FAQ – Page 2

Unique Overnight Destinations Near Manila

April 23, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Anyone who has experienced working and living in Manila knows that the big city can be too exhausting especially. While there is a long list of hangout hubs in this large metropolis for couples and families like shopping malls, food parks or museums, there are just weekends when you just want to feel the fun and freedom of travel and adventure.

However, since work schedules often limit your free time, is there a way to have such an unforgettable getaway with the little time that you have? Well, the answer is YES.

Here are the most unique and one-of-a-kind overnight destinations near Manila that you should check out soon:

1. Puning Hot Springs

Location: Sapang Bato, Porac, Pampanga

The natural beauty of Puning’s Hot Springs is actually an aftermath of a destructive natural calamity, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The site is just located at the foothills of the volcano and is now a well-established hot spring and spa destination.

Where to stay

There are several affordable accommodations that cater to overnight travelers and guests near Puning Hot Springs and Spa. For top-rated hotels and inns, you may click this link here.

How to get there

Take the bus from Metro Manila to Pampanga, and get off at the Mabalacat Bus Terminal. From Mabalacat, take a jeepney or a tricycle to Clark (main gate) and another jeepney ride to the resort’s transport pick up location near Mini-Stop, Sutherland. From there, 4×4 vehicles will finally take resort guests to the Puning Hot Spring’s main entrance.

For more details and contact information, refer to this link.

Things to remember

The entire resort is composed of 3 stations: the main entrance with a reception area, the spa and relaxation area, and finally, the hot springs.
The management offers a full package that includes a 4×4 ride to the hotel, meals, tour guide, spa services (massage, mud pack and sand spa), and access to the hot and cold spring.
According to the latest information, the whole experience can cost 3,000 PHP – 3,500 PHP per person.

2. Pinto Art Museum

Image Credit: Looloo Insights

Location: Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo Rizal

One of the unique art museums in the country is located in Antipolo, Rizal, where native and contemporary artworks reside. The entire museum compound is set on the side of a hill and all its artworks are housed in galleries inspired by Greek architecture.

Anyone who loves art and nature will surely appreciate the lovely uniqueness of this must-visit destination which is just 21 kilometers away from Metro Manila. Here, you have a variety that rangers from paintings to sculptures. Also, the work presented here are those done by local artists.

Where to stay

If you want to fully relax and temporarily get away from the hassles of the big city, staying overnight in Antipolo after visiting Pinto is a smart decision.

There are several accommodations in Antipolo city where you can just relax and have a quiet time with your loved ones. Restaurants with observatories overlooking Metro Manila’s skyline can be found along Antipolo’s main highway.

How to get there

From Manila, there are several transportation options that you can choose from. The most convenient is from Ayala, Makati where you can board a van or FX vehicle that will take you directly to Antipolo’s town church, locally known as “Simbahan”.

From Simbahan there’s a line of tricycles (fare is 40 PHP – 50 PHP) that will take you to Grand Heights Subdivision where the museum compound is located.

Things to remember

The museum is closed on Monday and is only open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
There is a restaurant located within the museum compound where guests can order delicious and relatively affordable meals.
Entrance fee is 200 Philippine Peso for regular/adults while senior citizens and PWDs can enjoy a 10% discount as long as they have their ID cards with them.
Student IDs are honored and holders will enjoy a 50% discount.
Food and drinks from outside are not allowed; they have a “baggage counter” where you can leave your things if you don’t want to carry them around the museum.
Just like any museum, camera flashes are NOT allowed when taking photos.

For more details, you may contact them here.

3. Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex

Location: Paowin, Cavinti, Laguna

Cavinti is a home to one of the country’s ecotourism destinations. The site offers an adventure like no other, with its underground river and caves complex that helps travelers and adventurers appreciate the beauty of what nature has to offer.

The experience includes an orientation and exploration where guests can learn more about these mesmerizing cave formations as well as preservation efforts by the site’s management team.

According to locals, the cave complex was accidentally discovered by a farmer one day when he was on his daily hike to look for firewood. This happened just a few years ago and in fact, the whole area was opened to the public just in 2013.

