Since countries have opened their borders and entertained visitors, people have been traveling and living their lives in the realm of adventure and wanderlust. Traveling can indeed heal and eventually lead us to places we didn’t know existed. But now that restrictions are relatively relaxed, where do we go? You might want to consider adding these places to your bucket list!
Dubai, Arab Emirates
Dubai is known worldwide for its exhilarating tourist spots. It stands proud of its Burg Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, reaching up to 2,716 feet tall. Dubai also takes great importance in its diverse culture, which is evident in its Dubai Museum.
Photo credits to Emirates
It is famously located at the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was built way back in 1787 to defend the Dubai Creek, which is also the home to gold, textile, and spice souks (marketplace). If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you may want to check out the hot air balloon over the desert dunes, or the IMG Worlds of Adventure speed rides. Dubai will take your breath away– both literally and figuratively!
London, United Kingdom
Who wouldn’t want to explore the streets where Harry Potter came to life, and the roads where Sherlock Holmes walked on? London is definitely on the bucket list of pure-blooded literary fangirls.
Photo credits to Hotels.com
Aside from its regal royalty, London is famous for its London Eye, which is a giant Ferris wheel that offers a majestic view of the city–and it shines extra brightly at night. If you’re craving for the nightlife, Soho is the place to be, welcoming you with its bars and classy restaurants. Of course, the trip won’t be complete for film enthusiasts without visiting the British Film Institute. It shows different films every day, from recent blockbusters to cult classics. London will surely feed your pop culture knowledge!
Cancun, Mexico
Looking for a sunny, beach party vibe for your next trip? The ever-so-tropical Cancun is just the right place for you! Check out the fancy hotels located at their very own Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), which also offers the wild nightlife and parties by the beach down at the Kulkukan Boulevard.
Photo credits to moonpalace.com
For the real Cancun food experience, drive down to the Avenida Tulum, which features their all-time favorite– authentic Mexican tacos! Diving and swimming is also something that Cancun offers through its numerous spots in the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route), which are natural pools formed within limestone caves. It’s true– Cancun wakes the fun within you!
Bali, Indonesia
Famous for the serenity and soul it brings to its tourists, Bali continues enticing people to rest in its lush spots. Also known as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ Bali provides people the rest they need with its seas and beaches.
It is also a haven for surfers, which the waves of Kuta Beach readily welcome. Bali is also famous for its intricate temples, such as the Ulun Danu Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of the lakes. You may also seek enlightenment and relaxation in Yoga Barn’s famous retreats, each a more freeing session than the other. Or maybe you feel like flying– jetpacking in Tanjung Benoa must be on your list. Whether it’s for fun or relaxation, Bali has it all for you!
Crete, Greece
The birthplace of the Olympian Gods, Crete offers a tapestry of culture, lore, and adventure. One of the most historical places in Europe, the Heraklion Archeological Museum should be your first stop to acquaint yourself with the rich culture of Crete.
Traditional street restaurants and streets of Greece – Crete island. Photo credits to iStock
Explore history through the cobblestone streets of Rethymno Old Town, the best-preserved town on the island. You might also want to visit Lake Voulismeni, famous for being seemingly bottomless– reaching down as far as 64 meters. If you’re a mythology buff, the caves of Mt. Ida might just interest you, the birthplace of Zeus himself! Crete dabbles between the past and the future, so let it be your present destination!
Traveling can be such a hassle, but the majestic destination often makes up for all the trouble. Hurry now and book your next trip–have fun and safe skies, traveler!
By Princess Friel Lontoc
Featured photo: Bali, Indonesia courtesy of Hotels.com
“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed
This Holiday Season is a great time to go to the Gingerbread House located at Barangay Palumlum in Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines (a few kilometers away from Tagaytay). Since its opening two years ago, GBH has become an all-year-round family destination. It’s a perfect tourist spot for kids and kids-at-heart. With a very affordable entrance fee of Ph150.00 pesos per head, it’s definitely an awesome treat for the entire family!
