The size of the city of São Paulo intimidated me. Everywhere loomed the tall, rectangular columns of beige and gray narrow buildings they seemed to have erected for every conceivable purpose, as if the architects had agreed beforehand not to use any other shape. The teeming traffic defied comprehension. A speed limit, if it existed, was ignored. Wagons, horses, trucks of every age, Volkswagens, Fords, Chevrolets, motorcycles, bicycles, hundreds of motorcycles, all racing at a heart-thudding speed through clouds of carbon monoxide and deafening blasts from Klaxon-type horns. The cacophony of boom boxes hovered over it all, ebbing and flowing like an accompaniment to the frequent screeching of brakes. I tightened my seatbelt and clung to the armrest like a survivor in a bounding lifeboat. Conversation was impossible for nearly two hours as we fought our way westward.

When we finally reached the edge of the suburbs, we stopped at a lanchonete for refreshments and I was amazed at the cleanliness of the combination rest stop and restaurant-and at the quality and taste of the delicious foods offered the travelers. The tropical fruit juices were fresh and blended with ice and/or cold milk; I've never tasted anything quite as delectable.

By the time we got back on the highway, the traffic had thinned out considerably and the stars were beginning to hang low in the sky. I was enthralled, staring at the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere-particularly the Southern Cross. I had studied star maps during my astronomy classes in college, never dreaming I would actually see these constellations. The farther out in the country we drove, the bigger and brighter the stars appeared. Soon we were driving through the endless blackness of unoccupied farmlands, with only the lights from other vehicles and a myriad of stars to keep us company. The occasional hamlets were few and far between, always with a town square around which were clustered small, one-story homes, surrounded by a protective iron fence or masonry wall extending out to the street. The tiny homes of most Brasileiros are constructed of concrete walls, which adhere to inner structural walls of adobe bricks-resulting in a very thick insulation to keep the interiors cool in the unforgiving heat.

Electricity is prohibitively expensive in Brazil, so there is very little air-conditioning in private homes. Even the very wealthy utilize room-sized air-conditioning units and then only when absolutely necessary for sleeping. The average home has no plumbed hot water, no bathtubs and, of course, no dryers. The showers are equipped with an electrical apparatus which, when activated, heats the pipes above, through which the cold water flows to the showerhead. However, even families of low to moderate income have domestic help, one of the few bargains in Brazil. These are the women who launder the clothes, often by hand in cold water, and hang them to dry in the hot air.

The upper middle class of Brazil usually live in "apartments", which are purchased outright and sometimes, as in the case of my host family, occupy the entire floor of a luxurious high-rise. Marcos told me his seventh-floor apartment had cost $250,000 a few years ago and they had spent that much and more having it professionally decorated. Counting the live-in maid's bedroom and bath, the apartment consisted of five bedrooms, five and a half baths, Marcos' paneled home office, a family room, a main sala or "great" room, elevated formal dining room, breakfast room, modern kitchen, huge laundry room, walk-in pantry and spacious marble entry hall.

It was interesting to note they did have plumbed hot water but no dryer and only one air-conditioning unit installed in the wall of the master bedroom. Most of the people of Brazil do not live in such elegant surroundings however, but there appears to be an increase in the size of the "middle class", particularly in the larger communities surviving on a regional industry.

I was invited to accompany Almeli (Marcos' wife), her mother, Alcina, and her aged aunt, Sensata, to an upscale resort near the city of Bonito in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. We left the state of São Paulo around noon on a Thursday in the company truck with the driver at the wheel. Around 8 PM, we turned off the main road and found the only hotel in a small town. What had appeared to be a mediocre place turned out to be exceptionally modern and spotlessly clean. We had two large rooms, each with accommodations for three (Brazilians always allow for the standard female "companion" for the elderly lady or the usual "nanny" or au pair for the children), stocked refrigerator, air-conditioning and plumbed hot water in the bathrooms.

We left the next morning at 7:30 after a picture-perfect Continental breakfast of cylinders of prosciutto and cheese, numerous kinds of breads, papaya, yogurt, fresh orange juice, strong coffee laced with sugar, goiaba and guava conserves. The two older ladies spoke no English at all and had no understanding of anything I said; Almeli had only a minimal knowledge of English and the driver, none. I was straining to communicate and to understand, overwhelmed by a feeling I can only describe as "near helplessness."

