Monday, January 14, 2008

Destination Philippines: Dumaguete - 'The City Of Gentle People'

Located at the southern tip of Negros Island in the province of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete is fast becoming the destination of choice for a wide variety of people. Foreign and local tourists alike, favor Dumaguete for certain advantages that this place has over the other tourist spots in the Philippines. It isn't as busy as Cebu or Davao, certainly more affordable than Boracay or El Nido, Palawan, not as crowded as Baguio, and has as plenty to offer its visitors as any place else in the country. As a tourist destination, Dumaguete is as good as it gets.

Dumaguete can lay claim to four contributing factors to its popularity. It is a venue for excellence in education, unparalleled natural wonders, nightlife that is at par with any major metropolis, and as a virtual Mecca for shopping.

Tagged as the "Learning Center of the South", Dumaguete is the home of the world-famous Siliman University. Founded in 1901, Siliman had served as the learning institution of choice for both Filipino and foreign students. St. Paul's University - Dumaguete, Foundation University, and the Negros Oriental State University are also popular choices for persons seeking higher learning. The city also takes pride in serving as host to three other colleges, nine secondary schools, and 12 elementary schools.

Dumaguete also fails to disappoint when it comes to presenting its vast array of natural wonders. Snorkeling, deep sea diving, spelunking, cave exploration, windsurfing, and engaging in dolphin and whale watching are just some of the activities that the place can offer. Describing the backdrop of Dumaguete as picture-perfect may be an understatement. Some of the more popular venues are the Apo and Sumilon Islands. These two places are "must see" places for first-time Dumaguete visitors with its majestic natural coral reef formation and fabulous marine wildlife. Taking a vacation here would not necessarily burn a hole in your pocket as the going tour rates are one of the most affordable in the country.

For some of the people who think that a decent nightlife can only be found in metropolitan areas such as Manila, Makati, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, and Iloilo are sadly mistaken. Rizal Boulevard offers a vast array of discotheques, watering holes, live band performances, and theme-inspired venues. You want to try Mexican, then go to Coco Amigos. In the mood for some casual drinking and dining, they've got the Barefoot Bistro. Want to hear music, then you might want to consider El Camino Blanco, Why Not Music Box, and Hayahay in Escano Beach. Practically everything that an urban "night owl" wants can be found within the three-quarter kilometer stretch of Rizal Boulevard. Even the Dumaguete City Public Market is turning out to be a popular tourist hangout at night as fresh produce and other items can be found here even during unholy hours.
Shopping for locally manufactured items such as bags, wallets, purses, and other personal accessories made from indigenous materials such as coconut husks, dried raffia, capiz, native wood, and freshwater pearls may prove to be addictive. The craftsmanship of the people of Dumaguete offers originality, charm, superior quality, and a distinctive quality that they may call their own. Home decors like custom-made chandeliers, candelabras, and wood carvings can also be purchased here.

There are also plenty of ways to get there. The country's major airlines offer daily flights to Dumaguete City from Manila. Traveling by sea is also an attractive alternative as the major seaports all over the Philippines offer service routes to this destination. Once there, you also need not worry about finding a place to stay. Hotels and resorts can be found virtually everywhere at very reasonable rates.

About the Author
Dan Eggers is writing articles about Siquijor, Expats in the Philippines and Negros Oriental on DumagueteInfo.

Sights To See In The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. With its unique and diverse culture, visitors from both sides of the world cannot help but wonder at the beauty and attractiveness of this country. Its diverse and interesting culture is a result of its colorful past.
After being colonized by various countries for several centuries, it has emerged to become one of the most beautiful countries worldwide. Among the most visited parts of the Philippines are Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and Cebu.

Each of these travel spots has certain things to offer which are completely different from the other. Among the places mentioned, Boracay is probably the best. Despite being commercialized all over the world, this beautiful tourist spot has maintained its quality, as well as its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. It offers good food, cozy hotels, exciting outdoor activities and endless partying with its beautiful crowd at night.

The most important part of this country is Manila, which serves as its capital city. Most of the important events in business, politics, as well as in arts and entertainment, take place in this area. One of the major events flocked by both local and foreign devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held annually in Quiapo.

Meanwhile, Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. Visitors can enjoy the good weather and outdoor activities offered by this place. Among the top outdoor activities in Baguio are horseback riding and boating. Another main feature of this place is the flower festival, which serves as a garden show for home gardening and small businesses within the area.

Palawan is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in the country. This place combines urban development with exotic wildlife and natural resources. The discipline and cooperation of its local residents help maintain the natural balance of the environment. Besides its beautiful white sand beaches as well as its azure waters, visitors can also visit good places like the Calauit Island in Northern Palawan and the Tabon Caves in the southern part of the region.

Cebu will not be outdone by its counterparts. It is known as the oldest colonial city in the country. Among the most frequented places by visitors in the area are the Kawasan Falls, Fort Santiago and the University of San Carlos, which is known as the oldest university in Asia.
These tourist destinations serve as national treasures for the Philippines. They play a very significant role for the country's economy. Taking care of these resources is of utmost importance, both for the government and its citizens. They offer insurmountable fun and adventure for thrill seekers who want to experience the very colorful culture of this country. These places provide visitors something worth remembering for.

About the Author
Peter Garant is writing Philippines Travel Articles for both Dumaguete Info and Palawan Info.

Philippines Hot Tourist Spots

The Philippines is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. With its unique and diverse culture, visitors from both sides of the world cannot help but wonder at the beauty and attractiveness of this country. Its diverse and interesting culture is a result of its colorful past.
After being colonized by various countries for several centuries, it has emerged to become one of the most beautiful countries worldwide. Among the most visited parts of the Philippines are Manila, Baguio, Boracay, Palawan and Cebu.

Each of these travel spots has certain things to offer which are completely different from the other. Among the places mentioned, Boracay is probably the best. Despite being commercialized all over the world, this beautiful tourist spot has maintained its quality, as well as its reputation as one of the top beaches in the world. It offers good food, cozy hotels, exciting outdoor activities and endless partying with its beautiful crowd at night.

The most important part of this country is Manila, which serves as its capital city. Most of the important events in business, politics, as well as in arts and entertainment, take place in this area. One of the major events flocked by both local and foreign devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene, which is held annually in Quiapo.

Meanwhile, Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. Visitors can enjoy the good weather and outdoor activities offered by this place. Among the top outdoor activities in Baguio are horseback riding and boating. Another main feature of this place is the flower festival, which serves as a garden show for home gardening and small businesses within the area.

Palawan is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in the country. This place combines urban development with exotic wildlife and natural resources. The discipline and cooperation of its local residents help maintain the natural balance of the environment. Besides its beautiful white sand beaches as well as its azure waters, visitors can also visit good places like the Calauit Island in Northern Palawan and the Tabon Caves in the southern part of the region.

Cebu will not be outdone by its counterparts. It is known as the oldest colonial city in the country. Among the most frequented places by visitors in the area are the Kawasan Falls, Fort Santiago and the University of San Carlos, which is known as the oldest university in Asia.
These tourist destinations serve as national treasures for the Philippines. They play a very significant role for the country's economy. Taking care of these resources is of utmost importance, both for the government and its citizens. They offer insurmountable fun and adventure for thrill seekers who want to experience the very colorful culture of this country. These places provide visitors something worth remembering for.

About the Author
Peter Garant is writing Philippines Travel Articles for both Dumaguete Info and Palawan Info.