Philippines

Simple and peaceful. That’s how the provincial government describes
what life in Capiz is all about on its website. For travelers looking
for a place to relax and unwind, this province in the Western Visayas
region is a must-go destination.

Covering an area of 2,594.64 square kilometers, Capiz is subdivided
into 16 municipalities and a city – Roxas. The province continues to be
one of the major travel destinations
in southern Philippines, thanks to its natural charm highlighted by a
labyrinth of rolling hills, pristine beaches, unspoiled beaches, and
isolated coves.

Capiz is also a magnet for seafood lovers. Dubbed as the “Seafood
Capital of the Philippines,” the province provides guests with a wide
selection of dishes made from its rich marine resources. Delectable
delicacies are available everywhere from a simple restaurant to posh
hotels and resorts.

With all these amazing attractions in the province, it is no wonder,
then, that Capiz is among the recommended tourist stops in most Philippine travel guides. The following is a sampling of the scenic spots to visit in the province.

Agtalin Shrine

Get amazed by a gigantic statue of the Virgin Mary at the Agtalin
Shrine. Located in the municipality of Pilar, the religious icon is
considered the tallest in the country at 80 feet tall. The International
Marian Research Institute listed the Agtalin Shrine as a premier
pilgrimage site. It is believed that some faithful with incurable
diseases were healed by praying at the shrine.

Baybay Beach

Baybay Beach is Capiz’s version of elegant Boracay beaches. This
gray-sand beach is a favorite weekend getaway of local residents and
tourists alike in the province. Aside for being a popular swimming site,
Baybay Beach is also a haven for food lovers. Various stalls selling
unbelievably cheap grilled fish, squids, prawns, and other marine
produce can be found near the beach.

Pilar Cave

Another must-see attraction in Capiz is Pilar Cave. This natural wonder
is believed to be a burial site of local folks before the Spaniards
conquered the Philippines in 1521. Ancient pots and other artifacts have
been discovered in the cave. Capiz has four more popular caves such as
the Suhoton Caves in Jamindan, Quipot Cave in Mambusao, Igang Cave in
Maayon, and Suhot Cave in Dumalag.

Tucad Reef

Tucad Reef is a submarine islet of seashells and corals topped with
layers of sand. Located some ten kilometers away from Pilar, this
natural marvel can be reached through a pump boat ride or by walking
during low tide. From its shallow and clear water, visitors can see a
patchwork of shells and corals in various colors such as blue, green,
red, and pink.

Aswang Festival

Capiz is known for the myth of aswang, a Filipino term for
ghouls, monsters, and witches. Held days before the Halloween, the
controversial but culturally important event seeks to change the
public’s negative notion towards the province as an aswang haven. Trade exhibits, cultural shows, and symposiums are staged during the festival.

A great way to conclude your Capiz vacation is to shop for various
products such as lampshades, candle holders, necklaces, and wind chimes,
made from Capiz shells. Already captivated by Capiz? Get your
Philippine travel guide ready, call a travel agency to arrange your
preferred accommodations and vacation packages, pack your bags, and head
to Capiz.

Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information
about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area
and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations
under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it
and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.

Exploring the beauty of the Philippines is always a thrill. This
Southeast Asian nation has been making waves in the tourism industry
with its wide selection of scenic spots, festive events, and
breathtaking man-made and natural attractions.

Most travelers think that the Philippines is only akin to the
beautiful beaches of Boracay and bargain-hunting and bar-hopping
adventures in Metro Manila. But most people often missed out on
exploring various tourist attractions in Mindanao. One of the leading
travel destinations in the southern region is Davao, one of the country’s most progressive cities.

Covering an area of 943.6 square meters, Davao is the perfect place
for travelers looking to experience an idyllic town setting at the
comforts of a modern metropolis. The city, which is three times bigger
than the entire Metro Manila, has a lot to offer. The “Land of Promise”
is home to pristine beaches, beautiful diving spots, historical sites,
and luxury resorts and hotels, among others. It’s no wonder, then, that
Davao has all the trimmings of an ultimate Philippine vacation.

To guide you to your Davao trip, the author came up with a list of the must-see tourist attractions in the city.

Mt. Apo
Towering over 9,650 feet above sea level, Mt. Apo is the highest
peak in the Philippines. This national park is a haven for birdwatchers,
as it is home to more than 270 bird species. Mt. Apo is also
considered an ideal hiking destination for the adventure-bound. Experts
said scaling this volcanic mountain is not a technical one. It may take
up to five days to reach the summit depending on your pace.