After the banquet-breakfast, we climbed back into the truck and drove the desolate highway for what seemed like an eternity. Without warning, the pavement ended abruptly and we literally rattled, banged and bumped over a pot-holed, rocky, corduroy road cut through bamboo jungle and endless fields of soybeans, mandioca (manioc), papaya and date palms. Stately, tiptoeing emu watched us pass with their long necks extended and their heads cocked in curiosity.

A beautifully marked red fox narrowly missed death as he dashed across the road in front of our tires. Bright green parrots squawked from the tops of trees. Hundreds of red dirt termite hills lurched upward intermittently in the fields, like a strange epidemic of the soil, some as tall as a small child. Three huge buzzards, appearing more like condors, lifted up on massive wings in arrogant protest as we interrupted their feeding on carrion. The expression in their yellow eyes was fierce and for a moment I doubted my own safety, even from inside the truck.

We were beaten unmercifully on this road for over an hour, emerging finally upon a blacktop crossroad. Making a right turn, we rolled into the small town of Bonito, resentfully protesting tourists with gut-wrenching speed bumps and, I found out later, a steadfast refusal to grade and pave the main road we had just survived.

Driving around the square, we spotted a nice hotel for the driver and, after depositing him at the entry, Almeli drove back through town, then west again, toward the Zagaia Resort Hotel, several kilometers beyond.

We found ourselves on another dirt gravel road and, with a cloud of red dust trailing behind us, we rounded a bend and there, nestled at the foot of a sloping hill, at the end of a winding, flower-edged guarded lane and kiosk entry, was a fairy-tale dream of a hotel: sparkling clean, meticulously maintained, surrounded by manicured lawn and flower beds, out in the middle of Nowhere, as it were.

As we drove up the curving drive, we passed a landing strip, a small lake with tranquil ducks gliding slowing among the lily pads and innumerable blooming tropical flowers and trees. We parked under the porte cochere where two attendants cheerfully unloaded our things from the truck and led us into the spacious modern lobby. We again were given two rooms with three beds each, stocked refrigerator and plumbed hot water. I enjoyed the privacy of one of the huge rooms all by myself.

After unpacking, we changed into bathing suits under long pants, T-shirts and tennis shoes. We checked out beach towels, drove back into town, picked up our girl guide and proceeded to drive a few kilometers beyond the other side of town to a privately-owned fazenda, or ranch, upon which had been discovered a tremendous, natural, spring-fed aquarium in the river flowing through the property. The owner of the land had agreed to allow tourist access for a moderate fee but only with the authorization and supervision of the Brazilian equivalent of the EPA. The cost for half-day excursion was $6.00 each, plus $25.00 for the guide and equipment rental.

The evening had grown much cooler and there was a breeze strumming the palm trees as we walked outside and up a sloping walk to the spectacular, glass-enclosed dining room. The buffet dinner was elegant, with uniformed attendants waiting to serve our every need. There were delicate carvings out of tomatoes (roses) and squash (swans). I concluded in every Brazilian heart there lurks an artist as I walked by the creamy soups, salads, pasta, beef, fish, chicken, potatoes, rice, pudims (flans), tortas (pies), coffee and an impressive selection of wines. Fresh flowers graced every table and all the creative cuisine was presented with an artistic and gracious flair, as if every guest were visiting royalty. All of it, all the time, was delicious.

The next morning, we were up and ready to go at 7:30. Breakfast was another gastronomical wonder, also served buffet-style, but this time in the open-air dining area overlooking two of the swimming pools. We wore jeans and long-sleeved shirts as we stopped by the government office to pick up our guide for the day-this time, a young man. Our drive to the entrance of the Blue Grotto took about 45 minutes. We followed the nondescript signs and turned off the main road, driving through a peaceful meadow in the foothills around Bonito. Less than a dozen vehicles were parked on the grass near a hand-lettered sign designating the main entrance. Tourists milled about, awaiting a signal from their guide for permission to walk down the narrow path toward the grotto. Only 14 people were allowed to enter at a time, due to the narrowness of the passageway. While we waited our turn to approach the point of descent, our guide told us the history of the Blue Grotto.

