Tourist Attractions

Among any other places in the world, Caribbean can be one of the most blessed region in America because of the many tourist attractions it has. For those who don't know, Caribbean is located southeast of North America, east of Central America, and to the north of South America. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International's biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands. Why is the place called the "Caribbean Islands"? Well, because it is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. You may have even heard it in the song of Mariah Carey's no. 1 single "Touch My Body".

From here we still need to take a walk around 300 meters. The trip that must be taken by following through the steep ladder, headed towards the location three waterfalls. Fortunately the available steep ladder is made from concrete cement so as the visitor do not experience the difficulty when crossing it. Upon arrival at location, several sellers of food/the drink and the appearance memento lined up and a group of young man welcomed with the wave of pop music that was trend, hoped for the small change throw to empty tin on the way. It is not difficult to find the source of hot water of these small seven waterfalls, because located on the side right-hand from the road to enter. The small seven waterfalls personally indeed took the form of the hot water current that come out from stone gaps with the height approximately 1 meter. Water that flowed visible issue hot vapor and the stones that are passed by this water changed became colored red brownish. Investigated to the side of which hot water flowed, I found scenery that has never been seen by me whatever beforehand. One cliff brown young is come between by the green color of appearance emitted the smoke. All this part of cliff is passed through hot water that flowed slowly to the lower cliff, so as to appear like the stone to have vapor. The combination of the color that is interesting and very beautiful to be enjoyed, it proved something that the natural color indeed always harmonious and it is very beautiful scenery.

A ladder on the right side of this cliff, make the visitor able to descend, enjoyed picturesque scenery from the lower side of cliff. Apparently not all water that flowed in this stone is hot water, it proven from water that flowed close to the step is water with the colder temperature. As a result when this cold water reach at the bottom and the mixture both of them made the temperature of water to be colder compared with its upper part.

Close to this area, there is a box of the cleanliness contribution without the guard standing in the edge of the ladder. An article on this box is mentioned the "Sarabadak Cave". But when I try to seek what part that is acknowledged as this Sarabadak Cave, I can not find out the location that is meant. It is just several small gaps in the cliff that definitely do not deserve to be acknowledged as the cave. In a glance, nothing special in this cave area, but if you try to look at the detail of the gap between the cliffs, its unique scenery. You can clearly see the contents of the whole cave.

A part of the Sarabadak Cave, there is also the historic location that is located outside the gate of small seven waterfalls but it close enough, approximately 100 meter. Whether this place is used to be belonging to the king or the leading figure, no body knows. Apparently, when being found by the inhabitants has taken the form of the place like available now. This place consisted of the stone that is compiled formed the step ladder and the other one is cubical form. This place is named Batur Sengkala, that it seems the inhabitant's local words are often used by ancient senior figures as the resting place for a moment from the far trip.

The Legend

Sheikh Maulana Maghribi was a Muslim scholar / Mullah. He was a Prince from Turki. One day after At Daybreak, he saw the mysterious light shone on the side South-east. He wanted to know from where the mysterious light came and what meaning that. He broke to find out. And he was accompanied by his friend, the Pilgrim Datuk and his worker. They sailed headed to the side of the arrival of this mysterious light. Afterwards after Sheikh Maulana Maghribi arrived in the Gresik Coast, this mysterious light apparently on the side west and finally they arrived in the coast Pemalang, Central Java. In this place he asked his workers to come home. In the meantime he was accompanied by the Pilgrim Datuk to continue his trip by walking headed to the side of south while spreading the Islam religion. Afterwards Sheikh Maulana Maghribi lived in the Banjar Cahayana.

In this place he was affected by the serious itchy illness and had difficulty being cured. After middle night prayers he received the inspiration that he must go to the Gora Mountain. After arrive in the slope of the Gora Mountain he asked for the Pilgrim Datuk to leave him & was waiting at the place that emitted the smoke. Evidently there had the source of hot water and Sheikh Maulana Maghribi mentioned him "seven waterfalls" that meaning that a source of hot water that had seven springs. Every day Sheikh Maulana Maghribi bathed in an orderly fashion in the place, in this way he recovered from his itchy illness.