The Gingerbread House will give you that fairytale book setting. The jungle-like drive to Gingerbread House provides an actual feel of a Hansel and Gretel journey. In the story, two children, Hansel and Gretel get lost in the woods. They come upon a house made of gingerbread covered in frosting and candy. Unfortunately, it’s the house of the wicked witch. She befriends the kids, fattens them up, and tries to eat them.
As for us, how did we end up at The Gingerbread House? It was Christmas Day when we all decided to visit the place and to experience its snowfall. It was our family bonding moments, apart from being near Lebajo ArtFarm, where we spent our Christmas vacation.
What to see?
Upon paying the entrance fees, guests will be greeted by a dream board and Well of Dreams, where visitors (especially kids) can write down their goals and then make a wish.
The main attraction is the snow-like theme of Gingerbread house giving you a white Christmas feels! It has a kiddie theme background and colorful Christmas decorations that are good for photo-ops.
Inside the house is a snack place on the first floor. It serves mini cakes, brownies, muffins, chocolates, and a corner filled with confection. An actual Gingerbread House can be ordered and even rice meals. One of the attractive spots inside the resto is the reception area where you can find the giant Teddy Bear lying on the sofa. It looks so cute and huggable!
The play area for the kids is located on the second floor with a veranda overlooking the greenery surrounding the area.
There are other attractions to explore like the Gingerbread field, Christmas Kubo, Mini-Forest Trail that is similar to the path ventured by Hansel and Gretel going to the Gingerbread house, the colorful Candy Village, dining al fresco areas, quaint cottage-style rooms, swing area, inflatable Christmas corner, and other instagrammable spots.
The Christmas Kubo, offering Filipino delicacies like bibingka, etc.
There’s also a museum, where you’ll see a wonderful miniature of Christmas and Candy Village. And feel at home in their family living room area. It makes a good backdrop for your family photo souvenir.
One happy family – with Nikulas and Beatrice
There’s also a souvenir shop for your last-minute shopping before leaving the place. Just like in my previous travels, I always bring home some ref magnets as mementos of my sojourn.
The Gingerbread House was definitely worth creating fun and special moments with every member of the family.
What is unique about the resort is that you get to experience and stay at the traditional houses that serve as hotel accommodation for guests and tourists who are seeking meaningful staycation.
Taking part in a heritage tour one fine weekend gave me a glimpse of the past — reliving the age-old yet distinctive Filipino heritage while offering discerning visitors a unique experience.
The moment you enter the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan you are transported back to the 18th-century Philippines in the blink of an eye. The Filipino-Spanish influences are very evident in the architectural pieces from different parts of the country transferred and reconstructed in the resort to create a heritage community for everyone to experience and take inspiration from.
What is unique about the resort is that you get to experience and stay at the traditional houses that serve as hotel accommodation for guests and tourists who are seeking meaningful staycation.
Tramvia ride
Tramvia ride
One of the architectural attractions in the resort.
Walk down Tulay ni Lola Basyang.
A village of cobblestone streets.
Cultural performance
Impressive architectural piece.
Our group had the opportunity to stay in Casa San Miguel, the old home of an ilustrado family during the Spanish era. It is huge with its two big rooms and a very spacious sala where you can play games or relax during siesta with your loved ones.
There are so many things you can do at the resort from going on a heritage walk. You can ride a kalesa, or tramvia to admire up close the impressive noble-class mansions, wooden stilt houses, the main building made of stone which stands proudly in a village of cobblestone streets.
You can also promenade along La Playa beach, enjoy the Batis, its version of a swimming pool located next to Casa Cagayan, walk down Tulay ni Lola Basyang, and dine at Hotel de Oriente where we were served a sumptuous breakfast and dinner. The Hotel de Oriente, which originally stood in Binondo, Manila, is believed to be the first hotel built in the country.
Those who want a quiet moment alone, can pray and give thanks at Santuario de San Jose, located near Plaza Mayor de Tobias and Casa Biñan.
There’s so much more to discover at this rare heritage resort in Bataan. A second visit is a must to see how this fascinating place will develop in the future.
The fascinating Sabang beach became our playground for three days. We enjoyed immensely playing with the waves. How many times did we fall but returned and continued to play with the waves?
