If you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, head to these five eco-friendly destinations that offer not only an adventure of a lifetime, but also the opportunity to commune with nature, engage in sustainable tourism activities and a chance to immerse with the locals.

Masungi Georeserve

Baras, Rizal

A popular destination for day tours and hikers, Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforest of Rizal. Its name is derived from the word “masungki”, which translates to “spiked”, an apt description for the sprawling limestone landscape found within it.

As the Philippines’ first-ever nature conservation project, Masungi Georeserve has been globally recognised for its efforts in protecting the forest from quarrying, land trafficking and timber poaching.

Explore its unique forest trails, and hike through karst terrain, hanging rope bridges and high peaks to soak up panoramic views of the Sierra Madre and Laguna de Bay.

Pamilacan Island

Baclayon, Bohol

Nestled in the heart of Bohol Sea, the small island of Pamilacan is known for its dolphin and whale watching tours, white sand beaches and magnificent dive sites.

A haven to a diverse species of marine life, the waters off Pamilacan used to be a prime fishing site for whale hunters. Thanks to marine preservation laws, community education and sustainable tourism activities, these majestic sea creatures were saved from commercial fishing.

From being whale hunters, the locals were trained to be the best whale guides who advocate marine conversation practices. They are ready to help you discover a myriad of sea creatures in the crystal-clear waters around Pamilacan.

Bojo River

Aloguinsan, Cebu

Embark on a motor-free boat ride adventure through the pristine waters of Bojo River and enjoy a scenic river experience. Locals who were former fishermen engaged in dynamite fishing were trained to provide educational tours of the river for environmental protection and sustainable livelihood.

A multi-award-wining model of sustainable tourism, the Bojo River Cruise made it to the list of UNWTO’s (World Tourism Organization) Best Tourism Villages and was recognised among the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations from 2016 to 2018.

Ulot River

Paranas, Samar

Navigate the wild waters of Samar’s Ulot River through a torpedo boat managed by the Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO).

Get set for an exhilarating ride along the rapids of the Ulot River and the opportunity to see the raw and rugged beauty of Samar’s rainforests.

Let the local guardians of Ulot River, who were once illegal loggers and poachers, take you on a thrilling water adventure like no other!

Lake Sebu

South Cotabato

Perched in the highlands of South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is made for both laid-back and thrill-seeking activities including lake cruises, bird watching, spelunking and ziplining.

Must-visit attractions include T’daan Kini Spring Waters and Seven Falls, a magnificent network of seven interconnected waterfalls, each with a character of its own.

As Lake Sebu is home to the indigenous T’bolis and Ubo tribes who are renowned for their traditional skills in weaving and making handicrafts, you’ll get to bring home T’boli souvenirs like t’nalak textile, beadworks, headpieces, embroidered tops, woodcarvings and brassware.

Article edited and adapted from Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

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We spotlight the top 5 things to do in Davao.

Go on water adventures and explore white sand beaches

Among Davao’s top tourist spots is the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos), the largest resort city in the Philippines. Blessed with immaculate white sand beaches, diverse marine life and turquoise blue waters, Samal Island is perfect for water adventures such as snorkelling, scuba diving and island hopping.

With the Davao del Norte Sand and Beach Circuit, you can make Samal Island hopping possible while also witnessing the wonders of Angel’s Cove, Wishing Island, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Malipano Island and Isla Reta for as low as Php 1,500. Fee includes the boat, boat entry fee, environmental fee, picnic lunch, tour guide and travel insurance.

Other adventures not to be missed include taking a dip at Hagimit Falls, spelunking and exploring Monfort Bat Cave, cliff diving at Talikud Island and climbing up Mt. Putting Bato.

Discover nature vibes in the city

Davao City offers a good mix of natural and man-made attractions. A popular attraction is the 12-hectare Malagos Garden Resort which houses Malagos Chocolate Museum, the first chocolate museum in the country. The museum offers a tree-to-bar experience where visitors can craft their own chocolate.

Visitors to the resort can also enjoy bird-watching, feed a variety of birds at the bird feeding dome, walk among butterflies at the butterfly sanctuary, befriend animals at the petting zoo and watch an interactive bird show.

