A few more days and we will be saying goodbye to 2011. And for the travel junkie or those who plan to fly back to the Philippines next year, you might be interested to pick your local destination.

With more than 7,000 islands and 80 provinces, the list will be too long to decide. Of course, you will be visiting your hometown, your parents’ or someone close to you. Relaxing on the beach with a tropical climate all year, makes Philippines a great place for the most awaited R&R.  Attending world-famous Philippine festivals is another reason to pay Philippine cities and towns. Add the different sumptious signature dishes that will add more excitement to your Philippine vacation. and don’t forget the happy smiles even from strangers that will make you feel truly at home.

Here are just some of the most popular destinations that you can visit while in the Philippines:

Boracay

The island of Boracay is the most visited Philippine destination with thousands of tourists flocking to this island paradise all year round. Famous for its long stretch of pure white-sand, Boracay has now evolved as a world-class island resort with all amenities and facilities that can cater to the most affluent to budget -conscious tourist.

Palawan

Nature lovers and adventurers will have their perfect spot in the paradise of Palawan. From its secluded beaches to its Nature’s Wonder Subterranean Underground River Park, enjoy nature totally unspoiled in Palawan with plenty of water sports to engage in.

Cebu

Voted as one of the best islands in Asia, Cebu has the metropolis status of Manila with a more laid-back ambiance. A buzzling island but still boasts with diving sites, white-sand beaches, heritage houses and historical forts. Cebu simply said has everything that every Filipino should be proud of.

Davao

Davao is Mindanao’s forerunner when it comes to tourism. A very vibrant city that ensures safety to each visitor, Davao represents the thriving economy and tourism of Mindanao. Exploring Mindanao is a must and Davao is the best place to start your southern adventure. Davao’s durian and Samal Island shouldn’t be miss.

Tagaytay

What to escape Manila but prefer somewhere close? Tagaytay is a no-fail destination for every Filipino hosts. Its cooler weather and stunning scenery makes it a popular choice for a quick getaway. Enjoy the view of the famous Taal volcano or spend some nights on its cosy cabins and lodgings.

Other destinations worth are visit are CamSur, Marinduque, Subic, Batanes, Ilocos and Zamboanga. Take your pick, start with the ones listed above and fall in love with Philippines. Choose Philippines for your 2012 travel plans.

It never cease to amaze us every time we travel when we devour on a local cuisine.  Ultimately, these dished would ten to lose their primary purpose which is to feed our hungry stomach but more on satisfying our curiosity and quest for travel adventure. Likewise, local dishes is the best venue to learn about a destination’s local culture.

Philippines is home to a plethora of food with most of them labeled as “exotic” by non-locals. From the infamous balut to the refreshing halo-halo every province in the country has their own food for everyone to try.

One food that might tickle not just your taste buds but your flair for something unusual is sinuglaw. The word sinuglaw is coined from two common cooking methods – sinugba and kilaw. “Sinugba“is the Cebuano word for grilled while kinilaw is a local cooking method of “cooking”  fish fillet with vinegar and spices .

But sinuglaw is not just an offspring of two FIlipino cooking methods but from two different dishes. Pork and fish. To the eyes, it is kinilaw ( with fish tuna) topped with grilled pork belly. The contrast of two dishes makes it very explosive. Tangy yet sumptuous, spicy and creamy, savory and moist. Sinuglaw is a must-try when you visit the Philippines.

Born in the southern city of Davao, you can still enjoy this wonderful Pinoy dish in various restaurants serving local dishes. Still, nothing can beat the authentic taste of sinuglaw in Davao. Mindanao is very famous for their kinilaw.  Sinuglaw is often eaten as an appetizer as well as a pulutan. Match sinuglaw with an iced-cold beer and you will see for yourself why this dish has captured the hearts of many.

Philippines is home to many exotic dishes as well as fruits that you should try when in town. Tasting it even for a single nibble will make your Philippine vacation more exciting and a nice memory to cherish when you go back home.

One of the food that you have to try is durian. Known as “King of the Fruits”, this is common is Southeast Asian countries like Singapore. In the Philippines, you can have a taste of one of the most exotic fruits in Mindanao like those in Davao, Zamboanga and other neighboring provinces.

Described with a cliche, ” smells like hell but tastes like heaven”, durian is a spiky fruit with its interior filled with creamy flesh. But you don’t have to savor the fruit if you can’t stand its smell. There are many durian flavored foods that you can try.

Durian Candies

This is the most common food made from durian. Since carrying durian in public transportation like airplanes is prohibited, durian-flavoured candies has become the most common pasalubongs from Davao. It is lightweight, cheap and a yummy treat for your officemates.

Durian candies are like pastilles de leche added with durian. In Davao, the most popular is the durian candies of Lala Abon in San Miguel Village.

Durian Jam

If Baguio has strawberry and ube jams, take home a jar or two of durian jams from your trip from Davao. Use it as spread for breads or use it to add flavour to your coffee and other desserts. The best time to buy durian jams is from August -November.

Durian ice-cream and shake

With durian‘s natural creamy texture and taste, it is not surprising that creative minds have whipped another food from durian – ice cream. Try it from various hotels in Mindanao. In Davao, you can buy them anywhere especially during durian season.

Durian shakes is also a good way to beat the heat as you explore the city. Enjoy it alone or with other snack food while in Davao. Like ice cream, it is best to have them when the fruit is in season.

