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.

Palawan is no doubt, Philippine’s pride – a living paradise. And now the world has hailed its natural beauty as its Underground River has tentatively became one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World.

From white-sand beaches to secluded islands, Palawan is the best place for those who adore nature. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park gives you more reasons to pay Philippines a visit. Located 50 kilometers from the capital city of Puerto Prinessa, this underground river wil never fail to impress tourists, travelers, adventurers and even the vagabonds.

What makes this underground amazing that it has bested other natural wonders like Africa’s Kilimanjaro? First, it is an underground river. We have seen rivers with the sky above your head with some birds flying over perhaps? But with Puerto Princesa’s river, it is inside a cave. And not just any cave, as you cruise, you will be served with sculptures from stalactites and stalagmites. Giant mushroom-looking crystals decorate the interior of the cave. Bats flying or ogling as you pass by and the cool breeze that will calm any soul.

The whole river is 8.2 kilometers long. One of nature’s creation that is is roofed with a cave before it flushes to the South China Sea. As a National Park, this attraction is not just because of the river. At the mouth of the river is a lagoon with its mossy-clear waters lined with ancient trees. Nearby is a white-sand shore. Very unspoiled that the area is still home to various animal species from monitor lizards to monkeys. Looking up at its crystal clear skies are rugged cliff formations. Wipe out small boats and tourists and you will imagine living in paradise.

Experience and be in paradise when you visit Palawan.

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Apart from the abundance of spectacular landscapes and seascapes that has made it the favorite of many travelers, only a few know that the island also offers a wide variety of best tasting dishes that add to its charm. Though Palawan is part of Luzon, its dishes are mostly borrowed from the Visayas and Mindanao.
Local Cuisine

Next to the enchanting beauty it has to offer, Palawan’s biggest attraction is the mouth-watering sea foods and local cuisines. Be it small or big restaurants, surely there is always delicious food awaiting the hungry traveler. The local favorites in Palawan are mechado (beef or pork in tomato gravy), lechón (roasted pork), crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg) and kaldereta (goat meat in tomato stew).

The freshly cooked sea foods like sinigang na hipon, grilled crabs and prawns, a wide range of tasty fish such as tilapia and bangus (milk fish), clam soup, and fresh shellfish are also not to miss. Try out the lato, commonly an appetizer, which is a seaweed, also referred to as “sea grapes” because they look like a bunch of small green grapes, and when bitten into it releases refreshing saltwater into one’s mouth.

There are also a lot of vegetable dishes which are perfect for the veggie lovers. Among the most popular are, laing (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and garnished with a copious amount of chili), pinakbet (mixed vegetables), adobong kangkong (sautéed water spinach), ginataang kalabasa (squash in Coconut milk) and ginataang langka (Jackfruit in Coconut Milk).

International Cuisine

While its local cuisine is much sought after, international cuisines are also available to serve the incessantly growing number of international tourists.

Puerto Princesa City, the commercial district and the island’s capital city, is home to the many restaurants that offer Vietnamese dishes. Palawan played host to Vietnamese refugees long before. There, you can find several Vietnamese Noodle Houses and those that specialize in vegetarian foods and pastries.

Meanwhile, the European settlers also established restaurants serving Swiss, German and even English cuisines. A top favorite is the Bavaria Pizza, serving great sausages and pizzas.

Cook your Own Food

If you would rather try cooking your own food, then the place to go is their “wet market”. A large selection of fresh sea foods will welcome you with amazingly low prices. Choose from fresh shrimps, crabs and fish, tuna for instance, which make a great tasting kinilaw (meat or fish cooked in vinegar garnished with ginger and chili and eaten raw).

So there, Palawan ‘s grandeur satisfies you in many ways. Dining in Palawan is just part of the adventure waiting for you to enjoy when you visit this paradise on earth.

Apparently, Palawan’s nature-given wonders paved its way to the popularity it now enjoys. Today, Palawan has become one of the most well-loved and frequently visited places throughout the world. However, Palawan’s pride does not only end with their magnificent natural wonders.

There is much to Palawan than just these scenic views. Its rich and diverse culture is the foundation of the many festivals that it yearly holds. While planning a visit to the country’s last ecological frontier, be sure not to miss any of these festivals.

