TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES

Philippines is an archipelagic country made up of 7,107 islands. The country has various tourist attraction sites and activities including beaches, mountains, islands, forests and historical and cultural heritage. In 2013, the total number of tourists was 4.68 million, an improvement from the previous years.

Top Five Tourist Attraction Sites in the Philippines.

Manilla

Authentic colonial churches, postmodern shopping and entertainment, the UNESCO San Augustin church in Intramuros, Rizal Park, local fiestas and fetes and the nightlife are just but a few features of this city. Manilla is most suitable for people who are not looking for a laid back experience.

There are various religious festivities going on during most days given the frequent fiestas of Patron Saints, the Flores de Mayo month (May. Shopping activities peak in the Christmas season especially in the Divisioria market.

You can also watch live stage performances at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. Manilla is simply one great city of maximum fun experiences that you should consider visiting.

Boracoy

Famous for its long white sands, Boracoy is a must go for anyone seeking a fun unending time. Beautiful beaches, the sea and sand are its serene features. The nightlife and almost 24/7 partying are its wild fun lures. There are a numerous number of bars (such as the Cocomangas and Juice)with live tribal music performances.

Boracoy has a water outlet that allows for scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing. It also has relaxing spas and budget, medium and high range accommodation and hotels offering a wide variety of international and local cuisines.

Bohol

This province is famous for the Philippine Tarsier (the smallest primate in the world) that can be found hanging in the tree branches along the Loboc River and the Chocolate Mountains. The Loboc River’s green waters and waterfalls are also becomingtourist stop overs for lunch cruises.

The Baclayon Church, located in Bohol is the second oldest church in the Philippines tours and a great place for history and antique lovers.

Bohol is also known for its white sand beaches (such as the Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach), massive coral reefs, dive bases at Alona beach and dolphin and whale watching at Pamilacan and Balicasag.

Cebu

Capital of the Visayas and the second biggest city in the country with a population of about 2.4 million people. Consists of the main Island itself and 167 surrounding islands and islets.

Cebu offers various outdoor activities such as Parasailing, scuba diving, mountain climbing at Central Cebu Mountain and camping in the nature parks -ideal for family and group vacations. The Sky Experience Adventure at Crown Regency is simply an amusement park of its own kind that you don’t want to miss and cannot find elsewhere.

A wide range of dishes and shopping centers are also available in plenty. To experience Cebu’s culture and festivities, you should probably visit on the third week of January for the Sinulug, a festival that honors the baby Jesus.

Cebu is equipped with hotels and resorts covering the entire budget range and has an active nightlife.

Baguio

Located in the mountains of Benguit Province that provides a tranquil cool climate.

The Panagbenga Festival brings together photographers, flower enthusiasts and tourists in February. The Mines View Park is a must visit during summer mornings which you then follow up with a visit to the Good Shepherd Convent and have a taste of their famous Ube Jam.

In Baguio you get hot springs, swimming pools, beautiful unique crafts such as wood carvings,beautiful localcloth and accessories. The Tamawan Village has an art gallery and you can have your portrait sketched at a fee.