Explore Pangasinan and its Beautiful Places and Hotels

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Pangasinan is a province 250 kilometers north on Manila. The province is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Tarlac on the south, Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija to the east, La Union on the north and the Lingayen Gulf to the west. The name Pangasinan was derived from the word "asin" or salt due to Pangasinan's vast salt making industry. The province is also a major producer of mangoes, rice, milkfish and bamboo handicrafts.

Pangasinan is now known for its most popular tourist attraction which is the Hundred Islands National Park. A cluster of more than a hundred islands off the town of Alaminos on the Lingayen Gulf, the biggest island is named Quezon. Most of the islands are small and uninhabited and are only occasionally visited during the day by local and foreign tourist. Most of the bigger islands have beaches where visitors can spend the day or camp out for a picnic.

However, only a few of these island have facilities. Those that offer facilities are: Quezon Island with viewing decks, toilets and picnic sheds, the Governor's Island has accommodation facilities for those who would like to stay longer and the Children's Island which has bathrooms, camping and sleeping areas.

Pangasinan Accommodations - Pangasinan Hotels and Inns
There are lots of available Hotels and Inns waiting for a visitors or tourist visiting Pangasinan. This Hotels and Inns have thier different amount of prices it defends on the rooms that best fitted the visitors or tourist needs. If you are new to Pangasinan and if you know somebody there, you may decide to ask if you could stay with them. It makes your stay cheaper and they can be your guide during your stay.

Pangasinan Hotels and Inns:

* Hundred Island - Alaminos, Pangasinan
* La Residencia Inn
* Maxine By The Sea

* Puerto Del Sol - Bolinao, Pangasinan
* El Piscador Village Inn
* Rock Garden Resort Hotel

* Vista Delas Islas - San Fabian, Pangasinan
* Hotel Consuelo Resort and Chinese Rest
* Lazy A Beach Resort
* El Puerto Marina

* Lingayen Gulf and Resort - Lingayen, Pangasinan

* Dagupan Garden Hotel - Dagupan City, Pangasinan
* Gelymar Traveler's Inn
* Leisure Coast Resort
* Value Star Inn
* Star Plaza Hotel


Possible ways to go to Pangasinan:
Catch a bus from Manila going to Alaminos, Pangasinan. From the town proper of Alaminos, there are tricycles and jeepneys that ply the 3 kilometer route to Lucap town where the Public Assistance Center for the Hundred Islands National Park is located. The center also accepts reservations for accommodations to the islands. From the center, motorized boats (banca) can be hired for a trip to the islands.

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Puerto Galera and its Amazing White Beaches and Hotels

About 4 to 5 hours away from Manila is Puerto Galera. It is a string of beaches located on the northwest side Mindoro Island. Composed of Coco Beach, White Beach, Sabang Beach, Big & Small Lalaguna & Tamaraw Beach. Puerto Galera is a haven for Filipinos & Foreigners alike.

You can do just about everything for your total holiday enjoyment at Puerto Galera. Day activities are usually swimming, boating, strolling, hiking, Scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet skiing, beach volleyball and of course sun bathing! One can also hire a guide to trek the mountain at the backdrop.

White Beach on is the longest and widest beach in Puerto Galera. It is a bit laid-back compared to Sabang but Sabang is smaller but livelier because it has more bars, shops, restaurants and discos. Sabang also boast of a floating bar in the middle of the bay where local and imported drinks are served. But both Sabang & White Beach have an active nightlife although one need not stay at one beach alone, try beach hopping when your there. You can transfer from Sabang to Small Lalaguna by foot. The other beaches at Puerto Galera can be reached by tricycle, jeep or pump boat. It is a common practice to rent a cottage at one resort and hop at different resorts and beaches during the day and at even at night. Another interesting place to go while in Puerto Galera is the Tamaraw Falls.

There is also the Ponderosa Golf Club is located up in the mountains - 600 meters above sea level, and the view is unforgettable. The beautiful view of Puerto Galera and the beaches is breathtaking. The cost of getting there, the accommodation, food and drinks are relatively cheap compared to Boracay or Palawan.