The inhabitants around this place acknowledged Sheikh Maulana Maghribi as "Man from above the sky" because he came from a far country. And Sheikh Maulana Maghribi was named the Pilgrim Datuk Rusuhudi (in the Javanese language meant the Just Shelf or the Loyal Servant). This place was famous and was named "Baturaden". The reason was that Sheikh Maulana Maghribi recovered from the itchy and safe the illness at slope of the Gora Mountain. Further he replaced the name of the Gora Mountain to Slamet Mountain. Slamet in the Javanese language was significantly safe. The place where Sheikh Maulana Maghribi recovered it was considered as the place of the shrine by the person around. Many people from other city around Slamet Mountain visited this place on certain shrine day.

Tagaytay is both for leisure and for a culinary experience. It is about an hour's drive from Makati, the Philippines top business district, and just about that much time from my home, too. The thing is that Tagaytay is located on a mountain, a cliff actually, that overlooks the Taal Lake. Much of its attractions feature the view of the lake which awes anyone, especially on a clear day when you can clearly see the crater.

It has a cool climate which can easily change from cool and windy to cold, rainy, and foggy during the wet season. Tourists are treated to a cool respite from Manila's heat.

There are several food choices. One of my favorites is the Bag of Beans along the highway which features fine brewed coffee and meat pies. Another is the halo-halo served at the Good Shepherd Convent. When we want organic food, we just head on to Sonya's Garden. If it's Native Dishes we want, Viewsite Restaurant is there to satify our craving.

There are many other places to see in Tagaytay. They have the Residence Inn, an inn with a zoo, and a number of resorts, but my family's favorite is Caleruega Church. It is a vast area mainly developed for holding religious activities. They have other amenities there for retreaters though, and visitors are welcome. They even have a campsite where we stayed one summer.

Quick Tips

For a first time visit, I'd recommend seeing the following:

1. Sonya's Garden. a restaurant that serves mostly organic food set in a beautiful and aromatic garden. There's a buffet for about Php$600 per person. Treat and pamper yourself at their spa.
2. Good Shepherd Convent. Get pasalubongs and eat halo-halo.
3. Caleruega. The church built on top of a hill. It is inside the Evercrest compound so technically it is part of Nasugbu, Batangas. However, because of its proximity to the boundary of Tagaytay and Batangas, it is also referred to as on of Tagaytay's attractions.
4. Taal Vista Lodge. Bring the children to go for a horseback ride or just simply to tumble down a sloping landscape while viewing the Taal Lake. By the way, this place has one of the most picturesque view of the world-famous lake within a lake.
5. Picnic Grove. A picnic site with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake.
6. Bag of Beans. Go for coffee, freshly baked bread and some meat pies at this quaint restaurant by the roadside.

If you intend to go for a day trip only, be sure to leave Tagaytay by 4pm during the months of late May to early February as it gets really foggy. Once we drove a friend there and just because my mom thought she was enjoying, we didn't go home by 4. When we left at 4:45, there was almost zero visibility and mom had to drive at about 10-20kph. The same thing happened when my family and I went another time and I wanted to stay for a longer time. It got so foggy that we had to stay overnight. It doesn't happen everyday, but you don't know when it will happen. When it does, I hope you're prepared to stay there. I make it a point to always bring some clothes when going to Tagaytay. You'll never know what can come up.

Best Way To Get Around

Tagaytay is more conveniently explored when you have your own car or vehicle as the locations are not so near each other. However, when you are on a budget, there is a bus in Manila that takes you to Tagaytay. Once there, you may take the local jeepneys that ply the main road. This may not be so comfy for you though because many of Tagaytay's attractions are in huge areas some few meters from the main road, others a hundred or more.

1. Sinulog Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated every third Sunday of January in Cebu city (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air). The festival is characterized by a very long parade with many groups of people dressed in colorful costumes while dancing the Sinulog. The Sinulog dance is a traditional and ritual dance in honor of the local's patron saint, Sto. Niño (Child Jesus). It was said that while dancing Sinulog, people were shouting their petitions and thanksgiving to the Sto. Niño. The shouting (of Pit Siñor!) was necessary because the pilgrims have to be sure their petitions and thanksgiving is heard by the Sto. Niño.

