This website includes 82 Provinces of the Philippines. Travel and Hiking Guides, Top Tourist Spots, DIY Itineraries, Backpacking, Hotels, and Resorts.
I've been hearing from friends that Mt. Timbak and Mt. Tabayoc are just two of the must hiked mountains in the Cordilleras. In terms of altitude, this mountain stands 2,717 MASL and garnered an easy trail class - which I think is true. Among the provinces in CAR, Benguet is really a bomb and prominent to tourist, especially hikers, because of its rich forested mountain slopes, hike on relaxing ambiance and a beauty that can only be found in nature, plus a glimpse of the local livelihood.
For me, the Province of Tawi-Tawi is the hardest province to penetrate because of its geographical location. Not only that, it is always associated with "war" and most of the time, being judged and considered as "unsafe" for travelers, which I disagree! Bongao is the busiest municipality in the province but has a lot of stunning tourist spots and destinations that are just waiting to be recognized.
Traveling to Isabela City, Basilan is less than two hours from the port of Zamboanga City. Is it safe in Basilan? It's a YES! There are news about ASG and terrorist acts happening in the province, but it doesn't mean that it's not safe. There are two cities in Basilan, Lamitan (the capital) and Isabela (part of Region 9), that serve as the center. Like the other cities, huge business establishments, transportation and people are present in every corner. From the port of Isabela City, while holding my mobile phone and using Google Map, I walked on the streets to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations in the city. Did this alone and it's safe.
This branch of the National Museum houses a collection of relics discovered in the region. There are ceramics, earthenware, locally woven fabrics, paintings, books, jars, skeletons, and many more. Each of the items is enclosed in glass cabinets while the others are on the walls.
Upon arrival at Island Jardin del Mar, I easily heard the relaxing rushing waves hitting the shoreline. After paying the entrance fee, with excitement, I headed to the side where the sound came from and found a stretch of fine white sand and playful crystal clear water. Not only that, the emerald seas, the coconuts, and the trees by the beach serve as a perfect backdrop. By the way, the wind is cool and fresh and the area has a relaxing ambiance - perfect for family outing and weekend getaway.
After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City but I chose Ozamis because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Ozamis Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands but when I arrived in the center, this city is the same with the other cities, business establishments are in every corner, transportation is continuous and the streets are undeniably busy. From the Ozamis Integrated Terminal, I rode in a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions and destinations.
The first tourist spot in Camiguin we visited was Katibawasan Falls (photo above); by the way we started from the farthest. It is a 250 Meter waterfalls with cool and clear water free flowing to a river system. The atmosphere in the area is cool because it is surrounded by trees that give a fresh and clean air. The water is cool but relaxing because of the pressure, perfect for your tired muscles. Entrance fees are being collected. Souvenir shops are available by the entrance.
After Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental, I traveled to Pagadian City, province of Zamboanga del Sur - the last province on my list. It was a three-and-a-half-hour land travel with a huge picture of how the people of the Zamboanga peninsula lives. At the integrated terminal, I rode on a motorcycle to the center of the city passing by the famous rotunda. I was wearing a sando, thus, I easily felt the fresh and cool wind while we were on a descending road with a clear view of the stunning sunset.
It was a long travel from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. My primary destination in this province is Jose Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City - the place where Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, spent his few years when he was exiled but still made this life fruitful by working as a doctor, sculptor, farmer, teacher and participating other activities. Not only that, heritage houses are just some of the tourist spots and destinations in Dapitan City.