Interesting places in Puerto Galera:
* White Beach - popular for the stylish hotels and cozy bars that it features
* Sabang Beach - another famous beach in Puerto Galera
* Tamaraw Falls - this place is very popular and attractive to hikers and trekkers
* Excavation Museum - known for the archaeological artifacts that it features
* Mangyan Village - a historical place in the island of Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera Accommodations - Puerto Galera Hotels and Inns
There are a lot of places to get room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination in the country, you can be sure to find accommodations whatever your budget or need. Whether you're looking for lodgings with spectacular views of the sea or a place conveniently located near key attractions and sights, you'll surely find a wide variety of resorts and hotels that offer these and more.

Popular Hotels in Puerto Galera:

* Encenada Beach Resort
* Oriental Sabang Hill
* Coco Beach Island Resort
* Capt'n Gregg's Accommodation
* Carlos Paradise Hotel
* El Galleon Beach Resort & Hotel, Puerto Galera
* Apartelle de Francesca
* Sabang Inn Beach Resort
* Carm Rob Inn
* Sinandigan Lodge


Possible ways to go to Puerto Galera:
To get to Puerto Galera from Manila you can get a bus to the Port of Batangas (about 3 hour trip). Almost all major bus lines in Manila have regular trips going to the Port of Batangas. From the port, the fastest way to any beach in Puerto Galera is to take a "banca" ride (outrigger boat) directly to your beach of choice. You can also take the early morning “Ro-Ro” (roll on-roll off) ferryboat (2 1/2 hours trip) once a day or the speed boats that leave the port several times a day (more often during peak season -the schedules change depending on the demand). But the "Ro-Ro" and the bigger boats dock on the Puerto Gallera pier and you have to take a jeepney ride to your choice of beach or take another "banca" ride to your choice of beach. So if you are not afraid of small boats, take the "banca" direct from the Port of Batangas to your choice of beach at Puerto Galera.

Another way to get to Puerto Gallera is to catch a bus leaving everyday at the City State Tower Hotel in Ermita, the bus takes you to the Port of Batangas where a catamaran “Si-Kat” waits to ferry passengers to Puerto Gallera. There is also a bus leaving Royal Palm Hotel in Ermita, Manila at 8 a.m.

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Banaue Rice Terraces Eighth Wonder of the World

The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.

Contrary to popular belief, the Banaue Rice Terraces are not part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. Ancient sprawling man-made structures from 2,000 to 6,000 years old, other terraces are found in the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province and Ifugao.

Interesting places in Banaue:
* Batad rice terraces - home to the spectacular tiered
* Mayoyao rice terraces - is harvested here in abundance
* Kiangan rice terraces - known for their size and visual impact

Banaue Accommodations
Accommodation is no problem, there are several inns in town like the Banaue View Inn, People's Lodge, the Banaue Hotel and other lodging houses with reasonable rates. Some private homes also accept tourist and transients for a lesser charge during peak season.

Possible ways to go to Banaue:
From Manila there are air-conditioned buses that go straight to Banaue, The trip takes about 9 hours. The Dangwa Transit have daily trips to Banaue Rice Terraces. Their terminals are located along Dimasalang St., Sampaloc, Manila and Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Q.C. Also plying the Banaue route is Auto Bus with terminals at España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St., Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7:00 AM. From Baguio City, there are also buses going to the Banaue Rice Terraces. The trip will pass through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya then to Ifugao.

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Baguio City the Summer Capital of the Philippines

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines. Located in northern Luzon, Baguio City was established by the Americans in 1909, It is sited about 1,500 meters above sea level, high in the Cordillera mountain range giving the city an almost temperate climate.

Many people visit this city every summer because of its cold weather and attractive tourist spots like Mines View Park, Camp John Hay and Burnham Park are the other tourist attractions located in the area. Based on the history of the city, it is the Americans, which recognized Baguio as one of the Philippine cities on June 1, 1903 at Kafagway. Baguio City is a big city in the Northern region of the Philippines. Based on reports, the city has 130 barangays.

