Philippines
Philippines is a nation, which has an image of a corrupt and chaotic country. But if you hear from the travelers who have actually visited the place of seven thousand islands will tell you that it is a country of enchanting beauty. The people here are friendly and warm hearted. Most of the parts of Philippines are quite safe from the tourist’s point of view. The local people of Philippines are a really helpful bunch. There are a plenty of places to see in Philippines and the travel in Philippines is quite cheap.
Travel to Philippines
Traveling to Philippines is easy as you can get to any of the major cities of Philippines via a plane. The major centers of international flights are Manila and Cebu. Air travel to Philippines is quite reasonable. There is only one working railway line; from Manila to Naga in southern Luzon, so major distances are to be covered by buses. There is abundance of ferries and boats in service amid islands, although the security and class of services vary. There are large numbers of car rentals available in the country to travel to various parts of the place. Metered taxis and vans are a good alternative to buses in ferries in the country.
Attractions
The country is loaded with large number of places that attract the tourists. The Boracay beaches are the most loved attractions among the tourists visiting Philippines. The famed white beaches of the isle of Boracay, off the northwestern apex of Panay, frequently shows up in those 'Best Beaches of the World' list. On the island of Samar, in the Visayas, Viriato holds along one of the most picturesque coastal road in the country. The highway lopes past mountains, abrupt rock faces, remote islets and lovely boat filled coves. The town also brags a great cascade and fine mountaineering opportunities. Another major attraction is the Banaue. Banaue is located at the bottom of a really mesmerizing display. Its mud walled paddy terraces, North Luzon's most famed spectacle, have a pleasant, natural eminence that distinguishes them from the stonewalled terraces in nearly the entire Cordillera. The place is a true architectural wonder. It is listed among the sites of world heritage. Chocolate hills are famous tourists attractions in Philippines. A fable has it that the strange Chocolate Hills are either the teardrops of a brokenhearted giant or remains from a fight between two gigantic beasts. Science, though, says the weathering of marine limestone sitting on impermeable claystone formed the hillock. Hiking here is finest in the dry season, when the hills are in their most chocolate like appearance. If you like adventure then you must visit the La Siquijor caves. The caving here is not apiece for every one. You will often come across slim, erect climbs, bats, waist-deep water, and high humidity.
Language
The official language of Philippines is Pilipino. The next most prominently used language is English
Shopping
Earlier the Philippines used to be known as an old Asian emporium as its markets were full of pearls, tortoise shells, beeswax and other such things. But today you can expect a lot more from the Philippines markets. The shopping experience in cities like Manila, Cebu, Zamboanga is worthwhile. The markets of Philippines are full of beautiful hand crafted items. There are large variety and designs of basketry, bamboo trays, abaca hats, wind chimes and ceramics that are crafted beautifully by local artisans. The baskets of Philippines are a fashion symbol in most of the fashion capitals of the world. The mats available in Philippines are of unique designs that you cannot find in any other part of the world. There are different kinds of beautiful hand embroidered clothes available in the markets of Philippines. You can shop for the famous shell and silver jewelry here in Philippines. Also the woodcarving and antiques available in the markets of Philippines are among the best things that can be taken home. Brassware is a specialty in Mindanao as the primary smiths of the Philippines were said to stay here. Even today, they carry on to create gongs, jewel boxes, brass beds, betel nut boxes and canon replicas.
Destinations in Philippines
Manila
Manila is a popular destination among travelers visiting Philippines. It is a metropolitan city with huge tower blocks that stand crowding the regal architectural buildings that managed to still hold high after the destruction in the World War Second. There are great places to discover in the city other than being lost in the hustle bustle of the city. Bohol is another popular destination in Philippines. This island has long stretches of white sand beaches. You can have a chance to watch whales and dolphins in the Bohol Sea.
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