2. Dinagyang Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated every fourth weekend of January in Iloilo City (1 hour 5 minutes from Manila by air.) The festival is characterized by frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night. The thundering of "Hala Bira!" by the celebrants makes the celebration a lively one. Dinagyang is the only festival in the world recognized by the United Nations to promote its advocacy campaign on the Millenium Development Goals (MGD).

3. Panabenga-Baguio Flower Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated during the whole month of February in Baguio City (50 minutes from Manila by air). The festival is characterized by showcasing Cordillera flowers on parade (flower floats), with garden shows, exhibits, lectures and competitions. Panagbenga is a Kankanaey term for "season of blooming". Since February 1995, the festival is held every year to help Baguio City forget the 1990 earthquake that distressed much o the city.

4. Kaamulan Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated every first weekend of March in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City by air; 1 hour 30 minutes from Cagayan de Oro City to Malaybalay City by land). I know it's quite a long way to go, but wait till you see what it's like. It is worth the travel. The festival is characterized by a showcase of tribal/ethnic songs, dances, games, crafts and rituals. Kaamulan is a Binukid term for "social gathering".

5. Moriones Festival

   
   This is an annual folk-religious festival celebrated during the Holy Week of April in Marinduque (45 minutes from Manila by air). It is week-long festival featuring finely-carved masks worn by colorful warriors depicting the fierce Roman soldiers of Christ's time - Longinus. Legend has it that Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Christ. The blood that spurted forth touched his blind eye and fully restored his sight. This miracle converted Longinus to Christianity and earned the ire of his fellow centurions. The term Moriones refers to the masked and costumed penitents who marched around the town for seven days in search for Longinus.

6. Bangus Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of April in Dagupan City, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land). The festival is characterized by the ceremonial lighting of 1,000 barbeque grills which are used to cook thousands of Bangus (Milkfish). Did you know that the barbeque grills stretch for nearly two-kilometers and thus making it to the Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue grill? Isn't that simply amazing!?! It also highlights "101 Ways to Cook Bangus" brought to you by hundreds of chefs who compete to cook the tastiest and most creative Bangus dish. Yummy!

7. Pahiyas Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of May in Lucban, Quezon City ( 3 hours from Manila by land). The festival is characterized with a line of beautifully decorated homes with the town's best agricultural products. One of the festival's attractions is the "kiping," a wafer made of rice and shaped into a trea leaf which comes in different colors of pink, green and yellow. The festival is celebrated in honor of the locals' patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, as well as, a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It was believed by the locals that the Pahiyas festival must be done in order to avoid bad luck, drought and famine.

8. Mudpack Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated every third weekend of June in Murcia, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 20 minutes from Bacolod City to Murcia by land). The festival is characterized by a lively street dancing parade with participants wearing almost nothing but mudpacks. Isn't that a bit itchy!?! A symbolic celebration of man's return to primitive time when he was closer to nature. It seeks to instill in people the awareness and care of environment and the use of natural materials in arts and crafts.

9. Sandugo Festival

   
   This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of July in Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol (Two hours from Manila by air). The festival commemorates the blood compact (sandugo) peace treaty between Rajah Sikatuna and Capt. Gen. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi marking the beginning of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The term Sandugo is from the Visayan root word "dugo" which means "blood". In a Sandugo, participants each drink a small amount of the other's blood, thus making them brothers binded by blood. This was the traditional way of formalizing friendship treaties in the Philippines.

10. Kadayawan Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated every third week of August in Davao City (1 hour 45 minutes from Manila by air). The festival is characterized by a week long celebration and thanksgiving for nature's bountiful harvest in a form of grand colorful parade of fruits and orchid-bedecked floats and tribal street dancing. Kadayawan is a Mandaya term which means anything that brings fortune, celebration and thanksgiving for the bounties of harvest and serenity of living.

11. Tuna Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of September in General Santos City (1 hour 45 minutes from Manila by air). Heard of Manny Pacquiao? He is the first Asian (Filipino) boxer to win three world titles in three different weight divisions. Well, General Santos is his hometown. The festival is characterized by a floating parade representing giant replicas of tuna together with its fellow creatures from the sea. It commemorates the tuna industry which is the prime fishing product of the city, contributing 60% to its economy. General Santos is known as the country's Tuna Capital.

