Philippines – Page 24

Travel Guide: Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal

Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and karst rock garden hidden in the rainforests of Baras, Rizal. Its name comes from the local term “masungki” which translates to “spiked” – describing the jagged limestone landscape found here. The discovery trail offers a unique outdoor experience where visitors get to hike through karst landscape, with limestone formations, sinkholes, caves and natural trails and forests. The geological park has eco-friendly conservation areas, rest stations and obstacles including hanging bridges, rope ladder descents, view decks, and a giant hammock where you can enjoy views of the amazing natural landscape.

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Romblon Ride: Looping the Island by Motorbike

Romblon Island is the smallest of three major islands (the other two being Sibuyan and Tablas) that make up the province of the same name in the Philippines. Known for being the country’s leading producer and exporter of high-quality marble, this peaceful and laid-back island is pretty compact, with a circumferential road of just under 50 km. In fact, you can circle the island by motorbike in just a couple of hours.

After spending the morning on a boat island-hopping around Cobrador, Alad and Logbon, I decided to spend the afternoon on land, looping the island starting counter-clockwise from San Pedro Beach Resort.

Romblon Ride: Island-Hopping Cobrador, Alad & Logbon

When you think of beach destinations in the country, the most popular islands that immediately come to mind are Boracay, Cebu and Bohol. But aside from these three spots, there are many other hidden gems that remain (and I hope will remain) untainted by commercialism. I was amazed to find some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen in the country in Romblon, a province made up of a cluster of islands lying in between Luzon and Visayas.

Romblon Ride: Getting to Romblon Island

Romblon Island is the capital and the smallest of three major islands (the other two being Sibuyan and Tablas) of the province of Romblon in the Philippines. If you are traveling by air or have limited time, it can be pretty tricky trying to visit all three islands, since getting around requires boat travel with limited trip schedules, going from port to port, and limited public transportation options.

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Hike to Binurong Point, Catanduanes

Ang sarap siguro mag motor dito. All the time I was in Catanduanes traveling by van with fellow travel bloggers, I couldn’t help but think how great it would be to go on a motorcycle tour of the place.

While visiting the various tourist spots in this island province in the Bicol region, we passed through long coastal highways devoid of traffic and off-road areas zigzagging through the mountains, only to reach stunningly beautiful spots with amazing views. Our hosts saved one of the best for last in our itinerary: Binurong Point.

Rebuilding a Stone House on Sabtang Island

The stone houses of Batanes are a symbol of the Ivatan’s strength and resilience. Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines, lies in the path of most of the 20 or so tropical cyclones that enter the country every year. While strong winds and typhoons frequently hit the area, damaging crops and infrastructure and leaving locals without power and water, casualties remain at zero.

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Travel Guide: Catanduanes

Catanduanes is an island province of the Philippines, located in the Bicol Region. In the past, the province was known as the “Land of the Howling Winds” because typhoons would made landfall here before hitting the rest of the country. It’s second claim to fame was purely as a surfing destination. A more fitting tagline is its moniker now, the “Happy Island.”

Travel Guide: Caramoan

Caramoan, a group of islands in the north-eastern portion of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region is best known for being the filming location of several seasons of the hit reality show Survivor. The international TV show often chooses exotic locales with stunning scenery. With the clusters of islands lined with white sand beaches, deep gorges, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, diverse marine life, serene lagoons, subterranean river and caves, it’s easy to see why the production crew keeps choosing to film here.

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Travel Guide: Sabtang Island, Batanes

Sabtang Island is one of the three main inhabited islands of Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. With its well-preserved culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and friendly people, this remote island is such a refreshing escape. Sabtang is one of the most laid-back and peaceful places I’ve been to in the country.

It’s the kind of place where you’re torn between switching off your phone completely and putting your camera down to just enjoy the view or trying to capture every single spot you come across because it’s just so beautiful. Most people will opt for the latter especially if they’re just visiting Sabtang Island on a day trip to see the main tourist spots. But if you want to really savor the place and disconnect, I recommend you stay here for a few days.

Travel Guide: Port Barton, Palawan

Port Barton is a quiet fishing village located in one of the sheltered bays of San Vicente, a town on the north-western side of the main island province of Palawan in the Philippines. Compared to the top tourist hubs in Palawan like El Nido and Coron, San Vicente is still pretty laid-back, peaceful and uncommercialized.

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