A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
Masbate City, the capital of the province of the same name, is known as “The Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.” Mention Masbate and images of cowboys, rolling hills and the laid-back haciendero type ranch life come to mind. Largely agricultural, main activities here revolve around industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising.
Sta. Cruz Island is a small island in Zamboanga City famed for having a pink sand beach. I was awed by the island’s beauty when I first visited in 2013. I was a bit worried when it started gaining popularity because National Geographic included it in a list of the best beaches in the world. While such a distinction can ruin a place and put it in danger of over-development, I was glad to see that the island remained as beautiful and pristine as ever when I returned several years later for in time for their Summer Festival.
Of all the places we visited in Lombok, Indonesia, Bukit Merese or Merese Hill was my favorite. Located at Tanjung Aan beach in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Bukit Merese offers the most stunning and jaw-dropping scenery. Prior to my trip, I didn’t really know much about Lombok except that it was being positioned as an alternative to the more popular island of Bali. Our brief visit to these scenic hills overlooking the beach was a pleasant surprise.
The Gili Islands (or simply the Gilis) are three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – that lie a short distance west of Bali in Lombok, Indonesia. While Bali is world-famous for its party scene, the Gilis are becoming more popular on the radar of international travelers’ as “the next go-to destination,” because of their untouched and laid-back appeal.
Continue reading “Travel Guide: Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia”
The Gigantes Group of Islands, popularly known as Islas de Gigantes or “Islands of Giants” in Spanish are a remote cluster of islands in the northernmost part of Iloilo province in the Philippines. The Gigantes Islands consists of about ten islands: the two largest being Gigantes Norte (North Gigantes) and Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes).
The province of Capiz in Panay Island is a rising eco-tourism destination that has a lot to offer for different types of travelers. History buffs can visit sites of historic and religious interest, nature-trippers can venture out and explore the off-the-beaten natural tourist spots like islands and waterfalls, while culture buffs can enjoy the province’s rich handicrafts.
With Holy Week coming up and summer in full swing, you know the most accessible and popular beaches are going to get pretty crowded. For those looking for peace and privacy for beach camping trips, Inaladelan Island Resort in Palawan is a great choice. This 12-hectare private island and camping paradise off the coast of Port Barton in Palawan offers a stunning getaway.
Palawan is often cited in news features and magazines as one of the best islands in the world. And if you’ve been there, you’ll probably agree. Limestone rock formations, turquoise sea, white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, friendly locals and peaceful vibe. This tropical paradise offers the best representation of the Philippines.
For riders, just hitting the open road, regardless of the destination, is an adventure in itself. But if you’re planning to ride all over the Philippines, you’ll realize it can get pretty complicated trying to transport a motorbike around since the country is made up of 7,641 islands. While there are some small amazing islands great for exploring by motorcycle, it’s more convenient to just rent motorbikes from there. For those coming from Manila who have their own bikes, your best bet would be to ride around the mainland of Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines.
There are lots of different modes of transport you can use to get around the Philippines. But my personal favorite is just getting on a motorbike, riding around and exploring on your own. Motourism is on the rise and more tourists are discovering the Philippine islands on two wheels.
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