Cheap Travel Asia

Cheap Travel Asia: Watch Dolphins and Whales at Pamilacan Island, Bohol, Philippines

2009-05-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

The small island of Pamilacan is nestled in the heart of the Bohol Sea, the Visayas Archipelagos in the Philippines. Its name is derived from the word pilak, which is a large hooked implement made and used by the islanders to capture manta rays, whale sharks and bryde's whale.

The Bohol Sea is said to be a breeding ground of these mysterious but beautiful creatures. The island in previous times, served as a watch station against the intrusion of pirates and enemies of the Spanish colony as evidenced by the 200-year-old Spanish fort on the northeast side of the island.

Today, 235 families live in the island. The people used to hunt dolphins, whales, whale sharks and manta rays but these animals are now fully protected by law in the Philippines.

The attractions on the island that may catch your interest is the ancient Spanish fort, the Santa Cruz at the chapel's altar, the life within the marine sanctuary and the white beaches around the island. Pamilacan is a coral island and fossilised seashells can be seen on the island's rocky hill.

At present, the jaws and bones of marine mammals and whale sharks still adorn a number of homes of the village. The blue waters surrounding the island teem with lush and colorful marinelife.

Go watch whales and dolphins in the Bohol Sea with the locals of Pamilacan. Ex-whale-hunting boats called canter have been refitted specifically for a safe and comfortable trip. The boats, measuring 15 to 20 meters in length, can accommodate up to seven passengers. Each of these crafts is furnished with seats and roofing, and equipped with life vests. You will be accompanied by skilled spotters whose familiarity with the area also makes them excellent guides. The best season is the months from March to June, but resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions.

Cheap Travel Asia: Eskaya Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines

2009-05-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

Peacefully nestled in a private yet accessible spot in Panglao Island in Bohol, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa has its own 600-meter white beachfront and sprawling 16-hectare lot. The Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa breathes life into you with its awe-inspiring mountain and superb sea views, exclusive resort-spa amenities, good food and excellent services.

The name Eskaya refers to the only known indigenous people of Bohol. The resort is in Panglao Island which is at the southernmost tip of Bohol. It is located halfway through Panglao along its coast facing Mindanao Sea. It is a sprawling property which covers 16 hectares. Topography of the resort is varied. It has a gradually ascending cliff, flat land, a ravine, caves and has a commanding view of the sea. On the higher ground of the resort, you can view a mountain with lush vegetation. Down the beach is a long stretch of white, powdery sand up to 5 kilometers, 600 meters of which is part of Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa.

The resort is boutique-style which accounts for its exclusivity. Architecture of the building is decidedly Filipino with a splash of modern amenities. The thatched villas or "balai" in the dialect, are single-detached. These are built with sturdy construction materials, but the ample use of indigenous materials for finishing like bamboo, cogon, and wood is emphasized.

The center of attraction of the resort is the infinity swimming pool which definitely blends with the sea at its bluest. The spacious restaurant has a cool feeling, yet with a warm ambience and plenty of sea view and swimming pool view. Dining can also be at the beach al fresco, at the poolside, and in the garden.

Dining is a pleasure at Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa. The cuisine offers a selection of Filipino best-sellers. You can dine under the moon and the stars, al fresco, or simply enjoy the warm ambience of Lantawan Restaurant. Refresh yourself with coolers by the poolside while gazing at the sunset, or into each other's eyes.

Cheap Travel Asia: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

2009-05-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

El Nido is a municipality located at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.

The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people, is a mix of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines.

Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird's nest or nido soup. It is these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido.

El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan's geology and diverse wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been declared by the Philippine government as a protected area.

Cheap Travel Asia: Puka Beach of Boracay, Philippines

2009-04-13T01:18:00.001-07:00

One of the more quiet beaches in famous Boracay Island, for those who want a vacation away from noisy crowds, is Puka Beach.

This beach was named after the world-renowned Puka shells that used to be scattered all over its sands. Nowadays, these shells are rare and no one is allowed to collect them. Fashionistas can only try to find vintage collections from accessories dating back to the Sixties and Seventies when they were the height of style.

With only bits of shell and coral remaining in its sands, Puka Beach is now a great place to walk on barefoot. This gave rise to its other name, Yapak Beach, since "yapak" means to go barefoot in the local language.

Visitors can traverse its length of 800 meters, and will end up in the Lapuz-Lapuz cliffs. This area is the most rugged part of Boracay and is at its northern tip.

Swimming and snorkeling in the sea is possible if proper caution is exercised. The beach drops sharply into the deep and currents are sometimes strong although waves are mild.

Sailing is another possibility. There are boats to be rented, namely, the outriggered native paraw and the motorized banca.

Bring your own food, drinks and other provisions since vendors may not be around to meet your needs.

