AUTHOR’S PROFILE

Once upon a time in the third day of December 1988 there was a woman gave

birth to a little pretty curly baby girl her baby is just like her mom. That baby is so

wonderful and beautiful good looking just like her mom her mom is a teacher an

English teacher to a Christian school. This baby is like an angel in the heaven

she is so adorable when the baby grow up she became a nice girl to everybody

she is so friendly to others she had a lots of friends she likes entertainment hang

out and go to the play ground do what ever she wants to do she likes chocolates

and ice cream.

She likes toys, Barbie dolls if she saw something she will go and pick that thing

and bring it to their house. When the girl grows up and became a teenager she

became a quiet simple and nice to other people she meets she gets lots of new

friends in the school she always hang out with her new friends she wants to

study with her friends. She loves to go out and have some fun sometimes this girl

forgets her home works the important things to do. She always wants

entertainment she loves music watching television surfing in the net and eats her

favorite foods like kimchi and vegetable.

DEDICATION

This research is dedicated to my mom, my brother and sister.

This work is also dedicated to my friends and to my GOD who’ve been my help in

times of needs and my provider…this study is lovingly dedicated..

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

PREFACE

The research tackles about the many and different tourist spots in the

Philippines. This research will also talk about tourists who take pleasure in

coming here to the Philippines and see our countries’ attractions. For many years

the Philippines has been a tourist spot destination for foreigners, especially for

Caucasian, Chinese, and other races who have fallen in love with our countries

tropical climate. While falling in love with the countries’ beautiful spots, foreigners

have also started to invest with these attractions and have invested in hotels,

resorts, and other businesses that are related to the natural resources that are

uniquely Philippine assets.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A research paper like this would not possible without the Almighty God and to her

mom who helped her to finish this paper. God is good for He always give His

helping hand to the researcher and to her family.

Above all, the researcher wants to thank her family for their love and guidance

that make the researcher strong and go for the better.

Lastly, the researcher is grateful for her friends who were always there to join her

whenever she needed their help. They always taught her what to do in this

research paper though it is quite hard to do. The researcher would like to give

them her biggest THANK YOU!

“A rich and diverse archipelago, the Philippines is one of the fast

emerging tourist destinations in Asia.”

INTRODUCTION

A rich and diverse archipelago, the Philippines is one of the fast emerging tourist

destinations in Asia. Expansive across 300,000 square kilometers, the beautiful

archipelago is home to 7,107 enchanting islands. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,

constitute the main island groups in the country. Its wonders spread throughout

its islands. The Philippines evokes visions of long streches of white sandy

beaches, volcanic mountains and fertile valleys, populated by warm and

welcoming Filipinos.

As it is located to the north of the Malay Peninsula, the major ethnic group

throughout the islands is Malaysian, with influence still felt by the Chinese and,

more strongly, the Spanish who named the islands in 1565 after King Philip II.

Philippines have three main island groups, namely Luzon, Visayas and

Mindanao. These island groups are great tourist destinations in themselves,

starting with the largest group that is Luzon, famous for its natural wonders and

impressive mountain ranges such as Cordillera and Sierra Madre, and the

perfectly coned Mayon Volcano.

Luzon is a site for the busy capital, Manila. A trip to the Philippines usually begins

in the capital city of Manila, where visitors head straight for Rizal Park,

surrounded by sophisticated shops & restaurants, eventful and colorful markets,

and historic museums. The Intramuros, or old town, is another must see for a trip

back to the city's colonial past. The tourist belt includes Intramuros, Ermita and

Malate (districts of Manila proper) as well as parts of Pasay City and Paranaque,

which lie along or just east of Roxas Blvd, the most representative thoroughfare

of the metropolis.

Within the tourist belt, at or near Roxas Blvd, most of the five-star hotels are

located. The center of the tourist belt is Er-mita. The main red light district is the

so-called Mabini strip situated actually more along Del Pilar Street than along

Mabini Street. In April 1988, Manila police chief General Alfredo Lim had initiated

a drive to phase out bars and nightclubs from the tourist belt. For a few months,

raids were nightly events. However, the fervor of the police died down by the end

of 1988, and as of this writing (mid-1990) al-most all bars and nightclubs were

still operating.

Ermita and Malate, the quasi extension of the former, used to be prime

residential areas before WW II. Walking through Malate, one can still see many

large colonial-style houses.