Where to stay

Cavinti’s cave adventure is not for the faint of heart and you’ll need to fully prepare yourself for your trip head. Accommodations around the town are available for solo or group or weekend stays. Here’s a helpful list of hotels near Cavinti, Laguna that you can check out.

How to get there

From Manila, take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz Terminal in Laguna. From the terminal, board a jeepney going to Cavinti’s Poblacion. The whole jeepney ride will take almost an hour. Then, take a tricycle to the Bumbungan Eco Park where you can finally ride a 4×4 car to the cave’s Guard Post.

For a detailed guide that can help you plan the trip, you may contact them here.

Things to remember

Exploring the cave complex needs an upper beginner to intermediate spelunking experience, so this site is a perfect place for adventure seekers who want to add an item to their bucket list.
It’s advisable to bring your own packed meals since the trip, including transport, can take to up to 6 hours and there are no commercial establishments near the site.
Travel responsibly and respect the place – listen to your guide at all times.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this list of overnight destinations near Manila will help you have the best weekend of travel, adventure, and relaxation that you truly deserve.

Emerging Beach Destination in the Philippines: Sila Island, Northern Samar

April 16, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Many Filipino beach lovers always look forward to the Philippine summer season because aside from the fact that gloomy rainy days are over, they can finally realize their highly anticipated travel goals to their most favorite island destinations.

Indeed, summer in the Philippines is the most awaited time of the year for these sun-worshippers and several known places often come to mind when asked about their ideal beach destinations: Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera, and many more.

While there are popular destinations in the country for beach fun and underwater adventures, did you know that there are also several emerging beach destinations that you can add to your bucket list? Here’s one of the top picks for you.

Sila Island, aka “Pink Beach”

While Boracay and Palawan attract millions of tourists each year because of their fine white sand and clear blue waters, Sila Island holds its own charm and uniqueness – it’s one of the few places in the country where you can experience a magical shoreline which sands shimmer in a pinkish hue.

Aptly nicknamed the “pink beach” by locals and travelers alike, this amazing destination is still untouched by the damaging effects of over-commercialization. For this reason alone, it’s a perfect choice for your next summer adventure especially if you want to experience the humble perfection of this emerging island paradise.

Trivia: How did Sila Island’s powdery sand get its color?

The pinkish hue of the island’s sands comes from the natural colors of coral and shell fragments. These finely pulverized materials, through thousands of years of process, have been mixed with the originally white-colored sand of the island’s shores. During mid-day when the sun is at its hottest and brightest, the beach reveals another more saturated reddish shade.

Location: San Vicente, Northern Samar

Sila Beach is located in Northern Samar on the eastern portion of the island-town, San Vicente. Northern Samar is one of the provinces in the Eastern part of the Visayas.

How to get there

By Plane

Manila-Catarman

Catarman has one small semi-active airport (the nearest to Sila Island) that caters to one airline company, Philippine Airlines. There are also chartered jets available from Cebu, Davao, and Manila.

However, flying directly to Catarman from Manila is not a practical option for budget travelers especially if they don’t want to spend too much on plane tickets alone.

From Catarman, you have to take another van service to reach Calbayog, the nearest city to San Isidro, the jump-off point to San Vicente.

Alternate route: Manila-Tacloban

Tacloban’s airport offers cheaper ticket prices and serves three major airline companies: Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines.

From Tacloban, there are vans going directly to Calbayog, Northern Samar with an estimated travel time of 4-5 hours with a fare of 25o PHP – 300 PHP).

Upon arriving at Calbayog City, take another van to San Isidro where you can find boats going to San Vicente.

Boats going to San Vicente leaves at 7a.m. and 2 p.m. (trip schedules may change so plan accordingly) every day from Monday to Saturday (fare is at 100 PHP). Of course, schedules will depend on the weather.

Land and Sea Travel

Manila-Sorsogon-Sila Island route

From Manila, land trips and sea travels going to Sila Island in San Vicente offer more affordable options. There are bus companies which routes can take you to Bulan, Sorsogon (fares for air-conditioned buses may vary, but it usually starts at 400 PHP – 1,000 PHP).

Upon arriving in Bulan, Sorsogon, you can either walk or take a local ride to the town’s port. From the port, you can hire private boat services to take you to Sila Island. This is an option for group travel, especially if you want to explore two popular Philippine destinations at the same time, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar. Prices are negotiable and will be based on the terms that you’ve agreed with the boatman.

