The first of a series of articles that focus on some of the many beautiful places Asia offers as excellent tourist destinations. Our first stop is the Philippines’ Seven Wonders.
Banaue Rice Terraces
The Banaue terraces are ancient sprawling man-made structures carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people about 2,000-3,000 years ago. Commonly referred to by Filipinos as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, these rice terraces are like stepping stones stretching towards the sky, where some parts exceed 5,000 feet in altitude. The terraces are located about 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover around 10,360 square kilometers of mountainside. It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would reach halfway across the globe. In 1995, the Banaue Rice Terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are about 1,776 cone-shaped hills spread on an approximate 50 square kilometer area. The domes vary in sizes from 30 to 50 meters (98 to 160 ft) high with the largest being 120 meters (390 ft) in height. They are covered in green grass but dies off and that turns brown during the dry season. They are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol.
The Chocolate Hills is one of the Philippines’ most amazing destination and the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. The national government has chosen the Chocolate Hills as one of its “flagship tourist destinations” and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Of the 1,247 hills, two have been developed into resorts for tourism. The original resort, called Chocolate Hills Complex is situated in Carmen, Bohol and the more recent one in Sagbayan is called Sagbayan Peak. The Chocolate Hills Complex is composed of two hills developed into a resort. The resort has a restaurant, hostel with swimming pool and an observation deck. Sagbayan Peak is a 12-acre mountaintop resort and recreation center with a viewing deck that shows a 360-degree perspective of the Chocolate Hills.
Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano, famous for its “Perfect Cone” considered as the Worlds most perfect cone is the Philippines’ most active volcano. With a base 80 miles (130 km) in circumference and a height of 2,463 meters, Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay Province, which is about 300 kilometers southeast of Manila. On October 13, 2008 it was included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature Top 10 list. However, it did not make the cut to the Top 25 finalists.
The best time to visit the volcano is between the months of March and May. Apart from climbing, tourists can also do many activities such as nature hiking, camping, photography and bird watching. Several species of birds to look for includes; red jungle fowl, the parakeet. fruit dove, owl, just to name a few. It is not advisable to visit the volcano during rainy season (Nov to Jan) because it is more dangerous.
Pamalican Island
Welcome to Pamalican Island a paradise on Earth. It is a small island surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and five kilometers of white sand. The island is located southwest of Manila, east of Palawan. It will only takes an hour via a small 19-passenger charter plane to reach this island. The island is home to the Amanpulo Resort, a privately owned resort which caters only to the Amanpulo Resort guests. Amanpulo Resort is a secluded luxury resort for relaxation. Its main building is the Clubhouse, and has plenty of cottages, where guests have the luxury to choose where to stay; be it by the hillside, on the treetop, or on a villa.
The weather is tropical, so it is best to visit the place is from November to May when the season is hot and dry. While on the island, you can participate in many recreational activities such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling. You can also do scuba diving, fishing, picnicking, sunset cruises, sailing, windsurfing, or even just simply basking under the sun. Apart from sea and beach activities, you can even play golf or take a hike to explore the island nature trails.
Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano considered the world’s smallest active volcano is a located 50 kilometers from Manila. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier very large eruption. Within the island are four craters. The main crater is in the center of the island while the dormant volcano crater can be seen at the edge of the island. The third and fourth craters are called “Twin Craters” which were formed during the eruption of 1965. Centuries ago, Taal volcano is about 18,000 feet up; but due to dozens of eruption, the most devastating eruption occurred in the year 1911, it is now 600 meters above sea level.
When you visit Taal, make sure to bring water, hats and plenty of sun screen lotion It is most recommended you get a head start early in the morning. You can either take a hike or ride on horseback to go up the ridge and see the beautiful Crater Lake. The locals are friendly. You do not have to worry about communication, most of them speak good Basic English. Also, there are several resorts that offers great amenities. One of these resorts is the Crater Lake Resort that offers adventurers the unique thrill of exploring nature. Tourists can take their hands at other activities while on the island such as; camping, trekking, horseback riding and kayaking. The resort is also home to many species of birds and fish.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is located in the Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles (181 km) southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The park is 33,200 hectares covering the North and South Reefs. It is home to thousands of marine life and one of the most beautiful corals in the world. Over 300 coral species and 400 fish species inhabit in the reef. Animal species found include manta rays, lionfish, tortoise, clownfish, and sharks. The Northern part is also a nesting ground for marine turtles, as well as a variety of tropical birds. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in December 1993. It is nominated at the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Tubbataha Reef is now a famous tourist destination and a popular site for seasoned sport divers. The proceeds go to its preservation and development of the community. It is a perfect place for all you divers because of its coral “walls” where the shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way to great depths. It is also a place for nature lovers to experience an idealistic sea adventure and enjoy the wonders of marine life.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999, and is one of the finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature search!
This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river A remarkable feature of the river is that it passes through a cave before emerging directly into the South China Sea. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also represents a habitat for biodiversity conservation. There are 165 species of birds were recorded in the park, among them are the Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), Blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), White breasted sea eagle (Halitutus leucogates), Hill myna (Gracula religiosa), and Tabon scrub fowl (Megapodius cumunigii). There are also some 30 mammal species that have been recorded and 19 species of reptiles. Activites, adventurers will surely enjoy are: mountain trekking, bird watching, and discovering the deeper part of the forest.
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