The Philippines holiday guidehas really taken off as a tourist destination in the last few years. Not only is it easy to get around with a small navy of ferries, shuttle boats and water taxis but English is widely spoken and there are an astonishing amount of different things to do.
Whatever you want, from relaxing on the beach to a quiet mountain retreat, the Philippines has it all. Divided into three main island groups: Visayas, Mindanao and, home to Manilla, the capital, Luzon. All have their own attractions.
The best place for just relaxing on the beach is, arguably, Boracay Island, near Luzon island. With long white beaches and clear waters it is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and relaxing. In the south-east, in the Visayas islands, lies Cebu, which is internationally known for its suitability for watersports.
If a busy and cosmopolitan city is more up your street for some of your holiday then you cant go far wrong with Manilla. Taking its name from the Nilad, a white-flowered mangrove plant, it has a long and turbulent past by any standards. Manilla has risen above all its past troubles and is now a thouroughly modern city where the past is still preserved and visible.
Places to see
Manila
Set on Manila Bay, the capital of the Philippines is divided into different districts, each with something to offer. They are linked by the fantastically painted, but less fantastically maintained ‘Jeepney’ pick-up trucks that ferry the locals from place to place. Many people stay for just a day or so before moving on, but there is plenty to explore in the city.
Remnants of the colonial Spanish era are found right in the heart of Manila in the ‘Walled City’, Intramuros, which is one of the best-preserved colonial city centres. Dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theatres, and a nature park. Nearby Rizal Park is a great place to visit first thing in the morning to see the locals doing their Tai Chi or practising the traditional martial art of arnis de mano.
Manila is also home to Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country and one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig River is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence. Makati is the business district of the city, but it is also home to some of the grandest five-star hotels and largest shopping centres. Malate and Ermita districts are also popular for their variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops.
Cebu
Even before the Spanish colonialists arrived here in the 16th century, trade with the Chinese flourished in this province and many Chinese and Spanish landmarks remain. The magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was built in 1575 and stands close to Magellan’s Cross, which apparently contains splinters from a cross he planted on the shores of Cebu on his first visit in 1521. The Taoist temple, located in a residential area known as Beverly Hills, is a symbol of the city’s large and influential ethnic Chinese population. Across a road bridge from the airport is Mactan Island, a 15 square kilometre island made entirely of coral reef. Once a quiet fishing community, it is now home to some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines.
Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort is Cebu’s most exclusive deluxe resort and provides its guests with the ultimate tropical paradise experience. An idyllic resort with a beautiful private beach, it offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities, and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea.
Welcome to Bohol, God's Little Paradise, as it is sometimes called by the Boholanos themselves. This is not fully unjustified, as the island is one of the most diverse and attractive destinations in the Philippines. Within its area of about 4200 square kilometers, it houses countless white sandy beaches, numerous historic churches and watchtowers, enchanting waterfalls and caves, and, unique in the world, its amazing and stunning Chocolate Hills.
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.
Bohol is famous for whale watching, river cruising, smallest primate-Tarsier, Sandugo Festival, beaches, scuba diving, mountain climbing, caving, cambuhat oyster farm (ecotourism activity), Bird watching
Town visits promise exciting cultural treats that include scheduled performances by the Teatro Bolanon, Dimiao Rondalla, Diwanag Dance Theater and the award-winning Loboc Children's Choir.
Safari Destinations Guide lets you see two of the most famous reserves in Kenya, the world renown Masai Mara with its superb wildlife and Lake Nakuru, famous for its huge flock of flamingos.
The joy of camping in Kenya is that it allows you to get off the beaten track and experience the wilderness. In the Masai Mara you will stay at a semi-permanent camp where everything is ready when you arrive. At Nakuru you stay at a local hotel because there are no camping facilities in the park.
The Swahili word "safari" means journey and over the years Kenya has become one of the most popular destinations for such a trip. Justifiably so, boasting diverse and beautiful landscapes and the most diverse collection of wild animals on the continent. Situated on Africa’s east coast, Kenya straddles the equator and its eastern coast is lapped by the Indian Ocean. The Rift Valley and central highlands form the backbone of the country, and this is where Kenya’s scenery is at its most spectacular.
A short safari to the South of Kenya, visiting Amboseli with its excellent views of Kilimanjaro, and Tsavo West National Park. The safari ends in Mombasa from where you transfer to your hotel for a relaxing stay on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
You will stay in some of the best available lodges, situated in beautiful locations to give views out over the Savannah or surrounding countryside. Often you have the luxury of game viewing from the comfort of the lodges outdoor lounges while enjoying a cool drink. All lodges provide en-suite facilities and many have small swimming pools. Comfortable minibuses with guaranteed window seats are used on all trips and they are equipped with large roof hatches to ensure perfect game viewing and photographic conditions.
Western Kenya takes in the fertile fringes of Lake Victoria and some prime game parks. The vast, arid north-eastern region is where Kenya is at its wildest and in places almost untouched by the modern world. Kenya’s flora and fauna defies easy description. The vast plains of the south are dotted with flat-topped acacia trees, thorn bushes and the distinctive bottle-shaped Baobab tree. On the rarified slopes of Mt Elgon and Mt Kenya, bamboo forests sprout and even higher up is the bizarre groundsel tree, with its huge cabbage-like flowers, and giant lobelias with long spikes. If you are more into fur and feathers, then head for the teeming game parks. Lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinos all cavort openly in at least two of the major parks. Endangered animals such as the black rhino are slowly making a comeback and sanctuaries for these creatures can be visited in Tsavo and Lake Nakuru national parks.
Kusadasi - (Show on the Map) - one of Turkey’s premier holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey - 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed for being one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Didyma, Priene, Miletos - the principal of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.
Kusadasi - The perfect combination of history and nature
Kusadasi, as many know, takes its name from the small islet of Guvercinada (Pigeon Island) in the bay. The island, now the site for a number of tourism facilities, was connected to the mainland for security reasons following the Moria Rebellion in 1834. Although the date of the first settlement in Kusadasi is unknown it is clear that it goes back in time. In 3000 BC the Karia came from Anatolia and settled here. In 12th century BC, it became a part of the Ionian League and was then known as Panionia. In 546 BC, the Persians came here had seized the entire coastline, with Kusadasi then being taken over by the Romans in 200 BC. This naturally was followed by the Byzantine era and with the neighbouring city of Ephesus losing its popularity, kusadasi became more prosperous. With its natural port it became a centre of trade. In 1071, it came under the control of the Selcuk Turks and in 1413 was seized by Ottomans. The Ottomans made use of the port as a trading centre for agricultural products brought over the Silk Road running through China, Central Asia and Anatolia. Altough it never was a major centre, Kusadasi was always an important port, having strong links with Levantine communities. Until the First World War many Jews, Genovese, Venetians and Greks lived here. After the war, with the population exchange, the Greeks went to Greece and Turks, especially those from Crete, were settled in the aera.
You can find a beach for swimming even in the city center. While there is a beach right in the middle of Kusadasi the town’s most famous swimming spot is Ladies Beach. You can get there in minutes by taking a dolmus from the times when men and women did not bathe in the sea together. However, nowadays that is most certainly not the case. The long open beach, lined with palm trees, has numerous outlets providing food, drink and deserves its popularity.
