By: nobert soloria bermosa

Aside from beautiful white sand beaches and scenic diving spots, the Philippines is also endowed with wonderful caves. There are hundreds of caves in the Philippines. Peñablanca, Cagayan alone has already around 300 caves.

Spelunkers and non-spelunkers, here's a list of the most famous caves in the country that can give you thrill and excitement. You will surely love and enjoy them.

6.) Callao Caves in Cagayan

On the Sixth slot is Callao Caves. Located within the Peñablanca Protected Landscape.The seven-chambered Callao Caves boast of massive limestone and other rock formations, skylights, and a chapel. The conditions inside the cave cause stalactites and stalagmites, particularly in the deeper chambers. Every chamber has natural crevices, which let light get into the cave, serving as illumination for the otherwise dark areas of the place.

5. Jackpot Cave in Cagayan

On the fifth spot is the Jackpot Cave also in Peñablanca, Cagayan. It is the second deepest cave in the Philippines at 115 meters. The cave has a walking size passage, shafts and drops of varying depths that provide for a lot of rope works. Meandering streams and pools of varying size abound inside the cave.

4. Odessa Tumbali Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan

On the fifth spot-Odessa Tumbali Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan. At 12.6 kilometers, it is the third longest cave in the Philippines. It is active and provides excellent wet sport caving. It has superb formations and passage shapes, canals and lakes for swimming, photography and cave diving opportunities, and varied fauna. Acknowledged to be a perfect cave system, it has five known entrances.

3. Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave in Sagada, Mt.Province

On the third place, we have Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave in Sagada, Mt.Province. In terms of vertical range it is the deepest reaching 163 meters from its mouth. In terms of length, it is the fifth longest cave in the Philippines. Six entrances lead to a complex mix of active and fossil cave remarkable for its large passages and impressive gours. The system is partially accessible to tourists and a sump connected to Lokohong Cave.

2. Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental

On the second slot is the Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. This cave is 8.9 km. long. Five entrances have been connected and the system comprises a mix of large and small galleries with some active streamway. This cave is the 6th deepest in the country.

1. Palawan Underground River or St. Paul Subterranean River - Longest Navigable Underground River in the World

This is the most famous cave in the Philippines. The longest underground river was discovered a few years back in Mexico somewhere in the Yucatan. St. Paul Underground River in Palawan, Philippines may not be the longest underground river in the world anymore, but it is still the world's longest navigable underground river. The navigable part of the river inside the cave of the 4000-acre St. Paul Subterranean River stretches 15 kilometers in length (5 miles). St. Paul Cave is the 3rd deepest cave in the country.

Siangde Temple is a scenic spot that is surrounded by green mountains resembles 9 lotuses and thus it is named as Nine Lotus or Jiuhuashan in Taiwan. It is situated on a plateau across the Liwu River where vehicles cannot reach and hence this temple remains as a tranquility place. This temple has become part of the wonderful scenery spots in Taroko National Park of Taiwan, which is near to the Taroko village of Tiansheng overlooking Pudu Bridge. Here an amazing sight of a 12-meter tall giant statue of the Earth Store Bodhisattva rises above the surrounding greenery.




The nuns at the temple are friendly and most welcoming. This temple not only allows you to worship Buddha but also lets you look down over the Tiansiang terraces and lovely gorge scenery. Each year, many believers besides foreign visitors come from all over the places to worship Buddha or practice moral teachings here.

Haeinsa Temple - Korea

Haeinsa Temple is the most beautiful sacred spot in Gayasan National Park which was established by two monks, Sunung and Ijong during the early 9th century to devote the studies of the sutra.

Literally, "Haein" means a reflection on a calm sea which is a phrase derived from the Avatamsaka sutra.

The main highlight in this temple is its Tripitaka Koreana which is 81,258 wooden printing blocks carved during the Goryo Dynasty (AD 918 - 1392). These carvings have been well kept as the best Buddhist scriptures in the world. Besides that this temple has many images of Buddha like Manjusri and Samantabhadra. It accommodates many other artifacts found at Cheongyansa Temple and the Stone Pagoda at Wolgwang Temple in Korea.

Angkor Wat - Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a huge pyramid temple built by the Khmer civilization between 1130 and 1150 A.D. at Angkor, Cambodia. It was built during the early year of the 12th century for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-1150 A.D.) in his state to honor the Hindu god Vishnu which is a symbolic representation of Hindu cosmology.

This temple is regarded as the supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture as it is surrounded by a 655 feet wide moat and it is about 4 miles long. At the center of the temple, one can see a quincunx of towers.

Its five inter-nested rectangular walls and moats symbolizing range of mountains and the cosmic ocean. Its extensive bas-relief carvings and numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls represent the mankind's high quality and most amazing architecture achievement. Angkor Wat is particularly well-known for its stunning sculpted murals on its interior walls of the palace and mortuary. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear that it is ranked among the foremost architectural wonders of the world as well as the largest religious monument in the world.

Shaolin Temple - China

Shaolin Temple (Shàolínsì) is a famous Chinese martial arts (or Wushu Chan) temple in China which is situated in Songshan Mountains, eight miles from Dengfeng and 50 miles away from the southwest of Zengzhou, the capital of Henan Province.

It was established during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534) in 495 A.D. Emperor Xiaowen, who was a believer of Buddhism decided to build this temple on Mt. Song to house Batuo (or Buddhabhadra), an Indian monk who came to Luoyang, the ancient capital in 464 A.D for spreading Buddhist teachings.

Another Indian monk, Damo (Bodhidharma, Bhadra or Fotuo) who was the creator of Chinese Zen came to Shaolin in 517 A.D. He was allegedly meditating in a cave for 9 years and was said to have written the famous "Yijinjing," the fundamental of Shaolin martial arts or Gongfu.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), this temple attained its glory moment by housing over 1,000 soldier monks who were used by the government to combat against the rebellions and Japanese bandits. Nevertheless, during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) the martial arts was strictly prohibited. Between 1644 and 1928, the Shaolin temple was severely burnt several times, with the largest fire set in 1928 by the army of Shi Yousan in order to demolish the buildings of Shaolin Temple. The fire also destroyed almost all the temple's classical literature and records.

One can see over 300 ancient stone inscriptions with some of them created by the famous calligraphers, Ming-dynasty mural of 500 arhats adorning The Thousand Buddha Hall, about 200m up the hill from the temple are 232 pagodas (or the forest of pagodas) which are tombs of Shaolin monks from the 9th to 19th centuries with each inscribed with the names of the monk and his disciples, Qing murals adorning the White Robe Hall depicting the Rescue of Emperor Tai Zong by 13 Monks which show typical kung-fu moves, and many noted relics at Shaolin Temple. Other structures that greet visitors to this temple include a Bell Tower, a Drum Tower, Mahavira Hall, Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Fangzhang Hall (resting place for the temple's abbots) and over 5000 Buddhist sutras are well-kept in the library of the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion.

The most interesting relics are the murals adorning the Eastern Hall which depict groups of boxing monks. With such unique features, Shaolin Temple is well known in China and in abroad.

Wat Rong Khun - Thailand

Wat Rong Khun is the famous and impressed Buddhist temple located in a northern province in Thailand of Pa O Don Chai Sub-District, Mueang District, Chaingrai. This temple is about 5km away from Chiangrai, 10km from the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Phayao Junction, 10km away from the Mae Suay Junction, 13km south of Chiang Rai City, or about 100m from the main superhighway to Chiangrai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the famous national artist who has vowed to immerse himself deeply to serve the religion by constructing Wat Rong Khun since 1997 when he was 42 to the last day of his life to the temple.

His unique and majestic architecture and craftsman creations have been attracting large groups of foreign visitors visiting this temple. According to Thailand's tourist information, this temple had attracted over 1.8 million visitors, of which 140,000 were foreigners.

"Only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop my project," said Chalermchai Kositpipat, the creator of Wat Rong Khun in his book entitled "Sang Buddhasilp Puer Pandin" (Creating Buddhist arts for the Motherland) that his intention is to create the replica of magnificent and elegant temple as a heaven realm, an earthly paradise that humankind can experience.

Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple which is different from any other temples in Thailand as the Ubosot (consecrated assembly hall or chapel) has pure white color and white glittering mosaic glasses to enable it sparkles and shines throughout the day and night.

According to Chalermchai Kositpipat, the white color symbolises the Lord Buddha's purity while the white glass represents the Lord Buddha's wisdom that shines brightly all over the earth and the universe. This temple is a fine mixture of traditional Buddhist masterpiece and it is designed with small pieces of mirrored glass to add in a spacious and magical look particularly when it is viewed in the moonlight hours. The entrance to the main prayer hall has a disconcerting sea of hands, reaching out from the hell to beg for help. Inside this white temple are murals and paintings of the Buddha image and painted enamel ceramic floor.

While walking into the main chapel, you will be amazed by the statue of Lord Buddha, and this statue seems as though it is floating in the timelessness of space. There are 4 kinds of animals on its roof with the elephant represents earth, the dragon represents water, the swan's wings represent wind and the lion's chest represents fire. The bridge symbolises the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha while the small semicircle before the bridge symbolises the human world. The mouth of Rama or Rahu is represented by the big circle with fangs, meaning impurities in the mind and a symbolisation of hell or suffering as well.

Borobudur - Indonesia

Borobudur is regarded as one of the seven wonders and the largest and unusual Buddhist monument in the world.



It is located at Borobudur District, South of Magelang, and Central Jaya of Indonesia. It was constructed on a bedrock hill, 265meters (869 feet) above sea level out of an estimated 1,600,000 blocks of volcanic stones dredging from the river in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra who ruled in Central Java at that time. The inscription dated 842 A.D. suggested that Borobudur was one time a sacred place for praying. Evidence explains that Borobudur was abandoned following the decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Jaya and the Javanese conversion to Islam in the 14th century. It was then rediscovered by the British Governor of Java, Sir Thomas Raffles in 1814.

In 1968, the Indonesian government with the assistance of UNESCO launched a campaign of "Save Borobudur" to undertake restoration project to rebuilt Borobudur, and the major renovation of Borobudur was funded by UNESCO, who designated Borobudur as a World Heritage Site. Thereafter, in every May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak Day at Borobudur in order to commemorate the birth, death, and the time when Siddhārtha Gautama attained the highest wisdom to become the Buddha Shakyamuni. Now, Borobudur is Indonesia's major tourist attraction spot with approximately 2.5 million visitors annually.

Borobudur has an overall height of 42 meters, but its height is 34.5 meters after the restoration. It has a dimension of 123 x 123 meters or 15,129 square meters. Its nine-terraced temple symbolises the transition towards nirvana and is well-known for its 1,500 intricately carved reliefs.

This monument is facing eastward with 1460 panels (each with 2 meters in width) and is decorated with 2,670 bas reliefs (1,460 narrative and 1,212 decorative panels) and 504 Buddha statues (including the intact and damaged statues). The first floor up to the 6th floor is in square platforms, while the 7th to the 10th floor is in concentric circular platforms.

Borobudur has many Buddha statues. One can see 6 different postures of Buddha's statue from the bottom to the top representing "contact with earth," "giving and helping," "meditation," "no fear," "teach and learn" and "turn of wills." A main dome which is located at the center of the top platform is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The first circular platform has 32 stupas, the second 24 and the third 16, that sum up to 72 stupas. The cross-legged Buddha statues are seated in lotus position which is distributed on the Rupadhatu level (on the five square platforms) arranging in rows on the outer sides of the balustrades, and the Arupadhatu level (on the top platform).

The Temple of Heaven - China

The magnificent and colorful Temple of Heaven literally means the Altar of Heaven (Tiāntán) is a complex of Taoist temple that was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. It was constructed between 1406 and 1420 A.D. during the reign of Ming Dynasty, Yongle Emperor (1406 - 1420), who was also responsible for the establishment of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Originally, the temple was established as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, but it was expanded and renamed as Temple of Heaven during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor (1522 - 1567) in the 16th century, who built three prominent temples include Temple of Sun (ri tan), Temple of Earth (di tan) and Temple of Moon (yue tan) which can be found respectively in the east, north and west of Beijing. In the 18th century, during the reign of Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Emperor (1736 -1795) ordered to renovate this temple. In 1914, it was recorded that the President of the Republic of China, Yuan Shih-kai performed a Ming prayer ceremony at this temple as part of his effort to declare himself as Emperor of China. In 1961, it was listed by the State Council as "one of the key monuments under the state protection" as it is regarded as one of the most strictly protected and preserved cultural heritages of China. By 1998, this temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since the founding of New China, the government has allocated large amounts of money to protect the cultural monuments in the Temple of Heaven. Each year, about 12 million visitors visit this temple.

The Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City but smaller than the Summer Palace, occupying an area of about 2,700,000 square meters (667 acres) which is about 4 times bigger than the area of the Forbidden City. As the feudal Chinese emperors regarded themselves as "The Son of Heaven" with their roles as head of a feudal system with a mandate from the heaven and thus they dared not build their own dwelling in Forbidden City bigger than a dwelling in Heaven.

The Temple of Heaven is a worthwhile visiting place in Beijing as it was a grand masterpiece and magnificent architecture of the Chinese People in the ancient times, coupling with its long history, deep cultural properties and magnificent architectural style reflects the ancient culture of the Orient. The layout of the Temple of Heaven is in accordance with the numerology and principles dating back to pre-Confucian times; with its semicircular northern part wall symbolizes the heaven while the southern part is square symbolizes the earth. This layout of walls reflects the ancient Chinese concept of the cosmogony: The sky is round and the earth is square. The design of the northern part being higher than the southern part is due to the ancient Chinese religious belief that the heaven is higher than the earth. Similarly, the roofs of the important structures in this temple are all tiled in blue symbolizing the color of the heaven and sky. The symbolism was essential as it is served as the place where the emperor as the "Son of Heaven" dwelt in was directly beseeched Heaven to provide a bountiful harvest throughout the land. This was particularly of much importance as during the imperial period the base of China's wealth was agriculture.

The primary buildings in this temple are three-layer-terrace Circular Mount Altar (a place where the sacrificial rite was held on the winter solstice) with white marble in its south and the 38-meter-high Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests (a place where emperors prayed for favorable weather and ample harvests) with round roof and three layers of eaves in its north which are lined in the central axis of the whole temple and are connected by a 36-meter-long bridge.


Inside the hall are 28 huge posts with the four posts along the inner circle represent 4 seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter; the 12 posts along the middle circle represent the 12 months; and 12 posts along the outer circle represent 12 Shichen (one Shichen in the past equaled to 2 hours and a whole day was divided into 12 Shichen). Subsidiary buildings include Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Hall of Abstinence, the Long Corridor, Seven Meteoric Stones, a Beamless Hall, the Bell Tower, and relatively small halls.

Another unique feature for you to see is a Nine-Dragon Cypress which is branches resembles nine dragons wind with each other. It was told that the cypress was planted over 500 years ago.

Outside the gate of the Imperial Vault of Heaven is Three Echo Stones. Here, if you speak facing the Vault while standing on the first stone, you will hear one echo; standing on the second and the third stone, you will hear two and three echoes respectively. Other interesting place for you to visit is a round Echo Wall which encloses the Imperial Vault of Heaven with 193 meter (633 feet) in its perimeter.

If you and your friend stand at the east and the west roots of the wall and you whisper a word, then your friend will hear what you said clearly even he is standing at the wall with a distance of 100 to 200 meters (328 -656 feet). The main hall in the temple was built to be a round pavilion with dark blue roof symbolizing heaven.

The East Assistant Hall worships the gods of stars including the sun, the Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, dipper and Saturn. The gods of natural phenomenon including wind, lightning, rain and thunder are placed in the West Assistance Hall of the Temple of Heaven.

Shwedagon Pagoda - Myanmar

The Shwedagon ("shwe" means gold and "Dagon" is the former name of Yangon) Pagoda is a 98-meter (322 feet) coned shaped giant, golden and glistering stupa which is situated in Yangon, Myanmar. Shwedagon, the "Mother of all pagodas in Myanmar" is the most well-known sacred Buddhist pagoda in Yangon which is also one of the main tourist destinations in Myanmar. This notable pagoda is located at No. 1, Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Township in Yangon, Myanmar. Archaeologists believed that it was built between the 6th and 10th centuries or 2, 500 years ago by the Burmese King Binnya U of the Mon Dynasty. However, according to the records by Buddhist monks, it was built before the Lord Buddha died in 486 BC.