I’ve always wanted to go to Baler in Aurora Quezon. I’ve been interested in the stories shared about the place. Back of my mind, “I’m not a surfer, not even an excellent swimmer. So, why the eagerness to go there?”
Baler is the capital of Aurora, a province popular for its natural wonders, pristine beaches, and surf-worthy waves, as well as its place in Philippine history and world cinema.
Without much planning, my family headed on a journey to Baler during the Holy Week break some years back. We traveled by land. First, we stayed overnight at the Harvest Hotel in Cabanatuan City. Then, from Cabanatuan City, we traversed the roads with the aid of GPS (geographical positioning system).
However, the GPS led us to the rough roads of Nueva Ecija and Aurora Province, crossed the shallow river to be able to hit the cemented roads leading to Baler proper. Indeed, the four and a half drive turned out to be an adventure! We were told that we should have taken the Pantabangan roads going to Baler.
Beautiful waves at Sabang beach.
The second challenge we faced was how to get a place to stay since most of the hotels and resorts were fully occupied by tourists. We continued to ask around until one gracious lady from the souvenir store referred us to her relative who has a transient house. In short, we were taken in for overnight accommodation.
Baler Boardwalk
After only 30 minutes of interval, the other nice lady from a transient house texted me that there was already an available air-conditioned room. So, we decided to transfer the next morning. We liked it there better since it was located on the beachfront, very convenient when we go swimming. We were truly lucky to get a decent place, and most importantly, we immensely enjoyed the fascinating Sabang beach!
Sabang beach is popular for being the surfers’ paradise.
Local and international travelers (surfers and non-surfers) are always captivated by the charm of Sabang beach. At first, you had this inner fear of being drowned.
But lo and behold, my daughter and I found ourselves playing with the waves. The vast beach shorelines became our playground. We laughed and anticipated every approaching wave to hit us. How many times did we fall but returned and continued to play with the waves?
Now, I understand, why surfers like it here; they are after the waves. They want to surf the waves! Thus, Sabang beach became the surfers’ paradise.
At the Manuel L. Quezon Monument.Museo de BalerThe Baler Monument symbolizes the 400th Anniversary of Baler township, created by foremost installation artist Junyee. His design is composed of four pillars — representing Baler’s 400 years of history interconnected by horizontal bars.
Traveling creates new discoveries – from within yourself, the places you have been, the people you met along the way – all these make our journey truly a memorable one.
Priscilla and Sammanta Anechka Estrada have become the best travel buddies.
Traveling has become celebrity mom Priscilla Meirelles de Almeida-Estrada’s favorite way of bonding with daughter Sammanta Anechka. The Brazilian beauty queen believes she is forming a strong friendship that will become milestones in their lives.
“I like bringing her around as much as possible,” Meirelles shares during a shoot at Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, Palawan. “She’s got great energy, is fun to be with, and likes to explore things. I also love to take pictures of her. She’s like my baby best friend.”
Anechka, now 6 years old, her daughter with husband actor John Estrada, is bubbly, adorable and the life in any group. During the pictorial, she liked to crack jokes every now and then to the delight of the crew.
“Family is like the closest,” says the young girl. “I like playing with Mommy. Meirelles prefers seeing her daughter possess a vivacious persona, because, “I’m afraid if she’s quiet, there might be something wrong with her.” Nowadays, she counts her own mother and Anechka as her top travel companions.
The Estradas started going on trips when Anechka was just a year old. Back then, the little girl would often get airsick—but not anymore: “That never stopped us from going places,” she explains.
The family has gone to the United States, Australia, Japan, and China. Now, they are exploring the Philippines, having visited provinces such as Cebu, Bataan, and Palawan. They like going on road trips whenever time permits, and they stay frequently at their property in Anvaya Cove in Morong, Bataan. Their dream vacation is a European tour.
Priscilla’s bucket list
Now that she often travels with her daughter, she has become mindful of her child’s needs: “I always bring medicines. I make sure to have travel insurance as well. It covers everything; you’ll never know what will happen. I make her drink safe water always.”