In 1927, a group of Indians stumbled upon an opening in the ground, almost hidden from view by overhanging brush and tall weeds. Inside this opening, 100 meters straight down, the Indians crawled and tumbled down to discover a huge, underground pool of water the color of a deep blue sapphire and crystal clear. All around and above this pool, which was actually an underground river, looms a mammoth, arched cave with gigantic stalactites and stalagmites still forming from the drops of mineral-laden water oozing down through the earth above. Since that early time, the landowners of the area have had rock "steps" carved from the surface down through the massive rock formations, all the way to the blueness of the grotto below. At certain times of the year, the sun's rays enter the circular opening in the earth and strike the surface of the water, causing the entire interior of the massive cave to appear a translucent blue.

This is the only cave, or cavern, of this type on the planet Earth. Scientists and spelunkers from many countries have traveled to Bonito to explore the depths of the Blue Grotto. Divers in wet suits and fins wearing oxygen tanks tried in vain to reach the bottom, descending over 100 feet. A diving bell was finally brought in and lowered into the navy blue depths. The skeleton of an ancient saber-toothed tiger and the fossilized remains of an albino shrimp were found as well as a large round aperture nearly 200 feet down from which streamed a strong current of clear, ice cold water, as dark as blue ink. The origin of the strange underground river remains a mystery.

As recently as 1991, visitors to the Blue Grotto were allowed to swim in the azure depths until geological experts advised against risking any further pollution. At present, people are allowed to descend in small groups but only if supervised by guides. No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted inside the cavern and tourists are forbidden to stray from their assigned group.

We listened to this discourse with concentrated interest, but still were not prepared for the immensity of the sight awaiting us. We entered the dark recesses of the entrance and after our eyes grew accustomed to the dimness, perceived the first of the steep, rocky steps leading downward.

The "steps", or more appropriately, ledges, were sometimes as much as three feet in height. The path curved downward to the left, then to the right, then back again, with wide areas now and again for people to stand together comfortably and listen to their guide's descriptions and technical explanations of the geological formations. As we descended deeper and deeper beneath the earth's crust, the temperature grew cooler very rapidly and the barometric pressure escalated. Heartbeats increased and throbbed in our ears. At each overlook, we peered down at the quiet blue lagoon, marveling at the size of the people in the group ahead of us, already at the bottom. They looked to be no bigger than 10 inches in height. It seemed impossible for the bottom of the cavern to be that far away.

There were no handrails or other supports paralleling the steps; small children and the elderly were not permitted to descend for obvious safety reasons. The closer we got to the bottom, the more awesome the cavern became. The roof soared above us, dripping its centuries-old stalactites in nature's most original sculptures, each one incomparably designed. Instinctively, our voices dropped to a whisper. Staring at the massive views and feeling the silent majesty of this place was like being in a wondrous cathedral and experiencing something very profound within oneself. Regrettably, no unprofessional tourist camera could possibly capture the effect of such magnificence. We were dumbstruck by the view at every turn.

Reaching the bottom, we turned to look up at the entrance behind us and I was fraught with misgivings about being physically able to climb out. I watched the group behind us making their way down with the utmost care as we had done and then I realized the increase in barometric pressure was making me feel more exhausted than I normally would have been.

When our guide signaled for us to begin the long ascent, he told us not to rush and to stop occasionally to take deep breaths. It seemed to take longer to climb out than it did to descend, but perhaps that was because part of me didn't want to leave there and I kept stopping to look down and back, trying to etch the memory of the place forever in my mind's eye.

Several times, the steps seemed insurmountable and I had to drop to all fours, clambering up like a mountain goat. The last three ledges were the most difficult, but I made it, albeit with trembling legs. We stumbled back along the dirt path leading to the parking area and stopped long enough at the souvenir shop near the entrance to have a cup of coffee, sit and stare, reflecting on the experience. None of us felt much like talking on the way back to the hotel. I sensed we all felt a sense of human frailty after seeing one of the inexplicable wonders of our planet, particularly since we hadn't expected anything as overwhelming as it had been.

The cost of the Blue Grotto trip was $16.00 per person, plus $10.00 for the guide. The rest of the trip-white water rafting, a dinner featuring fresh fish roasted in banana leaves, breakfast al fresco with a baby emu wandering among the tables, a professional, colorful dance review performed by employees of the hotel, more spectacular buffets-all of it was memorable, but nothing was as awesome as the Blue Grotto.