According to the legend of the pagoda, two trader brothers from Myanmar namely Tapussa and Bhallika led a caravan of bullock-carts to India and there they came across the Buddha who had recently attained His Enlightenment or Buddha hood. They received eight of the Buddha's hairs to be enshrined in the Shwedagon Pagoda. Relics of the four former Buddhas are enshrined within the pagoda. They are staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight hairs of Gautama, the historical Buddha. The myth has it said that when the golden container was opened to where the eight hairs of Buddha were kept, the rays emanated from the hairs rising up to the heaven and down to the hell, enabling the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.

The base of the Pagoda has a perimeter of 1,420 feet and its height is 326 feet above the platform. It has been estimated that about 8688 solid gold bars were used to plate its surrounding domes and the main stupa took 13513 solid gold bars. This pagoda has 4 entrances (mouk) that lead to the platform (yin byin) made on the top of the Singuthara Hill. A pair of mystical lions (chinthe) is located on its gates. The second Buddha statue, Konagamana stands on the top of the steps. The base of the stupa is made of bricks and covered with golden leaves. No one knows what is inside the base of the pagoda. According to the legendary tales, there are non-stop flying and turning swords to protect the pagoda from the intruders. Some local people say that there are underground tunnels lead to Bagan and Thailand.

The heavy gilded Shwedagon Pagoda has an octagonal base with eight smaller stupas on each eight sides, summing up a total of 64. At each corner of the platform, Manokthihas (sphinxes) are surrounded by a number of "chintes." The eight planetary posts at each cardinal point of the compass around the Shwedagon Pagoda are the symbolizations of the eight days of the week, each with its own animal and planet symbol. A gilded Buddha image made of alabaster is placed beside each planetary post.

The Golden Temple - India

The Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib) is the most significant shrine of the Sikhs and it is also one of the oldest Sikh gurudwara. It is located on a small island in the center of a pool called Amritsar (pool of ambrosial nectar), India. Its golden color is due to the overlay of gold foil, and hence it gets its name as a Golden Temple. The idea of establishing this temple was initiated by the 4th guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ram Das (1574 -1581) or more commonly known as "guru di nagri" which carries the meaning of city of the Sikh Guru. This temple was first established in 1601 and was rebuilt by the Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1803. The 5th Nanak, Guru Arjan Sahib (1581 -1606) had conceived the idea of designing the architectural framework of the Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple is built on a 67 feet square platform in the center of the Sarovar (tank). There is a door in the East, West, North and South respectively, and the door flame of its arch is measured 10 feet in height and 8 feet 6 inches in breath. The architecture of the Golden Temple reflects a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus and thus it is regarded as the best architectural specimens in the world. This architectural style has been used to create an independent Sikh school in the history of India. Unlike a traditional Hindu Temple where the devotees have to climb up to offer their salutations as the structure is built on higher level, Guru Arjan Sahib had it created on lower level than its surrounding ground so that it is accessible to every person to offer homage to this holy shrine irrespective of his or her caste (Kshatriya, Brahmin, Sudra or Vaisya), creed, gender, race, color and religion.

White Buildings of the Golden Temple

Sarowar is another interesting site to visit. It had been lined with bricks and steps had been built along its sides so that the devout could bathe in the immortal pool. It is interesting to learn that this three-storey-high temple is surrounded by the lake. The body of water is encompassed by a backdrop of bright-white buildings on all its four sides. The Golden Temple is crowned with a dome shaped like an inverted lotus. The two upper stories have gilded while its lower story is in white marble. The walls within its entrances are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in gold and silver. The interior of the temple is decorated with semi precious stones, frescoes and glass works. The best time to visit this temple is in the early morning on weekdays before it gets crowded and visitors are asked to take off their shoes before entering the temple premises.

Another significance feature of the structure of the Golden temple is that it has four entrances to open to worshipers of all castes and creeds and this feature is quite different from most of the Hindu Temples that only have one gate. Other remarkable feature is the scripture of the Sikhs which highlights the importance of the unity of God and brotherhood of man. The scripture compiled by the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji consisting of 1,948 pages and more than 7,000 hymns.

Chion-in Temple - Japan

Chion-in (or Chionin) Temple is a large and well-known temple in Japan which is situated in the north of Maruyama Park and Yasaka-jinja Shrine in Kyoto's Higashiyama District, Japan. It is 8-minute-walk from Higashiyama Subway Station (Tozai Line) or 5-minute-walk from the front bus stop of Chion-in. Being the headquarter of the Jodo Shu (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, Chion-in is one of the most important and popular sacred sites in Japan.

The Jodo sect was founded by Hōnen in the year of 1175, who proclaimed that sentient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha's Western Paradise (Pure Land) by reciting the nembutsu, Amida Buddha's name in devotion and faith. His simple teachings have attracted large numbers of followers among the commoners and have helped Jodo Buddhism become the most popular sect in Japan, ahead of the Jodo-shin and Shingon sects.

The temple was built in 1234 in the memory of his master and was named Chion-in. Several buildings in the complex were burnt in 1633 and the current buildings are reconstructions dated back from the 17th century under the reign of the 3rd Tokugawa Shogun Lemitsu (1604 - 1651). In October 2002, Chion-in Temple was used in the filming of Tom Cruise's movie entitled "The Last Samurai."

The entrance to Chion-in is through a 24-meter-tall two-storey Sanmon Gate (main gate) and later up a steep flight of stairs. It was the oldest structure built in 1619 and has been designated as a Japanese National Treasure.

Its ground is always crowded with people praying before a large brazier that holds small sticks of incense in front of the images of the main hall. The main Hall is big enough to accommodate 3,000 people and the corridor behind this gate leads to the Assembly Hall is called Uguisu-bari (nightingale floor or literally means "bush warbler floor boards").

This type of floor is constructed to "sing" at every footstep to alert the monks of the presence of intruders.

Chion-in Temple's copper bell is the largest and the heaviest in Japan with its weight of 74 tons. It needs 17 people to ring this bell. This bell is so special that particularly during the New Year's Eve ceremony in which the bell is struck 108 times by 17 monks, representing the 108 desires in the mind to be scared off before the New Year begins in Japan every year.

Another interesting feature to note is the roof beams are craved with the family crest of the Tokugawa family: Three hollyhock leaves. Chion-in Temple has a large and small guest houses built in 1641 in the Irimoya roof style called Ohojo and Kohojo which are designated as Important Cultural Heritages in Japan. Other Important Cultural Properties at the temple are buildings such as the Kyo-zo (storehouse for sculptures), Miei-do (hall enshrining the founder of the Jodo sect, Hōnen), Dai-shoro (room for the priest), Dai-shoro (large bell tower), Sho-hojo, Chokushi-mon (gate for Imperial messengers) and Kuri (kitchen and living quarters for the priests).

Kek Lok Si Temple - Malaysia

Over years, the historical heritage site of Kek Lok Si (Cantonese) Buddhist Temple, the Temple of Supreme Bliss (Penang Hokkien) or "Ji Le Si" (Mandarin) which means the temple of nirvana is one of the main attractions on the island of Penang, Malaysia.

This island was once the administrative center for the British East India Company during the colonial days. Kek Loh Si is not only the oldest, well-known and largest temples in Malaysia, but also one of the finest Buddhist temples in the Southeast Asia region.

It is situated at the hills of Ayer Hitam, or Crane Hill, which is a place recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality. At the hills of Ayer Hitam, visitors can view the panoramic scenery of Penang town.

The Kek Lok Si project was mooted by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. This project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi with the collaboration of the consular representative of China in Penang. The Emperor Kuang His had then bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras. The construction of Kek Lok Si Temple was first established in 1893, but it was only in 1930, the Thai King, King Rama VI laid the foundation stone for this site and thus it is sometimes referred as Pagoda of Rama VI or the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. This 30-meter-high and 7-storey pagoda is a mixture of Chinese octagonal base, Thai design at its middle tier, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. This work of ancient Burmese, Chinese and Thai craftsmen took more than 20 years to build. A 30.2-meter-high Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin or Avalokitesvara) statue was completed in 2002. This all bronze Goddess of Mercy statue is flanked by a few tall structures of Luohan (Guards) statues. Another Guanyin head and shoulder section was built atop an annexed temple roof.