When she used to travel alone, she was more spontaneous and had a totally different rhythm. “I didn’t observe proper meals, because I didn’t want to waste time,” says the articulate mother, who can speak four languages, namely English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. She’s now even learning French.
Enjoying the scenery at El Nido Cove
“I love traveling. I believe it’s the best way to learn about, to adapt to people, their culture, and their situation. It allows you to grow as a person. It’s also the best way to spend your hard-earned money. It brings the learnings with you,” she explains.
Top destinations
For Priscilla, her top five destinations in terms of nature and beauty are Palawan, Boracay, Batanes, the Ilocos region, and La Union. In terms of cityscapes, her top choices are Brazil, Australia, Austria, Florida, and Japan.
Priscilla at Lio Beach
Her travel bucket list includes Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Caribbean, countries where you can experience the Northern Lights—such as Alaska, parts of Canada, the southern half of Greenland, Iceland, northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland— and the Holy Land.
Motherhood becomes her
Priscilla admits that motherhood was the best thing that ever happened to her: “As a woman, it made me kinder and more aware of people’s feelings. It also made me more patient, more tolerant, and more compassionate toward others. And the best part of all, it made me a mom.”
What could be the best part of being a mother? “The best part of being a mom is to be able to love with all my heart, unconditionally, without being scared of getting hurt, because for the first time, it’s not about me—it’s all about her and for her.”
After seven years of marriage, she believes that “putting God in the center of the marriage and respecting each other is the secret of a happy married life.” And their favorite way of bonding together is playing golf.
What is her dream for Anechka? “I dream that in spite of whatever path in life she chooses to take, she is certain of always putting God first, never forget to smile, and have fun along the way because the best part of a journey is not the destination, but the journey itself.”
Indeed, since her first embrace, Anechka has experienced love, joy, nurturing, and protection that are beyond explanation. In fact, she named her daughter Anechka because it means “God’s grace,” while the Sammanta is a Brazilian name.
Travel offers people a chance to shed off their normal, everyday selves. When this mother and daughter head out together, they deepen their relationship with an adventure they can share together. Definitely, Priscilla Meirelles de Almeida-Estrada and her beloved Sammanta Anechka always have a blast.
(The writer went on a trip to Lio Beach with the Experience Travel and Living magazine team. Photos By Phillip Caesar Salting And Winstone Arradaza)
Here are our food discoveries on this popular dish here and abroad.
In terms of chicken dishes, one of the most widely known is Hainanese chicken rice. What makes this dish so special is its delectable taste – the poached chicken meat and seasoned rice. No wonder travelers from around the world have all the rage for this iconic dish.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, post-pandemic world, make it part of your itinerary to experience Singaporean cuisine. This small, but progressive and important island nation located just south of Malaysia not only offers modern tourist attractions, and impressive skyscrapers, but is also famous for Hainanese chicken rice, one of the national dishes of Singapore. It is being widely available in most food courts and hawker centers around the country.
“Variants of the dish are also seen throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, where it remains a culinary staple,” according to an online source.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall. Personal photo during our previous trip to Singapore.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is probably Singapore’s most famous chicken rice stall located at Maxwell Food Centre. As seen from our last visit in past years, it had more tourists than locals queuing up for a plate of this popular dish. You just need to be patient, and in no time, it will be your turn to order.
It was worth the visit because the dish was really delicious – both the chicken meat and the rice were cooked to perfection. Per order of the dish was like Php250.00 – Ph350.00 in our local currency.
Even the late Anthony Bourdain said that the chicken rice was so fragrant and delicious that it could be eaten on its own.
Homeboy Hainanese
The pandemic may have restricted our movement, and planning a trip to Singapore may not be ideal at the moment. But this won’t stop us from tasting this dish in Manila, and at the comforts of our home.
An interesting discovery is Homeboy Hainanese, which offers and delivers Hainanese chicken rice. Though, still new in the food business, it’s getting a significant following for its quality and healthier take on the famous dish.