The rates at the Zagaia Resort Hotel are on a par with five-star hotels everywhere, with rates for rooms beginning at around $150.00 per night. The town of Bonito, famous in Brazil for its fresh-water river fishing, is 257 Km from Campo Grande, a larger city northeast of Bonito in the same state (Mato Grosso do Sul) and easily accessible by air from the city of São Paulo. Rental cars and chartered planes are available in Campo Grande.

Inasmuch as Bonito is in the heart of the Brazilian "river country", there are several other places of interest for travelers, such as the Rio do Peixe (Fish River), the Rio Mimoso, the Rio Sucuri, the Ilha do Padre (Isle of the Father) and others. Each area offers the services of tourist guides and reasonable prices. I would recommend two weeks minimum, to allow for enough time to absorb the enchantment of Bonito and its environs. There are English-speaking personnel at the hotel, which also has ample facilities for conventions and business meetings and/or company retreats.

A vacation trip to Brazil that includes a visit to scenic Bonito is an experience of a lifetime. For me, it was a great, gulping taste of the rugged, natural beauty of a rural part of Brazil, which is still relatively unspoiled by the inevitable commercialism of the future.

Horse Shoe Bay

Walk to the far end of Horse Shoe for “Post Card” bays and grottos that should not be missed. Bring a camera, sun glasses and a towel and you are set for an unforgettable day at the beach. The Gulf Stream keeps Water temperatures an average 83 degrees in July.

Cove at Horse Shoe Bay

Yes Virginia, the beaches are pink. Actually it is red coral chewed up by Parrot Fish mixed with the finest white corral sand that you will find anywhere. There are a half dozen popular beaches along the south shore and dozens more known to the local tour boats and cab drivers who will be glad to take you to them.

Pink Sands

Church Bay Beach. Not much of a beach itself but a favorite for snorkel divers. If you want to snorkel in waste deep water and see what you normally see at twenty feet this is the place for you. Ask any cab driver to take you to Church Bay and he will know where it is. Careful, it is a little slippery walking out on the reef.

Church Bay Snorkeling

Bermuda summers are for people watching also. But be aware that nudity, boom boxes and alcohol are not permitted on the beaches. Some of the seascapes are absolutely breath taking.

Seascape

The island is a shutter-bugs paradise. Bring an extra SD card for your camera.

Sonesta Bay

Downtown Hamilton is the Island’s Capital. Shop till you drop. No matter if you are into Conservative British stile, Tommy Bahama or California Grunge you can find it here among the stores on Front Street.

Front Street Hamilton

St. George is the island’s second largest city. This is a great place to enjoy a “Rum-Swizzle” on the Warf. Shopping and water sports of every kind are available. Try a Catamaran tour of the inland waterways or be adventurous and do some deep sea fishing. Barracuda are always on the menu.

St. George Bay

And yes, there is golf, golf and more golf offering some of the best courses you will find anywhere in the world. Be advised that the Green Fees are substantial.

Golf Course at the South Hampton Princess Hotel

Chances are that once you have been to Bermuda you will return many times. Less than two hours from the U.S. East Coast, you can board a breakfast flight and have lunch on the beach. For those who want to take their time getting there you will find that most major Cruise Lines visit the Island. But a one day stop-over is just a tease.

Antigua is a dream location for snorkelers. Most of the idyllic beaches on this island are lapped by calm clear waters with millions of rainbow colored fish. Offshore, you can see manta rays and sea anemones. While snorkelling you are practically guaranteed to see different kinds of elk and brain coral.

While Bonaire is renowned as a diving location, it is also a world-class snorkelling destination. Bonaire Marine Park is one of the locations where you can wade into the waters off the beach adjacent to your resort of hotel and see the schools of colourful fish swimming around your legs. Other superb locations for snorkelling on Bonaire are the reefs off Klein Bonaire and in Washington-Slagbaai National Park.

At Stingray City on Grand Cayman, you don't have to engage in diving to catch sight of a stingray. You can easily see them while you are snorkelling. These creatures are quite tame and will just glide around you in the warm, crystal clear waters. The Curacao Underwater Marine Park is very spectacular for its marine life. This park is the best location on the island for snorkelling with a beach that stretches for 12 miles along the southern coastline of the island. There are millions of fish, hard and soft garden corals and sights of sunken ships for you to enjoy.

