Zamboanga City: A Melting Pot of Cultures

Fort Pilar

Built in 1635 by a Jesuit priest engineer and Spanish authorities to ward off attacks from Moros and foreign invaders. The fort was eventually converted to a shrine and miraculous powers are attributed to the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Plaza Perishing is a quaint remnant of a typical Spanish square, renamed in honor of a former American Governor of the Moro Province. Pettit Barracks was established by US Occupation Forces in 1899 and named after its commanding officer.

Sand is pinkish at the Great Santa Cruz Island

The major natural tourist attraction is Great Santa Cruz Island, which is known for its pinkish sand beach. On the island is a fishing village, a lagoon and an old Muslim burial ground.

Tourist Spots

Here are some favorite destinations, beaches, dive spots in the Philippines:

Boracya Island

Arguably the best resort in the world, is located at the northwestern tip of Panay across PALAWAN Islands, in the West Visayas Region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area with all the elements of aTropical Paradise-- crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas.



Dakak Park Beach Resort located on the sunny white beach facing the exotic turquoise Sulu Sea. The 750 meter private beach is blanketed with purepowdery white sand. Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed the resort's twopools, whilst the ultimate hideaway is provided at a private open-air jacuzzi where youcan relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.

Bohol, Philippines dubbed as “God’s Little Paradise” showcases the attractions that make Bohol a favorite summer hideaway for locals and foreigners alike. It has information about each town in Bohol, the culture, articles and press releases that featured Bohol, a business directory, a photo gallery, travel and accommodation arrangements overviews, suggested activities that can be enjoyed in the island, and downloadable screensavers of tourist attractions.

The Chocolate Hills are some 1268 eerie hillocks, ranging from 20 to 50 metres in height, which dominate the landscape for miles around. In summer months, their grass covering dries out, turning them a 'Chocolate' brown, hence their name. In the morning if you can watch the sunrise over the mysterious landscape. As it rose, it will gradually illuminate the fields exposing the awe-inspiring surroundings of Bohol; surely one of the most stunning natural backdrops in the world.

Intramuros

The Philippines comprising of about 7,100 islands is fast becoming a tourist destination. Thanks for the efforts done by the Philippine Tourism Authority, thousands of tourists have arrived yearly and more are coming to see the beauties this country offers. Here are ten places tourists love going back to.

Built in 1571, Intramuros served as settlement of the Spaniards during their occupation of the country. It covers an area of about 160 acres. It had well-planned streets, churches, museum, plazas and the Governor’s Palace. Be sure to see these places when you visit Intramuros: The Manila Cathedral, St. Augustine Church, San Agustin Museum and Fort Santiago.

Tubbataha Reef

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tubbataha Reef is home to very beautiful corral reefs. It is located in Sulu Sea (about 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan) and houses a lot of marine creatures. The reef was declared a national marine park by the then-President Cory Aquino in 1988. It is open for divers from around the world from March to June of every year.