PHILIPPINES HOLIDAY REVIEWS
Philippines
An island nation of smiling people from 97 different ethnic groups, living on a thousand islands (there are 6,000 odd more in the archipelago which are uninhabited), the Philippines has been described as “a slice of Latin America in Asia”. Characterised by idyllic coral islands, the Philippines also has its ugly side, being one ofmore
An island nation of smiling people from 97 different ethnic groups, living on a thousand islands (there are 6,000 odd more in the archipelago which are uninhabited), the Philippines has been described as “a slice of Latin America in Asia”. Characterised by idyllic coral islands, the Philippines also has its ugly side, being one ofmore
Aurora Province – A Tropical Adventure Travel Destination - Jason Tayag. Date of travel: Nov 2006
It was my first trip to Aurora Province and it won’t be my last. Aurora is located on the Upper East Side of Central Luzon in the Philippines. The province is generally mountainous but its shoreline spans over 400 kilometers in length. Using public transport is highly recommended for traveling to Baler, the capital city of Aurora. Genesis buses leave Manila for Baler everyday at 6am and 8am, 7 days a week. Driving a personal vehicle could be difficult because of a long drive through rough, narrow and zigzagging mountain roads along the Sierra Madre although I heard a group of adventurous motorists take their SUV’s through the Baler-Pantabangan Road every now and then to get a thrilling ride. For me, I took a 50-minute SeAir flight from Manila to Baler to speed up my trip. Upon reaching the airport, I went straight to Bay’s Inn, arguably the most popular resort in Aurora. It boasts panoramic views of Baler Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The resort can accommodate up to 32 guests but its restaurant can serve up to 70 people. Both their Garlic Chicken and Crispy Pata are a ‘must-try’. Rates range from Php400 to Php500 per night. After depositing my things, I quickly began my exploration of this relatively unknown province. I rented a tricycle, the most common way to get around in the area. The driver was friendly and courteous enough to bring me to the historical landmarks in Aurora. I visited the Dońa Aurora Memorial Shrine, Aurora Quezon Marker, Baler Catholic Church, Lt. Commander James Gilmore Marker and Quezon Memorial Park. Most landmarks have been instrumental to the development of the province and were made in honor of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. I also found out that Baler is where we celebrate Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30. It was on this day in 1899 that President Emilio Aguinaldo decreed that the last Spanish soldiers to surrender to the American regime during the Siege of Baler be treated as friends of the New Republic instead of prisoners of war. After I did a walking tour on my own, I found out from a local that there is a Baler Historical Committee who can arrange a historical tour upon request. The next day, I decided to do a one-day surfing crash course at Bay’s Inn. Local surfers hang out here often and they can readily give you pointers. The months of October and February are the best times to surf in Aurora. These months bring in the larger waves and ideal for surfers to learn the basics. The beach is relatively safe from scratches, since most of the beaches for surfing have a sandy bottom. One of the locals mentioned that they hold the Aurora Surfing Cup sometime in February, pitting the local surfers against their international counterparts. It was an exhaustive but enjoyable day. Two days are definitely too short to visit Aurora. Because of the vast, untouched natural resources of the province, it is a haven for adventure travelers. I want to go back and have a picnic by Bulawan Falls and go trekking further out into the northern towns which, I heard, are even more pristine and virgin. Aurora’s natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, spelunking, mountain climbing and trekking are some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora. This past trip is only the beginning of many more adventures to come. For additional information about Aurora, check their official website at Aurora.ph.
It was my first trip to Aurora Province and it won’t be my last. Aurora is located on the Upper East Side of Central Luzon in the Philippines. The province is generally mountainous but its shoreline spans over 400 kilometers in length. Using public transport is highly recommended for traveling to Baler, the capital city of Aurora. Genesis buses leave Manila for Baler everyday at 6am and 8am, 7 days a week. Driving a personal vehicle could be difficult because of a long drive through rough, narrow and zigzagging mountain roads along the Sierra Madre although I heard a group of adventurous motorists take their SUV’s through the Baler-Pantabangan Road every now and then to get a thrilling ride. For me, I took a 50-minute SeAir flight from Manila to Baler to speed up my trip. Upon reaching the airport, I went straight to Bay’s Inn, arguably the most popular resort in Aurora. It boasts panoramic views of Baler Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The resort can accommodate up to 32 guests but its restaurant can serve up to 70 people. Both their Garlic Chicken and Crispy Pata are a ‘must-try’. Rates range from Php400 to Php500 per night. After depositing my things, I quickly began my exploration of this relatively unknown province. I rented a tricycle, the most common way to get around in the area. The driver was friendly and courteous enough to bring me to the historical landmarks in Aurora. I visited the Dońa Aurora Memorial Shrine, Aurora Quezon Marker, Baler Catholic Church, Lt. Commander James Gilmore Marker and Quezon Memorial Park. Most landmarks have been instrumental to the development of the province and were made in honor of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. I also found out that Baler is where we celebrate Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30. It was on this day in 1899 that President Emilio Aguinaldo decreed that the last Spanish soldiers to surrender to the American regime during the Siege of Baler be treated as friends of the New Republic instead of prisoners of war. After I did a walking tour on my own, I found out from a local that there is a Baler Historical Committee who can arrange a historical tour upon request. The next day, I decided to do a one-day surfing crash course at Bay’s Inn. Local surfers hang out here often and they can readily give you pointers. The months of October and February are the best times to surf in Aurora. These months bring in the larger waves and ideal for surfers to learn the basics. The beach is relatively safe from scratches, since most of the beaches for surfing have a sandy bottom. One of the locals mentioned that they hold the Aurora Surfing Cup sometime in February, pitting the local surfers against their international counterparts. It was an exhaustive but enjoyable day. Two days are definitely too short to visit Aurora. Because of the vast, untouched natural resources of the province, it is a haven for adventure travelers. I want to go back and have a picnic by Bulawan Falls and go trekking further out into the northern towns which, I heard, are even more pristine and virgin. Aurora’s natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, spelunking, mountain climbing and trekking are some of the activities a tourist can enjoy in Aurora. This past trip is only the beginning of many more adventures to come. For additional information about Aurora, check their official website at Aurora.ph.
