Luzn
Luzn is the largest and northernmost of the main islands. The landscape is made up of mountainous regions in the north, an area in the interior, the lakes and volcanoes of the northern peninsula and the coast with its coves and sand bars together.
Manila
Manila is located on the east coast and is the capital and the hub of the nation. Intramuros, the old city was once completely surrounded by a massive city wall, which, despite the heavy fighting of the second World War II is still preserved in part. Do not miss the San Agustin Church, the American cemetery, and the Coconut Palace in Manila Cathedral, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the 2000 sq km large port and the ruins of Fort Santiago. Chinatown, Chinatown, located outside the city walls in the district of Binondo. In Luneta (Rizal-or) is the Rizal Memorial Park. The city has several museums where you can get an insight into the history, culture, anthropology, art and other aspects of the country.
Las Pinas is located just outside of town, here is the famous bamboo organ, and you can visit the free Sarao jeepney factory. After an hour’s drive through coconut plantations, you reach the Tagaytay Bridge in Cavite, with stunning views of the lake with the Taal Volcano, which in turn contains a crater lake. Tagaytay is a popular destination during the summer are held here countless festivities.
The province of Laguna, near Manila, is known for its hot sulfur springs. The spa Pansol, Los Bao and Cuyab lie here. Mineral springs are located in Hidden Valley, tucked in a 90 m deep crater in Alaminos. The temperatures of the sources vary from hot to cold, and secluded paths through the valley leading to a gorge with a waterfall. The 800-acre coconut plantation, Villa Escudero is still in operation, this gives a glimpse into one aspect of agriculture. Visitors can on a chariot drawn by carabaos (water buffalo) car driving through the village. The trip here from Manila takes less than 2 hours.
By hydrofoil to get from Manila to Corregidor Island. The memorial remembers the famous rock of the Japanese invasion. Day trips with guides and meals are offered. Another day trip leads to Pagsanjan, about 63 kilometers southeast of Manila, includes rides in the dugout on the jungle river to the Pagsanjan Falls with. Baguio is located 250 kilometers north of Manila. With 1525 meters above sea level. d. M. It offers a cool diversion. Baguio can be reached both by air and by land. Due to the spectacular view of the road is popular. The main attractions include The Mansion (the summer residence of Philippine presidents), the bells church (a collection of different stamps), the Cathedral of Baguio, which is famous for its hundred steps, and the crystal cave that was once buried. Banaue is located north of Baguio and can be reached by bus in about 4 hours. Visitors can tour the settlements of the indigenous mountain people. The rice terraces are well worth seeing.
The Hundred Islands lie off the coast of Pangasinan, the 400 are superb beach of fine sand and coral gardens surrounding islands for swimming and diving. Hundred Islands is the second largest water reserve in the world and home to 2000 different species of marine animals. The caves and domes of Marcos Island and the Devils Kitchen (Devil’s Kitchen) are worth a visit.
Take the ferry from Batangas pier to reach the south of Manila, the island of Mindoro. To see there is the 2700 m high Mount Halcon, the Naujan Lake and the Tamarao Falls.
In the Bicol region in the southeast, there are beaches, hotels and attractions such as the Mayon Volcano, a nearly perfect sugar-loaf, and the waters of the Tiwi Hotsprings, the Naglambong Boiling Lake (boiling lake) and the Village Kalaynkay.
The Visayas
The Visayas is a group of islands between Mindanao and Luzn. Their biggest islands are Samar, Panay, Negros, Leyte and Ceb, known as the landing site of American troops in 1944. Samar and Leyte are the longest bridge in the country, the San Juanico Bridge, linked. Ceb is the most densely populated island. Ceb City is the second largest city in the Philippines and a trading center with an international port. Magellan’s Cross is one of the attractions of the city. The triangular Fort San Pedro is the oldest and smallest Spanish fort in the country.
Ceb south of the city of Carcar City and its many preserved houses, gardens and churches in a Castilian style. Spanish term originates from the hand-carved, life-sized statues of Jesus and his apostles Last Supper can be admired in the Chapel of Chapel of the Last Supper. 1886 was built on the island of Mactan, Magellan’s monument. Datu Lapu-Lapu is honored as the first patriot of the Philippines, and has also erected a monument to him here. Maribago is the center of guitar making in the region. Except for historical sites are well visited here hotels, beach clubs and resorts.
The island of Panay is predominantly agricultural, there are vegetables, cocoa, coffee and tropical fruits are grown. Iloilo City is accessible by air. The main attractions include the popular seaside resorts on the beaches and the church from the 18th-Miagao Century, an example of baroque colonial architecture whose façade reliefs decorate with coconut and papaya trees. Sicogon the island is ideal for scuba divers, and its mountains and dense woods are ideal for hiking. Boracay Iceland is another island paradise. Here you can take the plane that lands on a sandy strip of land at the northern tip of Panay, from where it first with the jeepney, a mini-bus goes on, and then by boat. The beach of the island with its white powder sand is one of the most beautiful in the world.
The island lies between Bohol and Mindanao Ceb and home to one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Philippines, hundreds of limestone hills, some 30 m high, in summer look like oversized chocolate hemispheres and also called Chocolate Hills. The smooth, rounded hills are covered with thin grass that turns brown in summer and dry in the sun. They are about 55 km from Tagbilaran City, the capital of the island. Bohol has to offer also beautiful beaches and bays that are accessible via a good road network. The Baclayon Church, one should look at, it was erected in 1595 and is to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. The island can be reached by plane or ferry. The flight from Ceb to Tagbilaran takes 25 minutes
The island of Palawan, west of the Visayas and the Sulu Sea between the South China Sea, is perfect for adventure and exploration. There is still a virgin rain forest. The marine reserve at Puerto Galera is a divers paradise. The island is also famous for its underground St Paul’s River.
Mindanao and the south
At the southwestern tip of Mindanao is Zamboanga City, often referred to as the most romantic city in the Philippines and a favorite vacation spot. The city is famous for its seashells, tropical flowers and landscapes known. Zamboanga was founded by the Spaniards, the city walls of Fort Pilar in the 17th Century are well preserved. In the town there are excellent hotels, car rental companies and public transport is available, you can also Vintas (small colorful sail boats) for rent and take a ride in the bay. At the flea market, Islamic ceramics, clothes and brassware are offered. About 2 miles from Fort Pilar are the houses of Badjaos, built on stilts in the water. The so-called water gypsies living in the area on boats and follow the fish to the best fishing grounds. Plaza Pershing and Pasonanca Park are also worth a visit. The beach on the island of Santa Cruz turns pink when corals are washed ashore from the sea and is suitable for swimming and diving, with diving goggles, as well as in full gear. On the island there is also an old Muslim cemetery. The province of Davao is the industrial center of Mindanao, and especially known for the export of pearls, and bananas. Davao City is the most advanced industrial city in the country. The Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the islands, and around the Apo-mountains there are beautiful waterfalls, rapids, forests, fresh water springs and mountain lakes.
On the northwest coast of Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is located, port of departure for some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. In Bukidnon, there are cattle ranches and the famous Del Monte pineapple fields. The hydroelectric power plant in Iligan City is driven by the Maria Cristina Falls.
In the province of Lanao del Sur live Maranaos, a Muslim tribe on the shores of Lake Lanao. The Mindanao State University, Signal Hill, Sacred Mountain, Torongan market, the homes of the royal family and various mosques Maranaos can also be found on the lake. The local brass metalwork focuses primarily on Tugaua.
