Philippine Destinations
Articles and travelers report on various Philippine destinations, including Philippine resorts.
The Philippines’ Own Niagara Falls: Tinuy-an Falls In Bislig, Mindanao
In the pursuit to promote Philippine travel destinations to both locals and foreign tourists, Surigao del Sur – a province in the Mindanao island of the Philippines is re-introducing to the world the Tinuy-an Falls as one of the main attractions in Bislig City hailed as the booming city by the bay.
Considered to be one of the widest water falls in the Philippines, with width of about 95 meters from one end to the other, it is promoted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippine Island having a 55 meters drop that form white curtains in front of the rock formations.
How to get to Tinuy-an Falls
From Davao City (Click here to get the cheapest airline fare to Davao, Philippines), you can rent a van to Bislig City. Specifically, negotiate with the driver of the van to take you to what the locals in the place call “Mangagoy”.
Tinuy-an falls photo gerryruiz.wordpress.com
From the Integrated Terminal at Barangay Mangagoy, you can then rent a jeep or ride on a local motorcycle transport called “habal-habal” which will bring you to the exact site of Tinuy-an Falls.
Be prepared to pay an entrance fee of twenty pesos (PHP20) for some of the developments done to the area like a wooden bridge and picnic tables. You can rent an inflatable raft as well for you to get closer to the cascading water.
Although this three-level white waterfall has diminished its water stream as of late, it is nevertheless still a favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. The natural landscapes of this famed waterfall will surely satisfy professional and hobbyist travel photographers. There are also many personal accounts of sighting of a regular morning rainbow around 9:00 in the morning.
Those who have personally seen Tinuy-an Falls a couple of years ago would testify that the water current was far stronger before than it is today. The diminishing of the water current of Tinuy-an Falls has been attributed to the worsening case of global warming not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
Habal-habal photo maynunalsapaa.blogspot.ca
With the growing public concern towards sustainable solutions for these concerns, the local administration of Surigao del Sur is advocating eco-tourism and eco-management and conservation through educating tourists on how they can help preserve the majestic view that is Tinuy-an Falls. Stricter implementation of the local ordinances to preserve and protect the century-old trees and vegetation is imposed around the area.
Tinuy-an Falls will be worth all the effort to go see it with your very own eyes. I don’t want to jinx it, but just like my grandfather would always tell to me about beauty, it is always fleeting. That said, I suggest if you’re really interested to go there, see Tinuy-an Falls the soonest time possible while this very picturesque water body is still around.
Bislig, Surigao Del Sur website: http://www.bislig.gov.ph
Posted by: Ronald Salvador
Balikbayan Travel Agency Services: Make Your Vacation To Bohol Memorable And Invigorating
If you want your vacation to the Philippines more memorable and invigorating, integrate nature into it. A balikbayan travel agency may provide you with numerous vacation packages to choose from and one of it is a vacation package to Bohol. Here you will see rows and rows of miniature hills that resemble the famous brand of mouth watering chocolate, have a close encounter with the world’s smallest primate and dine while cruising in its pristine Loboc River.
Delightful Chocolate Hills
It’s a delight seeing mounds and mounds of chocolate from afar, thousands of it actually or 1,268 to be exact. These hills have a height of no more than 50 meters and many tourists can’t believe that are not created by man because of their size and shape which are almost uniform. The hills’ chocolate color is more pronounced during the summer season and turns into green on rainy months.
Meet the Tarsiers
One of the smallest primates throughout the world can be found in Bohol. Many thought they are monkeys and are awed because they are so small and just as big as an average size human fist. They also have unusually large eyes which can be attributed to their being nocturnal. Up close they seem to be shy because they cling to the stems of the trees. Your balikbayan travel agency can arrange for you a guide that would walk you through the Tarsier Trail which connects the towns of Loboc, Corella and Sikatuna.
A Filling Loboc River Cruise
Dine in a floating restaurant that smoothly glides down a winding river called Loboc River. A local band plays relaxing and upbeat music while tourists partake of an array of delicious native dishes. The nipa palms, coconut trees, banana grooves and wild green bushes on the sides generate breeze that is soothing to the nerves.
To fully enjoy all these perks in your vacation to Bohol tap the services of a balikbayan travel agency.
Mt. Samat In Bataan, Philippines: A Commune With Nature And Past
Mt. Samat marker
A Background of the Place
Bataan is remembered today as the place where the Death March took place, and the Filipinos who fought in Bataan back in World War II are considered heroes for their bravery and patriotism. The Shrine of Valor had been built in Mt. Samat in memory of the Filipinos, Japanese and Americans who fought and died in war at the Pacific, and it serves today as a reminder of that fateful era.
Dambana ng Kagitingan Cross
Most tourists who visit Mt. Samat hire a vehicle to take them there, or bring their own auto. If you want to try the local way, though, you can ride a jeepney from Balanga City going to Bagac, Bataan. When you reach Mount Samat, you can either walk to the top or ride a tricycle – there are many of them at the foot of the mountain. Click here for Google map.
Walking to the top would be great if you want to commune with nature – the place is awesome! Of course, the climb would give you exercise. It’s a long climb, though, amounting to around a couple of hours (about 2 hours each way). So, pack a lot of endurance with you.
Machine gun at Mt. Samat
Entrance to Mt. Samat
Although very popular, Mt. Samat remains within reach of budget tourists. Entrance is very cheap: P10 for students, P20 for adults (locals), and P30 for visitors from foreign countries. If you have a car with you, you’ll also have to pay for a parking fee (from P30-P50). Upon entrance and payment, you’ll be given a ticket, which you will need to be able to get into the museum.
Dambana ng Kagitingan Museum
The first thing that most visitors notice with Mt. Samat is its closeness to nature. Even as you go up this mountain, you’ll already feel like you’re communing with Mother Earth – trees all around, winding road with very few houses, and the view of some parts of Bataan Province below which is truly spectacular. When you reach the top, the meeting of the earth and the sky in the horizon creates a truly magical and breathtaking sight.
Shrine of Valor marker
After the deck, you can check out the museum – Death March in Bataan photos, war equipment and paraphernalia (bayonets, bazooka, machine guns, and even an old radio), old military stuff (uniform and Japanese money), as well as a three-dimensional map of Bataan. If you have a camera, however, you can’t use that inside as taking of pictures is not allowed.
Shrine of Valor Cross
If you want to avail of a formal tour of Mt. Samat, there are also people who serve as tour guides. We met one when we were there last time. Bong Mamuad offers Mt. Samat tours at the rate of P300-P500. If you’re interested, the contact number is (+63-907) 219-3887.