Visitors are recommended to walk all the way up of 193 steps lining with many stalls selling all types of handicrafts, souvenirs and bric-a-brac on both sides of the steps to Kek Lok Si Temple. While catching breath with the blowing wind, you will see a tortoise liberation pond where you can buy some vegetables to feed. Another alternative is to drive up and park near the vegetarian restaurant to avoid walking up flight of stairs. However, you will miss many souvenir stalls lined up both sides of the stairs.

After you get passing all the souvenir stalls, you will reach Ban Po Thar, a seven tier tower with a merge structure of Burmese at the top, Thai in the middle and Chinese at the bottom. In another three-storey shrine, there is a large Thai Buddha image donated by the king of Thailand. Besides that there are also several halls with old and new Buddhas and engravings, bell towers and other typical temple structures to visit at Kek Lok Si Temple.

The temple is set against scenic surroundings of beauty and tranquility with some features of gardens, sculptures and shrines. A short tram is available to see the both new and old giant statues of the Goddess of Mercy. Each year, during the Chinese New Year, the entire Kek Lok Si temple will be decorated with many colorful lanterns and lights. At night, when all the lights lit up, it is a beautiful sight to be experienced.

Prambanan Temple - Indonesia

The Prambanan Temple is the biggest and most beautiful typical Hindu temple which is located at Bokoharjo Village, Prambanan, East of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is 20-minute away from Yogyakarta city or about 18km east of Yogyakarta. Locally, this temple is also known as the Loro Jongrang Temple, or the temple of the "Slender Virgin." It is believed to have been established in the middle of the 9th century by King Balitung Maha Sambu or Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty, during the Sanjaya Dynasty.

This beautiful temple, in fact, it is a group of Hindu temples (candi), with the largest temple stretching 47m into the sky. The massive collection of Hindu temples was believed to build in the 10th century by the rulers of central Java and defeaters of the Sailendra Dynasty, Mataram Kingdom. Many temples were damaged due to the earthquake in Java in 2006, but it was opened for visitors in 2007. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia region which has a characteristic of having pointed and typical Hindu temple architecture.

Many reliefs adorned the temple's walls depicting the famous epic of Ramayana. It possesses 8 shrines, of which 3 of them are dedicated to manifestations of Hindu Gods of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. Siva is the biggest temple, the other smaller temples; on its right is Brahma and Vishnu is on its left. The main temple of Siva has a height of 130 feet and it contains 4 rooms with 4 statues inside, accommodating the magnificent statue of Shiva's consort, Durga.

In front of the Siva Temple is the temple of Nandi, the bull or a Siva's transport. The temple of Vishnu or the Protector has 4 arms and its front temple is the temple of the garuda (the mythical-like eagle). The temple of Brahma or the Creator has 4 heads and in front of Brahma's pad is the temple of the swan which is a Brahma's vehicle.

The Prambanan Temple has three concentric squares. They are outer square (222 x 390 meters), middle square (110 x 110 meters) and center square (34 x 34 meters) and these squares are surrounded by a one meter boundary wall with gates to connect to the other squares. No temples are found in the outer square, but there are 224 Perwara temples inside the middle square which are lined in 4 rows of temples. The first row contains 68 temples, followed by 60 temples in the second row, 52 temples in the third row and 44 temples in the fourth row. The temples are arranged in a manner that the lower lined outside and gradually getting higher and higher while approaching to its center. There are altogether 16 small and big temples inside the center square. There are also 50 stones of inscriptions written in white, black and red color at Prambanan Temple.

Mahabodhi Temple - India

Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya is the holiest place associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhist religion. Bodh Gaya is located in the central part of the Bihar state in the north-eastern India near the river Niranjana or the Falgu, which is also a part of the greatest Ganges plains and is 13km away from the Gaya town, 450km west of Calcutta, and 90km south of Patna.

It was in the 3rd century B.C.; Emperor Asoka built a monastery and temple here. This temple is used to be called the Bodhimanda-vihāra (Pali) but now it is named as the Mahabodhi Temple (literally means "Great Awakening Temple") that is the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is then become an important Buddhist pilgrimage, a significant archaeological site and a vital study center which attracts many believers and tourists from all over the world every year coming to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to absorb the aura of solemn grandeur that surrounds Bodh Gaya. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mahabodhi Temple marks the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment and his life of preaching which is located adjacent to a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree.

It is marked by stone lotuses and has a 50m (170 feet) tower. The basement of the temple is 15m in length and in breadth with its height of 52m rising in the form of a slender pyramid until it reaches its neck which is cylindrical in shape. On top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion.

Four towers on its four corners rise gracefully giving a feel of holy structure. Inside the temple in the main sanctum, on an altar, there is a colossal image of Buddha in a sitting posture touching the ground by his right hand (bhumisparsha mudra), facing eastward at the place where Buddha immersed in meditation gazing east under the Bodhi Tree. This image is said to have a history of 1,700 years old. There are carvings on the stupas which aged 2,500 years ago depicting tales from Buddha's lives. Ratnagar is a place where the Buddha spend one week sitting there and according to the inscription it is believed that five colors came out from his body.

Chankaramana is another sacred spot of the Buddha and it is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet the lotus flowers springing from his footsteps.

The 80-feet high Bodhi Tree (Pipal Tree Ficus Religiosa) and a pond is situated inside the temple complex where according to legends, Buddha had meditated here. The present 115-year old Bodhi Tree growing here is the 5th succession of the original tree which Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana by sitting under this tree.

It was recorded that the original Bodhi Tree's shoot was taken by a daughter of Ashoka, Bhikkhuni Sangamitta to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century, and the tree was then planted by the Lankan king, Devanampiyatissa at the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura and this tree is said to flourish till today. This Bodhi Tree is also documented as the oldest and most venerated tree in the world. The red sandstone is said to be the Vajrasana, diamond throne or the seat of enlightenment, on which Buddha sat on while meditating under the Bodhi Tree. The platform beneath the tree has a stone carving of Buddha's footsteps where the devout make flower offerings.

There are quadrangular stone railing with a height of 0.2m around the Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple. Lotus motifs are used among these ancient railings. The older set of railings were made of sandstone dated back to about 150 B.C. while the other set of railings were believed to make from course granite dated back to Gupta period (300 - 600 A.D.). The older set portrays a design of Lakshimi being bathed by elephants, Surya riding a chariot drawn by four horses, but figures of stupas, Garudas are found on the other set. A visit to the Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum is a must for religious art enthusiasts as they can see gold, bronze and stone images of Buddha. Apart from that a large collection of Buddhist sculptures from 1st century B.C. to 11th century A.D. are well kept at one place here.

Another interesting spot to visit is a Jewel Walk or Chankramanar which was built as a low platform adorned with 19 lotuses lining parallel to the Mahabodhi Temple on its north side. It is believed that the Buddha was strolling here while he was in a deep thought during the second week after his supreme attainment. In this place a stupa called Animeschalochana was built which is situated to the north of the Chankramanar.

Since 1953, Bodh Gaya had an architectural amalgamation of many cultures as it had been developed as an international place of pilgrimage. Most Buddhists came over from different countries to construct their representative architectural monasteries in Bodh Gaya. Thus, one will see a Thai temple which looks very much like a typical colorful Wat of Thailand, Tibetan temple and monastery houses the massive Dharma Chakra or the large prayer wheel, Burmese monastery, Japanese temple (Indosan Niponji) that has a very beautiful image of Buddha brought from Japan, and Tai Bodhi Khan monastery built by Buddhist tribes from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There are also Vietnamese, Nepalese, Taiwanese, Sri Lankan, Bhutanese, Korean and Bangladeshi monasteries. Many shrines were constructed with enshrined images for use as places of worship. There were also a large number of images of Buddha and the carved inscriptions showing that pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar had visited this place between 7th and 10th century A.D.

