Mactan Island, Cebu City

Mactan island


Is known mainly for its fine diving, though the underwater ecosystem has been hit hard by "dynamite fishing," a technique where fishermen detonate dyna­mite in the water to collect the fish as they float up to the surface. Other than its house reef, the island has no natural attractions. Travelers who can afford to spend $100+ per night might enjoy being pampered in one of the luxurious resorts, that anyone on a smaller budget is advised to skip the island, as similar diving with better beaches and lower prices can be found elsewhere in the Visayas.

TRANSPORTATION AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION. Just off the east coast of Cebu Island, Mactan Island is linked to Cebu City by ferry and land. A bridge connects Mactan to mainland Cebu in Mandaue, a small area of the metro sprawl 8km north of Cebu City. Mactan's capital city, Lapu-Lapu City, is on the northwestern coast, facing Cebu. Beaches dot the east coast. The airport spreads through much of the island and provides service to Cebu. Jeepneys leave from the S.M.City Mall in Cebu City and drop passengers at the jeepney terminal north of Lapu-Lapu City. (30-45 min., every 20 min. 4am-llpm, P5.) From Cebu City, A/C minibuses head to Lapu-Lapu City from the lot opposite the S.M. City Mall (25 min.). Metro Ferries leave Cebu City's Pier 3 for Lapu-Lapu City (45min., 6am-?:30pm). Trips to beaches on tricycle require skillful negotiation (around P80). Alternatively, take a taxi from downtown Cebu directly to the beach (30min.). Airport services include a tourist office open M-F 8am-5pm); and a post office (open M-F 8am). Postal code: 6015.

Accomodations and Foods.

Maribago Beach offers unpretentious abodes by Mactan standards. It has access to the sea but no beach,. The White Sands resort has rooms, but its share of Marib­ago Beach is unextrordinary. Rooms at Club Kon Tiki, but rates are negotiable for stays over one week and for students. Again, there is no beach, but guests can jump into the ocean from a sundeck. All these hotels have restaurants of their own. Alternatively, cheap and tasty seafood can be found at the eateries around the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Punta Engano.

SIGHTS AND DIVING. On the northeastern tip of the island in Punta Engano, the Magellan Marker, built in 1866, honors the explorer's death on April 27,1521. The nearby Lapu-Lapu Monument commemorates the local hero. Mactan's waters offer several dive sites. Marigondon Cave is the Philippines' largest underwater cave, recommended for advanced divers only; Kon Tiki Reef is suitable for all levels. The waters off Mactan are home to jet-skiing Japanese businessmen as well as snapper, tuna, and occasionally, shark. Kon Tiki Divers, next to the Kon Tiki Club, is a top-flight outfit., nitrox dives. Open-water courses, advanced courses. The public beach at Marigon­don offers everyone a taste of Mactan, on the rocks. A tricycle ride to Marigon­don from Lapu-Lapu City and from Maribago.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud

A coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. According to the latest census, Pagudpud has a population of 20,385 people in 3,804 households.

The town is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles. Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy.

Pagudpud was made a municipality on February 5, 1954. Unlike Laoag City, the province's only autonomous city, Pagudpud derives its authority from the provincial government. It had previously been a part of the neighboring town of Bangui.

Highlights

Its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water makes Pagudpud a haven for tourists. Maira-Ira Point is also an emerging attraction with its secluded beach known as the Blue Lagoon. Access to this public beach is from a secondary concrete road on the north side of the Maharlika Highway just before approaching the Patapat Viaduct. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, a sea arch can be seen. Coconut trees line much of the town's coast. On a clear day, the Batanes Islands are visible from Patapat National Park.

The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 meters over sea level, is 1.3 km concrete coastal bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, it offers a scenic view of Pasaleng Bay- a view that leads towards wide and pristine beaches backed by mountains with breathtaking waterfalls Kabigan and Mabaga, along with the many cool, refreshing springs waiting to be discovered within.

Boracay Beach

Boracay

Is the destination of choice for most locals and foreigners alike. The white san ds and the cool waters of boracay is the backdrop to the hippest parties and events. They party the night away with great music and drinks coupled with a mix of fun-loving people. Tourist flock to the beach of boracay the whole year round. And it has become probably the most b usie st beach in the Philippines.

An island of the Philippines located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay is also known as gateway to paradise due to its natural beauty. In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world's number one tropical beach. In 2007, Boracay island topped the list of the World’s Most Popular Beach according to Yahoo! Travel.

The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

So if you are looking for that great sunny getaway then look no further. The beaches of the Philippines caters to everyone. We have beaches for surfers, divers, party goers, for families and couples who just want to spend a quiet time at the beach. Take your pick and visit Philippines today!

History

The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn't till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s.

Years ago, Boracay Island was a well-guarded secret, almost possessively so that only a few knew of its existence.