Baguio is a favorite vacation destination of Filipinos & foreign tourist specially during summer because of its year-round cool climate. It is also known as an educational center with its 4 universities and several colleges and institutes in Baguio City’s 49 square kilometer area.

Interesting places in Baguio City:
* Baguio City Cathedral - a majestic church built on top of a hill
* Mines View Park - boasts a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines
* Camp John Hay - a military recreational camp of the Americans during World War II
* Itogon Wood Carver's Village - three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers
* The Orchidarium - a showcase for the various breeds of flowers and plants that are grown in the region.
* Baguio Botanical Garden - also known as the Igorot Village
* Mary Knoll Ecological Sanctuary - a haven for free minds and bodies
* The Mansion House - the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines

Baguio Accommodations - Baguio Hotels and Inns
The Summer Capital of the Philippines is visited by many different types of travelers: tourists, large families on vacation, convention delegates, businessmen, wedding parties, honeymooners, budget travelers, backpackers.

Popular Hotels in Baguio: 

* Camp John Hay Manor Hotel
* Microtel Inn Suites Baguio
* Hotel Elizabeth
* Burnham Suites Hotel
* Supreme Hotel
* Hotel Veniz
* Prince Plaza Hotel
* Summer Place Hotel Baguio
* Golden Pine Hotel
* El Cielito Inn Baguio


A hotel, according to the Philippines' Department of Tourism, is a "building that is used for the reception, lodging or accommodation of a traveler or tourist." There are many accredited standard and economy hotels here with rooms that meet the requirement of at least '18 sqm in size.

Possible ways to go to Baguio City:
By Land - The three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway. Kennon Road road is the fastest route to Baguio but it is the most dangerous with frequent landslides during the rainy season. Marcos Highway and Naguilian Highway are more roundabout routes but are much safer than Kennon Road and are the only routes permitted to buses and trucks. Major Bus lines from Manila go straight to Baguio City all hours of the day.

In this case, travelers who want to visit the city is advised to travel by air since the city has an airport which is named as Loakan Airport.

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Beatiful places in Vigan and its Ancestral Houses

Vigan was established in the 15th century, the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. Vigan was called Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan in the mid-1700s. Vigan is the collection of old colonial houses, a great number of which is concentrated in Calle Crisologo. These multi-story, thick walled houses stand side by side along Crisologo Street, framing the cobblestone road. Vigan is fortunate to have been spared the heavy bombardment during World War II, unlike Manila which was heavily damaged.

Vigan as well is the native home of Padre Burgos, one of three Filipino priests who were executed by the Spaniards to warn the natives of putting up more revolts against them. His house is now recognized as a prestigious museum containing articles used by the Tinguians (the tribe once inhabited the district), details of the arrivals of the Spaniards, and the Filipinos’ difficult life at the time of their occupation.

Interesting places in Vigan:
* Vigan Colonial Houses - ancestral houses mostly built by rich Chinese traders
* St. Paul’s Cathedral - built in 1790-1800
* Palacio de Arzobispado – built in 1783
* Burgos National Museum. - the museum is the house of Padre Jose Burgos; and many more

Vigan Accommodations - Vigan Hotels and Resort
Ancestral houses turned into cozy hotels and pensiones to cater to the billeting requirements of visitors feature a unique ambiance. Resorts outside the poblacion are alternative accommodations in rural settings. There are also many bars and restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes.

Popular Hotels in Vigan:

* Grandpa's Inn
* Villa Angela Heritage House
* RF Aniceto Mansion
* Vigan Plaza Hotel
* Hotel Salcedo De Vigan
* Gordion Hotel
* Cordillera Inn


Possible ways to go to Vigan: 
To go to Vigan City from Manila, you can get a bus or take a plane to Laoag City and take a bus ride to Vigan.
PAL (Philippine Airlines) flies to Laoag City 3 times a week. Laoag, 80 kilometers away from Vigan takes about 1½ hours to commute.