Intramuros is the old walled city of the Spanish colonialists. It is a very small

district, where many remains of Spanish times still exist or have been

reconstructed. Since the Christian faith was brought to the Philippines, and up to

this day, the central institutions of the Catholic Church, including the Manila

Cathedral are located here. Intramuros was the site of a bloody battle against the

Japanese during the last world war, when much of it was destroyed. Its re-

construction started in 1966. Just outside the walls is Club Intramuros, a golf

course.The Metropolitan area on the other hand is the main international

gateway to the country, as well as the center for the country’s economic, social,

and cultural life.

With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool

climate all year round. This city perched on a ridge is located in the province of

Cavite, some 56 kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks Manila Bay on the north,

Taal Lake and Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China

Sea on the west. The city is linked to the Metropolitan Manila and the province of

Batangas by the Aguinaldo Highway. Among its attractions is the Tagaytay Picnic

Grove where one can get an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which lies within

a lake. Taal Volcano, which rises 406 meters from the lake, is reputedly the

world's smallest volcano.

Taal Lake itself is an immense body of water formed when the old crater

collapsed and the walls of the larger volcano caved in and sank. A visit to the

Volcano Island can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology

and Seismology in Quezon City which maintains a monitoring station on the

island. 

To enjoy the mountains, one can go to Baguio City. An unusual and unlike the

rest of the tourist spots in the country because of its pine trees and cool

temperature, it is the nearest thing the Philippines has to a mountain retreat,

making it easy to understand why the city was chosen as the country’s summer

capital. 250km (150 miles) north of Manila is Baguio, 1525m (5000ft) above sea

level, a cool haven from the summer heat. It is accessible both by air and land,

though the drive up the zigzagging Kennon Road is more popular as it offers

spectacular views of the countryside. Baguio has a good variety of restaurants,

mountain views and walking excursions. Main attractions include The Mansion,

summer residence of the Philippine president; Bell Church; Baguio Cathedral;

and the Crystal Caves, composed of crystalline metamorphic rocks and once an

ancient burial site.

Nestled deep in the Cordilleras is Banaue. The home of the famous Banaue rice

terraces, which to many is considered as the 8th wonder of the world, carved

from the mountain ranges centuries ago by the Ifugao tribe. Banaue is an eight

hour bus ride north of Baguio. A remote mountain community lives here, and

tourists can visit their settlements. The beautiful rice terraces are the main

attraction of this area. A breathtaking sight, they rise majestically to an altitude of

1525m (5000ft), and encompass an area of 10,360 sq km (4000 sq miles). The

terraces were hand-carved some 2000 years ago using crude tools cutting into

once barren rock, each ledge completely encompassing the mountain. Now listed

by UNESCO as World Heritage sites, they offer an unforgettable sight to tourists

and trekkers in the area. Banaue has a tourist hotel and many good pensions.

Lying off the coast of Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands group is made up of 400

islets surrounded by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This area is ideal for

swimming and fishing. Hundred Islands is the second-largest marine reservation

in the world, teeming with over 2000 species of aquatic life.

The caves and domes of Marcos Island and the Devil’s Kitchen are worth

exploring. The entire province of Palawan is a remarkable terrain for adventure

and exploration, with its primeval rainforests, St Paul’s Underground River and

Tubattaha Reef. Inter-island cruises around northern Palawan are now

accessible.

Mindoro island, reached by ferry from Batangas pier and south of Manila, is a

place where the stunning scenery includes Mount Halcon, 2695m (8841ft) high,

Naujan Lake and Tamaraw Falls. 

La Union, situated on the northwest coast of Luzon, has some of the best beach

resort facilities on the island. There are regular buses to La Union from Baguio

and Manila.

Bicol Region, situated in the east, is developing as a tourist destination and offers

beaches, hotels and sights such as the Mayon Volcano, a nearly perfect cone,

and the Kalayukay Beach Resort.

La Union in the north is a popular surfing destination in the Philippines. Apart

from surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling are other options for an enjoyable trip

in Luzon especially in the outlying islands of Anilao, Ligpo, Bonito, Sombrero and

Maricaban in Batangas in the south.

Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer

mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving

facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on

diving.

Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached

within three hours from Manila through public buses or jeepneys. From Anilao,

one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among

them is Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are

regulated. Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at

Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point.

Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port) is one of the most popular beach

resorts in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is endowed with coves, fine sandy

beaches and shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. The place can be reached

from the port of Batangas City where a ferry service to Mindoro awaits the

tourists. Bancas may be hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best dive spot in

Puerto Galera. The area offers positive thrills and guaranteed excitement, with its

sudden rushes of strong currents and steep slopes which are a favorite gathering

place for large pelagic fish. Diving expeditions are usually organized by certified

masters on specific dive spots.

Subic Bay in Central Luzon, the former US naval base in the Philippines, is now

a hub for commerce and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour drive north from

Manila, host of some of the country's remaining virgin forests and a sanctuary for

wild animals, Subic offers a full view of the Blue Mountain and sea and of the

green background of a three-layered virgin forest.

Points of interest include the 18-hole Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a

white-sand beach, bowling and arcade center,a ship wharf past a restricted

forested area, firing ranges, fishing grounds and an area for bungee jumping.

Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle survival course, visit an Aeta tribal

village, take a bay cruise, explore the coves, end up at the white-sand beach of

Grande Island, engage in water sports, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the

scenic view of the sea. There you can also find Ocean Adventure, South East

Asia's only open marine water parks with false whales, dolphins and sea lions

shows. Adjacent nearby is Zoobic Safari which will amuse everyone in a wild

African safari adventure. Subic Bay is complete with tourism-support facilities

that include a marina, a yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops.

Laguna has one of the Philippines' incredibly beautiful countryside sceneries.

The province offers a scenic view of a bay, considered as the largest in the

country. Los Baños, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous hot springs.

Considered as a flower basket in Luzon, Los Baños produces a wide variety of

flowers and other ornamentals. Mt. Makiling, an extinct volcano, stands guard

over the town. 

The towns of Calamba and Los Baños abound with swimming pools and resorts.

Many residents of Metro Manila head for these towns during summer. 

In Calamba, one can proceed to the ancestral house of National Hero Dr. Jose

Rizal. The house now serves as a museum and is a repository of Philippine

history and culture. Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most popular resorts in

Alaminos, Laguna. The valley nestles at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a mystical

mountain associated with local myths. A number of springs with hot, cold and

soda water, lace a forest of huge fruit trees, tropical shrubs and flowering plants.

A concrete path connects the pools and leads to the jungle's interior where a

waterfall has cut a gorge down the mountainside. 

Thousands of people head south of Manila to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation

and adventurous excitement within the American-style walls of Enchanted

Kingdom, a 17-hectare world class theme park conveniently located in the

outskirts of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The P1.2-billion Park, which has been operating

since July 28, 1995 was conceptualized by Landmark Entertainment Group and

designed after the Knott's Berry Farm, America's first amusement theme park

located in Buena Park, California.

It is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and

Attractions (IAAPA). As such, it provides visitors with thrilling rides, stunning

sights, and wondrous experience. In the words of the Enchanted Kingdom

operators, "the place is an active mix of thrills, attractions, entertainment, food

service, celebrations and shopping set amidst an enthralling place that presents

the past and the future, the quaint and the sophisticated, the picturesque and the

dazzling in one unique package." Enchanted Kingdom is an aggregate of seven

theme zones: Victoria Park, Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport, Jungle

Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, and Boulderville. These zones serve as enclaves to

21 thrilling rides and attractions meant to provide daring visitors with a sense of

flight, twist, twirl, and other acrobatic stunts. Aside from the rides, Enchanted

Kingdom also charms its visitors with various treats such as the fireworks show

every weekend, dance presentation by the park's in-house talents, theater

shows, seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens, classic American brownstone

facades and establishments, and a variety of characters and mascots led by the

Wizard. 

The most popularly known islands for travelers to the Philippines is the Visayas.

This tightly packed island group is made up of seven major islands namely

Negros, Panay, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Masbate. Tourists often flock to

Cebu and the northwest tip of Panay, the little island called Boracay and thus

making these two places the most visited islands in the Visayas.

The Visayas is a group of islands between Luzon and Mindanao. The famous

island first sighted by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th

century and as the landing point for the American liberation forces in 1944. Cebu

City is the main resort of the Visayas. Cebu is the most densely populated island,

a commercial center with an international harbor, and the Philippines’ second

city. Sights include Magellan’s Cross, a wooden cross planted by Magellan

himself over 450 years ago to commemorate the baptism into the Christian faith

of Rajah Humabon and his wife Juana with 800 followers, and Fort San Pedro,

the oldest and smallest Spanish fort in the country, which was built on the orders

of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565. 

Carcar town, south of Cebu City, has many preserved Castillian houses, gardens

and churches. The Chapel of the Last Supper in Mandaue City features hand-

carved life-size statues of Christ and his apostles dating back to Spanish times.