The City of 10,000 Buddhas - United States of America

The City of 10,000 Buddhas which is situated in Talmage, Mendocino Country, California is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the United States. It was established in 1976 and Master Hsuan-Hua is the founder of this city.

The city is noted particularly for its Dharma Realm Buddhist University, Tathagata Monastery, Joyous Giving House (convent), Instilling Virtue Elementary School and Developing Goodness Secondary School, International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts and the Center for East-West Medicine. Another noted feature is the Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas which was constructed in 1982.

This hall accommodates a 6-meter statue of a thousand-handed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin). Its walls are adorned with 10,000 images of Buddha. There are also murals adorned the outside wall of Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas.

Other interesting features to note have been described in details in my article here.

On Accommodation

The first night there was rather haphazard. We reached the airport at about 6.30PM; from there we have to find our way to our hotel situated in Ximenting. We literally asked our way to our hotel and got the shock of my life. Not because of the conditions of the hotel, not because we could not find it, but simply because I got the date wrong. My trip was supposed to be from the 22 May to 29 May, but I booked the rooms from 22 Apr to 29 Apr. I cannot believe my carelessness and I never felt so stupid before. Fortunately, the lady from the counter decides to help me out by calling the agency which I booked the rooms from. With their help I managed to continue my stay in the hotel without having to pay extra money thus averting a "costly" mistake. I wish to thank the hotel staffs for their help and also the agency that allowed me to change date with such a short notice. (For those who are interested in the hotel, please refer to this site, for more details. And the site which I booked the rooms from is, Octopus Travel.) To add on, this hotel is quite a budget one. We spent 567 SGD for seven nights there. This breaks down to 40.5 SGD per person per night. The location is good, right at the heart of Ximenting. It is most suitable for those who are not spending a lot of time in the hotel.

Personal ratings for the hotel:
Service 4/5
Hotel quality 3/5
Location 4.5/5

Final comments, I would still choose this hotel if I were to go to Taipei again. It is quite worth the money and you cannot really find too many other hotels with a better location.

On Travel

When I am first there, I was quite shocked by their disorganized traffic. I must say that their road users are generally quite reckless. There are a huge numbers of vehicles on the road making things worse. Fortunately, in Taipei they have an extensive MRT system, locals call it 捷运. I find the MRT the most convenient way to move about in Taipei. You can reach most parts of Taipei City just by taking the MRT. There are tourist information counters in every MRT stations, so if you need any assistance you can just approach the staff there. Interesting enough, inside the MRT station, you would see a totally different sight as compared to their disorganized traffic. People inside the station move about in an orderly manner. For example, they would keep to the right when using the escalator so as to allow people who are rushing for time to move on the left. They would even queue up for their chance to board the MRT train. Inside the train there are priority seats allocated for those who are disabled or pregnant and etc. The people there would generally avoid taking up these seats even when the train is crowded. This is something which I salute them for.

Final comment, like I said before, the MRT is the easiest mode of transport and it is relatively fast as well. It is quite cheap as well, most suitable for travellers on a free and easy trip yet on a budget. If you want to travel to the outskirts of Taipei City, you may choose to transfer to a railway train.

On the Locals

The locals are generally quite helpful. They will help if you ask. But one thing to note is that, not all of them are fluent with English, it would be best if you speak mandarin. If not, the staffs from the information counters would be able to assist you in English, so fear not. The staffs from the information counters are very polite and they serve with enthusiasm. There was one incident when a lady went all the way to help us purchase our tickets for the railway train ride to one of the city's outskirts. This is how far they would go to help a total stranger, and I find it rather heart-warming.

On Food and Shopping

There are quite a number of places to eat and shop over at Taipei. I will just introduce a few.

Shi Lin Night Market

This is a place for tourists to try out the local delicacies. Food like (it is basically fried cockles with egg, sounds simple but it taste really good), 棺材板 (this is fried bread with some sort of fillings inside) and the XXXXXL chicken cutlet are some of the specialties here. There are still quite a wide variety of foods over at Shi Lin. You have to try those stalls along the streets; those are equally good as well. But those are up to you to find out. I would not want to elaborate further as there are simply too many to describe.

Other than food, you can also opt to shop for cheap stuffs over here. The whole area is filled with retail shops of clothes, shoes and etc. These items are all quite cheap. However shoppers would have to compromise in terms of the quality. Try not to make hasty decisions just because the stuffs here are cheap. Take a good look before you decide to but as some of the items here are in really bad shape.

I picked up a couple of T-shirts over here for just less than 10 SGD. So this is a must-go area for shopaholics.

Ximenting

Ximenting is a total different sight as of Shi Lin. In Ximenting you would not see as many street stalls. And the foods here are of an even wider variety. Not only you can find local food but also food from other cultures. The things here are not exceptionally cheap but if you spend some time walking around, you will still find shops that offer good price for some quality items. You can shop for souvenirs as well. There are shops that offer personalized souvenirs for you to bring home.

I think the most famous food stall over here is (it is a local type of vermicelli; it is very popular in Ximenting. Most of the time you would need to queue up for it). The "Bubble" Tea here is also a must-try. "Bubble" Tea is a special type of drink that originates from Taiwan. There is a long list of flavours for you to choose from. So take your time to try out the different flavours.

Please note that Ximenting is only alive after about 11.30AM. So avoid going there too early.

Jiufen

Jiufen is a place outside of Taipei City. It is not really simple to get there. You would have to take a train from Taipei railway station to reach 瑞方 (Ruifang) station. Then transfer onto a bus to reach Jiufen. Just approach the tourist information counters for help if you are lost.

Jiufen is more of a place for food than shopping. The local specialty here is the pineapple cookies and other Chinese-style cookies. If you intend to bring some cookies home, I would recommend that you place your order with the cookie stalls then start your sightseeing, as you would likely have to wait for 30mins to an hour for your orders. These cookies are freshly baked so I believed it is quite worth the wait. Other than the cookies there is still an interesting food called the 芋圆冰 (this is yam balls with ice.)

Danshui Old Street

There is a lot of food to try here but there are just a few local specialties. One of which is 阿婆铁蛋 (it is actually preserved egg). I did not try this as I do not fancy salty stuff. But my friend tried it and he said it is not very salty and the taste is not too bad. So if you like salty food maybe you can give it a shot. Other than the egg, another food I would like to recommend is 阿给 (the locals named it arcade. It is hard to picture it just by its name. It is basically beancurd stuffed with some kind of fillings and vermicelli.)

Danshui is not really a place for shopping as well. But you can find very interesting souvenirs over here.

Wulai

Wulai is situated at the outskirts of Taipei City, where the natives live in. So you can find really exotic food here. One food that I strongly recommend is the wild boar products over here. You can try out the wild boar sausage, it tastes really good. And if you are daring enough you can even try food like bees. Yeah bees, a kind of insects that collect honey. Haha... We tried the bees. Though it is not very appealing or appetizing from the sight of it, it tastes really good when we eat them. It is deep fried. So it turned out to be very crispy. You would not have a feeling that you are eating bees once they are in your mouth.

You can check out other products by the natives here. There are some other foods that taste really good as well.

Yong Kang Street

>This is the last place that I want to introduce. I must say that as compared to the places I mentioned above, the food here are relatively more expensive. However, you can expect a higher quality and service as the price get higher. The most famous restaurant here is 鼎泰丰, it is a restaurant serving Chinese cuisine. We did not manage to try it as it was extremely crowded when we were there. It was quite a pity. So I would recommend you call to reserve a place the day before, if not you might end up like us.

Fortunately, we still managed to taste another food that is quite extraordinary. The stall is called 冰馆 (it literally means a room of ice). The ice dessert here is quite huge. I would recommend 2 people to share one.

On Sightseeing and Entertainment

I think there aren't a lot of places with good sceneries over in Taipei. And the main focus of my trip to Taipei is not sightseeing, so I dare not comment too much on this issue. However I still have places to recommend, but they are really quite limited.

Yang Ming Shan

Yang Ming Shan seems to be a tourists' hotspot for sightseeing. Sad to say we did not go there simply due to the extremely hot weather while we were there. Temperature can hit 38 °C. So we decided that it was not a good idea to go there for sightseeing. Though we did not go there I still believe that it is a place worth going if the weather is not that hot. Maybe in the autumn it would be a perfect place for sightseeing.

