PhilippinesVacationsBlog.com

Most packaged Philippines vacations start with a day tour of Manila, the Philippines capital city. Corregidor, a favorite tourist destination a few minutes away  from the shores of Manila Bay, should never be missed when exploring this city’s historical spots.

Manila sets the rhythm of what the rest of the Philippines have to offer. As the country’s cosmopolitan capital, this bustling city offers an awe-inspiring view of the world-famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset.  It’s a   very interesting city with its unique blend of both the Western and the Asian, the modern and the historical – a perfect mix of different cultures and flavors offering sights and sounds to never forget.

Manila offers several places of interest that are ideal for day excursions and short trips – from Intramuros, the Walled City  of Old Manila, to Luneta Park, with its world-class oceanarium, and to some of Asia’s most modern and largest shopping malls to make Philippines vacations complete.

• Your First Stop: Corregidor Island

A few-minutes ferry ride away from Manila bay is the Philippines’ “the Rock”.  This is the historical island fortress where the American and Filipino troops fought against the Japanese in World War II.  Corregidor is home to many historical treasures. It is today one of the most visited tourist spots in the country.

There are a number of relaxing accommodations at the Corregidor Hotel for people or couples who want to stay and enjoy the tropical setting of the island. It’s a nice get-away from the people in manila who just want to relax and leave their hectic lives in the big city, for a while, and just a few minutes away.

Philippines vacations cannot be complete without enjoying the best sunset view from Manila and Corregidor is where one will want to experience that.  Accommodations there offer guided Sunrise and Sunset Tours that are perfectly seen from opposite ends of this island, which stretches for 1.3 miles. There are also Night and Day tours for those who want to circle the island via a banca, or boat ride, which allows visitors to view the island from the waters of South China Sea. The neighboring isles of La Monja and Caballo and the shores of Bataan province will be seen from this ride.

The more adventurous prefers trekking all the way around the island. A true test of physical endurance where you hike across the trails to the top of Malinta Hill, and even  the war-torn Malinta Tunnel. Nearby at the Tail End of the island is the Corregidor Island Resort which was constructed on the side of a hill overlooking a beach and a number of small single room cottages. The main building at the resort has an assembly area well suited for gatherings, seminars, parties and conventions. A vehicle is provided by Corregidor Hotel that departs at regular schedules to allow guests to commute between the hotel and this resort. –Philippines Vacations

Backpacking is the traditional term for low-cost, international and independent travel. It offers the adventurous traveler an opportunity to see great new places, meet new people, pamper the taste buds with exotic flavors, and encounter different cultures. In the Philippines vacations beyond the usual such as backpacking can be worth your while if you know a few tips from the experts. Here are a few tips on traveling this beautiful Pacific archipelago on a shoestring:

• Go Cheap

Accommodations are not the same for all Southeast Asian countries. For instance, in Thailand, backpackers can opt for a one-room-a-night rental. However, when done in the Philippines vacations should include a thorough search for cheap hotels or, if you are by the beach, cottages on the shoreline. The prices of these accommodations may vary if its peak season.

• Speak Their Tounge, Or Not

Language is not a barrier in these islands. Most Filipinos comprehend and speak English. But it would be helpful if you can speak a bit of their two most-spoken dialects: Tagalog and Visaya. It may be hard to learn at first, so you might want to buy some phrasebook to help you along the way. Remember: when you get to know the people of the Philippines vacations can be a life-changing experience.

• Try Their Rides

When spending it in the Philippines vacations must be planned with a fairly good knowledge of the local transportation. Throughways in the metro can be exhausting because of the heavy traffic, so make sure you plan thoroughly before leaving your hotel room. On the contrary, transportation in the provinces can be amazingly cheap. Traveling by land, you can opt for tricycle, jeepney, buses, trains or taxis; by sea, you can choose to take a boat or a ferry. Be creative. In the Philippines vacations, adventures and tours are twice the fun if you can manage finding your way around town.