Press Releases
Sep
Hiking in the Philippines: Top 12 Mountains
Image courtesy of www.youtube.com (Prelude of Dreams) Hiking in the Philippines: Top 12 Mountains Hiking in the Philippines is always a breathtaking experience. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran climber, the country has popular mountains to satisfy your sense of adventure. Even better, many of them are just a short drive from the capital city of Manila! Filipino mountains have it all: rolling seas of clouds, verdant forests, diverse wildlife, mummy burial caves, waterfalls, and dramatic seascapes. There are so many options for hiking in the Philippines! Here are our picks for the 12 best mountains to climb. Happiness can be elusive, but we guarantee you will always find it at the top of these beautiful mountains. 1. Mt. Balagbag Mt. Balagbag is a beginner-friendly mountain located in Rodriguez, Rizal (near Manila). It’s easy to reach and so heart-achingly beautiful that it will forever be ingrained in your soul. This is a great place to start if you’re interested in hiking in the Philippines. The mountain trails feature small rivers and waterfalls along the way, making for an extra-enchanting hike. Mt. Balagbag is elevated 780 meters above sea level. It’s part of the Sierra Madre mountains. The golden grasslands are so wide and open, we bet you’ll be inspired to sit down and write poetry right on the spot. If you happen to hike during sunset, the stunning beauty is kind of stupefying. The spacious, easy layout of Mt. Balagbag makes it a favorite of mountain bikers as well. The trail is so wide, a 4×4 can easily zoom down it. The only challenge with Mt. Balagbag is hiking under the wide open sky. The mountain seriously lacks trees to shelter you from the sun. It is highly recommended that you hike just before the sun’s peak hours, before sunrise, or before/during sunset. It only takes about an hour or two to climb Mt. Balagbag. At the summit you will be rewarded with a sprawling view of Metro Manila. If you opt for a night hike, then you will be treated to a view of the city at night, like stars in the ground—very romantic. How to get there: If you are commuting, take a van from Cubao or PhilCoa headed for Tungko. From there, take a jeepney to Licao-Licao, then a tricycle to Sitio Balagbag. The trip will only take you less than two hours from Manila. If you are driving a car, just head to Rodriguez, Rizal and then to Brgy. Macabud. An uphill road will lead you to the Licao-Licao area, and from there, you can go straight away to Sitio Balagbag. 2. Mt. Makiling Mt. Makiling is located in Los Banos, Laguna. This pristine mountain is teeming with abundant flora and fauna: reptiles, birds, and over 2,000 species of plants. This attracts not only mountaineers but scientists as well. Rising 1,090 meters above sea level, the mountain—which is actually an inactive volcano—bears a famous legend about a mythological guardian and dweller named Maria Makiling (hence the name). If you take a careful look of Mt. Makiling, you will see a “profile” or an outline of a reclining woman— that’s Maria Makiling. The legend has inspired many great literary works – even one by the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Mt. Makiling is a moderately easy climb. It takes about 4-5 hours to reach the summit, and about 3 hours to descend. A guide is not really necessary as the trails are easy and very much established. The mountain is a favorite destination for mountain climbers, bikers, campers, and even bird-watchers. The major jump-off…
Sep
Top 10 Waterfalls in the Philippines
Image courtesy of insights.looloo.com Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Philippines Are you obsessed with waterfalls? Or do you love getting out to see natural wonders? Well, the Philippines has a collection of very impressive waterfalls perfect for you, you nature-loving backpacker. These waterfalls in the Philippines are stunning, and when each has only a minimal entrance fee you can’t go wrong. Where to begin? Here’s our list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Philippines. Most of them are in Mindanao. So if you find yourself backpacking in that region, why not go waterfall-hopping? 