Wulai

Yes, Wulai again. That is why I highly recommend this place. Not only is it good for shopping, it also have some pretty decent sceneries as well. I think the main attraction would be Wulai's waterfall. Though is not a very huge one, it is still worth going. You can just treat the journey there as an after-meal exercise.

Ba Li

Ba Li is a place near Danshui. You can take a ferry to reach there from Danshui. From there you can have a good view of Danshui and the sea. Once again the view is not exceptionally good but it is still better than nothing.

As for entertainment, I think I really cannot comment too much on this. There are quite a lot of hot springs in Taipei that serve as a form of "entertainment". However due to the weather, we did not go to any hot springs. (The weather is already hot enough)

I think in Taipei the main entertainment in Taipei would be shopping. You can go check out the clubs and their nightlife if you are keen. Other than that I don't really think there are any other entertainments. If you can find any entertainment that is worth trying over in Taipei, please contribute.

Conclusion

I went to Taipei for eight days and seven nights. There are several things I want my reader to take note of. I will list them in point form for easy reference.

1. The weather is very hot in this time of the year over at Taipei. I live in Singapore, a country that is constantly warm and humid throughout the year, so if I feel that it is hot over there then it got to be really hot. Temperatures can hit 38°C, making it very uncomfortable to sightsee in open areas. So I suggest not going for such a long trips during this warm period of the year. Maybe a 3-4 days trip would be enough. If you want a longer trip, then maybe go during autumn or winter period.
2. Taipei isn't a very big place. So I do not suggest people to go there on a package tour. The transportation system there is quite well done and convenient. So it is really easy to move about. The tourist guide and map provided at the airport is quite comprehensive and detailed, so you won't get lost easily. Furthermore, if you go on a package trip, you will definitely miss out a lot on shopping and the food over there. There are a lot to taste, see and shop, and I am very sure you would want to do it at your own pace.
3. I have to admit that the food there taste really good. But I think that is because most of them are spiced up with excessive seasonings and oil. So I believed that the foods there are relatively unhealthy. Anyway, I think it is ok to indulge in such food once in a while. Just like when you are there for a trip. Another thing to add on. I put on quite some weight from the trip. So I got to start exercising to get rid of those excess fats. lol...
4. This is a warning to shopaholics out there. Be prepared that you might spend so much that you may find yourselves with insufficient money to get back to the airport to catch your flight. Haha... I am not kidding. The things there are often much cheaper than you can find elsewhere. So I believed there is no point in asking you to bring more money just in case, as you will end up spending those excess cash as well. lol...

Batangas, Philippines

Famous Tourist Spots in Batangas

Tanauan Aerial Sports

The small town of Tanauan in Batangas is the skydiving capital of the Philippines. The drop zone, between Mt. Makiling and Taal Volcano, showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Anilao

Anilao, Batangas is a very popular spot for diving and snorkeling. It is known worldwide. The waters are teeming with marine life, plenty of corals and amazing diversity of fishes

Taal Lake and Volcano

Southern Luzon's centerpiece attraction is Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas. The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island can be seen. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world.

Parada ng Lechon (Parade of Roasted Pigs)

The celebration held every June 24 in the town of Balayan coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Lechons, or roasted pigs, coming from each barangay of the town are paraded, dressed in accordance with the theme of the fiesta.

Basilica of San Martin de Tours/Taal Church

San Martin de Tours is the patron of Taal, in whose honor a fest is celebrated every November 11. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in 1575 in San Nicolas.

Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Philippines

Subic Bay is just 100 km. northwest of Manila. You will surely enjoy its magnificent and world-class tourist attractions. Subic Bay is a former US Naval Base transformed to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Tourist Activities & Attractions

Subic Bay Yacht Club

Subic Bay is a perfect sailing paradise, endowedby nature with time-tested, storm-free harbor crystal-clear and crystal-clean flat waters.

Subic Bay Ocean Adventure

The first and most astounding nautical sanctuary in the country that showcases some of the world's most amazing sea mammals like dolphins, false killer whales and sea lions in their inherent habitat. Dive with them. Frolic with the
whales!

Bat Kingdom

Get mesmerized at Subic's Bamboo Bats and Flying Foxes. Over 10,000 fruitbats, the biggest of its kind in the world roost in the protected forest reserve of Subic along with the Bamboo bats, which are the smallest in the Philippines.

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Trek

Sense a relaxing mood while kayaking at the crater lake of this mountain. Discover hot springs, cool mountain pools, lahar fields and canyons as you take a trip or trek to see remains of towns destroyed by the mudflows.

Shipwrecks

Delve the magnificent underwater world of Subic Bay and come face-to-face with its rare marine inhabitants. Explore relics of history that date back to the Spanish and American eras. (Oryoko Maru. Seian Maru, USS New York, USS Rochester, LCV Landing Craft and LST).

Subic beaches

The sun, the sand, the sky and a vast stretch of marvelous sea waiting to be explored - Dungaree, Officers', All Hands, Miracle, Nabasan, Hidden, Grande Island.

Triboa Bay Mangrove Park

Drive through Subic's low-lying forest through the mangroves, via boardwalk to the Triboa Bay Marine Park. This bay is home to a nursery and breeding site for clams, crustaceans and fish.

Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines. It is the most popular tourist spot of the Philippines because of its relatively cool climate.

Popular Tourist Spots and Attractions

Burnham Park

This park is situated at the very heart of Baguio City. You can enjoy boating, biking or simply sit and relax.

Baguio City Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral, a majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of the city.

Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is popularly known as “Little America of the Philippines.”

It is used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States.

The Mansion

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city and in front of the Mansion is the Wright Park. The mansion was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals.

Wright Park

Directly across The Mansion is Wright Park that features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the "Pool of Pines". One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Riding Circle, where hundreds of ponies are for hire.

Mines View Park

Located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park used to boast of a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera Mountains.

Baguio Botanical Garden

Also known as the Igorot Village, it showcases the native houses of the different Cordillera tribes. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume. It is also the home of the Baguio Arts Guild.

Philippine Military Academy

Since 1905, the PMA has made its home here in various locations, Camp Henry T Allen, Teachers Camp until it transferred to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, Fort del Pilar about 10 kilometers south of downtown Baguio in 1950.

Lourdes Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes.

Asin Hot Springs

Asian Hot Spring is a place where you can enjoy the water of hot spring.

Kampung chickens are chickens reared in people's backyards and in and out of their homes. They live as they jolly well please from the time they emerge from eggs, to when they are slaughtered for food. They are one reason why there is no starvation in Java where about twenty percent live on about one dollar a day. In Java, it would seem that there's a chicken in every pot. It is an accepted practice that if you are chicken-less and hungry, you walk along till you encounter a chicken poking around, entice it, and make off into the shrubbery before its squawking protests brings the owner out. Owners deprived of a chicken, or two in this manner are at worst momentarily irritated and after a cursory look this way and that, go back in to finish their chicken soup.

As food, kampong chickens are considered very nutritious because they fend for themselves, feed prolifically on whatever is lying around, and are considered organic. In modern supermarkets, these scrawny, barely fleshed birds fetch higher prices than plumb range fed chickens. Plucked and asleep in supermarket freezers they seem just as pugnacious and defiant, as they were when alive.

Unlovable, But Who Cares?

Kampung Chickens have never been endowed with “good looks.” Even day-old chicks it are difficult to fuss and coo over. They grow rapidly to teenage. At this time they are equipped with scaly, lanky legs, a bomb of a body, a long neck on which is loosely affixed an atrociously ugly head. Their mothers abandon them pretty quickly. By early middle age they are scarred, defeathered in parts and sport a limp. Thankfully they are dispatched by late middle age. This is the time when they are judged to have absorbed enough nutrition to be “good for you.”

Who Owns Who?

Kampung chickens are never actually reared. They are nearly always inherited from one's father, grandfather and so on. The current generations of chickens are likely to be descendants of a long line of illustrious chickens. Like a Patek Philippe they are never owned but held in trust for the next generation.

