Philippines abounds with tourist attractions

The Philippines is a tourist's haven, especially during the summer months when the sea, sun and sand irresistibly beckon to travelers seeking sheer joy and fun.
“There are also sounds and sights that enhance the joy of being in the Philippines to spend the summer holidays,” an American tourist said.
Visiting the Philippines, another foreign tourist said, makes you look forward to going back. “The food is delicious and the people are warm and hospitable, making you feel as if you're part of their respective families,” she said.
For these reasons, visitors' arrival in the Southeast Asian country has greatly increased, reaching a record high of 1.27 million, a 10 percent increase from the same period last year. For the second time under the Aquino administration, the tourism sector is able to sustain the 1 millionth arrival for the first quarter of the year.
Moreover, the sector is on track toward achieving the year-end target as tourists' arrival is already hitting 23 percent of the target arrivals for the year. Likewise, visitor arrivals for March saw a double-digit increase of 11.28 percent with 417,392 visitors compared to the previous year's volume of 375,083.
It may also be noted that this is the fourth consecutive month that the volume arrivals passed the 400,000 mark. This uptrend trend could be attributed to summer which is a peak season for the tourism industry.
Comprising some 7,000 islands, the Philippines has plenty of things to offer to both local and foreign travelers. For relaxation and privacy, the beaches of El Nido in Palawan are highly-recommended. You could go snorkeling at the Shimizu Beach, swim at the Twin Lagoons and remember to try Squidos, the mixed seafood curry with crab, shrimp, mussels, and squid. Trattoria Altrove, with the common sight of staff kneading dough, beckons passersby to the intimate, candle-lit dining area upstairs.
The pizzas are divine: Soft, chewy and topped with the freshest ingredients. Drop by Marber's and sample great steaks and curry vegetables. You can also go island-hopping as a group for around SR 60-80. Private tours cost around SR 300-400.
Visit the Secret Beach on Matinloc Island too. To get there, you have to swim through a tiny crevice on the rock's face. But once inside, you'll find yourself on a small beach enclosed by limestone walls.
Besides, you can hop to Entatula Island to enjoy the buffet of the freshest catch: Grilled meats, the sweetest sushi, plump shrimps and tropical fruits. The servers keep refilling your plates because after all, you're the only ones on the island and they're at your beck and call.
Ariara Island in Palawan, named by Vogue in its August 2012 issue as number one holiday destination in the world, is 125-acre island and is exclusive, accepting only a maximum paradise at a time. This will cost $ 41,000 for seven nights. Another luxurious paradise is Island Buenavista in Davao. This island is also a turtle sanctuary.
If you're a nature lover and adventure seeker, there are certain places you can go to in the Philippines. Mt. Pulag in Benguet for instance is an advisable destination for adventurists.
From Manila, several buses ply down to Baguio, known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” and from where one can rent a private jeep to Babadak Ranger Station, the jump-off point to Mt. Pulag. There are four routes from Babadak to Mt. Pulag, and the easiest is the Ambangeg route.
To schedule a trip, you must reserve a slot through Park Superintendent Emerita Albas (Mobile no. [phone]). She's in charge of assigning your guides and porters for the climb.
If you're athletically-inclined, you can also go cycling all over the Philippines. You can visit Cebu, which has rides for everybody — from a family day trip to the bird sanctuary at Olango Island, to a ride through the “Vegetable Highway,” or to the Mt. Barangay of Guba for hardcore bikers. Climb the foot of Mt. Mangunggal, with inclinations that even a four-wheel drive will have a hard time negotiating.
In Bohol, you can hang out in Loboc and its muddy trails. Explore the challenging rides up to Cruz Daku. If you need a place to stay, Nuts Huts resort is highly recommended, with bike rental available. For a feel of the alpine environment, roam through Bontoc and Banaue. In Sagada, you'll always find somebody who is willing to explore trails like “Marlboro Country.”
Biking in Davao is another calling for the fun loving tourists. Wherever one goes, he will never lose the view of Mt. Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain. Nothing beats exploring Samal Island and its rolling roads or the challenging ride up to Eden Nature Park.
Or explore the uniqueness of Batanes in the north. If you don't know how it feels to get high, try trail riding on its rolling terrain. It's like you're in another place because the roling hills and verdant grass remind you of Scotland, while the thick stonewalled houses are reminiscent of Northern Europe.
The Philippines is also known as a shopping destination. Some of the posh malls you visit are Greenbelt in Makati, Newport Mall in Pasay, Power Plant Mall in Rockwell and Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City.
These are but a few attractive places one can find in the Philippines. You can also visit http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com to find out more about the different destinations, along with the recommended activities and travel tips. Saudia Airlines has direct flights to Manila that take approximately 9 hours.