Manila-Calbayog route

Direct bus companies offer trips from Manila to Calbayog, the nearest Northern Samar town to San Vicente Northern, Samar, the jump-off point to Sila Island. For more details and ticket prices, you may visit this useful link here.

Boat rides to San Vicente from Calbayog can take up to 45 minutes. As mentioned above, boat fare costs 100 PHP per person.

Sights and Activities

Sila Island is lined with sturdy red and black rock formations that add allure to the paradise’s pink shorelines. While the facilities on this island are limited, it can be a haven for free divers and snorkelers alike. Beach bums can also enjoy a relaxing day under the sun.

Things to keep in mind

Since Sila Island is not an established island-resort, they don’t have similar accommodations that you can find in other PH beaches. Instead, they have bamboo kiosks for a comfortable day at the beach for groups.
Camping out is an option if you want to spend the night on the island as long as you observe cleanliness – and it means leaving no trash behind.
Pink island locals have built toilets for the day and overnight travelers so you don’t have to worry about this aspect of remote-island adventuring.
It’s advisable to bring your own food and refreshments from the nearest city since there are no stores and commercial buildings near the beach.

While it can be an unforgettable adventure to be one of the first travelers who can set foot on this paradise, it’s important to remember these three things: travel responsibly, respect the culture and the beliefs of the locals, and most importantly, have fun.

Top 10 Busiest Airports in the Philippines

April 10, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Creating easy access for foreign tourists to visit the country and its locals to go around the archipelago, the Philippines has now been equipped with more than one hundred airports. The data is according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Labelled into three different categories: international, principal and community, here is the top ten list of the country’s busiest airports as of 2017.

1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Constructed within the first two years after the country gained its independence, this airport was initially named Manila International Airport. However, as a tribute to the late Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino, the name was changed.

Located in the city border of Pasay and Paranaque, this is the official airport to serve Manila region. With its current four terminals of at least 331,000 sqm, the airport caters both international and domestic flights, serving around 39 million passengers per year. The international destinations include Thailand, Japan, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Dubai, Netherlands, and Australia.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

2. Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Starting its operation in 1960s to replace Lahug Airport, MCIA now serves as the popular mobility access point to the southern part of the country and worldwide. Going along with the rapid growth of the mainland, the airport helps almost 9 million passengers to connect with the country’s big cities and foreign ones, such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Russia and Dubai.

Mactan Cebu International Airport

3. Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Named after its main benefactor, Don Francisco Bangoy, the airport was established in 1940s. Sometimes also called by the name Davao International Airport, the flights available in the airport take people from and to the Philippine major cities, Singapore and Indonesia via chartered flights. With yearly traffic of around 3,5 million passangers, this airport is known to be the busiest in Mindanao.

Davao International Airport

4. Kalibo International Airport

Located near Boracay, which is one of the country’s top tourism spots, Kalibo International Airport claims its importance regarding its busy international flight schedule. Serving around 2,7 million people in 2016, it provides flights from and to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Singapore in addition to its chartered services to Russia and China.

Kalibo International Airport

5. Iloilo International Airport

Completing its construction in 2007, Iloilo is one of the airports in the Philippines that meets international standards. Replacing Mandurriao Airport, Iloilo is considered the second busiest airport in Western Visayas, right after Kalibo. Mostly connecting its 1,9 million passengers with other cities in the Philippines, like Davao, Puerto Princesa, and Manila, there are also international flights available from and to Singapore and Hong Kong on regular basis.

Iloilo Airport

6. Laguindingan Airport

Officially open for public use in June 2013, this airport serves as a replacement of Lumbia Airport, which was transformed into the Philippines minor air base. Lying three miles away from the downtown area of Cagayan de Oro, Laguindingan is the main airport in northern part of Mindanao region. Despite the fact that this airport is currently accommodating domestic flights only, the number of its passengers in 2016 was around 1,7 million.

Laguindingan Airport

7. Puerto Princesa International Airport

Holding a key access to the famous tourist destination Puerto Princesa River, this airport is regarded as the main one in Palawan. Serving approximately 1,6 million passengers in 2016, Puerto Princesa is one busy airport with domestic flights from and to Manila, Cebu and Iloilo as well as the international one from and to Taiwan.

