welcome to Patapat Bridge!

This viaduct also connects Ilocos Norte to the province of Cagayan. When we were there, big buses from and bound for Cagayan were passing by.I don’t know how long the viaduct is but what I have known is that it is the fourth longest bridge in the country. Don’t expect to spend many hours in Patapat unless you want to take a lot of photos especially of the open sea. It felt a little bit scary on the road with big buses passing along and big waves splashing underneath the viaduct.

I’d been dreaming to see this place personally as I was seeing beautiful photographs of the bridge across social media. Well, I was not disappointed. No wonder, I was seeing even pre-nuptial photos taken in this place.

The thing that makes Patapat Viaduct so special is its one-of-a-kind view. The bridge itself follows the curvature of the mountain range to its right (or left if you’re coming from Cagayan). It’s flanked on the other side by the West Philippine Sea, making it a perfect spot for taking photos.

It’s also a great place to take an early-morning jog. Imagine being welcomed by a sunrise/sunset as you jog along this 1.3-km coastal bridge.

Hermana Menor also known as Makatira Island, is a remote and private beach. It’s owned by Palawan Governor Jose Alvares and the Hernandez family of Zambales, Unlike the beaches mentioned above, this beautiful beach is not yet crowded. You can find here a long stretch of powdery white sand fringe with coconut trees and crystal clear blue waters. It’s ideal place for swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling and some outdoor activities.

How to get to Hermana Menor Island Zambales

Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Sta Cruz Zambales. Fare is from P450-490 and travel time is from 5-6 hours. Tell the driver  drop you off at the Petron Station in Brgy. Lipay, Sta. Cruz. Terminal is located in Sampaloc, Caloocan and Pasay.

From Brgy Lipa’s Petron station, ride a tricycle going to the port. Fare is PhP 10 per person and the ride will take 3-5 minutes.

From the port, rent a boat to take you to Hermana Menor and/or Hermana Mayor. Travel time is from  30-40 minutes. Boat fee is from PhP 1,300-1,500 with a maximum capacity of 5-6 pax.

Welcome to Banaue

Hemmed in on all sides by dramatic rice terraces, Banaue is directly accessible from Manila and can sometimes get overwhelmed by visitors. It’s hard to blame them: the local mud-walled rice terraces are pleasingly different from the stone-walled terraces in most of the Cordillera. World Heritage listed, they’re impressive not only for their chiselled beauty but because they were introduced around 2000 years ago by the Chinese.

Welcome to Puerto Princesa

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape withone of the most complex cave systems. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and is affected by the ocean’s tide. An underground river directly flowing into the sea, and the associated tidal influence, makes it a significant natural phenomenon. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million year old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The PPSRNP contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protect forests, which are among the most significant in Asia. It represents significant habitat that are important for biodiversity conservation.

In recognition of the PPSRNP’s globally significant natural value, it was inscribed to the List of World Heritage Sites on December 4, 1999. Inscription on the list confirms the outstanding universal value of the Park and it’s well integrated state of conservation.

The PPSRNP is managed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa based on a program centered on environmental conservation and sustainable development. It has the distinction of being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a Local Government Unit.

It is managed by the City thru a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), multi-sector body that provides policy direction and other oversight functions. It is a model for effective protected area management and sustainable tourism in the Philippines.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a source of pride, and a key element in the identity of the people of Puerto Princesa in particular, and of the Philippines as a whole. The conservation of the Park is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people in the global efforts to conserve our natural heritage.

Welcome to Puerto Galera

Just a few hours’ travel from Manila, this gorgeous collection of bays and islands is one of the country’s top dive destinations. Puerto Galera is Spanish for ‘port of the galleons’. Its deep natural harbour, sheltered on all sides, was a favoured anchorage well before the Spanish arrived in 1572, and today it remains a favoured anchorage for long-term yachties and short-term vacationers.

Welcome to Donsol

Until the ‘discovery’ of whale sharks off the coast here in 1998, Donsol, about 45km southwest of Legazpi, was an obscure, sleepy fishing village in one of Sorsogon’s more remote areas. In 1998 a local diver shot a video of the whale sharks and a newspaper carried a story about Donsol’s gentle butanding. Since then Donsol has become one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist locations, though the permanence of its shark population is now in question.

The Chocolate Hills The Philippines boast of some of the most unique and mystical natural wonders. But none can match the popularity of the Chocolate Hills, which form the major tourist attraction in the central island of Bohol, otherwise known for its exotic beaches. These hills constitute an unusual geographical formation and still bewilder people all around the world. The number of small individual mould hills comprising the area is estimated to be anywhere around 1,268 to 1,776, covering a total area of more than 50sqkm, distributed through the towns of Batuan, Sagbayan, and Carmen.

Welcome to Malapascua Island

This idyllic island off the north coast of Cebu is famous for its world-class diving, above all the chance to dive with thresher sharks, which are present year-round. But even if you’ve no interest in reefs and marine life, Malapascua makes a beautiful beach destination, the southern part of the island is fringed with gorgeous sandy bays and there’s an excellent choice of hotels and guesthouses. Malapascua is justifiably a very popular escape for travellers and Cebuanos.

Welcome to Boracay

While only 7km tall and at its bikini line 500m wide, tiny Boracay is the Philippines’ top tourist draw, fuelled by explosive growth and a tsunami of hype. The centre of the action is dreamy White Beach, a 4km, postcard-perfect stretch of sand lined from one end to the other with hotels, restaurants, bars and dive shops several blocks deep. The beach path is typically awash with visitors, including large groups of package tourists from across Asia. The ocean is full of romantic paraws (an outrigger sailboat) giving rides; colourful parasails fill the air. After perfect sunsets, live music breaks out, and fire dancers twirl their batons. The party goes on all night. Indeed, the party has begun to take a toll on the environment of this small island, prompting the Philippines government to declare Boracay temporarily closed to tourists, starting 26 April 2018 for up to six months. During this ‘rehabilitation’ period, no local or foreign tourists will be permitted to enter the island.