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Philippines |
Capital: Manila
Official Language: Filipino and English
Currency: Philippine Peso
The Philippines is a pristine island nation situated in the Malayan Archipelago in Southeast Asia. With 7107 islands and a vast stretch of coastline Philippines can be called as the beach capital of Asia. Moreover Philippines boast of a rich and varied wild life, heritage centers and some of the best tourist hideaways. Azure blue water of both the China Sea and Pacific Ocean with colorful coral reefs and rich marine life are really treasures of attraction. Boracay, Pagudpud, Mactan Island, Panglao and Camiguin are some beautiful islands that deserve a visit. Philippines is well known for its scuba diving centers. The country is a homeland to some world famous dive sites. Anilao, Puerto Galera, Cabilao Island, Balicasag Island, Apo Island and Tubbataha Reef National Park are some popular scuba diving spots. Moreover Philippines offer exciting opportunities of sky diving, board sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, surfing and white water rafting. Filipinos are friendly and fun-loving people. Guests are given cordial welcome to the various indigenous cultural festivals and fiestas held throughout the year.
Major Cities
Manila is the capital city of Philippines. Bacolod, Cagayan, Cebu, Batangas and Davao are other major cities and towns. The city of Manila is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon Island. The city is a vibrant metropolis with several districts forming in the northern and southern part of Pasig River. Intramuros is the original enclave of Manila and a major historical site. Pandacan district possesses the official residence of the President of the country, Malacanang Palace. Liwasang Bonifacio, Plaza Miranda, Paco Park, Remedios Circle, Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden are other places worth watching in Manila. Cebu city is the capital of the Cebu province located in the eastern shore of Cebu Island. Called as Queen City of South Cebu city is an important trade center and a shipbuilding hub. The city's most famous landmark is Magellan's Cross. This cross, made of tindalo wood was planted by Ferdinand Magellan to prevent devotees from taking it parts of it. The Cross of Magellan is a symbol of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. Sumilon Island, Casa Gorordo Museum, Casino Filipino, Verdemar Golf Course, Osmena Boulevard, Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, Santo Nino Basilica are other attractions of Cebu. Batangas city is a wonderful city in the Batangas province of Philippines. Batangas is an important seaport, trading center and sugarcane growing region. Mount Makulot and Lake Taal are chief attractions here. Davao City lies in the Mindaonao Island. It is a sprawling urban metropolis with some of the finest beach and mountain resorts.
Tourist Attractions
Rizal Park in the southern part of Intramuros, Manila is a tourist wonderland with myriads of attractions. Rizal Monument named after Philippine's national hero Jose Rizal, Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Department of Tourism, The National Museum The Planetarium, The Orchid Center, The Butterfly Pavilion and the Quirino Grandstand are worth watching here. Baywalk is a popular open space area in Manila with panoramic views of coconut trees, gigantic lampposts and streams of cafes and restaurants. Boracay Island located in the northwestern part of Panay is the best beach of the Philippines archipelago boasting of finer and brighter sand particles. Philippines is rich in wide life and is home to some of rare and exotic faunas. The Wild life Sanctuary on Calicut Island treasures endemic Phillipine crocodiles and dugong or sea cow. The underwater Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in the heart of Sulu sea houses numerous species of corals, dolphins, turtles and sea birds.
Transport and Accommodtaion
With a large number of international airports and airlines a travel to Philippines is not a hard task. Ninoy Aquino International Airportin Manila is a premier international airport operating all domestic as well as international flights mainly the Air Philippines. The Mactan International Airport in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore, and Australia. A travel by the sea ranges from huge cargo ships to small ferryboats. Various National Highways connecting the major islands makes travel by land easier. Popular public transports are the Philippine jeepney, trains, taxis, buses and trikes. Manila Light Rail Transit System helps to avoid the traffic congestion. Manila and Cebu offer quality hotels equipped with modern amenities. These hotels provide refurbished rooms and outstanding Philippine dishes. Diamond Hotel, Vivere Suites, Marriott, Marco Polo, Parklane and Diplomat Hotel are some elegant hotels of Philippines.
Precautions
The Philippines is earthquake prone due to presence of numerous volcanoes. Moreover gigantic tidal waves or Tsunami resulting out of earthquake struck the coastal areas causing a lot of damage to the tourism infrastructure of the country. Places affected by earthquakes and Tsunamis are Santos City, Miandiano and Kiamba. Devastaing Xangsane and Cimaron typhoons also cause severe destruction to many parts of the island. Travelers should collect proper information from a renowned tourism agency prior to travel to any of the remote coastal lands of Philippines. Tourists are advised to avoid parts of Mindanao in the southern Philippines, especially the Zamboanga peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago. These areas are said to be the haven of some extreme terrorist groups.
For further details and information on Philippines and its tourist destinations flip through the pages of Allwonderscountries
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