Phillipines - Best Places of Interest

January 20, 2020 Round the world, Travel

Best places of interest in the Philippines

The Philippines is an amazing country in Asia, where the main attraction is the clear and crystal bluish-green water of the ocean. The Philippines is all about islands, and in fact, it’s made up of more than 7000 islands. This beautiful place in this corner of the world is a treat to sore eyes. Travel to the Philippines to gain your inner calm, and your outer adventurer form.

Boracay

This place is crazy! It’s a small island, with a number of beaches. The famous White Island runs along the West coast, backed up by a number of lush green palm trees. Bulabog Beach becomes a spot for water sports, because of the high winds from the East coast. The beautiful Mount Luho gives you a serene image of the spectacular panoramic view over the island.

Top 5 Beaches in the Philippines

Banaue

The most fascinating thing in Banaue is it’s rice terraces. The strikingly beautiful terraces, which are emerald green in colour, are the agricultural wonders of this country. During sunrise, when the fog and the cloud lifts over the place, it becomes the most beautiful spectacle to watch the intricate landscape of the terrace farms.

Vigan

The most charming town of the country, Vigan is located in the Luzon region. The Spanish and the Chinese cultural influences is the beauty here. Colonial architecture, of Spanish origin, can be explored on the streets of Vigan, which are full of life. One of the top picks in this town, is the Bantay Bell Tower, which is also a landmark in the town. The most perfect and breath-taking place to be, in this city, is the St. Paul Central Cathedral, where people sit and observe as they absorb the local culture.

Manila

The capital city of the Philippines, Manila is located on Luzon, where the streets are full of life and activity. The colourful jeepneys, the main form of local transport there, gives a ride along with the taste of local culture. The kitschy jeep cum bus ride is a thing to remember about the whole Philippines trip. Rizal Park, St. Agustin Church, and Quiapo church are the places to spend your quality time.

Pickyourtrails helps you find the best of places around the world to get you amazing deals on packages. Philippines tour package is the most affordable and satisfactory deal you can get. The Philippines package helps to cover all the important places to visit. The Philippines is a beautiful country, and it is sure to capture a little of your heart and keep it forever.

What is your favourite street food?- Part 7

Inihaw na Paa ng Manok( Grilled Chicken Feet) street food Phillipines

Street food in the Philippines

The Philippines or Filipinos have many street foods that can be found anywhere in this country.

The following are some #streetfood that I’m sure you didn’t probably know.

FISHBALL

Fish balls are a popular street food in the Philippines and are often sold by street vendors in mobile wooden carts at almost every street corner. The balls, primarily made from fish meat ground to a paste, are deep-fried until golden and then skewered in wooden sticks and dipped in a variety of sauces ranging from spicy, sweet sweet and sour.

KIKIAM

These are made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets. They are then deep-fried and dipped in a sauce similar to fish balls.

KWEK-KWEK

Deep-fried eggs covered with orange-coloured batter. These are usually dipped in a sauce made of vinegar, onions and chilli. It is usually partnered with chopped cucumber and can be bought almost anywhere.

You may also like to read What is your favourite street food? Part 6

ISAW

Charcoal-grilled chicken intestines on a stick. Although this might sound unappetizing for some, this is one of the most popular street foods among Filipinos. It is also dipped in a sauce that is made of vinegar and soy sauce or a special brown sauce similar to fish balls and kikiam sauces.*

GRILLED CHICKEN FEET (ADIDAS)

Another exotic snack popular on the streets. The sumptuous skin surrounding the feet is dipped in brown sweet and/or spicy sauce. The bits of meat and ligaments also deliciously add to this distinct and quirky snack experience.*

BETAMAX

Named after its shape resembling the old movie tapes of the 80s, Betamax is made of dried pig or pork blood skewered and grilled. This is a testament that nothing gets wasted in any part of livestock in the Philippines. It has a bittersweet taste when combined with vinegar or the same sauce used in fish balls.

ISKRAMBOL

Another popular summer treat loved by Filipinos, especially kids. It is available even during the rainy season and can usually be found in parks and street corners near schools. It is made of crushed ice with food colouring, milk powder, and chocolate syrup and is sometimes topped with colourful sprinkles and marshmallows.*

TAHO

It is made of soft tofu, arnibal (made of sweetener and flavouring) and sago (tapioca) pearls. It is a popular breakfast alternative for Filipinos as it is light in the stomach and provides a good excuse to eat something sweet in the morning. Delightful and hearty, it is a good source of protein perfect to jumpstart your day.*

MARUYA

Maruya is a type of fritter from the Philippines. It is usually made from saba bananas. The most common variant is prepared by coating thinly sliced and “fanned” bananas in batter and deep frying them. They are then sprinkled with sugar.

