Philippines / 7 posts found
Exploring the riceterraces of Banaue in the Philippines
Exploring the rice terraces of Banaue in the Philippines facebook twitter google+ pinterest The Banaue rice terraces were once a colourful collage of winding fields that clung onto a mountain-side in Ifugao province in the Philippines. After being almost completely abandoned by the locals, these plantations are now being revived as young farmers return to work on the paddies. While researching the new Rough Guide to the Philippines, Kiki Deere was awestruck by the sheer beauty and functionality of the Banaue rice terraces. I follow my guide Elvis along a narrow path that snakes its way through verdant scenery. We […]
The hanging coffins of Sagada in the Philippines
The hanging coffins of Sagada in the Philippines facebook twitter google+ pinterest Members of the Igorot tribe of Mountain Province in northern Philippines have long practised the tradition of burying their dead in hanging coffins, nailed to the sides of cliff faces high above the ground. Comfortably predating the arrival of the Spanish, the procedure can probably be traced back more than two millennia. To this day, the age-old tradition continues to be performed, albeit on a much smaller scale than before. While researching the new Rough Guide to the Philippines, Kiki Deere went to find out more. Traditional burials […]
The 10 Best Treks In Asia
The 10 Best Treks In Asia facebook twitter google+ pinterest Southeast Asia offers some wonderful treks, allowing you to spend days walking through dense rainforests, spotting spectacular wildlife, learning about the cultures of the many different tribes who live in the remoter areas, and often staying with them in their homes and sharing their meals. The following ten treks are highly recommended, and also ensure that any communities visited benefit from your presence. Taman Negara, Malaysia There are six observation hides in Taman Negara – one of the oldest rainforests on earth and pictured above – where you can stay […]
Our Favourite Islands In The Philippines
Our Favorite Islands In The Philippines facebook twitter google+ pinterest Graced by dazzling beaches, year-round sun and numerous opportunities for diving, island-hopping and surfing, the Philippines has long attracted a steady stream of foreign visitors. Yet there’s far more to these islands than sand and snorkelling. These are a few of our favourite islands in the Philippines. Olango Island Five kilometres east of Mactan Island, Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds in the country. About 77 species, including egrets, sandpipers, terns and black-bellied plovers, use the island as a rest stop on their annual migration from breeding […]
Swimming With Whale Sharks In the Philippines
Swimming With Whale Sharks In the Philippines facebook twitter google+ pinterest Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines was featured as the Best Animal Encounter in Asia by Time Magazine in 2004. Donsol is also known as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World” By our third encounter, we had complete confidence in Randy Renado, our Butanding Interaction Officer, and his ability to see into both the immediate future and the turgid gray-green waters of the Sibuyan Sea. “Now, look down” he would command shortly after my wife and I and our twin daughters had re-donned our masks, snorkels and […]
Island Hopping In The Philippine Paradise of Palawan
Island Hopping In The Philippine Paradise of Palawan facebook twitter google+ pinterest Palawan has beautiful untouched nature, breathtaking lagoons, deserted tropical islands, unspoiled white sandy beaches and some of the best diving in Asia. Life does not get much better than when you are island-hopping near the town of El Nido, on the island of Palawan in the far west of the Philippines. Sheer limestone cliffs encase beautiful white sand beaches, waters teem with brightly-coloured fish and pink sunsets provide the backdrop for seafront barbecues. The Philippines has, for the time being, avoided the tourist influx invading its South East […]
Explore Palawan – The true paradise of the Philippines
A sailing adventure among the stunning islands of Palawan. facebook twitter google+ pinterest The Philippine island province of Palawan offers gorgeous beaches, aquamarine waters and secluded coves. Now, an ethical boat tour meanders wherever passengers choose to go, and offers a close-up of village life on the water’s edge The endless ocean, broken occasionally by sand-fringed islands, stretched before me. A salty breeze caressed my face and two magnificent sails billowed bright in the sunlight as we headed into the unknown. I was on an oceanic adventure, sailing across the Palawan archipelago in a replica of a boat that first […]