Sirang Lente is a travel-related website that showcases stunning photos, updated travel itineraries, backpacking ideas, and hiking guides.
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| Photo: Fountain of Youth. |
Sabtang Island is the third largest island in the Province of Batanes. Consists of 6 Barangays, it is packed with stunning heritage houses made of corals and stones. A half-day tour can be arranged, with local guides or even with hotel managers, to visit those century-old houses, fine white sand beaches, artistic rock formations, churches, historical sites, and many more.
Batan Island is the second largest island in the Province of Batanes, and its northern side is packed with stunning tourist destinations. A half-day tour can be arranged, with local guides or even with hotel managers, to visit those beautiful rolling hills, historical sites, picture-perfect lighthouses, and many more.
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| Photo: Basco Lighthouse. |
The Province of Batanes is situated in the northernmost province in the Philippines; it's actually nearer to Taiwan than Manila. In spite of that, this province is one of the top tourist destinations in the country because of its stunning natural wonders, magnificent rolling hills, heritage churches, century-old stone houses, picture-perfect lighthouses, unique culture, warm people, and delicious foods. Below is the list of the tourist attractions, actual itinerary, and expenses.
The Masjid Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah or commonly known as The Grand Mosque in Cotabato City is currently the biggest mosque in the Philippines. The towering minarets are 43 meters, which is equivalent to a 15-story building, with a pilot's light on top to avoid aerial accidents. The walls are painted white, while the gigantic domes are covered with gold with crescent moons on top.
The Masjid Dimaukom commonly known as The Pink Mosque, is situated by the highway of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The mosque is painted with a stunning pink to symbolize peace and love. Also, this color symbolizes unity and brotherhood. To fulfill its meaning, the structure was built by the combined hands of Muslims and Christians. Very unusual because mosques are usually built solely by Muslim brothers.
When I was creating my itinerary for 9 Days Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao, The Pink Mosque in Maguindanao del Sur was on top of the list. I thought traveling to this province was difficult because of the transportation. Still, I didn't expect that Mindanao would have a lot of integrated terminals connecting the provinces, making it easier for locals and tourists to travel to different spots in different regions; like my solo backpacking, it was smooth and hard to forget.
The Balobok Rock Shelter in Tawi-Tawi is evidence of human presence in Mindanao. Accidentally discovered in 1963 by Mt. Assiong Bangali of Tubig Basag Primary School as he took refuge during a sudden downpour. In 1966, Mr. Eric Casino reported it to the National Museum of the Philippines. Shell and stone adzes, flaked tools, and earthen wares were discovered here. READ: Featuring Tawi-Tawi - Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao
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| Photo: The entrance of Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City |
The Fort Pilar Shrine, in Zamboanga City, was founded as a southern outpost of Spanish domain under the supervision of Mechor de Vera, 1635; attacked by the Duch, 1646; deserted when troops were concentrated in Manila to drive away Chinese pirates, 1663; reconstructed by the Society of Jesus, 1666; rebuilt under the management of Juan Sicarra, 1719; stormed by Dalasi, King of Sulig, with 3,000 Moros, 1720; cannonaded by the British, 1798; witnessed the mutiny of the seventy prisoners, 1872; abandoned by the Spaniards, 1898; occupied by the Americans under General J.C. Gates, 1899; seized by the Japanese, 1942; taken over by the Republic of the Philippines, 4 July 1946." - information from the Historical Marker. READ: Featuring Zamboanga City - My Solo-Backpacking in Mindanao
The Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Arts is inside the MSU Campus and is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Dr. Mamitua D. Saber founded the museum on June 13, 1962, and was inaugurated on March 23, 1969. The University Folks Arts Center was renamed Aga Khan Museum to honour Aga Khan IV, who donated the current museum building. By the way, the Aga Khan Museum holds the largest Filipino Muslim collections in the Philippines.