Puerto Princessa International Airport

8. Bacolod-Silay International Airport

Although mainly serving domestic flights to Davao, Cebu, and Manila, the airport traffic in 2016 showed that there were almost 1,5 million people getting on and off the planes at this 10,075 sqm airport.

Despite its seasonal international flight schedule, the airport is known to be the busiest in Negros Island. Its size is also staggering as it is comprised of 21 buildings with one being the main terminal of 66,600 sqm.

Bacolod Silay Airport

9. Tacloban Airport

Also known by the name Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, who was the House of Representative Speaker, this airport is vital in transporting people to the eastern Visayas region. Although currently providing domestic flights to Manila and Cebu only, the traffic in 2016 was over 1,1 million passengers.

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport

10. Zamboanga Airport

Previously catering international flights to Malaysia, the airport no longer provides international services due to poor passenger load. Instead, it focuses on providing domestic flights from and to various cities in the Philippines, such as Davao, Ceby, Tawi-Tawi, Manila, and Cagayan de Oro.

With traffic of almost one million passengers in 2016, Zamboanga is in the third position of Mindanao’s busiest airport category.

Zamboanga Airport

A Beginner Traveler’s Guide: Visiting Bohol, “God’s Little Paradise”

April 9, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

Located in the central part of the Visayas, Bohol is one of the key destinations in the Philippines that have long mesmerized local and international tourists because of its rich variety of sights, sceneries, and experiences from the island’s best offerings: diving hubs, historical sites, beach resorts, hiking spots, and a sanctuary of unique animal species.

Unlike other tourism centers in the country, the island offers an all-in-one travel experience that cannot be found in any destination in the Philippines. If you’re planning to travel to Bohol for the first time, read on and learn more about this must-see paradise.

“God’s Little Paradise”

Bohol is a haven for all types of travelers: whether you’re a history geek, nature lover, animal conservation advocate, sea world enthusiast, hiker, diving nomads, or just a random backpacker, the island has everything you need and more.

It’s called “God’s Little Paradise” because of the island’s mysterious and charming locations, scattered across the region. What the island offers, both natural and man-made, cannot be compared with other Philippine tourist destinations – and once you’re there, you’ll find out why.

Traveling to Bohol for first-timers

Bohol is the 10^th largest among all the Philippine islands. The main region is surrounded by smaller bodies of land where Bohol’s white sand beaches and diving sites can be found. Since the province’s territory is so huge, the attractions can be kilometers to miles apart from one another.

How to get there

By Plane

Bohol has one airport located in Tagbilaran, a component city in the province. Three of the country’s airline companies operate to and from Tagbilaran airport: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines (PAL).

While most of these airlines fly directly from Manila to Bohol, connecting flights coming from Cebu City can also be availed.

Ferry Trips

Since Bohol is a main island in the country, several ferries and fast crafts companies operate on a daily basis, and most of them are from Cebu ports to Tagbilaran, vice versa: Ocean Jet, Lite Ferries, and 2GO.

Cebu-Tubigon ferry routes are also offered by the Lite Ferries company, with several trips every day.

Pro Tip: It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance especially if you’re visiting Bohol during the peak travel season (March-April).

For Ferry Schedules and prices, check out these links: Lite Ferries 2GO Ocean Jet

Pro Tip: Months from June until December covers the country’s rainy season so it’s not advisable to travel to this island destination – especially if it’s your first time to avoid a stressful (and not to mention soaking) travel experience.

Going to and around the city

How does a first-time traveler navigate a large island-destination like Bohol? It depends on your itinerary and what you’re planning to do for the rest of your trip. While it can be time-consuming to travel around the island, mapping out your trip early on can save you a lot of travel.

There are different transport options that you can hire once you arrive at Tagbilaran airport. As soon as you step out of the airport building, you’ll be greeted with friendly and eager faces from local tour guides, van-for-hire service providers, and also hotel welcome staff.

