Getting to Camotes Island one early morning gave me and my colleagues a pain in the butt (literally!), for we were helplessly squatting on a pumpboat’s floor en route to the mystical island. But as soon as our arrival was welcomed by our hotel’s staff and crew all the agony from the travel had vanished in a jiffy.

For once, it’s hard to believe that we were going to stay for the weekend in the posh and cozy Mediterranean inspired My Little Island Hotel nestled on a Poro hilltop, which provides a panoramic view of the land below and the bay off the greenery’s.

Camotes ISland

A nature lover like me wouldn’t have second thoughts about taking advantage of the swimming pool’s perfect location, where one could enjoy swimming or simply splashing down—whilst feasting one’s eyes on the green foliage and the quiet, crystal clear waters of the Camotes sea in the background.

I marveled at the picturesque beauty of it all, tearfully thanking the Lord up above for giving me that opportunity to be in My Little Island. Being there is like seeing all of the islands at once because that part which the hotel looks over is enough epitome of all that is pure and mystic—which is Camotes. But, of course, one has to touch it—not to mention explore—if one wants to maximize the time to be in this Eden.

Lake Danao

Camotes is known to many as “The Lost Horizon in the South” because of its unspoiled beauty. It’s called “Camotes” because when they first arrived here, the Spaniards met some natives digging potatoes and they asked for the name of the place. Thinking that the foreigners asked what they were digging, the natives resplied “Camotes”—meaning “sweet potatoes.”

Consisting of four exciting, exotic isles—Pajican, Poro, Ponson, Tulang—Camotes is situated off the waters of Danao City in the northeastern side of Cebu Province. The people in its four capital towns—Pilar, Poro, San Francisco, Tudela—can enjoy the benefits of relaxing in its pastoral setting, with only the narrow trails providing access to most places. Valleys of coconut grove, corn and potato abound. After swimming at the Bakhaw Beach Resort in San Francisco, we were treated with refreshing buko juice (coconut juice) at a nearby plantation. Another one in Poro—the Buho Beach Resort—is a potential attraction for tourists who love to dive, or to simply appreciate the serenity of the beachfront recesses.

Camotes Resort My Little Island Hotel

Buho is a local term for “a hole in the earth.” The resort opens opportunities for spelunking in Pag-sa Cave, where I was able to see and admire stalactites and stalagmites up close.

Fresh and naturally pure, Camotes’s picturesque lakes—like the Lake Danao in San Francisco—won an award for being the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines. Never had I been to such a lake in all of my past trekkings. It was just a pity we were running out of time so that we could not go paddling around the 700-hectare area. What makes Lake Danao more magnificent is that when you are up there at The Quarry in (Alta Vista) San Francisco, you will experience a melodramatic display of the sunset’s last enticing rays splaying on its still waters.

As the rays of light had faded out in the waters of Lake Danao, I found myself at the poolside of My Little Island Hotel, still overwhelmed with the raw charm of Camotes Island. And as I splashed down in the pool, I realized that my two days of fun and excitement hadn’t sunk in yet. No, it will never be. The memory is too beautiful to forget.

This article was sent to us and contributed by ARIEL ALLOSADA ALLERA

Bataan.

Bataan Beach

A province in the Philippines with rich culture and history. Located in central Luzon and bordered by Zambales and Pampanga with the South China Sea and Manila Bay respectively. Bataan is a peninsula with a long coastline of sparkling waters and pristine sandy glazing beaches. While these immaculate beaches, secret coves and natural wonders are the Province of Bataan’s pride, don’t neglect its historical landmarks of World War II such as the zero point of the Death March and the memoirs of the soldiers who fought gallantly. It is also the place where Limahong launched his unsuccessful battle to conquer Luzon and the Dutch Navy also tried to seize the island from Spain. But Bataan is remembered and featured globally as the place where both American and Filipino forces made their last stand to defend the Philippines from occupying Japanese Imperial Forces in World War II in which 70,000 soldiers were captured or surrendered to the Japanese thus were made prisoners of war and made to march of about a 100 kilometers from Bataan to Tarlac. There is a street in the US Capital of Washington DC that is dedicated and named after Bataan remembering the gallantry of the combined US and Filipino forces who defended it. I know as I passed there many times which is nearby the Philippine Embassy. Also many of the US Veterans has re-visited the place in the past years.

