5 of the Best Attractions in Aklan

By: FATIMA LOVERIA

Aklan’s claim to fame is without a doubt Boracay. Famed for its fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Boracy is definitely the top tourist draw for the province of Aklan. However, that is not the only attraction that Aklan has to offer. In fact, when it comes to the best in what nature has to offer, Aklan has got you covered.

Why Visit Aklan?

Boracay.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a top destinations in Aklan post without mentioning this famous island resort. Over the past years, Boracay has transformed itself from this quiet getaway with a lovely beach into a bustling and very commercialized place. Dotted throughout its sands are numerous restaurants and shops that will surely suit the many different tastes of visitors.

Jawili Falls.

Located in Tangalan, Aklan, this seven-basin waterfall is a sight to behold. Tangalan itself is so tranquil and gives off a sense of timelessness. The municipality of Tangalan can be reached via jeepney, and from there you get on a tricycle to take you to the falls.

Hurom-hurom Spring.

Dip into this really cool spring located in Nabas, Boracay’s neighbor. This is just one of the many cold springs located in Nabas, but it is its pride and joy. Here, you will find many pools of varying depths. Submerge yourself – or just your ankles for that matter – in water that steams directly from a mountain spring.

Caves at Buruanga.

Those who love off the beaten path type of travels will enjoy what Buruanga has to offer. If spelunking is your thing, there are several caves to choose from, including Ignito Cave and Sabang Cave.

Rafting at Libacao.

When you’re brave enough to challenge powerful waters and rapids, you will enjoy rafting at the Libacao River. Take note, you will be bamboo rafting and not your typical inflatable raft. Of course, you can also choose to kayak or do other water-based sports.

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5 of the Best Attractions in Camarines Sur

By: ALISSA MAE BARILLO

My province Naga City, the capital of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region is commonly associated with religious pilgrimage sites. Most people who stop by Naga usually do a Visita Iglesia tour of the historic churches or come to witness the festivities in September during the Penafrancia Fiesta, one of the biggest and most popular religious events in the Philippines.

Let’s explore the best things to do in CAMARINES SUR

BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA

The Basilica’s main feature is Our Lady of Penafrancia, which is a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary that originated from Salamanca, Spain.

There is even a nine-day festivity in September in honor of the statue, also known as the Patroness of Bicol. Apart

from this, the basilica facade is a sight to behold as it is distinctly neoclassical.

Location: Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City

Operation Hours: 5AM – 10PM (daily)

What You Need to Know: The statue of the Virgin Mary was sculpted in 1710 and is believed to have powers to help those in need. There is also daily early morning masses for those who want to attend them.

CARAMOAN ISLAND

Caramoan Islands is located in the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur.

It’s a first-class municipality in the Bicol Region and is a rugged place of land that extends into the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy gulf.

There is a 4,000 hectare limestone forest that is full of lush foliage and flora.

Location: Caramoan Islands

Operation Hours: Boat rides are hourly from 7AM to 11AM

Fees: PHP 2000 and above for the boat for island hopping (depends on boat size)

What You Need to Know: Island and beach hopping is the most popular activity next to spelunking, snorkeling, swimming, and camping. There is also the Mt. Caglago trek where you can get a 360 view of the islands.

CAMSUR WATER PARK

There is nothing like extreme sports to round out a fun and relaxing trip. The Camsur Water Park has everything an adrenaline junkie would enjoy.

There is wake boarding, water skiing, water skating, and more. The great thing about this first-class water park is that it caters to both beginners and professionals.

Location: Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur

Operation Hours: 8AM to 6PM (Monday to Thursday) and 8AM to 9PM (Friday to Sunday)

Fees: Click here for all rates

What You Need to Know: There are a lot of activities apart from the water sports like swimming, massages, and eating. Make sure to bring a valid ID and extra money as there are many activities to do. It’s good to make sure you have leeway in the budget.

MOUNT ISAROG NATIONAL PARK

The Mount Isarog National Park offers nature lovers a variety of activities. There are numerous falls here, and two of the most famous ones are Malabsay Falls and Nabuntulan Falls. There is also the Secret Falls if you are up for a longer trek up the mountain. Other top places to visit here include Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Nature Adventure Park as well as Sulat Pool. Activites that you can do here include biking, trekking to the summit of the mountain, taking a dip in its numerous springs, brid watching, or simply enjoying the refreshing view of nature.