1. Arawedan Festival – is an event that showcases the several tourist attractions of the place, the beaches, marine reserves and parks. This is held from January 23 to 24 in Port Barton in San Vicente, Palawan.
2. Puerto Princesa Foundation Day – held every March 4, the date when the cityhood of Puerto Princesa was declared. Various games and sports competitions are the event’s highlight. There is also a trade fair where different traders, fishermen and businessmen participate in an exchange of products. Of course, parades, floats and merry-making all throughout the day will never be absent.
3. Pagdiwata Ritual Festival – another festival in Palawan that should not be missed is the Pagdiwata Tribal Ritual. This event is a tribal ritual practiced by the local residents. The locals show their gratitude to God for the bountiful blessings they continuously receive and at the same this ritual serves as a prayer for the healing of the ill people of the province. This is celebrated on the month of December when the moon is bright and full at the town of Aborlan.
4. Lambay Festival – is an old festival which is still celebrated until now. This festival is held to celebrate the start of the hunting and gathering season during the old times. In the recent years, the Lambay Festival is observed by the people as a festivity for spring.
5. Baragatan Festival – hosted by Puerto Princesa City every June 17 to 23, the event is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the local government. This festival has been known to become the festival of festivals in the whole province of Palawan as it brings out all the people from the other towns, cities and municipalities together in one grand celebration. Each locale then presents its own native songs, dances, folktales and floats all throughout the week. There is also a trade fair where different traders, fishermen and businessmen participate in an exchange of goods.
6. Cuyo Fiesta – held every August, this event is very similar to the Ati-Atihan Festival. The participants will need to blacken their skins and dance to the musical beat of the drums.

May it be adventure or merry-making that you are after, surely there is one waiting for you at Palawan, a place no one else can be at par with.

Be thrilled…Be at peace…Have fun at Palawan!

Blessed with many natural wonders, Palawan is undeniably one of the frequently visited places in the Philippines year round. The Island is well known for its white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling; majestic mountains and forests ideal for trekking; and abundant wildlife and marine life which amuse the young and old alike. Boredom has no place in Palawan as there is much to see and do in this enchanting paradise.

Experience the “must-do” activities in Palawan and you’ll perfectly understand why tourists, both local and international, keep coming back. To top these activities are:

1. Diving at the Tubbataha Reefs – Tubbataha Reef, aside from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a top diving destination. It is home to many beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.

2. Travel through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and National Park – recently nominated as one of the new seven wonders of the world, the park is famous for its underground river which is also the longest navigable river in the world. By hiring paddle boats, tourists are given one hour to explore one of the most beautiful natural treasures of the world. Also a famous feature of the subterranean river is the different limestone formations and the bats flying above the cave.

3. Go Island Hopping – visit Honda Bay, El Nido, Busuanga, Coron, Cuyo, Port Barton, Quezon Malanut and Nakuda Bays and prepare to be mesmerized by these lovely places. Pristine white-sand beaches will readily welcome you once you hop in to these places.

4. Try hiking – a great way to appreciate the quieter side of the islands is to go trekking. Hike Mt. Tapyas and get a breathtaking view of the sunset, the islets, and the crystal clear waters.

5. Go on archaeological, cave and wildlife sanctuary exploration – visit the Tabon Caves, the oldest known habitation site in Southeast Asia and learn the roots of the life in Palawan. Also a “must-do” activity while in Palawan is dropping by at the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to both endemic and African animals. African animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles, among others, co-exist with the endangered endemic animals like the Calamian deer, Palawan mouse deer, bear cat, leopard cat, tarsier, Palawan peacock pheasant, scaly anteater, porcupine and monitor lizard. The mangroves are home to the man-eating Philippine crocodile while offshore sea grass beds are the habitat of the rare dugong (sea cow). Many endemic and migrant birds flock to the area.

With these exciting activities to try on, and a lot more lined up, your Palawan escapade will surely be a relaxing yet action-packed trip. No wonder people who have gone to this place have nothing but praises for this spectacular natural treasure. A beauty no one else holds but Palawan.