« Back | Page 1 · 2 · 3

Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape which is unparalleled anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Places to visit in Vigan include Calle Crisologo, St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Arzobispado, Plaza Salcedo, Burgos National Museum, Mindoro Beach Resort, Syquia Mansion Mira Hills Eco-Park, Pagbumayan, Jar Factory, Crisologo Museum, Terracotta Red Clay Industry, Abel-Iloco Weavers and native delicacy makers.

If wildlife is your sort of thing, the game preserve and wildlife sanctuary on Calauit Island is straight out of Africa. To add to an array of endangered endemic Philippine animals are 108 African animals transported here. It is also home to the man-eating Philippine crocodile and the endangered “dugong”, or sea cow.

Bohol is home to the Tarsier, midget monkey of the Philippines and the smallest monkey in the world. Situated near the foot of the Mayon Volcano, Albay Park and Wildlife boasts of 347 animals belonging to 75 species. Crocodile Park in Ma-a is the habitat of crocodiles as well as various breeds of birds, from the Philippine sea eagle to kakatoe and Indonesian parrots.

Those who enjoy marine life will enjoy the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park teems with 300 coral species, 46 coral genera, 7 seagrass species, 71 algae species; large marine life, dolphins, marine turtles; and seabirds. It was honored by UNESCO as the First Natural Site in the Philippines to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List.

The Turtle Islands are South East Asia's only remaining major green turtle rookery and a vital nesting ground for the hawksbill turtle. Pamilacan Island in Baclayon is considered a critical marine mammal habitat in the Philippines. Palawan is home to the “dugong” or sea cow, the only herbivorous mammal today, while Donsol, Sorsogon is home to huge, gentle whale sharks which the locals call the “butanding”.

« Back | Page 1 · 2 · 3