Over at Eden Nature Park & Resort, one of the largest man-made forests ever created to combat illegal logging, nature and animal lovers can enjoy sky-high adventures such as Skyrider, Skycycle, Skywheel and Skyswing, along with horseback riding and playground activities. It also has hiking trails, a Butterfly Garden, a Bamboo Maze and a Flower Garden, as well as a cultural park which offers glimpses of the customs, traditions, beliefs and lifestyle of the indigenous people of Mindanao.

Unwind, meditate or commune with nature at the beautiful Tamayong Prayer Mountain located at the foothills of Mt. Apo. Also known as “The Garden of Eden Restored”, the European-inspired garden has walking paths, gazebos, mini fountains, man-made waterfalls and towering pine trees.

Learn about majestic eagles

Get up close to one of the largest eagles in the world at Philippine Eagle Center, located in a forest near Malagos, 36km north of Davao. The tropical rainforest environment not only provides shelter for the eagles, other birds, reptiles and mammals, it also serves as a conservation breeding facility for the critically endangered Philippines eagle.

Interact with the eagles and other birds of prey at the “Raptors in Flight” show and see them show off their skills and perform tricks. Learn more about the majestic birds at the Talon Alley and join special education programmes such as keeper talk, falconry and open classroom project.

Climb up the country’s highest peak

No visit to Davao is complete without a trek up to Mt. Apo (aka “Grandfather of Philippine Mountains”), the tallest mountain in the Philippine Archipelago.

Besides offering stunning panoramic views, Mt. Apo, towering at 2,954m above sea level, also serves as a source of electricity and water, and is inhabited by indigenous tribes. It comes as no surprise then that the mountain was designated as a protected area as well as an ASEAN Heritage Site.

Feast on the king of fruits

Blessed with rich fertile volcanic soil and relatively good weather, Davao produces some of the country’s best fruits, chief of which is durian, the king of fruits! Durian has become almost synonymous with Davao City so time your visit during durian season so you can indulge till your heart’s content!

Not a fan of durians? Fret not, because Davao is the Philippines’ fruit basket and one of the world’s biggest growers and exporters of exotic fruits, you’ll get to feast on fruits like pomelo, lanzones (langsat), papaya, banana and mangosteen.

Article adapted from Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

The post Top 5 Reasons To Visit Davao City, Philippines appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, Cebu attracts millions of tourists who are allured by its pristine beaches. With its multiple islands, sandy beaches and rich history, it’s no wonder why the city has become a popular destination among holidaymakers, backpackers and island hoppers.

Not sure what to do in the city? Our first-time visitor’s guide will fill you in on the essential info.

1. Check out the old, the sacred, the natural

The most visited tourist attraction in Cebu City is the 16th century Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, a national landmark that contains a jewel-studded statue of the Santo Nino (Holy Child).

Love immersing yourself in the magic of museums? The nearby pint-sized Fort San Pedro marks the colonial outpost with a museum that includes the treasures from the San Diego galleon. While sightseeing around the area, enjoy the peaceful grounds and sea views.

A unique sight is the gleaming 20m-high Lapu-Lapu Shrine of the local chieftain who fatally wounded Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during the Mactan Landing in 1521. Pay your respects to this early traveller by visiting Magellan’s Cross in the mural-covered building near the Basilica.

You’ll also find interesting Filipino history at Museo Sugbo, which is about 2km away from Fort San Pedro. It has four permanent galleries and special exhibits in a former jail. Just a 10-minute walk away from this Cebu Provincial Museum, you can also take in the Cebu Heritage Monument, which portrays local history in a series of brass, steel, bronze and concrete artworks.

For more fun activities, enjoy the best views of Cebu City while participating in adrenaline-pumping activities at Mountain View Nature’s Park.

2. Enjoy wet and wild fun in the sun

Free sandy beaches near Cebu City include the grey-sand beach at Talisay and the golden beach at Consolacion. For stunning white sand, venture to the nearby island of Mactan. One of the world’s most beautiful places, it is only a 30-minute taxi or bus ride away.