12. Lanzones Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of October in Mambajao, Camiguin Island (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City by air; 2 hours 15 minutes from Cagayan de Oro City to Camiguin City by land then ferry). Another long ride, but will soon be rewarded by the delicious fruit specialty they are popular of -- the Lanzones. The festival is characterized by a street dancing extravaganza featuring the Lanzones -- Camiguin's favorite fruit. Lanzones is a tropical fruit that grows abundantly on the north-central coast of Mindanao. It is said that the sweetest lanzones comes from Camiguin.

13. Higantes Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of November in Angono, Rizal (2 hours 30 minutes from Manila by land). Angono is known as the "Art Capital of the Philippines" -- the hometown of two national artists namely Carlos V. Francisco for painting and Lucio D. San Pedro for music. The festival is characterized by a fiesta of "gigantic" proportions highlighted by a grand procession of 10-feet high papier mache puppets surrounded by a crowd of drenched, water-fighting revelers, thus the term Higantes.

14. Shariff Kabunsuan Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of December in Cotabato City, Maguindanao (1 hour 30 minutes from Manila by air). The festival is characterized by a colorful display of Muslim religion and culture. It commemorates the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab-Malay missionary from Johore, via Rio Grande de Mindanao who introduce Islam religion to the natives.

15. Binirayan Festival

    
    This is an annual festival celebrated during the month of December in San Jose, Antique (1 hour from Manila by air). The festival is characterized by the re-enactment of the landing and settlement of the ten Bornean datus in Antique (1240) who founded the first Malay settlement in the country. "Binirayan" literally means "where they sailed to".

It is a country that has been blessed with many tourist attractions, its ministry of tourism was created in the 1970's to encourage investment in this sector. Tourist attractions include amongst others; wildlife parks, highlands, lakes, Mankon Fondom (kingdom) and museums.

Despite government's efforts over the past decade to boost the sector, its growth has been hampered by poor infrastructure and mis-administration. However, this has not deterred foreigners from visiting the country's attractions.

Tourists Climbing Mount Cameroon

One of the main sites that attracts many foreigners and nationals alike is "Mount Cameroon" also known as "Mount Fako". It is situated in Buea, in the Fako division of the South West province of the country.

It measures 4100 kilometres, the highest point in Central Africa and the second highest point in Africa after Mount Kilamanjaro in Kenya. The mountain rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold, windy and occasionally brushed with snow.

The Mount Cameroon forests are under threat from uncontrolled forest exploitation and encroachment for agricultural production. A population of approximately 350,000 people live within its immediate vicinity, around half of this population live in the urban settlements of Limbe and Buea.

The Bakweri, Bomboko and Balundu people traditionally live on and around the mountain, together with the coastal Bimbia clans; the livelihoods of these people are directly or indirectly supplemented through the harvesting of the forests resources such as timber and non-timber products such as removing bark for medicines, gathering wild vegetables, collecting rattans for making furniture and hunting.

The mountain has erupted six times in the previous century, the latest recorded eruption was in March/ April 1999. During the eruption, the lava flow destroyed farmlands in localities found on the slope of the mountain such as Bakingili, Batoke and Upper farms.

In local folklore the God of the mountain is known as Efasah Moto, it's believed to be composed of two halves, i.e. man and stone; it is also believed that it takes care of people by providing them with water, shelter and food during their journey up and down the mountain. Visitors are allowed to harvest what they can consume while on the mountain but are not allowed to take away anything provided by Efasah Moto. Belief in the God provides an interesting cultural link to ecotourism and sustainable use of resources.

Apart from individuals or groups who go for excursions on the mountain, there is an annual international race that is organised by the Government known as the "Mount Cameroon Race of Hope". The initiative was started in 1995 by the company that brews Guinness.

The race usually brings together hundreds of athletes with scores of them coming from abroad. The starting point of the race is the Molyko Omnisport stadium and participants pass through upper farms, huts 1,2 & 3 before reaching the summit and returning back to the starting point. Participants are divided into male and female categories, they are then further sub-divided into professionals, youths, and amateurs.

The first winner of the male category usually takes just over four hours to complete the race while that for the female category usually takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Prize money is in the region of two thousand pounds.