Saturday, February 28, 2009

Vacation Spots

Top Ten Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines have been well known for its fantastic beaches. So, if you are looking for a nice sunny place to take your vacation then you definitely have to consider going to the beaches of the Philippines. The Philippines is located in South East Asia and is one of the great tourist destinations in the area when it comes to tropical beaches.


1. Boracay – has always been the favorite place of beach goers to go in the Philippines. This is because of the great white sand and cool waters, Boracay is the place for people looking to party. It is even considered as one of the finest beaches in the world. Boracay is located in the North West part of the Visayas area called Panay. A tranquil atmosphere - though' quite busy - and friendly locals. The sand is exceptionally white, soft, never gets hot and stretches for 3 miles. It is a destination of choice for most locals and foreigners alike. The white sands and the cool waters of Boracay is the backdrop to the hippest parties and events. They party the night away with great music and drinks coupled with a mix of fun-loving people. Tourist flock to the beach of Boracay the whole year round. And it has become probably the busiest beach in the Philippines.
There is a huge variety of small hotels, restaurants and bars offering cosmopolitan cuisine just off the beach, relatively cheap and comfortable. Although rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world, recent tourism expansion has lead to some environmental concerns. There is no coral off White Beach, though plenty of dive boats will take you to good dive sites. Windsurfing months are Nov-April, best Dec-Feb.
The best months are Jan-May, OK June- Sept [with some rain], but April and May are Philippine school holidays and the place gets noisy and crowded then. Don't consider Oct-Nov [windy, possibly grey and wet].
Fly from Manila to neighboring Panay Island, then 20 minutes by banca [boat].





2. Pagudpud – if you’re looking for a place that can be like Hawaii, Pagudpud is the place to visit. The strong winds and waves can be compared to that of Hawaii which makes this place often visited by surfers. This secluded beach has long continuous white sands and inviting beach waters. Very good place for long romantic walks on the beach. The most famous beach destination in the Ilocos, Pagudpud is quickly becoming one of the Philippines’ top beaches, as more and more people are discovering the treasures of the land. Its crystal clear waters are comparable with those of the other shores in the country. It is also not lacking exotic marine life which underwater divers can marvel at. Add the smooth fine sands, and you have the complete ingredients for a perfect beach.



3. Mactan Island – the queen city of the South, Cebu, also has its fair share of great beaches historical landmarks. One of them is the so called Mactan Island. It is a tropical island resort where there are a lot of activities to do and enjoy. It provides tourist with great entertainment such as night life activities that will spice up the visit. Mactan Island is more than just a beach; it is an island paradise; the seashore is a sight to behold in the early morning light, but it will also bedazzle you in the nighttime. Whether you are on your own, or with your friends, the sparkling waters and sand will simply amaze you.


4. Panglao- if you love to dive visiting Panglao is the place to be. This place is a tiny island found hidden in it’s bigger nearby island of Bohol. It is also known as the "little paradise of pure hearts". The small island is known for its peaceful beach resorts and a variety of dive sites. One of the best destinations for divers in the Philippines. Panglao Beach not only provides you with a lovely view of the calm seas, but a stroll along the seashore will enable you to take in the beauty of the entire island itself, from the sea, to the skies, right down to the whispering winds.


5. Camiguin – the place has been known to be one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines because it still seems like a paradise. The place has been affectionately called by some as the "Garden of Eden" in the Philippines. This pear shaped island is located off the coast of Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao. Camiguin has a great topography that includes waterfalls, and the hot and cold springs. The place will be mesmerizing and will definitely tempt you to go back.


6. Dakak – a private beach that spans about 750 meters long the Sulu Sea. The beach also has great white sands that can be compared to powder. The pool’s water comes from the spring water and the waterfalls that are on the area. Dakak Beach Resort is located near the provinces of Cebu and Dumaguete. It is situated in the city of Dapitan, exactly 15 minutes away from Jose Rizal's (Philippine National hero) place of exile. Natural spring waters from waterfalls supplies water to the pools of the resort. To reach Dakak Dipolog City will be the point of entry and a must try restaurant called

KenDoughMagic Kaffei is located in this city. Many foreigners frequent this place because of the quality food and service.


7. Honda Bay – It is a series of islands that surround the capital of the southwestern province of Palawan. Apart from the fine and soft sands, Honda Bay is also relatively quiet as compared with other more popular resorts. There are several small islets, such as Bat Island, Canon Island and Areceffi Island that you can explore. In addition, a little excursion into the beautiful waters will reveal gorgeous corals and colorful fishes.

Among these islands, the tourist can go island hopping, diving and swim on the cool waters. In one of the islands, one can see the variety of fishes without swimming out too deep. Visitors can enjoy a series of different activities from island hopping to diving and experience the cool waters of Honda Bay.



8. El Nido – the place has been known as the country’s last frontier and Palawan - the Island of the Gods. This place offers great beaches that will take you away from the urban life. This place is the best to visit if you are looking for complete peace and quiet. Aside from the magnificent beach, the place also offers you a sight of the beautiful seascapes, towering marble cliffs and a variety of tropical birds. This place offers great beaches at the same time take you away from the hustle a bustle of urban life.



9. Pearl Farm – far south in the city of Davao, lies the premier beach resort know as the Pearl Farm. The place no longer has the pearls you are looking for. But the place can still offer an experience as valuable as a pearl. This is because of the great resort that is accompanied by the white sands.



10. Siargao –This teardrop shaped island is located 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. It is considered to be the Surfing Capital of Asia and of the Philippines. Its proximity to the Philippine Deep and coupled by the waves of the Pacific has made Siargao island a popular venue for surfers. Watch out for local and international surfing competitions throughout the year. This is location is great for adventure seekers.

Siargao Island presents interesting contrasts; its huge and powerful waves, brought about by being near the Philippine Deep, are a surfer’s dream. If you visit the island you will no doubt see some of the world‘s best surfers riding the breathtaking waves. However, there are also more serene coasts, and there are also places where you can just take a leisurely walk and enjoy some peace and quiet.


There you see the beautiful beaches in the Philippines that is

good for vacation. These beaches can be truly called the best of the best. So, if you’re thinking to find a nice vacation spot, you better choose from the top beaches that been listed here.

We can classify vacation spots to its rating. These top beaches were ranked from 1 to 10 based on the most visited beaches.


REFERENCES:

Web Page:

v http://www.netguard.dk/top-ten-beaches-philippines.php

v http://www.bugbog.com/beaches/philippines_beaches.html

v http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-10-Beaches-in-the-Philippines

v http://irisderivera.multiply.com/journal/item/53/Top_Ten_Beaches_in_the_Philippines_

v http://www.philippinesboard.com/top-10-beaches-in-philippines.php






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