Bataan Beach Resort

Attractions are fascinating too in the Province of Bataan with its glorious beaches, trekking, mountain biking, its economy, the people, accommodation and resorts. The trip from Manila to Bataan is just a few hours away with a few resorts that are very recommendable such as the Montemar Resort which is the only AAA Rated resort by the Department of Tourism in Bataan. Also The Waterfront Beach situated in Morong is a fully functional, well maintained and fully equipped resort that is very comfortable for a weekend stay for both locals and visitors alike. For eco friendly visitors or nature lovers, bird watching, where some of the migratory birds of the country frequent the place in which is recorded and stated by the Asian Waterbird Census as one of the few places where the highest existence in Asia. The Dinalupihan Nature Center is a favorite camping ground where cool stream waters exist for a cool dip with designated shanty accommodations at the camp grounds for a perfect overnight stay. While the entire Bagac and Morong coastal lines are considered nesting grounds to the 3 out 5 known turtles in the country such as the Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle are all endangered species. The Pawikan Conservation Center or Bantay Pawikan, Inc. started the first community-based conservation program of Marine Turtles with the help of UNDP-GEF-SGP-PRRM and the Provincial Government in 1999. Soon other communities and groups in neighboring towns replicated the conservation work and is going on up to present. The efforts now collectively contribute in the protection of nesting turtles, collection and hatching of eggs and releasing of hatchlings to the sea and with the involvement of its local citizens, soon soon all turtles coming to Bataan beaches will be assured of protected nesting…and hopefully this species will once again flourish to continue their function to maintain the balance and health of the international waters.

Pawikan Conservation

The Senakulo in Bataan is one of the most watched and awaited festivities in the Philippines. Celebrated during the lenten season, it depicts the passion of Christ and visitors of both local and international, come to the province to watch this event. Other places of interest and reference can be viewed at the Bataan Provincial Homepage.

Bataan Senakulo

Situated in the Island of Panay and joins such wonderful places like Iloilo, Capiz and Antique, and though not as popular as the attractions within, it is recognized as the most recommended and top destination for travel and leisure activities by all travel agents locally and internationally. The province boasts of 2 major attractions such as the world famous Boracay Island and the famed Ati-atihan that are both considered as one of the eight wonders of tourism. The Province of Aklan is also considered as one or at least the oldest province of the Philippines giving it a rich history and culture, since the arrival of the datus to Panay but only acquired its status as a province on April 25, 1956 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay separating it from the Province of Capiz. At present it is designated as a second class province with 17 Municipalities that comprises it namely, Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan with Kalibo as its capital.

Aklan Provincial Capitol

Since it is a top destination, reaching Aklan from Manila or from other parts of the country is easy. By air it has 2 airports with Caticlan Airport or Godofredo P. Ramos and the Kalibo Airport. The Caticlan Airport is quite new and provides sophisticated facilities that caters mostly to domestic flights while the Kalibo Airport is classified as a minor domestic class with a few international flights. A few of the airline companies that service the province are Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, South East Asian Airlines, Pacific Pearl Airways and the China Eastern Airlines. Traveling by land from Manila the Philtranco Bus Company is the only means of transport that provides service with a daily scheduled service. By sea there are a few ferry companies that service the province and 2 of which are the major shipping lines that service the province, MBRS Shipping Lines and Negros Navigation respectively.

Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival

The province’s top destination is Boracay, which is situated in the Municipality of Malay, and has 2 popular beaches namely the White Beach and Bulabog Beach. Resorts or places of accommodation are abundant to satisfy both local and international visitors with pricing based on peak and low seasons. Other leisure activities are hiking, diving, snorkeling, sightseeing kite boarding and wind surfing. Festival attractions in Aklan is the most sought after. The internationally knowned Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated annually on the month of January in honor of the Santo Nino spanning from the first Sunday and concluding up to the third Sunday. It is the most colorful noise making festival of all with the constant beating of the drums and whistle blowing participants clad in dry leaves, faces painted and bodies colored with soot while the Bariw Festival which is celebrated in the Month of May from the 12th to the 15th is of similar celebration with participants dressed in Bariw Leaves, contionous dancing in the streets participated by 20 barangays of the province.

Boracay

Places of stay are sufficient in Aklan. To visit the province for a holiday of fun and adventure or a mere relaxation, Paraiso Philippines recommends to book yourself in advance. Though there are quite a number of resort, hotels and other accommodations most are booked all year round. For more information visit the Province of Aklan Official Website and see for yourself the beauty within.

Kalibo Airport

Agusan del Sur is a landlocked province which stands as the fourth largest province in the Philippines. Blessed with rich, abundant natural resources that consists of vast forests, agricultural lands, and marsh lands. So far, it stands as the ultimate agro-processing center as well as great tourism destination.