It was only in the 70s when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally "discovered" this island paradise. Others maintain that it was the German traveler, 'Jens Peters' book, which included rave reviews of Boracay that changed the island’s pace from that of being a quiet secret to eventually being voted as having the best beach in the world.

Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private travelers hangout and eventually became one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Geography

Boracay Island is located off the northwest corner of the island of Panay, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region VI, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.

South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.

Boracay's two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island's narrow central area. White Beach faces westward and Bulabog Beach faces eastward. The island also has several other beaches.

White Beach is the main tourism beach. It is a bit over four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. In the central portion, for about two kilometers, there is a footpath known as the Beachfront Path separating the beach itself from the establishments located along it. North and south of the Beachfront Path, beachfront establishments do literally front along the beach itself. Several roads and paths connect the Beachfront Path with Boracay's Main Road, a vehicular road which runs the length of the island. At the extreme northern end of White Beach, a footpath runs around the headland there and connects White Beach with Diniwid Beach.

Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach, is a secondary tourism beach and Boracay's main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.

Boracay is divided, for land use and conservation purposes, into 400 hectares of preserved forestland and 628.96 hectares of agricultural Land.

Accommodation

A number of accommodation types are scattered all over the island, ranging from luxurious hotel types to budget, spartan rooms. Guests can also choose according to location--Station 3 is where most of the cheaper lodgings are located, while Station 2 is meant for those who want to be within proximity of the bars. Station 1, meanwhile, is where you can find the more isolated accommodations, offering peace and quiet to those looking for a respite from the usual action-packed Boracay night scene. These are usually for the more upscale vacationers.

Boracay is the site of a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh. In addition, Boracay now has in excess of 350 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging in quality from five-star to budget accommodations, so tourists are sure to find whatever they are looking for.

Boracay also offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs that bop until morning.

Most Boracay hotels and resorts have Low and High Season price levels, with High Season prices generally coinciding with Amihan Season dates. Some have additional "Super" Peak Period pricing during periods of heavy tourism (usually including Christmas / New Year, Easter / Holy Week, and Chinese New Year periods).

Events

Boracay is one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour, with the week-long Boracay International Funboard Cup competition usually held in January on Bulabog Beach. In 2010, the event dates are January 25 – 31^[update].

The well-known Ati-Atihan Festival takes place each January in Kaliboon nearby Panay island. A much smaller Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated on Boracay, usually in the second or third week of January.

Dragon boat races are held annually on Boracay under the auspices of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, with teams coming from around the Philippines and from other Asian nations to compete. The races usually take place sometime in April or May.

Since 2003, the Philippine Ultimate Association has been organizing the Boracay Open Asian Beach Ultimate Tournament, an ultimate frisbee event, which is usually held during summer.

The Olympic Council of Asia has announced that Boracay will host the 2014 Asian Beach Games.

The Boracay Dragons, Boracay's ultimate frisbee team, is ranked #1 in the Philippines. They competed in Brazil for World Championship Beach Ultimate 2007. All of the players on the Boracay team were shorter than the shortest players on every other team combined, and only half of the team could afford to fly to Brazil. Nonetheless, the Boracay team took home the most awards undefeated against every other team until the final match in which they lost. Despite being second place in the tournament, the Boracay Dragons are considered to be 2007's most formidable Ultimate Frisbee team.

Transportation

Boracay island is separated from Panay island by a narrow strait. The island is located opposite the barangay of Caticlan in the municipality of Malay, Aklan Transportation across the strait is provided by boats operating from the Caticlan jetty port.

By Air

Two airports in Aklan province serve Boracay, Kalibo Airport in Kalibo and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (commonly referred to as "Caticlan airport") in the Caticlan.

By Sea

The western part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) passes through Caticlan, with car ferries from Roxas, Oriental Mindoro dock

ing at the Caticlan jetty

port. Several bus companies operate provincial bus routes from Manila which pass through Caticlan via the SRNH.

On the island

The two main modes of transport are via m

otor-tricycles along the main road or by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes, quadbikes and motorbikes, all of which can be rented.

To explore around the island's coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are available for rent. These are outrigger canoes and are common sight in waters around the island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat with outriggers either side and with passengers sometimes seated on a trampoline platform between the outrigger supports. These are extremely fast off the wind, but can be unwieldy for inexperienced sailors.

10 Reasons Why Philippines A Great Tourist Destination (Part 2)

6. Nice, sunny weather

I never appreciated the nice sunny weather here until I went to a country where the sun and its rays were not a permanent fixture in the daytime. Though tropical storms are also quite regularly seen (about 20 in a year), there are always sunny days all throughout the year. Makes going to the beach and getting a tan any time of the year possible.

7. Not too shabby technology = connectivity

Philippines is not the “texting capital of the world” for nothing! Foreigners who come to the country should better be informed that SMS has taken a new meaning here in the Philippines. Short really means short. Here’s a sample of a text message I received yesterday:

“hi, jst wntd 2 tel u dat m hvng a gr8 tym hr n baguio! wish i cn stay longer bt sadly, hv 2 go bk 2 work tom”

Translation:

“Hi, just wanted to tell you that am having a great time here in Baguio! Wish I can stay longer but sadly, have to go back to work tom.”