You can pay a daily rate to access private resort beaches such as the Shangri-La for parasailing, snorkelling and sunbathing. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu offers sea sports activities that will take your family holiday to the next level.

For the perfect getaway, take a day trip to Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, 15 minutes by boat from Cebu. Enjoy jet skis, banana boats, kayaking, snorkelling and diving on the Olango Reef, or chill with a beach massage. Alternatively, join a Mactan Island Hopping Shared Tour and indulge in some island-hopping adventures with other thrill-seekers.

3. Spend your pesos here

Sprawling Carbon Market is a jam-packed farmers’ market selling everything from baskets to beachwear. Over 100 years old, the market took its name from the coal and cinder heaps stored here by the Cebu Railroad.

Always on the hunt for red hot deals? Shop for perfumes, sportswear and books, or treat yourself to a pedicure at SM City Cebu Mall, a Filipino SuperMall (SM) in Cebu Port Centre. As one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, it comes as no surprise that it boasts over 700 retail, F&B and service stores. Some of mall’s food outlets include Hotdog on Sticks and Ayers Lechon.

If you’re homesick for Orchard Road, the upscale Ayala Center Cebu in Downtown Cebu is the perfect antidote. This premier mall averages over 85,000 visitors per day. It’s the perfect place to shop and relax, so take your time to explore all its offerings, housed within a masterfully-designed space.

4. Feast on Filipino specialities

No trip to Cebu would be complete without enjoying some lechon (roasted suckling pig), which many consider as the national dish of the Philippines. Dubbed “Lechon capital” of the Philippines, Cebu prides itself in having perfected the art of roasting pigs that boast crispy skins and deep flavours. Sink your teeth into melt-in-your-mouth lechon at hot favourites like Rico’s Lechon, House of Lechon, Zubuchon, Ayer’s Lechon and Eli’s Lechon Cebu.

For a sampling of dishes from the different regions of the Philippines, head for Café Laguna. Tuck into bestsellers like Kare-kare with Bagoong, Crispy Pata, Lumpiang Sariwa, Crispy Tadyang and Pandan Chicken.

5. Hunt down the best places for selfies

One of Cebu’s most photo-worthy spots is The Ruins in Talisay, the shell of a once-glorious Italianate mansion. Gutted by fire, the skeletal remains and fountains are a magnificent backdrop for a selfie on your smartphone.

Another Insta-worthy place is the romantic Temple of Leah which offers wonderful city views. Pose on the Impressive Angel Staircase before heading out to the terrace to soak up the panoramic city views.

Yet another popular selfie location is Tumalog Falls, well worth the 137km road trip to capture this gushing umbrella-shaped cascade tumbling through the tropical greenery.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cebu is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. Summer months can be hot and humid, but that’s a good reason to head for the hotel pool, or the waterfalls and the turquoise waters bordering Cebu’s white sandy beaches. For a cultural treat, visit in the third week of January to attend the Sinulog celebrations at the Basilica.

Transportation

Getting around Cebu City using colourful local jeepneys (buses) is part of the fun. All the main historic attractions are within easy walking distance of the Basilica del Santo Nino. A horse-drawn carriage ride (tartanilla) is a traditional form of local transport operating in the downtown and market areas. Taxis and buses are cheap and plentiful, and a boat trip is a must-do.

Currency

Philippine peso (PHP). Malls and major hotels will accept credit cards, but you will need cash for smaller shops, admission to local attractions, street vendors and local transport. ATMs are available at the airport and banks. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up a taxi fare or restaurant bill is appreciated.

Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Group

This article is edited and adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “The first-time visitor’s guide to experiencing Cebu”

The post 5 Must-Do’s In Cebu For First-Time Visitors appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Bohol

• Sandugo Shrine/Blood Compact Shrine (Tagbilaran City)

Cavite

• Aguinaldo Shrine (Kawit)

Cebu

• Cebu Heritage Monument (Cebu City)
• Fort San Pedro (Cebu City)

• Mactan Shrine/Lapu-Lapu Shrine (Lapu-Lapu City)
• Magellan’s Cross (Cebu City)

• Taoist Temple (Cebu City)
• Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House (Cebu City)

Corregidor Island

• Battery Way
• Corregidor Lighthouse
• Filipino Heroes Memorial
• Malinta Tunnel
• Pacific War Memorial Museum

Ifugao

• Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras
Nagacadan rice terraces in Kiangan, Hungduan rice terraces, Mayoyao rice terraces, two rice terraces in Banaue, rice terraces of Batad and Bangaan – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ilocos Norte

• Juan Luna Shrine (Badoc)

Ilocos Sur

• Calle Crisologo (Vigan City)
• Historic City of Vigan (Vigan – UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Laguna

• Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery (Nagcarlan)

Leyte

• Leyte Landing Memorial/MacArthur Park (Palo)

Maguinadanao

• Sultan Kudarat Monument (Provincial Capitol Building, Sultan Kudarat)

Manila

• EDSA Shrine (Quezon City)
• Fort Santiago (Intramuros)

• Intramuros (Walled City)

• Luneta Park/Rizal Park
• National Museum of the Philippines
• University of Santo Tomas

Palawan

• Plaza Cuartel (Puerto Princesa City)

Tawi-Tawi

• Sheik Karim Al Makdum Mosque (Simunul – Philippines’ oldest mosque)

Zamboanga del Norte

• Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape/Rizal Park & Shrine (Dapitan City)

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Albay

• Daraga Church/Nuestra Senora de la Porteria Parish Church (Daraga)

Baguio City

• Baguio Cathedral

Batanes

• Mount Carmel Chapel/Tukon Chapel (Basco)
• San Jose de Ivana Church (Ivana)

Batangas

• Taal Basilica/Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Taal – largest church in Philippines & Asia)

Bohol

• Baclayon Church/La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church (Baclayon)

Bulacan

• Barasoain Church/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Malolos)

Cagayan

• Basilica Minore de Nuestra Senora de Piat (Piat)

Cebu

• Boljoon Church/Nuestra Senora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church (Boljoon)
• Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (Cebu City)
• Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria (Carcar City)
• Basilica Minore del Santo Nino (Cebu City)
• St Michael the Archangel Church (Argao)

Ilocos Norte

• Bacarra Church (Bacarra)
• Paoay Church/Saint Augustine Church (Paoay – UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Santa Monica Church/Sarrat Church (Sarrat)

Ilocos Sur

• Bantay Church/Saint Augustine Parish Church (Bantay)
• Santa Maria Church/Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria – UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Santa Monica Church/Sarrat Church (Sarrat)

Iloilo

• Miagao Church/Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish (Miagao – UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Laguna

• Liliw Church/Lilio Church/Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Liliw)
• Paete Church (Paete)
• Pakil Church/Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church (Pakil)

Metro Manila

• Church of San Juan del Monte/Santuario del Santo Cristo Parish (San Juan)
• Malate Church/Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate)
• Manila Cathedral/Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Intramuros)
• Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene/Quiapo Church/Parish of Saint John the Baptist (Metro Manila)
• Minor Basilica & National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz/Binondo Church (Metro Manila)
• Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church/Guadalupe Church (Makati)
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine (Quezon City)
• Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina)
• Paranaque Cathedral/Cathedral Parish of Saint Andrew (Paranaque)
• Pasig Cathedral/Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Pasig City)
• San Agustin Church (Intramuros – UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• San Sebastian Church (Quiapo)
• Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish (Pasig City)
• Santa Cruz Church (Metro Manila)

Mountain Province

• Church of Saint Mary the Virgin (Sagada)

Negros Occidental

• Church of the Angry Christ/Saint Joseph the Worker Chapel (Victorias City)
• San Sebastian Cathedral (Bacolod City)

Pampanga

• Betis Church/Saint James the Apostle Parish Church (Guagua)

Pangasinan

• Saints Peter & Paul Parish Church/Calasiao Church (Calasiao)

Quezon

• Tayabas Basilica/Minor Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel (Tayabas)

Siquijor

• Lazi Church/San Isidro Labrador Church (Lazi)

Zamboanga del Norte

• Cathedral of Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary (Dipolog City)
• Saint James Parish Church (Dapitan City)

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