The sauces are made from scratch and are very flavorful – soy sauce, ginger, and chili. Courtesy: Homeboy Hainanese
It was a delight to have discovered it through a lady client. The delivery came just in time for lunch and was freshly packed. The food pack consisted of chicken fillet which was very tender; rice (an Oh Crop Adlai rice best for dieters as well); and the sauces are made from scratch and are very flavorful – soy sauce, ginger, and chili.
To fully enjoy the dish, I dabbed all three sauces in one bite of chicken meat and rice. I was very satisfied with how the dish was cooked. Indeed, it was a tummy-filling Hainanese experience! You need not go to Singapore to try it. If you want your order to be consumed later, you can store it in the refrigerator, then, reheat it in the microwave at 600w for 30 seconds.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay will continue to work tirelessly to create a sustainable future for Boracay, ensuring that visitors are able to enjoy this idyllic island for many generations to come.
There were so many places in the past that I wished I could go back to. One of those was Boracay Island where I have experienced its pristine beauty in its heyday.
The white and powdery sand, which with the almost azure color of the ocean and palm trees provided a beautiful combination and a sense of being in paradise. I was saddened when its natural allure got damaged, characterized by filthy water and environmental issues. Following the recent six-month closure of the island, I was delighted to be back to this idyllic nirvana.
Welcome to Boracay!
Upon arrival at the Caticlan-Boracay Airport, we were escorted to Caticlan port where a boat whisked us to Boracay island. In less than 30 minutes, we reached the last port where a shuttle service took us directly to Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, our gracious, upscale resort host for this trip.
The tropical beachfront paradise nestled at Punta Bunga Cove has reopened to guests to experience this exquisite destination’s newly-restored magnificence.
Escape Into Indulgence
The planned itinerary was light and easy. On day one, we had our sumptuous lunch at Ssäm, which combines innovative Asian cuisine, plus a fresh sushi and sashimi bar. A relaxing break at The Café, a cozy retreat for irresistible cakes, signature sandwiches, teas, coffees, and Chocolate Hour, was enjoyable, too!
Nighttime was made special with a welcome dinner and cocktails at Sol Marina Beach Club hosted by Movenpick’s affable general manager Andre Brulhart and his team, Grace Agatep and Pia De Villa. The seafood dinner was superbly complemented with a happy conversation on sundry topics.
Hearty dinner with Movenpick team and media guests.
“It is wonderful to be able to welcome guests back to Boracay,” commented Andre Brulhart. “With our private beach on the island’s northern tip, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay did not have the same issues as the rest of the island, but we are happy with the overall impact of the island’s closure. Our amazing team is ready and waiting to provide guests with unsurpassed experiences here in Boracay.”
After dinner, we stayed a bit longer at Sol Marina Beach Club to chill out and soak up the natural beauty of Boracay. It has a nice collection of sun loungers and cabanas – great for sipping cool cocktails and gazing out over the calming seas during the night. A heart-warming catch-up with a former colleague who happened to be on the same trip added fun to our stay.
Beautiful Boracay sunset.
The next day, we had our breakfast at The Market, a bright and vibrant international restaurant that serves delectable daily buffet breakfasts and global à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. We then went to the main beach to see how it looks like post-rehabilitation.
We were like kids excited to walk on the beach with its powdery white sand shore and crystal-clear waters. Then, it was lunch at Brezza, which offers authentic Italian cuisine, including the fastest hand-made pizzas on the island, baked in a wood-fired oven imported directly from Napoli (Naples), Italy. It has been nicknamed “The Beast,” accompanied by a wide selection of Italian “aperitivo” and fine wines.
We then headed for a spa treatment at the resort later that afternoon. I opted for the 90-minute Sagay Regenerating Ritual, inspired from sagay (shell) true essence of a protective layer role. Sagay Spa’s Signature Massage incorporates sagay’s richness in calcium that can be absorbed by the body through heat and essential oils, leaving your skin moisturized and smoother.
Best-tasting grilled food was served for dinner at a very exclusive presidential villa of the resort. The night was full of great stories — ranging from alma mater reunion, politics, food, entertainment, and of course, feedback and insights from various people on Boracay re-opening. Brulhart believes that hoteliers have a duty to preserve their destination and create benefits for the entire local community.