The Magellan Monument on Mactan Island was raised in 1886 to mark the spot

where Magellan died, felled by the fierce chieftain, Datu Lapu-Lapu, who refused

to submit to the Spanish conquerors. There is also a monument to Datu Lapu-

Lapu honoring him as the first Filipino patriot. Maribago is the center of the

region’s guitar-making industry. As well as many historical sites there are popular

hotels, beach clubs and resorts.

Samar and Leyte are linked by the San Juanico Bridge, the longest in the

country.

Iloilo on Panay is an agricultural province producing root crops, vegetables,

cocoa, coffee and numerous tropical fruits. The attractions include beach resorts

and, in Iloilo City, reached by air, the 18th-century Miagao Church, a unique

piece of Baroque colonial architecture with a facade decorated with impressions

of coconut and papaya trees. Sicogon Island is a haven for scuba divers, and

has mountains and virgin forests to explore.

Boracay Island is another such island paradise, accessible by air via Kalibo,

followed by a bus or jeepney ride to Malay, and finally by ferry or pumpboat to

Caticlan. A survey considered its powdery-fine white-sand beach to be amongst

the best in the world. An island in the northwest tip of Panay is a paradise for

many sun-worshippers from all over the world. Shaped like a slender butterfly,

Boracay is sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons. Blessed with all the

elements of a tropical paradise, the thousand-hectare area of Boracay is laced

with tropical palms and flowering plants, sugar-fine white sand and crystal blue

waters swimming with exotic marine life. Although Boracay used to be the

country's best kept secret, nevertheless, it is now a melting pot for many beach

lovers and sun-worshippers as words spread like wildfire about this paradise on

earth.

Apart from the beautiful scenery, Boracay also offers great dining with a diversity

of culinary fare from the native cuisine to French, Spanish and Italian, just to

name a few. Accompanying the delectable cuisine is the famous array of fruit

juices like green tart mango, coconut milk and sweet yellow mango which is

worth a try.

Bohol Island, just across the straits from Cebu in Central Visayas, is the site of

some of the country’s most fascinating natural wonders; hundreds of limestone

hills, some 30m (100ft) high, that in summer look like oversized chocolate drops,

earning them the name ‘Chocolate Hills’. Covered by thin grass that dries and

turns brown in the summer sun, they are a strange spectacle with mounds rising

up from the flatlands, and are situated about 55km (34 miles) northeast of

Tagbilaran City, the island’s capital. Bohol also offers handsome white sand

beaches and pretty secluded coves, accessible via good roads. The island is a

coconut-growing area and its local handicrafts are mostly of woven materials:

grass mats, hats and baskets. Baclayon Church merits a visit, as it is probably

the oldest stone church in the Philippines, dating back to 1595. The island can be

reached by plane or ferry. The air journey from Cebu to Tagbilaran takes 40

minutes. Ferries go from Cebu to Tagbilaran or Tubigon, another port north of the

capital.

Mindanao is the second-largest and the most southerly island, with a very

different feel from the rest of the country. A variety of Muslim ethnic groups live

here.  Mindanao's landscape is dominated by mountain chains running from

north to south. Containing about 80% of the country's iron reserves, Mindanao is

one of the richest islands in the Philippines. In the agriculture industry, over half

of the country's pineapple, corn, coffee, copra, cocoa and abaca (hemp) is

produced by the island of Mindanao. Apart from being one of the richest islands

in terms of natural resources, Mindanao is also rich in offering many attractive

tourist spots such as Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

In the southwestern tip of Mindanao is Zamboanga City, it is situated at the

southwestern tip of Mindanao. The capital of Zamboanga del Sur province has

been called the "City of Flowers," though nowadays it is more popularly known as

the "City of Sotanghon." Sotanghon is a kind of noodles and is fairly

representative of what is to be found in the city's main attraction--its barter

market. considered by some as the most romantic place in the Philippines and a

favourite resort amongst tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled

tropical scenery and magnificent flowers. Zamboanga was founded by the

Spanish, and the 17th-century walls of Fort Pilar, built to protect the Spanish and

Christian Filipinos from Muslim onslaughts, are still standing. The city has a

number of hotels, cars for hire, good public transport and vintas (small boats),

often with colorful sails, available to take visitors round the city bay. The flea

market sells Muslim pottery, clothes and brassware. About 2km (1.2 miles) from

Fort Pilar are the houses of the Badjaos, which are stilted constructions on the

water. Water gypsies live in boats in this area, moving to wherever the fishing is

best. Plaza Pershing and Pasonanca Park are worth visiting. Santa Cruz Island

has a sand beach which turns pink when the corals from the sea are washed

ashore, and is ideal for bathing, snorkelling and scuba diving. There is also an

old Muslim burial ground here. 