Hired/Private Transport Services

Hiring a taxi – take note that this option is the most expensive but also the most convenient. You have to negotiate for a reasonable rate with the driver before closing the deal.
Hiring a tricycle (800-1,000 PHP) – local tricycle drivers may offer reasonable rates but there are limits to where this option can take you.
Hiring a private van – there are fixed rates when hiring private vans, and most services even offer their own itineraries. This is a practical option if you’re with a couple of friends or family members.

Pro Tip: IF you are a solo traveler and you know your PR skills, you can also share van service with other people and split the price. All you have to do is to ask around and get a nice deal.

Private car – if you have your own vehicle, then you’ll have the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about directions – every smartphone has a GPS program that you can easily use to navigate the entire province.

Public Transport

Jeepney

Jeepneys, Philippine’s local public transport vehicles have routes from Tagbilaran to other major Bohol towns like Carmen, Jagna, and Baclayon, where most of its tourist attractions are located.

The fare would depend on the distance per kilometer, but you should expect this option to be overcrowded and most of the time uncomfortable – especially if you have several bags with you.

What to eat

Delicacies

Bohol has a long list of mouth-watering and appetizing delights that can be found in every major town in the province. In fact, some of these delicacies unique to this part of the Philippines have received international recognition because of their heavenly flavors.

Restaurants

Bohol is surrounded by smaller islands and is a home to several species of marine creatures. The abundance of these resources makes the region one of the biggest suppliers of fresh seafood in the country. That’s why it’s no surprise to find several seafood restaurants scattered around the province. For a complete list, click this link here.

Where to go

Here are the top tourist destinations in Bohol that you should not miss on your first day:

Tarsier Sanctuary (Fee: 60 PHP)

There are different Tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol and one of them is near Corella. What makes this one special? It’s actually the only place on the island where tarsiers and a few other animals live in the wild and not in cages.

Loboc Town

There are a lot of interesting sights and activities in this charming little town. Aside from the friendly locals, Loboc is a home to Bohol’s most famous river, the Loboc River, where local tourism agencies offer river cruises on floating restaurants. Fee: from 450 PHP

Moreover, at its center also lie two old churches, the San Pedro and Baclayon church, reminding the locals of their Spanish-era history.

Bamboo Hanging Bridge

Bamboo Hanging Bridge in Loboc, which streaches accross the Loboc River, is a popular attraction visited by tourists. The Hanging Bridge hangs about 25 meters above the river and spans around 40 meters. The entrance fee is P10.00 for those who don’t live in the Barangay on the other side.

Image Credit: © gabotron

Chocolate Hills (Fee: 50 PHP)

The Chocolate Hills are the most iconic attractions in Bohol. The site is made of bizarre hill formations of over 1,700 conical-shaped landforms (30-120 meters in height). It’s located in Carmen, which is approximately 55 kilometers away from Tagbilaran.

Image Credit: Tommy Schultz

Aside from these common tourist spots in Bohol, there are several white-sand beach resorts around the province, with the most popular destination, Panglao. Exploring and experience this paradise needs more than a day or two of travel so make sure you properly manage your time and financial resources before finalizing your trip.

A Beginner Traveler’s Guide: Puerto Princesa City, the Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines

April 3, 2018 By FAQ Leave a Comment

The Philippines is a home to many island-paradises that have amazed and awed travelers around the world for many decades. Wherever you set foot in this beautiful country, you are assured with the promise that every adventure will be unforgettable – especially if you get the chance to explore the mesmerizing eco-tourism haven that is Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

The Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines

Located in the Western region of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is one of the major cities on the island of Palawan. Although it’s a coastal city, it’s largely known for its huge limestone caves and most especially, its world-renowned underground river, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coastal areas are popular sites for diving and other underwater adventures. Among the several underwater creatures found in the region are long-nosed dolphins, rays, and several species of turtles.

Historically, this island-paradise was named after a Spanish princess, Princess Asuncion who died at an early age. The place was later renamed as Puerto de la Princesa, and is known today as Puerto Princesa.

Traveling to Puerto Princesa for first-timers

Puerto Princesa’s city center only covers a small part of the entire island, but the whole city is geographically the largest (compared to El Nido and Coron) in Palawan. Because of this, first-time travelers should remember that the main attractions are usually far from each other.

While it’s advisable to contact tour operators to help you explore and get around the city, a DIY itinerary is still doable – if you’re good at time management and have excellent navigation skills.