the event.

2. MassKara Festival

Bacolod City has its own Festival of Smiles taken from its own nickname as the City of Smiles. Literally a Festival of Masks, this is a joyous celebration of music, food and wine, held every year on the week closest to October 19th, the Charter Inauguration Anniversary of the city of Bacolod.

Holiday-makers from all sectors of society join the masquerade party wearing smiling-faced masks, colorful costumes, with matching peculiar accessories. They dance on the streets to the infectious rhythm of the Latin musical beat in an impressive display of coordination, gaiety, mastery, and endurance.

Featured in the activity are street carnivals, food feasts, sports and music events, various competitions,  garden and agricultural shows, among others, as well as the much-awaited search for the Festival Queen.

The numerous islands of the Visayas play host to an assortment of festivals that are noteworthy to all travelers. Apart from that, the region is likewise teeming with stunning Philippine beach holidays that are at par with the world's best.

Three Quick Beach Destinations in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago has some of the best beaches in the world. Bar none. If you want to truly experience a piece of tropical heaven in this planet, go to the Philippines! You'll never regret it.

While every province in the archipelago has a beach to boast, the best of the crop are scattered throughout the country. Case in point: the lovely, subtle beaches of Kalibo, Aklan on the Northern side of the province.

Whether it's a world-famous destination or a quiet haven amidst the tourist-laden giants, the beach options in the country is staggering. But let's trim the crop down to at most three, shall we? After all, all you have to experience on a place is one delicious stop, and you get the whole picture of how the area is wholly.

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Boracay

Dubbed as the premier white sand beach in the Philippines, Boracay is more of an entity now rather than a tourist destination. The island of Boracay is sprawling with hotels – from 5-star ones to humble traveler's inns, all kinds of businesses from tourist shops to restaurants, and it has developed its own unique, multi-lingual, multi-faceted culture.

Pearl Farm

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On the southernmost part of the archipelago is a gem called Pearl Farm. It's a beach and lifestyle resort in one. Its name derived from the oyster farm which produces fresh and sea water pearls. The place is nothing short of picturesque in a glance and in some of its most stunning areas, the place is downright cinematic.

Pearl Farm is located on the Island Garden City of Samal, one hour away from the largest city in Mindanao - Davao.

Kalibo

The province of Kalibo, Aklan is an entry point to Boracay. But for the past few years now, it is shaping to be more than its popular moniker. With an eco-tourism park to compete the ones in the glorious Palawan islands, Kalibo beaches are stunning in their quiet and profound individuaity. Think of Kalibo as the coda to Boracay's chorus. While Boracay has all the vibe, Kalibo has all the zest.

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan – Hundred Islands to Paradise

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Nestled in the southern tip of Region 1 on the Philippine islands is the humble Pangasinan. The province, touted as one of the top gourmet destinations in the Philippines, is one place to visit when in the country. With its rich culture from the Spanish regime down to the American colonization, the beaches and the world-renowned sprawling hundred islands, Pangasinan is the Carribean to beat in Southeast Asia.

While foodies die for the toothpick-separated, buli-hung Pangasinan longganisa, wanderlusts are hellbent to island hop the ancient, understated Hundred islands. Hundred Islands, Pangasinan is one of the top Philippine tourist attractions of all time.

Like the rest of the country, beaches are the primary allure for both local and foreign tourists, with seafoam blue waters and tranquil seas. Any experience in Pangasinan is never complete when you skip the thousand hectare-wide islet peninsula wonder.

Hundred Islands

The Hundred Islands is part of the city of Alaminos, a sprawling, suburban metropolitan situated in the northern part of Pangasinan. The city of Alaminos faces the Lingayen Gulf, opening to the South China Sea.

It is a cluster of islands and islets sporadically scaterred around 1,884 hectares of land area. The entirety of the Hundred Islands was proclaimed as a Philippine national park, with 123 islands on low tide, and 124 on high.

The islands are believed to be ancient coral deposits, which revealed a seabed of the Lingayen Gulf. The mother of the Islands, the Carrabuyan Island, is considered the opening point to the entirety of the national park. It is situated in the island-municipality of Anda, which is not part of the city of Alaminos.

Things To Do

Island Hopping. The Lucap wharf is the entrypoint to the Hundred islands. There are dedicated     boat tours waiting for tourists. Rent one and island hop to see little “mushrooms” dotted     throughout the vast, deep blue waters. As a national park, only three islands are allowed to be visited: the Governor's island, Quezon island and the children's island.

Sight-seeing. While only three islands are open and developed for tourists, the magnificence of the islands is not to be overlooked. Several islets are curiosly named, others thrive with     complicated cave systems under uneven terrains. The lush greeneries that top every island is a wonder of nature themselves, competing with the glorious forest systems of those in Palawan.

Where to Stay
Lucap point has a number of  rustic “kubo rentas” in the vicinity. There are also traveler inns for families or group of friends. The Governor island identically, has austere guest houses. However, when you want to experience both the culture and the beach, stick to Lucap point.

Best Time to travel

Summer months in the Philippines, March to June, is the best time to witness the islands. The sea and the greeneries are highlighted by the scorching heat of the sun, providing for a stunning, vivid view of nature.