Sometimes it is unclear who owns who? The chickens officially have the rights to forage in the backyard and the neighborhood. However they are tolerantly allowed to use the house, very much as it were their own. They strut around with their chicks freely. Eggs are laid on the family sofa. Hatching is often done in the clothes cupboard. They have a strong preference to roost in the back of the television cabinet. Consequently it is not unusual to hear the five-o-clock crowing with the early news.

Land of Plenty of Chickens

Java is all volcanic and extremely fertile. Everything grows in this island.Kampung chickens therefore have an extensive menu. They eat without a break, except when roosting or during sex. When bored with what Nature has laid out for them they peck at and gobble up what man has discarded. Newspapers, plastics, buttons, shoe laces, cigarette butts and nails are fought over and polished off with great relish. Yet these birds never seem to fatten up. They are immune from all blights and diseases. They remain scrawny but tough. The female of the species is stronger than the male. The cock is all show with little substance. The female is a smart bundle foraging and pecking around, it seems, with set business-like objectives. The humans amongst kampong chickens seem to have somehow acquired their characteristics.

When The Time Comes

When the time comes for them to be dispatched for the pot, all the children in the neighbored are recruited along with the canniest adults to catch the doomed

chicken or chickens. The chase with much shrieks and squawks could last for an hour or so and cover several square kilometers. But once caught the birds stop squawking and stoically accept their fate-“If a chicken has got to go, it's got to go.”

Millions of chickens go every day to be part of nourishing meals all over Java. Kampong chicken transportation is big business employing thousands and involving hundreds of vehicles. Not unusual considering the millions of chickens dispatched daily. Trains, buses, trucks, taxis, rickshaws, bicycles and bunches of these poor birds hitched up like saddle-bags on motorcycles are the preferred means of transportation. In emergencies it has been known for chickens to fly concealed on board commercial airlines. Their silent acceptance of their fate is particularly helpful during surreptitiously devised conveyances.

Chicken Cuisine

At their destinations Kampung chickens are reserved for the healthier recipes at establishments known for their nutritious cuisine. They are never part of Hainan Chicken Rice and are shunned by Kentucky Fried. They are destined for much nobler purposes; the nucleus of a cuisine of a healthy and virile Java.

There is an extensive range of healthy kampung chicken recipes. Fortunately you can sample them without much searching and presumably get to be really healthy in no time.

Everywhere in Java, in every street you will find rows of carts, tarpaulin covered cafes,

warungs,rumah makans and regular restaurants. The main courses are the respective unique” house” recipes of kampung chicken soups, bowls of noodles, porridge and soto(noodles, bits of chicken in a light curry).

Hungry and weary tourists should lookout for these signs on food carts or food stalls,” SOP AYAM” (Chicken Soup). They are prolific and exist on every street. Or you may hail a motorcycle “SOP AYAM” or “BUBUR AYAM” (Chicken rice porridge) mobile kitchen hitched up on the back seat. There is much choice in establishments and well as “brands” and you may want to take your time to select what seems to appeal most. A generous bowl will cost you no more than 50cents with side dishes and a clutch of sauces. Hot tea is extra. A tip of ten percent will be received gratefully.

You will emerge strengthened and refreshed and mentally alleviated. There is no good taking a recipe home to mother, even if you can coax it out of the chef, unless you can take the main ingredient along and that of course is impossible. Kampong chickens travel poorly.

Chicken Economy

Thanks to kumpung chickens it is estimated that nearly 30 million people are full-time or part-time employed in the chicken soup or chicken porridge industry. These include the cook, his or her assistant, the cleaning-up guy, shared bucket carrier, waste disposal guy, the slaughterers, the pluckers, the marketers, the middle-men (there must always be middle men in Java) and the premen(the brawny protectors of roadside businesses). Allied beneficiaries are the spice, condiments, chilies, secret herbs, crackers, soy sauce, tofu, spring onions, cloves, and garlic and onion traders.

Chicken feet procurers buy in batches of five kilogram bundles which they sell at a good profit to Dim Sum restaurants in the cities. The Kumpung chicken industry and its various spin-offs was one of domestic engines which generated wheels of redeeming economic activity during the Asian Crisis of 1998 and kept the country's head above rough waters.

Tourists anxious to meet and make the acquaintance of kampong chicken will have no difficult in encountering them. They are everywhere. It mustn't be forgotten that Java is probably the most densely chicken populated island on earth. Simply look around and you will meet at one of them with minutes of your arrival in Java.

The Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, Philippines is 250 km. away from Manila. This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands.

A trip to Hundred Islands National Park and its home, Alaminos City, is a great diversion from the hustle and bustle of the busy, urban life. Breathe in the refreshing views - rice paddies, azure sea - and the rustic and peaceful lifestyle as you make your way to Alaminos City. And upon arrival, savor the city's unique and dynamic spirit, friendly atmosphere and especially, the beauty and adventure awaiting in the hundred wonders of the Hundred Islands.

This summer, experience and enjoy one of the best tourist attractions of the Philippines. Here's a dozen way to ensure a happy, enjoyable and worth remembering summer vacation in the Hundred Islands National Park.

1. Snorkeling

   
   
   Slip your body into the Park's inviting water and swim your stress away. Glide with manta rays, groupers and other fabulous sea creatures. The romantic temperature is best for couple bonding. And you can also have fun tagging the kids along for a visual treat.

2. Banana Boat Ride

   This is pure fun all the way. Hold on tight as you dash away in this yummy ride. It's the ultimate bonding water ride for the family and friends.

3. Spelunking

   
   
   Wend your way into the raw beauty of the Hundred Islands National Park's caves. You can take a floating tour, then, shine your flashlights on limestone formations and watch your head as you lumber inside and greet various species of bats.

4. Parasailing

   
   
   Be on top of the world, with wind on your face, untouched by the water below and thrill seeping through your veins. You can peer down and feel the rush on your face, as well as marvel at the gorgeous bird's eye view of the Park.

5. Jet Skiing

   
   
   If it's fresh air you're after, get it fast and exhilarating. You can rent one of the jet skis near the Wharf and take charge as you dash through the azure calmness of the sea. Revel in your free spirit as you sweep through the water.

6. Kayaking

   
   
   Stretch your adrenaline a little higher. Dip an oar and enhance your kayaking strokes as you paddle away the hours in the Park's graceful curves. You can go for it alone or conduct a small competition with friends who want some thrill.

7. Scuba Diving

   
   
   Grab some gear and navigate your way, either with a personal guide or a handy map, to the diving holes in the Park. Take the plunge in these marine havens and find your own piece of magical corner beneath the depths, gliding over colorful reefs and other marine wonders which call it home.

8. Birdwatching

   Feast your eyes on more than fifty species of birds in the Hundred Islands National Park. Get to know magpie robins, Philippine ducks, blue-tailed bee eaters, purple night herons, zebra doves, white collared kingfishers, and more. Among the best islands for this activity are the Kamantiles Island, Heron Island, Tern Island and Bat Island. For hikers, you can follow the Alaminos River for more birdwatching.

9. Island Hopping

   
   
   Grab a slice of island action. Let off some steam as you cross islands dangling from secure ropes, trudging the rugged terrain or just relaxing as your boat glides over water. Embrace the adventure and the thrill and lose yourself in each fresh revelation you encounter.

10. Fun-Fishing

    
    
    Folks can help you out on the best spots to drop anchor in the Park. Enjoy the challenge and have fun reeling in native fishes. Even if you won't have any luck, you can always enjoy a swim with the refreshing breeze or just be captivated by the stunning views.

11. Sun Bathing

    
    
    Relish unfettered relaxation and get your perfect tan as you soak up the sun in the Park's firm sanded beaches. Or simply watch its scenic views. Leave the baby sitting to the shallow waters, sandcastles and friendly folks for a while and enjoy their memorable stories later.
    