Philippine Eagle Center

Davao also allows tourists to get up close and personal with the
country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle. Situated in Malagos, the
Philippine Eagle Center serves as temporary home and a breeding center
for the critically endangered bird. The Philippine Eagle, one of the
tallest and biggest birds in the world, usually feeds on flying lemurs,
wild cats, and squirrels.

Kadayawan Festival

The perfect time to visit Davao would be August, when the city stages
one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines. Kadayawan
Festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful harvest.
Various activities, including street dancing, tribal parades, trade
fairs, flower shows, and horse fight competitions, are lined up during
the weeklong festival.

GAP Farming Orchard

You can also embark on a nature trip while in Davao. GAP Farming Orchard
is a perfect place to escape city life and pollution. It has
well-maintained cottages and camp sites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool,
and horseback riding facilities. Exotic flowers and tropical fruits can
be found in the garden. A giant one-eyed monster confined in a tunnel
built during the Japanese occupation is also a major attraction at the
resort.

There are many other things to do in Davao. For adventure seekers, a visit to Camp Sabros in Mt. Apo or to Eden Nature Park for a thrilling zip line experience is a must. For those who love swimming and other water activities, go to Samal Island, which is famous for its white-sand beaches. A Davao adventure is never complete without tasting durian, a fruit famous for its unique odor and thorn-covered husk.

Local Philippines
is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how
to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the
beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations
right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will
most likely feature it.

With its wide selection of tourist attractions, the Philippines
is an ideal site for sightseeing tours. Home to colorful festivals and
exquisite natural wonders, this Southeast Asian nation has a lot of
visual treats to offer for travelers.

There are notable tourist spots to visit throughout the country’s
more than 7,000 islands. This is a testament that the Philippines ranks
among the top nations offering an impressive selection of sightseeing attractions.
Though internationally famous for its white sand beaches, this
predominantly Catholic republic also boasts of delicate colonial
architectures and breathtaking natural sceneries in almost every town.

Here is a guide to some of the best sightseeing destinations
in the Philippines.

Manila

Manila is not only the country’s capital but also the center of cultural
heritage. Explore the Philippines’ rich Spanish legacy with a trip to
Intramuros (Walled City), which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th
century. Inside the compound, you can find old places of worship such
as the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Other points of
interest in Intramuros are Fort Santiago and Casa Manila. Also, never
leave Manila without visiting the Luneta Park, where a statue of
national hero Jose Rizal is erected.

Corregidor

Take a trip down memory lanes by visiting Corregidor, an island that
served as an important defense fortress for American and Filipino
soldiers during World War II. Some of the attractions in this historical
place include the Pacific War Memorial, the Battery Way, the Mile-Long
Barracks, and the Malinta Tunnel. It takes a shade over an hour to reach
Corregidor from Manila, where day and night tour packages are
available.

Baguio

Its unique attractions have made Baguio a renowned sightseeing
destination in northern Philippines. Dubbed as the Summer Capital of the
Philippines, the city is home to a dozens of scenic spots such as The
Mansion, Burnham Park, Session Road, Camp John Hay, and the Baguio
Botanical Garden. While plying the dizzying Kennon Road, have your
camera ready for some spectacular countryside views.

Legazpi

Legazpi, the provincial capital of Albay, is one of Bicol region’s top
tourist destinations. This first-class city is home to the world’s
famous Mayon Volcano, which is known for its perfect conical shape. The
year 1814 is said to be the volcano’s worst eruption. A remainder of
this grim past can be found at the Cagsawa Ruins Park.

Banaue

Another premier tourist destination in the northern region is Banaue.
This town of more than 20,000 people is the site of the Banaue Rice
Terraces, a 2,000-year-old man-made leveled surfaces carved into the
mountains of Ifugao. Don’t be surprised if gaze in wonder once seeing
this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bohol

Aside from its pristine beaches, Bohol is widely known for the Chocolate
Hills. These unusual geological formations are scattered in the towns
of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The dome-shaped hills are actually
limestone covered with green grass. Bohol, which is located in the
Central Visayas region, is also famous for a tarsier sanctuary and the
Sandugo Festival.

Local
Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the
destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more!
Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under
water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and
Local Philippines will most likely feature it.