Sagada - Magical and Hypnotic

Nestled in the heart of Mountain Province lies the quaint town of Sagada. Magical and hypnotic, Sagada offers breathtaking scenery. Cloud covered mountains, lush pine jungles, beautiful rice terraces, and dramatic caves and waterfalls are all but just a few of the spectacular vistas one will find here. Just about a half day’s bus ride from Manila and 5 – 6 hours north of Baguio City, Sagada is a refreshing change from the grueling and the mundane, and offers plenty for eco-tourists looking to do some hiking or those simply seeking some peace and quiet.

The roads leading to Sagada can be quite treacherous and challenging as it snakes narrowly through the mountainous terrain of the region. While this proves to be intimidating, the town, once reached, is in itself a wonderful reward. The place is very laid back and quiet. It has a certain serenity, complimented by the charm and warmth of its Kankanaey natives. Those used to the hustle and bustle of city living will definitely appreciate the slow pace of life, the crisp and clean air, and the magnificent scenery.

The day starts with a spectacular sunrise viewing at Kiltepan and the rocky valley below where foamy white clouds hugging and cascading atop massive pine-forested mountains greet the sun as it rises at dawn.

For the intrepid explorer, the interconnecting caves of Sumaguing is usually at the top of the list. Spelunking through steep descents and climbs will always lead one to majestic geological formations. Those that don’t mind the macabre, the Sumaguing Cave also connects to the sacred Lumiang Burial Cave where ancient coffins are stacked atop one after the other inside inconspicuously.

Although not as impressive or as intricate as Banawe’s Rice Terraces, Sagada’s own terraced rice paddy fields are quite an spectacle. Undulating rice swaying with the wind in a seemingly endless sea of green will hypnotize and calm you to wonderment.

A few hours hike from the town center and through the rice paddies, one will find Bomod-ok Falls which is perhaps one of the most popular attractions in Sagada. Countless visitors brave the long and daring trek to admire the 200-feet tall column of water as it splashes down on the cold pools below.

At night, one can admire the stars that litter the clear skies of Sagada. With no pollution nor city lights to hinder stargazing, Sagada offers spectacular and dazzling views of the night sky.

Sagada has so much to offer. From eco-tourism, recreational cave exploration, cultural trip and so much more, Sagada is a destination worth visiting in one’s lifetime. There is no pollution here, no crimes, no loud noises…only the calm and serenity one couldn’t find anywhere else. The Igorots and Kankanaey natives are friendly and very hospitable. Their native cuisine and wines are marvellous and worth another serving. Sagada’s warmth and charm can quickly grow on you making leaving this place very difficult.

If you wish to know more about Sagada, call Bataan Buenalink Travel and Tours at 047 237 5887 / 047 636 0200 / 09209380632 or click here for our online email form. Bataan Buenalink Travel and Tours’ travel experts are always happy to assist you and arrange your next adventure.

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Bohol - Simply Picturesque

When talking about Bohol, the first thing that comes to mind are the dark colored Chocolate Hills that litter Bohol’s landscape. But there is more to Bohol. Beautiful sandy beaches run along the coastal stretch of the entire island. Centuries-old ancestral homes, crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, majestic caves, bubbling springs and graceful waterfalls are added features to the island’s paradise prestige. It’s simply picturesque.

The island’s historicity dates all the way back to the Tang Dynasty era when Bohol already had established trade and cultural ties with Chinese naval merchants before it became one of the first Spanish settlements in the country.  In fact, local museums and centuries old churches house artifacts that attest to the island’s rich history. Another site of great historic importance in Bohol is the shrine of the 1565 blood pact between Bohol Chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish Explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Every year, the Sandugo Festival marks the day in July when this historic event took place.

Bohol is also home to the Philippine tarsiers, a species of endangered haplorhine primates endemic to the Philippines with a large number located in the island. The Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is the leader in conserving these adorable, fist-sized creatures. So far, efforts are successful in restoring and raising the population of tarsiers in the country and thus became one of the most popular tourism attractions of Bohol in recent years.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The island’s economy revolves around tourism and has a number of resorts hotels. Panglao island is well-known for its beaches and watersport amenities. Balicasag island is considered by many as the best diving spot in the Philippines. The waters of Pamilacan island is home to schools of tuna, mackerel and surgeonfish. There’s also whale and dolphin watching tours. A visit to Busay Falls can lead to a river cruise down Loboc River. Hinagdanan Cave offers cool springs and unique rock formations. Finally, there are hundreds of restaurants serving local and international cuisine for those looking for something more gastronomic.

If you wish to know more about Bohol, call Bataan Buenalink Travel and Tours at 047 237 5887 / 047 636 0200 / 09209380632 or click here for our online email form. Bataan Buenalink Travel and Tours’ travel experts are always happy to assist you and arrange your next Bohol adventure.

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Subic Bay - A Tourism Mecca

Subic Bay, a major Philippine port in Zambales, has undergone extraordinary transformations from its origin as a tiny fishing village into the thriving commercial and tourism capital it is now. Covering an area expanse that stretches from the port of Morong in Bataan to the protected forest areas of Dinalupihan and Olongapo and all the way to the port of the town of Subic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan area is exploding with so much tourism activities and attractions.

The Americans were the first to take notice of Subic Bay’s marquee location but not primarily for tourism purposes. The area is strategically facing the South China Sea with easy naval access to major ports in the region such as Manila, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong. However, it’s not until the middle of the 20th Century that Subic Bay’s true potential was realized. From a small supply port during World War II, it became a major player during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As it thrived, so is the City of Olongapo as jobs, money and supplies flowed into the city. The base too underwent a face-lift. More land was added and recreational facilities were built to accommodate the growing numbers of American Servicemen and their families. Outside, resorts and beaches reigned Subic Bay’s coastline becoming a favorite retreat for locals and foreigners.

When the Americans left in 1991 following the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the area was an utter wasteland of volcanic ash and sand. A plan to restore the old naval base was put in place and by 1992, Republic Act 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992) was signed. The act establishes the creation of economic zones where the old American military facilities used to be. Today, Subic Bay (under the management of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) and its environs has become a tourism Mecca and a major industrial-commercial hot spot due to its maritime accessibility.

While it boasts some of the best beaches in the Philippines and the world, Subic Bay houses world-class resort hotels, restaurants, shopping districts, theme parks and other tourist attractions. Truly, a haven for one seeking relaxation and recreation. Some popular attractions includes the Zoobic Safari Zoo, the Ocean Adventure Theme Park, the El Kabayo Equestrian Centre, shipwreck diving sites, The Subic Bay Lighthouse, The Subic Bay Marina and Yacht Club, Pamulaklakin Trail, The Old Spanish Gate, duty-free shops and major shopping malls, hundreds of restaurants serving local and international cuisines. The biggest city in the area is Olongapo with its many shops, parks, resorts and restaurants. The town of Subic offers beach resorts, a major fishing port and adult oriented forms of entertainment. Morong also features beach resorts and is currently being developed into a resort town.

If you wish to know more, call us at 047 237 5887 / 047 636 0200 / 09209380632 or click here for our online email form. Bataan Buenalink Travel and Tours’ travel experts are always happy to assist you arrange your next Subic Bay adventure.

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