Turon– Turon or Banana Fritter is a Filipino delicacy which is probably cooked in other Asian countries too. It is a popular snack in the Philippines sold in the streets, schools and restaurants.

So, what is your favourite #Filipino #street #food”?

Source

March 10, 2017 Travel, Round the world

Top 5 Beaches in the Philippines You Can Explore

The Philippines is composed of over 7,107 beautiful islands which is why it is considered an archipelago. Many tourists and travelers from all over the world travel for very long hours just to see what the Philippines has to offer. The country has many great delicacies and also rich historical sights. But the main reason why foreigners are going to the Philippines is not just about the people and culture but also about the beautiful beaches.

If you are interested to know more about the beautiful country of the Philippines then you are definitely on the right page.

Here are the top 5 beaches in the Philippines that you will totally love:

BORACAY

Who doesn’t know Boracay? With its white sand and beautiful atmosphere, it’s pretty much one of the best islands there is. Boracay is known to the world because of its natural beauty. Boracay is located in the province of Aklan in the Visayan region. Before you can visit Boracay, you have to go to Manila first, and then from there, you may take a flight to Boracay. Flight duration from Manila: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

There are a lot of activities you can try in Boracay and they are the following:

Banana Boating
fly-fishing
Helmet Diving
Island Hopping
Parasailing
Sunset Sailing
Snorkeling
Stand-up Paddling

Jetskiing

Kitesurfing and much more.

2. CORON PALAWAN

CORON PALAWAN, Philippines — (photo source: www.statebudgettaskforce.info)

Coron is considered a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan. Coron is located in the southeast part of a huge and bigger island called Busuanga. It actually serves as the jump-off point to beautiful and historic sights and getaways in the Calamian Group of Islands. Flight duration from Manila: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Some of the most popular attractions in Coron are the following:

Coron hot spring
Shipwreck dives
Barracuda Lake
Kayangan Lake
Mt. Tapyas and much more.

3. EL NIDO PALAWAN

EL NIDO PALAWAN, Philippines — (photo source: www.choosephilippines.com)

Another beautiful island in the Philippines that is also located in the province of Palawan is El Nido. El Nido is known for its beautiful beaches that you may explore through its island hopping services. El Nido is also a first-class municipality in Palawan and the number of tourists visiting the place blew up throughout the past five years. Going to this island can be quite pricey but there are ways to bag the cheap accommodations. Flight duration from Manila: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

El Nido offers great tour packages and they are the following:

Tour A – Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach
Tour B – Snake Island, Pinagbuyatan Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Snorkeling Site
Tour C – Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Hidden Beach
Tour D – Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach

4. CARAMOAN

CARAMOAN, Philippines — (photo source: Caramoan Islands)

In the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of the Philippine archipelago lies a beautiful island called Caramoan. It is a first-class municipality that has a 4,000-hectare limestone forest. Caramoan has one of the perfect white sand beaches and it is definitely a must-see place. Caramoan is also known because it is where Survivor shot their Fans vs Favorites season and it has been broadcasted on worldwide television back in 2011. Because of that, the number of visitors skyrocketed and it is a good thing for the people of Caramoan. Flight duration from Manila: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The activities that you can do in Caramoan are the following:

Climb the Rock Cliff at Matukad Island
Go to the Shrine of Our Lady
Visit Paniman Beach
Go to Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Bird Watching
Visit Layahan Waterfalls

5. SIARGAO

SIARGAO,Philippines — (photo source: www.kawayansiargaoresort.com)

Lastly, Siargao. Surigao is located in the Philippine Sea and it is known for its tear-drop shape. Siargao is also known as the “surfing capital of the Philippines” which is why professionals or aspiring surfers are paving their way to this beautiful island to try out the activities that they are offering. Flight duration from Manila: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Top activities in Siargao include the following:

Go to Magpupungko Beach
Cloud 9
Go Surfing
Visit Taktak Falls
Go to Daku Island

Truly, the Philippines is composed of many beautiful islands. The ones above are just some of the best and there’s more to the Philippines than just beaches. The Philippines should definitely be part of your bucket list!

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, one of Australia’s modern and luxurious hotels in the suburban district. Mark Aldrin gives hotel tips and hacks to help people make the most out of their vacation.