Asia

The Philippines: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
The Philippines: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving

“And the winner is … Miss Philippines!” Beautiful as the winner of the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant, the Philippines boasts some of the world’s most picturesque beaches in the world. To mention a few, Panglao and Anda in Bohol, Boracay, Moalboal in Cebu, and El Nido in Palawan are some of the country’s most popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike. Coron is host to some of the world’s best lagoons.

Panglao and Anda

Panglao is an island located in Bohol, Philippines. As with many beautiful beaches in the Philippines, Panglao island’s beaches are known for its fine white sugary sand. Panglao Beach, Momo Beach, Alona Beach, and Dumaluan Beach are only a few beaches most frequented by visitors of the island. Panglao Beach is home to Hinagdanan Cave, a cave with a lagoon and stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Anda is also located in Bohol, Philippines. Its location is further north from Panglao. Dubbed “best-kept secret in Bohol,” Anda is growing in popularity. This secret grows larger and it’s hard to not talk about it. Quinale Beach is the most popular of the beaches in Anda. It, too, boasts fine white sand. Aside from this beautiful beach, Anda is also home to caves and swimming holes. One particular swimming hole in Anda is Cabagnow Cave Pool. Since Anda is still establishing itself to be a destination, you may have to send money to the Philippines to make reservations for lodging.

Boracay

Another popular destination in the Philippines is Boracay. Boracay is an island located in Aklan, Philippines. Tourists and locals flock to Boracay time and time again. Beaches like White Beach (Station 1), Bulabog Beach, and Puka Beach are the top beaches visited on the island. White Beach is reminiscent of Miami Beach in Florida. It’s busy and vibrant. You’ll find a plethora of eateries to your heart’s content on this beach. Visitors also have access to convenient stores and banking institutions in this area. The beach itself is great for swimming and socializing.

Bulabog Beach is another beach frequented by visitors of Boracay. Its waters are perfect for kitesurfing or windsurfing. Located on the east side of the island, windy season (November through April) is the optimal time to go surfing on Bulabog Beach. Between White Beach and Bulabog Beach, Bulabog Beach is more geared towards sportier activities. Because of this, visitors aren’t encouraged to frolic in the waters due to surfing activities in the area.

Puka Beach is about a 15 to 20-minute moped ride from White Beach. It is located in the northern tip of the island, making it a great place to get away from crowds. Generally, locals gather here but it is also growing in popularity. You will find Puka Beach to be more preserved by nature than of the two other popular beaches in Boracay. Because of small bits of coral mixed in with the sand on this beach, visitors will find that the sand feels coarser on the feet. None the less, Puka Beach is a great place to relax and take in nature without being overwhelmed by crowds or loud music.

Moalboal

Moalboal is located in Cebu, Philippines. Depending on traffic and road conditions, Moalboal is about a 3-hour drive from Cebu City. Moalboal is known for its white beaches and deep waters. Because of this, many visitors associate Moalboal with swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Moalboal also has its own White Beach along with Pescador Island. These spots are popular among snorkelers and divers. Close by, in the town of Badian, is the famous Kawasan Falls. If you have ever wanted to see (and swim) that real-life waterfall you see on television, Kawasan Falls will have you living that dream.

El Nido and Coron

El Nido is located in Palawan, Philippines. It is known throughout the world for its limestone cliffs, beaches, caves, and lagoons. Both alluring and mysterious, it’s hard to say where to begin your adventure when it comes to El Nido. Visitors can swim in secret beaches or take a pump-boat tour ride to swim in El Nido’s lagoons. Nacpan Beach, Big Lagoon, and Miniloc Island are particularly popular amongst tourists and locals.

Another extremely popular destination in Palawan is also Coron Island. Coron is known for shipwrecks from World War II; specifically, Japanese shipwrecks. Diving is the top activity in Coron Island along with lagoon swimming and caving. Like its sibling, Coron has the world’s best lagoons that will have visitors feeling like a character out of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados, and Twin Lagoon are only to name a few points of interests to explore in the island.

These are only a few of the Philippines best destinations. Whether visitors are looking for a good time relaxing and frolicking on one of the beaches or looking for an adventure, the Philippines is host to one of the world’s top destinations in the world.

Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Chennai is the home of delicious Chettinad cuisine and the famous Marina Beach. But apart from these, the city is also a popular hub for gold jewelry and silk sarees. The heritage sites of the city tell a story of a rule and place way different than now. Formerly a fishing village called Madraspatnam, now it is the home of the biggest artificial seaport in India. It is also the home of the Royapuram railway station which is the oldest railway station still operational in India and it is also the first city in India to get free Wi-Fi. So this city has something old, something new, which come together to make something amazing.

You can reach this fascinating city through the Chennai International Airport which welcomes both domestic and international passengers. Thus, it makes the city connected to major hubs across the world. You can easily book Dubai to Chennai flights, Hong Kong to Chennai flights, New Zealand to Chennai flights and more.