The best snorkelling sites of St. Martin are on the French part of the island. The calm waters of this region are protected by the government and they are homes to schools of brightly colored fish. There are many tiny coves in this region where you can explore the shallow reefs along the shore.

The Grenadines is one location in the Caribbean where you may just have the beach to yourself in some places. There is a reef that extends for more than a kilometre along the white sandy beaches of Canouan where the waters are teeming with rainbow colored fish. Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent are also excellent snorkelling locations.

The lists of the most attractive atolls below are the most ideal places for beach and nature lovers including divers. They will surely enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving among many other activities on these wonderful gifts of nature. (Photos courtesy of Wikipedia)

Aldabra Atoll: Seychelles

Aldabra atoll is considered the second largest atoll by dry land area with 155 km² and regarded as the largest raised coral atoll in the world. This beautiful paradise which is located in Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The atoll's islands nurture an array of both unique flora and fauna, as well as the world's largest population of 150,000 giant tortoises. Its lagoon boasts the most vibrant marine life of the entire archipelago.

Aitutaki Atoll: Cook Islands

Aitutaki Atoll is the second most visited island of the Cook Islands. It is traditionally known also as Araura, Ararau and Utataki. The barrier reef that forms the basis of Aitutaki is roughly the shape of an equilateral triangle with each side measuring 12 km in length. Aitutaki is famous for its turquoise central lagoon, uninhabited islands and palm-fringed beaches. Another advantage is that until now it has been spared by mass tourism. One Foot Island, which is part of the atoll, was awarded “Australasia's Leading Beach” at the World Travel Awards held in Sydney in June 2008.

Rapota and Moturakau Islands were the locations of the first series of the UK reality television program Shipwrecked in 2000. In 2001, Steve Fossett passed over just south of Aitutaki in the balloon Solo Spirit during his round-the-world trip. In 2006, the island was used as the location for the tribal council in Survivor: Cook Islands. Surrounding islands were used for tribal camps and crew locations. Then, not long afterwards, Shipwrecked returned again, with Shipwrecked: Battle of the Islands. This was filmed on the same islands as before. Aututaki has a population of approximately 2,000 only but has 8 Rugby teams.

Bikini Atoll: Marshall Island

An ideal place to explore of adventurer is the Bikini Atoll. Bikini Atoll is a ring of coral islets, forming parts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 36 islets encircling a large lagoon with a land area of about 3 square mi (8 sq km). Bikini Island is well-known for being the subject of nuclear bomb tests, and because the bikini swimsuit was named after the island in 1946.

Only limited number of divers head for the lagoon at Bikini every year for an extensive tour of World War II naval vessels. Due to the dangers of the radioactivity and limited services in the area, divers are staying away from one of the most remarkable potential diving sites in the Pacific. The dive spot has become popular among divers in the last 10 years. The lagoon contains a larger amount of sealift than usual due to the lack of fishing, including sharks, increasing the fascination with the spot as a diver's adventure spot.

Orona Atoll: Kiribati

Another ideal place for adventurer is the Orona Atoll. Orona Atoll which is also known then as Hull Island is one of the Phoenix Islands in the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is a narrow ribbon of land surrounding a sizable lagoon with depths of 15-20 meters. Numerous passages connect the lagoon to the surrounding ocean, only a couple of which will admit even a small boat. Total land area is 3.9 sq. km, and the maximum elevation is nine meters.

Although occupied at various times during the past, including as late as 2004, Orona is uninhabited today. An attempt was made to re-establish a settlement on Orona from 2001-04, but this appears to have failed. Orona, together with the other Phoenix Islands, was proclaimed in 2008 to be part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, the world's largest marine protected area. Orona contains evidence of prehistoric Polynesian inhabitation. An ancient stone marae stands on the eastern tip of the island, together with ruins of shelters, graves and other platforms.

The area is covered with towering coconut palms and the remainder of the atoll is covered with scrub forest, herbs and grasses. Feral cats, rats, pigs, and dogs exist on the island. Ducks and chickens were raised by the former inhabitants, but it is unknown whether any remain. Orona also boasts three species of lizards, Polynesian rats, land and hermit crabs, together with approximately fifty species of insects. Turtles are also known to use the island as a nesting area.