1. Tamaraw Falls Image courtesy of wikipedia Puerto Galera is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It’s located very near Manila, in Oriental Mindoro province. Puetro Galera is known for its paradise beaches, but it’s also the location of one of the country’s must-see waterfalls: Tamaraw Falls. “Tamaraw” means “buffalo” in English (there are buffaloes living in Oriental Mindoro, but unfortunately they have become endangered due to logging and other human activities). Tamaraw Falls is an awesome 423-foot spectacle (that’s as high as a 4 or 5 story building!). A collection of mini-falls intertwine until they merge into one majestic waterfall. If you are already vacationing in one of Puerto Galera’s beach resorts, Tamaraw Falls is easily accessible – it’s just down the road. No long trek required to enjoy a view of this natural wonder! It is near the city of San Teodoro, in Barangay Villaflor, just 15 km from the town proper. If you wish to stop and enjoy Tamaraw Falls, there’s a resort at the foot of the falls. The entrance fee is very cheap. You can take a swim in the cool waters and enjoy a meal in one of their picnic huts. How to get there: Tamaraw Falls is located 13km outside of Puerto Galera, which is about a 40-minute drive. You can either take a jeepney, rent a private van, rent a motorbike, or hire a tricycle. Some resorts in Puerto Galera offer a packaged tour visit to Tamaraw Falls. The tours include transportation, a guide, meals, and other adventure activities like kayaking. 2. Kawasan Falls Image courtesy of www.thousandwonders.net The enchanting Kawasan Falls is the most famous waterfall in Cebu and one of the best waterfalls in the Philippines, but it’s hidden deep in the rain forest. The “Pearl of the Philippines,” as it’s aptly known, can only be reached by hiking 30 minutes through the mountains of Badian. Kawasan Falls is a three-level waterfall that cascades down into a crystal clear, aquamarine pool. You can swim here or just float about on a bamboo raft. Each of the three levels of the falls offers a different experience (they are separated by a few minutes of trekking). At 40 metres high, the first tier of the waterfalls is the tallest of the three. The second level is a 20-metre jump from the turquoise catch basin. You will find many less tourists here than in the pool below, even though it’s only a ten-minute hike from the base. The third tier waterfall is the smallest of the three, and it looks like a hidden gem in the mountains—except for the many tourists splashing about. Kawasan Falls is found in the mountain jungle, but it isn’t an isolated beauty. This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cebu and surrounding area is well commercialized: expect restaurants, stores, souvenir shops, and crowds of tourists. Even so, the beauty of the falls will astound you. Kawasan Falls isn’t the only attraction in the area.…
Sep
Spelunking in the Philippines: Top 3 Caves
Image courtesy of www.gov.ph Spelunking, or caving, is a popular outdoor adventure activity around the world. Spelunking in the Philippines is an amazing experience! Among its many undeniable natural wonders, the Philippines boasts magnificent caves. If you love spelunking then you will be in heaven spelunking in the Philippines. The Philippines has one of the world’s best collections of caves. These mysterious, otherworldly natural treasures will astound you with their gorgeous rock formations and natural designs. There are countless awesome caves in the Philippines but I have narrowed this list down to the top 3. These caves in the Philippines are the best of the best! If you’re a spelunking addict vacationing in the Philippines, you need to choose one and visit. Go spelunking in the Philippines in all 3, if you have time! Believe me, they will stun you. 1. Puerto Princesa Underground River Image courtesy of en.wikipedia.org Where it is Puerto Princesa Underground River (full name: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park) is a protected cave found approximately 80 km north of the Puerto Princesa city centre. It lies on Palawan island, in the south-western part of the Philippine archipelago. The park graces the Saint Paul Mountain Range, with its gorgeous landscapes of limestone karst, untouched forests, and extraordinary wildlife. You can enter the cave by boat, or hike from the town of Sabang. Why it’s awesome Puerto Princesa Underground River was officially selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It encompasses one of the planet’s most magnificent and impressive cave systems. The river is more than 24km (15 miles) long, with huge passages and colossal chambers. One chamber is so long that its length still hasn’t been measured, but we know it is 120 metres wide and 60 metres high. Another huge chamber is called the “Italian’s Chamber.” This chamber’s volume is estimated to be 2.5 