Durian pie and cake

After the candies and frozen delights, pastries come next. Durian cake and pie are comon in the city while other specialty shops create durian tarts. Take a bite for a culinary twist during your visit. The durian pies of the Guin-o family at Inigo Street is a must-try.

Durian Coffee

Take the aroma challenge to the next level with durian coffee. Blurge Coffee is synonymous with durian cappuccino which they call as “gatchpuccino“. The cold variant is called the “larcepuccino“. Never leave Davao without having a coffee break with a cup of durian brew.

Dreadfully stinky for some yet creamy for others, durian certainly divides the house. Try it and make your Philippine trip with a little twist.

The city of Davao is one of the most visited places in the southern region of the Philippines. Both for leisure and business travelers, Davao with its rather safer environment attracts more visitors. This claim can be supported in the number of accommodations available for those who wish to visit the city known for its exotic fruit durian, colourful Kidayawan Festival, Mt. Apo and the Philippine eagle.

There are at least 32 accomodation choices in the city with most of them composed of hotels and inns. What’s so good about this city is that all accommodations are reasonably-priced and absolutely budget-friendly. Whether you are looking for luxurious accommodations or affordable hotels, you can find the perfect place to stay in Davao.

Luxurious accommodations in Davao

As a primeir destination in Mindanao, Davao hosts many world-class hotels to satisfy guests with discriminating tastes. In terms of hotel class, Davao has one 4-star hotel and three 3-star hotels. Most of them are from popular chain of hotels; international tourists can easily rely on these hotels to have a comfortable stay while in Davao.

Those who want to stay in Davao’s best hotels can book in Marco Polo Davao, the only 4-star hotel in the city.  Three-star hotels are Waterfront Insular Hotel, Microtel Inn and Suites and Crown Regency Residences Davao.

With these hotels, you can expect better facilities and more amenities. They have fitness gyms, in-house restaurants, pools and lounges. Of course, service is incomparable. Staff are trained to cater to the needs of international guests.

Budget friendly-hotels

For those who want to skip the frills and just go for those places that offer adequate amenities and facilities at the most affordable rates can choose among smaller hotels and inns in Davao. Though not as expensive or exquisite, comfortable stay is guaranteed with the best customer-services provided by their staff. To name some, you can try Piazza Luna Dormitel Davao or the Azienda Meo Apartelle.

With lower rates, it doesn’t mean that they lack in facilities. These hotels still provide facilities that are very important to guests like free parking, business centres and internet access. Rooms are well-maintained, clean and staff members are friendly and very accommodating.

Vacation Rentals

Lastly, those who want private accommodations or those who want some homey ambiance can try looking for vacation rentals. There are private homes ready for transients or private resorts. Here you can indulge while in Davao and have a real retreat. You can directly contact the owners if you are interested.

Davao is one of the best places to visit while in the Philippines and these accommodations makes Davao one of the finest in the country. For further enquiries on room rates and availability, contact TravelAccess now. Click here for more information.

Philippines is home to various festivals and every town has one from ultra-commercialized Sinulog of Cebu to humble barrio festival featuring one’s local crafts and produce. These festivals are also one of the reasons why Pinoys would go back home – to celebrate with their loved ones.

And in the city of Davao, they celebrate one of the most decorated ( literally) festival in the country. Every third week of August, Davao City holds its annual Kidayawan Festival. For this year, Kidayawan Festival will be held starting August 21, 2011.

Its name is a little bit more of a”tongue twister” especially for those who are not fluent or at least familiar with Filipino dialects. The festival’s name came from the word “madayaw” which has several meaning but all of them are something about happiness and good fortune. When you arrive in Davao, you will hear this words as their words of welcome to travelers and visitors.

Unlike most festivals in the country which is also a religious celebration, Davao’s Kidayawan is more about their local livelihood. The origin of this festival is a thanksgiving for a good and bountiful harvest. At present, this festival is charcterised by a parade of floats decorated with flow, fruits and other bounties brought by Davao’s fertile soil. There are some similarities with Bagiou’s Panagbenga Festival or the Parade of the Roses in Pasadena. You will be amazed on the wonderful creations with different themes all made from Davao’s local flora.

Of course, Philippine festivals wouldn’t be complete without its street dancing. To make it livelier, a tribal dance competition is held with local schools participating. Spectators can let loose and have fun dancing to the lively drum beats.

For tourists and locals, Kidayawan festival is a time for merry-making. A time to celebrate the beauty and wealth of Mindanao. Street dancing, concerts featuring local bands, food festivals and beauty pageants are just some of the activities that tourists can participate during this weeklong celebration.

Tips

If this is your first time enjoying Davao’s festival. Here are some inside information vital for you to have the best of times during the Kidayawan festival.

• Wear comfortable clothes. With Philippine weather, wear breathable clothes like those made of cotton. Expect for some major walking trails around the city -flip flops or walking shoes can be a big help
• Sun protection please! Wear sunblock, hats, bring extra towel and bottled water
• Cover up. Philippines is a very conservative country. No matter how hot you feel, refrain from wearing clothes that reveal too much skin ( cleavage particularly).
• Put boundaries when drinking. Stay away from any trouble when on a drinking spree by choosing your drinking buddies well and knowing your alcohol limit
• Be nice to the locals. Like other locals, be merry not rowdy.

To experience the Davao’s upbeat lifestyle with Kidayawan Festival. Book your holiday with Sydney’s most reliable travel operators. Click here to star your Davao adventure!