It is relatively a new sport in the Philippines and it has becoming a popular sport and it has been advancing rapidly. There are also active climbing places in manila and in other major cities. There are also quality-climbing equipments that is available in outdoor shops and climbing sites outside Manila which are Atimonan in Quezon, Antipolo, Cogeo, Manalmon, Montalban, Mt. Maculot, Palawan and Sagada. Currently there are 3 gyms that have indoor artificial climbing walls, which are the Power up Gym in Quezon City, Planet Rock in Makati, and Gravity Gym in Paranaque.

Sea Kayaking

It is also a new sport in the Philippines. The Philippines has 7,107 islands and offers thousand of kilometers for kayaking on crystal clear water, which can take you to exotic villages, pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs and mangrove along the way. You can kayak in Caramoan, Palawan, Samar and in Siargao. Kayak is also a good way to explore Philippines delicate ecosystems without disturbing any wildlife.

Surfing

Philippines have some good surf breaks that will be available for you whatever level you are in. there are world class waves between July and November when the winds brings strong waves amid clear skies and low humidity. You can experience this waves in Baler and Infanta in Quezon, Daet in Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, La union, Samar, Siargao, Tandag in Surigao del Sur and in Zambales.

This and kayaking are new sports in the Philippines. There are becoming more paddlers that are looking into more action in the Philippine Rivers. If you want to experience the thrills of the gushing rapids of the Philippines Rivers, go to Bubunawan/Cagayan River in Mindanao, Tibiao River, Panay, Calbiga River in Samar, and Tacloban.

Trekking

This is for those people who wanted to go beyond the end of the roads and Philippines has the best treasures. Trekking is the only way you can see these treasures. These are the places which are the falls, tribesmen with beautiful tattoos and the crystal Water Rivers. You will also see jungles, virgin forests, and beautiful mountain ranges. And only the trekkers can witness all these things. If you are that person you can trek in Abra, Albay, Baguio, Batanes, Batangas, Bohol, Bulacan, Cebu, Iriga, Kalinga, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Mt. Province, naga, Olongapo, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pampangga, Romblon, Samar and Sorsogon.

Listed here are some of the great wonders of nature found in the Philippines. I have chosen 10 places that in my opinion are the best places to see in the country.

Banaue Rice Terraces

This beautiful place is located in the northern part of the country. This wonder of nature is known to Filipinos as the 8th wonder of the world. This rice terraces has been carved into the mountains by the indigenous people of Mountain Province and Ifugao more than 2000 years ago. The Banaue Rice Terraces is included in the Unesco World Heritage List in 1995.

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

This Unesco World Heritage-listed marine park is located in the Municipality of Cagancillio, Province of Palawan. Tubbataha is made of about 10,000 coral reefs lying in the middle of Sulo Sea. Tubbataha is a nesting place for green sea turtles. It has almost 500 species of fish, about 45 species of birds, 9 species of dolphins and whales and it has about 400 species of corals.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

This great wonder of nature is another sight to enjoy. It is located in Palawan, Puerto Princesa, about 50 kilometers north of the Capital City. It has about 8 kilometers of navigable Underground River considered to be the longest in the world and features a limestone karsts mountain landscape. The river winds through a cave before it flows directly to the sea. This underground river has several chambers and also contains major formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Like the Tubbataha Reef, this nature park is included in the Unesco Heritage List.

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is located in Bohol, Philippines. It is made up of around 268 small cone-shaped hills that are almost of the same size and spread over an area of about 50 square kilometers. These coned-shaped hills are covered with grass and turns brown like a dark colored chocolate during summertime

Mayon Volcano

Mount Mayon is located is located in the province of Albay and about 15 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Legaspi.

Mount Mayon is an active volcano and has erupted about 47 times in the last 400 years. The volcano is known the world over as the most perfect cone shape volcano.

The most destructive eruption of Mount Mayon occurred in 1814 when lava flows emanating from the volcano buried the nearby town of Cagsawa, leaving only the bell tower of the church visible from the ground.. In this worst eruption, more than 2,000 people died.