A potential paradise in the depths of the northeastern portion of Mindanao, Agusan del Sur is the home of the multi-ethnic and culturally diversified Agusanons. The virtually untouched province spans 896,550 hectares of lush forests which provide people with the best source of oxygen. While in the middle of a large body of land, a river, the Agusan River, flows freely through the middle of Agusan del Sur. It is because of this great river that the place was called Agusan. The name “Agusan” was coined from the local term “agasan” which means “the place where water flows”. Like most other provinces in the Philippines, Agusan del Sur has a sister named “Agusan del Norte,” which by their names indicate that both are located in the South and North, respectively. Their cultural history is heavily influenced by the Majapahit Empire, which can be traced through numerous discoveries, including the discovery of a pure gold image of a woman [the Golden Tara is now located at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, Gem Room in the United States].
Among its lush untapped forests lies jewels that serve as havens for lovers of adventure, environmentalists, and researchers. Agusan del Sur has a number of waterfalls that have been left undiscovered by many and sometimes taken for granted by locals. Some of these crystal clear waters have been left for those who know about it to enjoy. The following are some of the great bodies of water found in Agusan del Sur:

* Gibong River – A gateway to Binaba Falls which also serve as water irrigation to some rice fields.
* Binaba Falls – Waterfalls which once was a picture of beauty, but which has now been developed to look like a proper swimming pool. A total shame despite the fact that the move was made in favor of tourism, but resulted unfavorably.
* Bega Falls – A beautiful waterfall abundant with fresh forest breeze. Legend has it that the said falls is a “haven for beautiful mystical women.”

In San Franciso, a great mountain stands 633 meters high, which has been the ideal climb of mountaineers. Mt. Magdiwata is also the project site of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the “Billion Tree Act.” Close by, is also the Mt. Diwata Hot and Cold Spring which offers natural medicine to nature lovers and others aside from the breathtaking scenery. Not only is Agusan del Sur rich in its natural wonders, but its people also posses great skill and grace which is showcased twice a year. From June 12 to 17, the Agusanons celebrate the Naliyagan Festival which is usually held at the Government Center in Prosperidad. This is when natives from the far corners of Agusan del Sur come to display their tribal dances and rituals, as well as participate in trade fairs in which they feature their local products. Come September 23 of every year, the Kaamulan Festival is also celebrated. This is the time when all of the Agusan del Sur’s tribal leaders are set to converge with each other. The best part of the festival is when tribal priests present their authentic tribal rituals.

Siquijor - The Island of Fire

One of the smallest provinces in the Philippines, Siquijor has a total area of 343.5 square kilometers, and a population of 81,598 (as of 2007). Much like the rest of the country, Siquijor has the same tropical climate, with dry months from January to May. The island lies southeast of Cebu and the Negros Island, and southwest from Bohol.

One of its main tourism features is the newly launched “Island Butterfly Sanctuary” at Cabilao, Larena, Siquijor. It is a 200 square meter enclosure that houses around 20-25 species of butterflies. The sanctuary exhibits pupae, larvae, and live butterflies that have been produced by a Butterfly Garden in Cang-agong, which is owned by Dante Jumapit. The province island is popularly called or referred oftenly as the “Island of Fire,” or Isla del Fuego, as it was referred to by the Spaniards. This is due to the eerie glow that the island seemed to give off. Actually, the glow was a result of the swarms of fireflies that had populated the Molave trees on the island. Among the provinces of the Philippines, Siquijor has the reputation of being magical and mystical. It is said to be home to shamans, witches, sorcerers, and a place where magic potions and curses are concocted. Some Filipinos dare not stay overnight, but many of those who do, actually swear to have found great relaxation and most of them have loads of fun and an authentic vacation time on the island.

Siquijor has a number of gorgeous beaches that are mostly owned by locals. Due to its small size and location, the white sand beaches that surround Siquijor allow tourists to enjoy the vast coral reefs that are simply ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. One perfect getaway of note in the island is the Salagdoong Beach Resort with a few more grandiose resorts present and are very affordable to have a perfect stay.

The island is generally made up of hilly terrains, but it has awesome white rock formations which have been shaped by winds that course through the island. It also has six caves – most notable of these caves is Cantabon Cave – which has stalactites and stalagmites inside, as well as pools and tiny waterfalls. Island tours in the island often include spelunking and trekking. The lush greenery and undisturbed tropical forest boasts of springs and rivers as well as dense mangroves.

Much is to be discovered in the Province of Siquijor, and if you need more information on the province, Philippine tourism projects such as Walang Iwanan sa Bahay ni Juan and Paraiso Philippines (motto: Tourism Pinas 2009) will be a good place to start exploring. When you do, you are on your way to Experience Philippines.

Also, visit their official government website for more information about the Province of Siquijor.