Yes, Pinoys do text in English, didn’t I tell you every

body speaks English? And by the way, “to text” means to send a short message through the mobile phone.

That is just an indication of how Filipinos give premium to connectivity. Technology is not bad here, with almost every establishment having its own wi-fi accessibility. The latest cellular phones, computers and other gadgets are available here, and the prices are not too shabby either. All these come welcome for someone away from home.

8. Entertainment at its best

When it comes to movies and entertainment, the Philippines is always on the forefront. Though we have yet to see a red carpet premier, at least we see the movies the same time as our foreign counterparts. Most major movies debut in the Philipp

ines at the same time they do in other parts of the world. What’s best is that movie tickets here are not so costly, though they have increased their rates several times in the past. A good movie will cost about Php 150 (USD 4) per person. Together with some food, coffee, a night out at the movies will cost you around USD 15.

Also, big names in the music industry visit the Philippines to have major concerts. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, himself visited the Philippines twice and left a legacy in the process.

9. Quality, affordable medical care

Yes, many people flock to the Philippines for the medical care available at a (considerably more) affordable price. Compared to other countries, health care can be had here at reasonable prices. That is why, many overseas Filipino workers (OFW) come home to give birth or get medical help. Aside, of course, from being near their loved ones, their health care insurance will go a longer way here than it would in the other countries. Many foreigners who once visited the Philippines also go back for medical care.

There is a recent trend in hospitals in the Philippines. Nowadays, hotels and hospitals tend to look alike, and both boast of excellent customer service! Indeed, medical tourism is fast becoming one of the country’s top

attractions.

10. Warm, hospitable people

Last reason in this list, but definitely not the least, is the hospitality of the Filipino people. I wouldn’t say much, about this, except that we’d love to have you here. What are you waiting for?

10 Reasons Why Philippines A Great Tourist Destination (Part 1)

1. Beautiful beaches, mountains, resorts, landscapes, seascapes

Whether you love the cool breeze of the sea or the serenity of being up in the mountains, there is no shortage of places to go to in the Philippines. Depending on how much time you have, you can travel up north to the burial caves of Sagada or south to the sparkling beaches of the Bicol regions, Boracay or Puerto Galera.

2. The crazy shopping

Shopping malls are a dime a dozen, and there seems to be another sprouting every month. Just when you thought you can’t have enough of shopping, there comes another mall with yet another variety of goods and wares on sale! From bargain hunts in Divisoria to the latest in designer fashion in Boni High Street, at least half a day should be

dedicated to shopping for family and friends, and of course for yourself, too. And that’s just in the metropolis alone. Each region has its own unique product, many of which are being exported worldwide. It is not uncommon for tourists to ship home furniture, wooden carvings, paintings, house decors, from their short trip or vacation. The best thing is that most products will be available in the malls (though of varying prices, depending on where you are), and there is a wide range of products, from the very affordable to the pricey.

3. Affordable prices

Speaking of shopping, visitors are able to bring home a lot because of the relatively cheaper cost of products, food and services here. Just take a look at the Big Mac Index published by the Economist, July 2008.

Not just Big Mac, but many other (almost all) products are relatively cheaper in the Philippines than in other countries. For example, a Krispy Kreme in London will be about £1.15, while it is just Php 30 (£0.38) in the Philippines.

4. Great food

Yes, Krispy Kreme, McDonalds and Starbucks can be found in every corner here in the Philippines; alongside with many other international cuisine. I’m not sure if the tourists inspired the variety of food selection or the varied food selection attracted the tourists, but who cares? The important thing is that they’re all here! Many buffet restaurants and hotels will offer a good assortment of Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, American dishes at the least, for around USD 12-24. Eat-all-you-can not for you? Not to worry, there are a lot of specialty stores from fast food (around USD 3-5 per meal) to fine dining within your reach, and they deliver, too.

Of course, we also have our own selection of exotic food. Fear Factor contestants have tried eating the “balut” (USD 0.25), and Bizarre Foods of Discovery Channel Andrew Zimmern ate “uok” and “isaw” when he visited. Like he said “one man’s weird is another man’s wonderful”.

5. Everybody speaks English

Very helpful when trying to haggle for prices, or when asking about what that hairy thing in “balut” is right? (By the way, it’s the chick).

But seriously, most Pinoys can speak the language very well. And if some of us can’t, we certainly try. In fact, in many provinces, English is the second language next to their native tongues, and Tagalog (as a dialect, which is almost like the national language, Filipino) is only a poor third. This is because English is taught as early as the pre-school years while Filipino is taught in the primary level. Though there are more than 150 dialects in the Philippines, it is not hard to find a guide who can switch from Ibaloi to English to Tagalog.