Archive for the ‘Philippines’ Category

Kawasan Falls

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

The Kawasan Falls is a popular travel destination when visiting Cebu or Moalboal, its located in the town of Kawasan, municipality of Badian, on the province/island of Cebu. The Kawasan Falls are not only popular among tourist crowds but also the locals go here for their relax and enjoyment.

The Kawasan Waterfalls is a three level cascade of crystal clear mountain springs, enjoy a fine picnic with on the background the plashing Kawasan Falls as you’re dining in a tropical forest, go for a fresh swim even snorkeling is recommended to see all different fish kinds hidden beneath the surface.

When arriving at the Kawasan Falls there will be locals offering themselves as tour guides, they can tell you about the history of the province, city and the waterfalls and help you get across the narrow paths of the rocky mountains. Once you have paid the entrance fee of 10 Php (about $0.25 US) per person you’re allowed to all of the three levels for the whole day.

To reach the first level it will take you about an average of 20 minutes. You won’t be bored during this walk, just the view and smell of the nearby river and tropical plants make up for short yet slippery walk. Right after the third bridge you will reach the first level of falls. Of course now is a good timing to take out your camera for some forever lasting pictures of the Kawasan Falls.

Now you should be able to enjoy the silence and food from the resort’s restaurants or your own brought. The popular bamboo rafts for a “Kawasan waterfall massage” can be rented out by one of the few stands. You used to be able to jump from the top of the waterfall but since fatal accidents its strictly prohibited. For those who are up for an adventure, try to take yourself to the next level of the falls.

On your way to 2nd and 3rd level you will find small local villages, mostly during day and evening time you will find locals here drinking “coconut wine” for 5 PhP (about $0.12) you can try yourself a glass. It takes up to one hour to reach the top level and the view is absolutely worth it. You have now entered the source of the Kawasan Falls, this is also where the water comes fresh out of the mountain. Make sure to not throw away any empty water bottles on the way for a free refill at the fresh water source.

All by all is the Kawasan Falls a true unique experience, if you happen to be close or wish to visit during your holiday in the Philippines, whether your current destination is Manila or Angeles City with Cebu Pacific Air you can fly domestic at discounted rate prices throughout the whole country. This airline is mostly used by Philippines locals.


These pictures date Wednesday 26th of November 2008 Kawasan Falls, Cebu.

Tags:
Posted in Cebu | No Comments »

Calbayog

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Calbayog City is a first class city in the Philippines in the region of Eastern Visayas. This region has land boundaries with other regions. Calbayog is located on the western part of the island of Samar in the province of Samar. It lies along the coastal region of the province. Calbayog started as one of the small settlements of the Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century. However it was officially founded in 1948.

Calbayog and its surroundings has been sited by the World Wildlife Fund as a global 200 Ecoregion. The region has many natural attractions. It has a plant diversity with 2.400 species of flowering plants. Tourists can enjoy beautiful waterfalls, caves and beaches. Most of these attractions are an hour drive from Calbayog The most famous beach is Malajog Looc Beach. The only museum is the Samar Archeological Museum. The city of Calbayog can be the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. There are a few pension houses for accommodation, but you can also just pitch your tent on some interesting spots.

Calbayog city has many industries to gain money from. The land is generally divided into agriculture and forest areas. Agriculture takes about 64% of the area. Major products are amongst others abaca, rice, vegetables, corn and fruits. Some 36% of the area are forest lands with products as rattan, cogon and bamboo. Most of the forest lands are gone however and concerned agencies are now in motion to save forest resource with reforestation and tree planting.

Travelers to Calbayog must have a valid passport, visa and return ticket. You need to follow general Philippine requirements. American citizens can stay for up to 21 days without a visa. Calbayog City can be reached by an overnight boat trip from Cebu or by a flight or bus from Manila.

Posted in Calbayog | No Comments »

Angeles City

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Angeles City is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It is a first-class high-urbanized city, located within the province of Pampanga. It has a population of around 314 thousand people. The city once was the home of the largest United States Air Force, Clark Air Base. This base was abandoned in 1991 after the eruption of Mopunt Pinatubo. Angeles City and Pampanga are also referred to as “the culinary center of the Philippines”.

The history of Angeles City is a long one with a great heritage. The city started in 1796 as Culiat and became a separate municipality in 1829, renamed as the Town of the Angels. In 1899 the Philippine Army battled with the American forces over the city. It was then that the Americans founded their Clark Air Base. After the Second World War the Philippines gained independence from the United States. Tourists can visit lots of historical sites in the city, such as Fort Stotsenburg, Founder’s Residence, Camalig, Santo Rosario Church, Clark Museum.

Angeles City is very popular thanks to its booming nightlife and entertainment. Balibago is the center of the city and has fine restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. It has a neon-lit Fields Avenue where tourists can go to bars, nightclubs and go-go bars. The city also consists of Clark Freeport Zone, an area with world-class resorts, duty-free shops, casinos and golf courses. There are no beaches in Angeles City, but many resorts for swimming. Adventurous people can choose for Mount Pinatubo Trekking, skydiving, drive off-road challenge.