Delightful - Maurice Grove. Date of travel: Jan 2006
I just finished my twelve day stay at this delightful and comfortable hotel in Hinunangan Southern Leyte Philippines. The accomodations were perfect and the free breakfast was delicious a combination of English and Philippino food. Their staff were so helpful and accomodating it was just like staying at home with a house full of servants. I would recommend anyone to visit this lovely place and the price was unbelieveably low.
Cebu Tourist. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Most people of Cebu Island were very nice to my wife and me. There are many interesting places to see over there including many nice beaches, Lapu-Lapu Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, large shopping malls, and many more. Unfortunately, my wife and I had shocking experience over there! While walking on a busy street during daytime, we were robbed and one of the robbers shot me! I am very lucky to be alive today! The thief and his companion were not afraid of a busy street during daytime and they used a small motorcycle to run away from the crime scene! Besides that, there was no immediate police intervention and I received a professional medical attention after about an hour after the incident! If you are planning to visit the area soon, please be very careful, try not to hangout on the streets alone, do not carry large backpacks, try not to show digital cameras in public places, and do not carry a lot of money with you. In addition, it is safer to ride a taxi instead of a jeepney! The safest places to hangout with anyone are places with security guards and police around such as museums, most official tourist attractions, most banks, most hotels and resorts, as well as large shopping centers/malls.
Most people of Cebu Island were very nice to my wife and me. There are many interesting places to see over there including many nice beaches, Lapu-Lapu Shrine, Magellan’s Cross, large shopping malls, and many more. Unfortunately, my wife and I had shocking experience over there! While walking on a busy street during daytime, we were robbed and one of the robbers shot me! I am very lucky to be alive today! The thief and his companion were not afraid of a busy street during daytime and they used a small motorcycle to run away from the crime scene! Besides that, there was no immediate police intervention and I received a professional medical attention after about an hour after the incident! If you are planning to visit the area soon, please be very careful, try not to hangout on the streets alone, do not carry large backpacks, try not to show digital cameras in public places, and do not carry a lot of money with you. In addition, it is safer to ride a taxi instead of a jeepney! The safest places to hangout with anyone are places with security guards and police around such as museums, most official tourist attractions, most banks, most hotels and resorts, as well as large shopping centers/malls.
Brian Olesen. Date of travel: Feb 2005
I just came back from a really great vacation in Puerto Galera on the Island of Mindoro in the Philippines. I stayed and dived with Mermaid Resort, where I was super satisfied with the rooms and the excellent service from the friendly and always smiling staff. The diving was absolutely fantastic. There are so many divesites to choose from and the travelling time to the sites is so short that I had plenty of time for other activities in between the dives. We are talking about reaching more than 30 or even 40 dive sites within 5 minutes. The hard and soft corals are really beautiful and I have never seen colors like this on other dive locations. I really enjoyed visiting the shark cave, where you are almost certain to find one or two rather big reef sharks. Mermaid Resort arranged a tour to the nearby Island called Verde Island, that was also some great diving with a lot of corals and big fish. I can only recommend to all you divers to go to Puerto Galera. Tour Operator: Mermaid Resort
I just came back from a really great vacation in Puerto Galera on the Island of Mindoro in the Philippines. I stayed and dived with Mermaid Resort, where I was super satisfied with the rooms and the excellent service from the friendly and always smiling staff. The diving was absolutely fantastic. There are so many divesites to choose from and the travelling time to the sites is so short that I had plenty of time for other activities in between the dives. We are talking about reaching more than 30 or even 40 dive sites within 5 minutes. The hard and soft corals are really beautiful and I have never seen colors like this on other dive locations. I really enjoyed visiting the shark cave, where you are almost certain to find one or two rather big reef sharks. Mermaid Resort arranged a tour to the nearby Island called Verde Island, that was also some great diving with a lot of corals and big fish. I can only recommend to all you divers to go to Puerto Galera. Tour Operator: Mermaid Resort
Peter Andersen. Date of travel: Aug 2004
I spend 3 wonderful weeks at Mermaid Resort located in Sabang, Puerto Galera on the island Mindoro. I started off with a few days in Manila and from there I took a car to Batangas and sailed on an outrigger boat to Sabang Beach. I really loved the hotel, the rooms were really nice, the service was absolutely top class and the price is quite reasonable. I took a Scuba Diving course while staying at Mermaid Resort, and I was amazed with the magnificient beauty of the many dive sites. I visited the shark cave, saw a few wrecks but what excited me the most was the many beautiful hard and soft corals as well as hundreds of tropical fish. I will definitely come back again later this year or early next year.