Cheap Travel Asia: Puerto Galera, Philippines

2008-03-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Puerto Galera is called the Pearl of Mindoro, having one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors as well as beautiful beaches, dive sites and spectacular coral reefs.

It can be reached in three and a half hours from Manila - by bus to Batangas City then by boat to Calapan, Mindoro and, finally, by jeepney to the town proper.

Almost all beaches have accomodations of every kind for every budget.

White Beach is popular among locals, with lots of commercial establishments. It can be reached in half an hour from the town proper by jeepney or boat.

Sabang Beach is said to be popular with tourists. Perhaps this is because of its many nightspots, but it could also be because it is an excellent site for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It is closer to the town proper and can be reached in 15 minutes by jeepney or boat.

Beside Sabang Beach is Small La Laguna which is actually bigger than another beach named La Laguna. Don't ask me why. I can only tell you that Small La Laguna has more facilities with dive shops renting out diving equipment. This is to best enjoy the coral reefs as you snorkel or dive.

La Laguna Beach itself may be smaller but it also offers several resorts and facilities for water sports. It can be reached in half an hour from the townproper by jeepney.

Punta Guarda Beach is far from the crowds and offers peace and quiet. It can be reached by taking a 10 minute jeepney ride from the town proper plus a hike on foot.

Talipanan Beach is another quiet area for those who want privacy. It can be reached in 40 minutes from the town proper by boat or jeepney.

There are 16 dive centers distributed among the many beaches of Puerto Galera and locals say there are more than 25 dive sites around each dive center. Currents can be strong, though, so divers are advised to dive only with an experienced divemaster or instructor.

Aside from the seas, Puerto Galera also boasts having the 423-foot Tamaraw Falls by the roadside of Barangay Villaflor, two hours by jeepney from the town proper.

There is also the Tabinay-Talipanan Trail, also called the Adventure Mountain Trail . This is a two-to-three-day walk across three mountains from Tabinay in the southeast of Puerto Galera to the white sands of Talipanan Beach on the northwest.

Those who would rather ride a mountain bike through the many scenic trails can rent bikes in town.

There are so many activities to choose from that perhaps the problem will be how to fit everything in your Philippine trip to Puerto Galera.

Cheap Travel Asia: Boracay, Philippines

2008-03-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

It's summer in the Philippines and the best time of the year to enjoy the powder-fine white sand and clear blue waters of Boracay.

You can choose from the many beaches of Boracay. White Beach still reigns as the central hub of the island paradise.

For kiteboarding and windsurfing, the Boracay Bulabog Beach is known worldwide.

There are also quiet beaches and coves like Boracay Balinghai Beach or Boracay Puka Beach.

When you want a break from the sea, go for a game of golf at the world class 18-hole par-72 Boracay Fairways & Bluewater Golf Course.

Perhaps the water sports and even the golf game has not sated your thirst for more adventure? Then it's time to visit the eerie Boracay Dead Forest and Bat Caves.

Accomodations will never be a problem. There are huts, cottages, villas and luxury hotels all around Boracay. Take your pick depending on your budget and requirements.

You can eat from food stalls or fine dining restaurants. There are various bars, too.

Oh and you can shop, too, for island wear, exotic accessories and basic needs.

The night life is too much fun to sleep through. There's drinking, dancing and partying all over Boracay from sundown to sunup.

Now would you wonder why Yahoo! Travel has cited Boracay Island as the seventh of the World’s Best Beaches in June 2007?

Check it out for summer 2008!

Hong Kong Fashion Week January 2008

2008-01-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is on January 14-17, 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Last year's Hong Kong Fashion Week had more than 1,500 exhibitors from 24 countries, and attracted more than 25,000 buyers from 111 countries and regions.

To be held concurrently is World Boutique, Hong Kong, an event also promoting fashion designers' collections, as well as branded fashion products, fashion accessories, home fashion and lifestyle products, and small gifts.

Philippines: January is Ati-Atihan Festival Time

2008-01-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Most travellers to the Philippines make it a point to visit Boracay Island, known worldwide for its beautiful beaches. This January, you can make the most of your visit because the province of Aklan also celebrates its Ati-Atihan Festival on January 18-20.

The Ati-Atihan is a traditional feast to honor the Santo Nino or Child Jesus. It is named after the original ethnic population of Aklan, the Ati. Hence, the practice of revelers smearing their bodies with soot to approximate the color of the Ati complexion. Rhythmic drumbeats permeate the air and local residents and tourists alike cannot help but join in the street dancing. The parade features colorful costumes and masks with each group trying to outshine the others.

You would, indeed, get more from your budget if you visit Aklan for the Ati-Atihan Festival this January and then move on to nearby Boracay afterwards.