million square metres, which makes it one of the largest cave rooms in the entire planet! The cave contains a section of the world’s second-longest river. The 8.2 km-long Cabuyagan River winds through the cave before merging into the West Philippine Sea. The Puerto Princesa Underground River was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. That makes it a truly unique site for spelunking in the Philippines. Puerto Princesa Underground River encompasses a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem. The cave contains breathtaking sights of stalactites and slatagmites, plus speleothems. As well, the area is an important habitat for biodiversity conservation. The national park protects some of the most biodiverse and important forests in Asia, according to the WWF’s Global Report. There are a 8 intact forest formations linked to the underground cave: montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, beach forest, forest on ultramafic soil, mangrove forest, forest on limestone soil, riverine forest, and lowland evergreen tropical rainforest. What to expect Tourists usually visit Puerto Princesa Underground River on guided tours. Your group will travel in a canoe that holds up to 9 passengers (including the guide). Life jackets are necessary! Upon entering the underground cave, it will be super dark. With a flashlight, your guide will help you to see the rock formations surrounding you. As you navigate the narrow channels, you may encounter bats hanging from the ceiling. Then the cave will open out and you will pass through large cave rooms and chambers. Along the way you will be stunned by beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, as well as flowstones or drapery (a type of rock formation that looks like vegetables hanging on the cave ceiling and walls). After covering 1.5 km inside, your canoe will head back. Unfortunately it isn’t possible for…
Sep
Manila Street Food: 11 Things You Have To Try
Manila Street Food: 11 Things You Have To Try So you want to try Filipino food while you’re in Manila, but you don’t know where to begin? The best place to sample Filipino recipes is in the streets! Here’s our guide to the street food you need to eat in Manila. The Philippines has a rich food history that goes back centuries, and today Manila is home to a flourishing food scene. How can you experience it? Street food is the best way to explore Filipino food! Street food in Manila is cheap, delicious, and out of this world (you’ll see what we mean below). It’s also easy to find: you’ll pass food stalls on every corner as you make your way around Manila. Your visit to Manila is incomplete until you’ve sampled some street food! Street Food #1: Balut Image courtesy of tripadvisor Balut is a developing duck or chicken embryo, boiled. This is the ultimate street food to try in Manila for daredevils and adventurous travelers! Balut has been featured on shows like Fear Factor and Survivor because only the bravest dare to taste this delicacy. The embryo is incubated for 2 or 3 weeks before it’s boiled or steamed, sprinkled with salt, and eaten directly from the shell. No way around it, the appearance is off-putting (sometimes hair, feet, and soft bones are already visible). If you can get past that, though, it’s quite delicious – and high in calcium and protein! Street Food #2: Kwek-Kwek Kwek-Kwek is a hard-boiled quail egg deep-fried in a vibrant orange batter. You’ll see this popular street food piled high at stands all over Manila. To enjoy your Kwek-Kwek like the locals do, dip it in vinegar! This is the best-selling street food in Manila because it’s tasty, filling, and cheap. The snack called “Tokneneng” is almost the same thing, but made with a chicken egg. Street Food #3: Bananacue or Banana-Q Image courtesy of wikihow Bananacue/Banana-Q is a famous late afternoon Filipino snack. Local bananas are deep-fried in brown sugar and skewered. This truly classic snack never gets old, and like so much of the street food in Manila it’s kind of addictive. Sinking your teeth into the crunchy, caramelized coating and the sweet banana within is uniquely satisfying. This staple, best-selling Filipino food snack can be bought anywhere in Manila. Street Food #4: Isaw Isaw is barbequed chicken or pig intestines on a stick. Stay with us, though – there’s no need to be grossed out! The intestines are repeatedly cleaned, turned inside out, and cleaned again. And again, and again. Once they’re squeaky-clean, they’re boiled and grilled. Contrary to what you might think, Isaw doesn’t