How to Get There

Pangasinan is a five-hour land drive from NAIA. After arriving on the province, take a provincial bus with routes passing through Alaminos.

Foods to try

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan is not the only thing to see and experience in this magnificent place. The province is also a hub for exotic, delicious dishes like pigar-pigar,  de-boned Bangus (milkfish) in mayonnaise dip, and the Pangasinan version of sausage.

Places to Go in Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Picks

If you're thinking of visiting Southeast Asia but aren't sure where to start, it can be tempting to follow the crowd. Whether the crowd is small or large, there are places you can go where you and your family or friends will really enjoy hitting that one beach. Here are a few of those vacation spots to add to your list.

1. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines. One of the top Philippine tourist attractions for divers and nature-lovers, this World Heritage Site boasts a stunningly high number of marine species. One of its islets even serves as a nesting site for birds and turtles.

Try to catch a glimpse of he hammerhead and white-tip reef sharks there, among other marine animals.

2. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia. Another World Heritage Site, the 20th most prominent mountain in the world towers more than 4,000 meters above sea level. You don't need any special training in mountain climbing to try and scale the peak. The thinning air as you reach the top might slow you down some, though.

Asia's 3rd highest mountain boasts a biological diversity greater than that of Europe and North America combined, where plant life is concerned. Furry critters include three kinds of deer, the Oriental Small-Clawed Otter, and the Bornean ferret-badger.

3. Bagan, Myanmar. The sheer number of temples found here can make you think that they just popped up out of the ground. This counterpart to the Angkor Wat provides just as breathtaking a view, especially when viewed from the air via hot air balloon ride.

This is sure to be the highlight of activities while you're in the area, for kids and adults alike. Make sure to ride that hot air balloon at dawn or at dusk; it's hard to beat the hazy, gentle sunlight washing over these majestic stone structures surrounded by verdant nature.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia. What trip to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to this renowned archaeological site? It's part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the sheer size of which leaves plenty of room for the hordes of visitors to explore.

5. Vigan City, Philippines. If you're on a Philippine vacation, be sure to stop by this beautifully well-preserved Spanish colonial town. It's best to explore the city on foot, with it's cobblestone streets and European architecture.

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. 

Essential Things You Need on a Beach Trip

Basically, there are different climates in the world and the most common season to go swimming is summer. The Philippines is one place that you will always remember when summer is approaching. In fact, there are many beaches in the archipelago that is exciting and worth visiting.

Sometimes, we are going ahead of our excitement which most of the time results to a terrible vacation. Since planning for a family beach vacation is sometimes tiresome, having a packing list is very necessary to avoid awful scenarios to happen. Usually, we are not required to bring a lot on a beach trip but to be safe, bringing extras is recommended.

Even if we know our destination, we still cannot predict what will happen. So, it is best to prepare all the important things needed for the trip.

•     Gallons of Purified Water – Some family beach vacation destinations don't have safe water to drink. Therefore, water must be brought to prevent diseases. On the other hand, even if there's potable water in the place, you also need bring your own to assure that your water is safe to drink.
  
  
  
•     Sunscreens – Since we all know that summer is a hot season and the temperature of the sun in this period of time is enough to burn your skin, having a suitable sunscreen must be on your list. Most of the time, we are not aware of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level of the sunscreens and this is one reason why many of us still acquires sunburn after a long exposure of the body to the sun. Thus, selecting the exact SPF level for the skin is important.
  
  
  
  
•     Umbrella – It is a common thing to bring umbrella but it is a very significant object that can protect us from heat stroke.
  
  
  
  
•     Whistle – This is among the best things that should be brought during family beach vacations especially when you are with toddlers. Many kids are strayed because of the crowded resorts but when they have whistles with them, finding them is easier.
  
  
  
  
  
•     Blanket – This must be brought because the temperature near the beach will freeze you to death. Actually, bringing of blanket is a very good idea because there are a lot of things you can do. One thing is that you can use it for picnics.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
•     Extra Clothes – Of all the things that should be brought, extra clothes must be included in the list. After dipping at one of the Philippine tourist attractions, you will definitely dress another clothing to feel fresh.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
•     Speakers – Sometimes music equipment rentals are very expensive. In order to save cash, bringing of speakers for gadgets like iPods and MP3's is very important.
  
  
  
•     Entertaining things – To be particular, bringing of balls for volleyball, football and basketball is suggested. Also, frisbees and other beach sports which require equipment must be brought. This also adds fun to your beach vacation.
  
  
  
  
  
•     First aid kit – This is one thing that should always be remembered and should always be on the list. As mentioned, you cannot predict when accidents would come.
  
  
  
  
•     Flip-flops – Flip-flops have many uses. You can plunge it into the sea or walk it into a rocky mountain. For whatever climate or what areas you will be visiting, having this multi-purpose footwear will make you comfortable.
  
  
  
  

•     Sunglasses – Looking on the sun without wearing protective sunglasses can temporarily or permanently make a person blind. It's a handy thing and can be carried in any parts of your body. Therefore, there's no way that you'll forget this.

Most importantly, do not forget to bring cash when visiting the enchanting and fascinating Philippine tourist attractions. So, in the next beach vacation, take time to make a check list and to make sure that you haven't forgotten one, double-check the things in your bag to have a fulfilling trip.