The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, located in the Philippines, is truly an example of nature’s beautiful creation one shouldn’t miss in their lifetime. It is one of the rare atoll reefs that provide life for a variety of marine species as well as magnificent corals. The park is 33,200 hectares covering the North and South Reefs. The Northern part is also a nesting ground for marine turtles, as well as a variety of tropical birds.

Tubbataha Reef, although a great wonder on its own, is a newcomer to the world of tourism. Actions have been taken to make local Filipinos and the world aware of this special gift of nature. Many people travel across the globe to catch sight of this reef. Without immediate measures of preservation, the rare marine life found in Tubbataha Reef might not last for long.

There have been numerous attempts of illegal fishing in this area. The good news is there is an increase in awareness and protection. The area provides the main livelihood for many municipalities. But they now understand how important it is to preserve the marine life in this area. The reef is now a World Heritage site and is helping many local businesses develop new revenues from their livelihood. There is even a possibility of expanding the park. The management is continually making progress.

Tubbataha Reef is now a famous tourist destination. And the proceeds go to its preservation and development of the community. It is a perfect place for all you divers and nature lovers. It also makes for an idealistic sea adventure and a great way to get a close observation into the wonders of marine life. The locals are warm and hospitable. If you want a place to breathe the fresh air and gaze at the beauty of the sea teeming with marine life, Tubbataha Reef is the place to be. You would also be helping the conservation of nature.

The Chocolate Hills are an unusual geological formation found in Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is found that there are 1,776 hills spread on an approximate 50 square kilometer area. Depending on the season, the Chocolate Hills change in color, varying from green to chocolate brown.

The Chocolate hills are the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. The Chocolate hills were featured in the Philippine Tourism Authority’s list of Philippine tourist destinations and are the Philippines’ third National Geological Monument. Proposals to include the Chocolate hills in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list are currently being conducted.

The Chocolate Hills look like women’s dress, or giant mole hills, or something out of a child’s drawing. The unusual thing about it is that it is a natural phenomena! Geologists believe that the hills were formed from marine limestone on top of a clay layer. The Chocolate hills are uniform in shape, some standing from 30 to 50 meters high. They are usually covered with grass the year around, but turn brown during the dry season, thus the name. You can see the magnificent view by climbing 214 steps to an observation outpost above the hills.

You can get to the Chocolate Hills on your own or by joining a day tour. From Tagbilaran, go to the bus terminal in Dao, and take a bus to Carmen. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at Chocolate Hills, located 4 km before you reach Carmen. If you get lost you can always ask help from the locals who are very hospitable and friendly.

The Chocolate Hills is indeed one of the Philippines’ most amazing destinations. The Chocolate Hills Complex has: a hostel, swimming pool, restaurant, and an observation deck to view the amazing hills. You can also view the hills at Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan.

Famous for its “Perfect Cone”, the Mayon Volcano is the Philippines’ most active volcano and the most popular tourist destination in the Bicol Region. With a height of 2,463 meters, it is the centerpiece of the Albay province, which is about 300 kilometers southeast of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Mayon Volcano has had 49, recorded eruptions, and continues to be active. Through the years, life and property has been claimed by this wonder of nature. Its first recorded eruption was in year 1616. Even without volcanic activity, the volcano continues to be dangerous for climbers, including the more experienced ones. Its steep slope make it difficult for climbing, thus it has claimed the lives of climbers in the recent years. Rock avalanches and landslides are common. If you want to climb the volcano, you’ll have to work your way through the forest, grasslands, and deserts. The safest way is to pass on the north western slope, but you will have to register at PHILVOCS to climb. Once you reach the summit, be wary of the dangerous fumes emitted by the Volcano. A gas mask in hand will be really useful.

Apart from climbing, you can go nature hiking and marvel at the many wonderful animals such as the parakeet, red jungle fowl, owl, fruit dove just to name a few. You can also do many activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, bird watching as well as photography.

The best time to visit the volcano is between the months of March and May. Do not visit the volcano during rainy season (Nov to Jan) because it is more dangerous. You can go there by land through the Quirino highway, which is about 553 kilometers away. The journey will take about 8 to 10 hours, and many buses depart every day from Manila to Legaspi.