Boracay Beach

Boracay Island is located in the province of Aklan with a land area of about 10 square kilometers. The island is famous for its powdery white sand and now considered as one of the best beaches in the world. From an unknown travel destination years ago, Boracay is now teeming with upscale tourists from all over the world.

Siargao Island

Siargao Island is located in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of over 400 square kilometers. Siargao is known the world over as one of the best Surfing destinations. It is home to Siargao Cup, a Philippine and International Surfing competition sponsored by the local government of Surigao.

Hundred Islands of Pangasinan

Hundred Islands is located in Pangasinan. These islands are scattered in deep blue waters of Ligayen Gulf. Some of the bigger islands have white sand beaches and dining facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls is located south of Metro Manila in the province of Laguna. The place is very popular among domestic and international travelers. Shooting the rapids is its major attraction. Boatmen will take you in their banca (wooden boat) to the river upstream, go swimming and shoot the rapids on your way downstream.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is located in the island of Luzon in the province of Batangas, about 50 kilometers south of Manila. It is an active volcano with a large lake in its crater. The lake is popular fishing ground for residents living in the vicinity of the volcano.

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.

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.

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.
    
    

Summer is around, and everybody's excited to spend the summer vacation once again. A place that is cool, with awesome scenery and wonderful people is most likely the most popular choice to spend it. A place where they can escape the heat of the sun, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or simply watching scenic views.

1. Boracay

   
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   Number one on the list, of course, a world class resort, the most popular island destination and the number one tourist spot in the Philippines - Boracay. It is regarded as “the finest beach of all Asia”. Likewise, popularly known as, “the number one tropical beach in the world”. Everyone will surely enjoy swimming and sunbathing on its 4 kilometer “white sand beach”. You will definitely like this island paradise. It is situated in Panay Island, Philippines, about 300 km south of Manila.

2. Palawan

   
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   Next on the list is Palawan known as “the last Philippine frontier “. It is blessed with beautiful tourist attractions like Club Paradise Resort, El Nido Resort, and many others. The famous underground river is also here, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park which is the best place for snorkeling in Asia is also located on this island.

3. Dakak

   
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   Third on the list is another world class beach resort, Dakak. It is famous not only for its “powdery white sand” but also famous for its coral reefs and diving that is why it was named the “Diving Mecca in Mindanao”.

4. Siargao

   
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   In the fourth spot, we have Siargao, the haven of surfers from all over the world. Popularly known as, “the surfing capital of the Philippines”. International Surfing Cup is held here annually.

5. Batanes

   
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   And the last, but certainly not the least, we have Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.

Enjoy your summer vacation on these island paradises.

There are numerous caves in Boracay Island. The Kalikugan Cave is between Balinghai and Punta Bunga Beaches. In Yapak, you will find the Crystal Cave, Cave of Buslugan and the Bat Cave. Obviously, the Bat Cave is the home of many bats. You can also see bats with four feet wingspans. Also, during day time, there are Flying foxes hang on trees. One of the Beaches that offers several coves and caves is the Ilig Iligan Beach located in the east coast of Boracay Island. If you will request, local tour guides offer their service to guide you in goin to all the caves. However, environmentalist recommend to visitors not to disturb bats during their daytime sleep. Observing them should be at twilight when bats emerge from caves and fly over to search for fruits.

Moreover, the caves can be reached by walking, by bicycle and by motorcycle from Road 2, or by walking from Ilig Iligan beach.

1. Go ride a Tricycle! (An old motorcycle hooked up to a small enclosed sidecar)
2. Ride in the back of a pickup truck… its legal there
3. Go visit a Filipino restaurant and gorge yourself on Delicious Asian Cuisine
4. Visit the famous beaches and islands of the beautiful Archipelagos

These four things make a vacation there much more relaxing. Do not forget to visit the city during your visit though the city life isn't half bad and the five star hotels in Manila like the Discovery are worth it… also remember to put lots of sunscreen before going to the sari sari stores or taking a dip in the current floods in the barrio.