Travelers to Angeles City must have a valid passport and visa. You need to follow general Philippine requirements. American citizens can stay for up to 21 days without a visa, provided your passport is valid for six months and you have valid return tickets. The best time to visit Angeles City is in the dry period from November through April. There tend to be typhoons from the east during summer and fall.

Posted in Angeles City | No Comments »

Moalboal

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Moalboal may have a name that is difficult to pronounce but the town is familiar to scuba divers near the region. The name means “bubbling brook.” Located 55 miles away from Cebu City, the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, Moalboal is better known for its two beaches: Panagsama Beach and White Beach. Unfortunately, typhoons have made Panagsama a beach only by its former status because it no longer has sand. Moalboal is not exactly a tourist paradise except for serious scuba divers. The population of Moalboal is estimated at 27 thousand.

The town of Moalboal is better appreciated by actually trying scuba-diving. There are no longer bars around to cater to clubbers. Better stick to Cebu City if you are looking for busy urban life. However, if you enjoy natural wonders such as corals, anemones and other underwater life, you will discover that deeper into weather-beaten Moalboal there are treasures that have to be seen by your very own eyes. For a great beach experience, you may visit White Beach and have a barbecue with friends and locals alike.

To reach Moalboal, you first have to fly to Cebu City. From Cebu, you can only take a bus or rent a van. Buses are, of course, much cheaper. You have to take the bus at the Cebu South bus station just like locals. If you are willing to pay more, you can rent a van just for you and your companions. Because of the tropical weather, you can enjoy scuba diving all year round. Temperature is usually in the low 86 degrees Fahrenheit or high 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you do have to avoid typhoon season if you want to make the most of your Moalboal experience.

If you want to visit Moalboal, you have to follow general Philippine requirements. You need a valid passport. If you are from the United States, you can stay for up to three weeks without a visa. If you want to extend your stay, you have to consult the Bureau of Immigration. If approved, you may get two months extension every time; the total period of extension, however, should not exceed a year.

Posted in Moalboal | 1 Comment »

Cebu

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Cebu City, called the Philippines Queen City of the South, is the capital of the Cebu province in the Philippines. First to have Spanish influences during the country’s period of colonization, it is now one of the most developed cities of the South East Asian country. It is the Visayas island’s worthy alternative to the country’s capital, Manila. In fact, it can act as a temporary reprieve from the chaotic Manila traffic. Cebu City offers both colonial architecture and modern buildings just as it can offer both preserved nature and man made beaches. Its 7,104.3 square miles is peopled with about 800 thousand residents according to the latest measurement.

Cebu City has been witness to several historical events that changed the Philippines forever. So when you visit, make sure that you see Magellan’s Cross, a testament to the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Other historical relics are also deeply religious, showing how much the Spaniards have influenced the whole country during the three hundred plus years of colonization. You may better get a taste of Cebu City’s cultural by visiting during one of its festivals. A blend of paradise and metro, Cebu city offers you not only a walk at the beach but eating at high-class restaurants, featuring a wide array of International cuisine. You like to go out at night? Enjoy your night out at Mango Square located in the center of the city featuring several discotheques as Auto Shop, Beat, VooDoo, Juliana’s and Pump but also bikini bars such as Vikings, Silver Dollar, Love City and Temptations.

You can gain entry into Cebu City via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You can also enter via ferry from one of the nearby islands; Cebu’s seaport is the country’s busiest. Inside the city, you can get around easily by taxi. Be wary of unmarked taxis and fast-changing meters. If you are willing to keep on asking for directions, try riding the country’s local public transportation – the jeepney. The weather in Cebu City is tropical, which means that it is warm all year round. Temperature ranges from 72 degrees Fahrenheit to 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

People from most countries can earn a temporary visa lasting up to 21 days in the Philippines. You have to consult Immigration if you want to extend your stay. You can apply extension through student visa, employment visa or investor’s visa status.

Posted in Cebu | 2 Comments »

Manila

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

The city of Manila or simply Manila is the capital and second most populous city (after Quezon City) of the Philippines. The city is located on the eastern shore of the Manila Bay just west of the National Capital Region in the western side of Luzon. Manila has a population of 1.6 million people.

Manila is a still developing world city with common problems such as choking smog, traffic and poverty. However, this should not dissuade anyone from traveling to Manila. It’s a diverse and excotic place for the adventurous tourist that likes to discover on its own. Also low budget travelers will be satisfied with Manila as travel expenses are cheap compared to the experience & knowledge you will gain during the trip.

Manila’s rich culture, exclusive nightlife and shopping center’s shall impress you, seeing is believing! As the city is still developing itself there are a few downers travelers should be aware of. Decent European/American food in restaurants are rare to find and there’s a lack of working ATM machines (ATM machines that do work, will only allow you to take out maximum of 10 thousand pesos about $200 US a time).

Travelers to Manila must have a valid passport and visa. American Citizens receive a 30 day visa upon arrival. You don’t have to worry about getting lost in Manila as the English language is widely spoken by Philippinos. The best period to visit Manila are in the summer months from January till April when there’s the least rain.

Posted in Manila | 2 Comments »