DAY TRIPS (or parts of a day -- a whole day each unless noted)
Pagsanjan falls (approx. 2 hours from Manila) -- river rapids
boat ride and waterfall The neighboring areas are noted for woodcarving and other
handicrafts, so you could go look at those in the afternoon if you're interested,
or we could return to Manila or move on to the next destination. Subic (about 3 hours from Manila) Also within Subic is a virgin forest where one can go on
a trek, visit a tribal village, and take a jungle survival course. Subic
Bay is a rich hunting ground for both professional and Sunday anglers alike.
There is lots to do in Subic ... mostly water sports. The
beach is rather mediocre compared to other Philippine beaches but there
are all sorts of activities, so it's a popular resort spot. They also offer
horseback riding, go karting, etc. It used to be a US Naval base until the
lease expired several years ago. There is also an ultralight flying club about an hour from
Subic (closer to Manila), if you want to try flying in a small plane (I
think it's about P800 for a half hour flight in a 2-seater) Tagaytay and Taal Volcano (about an hour's drive from Manila) Taal is supposed to be the smallest active volcano in the
world (the last time it erupted was 1976). It's a popular weekend destination
because the view from the ridge is great, and the temperature is relatively
cooler than in Manila. The restaurants along the ridge serve very good Filipino
food. This is where we took Prabs and Monique when they were both here.
There is also a small yacht club on the lake that offers
hobiecat sailing -- John and I took sailing lessons there last year. Villa Escudero (about 2.5 hours drive from Manila) This resort simulates a Philippine coconut plantation.
They offer rides on a carabao (water-buffalo) drawn cart, a Filipino lunch
at a waterfall (basically, you take off your shoes and the river water is
running over your feet while you're eating. the food is served on plates
lined with banana leaves), and a cultural show with several Filipino dances
and musical numbers. Hidden Valley -- hot springs, nature walks, rainforest.
If you want to go swimming, this is a nice place. The Filipino food they
serve here is also very good. Intramuros -- the old Spanish walled city (inside Manila
-- half day or less total time) http://www.lakbay.net.ph/tours/metromanila/intramuros.html This is the original city of Manila, and still contains
Spanish cathedrals and Fort Santiago. Casa Manila is a museum of Spanish
colonial furniture, costumes, etc set in a restored Spanish house. Good
if you're a history or culture buff. It's also close to Malate (a top nightlife
destination for dinner). Corregidor (maybe an hour by boat from Manila bay) http://www.marsman-tours.com.ph/dt09.htm For military history buffs. This one is a whole day. There
is a sound-and-light show about World War II and the American defense against
the Japanese. Corregidor is a tiny tadpole-shaped island lying across
the entrance of Manila Bay. Also known as "The Rock," it was the focus of
a protracted battle between Filipino-American and Japanese forces during
the Second World War. The shell of the Mile Long Barracks still stands.
Within the Malinta Tunnel, a light-and-sound show is staged for day tourists.
It can be reached by de-luxe cruisers from the CCP Complex jetty in Roxas
Boulevard. Malate and Eastwood -- two popular night spots / restaurant
rows with a lot of good food places Kamayan -- a traditional Filipino restaurant where you can
eat with your hands Peking Garden, Lutong Macao, or Hap Chang -- good Chinese
food. Peking Garden is upscale (Peking duck) and Hap Chang is a dimsum place.
Zen or Isshin -- good Japanese food Io -- it's a videoke place, so it's interesting to try if
you like to sing. this is best done as a team social event... Hard Rock, the bar at the Peninsula, or most places in Malate
-- for musical entertainment, most of these places have bands that play
in the evenings Josephine's in Tagaytay -- Filipino restaurant (known for
seafood), has a great view of the volcano
Places to visit for lunch or dinner
http://www.intas-travel.com/incentives/discover_fil_soul.html
http://www.mangossubic.com/Things_to_do.htm
http://www.flyphilippines.com/info/tagaytay-philippines.html
http://www.villaescudero.com/
http://asiatravel.com/philippines/other/hiddenvalley/
HOME |
STORE |
SEND ME E-MAIL |
POST A MESSAGE ON THE FRAGGLE FORUM |
VIEW THE FRAGGLE FORUM