have a strong taste. It has a distinct texture but the flavour is quite mild. The best way to enjoy this popular street food is with its signature dipping sauce: a mix of vinegar, peppers, onions, and spices. Street Food #5: Taho Image courtesy of wikipedia Taho is a drink of fresh, silken tofu mixed with hot caramelized sugar and “sago” (tapioca balls). This best-selling hot beverage is a common Filipino food breakfast, especially for those on the go. It’s perfect when you need something quick and hot to fill your stomach! If you’re keen to try this mouth-watering street treat, just listen for the nearest vendor calling “Tahoooooooooo”. Street vendors balance buckets loaded with Taho at either end of a long stick slung across their shoulders. It’s usually served in a clear plastic cup, but you can ask the vendor to fill your own glass or mug instead. Street Food #6: Adidas…
Aug
Scuba Diving in The Philippines: Top 10 Dive Sites
Scuba Diving in The Philippines: Top 10 Dive Sites The Philippines has some of the best scuba diving in the world! If you love to dive, you need to visit the Philippine islands. This is truly the best place to scuba dive. The Philippines lies within the famous “Coral Triangle” of Southeast Asia, so scuba diving here will bring you face to face with seascapes and wildlife you can’t find anywhere else. A recent statement from the California Academy of Sciences calls the Philippines the “centre of the centre” of marine biodiversity. “The Philippines is jam-packed with diverse and threatened species – it’s one of the most astounding regions of biodiversity on Earth,” says Terry Gosliner, PhD, a Senior Curator at the Academy. It’s no wonder that divers from across the globe flock to the Philippines! The variety of marine life that you’ll see while scuba diving in the Philippines will blow your mind. You can dive among 5000 species of clams, snails and mollusks; 2824 species of fish; 488 species of corals, 981 species of bottom-living algae, and thousands of other organisms. You’re more than likely to spot something memorable: sea turtles, sharks, whale sharks, and dolphins are common sights. No other country in the world can take a scuba diver’s breath away (figuratively!) quite like the Philippines. The Philippines has so many scuba diving sites. With over 7100 islands, the Philippines has an almost endless supply of shorelines and sea waters to explore. Whether you’re a beginner diver looking to get certified, an intermediate seeking new experiences, or an expert on the hunt for adventure and challenges, you’ll find your perfect dive site in the Philippines. If anything, you’re going to have too many options to choose from! To help you narrow down your scuba diving bucket list, Mad Monkey has put together this list of The 10 Best Scuba Diving Sites in the Philippines. Divers of all levels will find something here to fuel their deep sea daydreams. Veteran divers, let us know which of these sites is your favourite. New divers, tell us where you want to dive in first! Dive Site #1: Apo Island, Negros Oriental Image courtesy of philtraveltours.com Apo Island is a 12 hectares of volcanic island surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. The waters surrounding it form a protected marine reserve with over 650 species of fish and 400 species of corals, including Brain Corals, Gorgonian Sea Fans, and Bubble Corals. This marine sanctuary, one of the most prominent in the world, is the inspiration for the Wild Reef Exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It’s no surprise that Apo Island is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Philippines! Some of the most popular scuba dive sites around Apo Island are: Largahan: a shallow, sandy slope that’s great for beginner divers. Beautiful coral formations extend to a small wall that bottoms out on a dark sandy floor. You’ll see frog fish, scorpion fish, and ribbon eels swimming between the odd volcanic bubble. Coconut Point: a sandy channel between rock cliffs that you will battle strong currents to reach. Once you’ve arrived, relax and enjoy swimming as deep as 35m with schools of Jacks. Turtles, Bumphead Parrotfish, and sea snakes are likely to make an appearance. Keep an eye out as well for reef sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and barracudas. Mamsa Point: a gently sloping reef that turns into a steep slope with large submerged boulders. ‘Mamsa’ means Jack Fish in Visayan, the local language, and the strong currents bring large schools of them to the area. It’s mesmerizing…