Davao, the largest city in Mindanao and the third largest in the Philippines, is

situated at the head of Davao Gulf in the southeast quadrant of the island.  At the

airport, a gaily painted statue in tribal attire, holding a durian, welcomes visitors. 

Davaoenos say the figure is that of a Manobo native who the true aborigine of

Davao is.  A settlement of Manobos can be visited in Calinan. Davao province is

the industrial centre of Mindanao, renowned for its pearl and banana exports.

Davao City is one of the most progressive industrial cities in the country. The

province is the site of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country, the highest

peak in the Philippines, can be seen to the south of Davao.  It is a gigantic

verdant cap stretching to a height of 2,909 meters and covering 76,000

hectares.  Justly called the "grandfather of Philippine mountains", Apo is a

dormant volcano. With no recorded eruptions, its jagged crater walls

nevertheless are mute testimony to ancient activity. While the Apo Range has

spectacular waterfalls, rapids, forests, springs and mountain lakes. 

Cagayan de Oro, the capital of Misamis Oriental Province is a developing

commercial and pleasure as well as educational center. Cradled between the

gentle waters of Macabalan Bay and the ancient mountains of Mindanao's

interior, this old coastal settlement is the normal jumping-off point for the start of

an exciting adventure in northern Mindanao.

Bisected by the Cagayan River, the large city of Cagayan de Oro boasts

countless banks, shopping malls and government offices. Many years ago, the

Spanish colonists added the words' De Oro' meaning 'of gold' to the name

Cagayan. Although the Spanish were referring to the specks of gold they had

discovered in the Cagayan River in those days, however, today, the terms have

come to describe the 'golden friendship' offered by an old-fashioned city that is

popular for its hospitality and warm people. A sprawling city bisected by the

Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro sits in the middle of Mindanao's north coast and

is the staging point for a trip to the Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, a theme park

12 kilometers away. In Bukidnon there are huge cattle ranches and the famous

Del Monte pineapple fields, and Iligan City is the site of the hydroelectric complex

driven by the Maria Cristina Falls. 

Lanao del Sur is a province characterised by its Muslim community which has

settled along the shores of Lake Lanao. Besides the lake, other attractions

include Signal Hill; Sacred Mountain; the native market, Torongan; homes of the

Maranao royalty; the various Muslim mosques on the shores of the lake; and

examples of the famous brassware industry centred in Tugaua. 

The southernmost region of the Republic of the Philippines, located in the heart

of the Asia-Pacific region, Mindanao has become a "gateway to opportunity" for

Philippine and international investors eyeing opportunities in agribusiness,

industry, and tourism. 

SUMMARY

The Philippines is a rich and a diverse country. With the many tourist destinations

talked about in this research, the country is renowned for its beautiful islands,

golden beaches, astonishing volcanoes, numerous diving spots and exotic

wildlife among other Philippines tourist attractions. Nature lovers, wildlife

enthusiasts, honeymooners and adventure seekers are all lured by the major

Philippines tourist attractions. Despite its rich wonders and diverse attractions,

the Philippines still remain an inexpensive destination. From north to south, the

country offers nothing but the finest attractions.

The Philippines unremarkable tourist attractions are undoubtedly our countries

pride.

CONCLUSION

RECOMMENDATION

GLOSSARY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.pinoyleisure.com/luzon.html

http://www.chiff.com/travel/guides/philippines.htm

http://www.euromonitor.com/Travel_and_Tourism_in_the_Philippines

http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_metro_manila3.htm

http://www.txtmania.com/trivia/tourism.php

http://www.lagunatourism.com.ph/TouristDestination.htm

http://www.experiencefestival.com/laguna_province_-_tourist_attractions

http://www.enjoyphilippines.com/

http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/other-destinations-philippines/tourist-spots-cebu-

184.html

http://www.travelmart.net/philippines/leyte-attractions.html

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/visayas.html

http://www.marimari.com/content/philippines/popular_places/visayas.html

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Mindanao_Culture/mindanao_travelspots.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294252-Mindanao-Vacations.html