Location: Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur

Operation Hours: Dependent on tour joined

Fees: PHP 3,500 per person (may lower when there’s more people in your group)

What You Need to Know: Your fees are inclusive of a round-trip land transportation from Naga City to Mt. Isarog. Also all permits, entrance fees, facilitators, canyoning equipment, souvenir scarf, and certificates are included as well.

GO ON AN EXTREME FOOD TRIP

Naga City is a great foodie destination! There are lots of restaurants lining the strip of Magsaysay Avenue that foodies can choose from.

From regular homegrown haunts like Bigg’s, Geewan and Bob Marlin to streetside snacks like kinalas and toasted siopao, to new restaurants serving Bicolano fusion cuisine like Que Pasa, Woodstone Kitchen, White Bean Cafe and Flavours Gastronomica, there’s no shortage of dining options to choose from. You’ll only wish you had more time to try all the restaurants.

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5 of the Best Attractions in Palawan

By: CHANIELLE CHENGAY

PALAWAN, Philippines among the most famous destination is the Palawan island. Located in the MIMAROPA region, the island is called as the “Philippines last frontier”. And so it is with its beautiful tourist attractions.

It was been voted as the number one beach in Asia and third best beach in world by over 1,000 journalists, editors, travel bloggers and agencies that reportedly participated in a recently completed survey.

My Top 5 destinations that you will fall in love:

Duli beach

It takes some effort to remote beach, but it’s worth it. Almost deserted of sand you will find clear water and lush tropical vegetation .

Accommodation: Duli beach resort

Location: El Nido

Seven commandos beach

It is a heaven on earth with pristine white sands, turquoise calm water and lined with coconut trees. It ranks one of the best beaches in El Nido. It’s accessible only by boat and it’s generally last stop on the islands hopping tour.

Accommodation: Vellago Resort

Location: El Nido

Nagtabon beach

Is a lovely beach easily accessible from Puerto Princesa City. It features 5 – miles of pristine coastline where you’ll find yourself sharing the beach with only people. It’s quit atmosphere invites you to unwind and listen to the waves crash gently on the shore.

Accommodation: Villa Nagtabon

Location: Puerto Princesa

Sabang beach

Set along, the dramatic undeveloped cost of Palawan’s eastern shore, Sabang beach is one of the most famous beach known for being the jump off point to the underground river. Despite of its popularity however it is still quiet place a few days of relaxing

Accommodation: Sheridan beach resort

Location: Sabang Underground River

Nacpan beach

Nacpan is El Nido’s beautiful beach that captivates the heart of the visitors. It’s a serene tropical paradise perfect for escaping from the crowds.

Nacpan beach is located about 45 – minute drive away from El Nido town.

Accommodation: Calitang beach resort

Location: El Nido

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5 of the Best Attractions in Masbate

By: ASHLEY AVILA

Grand Stand and Rodeo Arena

The Rodeo Grand Arena is the Philippines only permanent and fixed structure built solely for rodeo. It packs the full arsenal for days’ worth of yee-haws: a grandstand, rodeo corral, stockyard, rodeo chute bull riding chute, roping chute, plus the lights for the night rodeo. The rodeo arena plays host to the festival’s highlights- the rodeo the Rodeo National Finals. These toughies competed in events such as bull riding, bull whipping, cattle lassoing from horseback, and cattle wrestling on foot.

Buntod Marine Reef and Sanctuary

The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is a small islet and mangrove area that can be found just off the coast of Masbate City, the capital of the province of Masbate. Located in the middle of seawaters of two barangays – Nursery and Tugbo, this 250-hectare marine sanctuary offers an easy and refreshing getaway very near the city. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful destination just 15 minutes away by boat from the mainland.

Pawa Mangrove Ecosystem and Wildlife Park

Pawa Mangrove System and Wildlife Park is located in Brgy. Pawa, Masbate City, Masbate. It offers beautiful sight for bird watching, fishing and family picnic. It has also a 1.3 kilometer wooden bridge connecting Barangay Pawa and Sitio Daang Lungsod of Barangay Usab. One of the amazing mangrove that you can see. Come and try to experience face to face interaction with the nature.

Jintutulo Lighthouse

The home of the century old lighthouse built during Spanish time It is one land mark which balud takes pride of is the historic “Parola” (lighthouse) towering over Jintotolo Island, the town’s tourist destination. This is one of the best place to look over the panoramic view of this island come and try to feel the unexplainable experience.

Social Center Park

Biggest park in Bicol according to DOT. Every weekends there are vendors around this park who sell different foods like crops and dried fish. While during Sunday there are a lot of people who are doing picnic inside the social center park. The views was greenly and the smell was refreshing come and try to visit.