Tetiaroa Atoll: French Polynesia

One fabulous place you shouldn't miss is Tetiaroa. Tetiaroa, one of the Society Islands, is an atoll 59 km north of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti. Tetiaroa Atoll has a width of 7.3 km and is made up of 12 small islands called motus. The first thing you will notice is this island is not developed at all! Its peaceful pristine natural setting and absolute secluded charm are what attracted Marlon Brando to this atoll, and during his years of ownership here he did everything he could to keep it that way.

Best things to do in the area are; swimming, walking around and exploring the many tiny motus which comprise the area, snorkeling, scuba diving, and checking out Bird Island.

All these beautiful paradises are vying for a place in the search for the New 7 Wonders of the World. One thing is certain; visiting these places is 100% pollution-free.

The Philippines was cited as one of the top three best diving spots in the world, together with Maldives and Palau. Among the internationally recognized best dive spots in the country are;

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park,Sulu Sea

It is famous for its diverse marine life. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world and the best place for snorkeling and diving in Asia.

The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 33,200 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serving as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.

Malapascua Island, Cebu

It is famous for its rare sharks.

Malapascua is one of the least spoiled tourist spots in the Philippines. Labeled as the next Boracay by the Lonely Planet, Malapascua has everything for the traveling diver.

Malapascua diving offers: the only daily thresher shark sightings in the world, white tip sharks, mantas, hammerheads (seasonal), wrecks, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, beautiful unspoiled coral gardens and a huge diversity of marine life.

Puerto Galera, Mindoro

This diving site is noted for its colorful reefs.

A little further from Anilao using Batangas Pier as jump-off point, Puerto Galera is a natural harbor with fine beaches, green scenery and sheltered coves. Puerto Galera has grown to become a diving haven due to its marine diversity, complemented by other activities. At least two dozen sites have been identified, each providing good opportunity for photography. Most divers prefer to go to Puerto Galera from March to October.

Anilao, Batangas

Anilao's proximity makes it a popular destination for weekend diving trips.

Even excursions are ideal in this southern town where resorts are situated within short boat rides to excellent dive sites. Diving is mainly in coral slopes and shallow gardens among sandy patches. Choose from any of the 24 dive sites between the coast of Anilao and Maricaban Island. The most popular site is the Cathedral (average of 60 ft.), a roofless cavern with a blessed cross flanked by two large sea mounts.

 

Balicasag Island, Bohol

Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country.

Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters are brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.

Apo Reef, Negros Oriental

Apo Reef National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Apo Reef National Park is acclaimed as one of the best diving sites in Asia. It is a 34-kilometer reef, with a narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into two lagoon systems, north and south. Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest in the Philippines.

Palawan's Surrounding Islands

Coron, El Nido and Busuanga are just three of the many dive sites in Palawan.

Coron Bay is one of the most popular diving destinations in the Philippines. This site is one of the most famous wreck diving destinations in the entire world due to the amount of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity due to this area's waters usual transparency.

El Nido is one of the world class diving destinations in the Philippines. El Nido dive sites are also the home of the exotic and colorful tropical marine life. With its unexploited underwater scenery, divers will have a good look on the colorful tropical fishes and corals. In El Nido alone, there are 20 dive sites already.

 

Boracay, Aklan

Boracay is the best tropical beach in the world.

Boracay is one of the most popular diving areas in Southeast Asia. Boracay is a great dive holiday location, simply because it combines a wide range of dive activities with one of the best beaches in the world plus the numerous good quality resorts, restaurants, bars and night time events. There are 15 diving sites in the area.

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.
    
    

One can visit these places in a single day as most of them are easily accessible by car. However, the exceptions are for the mountain retreat at Gunung Tebu and the offshore island, Pulau Perhentian.

A great journey trip can start with a visit to a recreational spot in Terengganu, La Hot spring which is situated in Hulu Besut. The water from the spring is extremely hot to even boil eggs. As the spring water contains sulfur and some essential minerals, it is also believed to cure body aches and skin diseases. Many people come here for this purpose.