    
    
    

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

Munnar Resorts - Nature's Perfection

Welcome to the misty green hill resort of Munnar, where you will feel as though you are in God's own garden - Eden. In the state of India called Kerala, nicknamed God's Own Country, Munnar is a perfect place for nature lovers. Munnar lies in a valley between three mountain freshwater streams (rivers), thus the name Munnar. At over 1500 feet above sea level, Munnar offers an excellent place to catch some fresh air and be captivated by the beauty of God's creations. The hills offer excellent opportunity to embark on a bicycle tour of the region or a boat tour through the wild life park. Beautiful tea gardens and plantations line the entire hillside, and the sun's golden rays piercing through the morning mist is a spectacle worthy of praise. If you are lucky, you can see the entire valley from Anaimudi peak - which is viewable once every twelve years. Other than seeing a variety of plant life, Munnar also has Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Ernakulum National Park for those animal lovers. Other recreational activities include but not limited to fishing, sailing, rapids boating, mountain trekking, paragliding off the various hills and much more!

Taj Mahal - Testament to Love

The Taj Mahal in Agra is indisputably the most famous example of Mughal architecture. The white marble encased tomb is a true lasting testament of love, made by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. The immense mausoleum is incomparably beautiful during sunrise and sunset. Situated near the Agra River in Uttra Pradesh, Taj Mahal is the most famous of World's architectures and considered one of the oldest heritage sites. It is also a distinguished example of Arabic and Islamic art styles merged with Indian innovativeness. This is truly a magnificent site everyone must visit.

Santa Monica - First Nunnery in Asia

In Goa, A must see site is Church of Our Lady of the Rosary incredible mixture of Hindu and Christian styles. This church is one of the oldest churches in Goa, and dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The huge Convent of Santa Monica, dating from 1606, was the first Nunnery in Asia. The church is believed to be build by Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque during the early 1500 for his victories in India. The church is unique in that its architectural style is Gothic and Renaissance architecture (unique to Portugal) combined with India's Hindu influences. The church itself stands on a hill named the “Holy Hill” and is a spiritual attraction for many Catholics.

City Palace - The City of the Kings

City Palace of Jaipur is located in Rajasthan and is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani influence. The well-fortified City Palace is a majestic white monument perched high up on a hill, build originally by King Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. Within the palace itself, there are numerous other “sub-buildings” such as Museums, and temples, making it an architectural wonder. The main entrance, a triple arched gate named the Tripolia, built in 1725, is a marvel worth seeing. Intricate decorations in deep red and gold, Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit lies the "Diwan-E-Aam" or the "Hall of Public Audience". Blue and White ceramic tiles line many of the buildings, making it a work of beauty and art.

The Lotus Temple - Delhi's Wonder

In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus shaped building defines the skyline. Bahá'í House of Worship or more famously known as The Lotus Temple, is the mother temple of the Indian Sub-continent. The building has won numerous awards for its architectural prowess and is one of the most visited places on earth. More then 4 million people visit this building each year, making it more visited than even the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The building is open for public worship and the nine lakes around each of the lotus petals of the building add a quiet mood of serenity that many worshippers and visitors have grown fond of. During an award ceremony in Vienna, the lotus temple was described as a “Taj Mahal of the 20th century in promoting the unity and harmony of people of all nations, religions and social strata, to an extent unsurpassed by any other architectural monument worldwide.”

Alappuzha - Kerala's Backwaters

Kerala, located in the southern tip of India, offers a unique experience for its visitors. The land between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea is one of the “greenest” places on Earth… making it an ideal place for many. The intricate network of ponds, rivers and waterways offer people the ability to tour many areas in their own private “house boats” while exploring the native plant, animal and human life. Along with Alappuzha, Kollam, Cochin, Kumarakom and Thiruvananthapuram all offer a unique touch to this extreme boating experience.Kerala's backwaters are nicknamed the “Venice of the East” and provide amble experiences for your eyes to feast on and your mind to thrive on.

Kashmir - Heaven on Earth

The state of Kashmir boats a cultural history of over 4000 years, and since 1948, became part of India when the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir joined. Beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, rivers, alpine meadows dot the entire state and the people of Kashmir are one of the most diverse and most beautiful people. Kashmir also has unique strains of Buddhism that date as far back as Buddha himself and is a unique blend of India and China. Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh host many expeditions in the Himalayan Mountains, perfect for any adventurous tourists. Kashmir also has plenty of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and pilgrimage sites for those that are spiritually keen. The magic of Kashmir is enchanting, truly a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Rail Tour - Palace On Wheels

Your tour of India is not complete unless you take a tour on the “Palace on Wheels.” The train is the ultimate definition of luxury rail tour. An array of elegantly furnished cabins, well stocked bar, sumptuous Indian delicacies served in its two dining cars, replete with traditional royal treatment of its guests are but a few features of this tour. The dining services are the most varied and one of the most excellent to be found on any luxury rail systems which include: Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. The eight day tour starts in Delhi and takes you through some of the most historic and beautiful cities of India while letting you explore the countryside and taking specially guided tours of certain areas. At the end of the tour, you will find yourself back in Delhi, ready for another trip.

Swarn Mandir - The Golden Temple

Dazzling in the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar is the Swarn Mandir, or the Golden Temple, a holy site for the followers of Sikh Religion. Located in Amritsar, the temple is a work of beauty… encompassed in gold and precious stones, the temple is an architectural wonder. The temple is near the Wagah Border crossing area between India and Pakistan so once you have visited the temple, you can visit the Wagah border to see the pompous border closing ceremony that Indian and Pakistani soldiers carry out every day.

Mussoorie - Queen of the Hills

Mussoorie was one of the favorite outpost of the British due to the lush valley and the perfect location of its landscape. Uttarakhand is the state of India, proud to be the host to Mussoorie. The area is heavily influenced by the Tibetan exiles; especially since it was the first area used by the Tibetan government in exile and later was turned into a Tibetan Buddhist school. However, the natural beauty of Mussoorie is rivaled by none other. Its sylvan valleys, majestic mountains, pure, invigorating air, sulphur springs and panoramic views draw visitors to its embrace from far and wide. Along with its verdant beauty, Mussoorie also offers an exciting range of activities to its visitors. From horseback riding through pristine mountain trails to hiking, boating and even a wide variety of video game parlors and an amusement park for children, Mussoorie has something to see and do for people of all ages and interests.

Yangyang Festival

The Yangyang Festival, renowned for the Song-i mushroom pine festival, invites tourist to celebrate and learn about the Song-i mushroom, relish in its natural environment, and at the same time enjoy the picturesque autumn foliage of Mount Seorak and its surrounding seas.

Several events will be organized in conjunction with this festival. Among them are the memorial rite for the god of mountains, picking Song-i mushrooms, cooking contest with Song-i mushrooms, re-enacting of a traditional wedding ceremony, sampling of various Song-i mushroom dishes, and other events.

Andong International Maskdance Festival

One of the best tourist attractions in Korea is the Andong Maskdance Festival, which is famed for promoting its tradition and culture through various programmes and mask dance performances.

This 10-day festival will see myriad performances that will fascinate tourists of all backgrounds. The programmes consist of domestic and international mask dance performance as well as modern, mime, and marionette performances.
Among the highlights of this festival are the mask dance contest where single or group visitors wear face-painting and make-up to show their dance creations. Tourists are also able to taste a smorgasbord of delicious regional foods, particularly the famous Andong Chicken Jjim, a steamed chicken dish.

Inje Icefish Festival

Fishing enthusiasts desiring to fish in the icy cold weather can do so during the Inje Icefish Festival.
Have an unforgettable experience during the biggest winter festival of Korea and participate in various activities such as ice-fishing in crystal-clear water, winter sports, and savouring the authentic taste of Ganwon province while you enjoy its fresh air and scenic view.
Experience zest and thrill of nature when you play winter sports and activities such as ice soccer, sledding, ice "bumping car", ice mobile and more.

Fun Ski and Snow Festival

Experience some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in Asia while enjoying Korea's picturesque winter landscape at the Fun Ski and Snow Festival.

Deemed as Korea's most popular winter event, the Fun Ski and Snow Festival will be held from Dec 9 till March 8 at both Yongpyeong and Muju ski resorts, which have been hailed as one of the best resorts in Korea.

The events planned at the resorts and on the slopes will be more than enough to keep you and your family entertained whenever you visit.

Experience Korea like never before with its traditional music and dance, assortment of delicious international foods and beer, along with powerful modern performances during the festival. These art and cultural experiences will make your trip different from any other by allowing you to experience Korean culture firsthand.