While in Chennai, the city offers up a lot of activities which you can indulge in like:

● Visit Santhome’s Church: The stained glass chapel houses a statue of St Thomas in a sitting position. Apart from the church, it also consists of a library, a shop selling prayer material and a museum.

● Admire the Kapaleeshwar Parthasarathy temples: A fine example of Dravidian craftsmanship, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is a specimen of architecture and measures 37 meters high in its Gopuram structure. On the other hand, the Parthasarthy Temple is a historical place in Chennai since it is touted to be the oldest temple in the city.

● Drive on the beach road: From Royapuram or Ennore to Besant Nagar or ECR is the ideal stretch of road to flex your driving muscles and enjoy the wind in your hair.

● Visit St Thomas Mount: Widely known to be the site of St Thomas’ martyrdom in AD 72, the church is located along with the Church of Our Lady of Expectation. The church is believed to house a cross St Thomas carved and a fragment of his finger bone. Ideal for visiting in the evenings, you will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views from here.

● Be in awe at the Guindy Park and Snake Park: The only national park that is situated in the middle of a city and houses a rich population if animals, birds, and reptiles. You will be able to see spotted deer, jackals, and tortoise in here. The Snake Park, as the name says is home to pythons and cobras but birds like flycatchers, buzzards, quail, and partridge can also be easily spotted.

● Visit Armenian Church: This 18th-century church is reminiscent of the Armenian community which called the city its home centuries ago. Open from around 9 till noon, the church is a great example of stunning architecture. If you want some peace and quiet to gather your thoughts then the surroundings of the church will offer you to meditate on.

Chennai is a busy but laid-back city where you will be able to enjoy all of its delights in utmost safety and serenity. 

We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , ,
We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

It is a universally acknowledge truth that a person in possession of a wanderlust soul must be in search of hidden gems to explore. And who wouldn’t want to travel the unexplored lands if they are located in one of India’s most famous tourist destination, Goa!

The name of Goa itself sparks the travel cord in your mind that you cannot help but check what we have in the bucket for you.

Here is an exclusive list of some of the hidden gems in Goa, we bet you don’t know about. Read them fast and don’t forget to open a new tab for Delhi Goa flights booking to not miss on the deals that you catch on the advance booking!

Arvalem Caves

When talking about the hidden places, caves always come in the picture, else it feels incomplete. Goa too has its fair share of ancient caves, and the ones we want to tell you about are the Arvalem Caves. Situated in North Goa, these caves are supposedly known to exist since the 6th century. Due to its mixed form of architecture, it has been associated with various stories. While some say that the caves have a connection to the Pandavas, others argue that these are rather Buddhist caves as there is a huge statue of Buddha inside the cave.

Well, whatever the truth is, one cannot deny the fact that these caves are indeed a marvel of architecture that has a charming and mysterious appeal altogether.

Butterfly Beach

Just like butterflies, this beach is mesmerizing, nestled in Palolem in the south of Goa. Untouched by the throng of tourists, Butterfly beach is adorned with glistening sand, azure water and stunning scenery with fluttering butterflies.

You can come here with your loved one and spend quality time together where nature is at its best. And who knows you can get the thriving opportunity to witness the dance dolphins as well!

Cabo de Rama

An impressive fort located near Agonda Beach, Cabo de Rama is one of the oldest forts in Goa. Just like the Arvalem caves, this fort is also believed to be associated with an ancient Indian Epic, namely, Ramayana. The name of the fort is also derived from the name of Lord Rama. People believe that this place was the home of Lord Rama and his wife Sita when they were on the 14-year exile. Over the centuries, the fort was occupied by various rulers.

Today, this majestic fort stands tall facing the Arabian Sea and exploring this interesting fort is one of the best things in Goa that is unknown to many.

Chorla Ghat

If you are a lover of nature and wish to be around exotic surroundings, then Chorla Ghat is our suggestion to you. It is situated at the intersection of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Here, you can indulge in adventurous activities and also see the various rare species. Visit this spectacular spot during monsoon, and you will not stop admiring the beauty of this place. So, get done with your Delhi Goa flights booking soon and book the tickets in advance.

Cumbarjua Backwater Canal

You might be thinking that this will be just another boat ride but wait before you judge Cambarjua Canal up to that level for it is not an ordinary boat tour. The boat tour of Cumbarjua Backwater Canal is an adventurous feat for those who wish to spot crocodiles. Yes! You read it right. On a half day boat ride, you will get the chance to wander in the quiet backwaters of the canal where you can witness the large reptiles basking in the sun, exotic birds and peaceful time with nature. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Goa is not all about the beaches and these hidden gems successfully break that age-old image. And now that you are aware of this fact, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems and witness a whole new face of gleaming Goa!