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Batanes Island and its Beautiful Places and Hotels

The Batanes island is the smallest province in the Philippines in terms of population and land area. The capital of Batanes, Basco is 280 kilometers north of Apari, Cagayan (the tip of main island of Luzon) while it is only 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Batanes lies in the vast waters of the Pacific ocean where the Pacific meets China sea. Batanes consist of 10 tiny islands and islets namely: Batan, Sabtang, Itbayat, Mavudis, Siayan, Diogo, North Island and Y'ami. The weather of Batanes is cool and windy. And it rains any month of the year. It has an almost temperate from December to February where temperatures dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade.

There are a lot of things to do and see in Batanes, swim on the many beaches, see the fishing villages, the churches and lighthouses, island hop, but best of all, it is a beautiful place to reflect and admire nature.
The islands are also home to old churches worth visiting: the Santo Domingo Church in Basco, San Jose de Ivana and San Carlos Church in Mahatao, and the San Vicente Church in Sabtang. These churches are all made of massive lime and stone constructions with original baroque architectures.


Interesting places in Batanes:
* House of Dakay (1887) a heritage building.
* Lighthouses of Batanes
* Chadpidan Beach, White Beach and more
* Nakaboang Beach, Ark and Cave
* Burial Caves - a pre-historic burial caves in the town of Itbayat.
* Songsong Ruins
* St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Cathedral
* Mahatao View Deck
* Sumhao Wind Power Plant

Batanes Accommodations - Batanes Hotels, Inns and Resort
There are lots of available Hotels and Inns waiting for a visitors or tourist visiting Batanes. This Hotels and Inns have thier different amount of prices it defends on the rooms that best fitted the visitors or tourist needs. If you are new to Batanes and if you know somebody there, you may decide to ask if you could stay with them. It makes your stay cheaper and they can be your guide during your stay.

Popular Hotels in Batanes:

* Rapitan di Vasay
* Pension Ivatan
* Shenedel's Inn
* Batanes Seaside Lodge


There are two (2) possible ways to go to Batanes Island
If you want to go to Batanes Island by plane it has early morning flights daily to Batanes from Manila and vise-versa. These flights land straight to Basco on Batan Island, Batanes.
By ship, you can catch a ferry operated by the Batanes Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Currimao, Ilocos Norte to Basco Batanes and vise-versa every Wednesday and Sunday.

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The Philippines History and Land Marks

The name Philippines is derived from the name of King Philip II of Spain. Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos during his expedition in 1542 named the islands of Leyte and Samar Felipinas after the then Prince of Asturias (Spain). Eventually the name Las Islas Filipinas would be used to cover all the islands of the archipelago. Before it became commonplace, other names such as Islas del Poniente (Islands of the West) and Magellan's name for the islands San Lázaro were also used by the Spanish to refer to the islands.

The official name of the Philippines has changed several times in the course of the country's history. During the Philippine Revolution, the Malolos Congress proclaimed the establishment of the República Filipina or the Philippine Republic. From the period of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War until the Commonwealth period, American colonial authorities referred to the country as the Philippine Islands, a translation of the Spanish name. During the American period the name Philippines began to appear and it has since become the country's common name. Since independence the official name of the country has been the Republic of the Philippines.

The Philippines is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation. The major groups are the majority Christian Filipinos, Muslim Filipinos who live mainly on Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the south, and indigenous peoples in mountainous regions. The islands have been occupied for about 30,000 years and have been part of the world economy since the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in 1571. Philippine history can be divided into six periods: ancient and precolonial, Spanish colonial period (1571–1898), Philippine revolution (1896–1902), American colonial period (1898–1946), Japanese occupation (1941–1945), independence (1946–present).

The country known today as the Republic of the Philippines lies right in the heart of Southeast Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. The Philippines has 7,107 islands extending more than 1,700 kilometers (1,056mi) in the direction of the Equator.

The island of Philippines are divided into three main Geographical areas:

* Luzon
* It is the largest island in the Philippines.

* Visayas
* It is a group of islands between Luzon and Mindanao.

* Mindanao
* It is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines.

Philippines is officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lies between the country and the island of Borneo, and to the south the Celebes Sea separates it from other islands of Indonesia. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world.

Total Land Area: 115,600 sq. miles / 299,404 sq. kms.
No. of Islands: Approximately 7,107 islands
Capital: Manila

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