I spend 3 wonderful weeks at Mermaid Resort located in Sabang, Puerto Galera on the island Mindoro. I started off with a few days in Manila and from there I took a car to Batangas and sailed on an outrigger boat to Sabang Beach. I really loved the hotel, the rooms were really nice, the service was absolutely top class and the price is quite reasonable. I took a Scuba Diving course while staying at Mermaid Resort, and I was amazed with the magnificient beauty of the many dive sites. I visited the shark cave, saw a few wrecks but what excited me the most was the many beautiful hard and soft corals as well as hundreds of tropical fish. I will definitely come back again later this year or early next year.
Norman Nicholas F.Garcia. Date of travel: May 2004
It was simply one of the best experiences of my life...going to boracay,was simply paradise on earth.The memories and moments that I spent there will always be in my heart especially since it was with the one you loved the most. Boracay Rules! Tour Operator: My travel
It was simply one of the best experiences of my life...going to boracay,was simply paradise on earth.The memories and moments that I spent there will always be in my heart especially since it was with the one you loved the most. Boracay Rules! Tour Operator: My travel
Mark Saunders. Date of travel: Jan 2004
I went diving in Boracay earlier this year with Boracay Safari Divers, who I'd highly recommend. The people were very friendly and professional and the equipment was a good grade. Some of the more memorable sites were Crocodile Island (good drift and night diving), Yapak (nice deep-ish dive with a nice wall) and Camia II (a wreck sunk for diving and very easy and safe to penetrate. I would definitely go diving in Boracay again. It is a great island with a good atmosphere and some great restaurants. Tour Operator: Boracay Safari Divers
I went diving in Boracay earlier this year with Boracay Safari Divers, who I'd highly recommend. The people were very friendly and professional and the equipment was a good grade. Some of the more memorable sites were Crocodile Island (good drift and night diving), Yapak (nice deep-ish dive with a nice wall) and Camia II (a wreck sunk for diving and very easy and safe to penetrate. I would definitely go diving in Boracay again. It is a great island with a good atmosphere and some great restaurants. Tour Operator: Boracay Safari Divers
Simply Breathtaking - Jeremy Withers. Date of travel: Jan 2004
After spending a month in the Philippines, this country grows on you. Considering the widespread poverty, the people are surprisingly the happiest and friendliest Ive ever encountered. This is evident in the hundreds of festivals the country has. I've never been to a country with so many festivals all through out the year. I was fortunate to have experienced Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Atitihan in Aklan, both mind blowing and so much fun! The Rice Terraces in Banaue were simply spectacular! You can read a lot about it but once you stand there and see how it goes all the way up to the clouds, you are left speechless of such a great marvel. Finally, Palawan... Philippines' last frontier. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place. I've never in my wildest dreams ever imagined such a place do exist, but it does and there were only a handful of us there! From lagoons, rainforests, caves, waterfalls, limestone formations, beaches.. its all here! Tour Operator: Independent
After spending a month in the Philippines, this country grows on you. Considering the widespread poverty, the people are surprisingly the happiest and friendliest Ive ever encountered. This is evident in the hundreds of festivals the country has. I've never been to a country with so many festivals all through out the year. I was fortunate to have experienced Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Atitihan in Aklan, both mind blowing and so much fun! The Rice Terraces in Banaue were simply spectacular! You can read a lot about it but once you stand there and see how it goes all the way up to the clouds, you are left speechless of such a great marvel. Finally, Palawan... Philippines' last frontier. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place. I've never in my wildest dreams ever imagined such a place do exist, but it does and there were only a handful of us there! From lagoons, rainforests, caves, waterfalls, limestone formations, beaches.. its all here! Tour Operator: Independent
CHOOSE A DESTINATION IN PHILIPPINES
| Hotels in Philippines | User Rating |
| 5-Star Hotels | |
| Badian Island Resort And Spa | | * * * * * | |
| 3-Star Hotels | |
| Bayview Park Hotel | | * * * * * | |
| Sir William’s Hotel | | * * * * * | |
| Swagman Hotel | | * * * * * | |
| Other Hotels | |
| Dona Marta Boutique Hotel | | * * * * * | |
| Various | | * * * * * | |
| near the "pharos beach resort" is a small huts white. ask for mother. its in Camigun island. | | * * * * * | |