Lata Tembakal Waterfall will be the next stop. It takes only about a half hour's drive from La Hot spring. Lata Tembakal is also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Malaysia. It is one of the best managed and cleanest recreational spots in Terengganu.

Another beautiful waterfall is Lata Belatan which is located at the foot of Gunung Tebu. It is usually the take-off point for those who wish to climb Gunung Tebu.

Gunung Tebu will take about four hours for you to reach its peak. It is about 1000 meters above sea level. It is said to be a historical site as it was once a well-known trading areas where ships from as far as China came to trade here. On top of Gunung Tebu, one can view as far as Semerak in Kelantan and even the offshore islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.

Your trip to Besut is not complete, if you do not visit to either Pulau Perhentian or Pulau Redang. Most tourists prefer to go to Pulau Perhentian. According to them, Pulau Perhentian takes only 30 minutes by boat from Kuala Besut. Therefore, it is probably one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular island resort spots in Terengganu. Pulau Perhentian has lovely sandy white beaches and certainly, the most famous activities are snorkeling and scuba-diving.

There is a famous market in Kuala Terengganu which is “Pasar Payang”. At the market one can buy souvenirs. One can learn on the process and procedure of producing batik by visiting a batik factory,“Nur Arfa Batik” in Kuala Ibai. The colorful batiks are very captivating. People designed batik here are extremely talented.

Batu Buruk Beach is another attraction of Kuala Terengganu. At the beach, one can try some local delicacies such as "ais krim goreng". One may also go to Rantau Abang for turtle watching. If you were unfortunate though, you did not get to see any turtles laying eggs. The turtles will only come up in the wee hours of the morning.

This beautiful island, 50 kilometers off the coast of Pahang, Malaysia, is unspoiled by civilization. Hence, it is a perfect place to let your hair down. You can do your sunbathe here in a hassle-free and relaxing condition. You may also have beach parties, or stroll along the beautiful stretches of white sands. Come and experience yourself! Let yourself be engulfed by a marvelous view of nature.

There are chalets here to make your stay comfortable. For marine lovers, they can go for snorkeling. A nearby diving club rents out diving equipment to skin-diving enthusiasts. There are beautiful corals and fishes to see. If you are fortunate, you may also get to see some unique, harmless and extremely rare marine creatures.

If you are planning for an unforgettable and remembrance holiday, Laguna Island deserves a better and ideal place for you.

The island is so small that I think there is only one movie theater on the island and no shopping malls!!! Even though you will encounter many shopping areas especially in the main city be prepared to walk a lot outside to go to different stores. Wear a lot of sunblock!!!This is important because on this island it is sunny and hot all year round and it might only rain 3-5 times a year.

My favorite things to do on the island is diving and snorkeling because of it's beautiful crystal clear water and nature underwater.Riding jetski's and water skying are also a blast.The island has a abundance of water sports. The best time to visit Aruba is February because of the local festivities and a holiday known as carnival that is more known from Brazil.Don't expect to find anyone unhappy at this time.This is when their are a lot of parties and locals wearing colorful costumes and you will see dancing in the streets with beautiful parades.The locals also drink a lot of alcohol (it's kind of their happy island source)and expect to find a lot of exotic cocktails.If you can't make it to Aruba in February then December is also a good time to go.

The island imports special firework from china and has hours long parties and firework shows before and on New Year in December.The best thing to shop for on the island is for jewelry and perfumes because the prices are much more reasonable then in the U.S. Don't waste your money on clothes too much because in teh U.S you find more variety and better prices. If you love gambling their are a lot of casinos there and you can take advantage because most states in the U.S don't have a lot of casinos.Some world poker tour competitions were held in Aruba.The traffic is different then in the States so if you don't take a hotel shuttle or tour guide because you want to rent a car you better pick up some information about traffic signals.

Another thing that is good of the island is that English and many other languages are understood or spoken on the island because even though Aruba only has about 100,000 inhabitants the island claims 40 different nationalities that live peacefully with each other.Very few countries have such a international mix and get along with each other. That is definitely something I miss because here in the States their is a lot of racism and stereotyping about different races.

Their are a lot of things to do in Aruba that are enjoyable and relaxing but the main selling point is the people that live here together that bring their traditions,foods,and culture to the table that created a special blend on the island.