4 Suggestions of Activities for First Time Philippine Visitors

Philippines – an archipelago on the eastern edge of Asia that’s made up of 7, 107 islands. If you’re a tourist who just got to the Philippines, congratulations – you’re in paradise! However, if it’s really your first time, chances are you don’t know what you’ll do first, right? 

Planning your Philippinetravel ahead of time will free you from the troubles of having to wonder what to do, on the spot. If you can't think of anything, here’s a list of the things you can do in the Philippines:

1. TRY SCUBA-DIVING

Philippine waters are simply amazing and one-of-a-kind. One dive and you’ll see the wonders of the underwater world. You can see different coral reefs, and even shipwrecks from World War II. Always remember to wear your gear first before submerging yourselves in water. 

In addition to seeing coral reefs and shipwrecks, you can also swim with the sharks and other fishes as well. To better remember this moment, better take your underwater camera with you.

2. WATCH TWO ROOSTERS DUKE IT OUT

Cock fighting has been part of Philippine tradition for a very long time. Whenever you visit a village in the Philippines, you’ll oftentimes see people gathering around to see two roosters fight. 

If you’re the kind of person who thinks this is animal cruelty, don’t. This is just a part of Philippine tradition and has been around for a very long time.

3. ROAM THE STREETS INSIDE A JEEPNEY

If you see funny-looking vehicles on the streets in the Philippines, they're likely jeepneys. The jeepney is one of the most used forms of Philippine transportation. You could say tour Philippine experience is incomplete without riding this to get to another place. Better buckle up for a bumpy ride ahead.

4. EAT LOCAL FOOD

Now, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. The Philippines has a lot of food that you’ve never tasted anywhere before. Although some of the foods don't have local origins, you can see and taste that Filipinos placed their own special touch to these delicacies. Best to start with adobo before anything else.

These are just some suggestions for your Philippine vacation experience. You can freely follow all of these if it’s your first time in the country. But let me tell you this: once you’ve tried them out, you’ll want to try them all over again.

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!

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.