Aklan is one of the four provinces in the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region. Classified as a first class province, Aklan mainly depends on agriculture but tourism undoubtedly also drives its economy. Kalibo, the provincial capital, is home to one of the most famous festivals in the country, the Ati-Atihan. People flock to witness its grand celebration every third Sunday of January in honor of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). It is also where the world-renowned white sand beach of Boracay can be found.
Batanes is a group of small islands at the northernmost part of the Philippines. It is well-known for its people, the Ivatans who are genuinely kind and helpful, its towering lighthouses, Spanish-influenced stone houses, century-old churches and exquisite panoramas. It is the smallest province in the Philippines, yet it is the hardest to reach not just because of its distance but also of the exorbitant flight cost associated with visiting this dream destination. The high price tag was an advantage to the province and its people for they were able to control the travelers thus preserving its cultural heritage as well as its natural and man-made wonders.
Batangas is one of the oldest provinces in the Philippines, having the Heritage Town of Taal and numerous century-old churches as proof. It has the second largest seaport in the country and it is the gateway to the other southernmost provinces in the Philippines.
The proximity of Batangas from Manila had made it as one of the best choices to quickly escape the hectic life in the city. Nasugbu, Calatagan, Laiya, San Juan, Anilao, Tingloy and Bauan top the list of places in Batangas that have nice beaches and astonishing underwater world. You may find its clear blue waters hard to resist.
Its terrain is also mountainous. It is where Taal Volcano, one of the world’s smallest volcanoes can be found. Also, some of the minor climbs that are best for newbie hikers are spread among the municipalities of Cuenca (Mt. Maculot), Nasugbu (Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Batulao), Sto. Tomas (Mt. Manabu), San Juan (Mt. Daguldul), Anilao (Mt. Gulugod Baboy a.k.a. Mt. Pinagbanderahan) and Tingloy (Mt. Mag-Asawang Bato) to name a few.
When someone from the metro hears of Capiz, most would think of the supernatural urban myths that have been connected to its name, myself included. But that was then, not until I’ve read other blogs and have been properly informed and made aware. Moreover, all those negative impressions have been replaced with nothing but wonder and high regard when I’ve set foot on it’s capital, Roxas City. Roxas City, is an emerging economic city, 460 kilometers southeast of Manila. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” supplying the nation with most of the freshest seafood.
An island in the southern part of the Philippines that is rich in history and culture. With the arrival of Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it became the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines. The capital Cebu City was the oldest city and first capital of the Philippines. Cebu celebrates one of the biggest and brightest festival’s in the country, the Sinulog Festival every 3rd week of January.
Hailed as the “Queen City of the South”. Over the years, it has been a major focal point in the region’s trade and industry. Cebu has been much-admired due to its fast-growing economy and premier educational system. It is also home to the famous Cebu Lechon, which was once dubbed by Anthony Bourdain as “The Best Pig Ever”.
The island stretches 196 kms long and is divided in 2 regions, North and South. The northern part is for the laid-back wanderer where you can find most of the pristine white sand beaches. While the southern part is for the adventurous traveler, go climb a mountain, chase waterfalls, get exhausted and have fun at the same time while doing canyoneering.
Covering the central and eastern portion of Panay Island is the province of Iloilo. It is the largest among the four provinces in terms of land area and population. To the south, the province is dotted with Spanish colonial churches including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miagao Church. To the north, it has a strong fishing economy aside from its flourishing tourism industry. The Ilonggos are known for being gentle especially in their tone when they speak. Every 4th Sunday of January, Iloilo celebrates yet another popular religious festival in the Philippines known as the Dinagyang Festival.
Laguna is a place of history, evidently seen in the old structures that were built since the Spanish era like the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, red brick church of Liliw and the Ancestral Houses in Pila. Being at the foot of several mountains, it is home to a number of stunning bodies of waters tucked in the heart of the forest. There’s the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Kilangin/Bukal Falls in Liliw/Majayjay, Bunga Twin Falls in Nagcarlan, Hulugan Falls of Luisiana and a whole lot more.
However, since most people are far more inclined toward beaches in farther destinations we tend to pay no heed to places that are closer but are packed with remarkably picturesque locations. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on those wheels and take a joyride to this scenic and historic place that is Laguna.
Palawan has been recognized as one of the best islands in the world for quite a number of times now. Its turquoise clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, limestone cliffs and limestone rock islands leave everyone who has been to this paradise in astonishment. Its abundant underwater treasures of coral reefs, World War II ship wrecks are perfect for snorkeling and diving. But it doesn’t just end there, Palawan also boasts of untapped waterfalls tucked deep in its forests as well as diverse flora and fauna endemic to the province. Visit Palawan and be amazed too.
To many people, Romblon has been more popularly known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines” due to the abundance of high quality marble that can be found in the province. Not until a few years back, when stunning photos of pristine white sand beaches surfaced all over the net that it started to get noticed as a must-see travel destination. However, long before the social media boom, mountain climbers frequent the island of Sibuyan to summit Romblon’s highest peak, Mt. Guiting-Guiting. It is considered as one of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines with difficulty level of 9/9.
Amidst the highly urbanized city of San Juan in Puerto Rico still lies the walled city of Old San Juan. Travel back in time as you walk on its blue cobblestone streets, colorful flat-roofed buildings made up of bricks and stones. Enter the historic fortresses with colossal walls that defended the city in numerous attacks a few hundred years ago. Today, Old San Juan is a must-see tourist destination when in Puerto Rico.
St. Maarten (Sint Martin) is a tiny island country situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea that is a shared colony of two different nations, France and The Netherlands. An absolute haven for someone who loves the beach as it has 37 beaches surrounding the whole island. It is warm and sunny all year round, the perfect weather to take pleasure in diving, snorkeling, catamaran sailing or any of their watersports activities. This melting pot of cultures is one of the most favored vacation destinations in the region.
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