The writer at the pool area – enjoying her “me” time.
Our last day was a “me-time” moment to experience the hotel amenities before flying back to Manila. I felt the comfort of home inside my bright, contemporary-designed room, one of the resort’s 312 rooms and suites, and where I saw the views of the tropical gardens and shimmering sea.
After a morning swim at the spectacular pool, I cooled off at the tropical Pool Bar, with its choice of shady private cabanas and a sunken swim-up bar.
Contemporary-designed room
Needless to say, Movenpick Boracay has a diverse collection of F&B outlets to provide outstanding dining experiences, from romantic couples’ meals to fun-filled family feasts and bountiful banquets. Little Birds Club and playground are available also for younger guests.
Event organizers can host unforgettable occasions among several venues, including indoor meeting rooms and outdoor wedding spaces. This and more made my paradise escape an unforgettable experience.
From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. It also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.
With the revival of local tourism, more people have a chance to see the magnificent places and experience fun-filled activities in Bohol. But before planning a trip to Bohol, visitors are requested to comply with safety protocols in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being. It is recommended that travelers check with the LGU of their planned destination for updates on the destination’s rules and protocols.
“We look forward to more people traveling to Bohol to see and experience the beauty and wonders of the province,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the launch of Balik sa Bohol online sale recently.
“We, at the DOT, along with provincial and local leaders in Bohol, are committed to protecting the health and safety of locals and tourists alike. Regaining the trust and confidence of Filipinos to travel again is essential to the revival of the tourism industry,” she further explained.
Home to many Ubi farmers
One of the attractions in Bohol is the yearly “Ubi Festival,” which has been celebrated since the year 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam.
The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.
Ubi festival. Photo from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Bohol.
As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. The recent festival theme revolved on “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” which aimed to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers.
A variety of Ubi products like ube jams and ube-based bibingka, ice cream, and bread were showcased at the festival.
Scenic views and ecotourism sites
From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. While it is famous for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.
Chocolate Hills
When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness.
Who wouldn’t be awestruck to see this amazing natural wonder before your very eyes? Never miss a good chance to visit the Chocolate Hills Complex located in the town of Carmen Bohol.
Chocolate Hills. Photo courtesy of Paul Gotiong.
There is only a viewing deck from where you can enjoy the extraordinary landscape. Bear in mind that the viewing deck is accessible only by stairs and temperatures can be very warm from time to time. Generally, visits to the hills are brief ones as there is no other activity besides viewing them.
Interestingly, they are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, for this reason, that it was called for that name. The Chocolate Hills are the Philippines ’ third National Geological Monument. It was also submitted to be a UNESCO World Heritage.
Tarsier Sanctuary
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.
Courtesy: Cecille Gaillard FB
Loboc River
Experience nature-filled relaxation and tranquillity at Loboc River, one of the popular destinations in Bohol. Tourists can embark on board a floating restaurant and enjoy the Loboc River cruise with a delectable buffet meal.
Loboc River cruise / personal photo
Loboc town is located approximately 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. With this unique encounter, it will keep you coming back for more to remind us of how wonderful it is to see and discover the amazing places of Bohol.
Dragon Fruit Farm
While in Bohol, never miss a chance to visit and harvest dragon fruits at the Fascination Farm located at Sitio Palayan, Tipolo Ubay, Bohol.
Delicious Dragon fruits. Photo courtesy of the Fascination Farm.
This vast dragon fruit plantation welcomes visitors and tourists to take part in the experience of harvesting on their own, ripe, sweet, juicy, and delicious dragon fruits. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/yummydragons.
Action-packed activities
Bohol also has something for adrenaline junkies. If you prefer seeing the Chocolate Hills up close, ATV rentals are available in the Carmen area.
ATV-Bohol. Photo courtesy of Nataniel Luperte.
Those who want more action-packed activities can head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park for the zip line and cable car rides. If you prefer water activities, you can also opt for stand-up paddleboarding tours or experience a water bike adventure.
White-sand beaches
Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The Alona Beach is a stunning 1.5km stretch of white-sand beach famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset.
Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin islands to explore Bohol’s marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of dolphins in the area.
Momo Beach
Momo Beach House is an “eco-chic boutique resort” nestled on the shores of Panglao Island, Bohol. It is situated nearby the famous Alona Beach and is blessed with white sand and cool crystal blue waters.
Momo Beach is an “eco-chic boutique resort” / personal photo.
Named after the indigenous people of Bohol, Eskaya is an exclusive boutique hotel that prides itself on thoughtful service and personalized experiences for guests. Recently, it was featured in destinationdeluxe.com as one of the amazing wellness resorts in the country.
Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa: Modern luxury and exclusivity. Photo courtesy of Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
The resort offers 5-star world-class modern luxury accommodation coupled with warm Filipino hospitality. Guests can marvel at the sprawling greenery and scenic vistas spread out across the 15 hectares property, making it a great escape. It now comprises 24 thatched-roof villas, individually designed in contemporary, Filipino style.
Tourism comprises 70% of the livelihood in Bohol, so there is no wonder that several hotels and resorts are available in the area. Whether you choose accommodations in the municipality of Panglao or Dauis, these hotels are committed to providing top-notch service and hospitality, especially during these times.
Temperature checks, QR code scanning, plated meals and rearranged eating areas are just some of the adjustments made by accommodations to ensure that travelers are assured of a safe environment during their stay.
Hassle-free travel
Do-it-yourself travels are currently not allowed in Bohol. This means that everything you plan to do while on the island should be pre-booked–from accommodations and transportation to tour arrangements.
This makes sightseeing around the island hassle-free. This also makes it easier for the provincial government to implement systems to curb the virus’s spread while ensuring that tourists get to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.
Before planning a visit to Bohol, travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, pre-booked accommodations at a DOT/LGU-accredited establishment, travel itinerary, and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as electronic IDs.
Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP-Philippine General or Philippine Children’s Medical Center for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of the 50% discount from either of the two medical institutions, visit the Tourism Promotions Board website at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.
As of February 2, 2021, Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs.
For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.
Hue Puerto Princesa is a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.
This summer, let’s explore Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan and the gateway to almost every island in the province.
The room design combines both local and global inspirations to its interiors.
Just adjacent from the newly-opened Puerto Princesa airport, this writer stayed at Hue Hotels and Resorts admirable for its wide-open space, and for excellently combining global and local design to its interiors. Truly, a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.
The moment we arrived at the hotel, we easily felt the warm welcome from its staff and front desk manager at the time of our visit. He ushered me to my comfy room and immediately got awe-struck with the room design – the carpet was made of a colorful banig, the welcome kit consisted of local delicacies and drinks, and the imported glass bottle (no, they don’t use plastic bottle) seemed so attractive. I made sure to check on the hotel swimming pool and Aminah Spa located on the roof deck. It was a relaxing feeling to have tried the soothing massage on our second day.
The hotel swimming floor located on the roof deck. Photo by Renjie Tolentino
The hotel restaurant is called Matiz Tapas Bar & Restaurant just very near the hotel lobby. It offers Classic-Filipino-Spanish and some Vietnamese dishes that pay homage to the Vietnamese community in Puerto Princesa. Matiz is being managed by Chef Gabby Prats.
The modern look of Matiz Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Photo by Renjie Tolentino
Hue Puerto Princesa is envisioned to be chic and creative with a “design-forward and culturally-rooted architecture.”
The property is being managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII). “It (HII) creates distinct hotel concepts that are original and one of a kind – this is what Hue Hotels and Resorts is all about, ” shares Chris Guballa, the hotel’s general manager. Guballa is also proud of its advocacy of promoting the local community through a hotel that promotes local products and culture.
City tour
Hue Puerto Princesa has not only given us superb accommodation but an unforgettable tour around the city.
We went to the famous Underground River named as one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the Underground River
Other interesting tourist spots we visited were Baker’s Hill, Butterfly Eco Garden, and Tribal Village, Rancho Mitra, Elephant Cave, Baywalk Plaza Quartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Buenavista View Deck (where you can see the beauty of Ulugan Bay and Tres Marias).
