A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
International tourists and locals looking for a place to stay with a rich sense of history close to Manila’s major landmarks might want to check into Rizal Park Hotel. This boutique hotel located along Manila Bay is relatively new and has a unique history as it adaptively reuses the former Manila Army and Navy Club building, a National Historical Landmark originally built in 1911.
Since pandemic restrictions have eased, we’ve been traveling back to our hometown of Naga City in Bicol more frequently these days. During our last trip to Naga in August 2023, my sister and I stayed in one of the newest hotels in Camarines Sur called Litton Hotel by Carterson. This modern and stylish boutique hotel is the first to offer loft-type rooms in Naga City.
NOTE: This travel guide was originally written in December 2016 and updated in September 2023.
When you think of tourist destinations in the Philippines, Abra is not often at the top of most traveler’s bucket lists. In fact, it remains one of the least visited provinces in the country. For outsiders, there’s still an air of mystery surrounding the place.
Every tourist town needs a proper craft beer joint and in the heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, one unique watering hole you can visit is Calle Brewery. The Spanish colonial town, one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is well-known for its homegrown restaurants serving authentic Ilocano cuisine. Established in March 2018, Calle Brewery offers a relatively new spot in Vigan where tourists can enjoy craft beer and smoked meats in a brewpub converted from a century-old stone house.
For those living in the metro who want a break from the city life, La Union is a popular weekend destination. While known mostly for its surf scene, Elyu is also a good destination for foodies because of the vibrant restaurant scene and diverse food options available. Along with Pinoy staples and international fare, you can also find a several vegetarian/vegan options for those on special diets.
Looking for inspiration for your next local trip around the Philippines? Travel and tour packages from emerging destinations such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Spratly Islands will be up for grabs in the Philippine Travel Mart happening this weekend, from September 1 to 3, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
The event organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is the biggest and longest-running annual tourism fair that aims to promote popular and rising tourist spots in the country.
Continue reading “Tours to BARMM, Spratly Islands up for grabs at the PH Travel Mart 2023”Tourists can discover the rich history, heritage, and old-world charm of the Intramuros in Manila more conveniently with fun new experiences and attractions. In case you didn’t know, Klook has launched a new Intramuros Pass, which gives access to the top activities in the walled city of Manila.
We first discovered La View Mountain Resort in January 2022. After trying to ride to Jariel’s Peak one weekend by motorcycles, we were forced to turn back because checkpoints and border restrictions going to Infanta, Quezon were still being enforced.
The Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, simply known as Subic Bay, is a coastal northwest of Manila frequented by families and water sports enthusiasts for weekend getaways. Formerly the location of U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay before it was decommissioned in the early 90s, the area is now known for its beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and dive sites.
Friends who were fortunate to have traveled to Anawangin Cove and nearby spots like Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, and Capones years ago often talk about how the area was once a pure and raw area for camping and getting away from it all.
This area in a secluded part of Zambales facing the West Philippine Sea separated by mountain ranges from the mainland used to offer secluded spots for back to basics camping where mountaineers would head after trekking through by land.
Continue reading “Island-hopping in Zambales: Beach resorts in Anawangin, Nagsasa and Silanguin Cove (2023)”
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