If you looking to enjoy natural splendor these holidays then the beautiful city, Cebu City in Philippines is perfect for these holidays. Lying in between two canals, Cebu city well deserves the title of “Queen City of the South” and is the core city of Philippines. It is quite right to say that Cebu city is a perfect tourist destination with all its features like numerous exotic beaches, amusement parks, lush vegetation, stunning scenic views especially of snow-capped mountains and crystal clear blue water of the sea. Being the second largest city of the nation, Cebu is well connected with the rest of the world through airways. The best time period to explore Cebu is between March to May.

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Blend of modernization and archaism can be seen in Baguio of Philippines the popular holiday destination.  Lush vegetation and top-level cleanliness are the main reason for its popularity. The city is not only famous for tourism but it is also one of the main commercial core cities of Philippines. Baguio is a great holiday destination with the cool climate throughout the year. Stunning scenic views and lots of historical places made Baguio the most popular tourist spot of Philippines.

Burnham Park is one of the top parks in Baguio. This park is so popular among tourists as well as local people just because of its calm and peaceful environment. This feature of Burnham Park allures lots of people to organize picnics and also concerts. To entertain its visitors, there is a football field, athletic oval, an Orchidarium and also tennis and basketball courts.

Baguio Cathedral is quite majestic to capture the heart of its visitors. Its prime location on the top of the hill is also one of the main reasons of its popularity. The charming twin-spire structure also throws a great impression on the tourists.

Baguio Country Club is one of the most popular attractions for tourists in Baguio. This club has fantastic tennis court for the visitors as well as for its members.

Botanical Garden is another amazing attraction in Baguio. This garden has wonderful huts in its premises completely built up in Cordilleras’s architecture.

Camp John Hay is the prime attraction for tourists in Baguio. It was supposed to be the main recreational hub for US personnel but nowadays it is open to all the public. This astonishing place comprises of a swimming pool, a six lane bowling center, basketball and volleyball courts, seven food outlets and also six tennis courts.

The list of attractions in Baguio not ends here. Lourdes Grotto is one of the major religious landmarks in Baguio. This authentic place has an idol of the Lady of Lourdes. Grotto can be reached by climbing up about 252 steps. After reaching its top, one will sure forget his tiredness just by viewing a marvelous scenic beauty of the city.

Bell Church is famous for its outstanding architectural style and is situated on the border of Trinidad Valley and Baguio city. This clustered temple is the only place where all the different religions like Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism is worshipped together.

Mansion House is another attraction in Baguio to make place in the heart of its visitors. This house is good example similar to Buckingham Palace with its architectural style. Mines view Park is also the must-see place in Baguio. This park has lots of attractions for tourists but the main attraction is its Benguet’s gold and copper mines. Other destinations that can be explored and enjoyed in Baguio are Aguinaldo Museum, Bued River Gorge, Philippine Military Academy, Bridal Veil Falls, Tam-awan Village, Kennon Road, Mount Santo Tomas, Wright Park and Asin Hot Spring. But lots more are waiting for you!!

24 Dec 2011

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The raging sea beats the island of Batanes as if to say I am King.
The waves violently slap the rocks with enviable freedom. Its stammering power heeds no remorse.

The island however doesn’t back down, doesn’t fold-up or disintegrates. It takes a proud beating with a ‘Hah’, I am Batanes.

Batanes should indeed be proud of its coffers. It offers an amazing landscape that is as complex as a Roger Dean art work. The twisting spiraling mountains roll for miles and miles carpeted with green pastures.

The Mahatao Lighthouse, Batanes, Philippines

Atop its numerous cliffs one can get a front seat view of the feisty merging waters of the China Sea with the Pacific Ocean. There is also something incredibly charming about the island’s unique stone houses. Around 3 meters thick, these rock abodes crafted by the ancestors have stood against torturous rain and bullying winds. The roofs are made of cogon providing water proof shade. From afar the houses create an amazing texture of color and form that is bucolic and unlike anything that I’ve ever been in the provinces I’ve visited.

In spite the amazing scenery the island’s greatest strength is its people–the Ivatans. Storm warriors by birth they still posses a gentle demeanor, friendly disposition and an unbelievable sense of trustworthiness.

Crime is said to be non-existent in Batanes and people find no need to lock their doors. There is even a sign posted in the city treasury that reads “LOST AND FOUND- MONEY. Please claim inside”.

As most travel junkies know Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines and its smallest island both in terms of land area and population. Among its ten petite islands only three are inhabited– Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang. Sandwiched by Babuyan Island and Taiwan, the province is closer to Taipei than Manila. In fact an urban legend states that on a clear day one can see Taiwan and hear Chinese roosters crow.

Growth in Batanes’ tourism has been spurred by airlines such as Asian Spirit that conveniently jets weeklyflights (for a P10, 000 round cheap tickets price).

Surprisingly posh, the main airport is located in Basco, the province’s capital (found in Batan island). Albeit the flight being a bit choppy, I land safely in Batanes and seek my adventure holidays.

Raj Aryan

31 Mar 2010

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