At Baker’s Hill Palawan
At Rancho Mitra
At Tribal Village
Our Puerto Princesa trip was made possible by Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa – one that truly brings colors to leisure.
The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.
Nasugbu is about two hours drive from Manila. It is the town on the western coast of Batangas, and a favorite leisure and vacation getaway for tourists because of its proximity to Manila.
The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.
With the influx of tourists coming to Nasugbu, the Kaybiang tunnel was constructed to connect the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey.
Kaybiang Tunnel – connecting the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey. Courtesy: Facebook.com
Nasugbu has a population of 138,000, and it caters to the AB market. Frequent tourists to this area include Europeans, Americans, and some Asians.
Pico De Loro Cove: Offers an active vacation lifestyle
Pico De Loro Cove, which is set amidst the verdant green mountains and vibrant clear waters of Hamilo Coast is SM land’s premier leisure destination with 5,800 hectares of natural beauty. It only takes 90 minutes by car from Manila via the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and the Kaybiang Tunnel. This writer had a relaxing stay at Pico Sands Hotel, the cove’s premier hotel during a previous media tour.
The writer at Pico Sands HotelCourtesy: Pico Sands Hotel FB page
Pico De Loro is renowned for being part of the “center of the world’s biodiversity,” where more than 65% of the world’s marine species can be found. Its location within the Verde Island passage makes it an ideal jump-off point for cruising to other renowned island destinations such as Apo Reef, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay.
The property is composed of eight mid-rise residential buildings set around a serene environment. It makes owning a beach home as easy and practical as condominium living. Each condo comes with playing rights at the Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club, which has the most extensive land and sea-based recreational facilities in the Nasugbu area.
Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club
Together they offer an active vacation lifestyle and a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation options. Homeowners and guests can enjoy eco-adventures such as biking, trekking, fish-feeding, cove tour, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat, Frisbee, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water taxi, and beach volleyball.
Nasugbu town: A major tourism destination
The tourist destinations inventory of the municipality has listed down 18 natural attractions, including the famous Hamilo Coves, the Karakawa Rivers and Falls, the Layong Bilog River, and the Tumalim Water Falls and River.
Mountains such as Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Pico De Loro, famous for mountain climbing, surround the town. Rock formations are also scattered around Nasugbu Bay including the Elephant Rock, Pinnacle Rocks, and Payong-Payong.
Virgin island abounds the town with Fortune Island and Twin Island as the more popular ones. It is also surrounded by four marine protected areas: Fuego Point Marine Sanctuary, Taytayen/Etayo Marine Reserve, Pinagdakutan/Santelmo Marine Sanctuary, and Cutad/Pico De Loro Marine Reserve.
For a sumptuous local lunch, visit Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Martinez St. in Nasugbu. This 13-square- meter restaurant is owned by Normita “Tita Baby” Limjoco-Lucas and offers excellent home cooking and rustic ambiance.
Hearty lunch with DOT and Hamilo Coast marketing.
Nasugbu has a wide array of kakanin. It is said that there are at least 13 varieties of kakanin in town. Thus, an “abibingkahan” can be found in the public market where kakanin are being sold.
The tour was never complete without a visit to some religious sites like the main town church of Saint Francis Xavier Church and Lumang Simbahan where pilgrims and devotees from far and nearby towns come to visit every Friday to offer prayers to the Black Nazarene. Nevertheless, the influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu has been dominant in their culture and townspeople’s religious faith.
Saint Francis Xavier Church Nasugbu. Courtesy: Nasugbu Tourism Office
The group ended the tour with a relaxing Barako foot bliss at Rain Spa of Pico Sands Hotel. This coffee-infused foot treatment relieves sore feet and frees up one’s thoughts. Coffee’s calming and anti-oxidant qualities are employed to relieve stress and tension as well as improve circulation, restoring the body’s natural balance.
In Nasugbu, you can definitely explore more tourist attractions, and deserving of another visit. This time, plan to stay longer in your next getaway with your loved ones.
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
(Based on the article published in Experience Travel and Living magazine by the same author. The media tour was organized by the Department of Tourism some years back.)