Pamalican Island is paradise on Earth. Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it is easy to get seduced with the island’s charms. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, or even just simply basking under the sun.

Pamalican Island is a small island dotted with lush coconut trees and five kilometers of white sand beach. The crystal clear turquoise waters are flanked by coral reefs just 50 to 300 meters from the sea shore. The island is home to the Amanpulo Resort, a secluded luxury resort for relaxation and peace. True to its name, Amanpulo means ‘peaceful island’ which it really is.

The island is located southwest of Manila, east of Palawan. You can get there via a small 19-passenger charter plane, the plane ride lasts about an hour. The island is privately owned, exclusive only to the Amanpulo Resort guests. The Amanpulo resort has plenty of cottages, and you can stay by the hillside, on the treetop, or on a villa, whichever you want. The weather is tropical, so the perfect time to go is from November to May when the season is hot and dry.

Amanpulo resort’s main building is the Clubhouse. The resort boasts of many wood sculptures and rattan chairs proudly made in the Philippines. While on the island, you can participate in many leisure and recreational activities. Aside from the usual diving, swimming and snorkeling, you can also do sailing, windsurfing, sunset cruises, picnicking, fishing and more. The resort has a hundred foot long pool! Apart from sea and beach activities, you can take a hike along the island nature trails, explore, and even play golf.

Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located 50 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Once upon a time, the Taal Volcano was a large volcano, in fact was one of the largest volcanoes in the world, towering 18,000 feet up in the sky. Now, it is the world’s smallest active volcano, only about 700 meters high.

Since 1572, the volcano has 33 recorded eruptions, the most devastating eruption occurred in the year 1911. The most recent volcanic activity happened in 1977, although the volcano has remained quiet since. It is still not safe, for signs of increased activity appeared in 1991, 1992, 1994, and most recently, in June of 2009.

When you visit Taal Volcano, make sure to bring water, hats and plenty of sun screen lotion. Wear light clothes for it can get very hot, it being located in a tropical country. It is most recommended you get a head start early in the morning. You can either take a hike or ride on horseback to go up the ridge and see the beautiful Crater Lake.

From Manila, you can travel by land to Tagaytay, passing through panoramic views of the countryside. Afterwards, you take a zigzag road to the Town of Talisay. To get to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, you can take a half hour boat ride in any town located on the shores of Taal Lake. The most popular point is in Talisay. However, if you prefer less crowded areas and cheaper rates, you can go to more remote towns like San Nicolas.

The locals are friendly. You do not have to worry about communication, most of them speak good Basic English.

The Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines have been said to be like the 8th wonder of the world. They were carved from the hillside by the tribes people of Ifugao about 2,000-3,000 years ago. The tribes people did this with their bare hands and crude implements, without using machinery to level the steps where they plant their rice, which is what makes this wonder so attractive, aside from the fact that the rice terraces are still used today.

This is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of mankind, because if each one were connected end to end, then they would reach halfway across the globe or be 10 times as long as the Great Wall of China. It was not until only 13 years ago (1995) that the Banaue Rice Terraces were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some of them reach almost 5,000 feet in altitude and cover about 4,000 square miles of land. They are now beginning to show signs that they are eroding, and some of them need maintenance, while the Ifugaos’ new generation is migrating to nearby cities in search of better opportunities.

Even though it is about 8 or 9 hours from Manila in a car, the Banaue rice terraces are known to be one of the most spectacular places to see in the Philippines. They have transformed the Cordillera mountains of barren stone into ledges that are fit to grow rice.

Pictures & Photos

Banaue Rice Terraces During a Cloudy Day
Photo by: MVI

Panorama View of Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo by: Wikipedia

Banaue Rice Terraces With House and Green Spot and Rice
Photo by: kinobiel

Wet Water at Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo by: Kinobiel

Banaue Rice Terraces Planting Season
Photo by: Kinobiel

Foggy Day at Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo by: mikeyOcampo

Bulol (Ifugao Rice God) State at Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo by: MVI

Banaue Rice Terraces Black and White
Photo by: IRRIImages

Clear Day at Banaue Rice Terraces
Photo by: IRRI Images